The Hidden Ones: Resurrection - 48. Dream On

---Oliver---

I wish I could say incidents like the pizza shop stopped happening. I wish that I could say I was able to live like every other teenager. But that’s just not reality for me. The doubters came out in full force as the Messiah album quickly sold out, and the online stores nearly crashed from the demand. Yet no matter how creative I was. No matter how much I pushed Messiah’s drumming forward. Tommy was the one who got all the credit.

He tried his hardest to come out and say I wrote most of it. That I was the one behind the dynamic sound. But no one believed him. Pretty soon the name Oliver Haner became even more of a joke than before. People began to assume I was a running gag in Ryder’s music. That I just hung around him and got meaningless credits. People didn’t care about my interview, or the video of me yelling at that man in the restaurant. To them I was just another brat. But all of that ends today. With god as my witness the music world will know who Oliver Haner is.

“You sure you’re ready for this?” Teddy asked as I angrily stared off at the wall of my dressing room.

“I’m fine.” I grumbled, refusing to look over at him.

“Eye of the tiger.” Dad proudly encouraged as they all studied me closely.

“Eye of the bunny maybe but,”

“Leave him alone.” Ryder instructed. “He’s pissed off enough as it is.”

“It’s okay Oli,” Mark began, but as I turned to him he froze.

“It’s not okay.” I muttered. “No one believes I wrote anything we put out. And that’s not how this is going down.”

“Oliver,” Mom began, but Ryder quickly hushed her too.

“He’s allowed to be angry.” Ryder announced. “Any of you would be if you were in his shoes. He worked his ass off and what is he getting for it?”

“Nothing.” I answered for them.

“Nothing but disrespect.” Ryder agreed. “But I set this up so you can prove them wrong. I want you to go out there and shut everyone up.” He lightly grabbed my face and forced eye contact. “And in two days when Messiah plays Metlife, you’ll see signs with your name on them.”

I nodded but stayed quiet. Unity’s been doing fine, and the second the concert was officially announced, well tickets sold out pretty freakin quickly! Our second song was a hit just like I knew it would be. One that reached out to different genres and pulled in new listeners. But just like with Messiah, it was all about Ryder.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I’m dying for attention or fame. It’s just, a little credit would be nice! I mean it’s been a month! I shouldn’t have to drum on some late night show just to prove myself! Then again, I should’ve expected this because of my age.

“We’re all ready for you both.” A woman in a headset poked her head in.

Ryder nodded to me and before I knew it we were all working our way through a small hall. “Alright.” Ryder exhaled, turning to me. “You wanted to prove yourself to the world, well here it is.” He encouraged glancing over to the small stage. “Messiah fans, Unity fans, and anyone in between will be watching tonight. This is it. Do or die kid.”

I slowly nodded my head and looked over at the small studio audience that was now yelling for us to take the stage. I felt Mark’s hand reach my back as he saw me starting to fall into my own head.

“You’re not a joke Oli.” He rallied as our eyes connected. “It’s time for everyone to see that.”

A soft smile overtook my face as I nodded before following Ryder to the set. The cheering turned to static in my mind as I took a seat behind the drum kit. Bright lights flashed on us then turned off as a man behind the camera began to count down.

“We have two very special guests for you guys tonight.” The host began. “We’ll be talking to them later, but now playing their newest single Remedy, please welcome Unity.”

Suddenly the lights flashed back on us, nearly freezing me. I took a big gulp but as I saw anticipation rising in the crowd I knew what needed to be done. I’ve come so far, I’ve done so much, and I’m not going to let it all be for nothing. I’m not going to let them turn me into a joke.

“One, two, three, four.” I counted before jumping right into the song.

As I dialed in and flashed my skill I couldn’t help but smile at the crowd’s reaction. There’s no doubt about it, I was made to be up on a stage. Everything about this moment, it’s just, it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Being up on stage with Ryder Sullivan, playing a song we wrote together. Doing everything our way. The only thing that’s missing is all the theatrics! But that’s coming! Fireworks, confetti, sparks, fire, it’s all going to be part of our show.

I couldn’t help but smile as he glanced over to me. Sure, there are some musicians standing back stage filling in the rhythm guitar and bass, but we’re actually doing it! We’re actually rocking this place! And the way the people look at him, the way they breathlessly watch him. Well, it’s something I’ll always be chasing.

As the song came to an end I stood up and launched my sticks into the crowd, eager to gain as many fans as I possibly could.

The host kept the applause going as he waived us over to a small couch.

“How about that?” He asked, riling up the crowd one last time. The applause finally started to calm down as we both took our seats on the main stage. “So this is a pretty big week for you both,” He began. “You have Messiah playing Metlife for the final time on Sunday,” he paused as applause began again. “What’s that going to be like? Are you excited?”

“Sure,” Ryder began. “I mean its bitter sweet. I can’t believe my time with Messiah is already coming to an end, but I guess that’s just life. One door closes and another opens.”

“And this other door,” The host quickly transitioned. “It’s a gutsy choice.” He nodded. “The song you just played for us, it has so many elements from so many different genres, how do you go from playing heavy metal to that?”

“That’s a question for Oli.” He shrugged, turning it over to me. “He’s the heart and soul behind the band.”

“I-I don’t think music should be separated.” I began in a gulp. I know I’ve done an interview before but that was some morning show! The only people who watch those are adults too old for our music! This, this is the audience we want to target! “It’s like we’ve built up all these walls and separated music from itself.” I shook my head. “We started defining bands by labels instead of just letting them exist, and I just wanted Ryder to be able to express himself in whatever music he wanted.”

“So it was your choice to take it into a kind of pop and EDM realm?” The host prodded.

“It was a group decision.” I shrugged. “Our first song drew a lot of attention because it was classic rock, and now this song is drawing attention for how modern it is. I guess we’re just playing around and showing off our range.”

“Playing around?” The host repeated in a laugh. “Your songs at the top of the charts.” I shrugged and turned to Ryder but he simply mirrored the look on my face. “Does that mean nothing to the both of you?”

“It’s all about the music with Oliver.” Ryder began. “The popularity and the fame don’t matter. He just wants to put on a show. He wants to do something amazing.”

“Then speaking of a show,” The host smirked. “Will we see Oliver behind the drums at any point on Sunday?”

“No.” Ryder quickly shot down before any rumors could spread. “It’s still Tommy’s kit. Oliver was a enormous help in the studio and with writing, we mean it when we say he pushed us forward. But Tommy’s been training and saving his strength for this show. It’s his.”

The host slowly nodded his head and looked back to me. “We’ve heard Messiah talk a lot about your influence in the studio, but because of your age people haven’t seemed to take you seriously. What do you think of that?”

“It’s stupid.” I shrugged. “I could drum anyone under a table. I know Zach or Joe live streamed my drum battle with Tommy, but people turn a blind eye to it.” I complained. “So I guess at the end of the day I’ll keep doing my thing and let the success talk for itself.”

“That’s very mature of you.” The host nodded. “I understand the first Unity concert is in New York in February, do you think that’ll change the way people see you?”

“Maybe.” I swayed my head. “But I get the feeling people will always doubt me. “

“And what do you have to say to those people?” The host provoked as Ryder squirmed in his chair.

“Nothing.” I shrugged. “They’re not worth talking to, but anyone who listens to our music, I’ll always make time for them.”

“Oh yeah?” He instigated.

“Yeah.” I confirmed in a confident nod. “It’s something I’ve always seen Ryder do, and it just, it reminds me why I write.”

“How so?” The host encouraged. He happily relaxed in his chair as he realized I could fill the whole interview by myself.

I let out a nervous laugh as I though it all over. “He just really connects with people.” I offered, glancing back at the older man. “He’s always said he writes for people so that they have something to relate to.” I began. “But he doesn’t just say that, you know? He goes out and he lives it.” I shrugged. “He talks to them every chance he gets and tries to connect with them. It’s not just about music with him, it’s about helping people.”

“Is that true Ryder?” The host transitioned.

“I think Oli makes me sound a little too perfect.” He smiled. “But yeah, that’s what I try to do. Am I always great at it? No. But it’s a part of music artists don’t buy into anymore.” He complained. “And it’s something I really want Oliver to recognize. We’re only here for the fans. We do this all for them.”

“Can’t say I expected for a rock band to make things so, well, whole some.” He teased, drawing laughter from the crowd. “Especially not Ryder Sullivan.”

“I guess people change.” Ryder softly laughed. “It’s amazing what someone can do with a second chance.”

“But surely there must have been at least one crazy story coming out of the Messiah studio time.” The host provoked, looking over to me.

“They just bicker like old men.” I shrugged. “They’re not as exciting as you guys think they are.” My words drew a big Oh from the crowd as they tried to figure out what I meant.

“He’s not wrong.” Ryder laughed. “We’re not in our twenties anymore. We’ve slowed down a lot, this time it was mainly about music.”

“And about Tommy being a giant fucking asshole.” I couldn’t help but tease. The second the word left my lips I saw people behind the camera begin to scurry.

“On that note let’s go to commercial.” The host nervously laughed.

“You did say the interview was too wholesome for a rock band!” Ryder teased drawing yelling from the crowd.

“This was Unity. Check out their debut singles wherever music is sold!” The host announced as the red light behind the camera faded.

There was a little more hustle and rushing around behind the cameras, but no one said anything to me. The host seemed slightly annoyed, but too bad! You have a rock band on your show, expect some cursing! And don’t they have a bleep button or whatever! How’s it my fault they missed timed it!

“Oliver Harrison Haner.” Mom began the second we reached them. “You owe me a conversation when we get home.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I dismissed. “I was just playing the role of a rock star.” Ryder narrowed in his eyes and began to stare me down as he hard those words. “What?” I groaned in a sigh.

“You sounded unintelligent, that’s what.” He reprimanded. “You were close to earning everyone’s respect, but calling Tommy a fucking asshole, people aren’t going to like that.”

“I was just kidding.” I whined. “Tommy’s right, everyone is way too stuck up!”

“That’s it, be just like Tommy.” Teddy sarcastically rolled his eyes.

“Ew.” Mark teased. “I don’t want you to be like Tommy, I want you to be like Oli.” I rolled my eyes and kept walking. “Come on,” Mark protested forcing eye contact. “I know you know that wasn’t a good idea.”

“Wasn’t a bad idea either.” I grumbled.

“No, but it gives the wrong impression of you.” He warned. “Think about it Oli, how do you want to be remembered?”

I grew quiet at his question and followed my family out of the studio and into our tightly packed car. The ride home was quiet. I could tell they were proud of our performance, but there was an underlying worry working its way through the car. I know what they’re thinking, but I’m not going to get all crazy. It was just two words! They don’t have to crucify me over it!

Soon enough my worries faded as I fell asleep on Mark’s shoulder. I know he’s still preparing to come out to his dad, but I just need that day to come already. The day when I can just be this comfortable around him no matter what. His dad will accept us, I know he will.

*************************************************************************************

The second we dropped him off at his house I felt the car grow even quieter than before. Every now and then one of them would glance back towards me to see if I was sleeping or not. I guess I’m growing up faster than any of them could’ve imagined.

When we stepped inside the house my mom went to waive me over, but my dad broke it up. I’m way too tired for a lecture right now! I get it, curse words are a no-no, but I’m a rock star! I’m not just any other kid!

“Was what I said really that bad?” I sighed as I watched Ryder and Teddy slowly get ready for bed.

“It wasn’t the greatest thing you could’ve done, but it’s far from the worst.” Ryder shrugged, not putting much thought into it.

“Ryder,” Teddy sighed, glancing over to us. “It was pretty dumb.”

“He’s thirteen.” He defended. “He’s allowed to slip up every now and then. Besides, your mom is going to lecture him enough in the morning.”

I nodded my head and turned but before I knew it Mark’s words were bouncing around my mind. “I want part of our sales to go to fighting drugs and abuse.” I suddenly announced.

“I’m sorry?” Ryder asked, shooting me a cautious look.

“I want some of our sales to go to charity.” I forced out a little bit louder. “Mark asked how I want to be remembered and I, I want to make some difference other than just music.”

“That’s great Oli,” Teddy encouraged. “But you shouldn’t be giving to charity just so you can get some good publicity.”

“It’s not like that.” I rejected. “I don’t care if people know or not, it’s just, it’s something I’ve been thinking about ever since the whole thing with Chris.”

“Okay.” Ryder slowly nodded. “I’ll work something out and let you know.”

“You actually care that much?” Teddy checked, watching me closely.

“I just, I see how much it effected you, and I can’t even imagine his family.” I shook my head. “I mean you haven’t even been back to work since,”

“I’ve been back to work.” Teddy interrupted in a loud voice.

“Have you?” Ryder supported. “You go in and do paperwork, but that’s not real work for you.”

“I’m working my way back.” He defensively let out as the conversation shifted. “Besides so much has happened at the hospital this year,”

“Like?” Ryder provoked, seeing what he could learn.

“You coming in, losing my first patient, Nate, it was all just,”

“Me coming in wound up being a good thing.” He tried to comfort. “And I know losing a patient is hard, but you have to get back on the saddle okay?” Teddy slowly nodded but I could tell it was a conversation they’d resume when I had left. “And my lawyers are filing a restraining order and defamation suit against Nate as we speak.”

“But you’re not really going for anything significant.” Teddy complained.

“We’re,” He corrected. “Going for his nursing license and making sure he can’t go anywhere near our family. We don’t have to ruin him Teddy, people deserve second chances.”

Teddy rolled his eyes but as Ryder slowly got closer to embracing him I knew it was time to leave. It’s like they totally forgot I was even in the room! I swear to god I need to get a spray bottle for them or something!

*************************************************************************************

The next day seemed to come and go pretty fast. Because of my slip up on T.V. I wasn’t allowed to leave the house or see Mark! I know she only grounded me for one day, but even that feels a little insane! They’re just words! I didn’t even mean it! That’ just how band members speak to one another! I know Tommy will laugh it off when he hears about it!

My weekend was a slow crawl to Sunday afternoon, but when it finally rolled around, well it was ten times better than Christmas! I get to see Messiah tonight! I get to actually go see one of their concerts! I’ve been dreaming of this moment my whole entire life!

I anxiously hung around the bathroom as Ryder slowly got ready for their final show. I’m pretty sure bands usually get ready at the venue, but not Ryder. Not with Messiah. He’s trying his hardest to grow past them, and maybe, well maybe being around them before their final concert would be too much for him. Besides, I can only imagine what the guys are getting up to right now!

I couldn’t help but laugh as he checked himself out in the mirror. He’s been doing this for nearly fourteen years and yet he’s still worried about the way he looks! Yet, as much as I hate to admit it, he looks good! He wore ripped up skinny jeans, and a sleeveless shirt with a nice thin black jacket over it. It all did a nice job of showing his slim figure while also pointing out all the muscle he had built up over the years.

The second he reached for his dark black make up I couldn’t help but take in a deep breath. I saw a smile grow on his face as he heard my excitement. Slowly but surely he drew a thick line from one side of his head to another. A look he’d always stuck with.

With a spare hand he slowly waved me into the bathroom. I felt my heart double in speed as he dipped his hand back into the paint and recreated the black stripe on my face.

“You’ll need to find your own look one day.” He warned. “But for now, you look pretty good.”

I tried my hardest to hide the smile on my face, but I just couldn’t! Through it all, my singles, my boyfriend, my brother getting engaged to my idol, well this is still the most I’ve ever smiled in my life!

The smile stayed on my face for the rest of the evening. From picking up Mark to making the drive to the big football stadium packed with cars and flags.

“Oh boy,” Teddy sighed as I excitedly pushed my head against the window. “I think we’re going to break Oliver.”

“Do you see all that?” I gasped at the rows and rows of cars in the packed lot. There were a few tents for people to tailgate under, and even Messiah flags being flown from temporary flag poles! Most people were even blasting different Messiah songs from their cars or speakers! “I must be dead.”

“It’s not that big a deal” Ryder sheepishly laughed as he instructed our dad where to park. Security waived us blocked off area where few cars sat.

“This is where we part ways.” He sighed, taking a long look at us. “Unless any of you want to come back stage.”

“Maybe when it gets closer to the start time.” Teddy shrugged.

“Wait? I can go back stage!” I exclaimed.

“You can, but you won’t.” Dad laughed. “You should experience this like everyone else. Like you’re just another fan.”

“Mhm.” Ryder agreed. “I want you to see this show properly.”

“Fine, fine.” I grumbled. “But if Tommy messes anything up I’m coming down there!”

“Deal.” Ryder nervously laughed as Teddy grew closer to him.

“Behave yourself, okay?” He warned. “It’s not too late for me to pull the plug on this.”

“You sure about that?” Ryder laughed looking over at the crowd of people around the corner from the blocked off entrance.

“I’m not afraid to be the bad guy to sixty-thousand people.” Teddy giggled. “Because out of all those people, you’re the most important to me.”

“Ewww.” I yelped turning towards Mark. “Let’s get out of here!”

It took another fifteen minutes for Teddy and Ryder to say goodbye, but when we finally returned to the massive crowd I still couldn’t believe my eyes. Hundreds and hundreds of people wearing nearly the same exact thing as me!

Every now and again people would glance at me then do a double take as they tried to figure out if I was actually me or not!

“That’s Oliver Haner!” Someone finally shouted as we slipped into a guarded VIP entrance. I couldn’t help but smile as I heard some cheering from the crowd outside the big glass doors.

“Looks like someone’s getting credit after all.” Dad teased as we made our way up escalator after escalator.

When we finally reached our destination we found ourselves inside of a giant private club. Just like downstairs it was packed, but it seemed to be a more reserved crowd. One that had clearly wanted to see the show without being knocked around by the rowdier fans downstairs.

Pretty soon the charm of big crowd grew lost on me as I clutched Mark’s hand tightly. I heard a giggle escape his lips as we quickly followed after my parents. The second we reached our section I felt a gasp escape my lips. Security hung around both sides as other people with family and friends passes filled the area.

Our seats were front row with a perfect view of the gigantic stage. And when I say gigantic I mean gigantic! Huge LED screen lined the back of it as a giant Messiah logo stood at the top. The stage itself was huge with a long runway running out of it. The people down on the floor seemed like ants as they tried their hardest to get the best view possible.

Before I knew it the opening act came on and sent everyone into a frenzy. Just like every metal or rock concert I’ve been to before, people pushed and pulled at one another. As much as I tried to enjoy the opening acts, well I just couldn’t! My mind was way too focused on the band I had waited what feels like my whole life to see. Hell, I couldn’t even sleep last night!

I know I’ve recorded with them. I know I helped write most of the songs on their new album. I know Ryder is going to be my brother-in-law. Yet still, this is Messiah! And Ryder, well he’s even more of my idol now more than ever!

It felt like hours as the sun finally set and the next band took the stage. They were great and all, but just like before my heart wanted what it wanted! Soon enough the LED screens came to life with various pictures of the band throughout their time. All the way from baby faced Ryder to the man he is now. Even pictures of me recording with them made it up there!

The closer we got to show time the more anxious the crowd grew. They aggressively yelled and chanted at the large dark stage. Until finally smoke started to pour out of it, drawing even louder screams from the mob.

“What do you want to be?” An older recording asked over the speakers.

“Honestly?” A young Ryder responded in a nervous laugh. “I want to be the biggest rock star to ever live.”

“Do you think you can get there?” The older voice asked, as a familiar song began to fill the air.

“I know I can.” Young Ryder responded as all the lights in the stadium shut off.

The song grew louder until finally the crowd picked up on it. Before I knew it everyone was screaming the Aerosmith song back at the stage.

The atmosphere grew electric as the crowd grew louder and louder. As the song ended a loud ominous sound filled the air. Just like all the Messiah concerts I had watched online a center light kicked on, showing a radio in the center. Different news broadcasts from the past twenty years began to taunt the crowd until finally it settled on one.

“We’re hearing reports tonight that Ryder Sullivan of Messiah has made an attempt to take his life.” A woman announced. “He’s said to be in critical condition at St. James Hospital. Prayers are with his friends and family.”

Pandemonium spread through the crowd as a big figure stepped out onto the stage wielding a baseball bat.

All he had to do was pause as the crowd anxiously began to count down. “Three, Two, One,” The crowd roared as Ryder pulled back and smashed the radio. The second the bat connected sparks and smoke flew from the stage as it all kicked to life.

The giant LED screen showed the various members of the band as they all took the stage and began to play one of their oldest hits. When it finally reached Ryder I saw a look I had never seen before. One that screamed happiness. For the first time since I had met him, well, he looks like he’s finally found his peace.

*Dream On- Aerosmith (Aerosmith, 1973)