Always 12&13
by Stefanie
Subj: "Always" Chapters 12
Hi Guys!
Well, since you might not have gotten a chance to read chapter 12 since it was on the GHME. I hope you enjoy reading about the Nurses Ball, because I love writing about it! It's hard, but it's fun. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to share them with me. I can definitely use some help in certain areas. Remember: Feedback is ALWAYS welcome! Enjoy....
Stefanie
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"Always"
Chapter 12
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(BACKSTAGE)
"How's my hair?" Brenda asked nervously.
"Beautiful. What about this lipstick?" Lois asked.
"That's a great color!"
"Thanks. How's it coming in there, Robin?" Lois asked.
"Almost done....let me just fix this top...." she answered from behind the changing curtain.
"'Kay. How 'ya doin, Bren?"
"Alright....just a little nervous...."
"Don't worry, you'll be wonderful! Besides, Robin and I are gonna be singing too, so that should take some pressure off of you."
"It does....you're right. We're gonna be great! All we have to do is make it through this number, and then we can relax a bit before we have to do the really important one!" she smiled.
"If Jax doesn't respond to this.....I just don't know what we'll do!" Lois laughed.
"All done" Robin smiled, coming out from behind the curtain.
"Wow! You look great!" Brenda grinned.
"You too!!! I hope the guys like this!"
"They better!" Lois laughed. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime performance. I don't plan on making a fool of myself again like this anytime soon."
"Oh, come on Lo. This is fun! Remember what you told me: Just relax and have fun!"
"Easier said than done."
"Yeah....well, let's go over the routine one more time...."
As they started into the dance moves, Lucy ran into the dressing room.
"Girls, let's go!!! You're on!!" she yelled as she shooed them out of the dressing room. "Go, go, go....take your places!!"
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In the ballroom the audience was getting very anxious to see the next act.
"What do you think's going on?" Jax asked Ned and Jason.
"They're probably touching up their make-up or rehearsing one last time." Ned answered. "You know Lois....she won't go on if everything's not perfect."
"And Robin's probably trying to calm everyone down" Jason laughed.
"I bet Brenda's a nervous wreck right now..." Jax said sympathetically.
"Shhh....here comes Lucy" Ned whispered.
"Hello again!" she smiled, modeling her newest outfit. It was a long black dress which showed a lot of skin. A V was cut from side to side of the dress, exposing her perfectly flat abdominal muscles. Her hair hung down in long, loose curls. "Well, sorry about the little delay, but believe me, this next act is WELL worth the wait!" she grinned.
The audience clapped in anticipation of what was coming up.
"So, I don't want to keep you guys waiting any longer. Please welcome three beautiful ladies: Brenda Barrett, Lois Cerullo-Ashton, and Robin Scorpio. Trust me, you'll all LOVE this!!!! Especially all the guys out there..." she laughed as she walked off-stage.
The curtains opened to find Brenda, Lois,and Robin standing in their positions with their backs to the audience. The men in the audience immediately whistled and yelled their appreciation for what the ladies were wearing. Brenda looked hot in tight black pants and a snug little black halter top. Jax was practically drooling as he watched her. Lois wore very form-fitting black pants and a tight, black baby T-shirt. Ned was very pleased, to say the least, at her outfit. Robin wore tight black leather pants and a black strapless halter top. Jason was stunned....having never seen this side of Robin before. The music started very softly as the spotlight settled on Lois. She turned around to face the audience and started her part.
Whatever you want, whatever you need
Anything you want done, baby I do it naturally
'Cause I'm every woman
It's all in me, it's all in me
She smiled at Ned the entire time, and as she finished she winked and turned around. Ned was in awe of his wife. She looked beautiful up on stage, and she seemed to be having s much fun. Then the beat started to get quick and up-tempo. Robin and Brenda quickly turned around and all three of the girls started dancing and singing along.
I'm every woman, it's all in me
Anything you want done, baby I do it naturally
I'm every woman, it's all in me
I can read your thoughts right now, every one from A to Z
Then Robin took center stage as Lois and Brenda started into the dance routine. She smiled and looked at Jason as she sang.
I can cast a spell, secret's you can't tell
Mix a special groove, put fire inside of you
Anytime you feel danger or fear
Then instantly I will appear
'Cause I'm every woman, it's all in me
Anything you want done, baby I do it naturally
(Whoa...Whoa....Whoa...)
Now is was Brenda's turn. She slowly danced to center stage and eyed Jax the entire time she sang.
I can set your knees, like rain unto the seas
I can make a rhyme, like confusion in your mind
And when it comes down to some good old-fashioned love
I've got it, I've got it, I've got it, got it, baby, baby
As she finished her part, she blew a soft kiss to Jax and then got back into the dance routine with Lois and Robin.
I'm every woman, it's all in me
Anything you want done, baby I do it naturally
I'm every woman, it's all in me
I can read your thoughts right now, every one from A to Z
(Whoa....Whoa....WHoa...)
I ain't runnin' yet, 'cause I'm the one
Just ask me, it shall be done
Don't bother to compare
I've got it
(Whoa....Whoa....Whoa....)
I'm every woman
I'm every woman
As they finished they were in the same position that they started in. The crowd went completely wild, and the men were especially happy with the performance. Jax, Ned, and Jason were still stunned. Miguel turned over to them.
"They were fabulous!" he grinned.
"Uh huh...amazing!" Jax muttered, his jaw still on the ground.
"Yeah....they were terrific" Ned smiled.
"Wait...that was Robin?!" Jason asked, still wondering what he just saw.
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"Ahhhh!!!" Brenda screamed as they ran off-stage. "That was SO much fun!"
"I know!! It was such a rush!" Robin yelled.
"That was unbelievable!! Did you see them?! They LOVED us!!" Lois laughed.
"Ohhh! That was GREAT!! But we need to get changed....I can't wait to see how the guys react to that!" Brenda smiled as they ran towards the dressing room.
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As the girls made their way back to the table, the guys were heading in the opposite direction.
"Jax!" Brenda yelled as she tried to catch up with him. "What's going on?"
"We're on next. Lucy's threatening to kill us if we don't get onstage now."
"Oh, okay" she smiled, trying to hide her disappointment.
"Don't worry....I'll be back soon. Trust me, you'll love our act" he grinned.
"Oh, I'm sure I will" she laughed.
Jax pulled Brenda close to him and gave her a soft, tender kiss. "You were wonderful" he whispered.
"Thanks"
"Jax, we REALLY gotta go!"
"Nedly, leave them alone," Lois whispered, elbowing him.
"Owwwwww!!! Okay!!!"
"Come on Ned, Lucy's going to kill us!" Jax laughed.
"Good luck" Brenda smiled.
Lois and Brenda walked over to their table, where Jason was telling Robin how great their performance was.
"Jason, why aren't you performing?"
"Uh.....I'd rather contribute in other ways...." he smiled.
"Ahhh....chicken, huh?" she laughed.
"No.....it's just that--"
"He's a wimp" Robin laughed.
"Hey! I'm not--"
"Shhh....Lucy's coming onstage."
"Didn't you guys love that last act?! Well, then you're gonna love this one too....this one's for you ladies out there. Enjoy! Let's hear it for Lucky Spencer, A.J. Quartermaine, Ned Ashton, Miguel Morez, and Jasper Jacks!"
The curtains opened to show the guys standing onstage in their tuxedos with microphones. The ladies in the audience whistled and clapped enthusiastically. As soon as the applause died down, light, happy music with a bouncy beat came through the speakers. The guys started moving to the beat and singing as the spotlight shone on each guy as he sang his solo.
(All:)
Sugar, oh honey honey, you are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you
Honey, oh sugar sugar, you are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you
(Lucky:) I just can't believe the loveliness of lovin' you
(All:) I just can't believe it's true
(A.J.) I just can't believe the wonder of this feelin' too
(All:) I just cant believe it's true
(All:) Sugar, oh honey honey, you are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you
Honey, oh sugar sugar, you are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you
(Jax:) When I kissed you girl I knew how sweet a kiss could be
(All:) I know how sweet a kiss can be
(Ned:) Like the summer sunshine, pour your sweetness over me
(All:) Pour your sweetness over me
As Jax sang his line he looked Brenda straight in the eyes and winked, smiling the entire time.
Oh sugar
(Miguel:) Pour a little sugar on it, baby
(Ned:) I'm gonna make your life so sweet
(All:) Yeah, yeah, yeah
(All:) Pour a little sugar on it (Oh yeah)
Pour a little sugar on it, honey
Pour a little sugar on it, baby
(Miguel:) I'm gonna make your life so sweet!!
(All:) Yeah, yeah, yeah
Pour a little sugar on it, honey
Oh sugar, honey honey, you are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you
Oh honey, sugar sugar, you are my candy girl
The audience applauded like crazy. These men were very talented.....not to mention gorgeous! Brenda could not believe what she was seeing. The guys were wonderful! She knew exactly what Lois was thinking.
"Hey Bren, we should sign them!" she smiled.
"Do you think they would do it?" Brenda asked.
"Well, there's only one way to find out...."
The guys were making their way back to the table amidst thunderous applause.
"You were great!" Brenda whispered to Jax. "You never told me you could sing!"
"You never asked" he laughed.
"So, what other things are you keeping from me?"
"I think I recall you saying that you liked a man of mystery...."
"I do...I do...."
"Good, because there are a lot more surprises you've yet to uncover!" he grinned.
"I see....well, we'll have to see what we can do about that" she smiled.
Lucy walked onstage in a rose-colored ball gown with her hair up in an elegant French twist. "So, didn't I tell you they were great? Well, you guys ain't seen nothin' yet! Lois Cerullo-Ashton and Brenda Barrett of L&B Records have pulled some strings and gotten a MAJOR star to come and perform for us. So, please give a warm welcome to.....
TBC......
Here's Chapter 13....I hope you guys enjoy reading these Nurses Ball chapters. If you have any comments or suggestions, they would be GREATLY appreciated!!!! Remember: Feedback is ALWAYS welcome!!! Enjoy.....
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"Always"
Chapter 13
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"Sarah McLachlan!!"
Everyone in the audience clapped very enthusiastically. Nobody knew that there was going to be a guest performing...let alone a guest like Sarah McLachlan! Lois and Brenda sat back, enjoying the crowd's reaction to their surprise.
"How did you guys do this?!" Jax asked Brenda, still in disbelief.
"Let's just say that we have connections...."
"I'll say"
"And Sarah loves to contribute to good causes like this...so, are you a fan of hers?"
"Definitely! I have her CD's...she's great!"
"Well....I'll just have to introduce you then," she grinned.
"Would you?"
"Of course, right after her number"
"Hi everyone. Before I start, I just wanted to say that I think what you're doing is wonderful. I've always supported benefits to raise money for research for HIV and AIDS, and this one is amazing. Everyone has fun and shows off their talents, but still remembers what they're here for. You all give and give, and it just warms my heart to see that. Anyway, I just thought I'd share that."
Everyone clapped appreciatively, thanking Sarah for her kind words.
"Well, I think this song fits the occasion right now. While you listen to the words, try to think about someone you knew or loved whom we've lost to this horrible disease."
I will remember you, will you remember me
Don't let your life pass you by, weep not for the memories
Remember the good times that we had
We let them slip away from us when things got bad
Clearly I first saw you, smiling in the sun
Wanna feel your warmth upon you, I wanna be the one
I will remember you, will you remember me
Don't let your life pass you by, weep not for the memories
Everyone sat in silence, thinking about someone they lost to AIDS. Robin sat crying, tears slowly falling down her face. She thought about Stone, and Jason understood her feelings, offering her his shoulder to lean on. Brenda thought about Robin...aware that she was going to lose her someday. She felt the tears start to form in her eyes. Jax watched Brenda, noticing the pained expression on her face. He thought she must be thinking about someone she lost to AIDS. Softly he rubbed her shoulders, and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, trying to comfort her as best he could.
I'm so tired, but I can't sleep
Standing on the edge of something much too deep
It's funny how we feel so much, but cannot say a word
We are screaming inside, oh we can't be heard
I will remember you, will you remember me
Don't let your life pass you by, weep not for the memories
So afraid to love you, but more afraid to lose
Clinging to a past that doesn't let me choose
Well once there was a darkness, a deep and endless night
Gave me everything you had, oh you gave me life
And I will remember you, will you remember me
Don't let your life pass you by, weep not for the memories
And I will remember you, will you remember me
Don't let your life pass you by, weep not for the memories
Weep not for the memories
Brenda wiped her tears away and started clapping so hard that her hands started turning red. Everyone in the audience felt the same way. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
"Thank you" she said into the microphone.
"No, thank you" Lucy answered. "Thank you for making us realize the true reason we're here."
"Come on" Brenda smiled, drying her tears. "I told you you'd meet her, and I never break my word."
"Are you sure you're up for this?" he asked, a little worried.
"Absolutely! I'll be fine, don't worry"
Brenda led Jax backstage to the dressing rooms, where Sarah was talking to a friend.
"Sarah, hi. I'm Brenda Barrett, the B in L&B."
"Brenda, hi! Steve's told me a lot about you!" she smiled.
"Steve?" Jax asked, looking at Brenda.
"Her manager" she laughed. "Sarah, this is my....this is Jasper Jacks. Jax, you know who this is" she grinned.
"I sure do" he smiled. "I love your music! It's an honor to meet you." he grinned, shaking her hand.
"Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy the music."
"Brenda, you're on next!!! Lois and Robin are waiting for you guys to change costumes!" Lucy yelled, coming into the dressing room and dragging Brenda away.
"Wha--? Brenda, you've already performed...what's going on?"
"You'll see...." she smirked. "It was nice meeting you Sarah!"
"You too Brenda!"
"Excuse me, but I have to get a seat for whatever she's about to do" he laughed.
"Sure...I'm glad you enjoyed the song."
"I did thanks. Bye"
Jax walked tot he table, trying to find Ned and Jason.
"Hey, what's going on?" he asked.
"Beats me....but it looks like we're about to find out," Ned answered, nodding towards Lucy who had just walked onstage.
"Well, that was wonderful, huh?" she smiled.
Everyone clapped in agreement.
"Yes....well, we have another surprise in store. Now, this was a last-minute addition to our line-up. These ladies have put together a wonderful act in just two days!!! That's right...two days. Anyway, these ladies have already given a phenomenal performance earlier, and they're sure to do it again. Please give it up again for Brenda Barrett, Lois Cerullo-Ashton, and Robin Scorpio!"
The audience applauded, curious as to what they were about to see. Jax, Ned, and Jason were even more confused than they were the first time the girls performed. Jax was especially confused. "What in the world is Brenda up to?" he murmured.
The curtain went up to show Lois and Robin off to the side of the stage and Brenda standing in the middle. Jax was completely in awe. He didn't know how she did it, but every time he saw her she looked even more beautiful. Brenda wore a silver, spaghetti-strap dress. One side of the dress came down to mid-thigh, and it was diagonal cut so that the other side came down to just above her knee. Robin and Lois were wearing the same style dress; Robin in ruby and Lois in sapphire.
"Okay..." Brenda smiled. "Thanks Lucy, for that wonderful introduction. I just want to say something before we start. A few days ago, I realized something....something that has totally turned my life upside-down." she grinned.
Jax was completely confused now. "What did she find out?! Does she know?!" he thought. He immediately started getting nervous, his hands shaking uncontrollably. "What if she knows?! The plan will be ruined!" he whispered to Ned.
"Calm down Jax. How could she possibly know?" Ned answered.
"I don't know!!! Maybe she heard us talking or something. Maybe Lois found out and told her...."
"Anyway, I'm going to stop rambling now" Brenda laughed. "So, this song goes out to someone very special....you know who you are. I think it pretty much speaks for itself."
A sexy, modern beat echoed throughout the ballroom. Lois and Robin swayed to the beat as the spotlight focused on Brenda. She smiled and laughed as she saw Jax's confused expression. She smiled at Jax as she sang.
The moment I wake up, before I put on my make-up
I say a little prayer for you
While combing my hair now, and wondering what dress to wear now
I say a little prayer for you
Robin and Lois joined in, adding their voices to the chorus.
Forever and ever you stay in my heart and I will love you
Forever and ever we never will part, oh how I love you
Together forever, that's how it must be
To live without you would only mean heartbreak for me
I run for the bus dear, while riding I think of us dear
I say a little prayer for you
At work I just take time, and all through my coffee-break time
I say a little prayer for you
Jax was mesmerized. He could not believe what was happening. Brenda loved him!!!!.....at least, that's what he thought she meant by singing this song for him. If she did love him, then the plan would definitely be successful! Brenda would love what he had in store for her.....
Forever and ever you stay in my heart and I will love you
Forever and ever we never will part, oh how I love you
Together forever, that's how it must be
To live without you would only mean heartbreak for me
Brenda could not believe she was doing this. As she waited for her next cue, she looked over at Lois and Robin. They smiled at her reassuringly, trying to build up her confidence. Feeling as though she could finish, she continued.
My darling believe me
(Lois&Robin:) Believe her
For me there is no one but you
Please love me too
(Lois&Robin:) Answer her prayer
And I'm in love with you
(Lois&Robin:) Answer her prayer now, baby
Answer my prayer babe
(Lois&Robin:) Answer her prayer
Say you love me too
Forever and ever you stay in my heart and I will love you
Forever and ever we never will part, oh how I love you
Together forever, that's how it must be
To live without you would only mean heartbreak for me
The sound of the applause was deafening. The ladies took their bows and ran offstage. Jax was speechless. Of course she would want a response when she got back, but if he said anything he would ruin the plan! He had to think of something....and fast!!!!!!
TBC.....