Chapter 4 Cross

** (Three Months Later)

"Thank you so much, Philadelphia! You guys have been so Amazing!"

I shouted, bowing low once more to the expansive crowd who cheered and chanted in excitement. The Arena was buzzing, an energy that both intoxicated and absolutely mesmerized me.

I was just as star-struck, amazed at how far I had come. Never could I have imagined that I would be here, in front of a filled arena doing what I loved the most. From the first moment I stepped onto a stage, all these people from different walks of life, gathered here to listen to my music.

Music I never thought Anyone would listen to, let alone like so much to sell out a concert after everything that has happened...

Not only had this night been remarkable but the last couple of months had also been beyond my wildest dreams as I toured the world for the first time in my career.

My fans were my life and their support meant so much to me. I could feel the tears bubble up from within me as I thought about all I had been through, what I had accomplished and to have healed enough to come on this stage and sing my heart out.

"You guys are my Family! I would not be here without you all so thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart! I do this for All of You!"

I shouted once more, earning an even louder round of cheers and screams as I walked down the stage aisle and waved to them once more, blowing all of them kisses. It was a euphoric moment as they all began to chant one name.

"Harpie!"

I laughed out loud, letting their voices wade through me, healing me slowly by slowly. Reinforced the fact that I did deserve to be here. I deserved to be happy.

My earpiece crackled to life with the stage management dimming the lights, signalling the true end of the show. I reluctantly turned towards my crew of dancers and backup singers, gesturing for them to make their way off stage as I followed behind.

Despite wanting to stay longer, to bask in the incredible energy of my fans, I made my way backstage where Jonah was standing, a wide grin on his lips as he watched the crowd behind me. I knew that he, too, could not believe how far we had come. He had been there with me since the beginning and believed in me even when I doubted myself.

I owe him so much...I owe him everything...

There were countable people who knew me truly in the entire world and Jonah was definitely one of them. His copper-coloured hair was pulled into a man bun, and his dark brown eyes filled with mirth and warmth as they turned back to me. Dressed in a black leather jacket, matching muscle shirt, blue washed jeans and black combat boots, he looked every bit the fit and handsome man that he had always been.

Heck, even he had groupies who adored him and had dubbed him as one of the most handsome DILFs in the Entertainment world. He was a celebrity before but being my manager had propelled him into the main limelight just as much as I had. He understood me more than anyone else and together, we had navigated through the rise to stardom and the pros and cons of sudden exposure.

"That was an amazing show, Harper. It was certainly the perfect way to close out the tour. You, as always, gave it your all."

He complimented me as he proffered his elbow out for me, a routine we had grown into since the first moment we met and he made me into who I was now. His gentlemanly side was a reflection of the Texan native he was, a contrast to the 'bad boy' persona that had been dubbed upon him for his extensive tattoos and his dark-themed outfits.

"I really did. Thank you, Jo. I felt pretty alive today and they were all an inspiration. I had an amazing crowd tonight. The energy was off the charts."

I replied with a wide smile despite the feel of the adrenaline washing away, leaving me with the fatigue accumulated from months and months of touring different cities all around the world. I would crash and burn soon and I would welcome the sleep with wide open arms. It would be a well-deserved rest.

"You've always been modest. Everyone agrees that your vocals were incredible today. I know we've pushed you pretty hard and seeing you out there tonight, giving it your all. I couldn't have been prouder,"

He praised, opening the door to my changing room for me that was glamorous, to say the least, and looked more like a lavish hotel room. Something had shifted, though, and it had me gasping in excitement and awe as I took in the transformation.

Red and White roses surrounded every single corner of the room, the bouquets filling the space with a glorious scent. Excitement coursed through me as I turned to grant my manager a wide grin, a twinkle in my eyes no doubt.

There was no flower I loved more than roses and although some found it to be a cliché, it was a timeless gift that never failed to spread Goosebumps across my skin. Only a few knew of my true love for Red and White roses and had me turning to my manager as I gestured at the entire space.

"You didn't have to, Jonah...."

I gushed, earning a small chuckle from my manager as he sheepishly scratched the back of his neck. It was not the reaction I was expecting but I was too pumped up on adrenaline from the show and the pleasant, heartwarming surprise to read any further into his reaction.

Not until he spoke up.

"I mean, I am all for showering you with all sorts of gifts but this wasn't me...My bouquet as well as the labels own were sent to your hotel room as usual. Let me find out who the mystery gift giver is..."

The tone of his voice lacked the usual playfulness that would have been there if he were messing with me. No, he meant it and it filled me with absolute surprise as I turned back to the room whilst he pulled out his phone and began his inquiry.

Although I knew better than to venture forth without clearance not only from Jonah but also from security, my curiosity was begging me to explore, my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I had had a couple of scares from stalkers in the past thus the caution but something deep within me knew that this was not sinister.

This was nothing like what I had gone through before, with the truly obsessed individuals who had stormed into my life occasionally.

Could it be him...my secret admirer?... My hot stranger turned saviour, who had changed my life that one night that seemed so long ago?

I thought of the flowers I had received time and time again. They were usually sent to my hotel room, always with a single golden card...

Thoughts running wild, my gaze latched onto the golden card, pausing my movements as I stopped in front of my dresser. True enough, there it was placed carefully atop the massive bouquet of red roses on my dresser top. For a moment, my heart stuttered in my chest before I pushed myself, resolve engulfing me as I took a step towards it.

It's fine, Harper...It's just a gift card...Probably the usual typed 'thank you' for the show...

Taking a deep breath, I picked the card up and opened it with shaking hands, preparing myself for whatever contents were within it. All wild thoughts were forgotten, however, when my gaze latched onto the elegant handwriting that seemed to dance across the card. Something about it pulled me in, fascinated me and had my heart skipping a beat more so at the message on it.

*****I am full of thoughts and dreams that scatter; but you pull them all together with your music, your grace and your beauty.

Thank you for a wonderful night, Beautiful Girl. Until the next.****

I blushed, Hard, unable to contain my emotions as I read and re-read the note once more, going as far as to turn it around for any sort of sign-off and seeing none.

Straight, concise, sweet. His handwriting is incredible...It really is him...

I couldn't remember a lot about that night. I'd been hammered and sobering me up had taken hours but it had been the last night of my binges. The greatest cost of it all had been forgetting the man who had saved my life. His face was a blur but his words had stuck, including the term of endearment, he had used- 'Beautiful girl'.

It was beyond my wildest imagination and yet I couldn't stop the warmth that filled my entire body. I couldn't believe I had met him again, the man who plagued my dreams.

Maybe I can find him, thank him for everything he's done for me...

The butterflies that came to life within me scared me. I couldn't afford to let him in, not like that. Not in the way that my body longs for.

I know I'll meet you again one day- and I'll thank you for everything because you are just a friend I needed in my darkest time.

***