Chapter 137: Plane Ride
Seated comfortably inside a sleek private jet, Ethan Jones leaned toward the camera, a grin stretching across his face. The dim cabin lights gave a warm glow, reflecting off the polished surfaces around him. A laptop sat open on the table beside him, but all his attention was on the small camera recording his message.
He took a deep breath, shaking his head slightly as if still in disbelief.
"Wow... I don't even know where to start," he began, letting out a breathless chuckle. "This—this is unreal. I just want to say a massive thank you for this award. Being named the BRITs 2022 Best New Artist is something I could only dream of, and now, somehow, it's my reality."
He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly, I wish I could be there with you all tonight, soaking in the moment, but, well… someone thought it was a good idea to have me flying across the world instead. So here I am, thousands of feet in the air, recording this while trying not to spill my drink on this very fancy jet. Priorities, right?"
His grin widened before his tone softened, a more heartfelt expression taking over. "I want to thank my parents, my younger sister—who is probably already plotting how to 'borrow' this trophy—the entire team that has worked tirelessly beside me, my producer, the legend himself, Max Martin, and, of course, the fans. You guys are the reason I get to do what I love every single day, and your support means the world to me. I don't take a single bit of it for granted."
He placed a hand on his chest, his voice growing even more sincere. "And above all, I want to thank God. Without Him, I wouldn't be here—I wouldn't have this opportunity, this moment, this life. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, Ethan's eyes widened dramatically, and he smacked his forehead.
"Wait, hold on—this is my first-ever award!" He grabbed the trophy, lifting it up with exaggerated excitement. "Guys, you don't understand—I have never won anything before. Not even a school raffle. The Brits Awards just gave me my first-ever trophy. I am officially an award-winning artist. Somebody pinch me!"
He Pointed at the trophy in the screen, giving it an exaggerated inspection. "Damn, this thing looks heavy… and shiny! I'm keeping this right next to my bed, so every morning I wake up and remember that this is real life, you guys shouldn't wreck it i need it first flight to me." he said smiling
He chuckled, looking back into the camera. "Brits Awards, you have officially made my year. What a way to start! Thank you all so, so much. Love you guys!" He waved enthusiastically, beaming as the video feed cut out.
Back at The O2 Arena – BRITs 2022
Back on stage at The O2 Arena, where the BRIT Awards 2022 was in full swing, host Mo Gilligan stood in front of the massive crowd. The giant screen behind him had just stoped talking as Ethan's speech had finished, and the audience was still buzzing with excitement, the energy in the arena electric.
Mo grinned, shaking his head in amusement. "Man, I love that guy. Give it up for Ethan Jones, everyone!"
The crowd erupted into applause, fans cheering loudly, some even chanting Ethan's name.
Mo waited for the noise to settle a little before leaning into the microphone with a knowing smirk. "Now, Ethan, mate, we are so happy to present you with your first professional award. You are exactly the kind of artist we celebrate when we talk about British music. Your talent, your energy, your ridiculous ability to make us all jealous by winning your first award on a private jet…" He shook his head playfully. "Truly inspiring!"
The audience laughed, a few whistles ringing out.
"But," Mo continued, raising a hand, "we've got one very important question for you."
Ethan's face moved again on the giant screen, eyebrows raised curiously. "Ooo, and what would that be?"
Mo smirked, adjusting his jacket. "When are you finally coming home to perform? This stadium—this very one—is waiting for you!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, the energy in the arena going wild as fans screamed in anticipation.
On the screen, Ethan rubbed his chin, pretending to ponder the question like it was the hardest decision of his life. Then, after a dramatic pause, he grinned and leaned in closer.
"Well… if you all would have me," he said, his voice playful yet sincere, "then of course! London, wait for me!"
The entire arena exploded with excitement, the audience roaring as if he had just announced the biggest concert of the decade.
Mo threw his head back, laughing. "You heard it here first, people! Ethan Jones is coming home!" He turned back to the crowd. "Give it up for this music sensation, and keep an eye on him—because he's still got five more nominations tonight!"
As the cheers thundered through the venue, Ethan waved one last time before the screen cut out, leaving an arena full of screaming fans eager for what was to come.
Setting the laptop down, Ethan Jones leaned back, exhaling as he took in his surroundings. The private jet hummed softly a stark contrast to the electrifying stage he had been on just minutes—or was it hours? —ago. Everything had happened so fast.
One moment, he was stepping off stage after his performance, still riding the high of the crowd's energy, getting mobbed by the press. The next, Eminem had pulled him aside, telling him to follow without so much as an explanation. And just like that, before he could even ask what was happening, he found himself here—on a plane with Eminem, flying to God knows where.
His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. Jessica.
Answering the call, he barely had time to say "hello" before her excited voice filled his ears.
"Ethan! Guess what? You just won the BRIT Award for Best New Artist!"
His eyes widened. Wait, what?
Before he could even process that, Jessica continued, "You need to do a live message for the show ASAP. They're announcing your category right now—well, technically, they already did, and you're the winner. Congratulations!"
Ethan let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head. He had no idea which two categories he had lost earlier in the night, but he honestly didn't care. Winning one was more than enough plus 5 more to go.
His parents were going to lose their minds.
They loved anything British—anything. The BRIT Awards were a big deal in their household, and just knowing that he had won this would make them incredibly proud. He could already picture his dad grinning from ear to ear, his mom holding back happy tears, and his younger sister probably screaming the house down.
And as he unlocked his phone, the proof was right there. Messages from all of them.
Mom: Ethan, oh my God! We're so proud of you!!!
Dad: Son, this is huge. Your first BRIT! Can't wait to celebrate!
Sydney: Ok, rockstar, don't let this get to your head lol. Also, can I borrow the trophy for my shelf? After tonight, you should have more than enough. Honestly, congrats, dear—you deserve it and more.
Ethan chuckled, ready to reply when a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Yo, Ethan, you done with the video call?"
He turned to see Eminem, sitting down talking to some guys, watching him expectantly.