Super Nova

After the show, Nova felt amazing. Remembering what it was like to entertain a crowd made her shake with excitement.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Running backstage, she was smiling and high-fiving the band and for the first time in years, it all seemed perfect.

Nova’s manager waited for her to get past the curtains and grabbed her by the arm so hard she was sure it would leave marks. Pulling her to the side, he was fuming. Nova’s smile quickly faded when she saw the look in his eyes.

“What the hell happened out there? You ruined my show! I have promoters and record execs calling me worried you will have some mental breakdown. You have five more shows ready to go up for promotion, so you better get your shit together. Not to mention the label’s breathing down my throat for you to write songs for the next album.”

“Your show? Last I checked, I’m the one out there busting my ass! First of all, get your damn hands off me! Second, I told you I need a break. I’ve been dragging my ass on stage for months, just going through the motions. I’m not going on tour again until I’m damn good and ready. I talked to the band today during rehearsals. They agree we need time with our families. Now, get my flight changed. I’m going home.”

Pulling away she stormed to her dressing room with rage building at the thought of the man’s threats. Locking the door behind her, Nova grabbed her cell phone to call her friend Emma.

“Hey, Nova. What’s up, girl? I watched the show. It was amazing! I was worried for a minute there, but you pulled it together.”

“Emma, I can’t keep doing this. I’ll be in a mental institution if I keep up this pace. I haven’t slept in weeks.” Nova put her head in her hand, leaning on the makeup table as she fought back tears.

“Oh, Nova. Sweetie, I’m so sorry. Listen, you must figure out what you want. Stop trying to keep things going if you’re not happy. Every time we talk, you’re more depressed. I thought this show was a good thing, but now I think you are just rallying to keep your head above water. I hear people talk and everyone in the industry thinks you’re a bitch. I know you’re not, but I hear you’re getting into a dark place again. It’s the stress of trying to keep up this persona of yours. Maybe you just need to get away for a while and figure out what’s important to you. I know it’s hard and I’m right here if you need to talk. I’ve been praying for you,” Emma said comforting her best friend.

She was always her biggest cheerleader. Her support saved Nova’s life in a time she was at her lowest.

“What if this isn’t where I belong anymore? I love music, but I miss my old life.”

“Nova, are you still thinking about returning to wrestling? I’m no expert, but from what I could see when I watched you practice, you’re good at it. Of course, that’s just your bestie talking. At the end of the day, it’s your choice to make. I just suggest keeping Liam from finding out until you have to. That manager of yours is a jackass. You know if he finds out you’re still getting in the ring, he’ll flip out.”

Nova heard a pounding at the door and instantly stiffened knowing what was on the other side.

“Emma, I have to go. I’ll call you later. Love you, sister-friend.”

Opening the door stood her manager, red-faced and furious.

“Grab your stuff! The plane is ready. I’m gonna give you two weeks to get your damn diva ass together. Princess, I don’t know who you think you are? Never talk to me the way you did in front of the band and crew earlier. No one talks to me that way, do you understand me? I can make it where you never work in this business again. Now get moving! We have a flight to catch.”

Liam turned and slammed the door in Nova’s face jarring the entire room. The slam of the door jolted her, making her jump as the teats started to roll. Her head dropped, feeling utter despair wash over her. Turning to see her reflection in the mirror, looking back was an empty shell of her former self. The woman she once was fading fast.