Chapter Two


New Dawn slowly settled down into a routine of endless nights on the stage. Privacy was hardly possible for the band that is now claiming the number one spot on the charts. Out of the three members, only two mellowed in with the tempo. Shen's innate dislike for a public life created many controversies for the group. The manager expressed strong dislike when Shen declared on the John Thompson Show that his private life off limits to the public.

"You can't get the dough if you aren't willing to give up a little. This was the risk that you took when you signed the papers. Shen, darling, listen to me; the public wants to know you. They want to be a part of your life. That's what music is all about, right? When you are giving them your music, you are also giving them a part of you. Come on, you need to get into the beat here. If you won't stop all this nonsense about privacy, the band could?break.? The plumb manager repeated the last part again; to make sure that his lead singer understood the severity of the issue.

"Phil, I know that you care about the band. I would do anything for them. They are my family now. But just this one thing Phil, please, all I want is for my family to be safe.?

"Safe? What do you mean safe? Do you think some fanatic's goanna scale your family's walls and crack open their heads? They are safe. Nothing's going to happen to them if you tell the public the first name of your parents. And what's the harm in telling them if you've got some siblings?? The small man pinched the bridge of his nose and tried to deal with the frustration that this unwilling child has caused for him. "That's all they want. A little information. Doesn't even have to be big. Anything!?

The dark head bowed down. Pale eyes burned sadly in to the floor.

"I'll think about it.?

A soft string of curses came from the older man. "Fine. Take all the time in the world. But don't say I didn't warn you.?

Shen watched with inner feud as the small round shape of the manager struggled through the doors of the tour bus.

"All the time in the world? That's the one thing I wish I could have more of.?