Serena's P.O.V.

About two hours later, my voice started to become tired, and I had just finished singing the last few notes to my solo version of Why Don't I. It felt different singing it without Aidan being there. Whenever we sang that song together, it felt romantic and uplifting. But, without him, it felt sad and like a part of me was missing. I held back the last of my tears as I played the final notes on the piano, and the crowd burst with applause for the twelfth time that night.

Afterward, I sat at the merchandise booth, watching as my fans eagerly got in line to meet me and take photos. The first few people looked like they were teenage girls. A few of them were with their boyfriends, who felt a little awkward about meeting me. But the moment I smiled and gave them an embracing hug, it cut the tension like a knife. "Could we take a picture?" One fan asked, handing her phone to me as I finished hugging her. "Of course!" I nodded. I walked around the table, standing a couple of inches away from her, and we snapped a few pictures.

"Thank you so much!" She said before walking away. A half-hour later, the meet and greet had wrapped up, and T.J and I made our way back to the tour bus, instantly driving to our next stop, Vancouver. "You might have a special guest at your next concert!" T.J. giggled as she grabbed a coke from the mini-fridge. "I saw. I think his name is Dylan Kingwell?" I asked, second-guessing myself as the name came out of my mouth. "Yes! I saw his Instagram story a little while ago!" She handed me her phone, typing in the password before logging into the website.

Sure enough, I saw a picture of Dylan and his little sister holding up tickets for my concert at The Rickshaw Theatre the following night. The caption read, "Just purchased our tickets for SereneCinderella's concert tomorrow! Can't wait to see you!" 

Even though I knew he was planning on coming when I announced the tour, it felt so surreal that a famous actor was attending my concert. I had watched some of Season 2 of A Series of Unfortunate Events before the accident, and he played an amazing Duncan Quagmire. I hoped at the next meet and greet I could tell him how awesome his performance was. "Serena? Are you okay?" T.J. asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, I zoned out again,"
 I explained, handing her back her phone.

I reached into my purse, pulling out my phone, and texted Aidan, letting him know how the first concert went.

Aidan

Serena: Hey Bubs, I just finished the concert in Victoria!

Aidan: I saw it! You were amazing!

Someone live-streamed the concert. I could tell you were about to cry towards the end.

Serena: You caught me. It feels different singing our song without you.

Aidan: Aww. Don't worry. When you get back, we'll sing the song together again.

Serena: I love you so much.

Aidan: I love you too.

Hey, before I forget, there's something I need to talk to you about.

Serena: What is it? Did another package show up to the room?

Aidan: You got that right. This time, my name was written on every page of this dating book.

Serena: Aidan, I swear, that was not me.

Aidan: I didn't say it was you. I know you wouldn't do something like this. I guess it's probably a stalker or pervert.

Serena:  😨 What are we going to do?

Aidan: Let me handle this. You continue with the rest of the tour, and I'll get rid of them by the time your back in Toronto.

Serena: Alright, but please, Aidy. Be careful.

Aidan: I always am. 💖

Serena: 💖 

I couldn't believe it. I was dealing with my first stalker. And even thinking about them being at one of my concerts created an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I knew people liked me, but I never thought that someone could be so obsessed with me to the point they were sending love packages. But at the same time, I understood how some celebrities feel when they're being stalked.

I started to fear for my safety. But even though I was scared, I couldn't cancel the rest of the tour. That would be a big blow to my fans, and I had no doubt I would be dropped from Island Records. I just hoped that whoever this person was would eventually stop and let me and Aidan go on with our lives.

*******

The next morning we arrived in Vancouver, roughly at about 6:00 in the morning, so Mr. Edgar parked the tour bus in a trailer park and let us sleep for a few hours before we went out on the town and got breakfast. Afterward, we looked around the shopping center, getting a few odds and ends before heading to the theatre for rehearsal.

When the crowd started to form, I felt my heart begin to pound as I worried that my stalker could be in the crowd. Come on, Serena. You have to get it together. These are your fans. I took a shaky breath, looking at T.J, who just smiled and mouthed that I was going to be okay. She must've thought I was having concert jitters. I painted a smile on my face, trying to make it look genuine before walking on stage and greeting the crowd.

The moment I started singing, I felt all the fear and paranoia inside melt away and was left with happiness and excitement. From a distance, I could see Dylan and his little sister standing towards the middle. They were smiling and singing along to the music. His sister kept shouting my name after every few words. I had just finished singing Moonlight, and I was onto another cover, this time by Drake. "If you guys know the words, please sing along. And I'm sure you do," I smiled into the mic.

https://youtu.be/ynOtAC3hjhk

Grips on your waist
Front way, back way
You know that I don't play
Streets not safe
But I never run away
Even when I'm away
Oti, oti, there's never much love when we go OT
I pray to make it back in one piece
I pray, I pray

That's why I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me

Baby, I like it slow

Baby, I like it slow

Strength and guidance
All that I'm wishing for my friends
Nobody makes it from my ends
I had to bust up the silence
You know you gotta stick by me
Soon as you see the text, reply me
I don't wanna spend time fighting
We've got no time

That's why I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me

Tell me

I need to know, where do you want to go?
Cause if you're down, I'll take it slow
Make you lose control

I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me
I need a one dance
Got a Hennessy in my hand
One more time 'fore I go
Higher powers taking a hold on me