Re:life with Karmic Gacha (Modern Family)

Chapter 47: Concert (Part 2)

(I feel bad for you guys, therefore I will post the chap one day ahead. That also means, I will take a leave one day ahead this week. Mental health day is also important right? Haha)

[3rd Person POV]

"He's pretty cute right?" A blonde haired college student whispered to her friend after the Edward's finished with his opening songs.

"Yeah. He is. Want to do it?" Her brunette friend with skimpy clothes replied.

"Sure." The blonde said and rummaged her hands underneath her shirt, the same as what her friend was currently doing right now.

"You guys are going to do that here too?" Their boyfriends asked in disbelief.

"Yup. Let us sit on your shoulders." The girls ordered. The boyfriends couldn't help but follow the girls orders as they knew there wasn't anything they could say to change their minds.

Suddenly, the singer – Edward reminded something from the stage while the girls were

"As I understand, I'm cute..." Which earned a lot of giggles from the female member of the crowd

"...I know some of you may feel the need to throw your undergarments on stage. I won't discourage you to do so, but if you want to do it, Please aim it at the bodyguard down below so that it won't cause tripping hazards for the dancers."

The two girls peeked at the sunglasses-wearing bodyguard nearby the stage who was pointed at by Edward. The bodyguard currently has a baffled expression of being betrayed and was trying to move away from the artist's finger that was pointed at him, but the finger was following him wherever he goes.

"That's my dad by the way." Edward said to the crowd, earning a second wave of laughter from them.

"Ready?" The blonde asked the brunette.

"Ready!" The brunette replied. Then, both of them threw their bras toward Ted, earning the attention of the artist on stage. Edward turned to look at them, and they flashed him their chest the moment he laid eyes on them.

"Pff-" Edward almost laughed after he saw the 2 pairs of titties being shaken vigorously for him.

"Now I feel more motivated to do the next song. The next songs are where you guys may know me from. 7 years and Amnesia. Please enjoy yourself with the complete version of the song." Edward said.

Sitting directly behind the VIP section, Elsa and Jacob were stunned as they saw the college student flashing their friend nearby. Luckily, Mrs Green had gone to the toilet therefore she missed it.

"Hey Jacob can you raise me up? I want to do that too." Jenna said in excitement after she saw Edward's smiling face.

"Please don't do that in front of me." Suddenly, a stern feminine voice warned the trio from behind.

"Huh~! Who the hell are you-" Jenna turned to look at the source of the voice angrily, but then she was instantly humbled as she saw the lady.

"Mrs HENDERSON!?" Jacob exclaimed in bewilderment as he saw their teacher there. Jenna quickly hid behind Elsa as among all the teachers in the school, Mrs Henderson was the only one she wouldn't look down on.

"Yes." Mrs Henderson replied monotonously.

"W-W-W-What are you doing here?" Elsa asked carefully as she crossed her arms together.

Taking out an air tube with Edward's and Taylor's name on it, Mrs Henderson said, "I'm a fan. Why won't I be here?"

At the VIP section.

"I'm glad." Claire said suddenly.

"Why?" Jay asked her as he was the only one who could listen to her voice.

"He's aware that his heart is broken. That's the first step to heal himself." Claire explained.

"Hmm.." Jay exclaimed and said after a pause, "The song was too...edgy for my taste."

Sitting in front of Jay and Claire was Phil, Cam, Mitchell, and Alex. Haley, Abby, Tara and Desire were sitting a few seats away from the rest.

"Complete version?" Phil asked from the VVIP seat while waving an airstick with Edward's name on it.

"The youtube video is the acoustic version with only him playing. Right now, he can perform the complete version. I had the honor to listen to it before. It's pretty great." Cam explained to Phil as he took pride in being known as the creative member of the family.

"Please. You had to beg Pepper to let you listen to it." Mitchell bursted Cam's ego bubble immediately.

"Ayy. Shut up. I want to listen to him singing. Not your voice." Gloria said in irritation as they kept chattering away.

"Sorry Gloria." Mitchell said. "Anyway, he's really comfortable up there isn't he? I would be horrified if I had to perform in front of this big a crowd." He added.

"Yeah. He's a natural." Cam said, and suddenly Alex laughed as the conversation was within her earshot, causing all the adults there to look at her.

"What's so funny Alex?" Claire asked in suspicion.

"N-nothing." Alex replied anxiously as she knew she had exposed herself.

"What is it? Tell me!" Phil begged with glittering eyes, causing Alex to give up trying to keep the secret.

"Natural. That's the name of his new song. Well, one of them." Alex confessed. The group widened their eyes in surprise after hearing why Alex laughed at the conversation.

"Really? Will he perform it here?" Phil asked.

"I don't know that. I only know a few of his songs' names." Alex replied.

"Anyway, focus. He is singing the next one now." Jay suddenly spoke up as Edward was going to sing his favorite song now.

Time passed and Edward had performed both 7 years and Amnesia before he took a 5 minute break to drink some water.

The Emcee took over the stage as Edward took a break.

[Edward POV]

My session was split into two halves to allow me to take a breather in between songs, with a 10 minutes rest in between. It was a privilege for a young artist in the industry to take a break within songs and I would surely take advantage of it.

"How long till she gets here?" I asked the stage conductor as he came on stage to direct the next performance.

"We need to add another 10 minutes to the ETA as there are some accidents on the road." Mr Killington replied. I sighed and I said, "Why don't you have the Emcee ask me some questions? It will help in dragging the time."

In the original deal, I would be paid based on the number of songs I would play today. A total of 5 songs would earn the record label 50,000 dollars from the organizer, which would be split 80-20 with me. Of course, Pepper wanted me to have a bigger part in that.

The payment was quite low but I didn't mind as it was something that all upstart artists would go through. Some may not even get paid at all.

They mentioned an interview in their initial deal, but was rejected by Pepper as I didn't have any training in public speaking just yet. I also didn't bother to argue with Pepper as I thought I only needed to play my songs and get out of the way before Taylor stepped on the stage.

"Really? Can he do that? Are you prepared for an impromptu interview?" Mr Killington asked while being a bit concerned as an interview was a two edged-sword. It may help my career if conducted wisely, or it may kill it if I give the wrong answer that may offend some people.

"It's a bit unconventional to do this after you have already started singing, but I guess we don't have any other choice. I will ask you again, are you fine with it?"

"It's okay. As long as he doesn't ask me for some personal information or political questions, I am confident that I can do it. However, please check with Pepper first before proceeding. I don't want him to get mad at me for being a loose cannon." I replied.

"Don't worry. He's listening to everything we're discussing right now, and he gave the 'okay' for it." Mr Killington replied while pointing at his headset. Pepper had a similar headset on his head and he gave me a thumbs up from afar.

The stage conductor was connected to the emcee for the show therefore he currently had understood the whole situation. After a quick break, I walked back to the stage with the band to our instruments before the emcee could get off the stage.

But to the crowd's surprise, the emcee walked to me–the artist and asked me something akin to a paparazzi meeting an artist on the streets.

"Awesome performance Edward. I'm sure that a lot of people in the crowd are curious about you right now, Am I right, people?" while communicating with the crowd below.

The crowd cheered, and I could hear Phil's voice coming from the VIP stand saying, "WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT PHIL?!", but I only waved at him and didn't answer the question.

"Who's that? Is that your dad?" The Emcee was curious as he heard the shout too. Of course, our whole conversation was using the microphone therefore all the people there could hear it.

"Nah, My dad is the man covered in bras below. That's the neighborhood Dad that I'm close with, and one of my biggest fans."

Phil shouted, "YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!" while Ted was giving me the side eye as he removed a still warm bra that was dangling from the top of his head.

I laughed together with the Emcee before he asked me the first official question.

"How did you get the invitation to perform here today? Did Taylor see you on Youtube and decide to kick out some other band to let you play?"

"What the hell is he doing?!" Mr Killington asked in exasperation as he saw the Emcee's instigating questions. He specifically asked the actual loose-cannon emcee not to do that.

This kind of insidious question was usually targeted to make me flustered for the crowd's enjoyment, but I couldn't be shaken with just that. It wasn't something that was done on purpose to humiliate me, but to help an upstart artist to create a long lasting impression on the audience's mind.

"About the other band, they got into an accident as their brake wire was disconnected, or maybe someone cut it off, therefore they couldn't play today."

"Like you said, Taylor did see me on Youtube and sent me the invitation to play for today."

The Emcee suddenly interjected, "What were you doing when you got the invitation?"

"I was playing with my dad's wire cutter at that time...and..."

The crowd giggled at the joke and I couldn't keep a straight face anymore and laughed, causing the crowd to laugh together with me.

Letting the laughter quieten down, I said, "In all honesty, I need to thank the organizer as they had invited me today. And Taylor too because she has been very kind to me and helped me to get ready for my first performance."

The first hurdle was cleared formally before the Emcee shot his next question.

"I think I spoke for a lot of the people in here when I say 'We want to know more about Edward!!'. When did you first start to play an instrument?"

"I think... I first started playing at 1 or 2 years old." The crowd gasped in shock as they heard it. "You know, the baby xylophone. I think I played Chopin using that one on my first birthday." I teased the crowd, causing some laughter here and there.

The emcee asked, "Are you releasing an album soon?"

"Yes. It'll be released early spring next year."

"Nice one. Free publicity." Pepper muttered backstage.

"Your first song is titled, "Me and My Broken Heart." Did you write it after you got your heart broken by someone? And...the most important question that the girls here would kill me if I don't ask...are you still single?"

"The first part, "Me and My Broken Heart" as you guessed it...I did write it after getting my heart broken. In fact, I had just gotten dumped by my girlfriend recently."

The crowd exclaimed, "Awwww" after I shared my news with a sad face. "I guess, that also answered your second question. I am single right now."

Haley and Tara snickered in their seats while they saw Abby's pouting expression.

"Aww...Our boy just got his heart broken. Is there anyone here that wants to help him heal his soul?" The emcee asked the crowd which then they bursted into random volunteering to become my girlfriend.

"There's a lot of people here who want to become his girlfriend. Let's see if we can narrow down the list. What kind of girl is your type? Blonde? Brunettes?"

With a poker face, I answered, " Milfs..."

"Ahh.." The emcee exclaimed in bewilderment while the crowd laughed after pausing for a minute to understand the joke.

"You're a funny guy. Last question. What is your aspiration for the future?" The emcee asked.

"Well that's a tough one. If I have to answer what I'm going to do in the near future, then I will answer...Going platinum with my album. But for the far future, I guess I want to be happy. That's all."

"Aww..." The crowd exclaimed again. Then, I smirked and said, "But for the moment...I guess I don't want to do anything, which brings me to my next song, The Lazy Song. Enjoy."

The Emcee nodded and said to the crowd, "Please give a round of applause to the new singer that will take the world by storm, MR. EDWARD NEWGATE!"

Putting my guitar aside, I only used the microphone to perform the next song. The dancers entered the stage and danced behind me as I stood at the center stage.

??Today I don't feel like doing anything...??

Band: (Whistle)

??I just wanna lay in my bed. Don't feel like picking up my phone. So leave a message at the tone??

??'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything??

"Pff- Hahaha..." Jay couldn't help but let out a laugh after the first verse. "Now this is a song a normal teenager would sing." He held Manny's shoulder as they enjoyed the song.

??Uh, I'm gonna kick my feet up then stare at the fan...

Turn the TV on, throw my hand in my pants??

"Luke, close your ears!" Claire said and hurriedly put her palm on Luke's ear to censor the song.

"Chill mom. I did it all the time." Luke replied innocently, causing Claire to widen her eyes in bafflement.

"Yeah I did it too." Phil said, adding to Claire's shock.

??Nobody's gon' tell me I can't, nah??

I sat at the edge of the stage, swaying my legs as I sang.

??I'll be lounging on the couch, just chilling in my Snuggie

Click to MTV so they can teach me how to dougie

'Cause in my castle I'm the freaking man??

"True." Jay muttered.

??Oh, yes, I said it, I said it, I said it 'cause I can??

I stood back up and waved at the crowd as I sang the chorus, which in my surprise, they followed along and sang the chorus together with me.

??Today I don't feel like doing anything

I just wanna lay in my bed

Don't feel like picking up my phone

So leave a message at the tone

'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything

Nothing at all??

"You guys are freaking great." I muttered, causing an explosive reaction from the crowd.

??Woo-ooh, woo-ooh, ooh??

??Nothing at all??

??Woo-ooh, woo-ooh, ooh??

I stood next to Kaya and Anna before the next verse, swaying my body together with them.

??Tomorrow I'll wake up, do some P90X

Meet a really nice girl, have some really nice- (sex)??

Both of them covered my mouth to censor me, causing people like Claire to breathe in relief. Jenna waved excitedly as if wanting to volunteer herself as tribute, but Mrs Henderson turned toward her which caused her to hide again.

??And she's gonna scream out, "This is great" (oh, my God, this is great), yeah

I might mess around and get my college degree??

Most of the college students there could relate to this song, and they couldn't help but wave their hands along to the rhythms.

??I bet my old man will be so proud of me

But sorry pops, you'll just have to wait??

"HAHAHA... Do whatever you want!" Dad muttered as he heard it.

??Oh, yes, I said it, I said it, I said it 'cause I can??

"Everybody!" I called out to the crowd to invite them to sing together.

??Today I don't feel like doing anything

I just wanna lay in my bed

Don't feel like picking up my phone

So leave a message at the tone

'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything??

"Good Job!" I exclaimed as the sing along was very addicting.

??No, I ain't gonna comb my hair

'Cause I ain't going anywhere

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, oh??

??I'll just strut in my birthday suit

And let everything hang loose??

Abby, Haley and Tara, all blushed as they heard the verse while Alex scoffed at me.

"What kind of song is this?!" Gloria widened her eyes as she understood the sentence.

"I need to try that later." Manny said, earning a bewildered gaze from his mother.

Jenna whispered to Jacob, "Does he always do that?"

"How do I know? I don't live at his house." Jacob replied. Jenna's eyes suddenly twinkled in excitement but then she returned her focus back on the show.

??Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah??

I walked to the VIP section and waved at my fans while performing. Even Abby waved back at me as she was swept along by the atmosphere.

??Oh, today I don't feel like doing anything

I just wanna lay in my bed

Don't feel like picking up my phone

So leave a message at the tone

'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything??

??Nothing at all

Woo-ooh, woo-ooh, ooh

Nothing at all

Woo-ooh, woo-ooh, ooh

Nothing at all??

I sat at the edge of the stage lazily with Kaya and Anna, leaning my back on the dancer's body as the song ended.

Explosive reactions came out of the college students there, some even repeating the word Encore as I sat there, huffing my breath.

"That was really great Ed." Kaya said as she wiped my forehead with a towel.

"Thanks. You did really well too." I said, then she laughed. "I'm a dancer. I need to do well. But thanks anyway." She stood up and pulled my hand to help me stand before I walked to my guitar and picked it up again.

"Did you guys enjoy the song?" I asked the crowd.

"YESS!"

"Do you want to hear more!"

"YESSS!"

"I can't hear you!"

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!"

"OOOOO...WHO LIVE IN A PINEAPPLE UNDER THE SEAAA?!"

"SpongeBob Square Pants! EYY!!!" A lot of people there were tricked, and it caused raucous laughter from the crowd.

"I guess a lot of us are from the same generation here." I teased them again, continuing the laughter. I was buying some time before the next song as symptoms of fatigue started to appear on my body.

I turned to the stage conductor and he held a white paper on top of his head with the word 15 minutes written on it.

"So I need to buy 20 more minutes huh." I muttered.

...

[3rd Person POV]

"Hurry up! We're really late now!" Taylor said as she urged the driver to press the pedal faster.

Suddenly, the co-writer tapped on Taylor's shoulder to get her attention. She turned to face the co-writer and asked, "What is it?"

With some hesitation, the meek girl said, "So...apparently Edward is playing a game with the crowd."

Narrowing her eyes, Taylor asked, "What kind of game?"

"A... game... of whether he... could create a new song on the spot or not."

"He's doing what!!!"