The Hush Society Presents... by Izzy Matias (best desktop ebook reader .txt) 📕

set." Little by little, Amber opens up about it to strangers in hopes of inspiring them. "It’s never easy to overcome something like that."

Amber thanks her then comments on her colour-streaked hair and they launch into a heated discussion about dye. "By the way, do you still have copies of your EP? I want to purchase one," Rosie says as they close the topic.

"I do. Hold on. Let me grab a copy for you." Amber lets go of Benji and walks away.

Rosie turns to me, Benji and Eric. Benji nudges Eric, who jumps up with a sheepish look and puts away his mobile. "I love how your music dips into different genres, pushing the limits, yet it still has this indie vibe to it. I couldn’t decide between ‘Brick Walls’ and ‘Waves,’ but after seeing you guys live tonight, I’ve made up my mind." Rosie's face animates as she informs us this.

"So which one is it?" Benji asks.

"I bet it’s ‘Brick Walls,’" Eric says.

"It’s ‘Waves,’ actually."

This is so surreal. People—people who are not us—are actually discussing our music. With my former bands, it never reached a point where complete strangers would discuss our songs with us.

"Why’d you choose ‘Waves’ over ‘Brick Walls’?" I ask.

"The beats, innit?" Eric interrupts, and flashes her another cheeky grin.

She blushes, but shakes her head. "The lyrics. How it talks about encountering challenges whilst pursuing one’s passions. It was so hard to choose because I heard the backstory behind ‘Brick Walls,’ but ‘Waves’ spoke more to me."

"How so?" Benji asks Rosie.

A few people stand a few inches away from us. They’ve been hovering for the last couple minutes, glancing at us. I motion Eric to their direction. He excuses himself and approaches them.

The group lights up as Eric greets them.

I turn my attention back to Rosie.

"—and I’ve been toying with the idea of pursuing my passion project full time."

"What’s this project of yours?" I ask her, intrigued.

"I love to teach yoga. I’ve been doing it on weekends alongside Uni, but every time I listen to ‘Waves’ it’s like I can do whatever I want… maybe I can finally open up that yoga studio I’ve been thinking about."

"Wow, really?" I whistle. All because of our song?

"Nothing’s impossible, but you have to map out a strategy on how you plan to turn that passion of yours into something full-time," Benji says. "A lot of times people make it sound so idealistic to go after their dreams, but without a game plan, you could give up too easily."

Eric’s loud laughter catches my attention. He holds a paper in his hands. As he converses with the group, he uses his hands, so all I can make out of that piece of paper is a blur of colours.

"Go for it," I tell her.

"I will, and thank you too for the advice, Benji. It was good talking to you lads. I better find my sister."

I nod and wish her luck with her yoga studio.

Before I’m able to talk to Benji, two lads approach us with their mobiles in tow. "Would it be all right to snap a quick photo with you lads?"

"Oh—ah—sure!" I say, taken aback.

Benji grins as he takes their mobile and snaps a quick selfie.

"Wicked!" One of them says, thanks us, and walks away.

"Better get used to this." Benji chuckles at my baffled expression. "If this is the life we want, this sort of thing comes with the territory."

First, other people discuss our songs with us, and now they want photos of us, too? My head swirls at the thought that The Fortunate Only is becoming one of those bands—those rising acts—that people want a keepsake of our show: be it a chat with us or a photo. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it.

#

The following evening, we’re at the next city. One of the downsides of crashing at one of The Hush Society crew’s lofts is that we can never stay more than a couple of nights. We compensate by doing as much sight seeing as we can fit in while we’re in each city. After we explore Sheffield on foot—Cassie and I have this tendency to drift away from the group, though not intentionally—we arrive at tonight's gig location a few hours before our call time.

We trudge up the endless stairs, heaving, as we haul our equipment with us. Benji pushes the rusting metal door at the top of the landing and light rushes in, illuminating the dim staircase. Of all of us, Benji looks the least knackered. Even the months working at the factory have not prepared me for this. Or maybe this constant touring, sleeping at odd hours, and beefing up on unhealthy food is why it’s manifesting this way.

"Cameron, would you speed it up?" Eric whines from behind me. "I'll be as old as your nan by the time we get our stuff in."

I grunt in reply because that's all I can manage at the moment. "Heavy—outta—shape" are the only words I am able to choke out as I make it out on the rooftop.

The Hush Society crew whistles and applauds as I collapse on the floor. Benji and Eric overtake me and head towards the makeshift stage.

"Be right there," I yell from the floor. "…In a few minutes." I wave my arms in the air as I stretch my body. There are a few pops and cracks. "I feel as old as my nan. Oh these aches and pains."

"Poor you!" Eric hollers from across the rooftop and helps Benji with the rest of their gear.

I stay on the floor until two feet with glittery polish block my view. "Better recharge, so you lads can put on a performance tonight," Maria, The Hush Society hub manager, tells me with her nasally voice. "Lots of great expectations are circling around about The Fortunate Only. Can’t wait to see the live performance tonight."

I prop myself up. "I’ll need a couple of energy drinks, an ice pack, and a cuppa to revive me."

The air echoes with her metallic laughter. "Boots is two streets