Authors Note: The end for now, but will start posting the sequel in the morning. Please R&R and let me know what you think. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this. I haven't come up with a title yet, but was thinking about keeping it Note To Self: Realizations. Not very creative but that way it's easy to recognize. Smile. Let me know your thoughts on the story. I think I have gotten enough feedback that I think people are interested in a sequel. Hugs to all those who have reviewed. Really looking forward to a lot of reviews before I start writing the sequel tonight so I'll know you're interested. Next story will be absolutely hilarious and eye-opening. R&R. Smiles.
Later that afternoon
"What are you working on?" I heard from behind me as I glanced back to see Jamie leaning against the door of my hotel room. I smiled at him as I hefted my guitar up higher onto my knees fiddling with the straps as I did.
"A song." I said with a shrug as I patted the bed next to me. "I thought for sure you would be packing by now." I stated quietly. Due to the offer made by 'Rolling Stone,' Darius had decided that we should leave three days early so that the studio could plan for the big event. Jamie strolled over and took a seat before cocking an eyebrow with a grin.
"I'm letting Patsy do it. I figured it was time I made her act more domestic." He said jokingly, and I laughed at the absurd vision of Patsy doing anything remotely close to following orders.
"Either, she's trying to hide something very illegal in those bags, Jamie Andrews, or you're lying." I said with a chuckle as he shrugged and began fiddling with the notebook I had been writing on.
"What's this?" He asked as he commenced reading what I had written—looking up at me with an expression that was full of both awe and pride.
'That's amazing, Jude! Are you finished with it? Have you got chords completed?" He asked in a rush. I laughed as I peeled the notebook from his fingers. I had never had any qualms about Jamie reading anything of mine. He was literally the brother that my mother never birthed.
"I'm trying." I said weakly. "I really want to have it finished by tonight for the farewell concert." I said as I started picking at the guitar again.
"Have you talked to Darius about changing the line up and adding a new acoustic song?" Jamie asked with a wary expression on his face. I shrugged and grinned at him mischievously.
"I figured I would surprise him." I said with a big smile. Jamie laughed and shook his head slightly.
"Oh, that plane trip home will be a long one." He said whimsically.
"It would be if Darius was flying back with us but he, Tommy, and Liam are flying to Europe to talk with the studio Darius wants to use to finalize my album." I said quietly as I looked over to see Jamie looking at me with a very unreadable expression. I expected him to say something but he just looked down at the comforter on the bed, traced the pattern with his fingertips, and then looked back at me.
"I really like the song, Jude." He said quietly before standing up and turning toward the door.
"Stuart would have been very proud of you." He said as he walked out leaving me with tears glistening on my face.
At the ConcertI stood backstage listening to the crowd cheer and scream—letting it reverberate through my body filling me with adrenaline and excitement. The concert had gone great and the audience was shouting for an encore.
"Go girl, it's your time." I heard Tommy say from behind me, and I whirled around with my cheeks tinged pink with exhaustion and excitement. I knew he was leaving soon to catch his flight so I smiled at him and waited while he opened his arms to me before walking into his embrace.
"Don't leave yet." I murmured into his chest. "I want you to hear my ending." I finished as I pulled away and looked up into his face. My eyes searched his as I saw the confusion flicker quickly through his eyes.
"Tell me you didn't write a new song to torture Darius with." He said with a laugh. I just shook my head slowly.
"No, this one I wrote for me." I said seriously as I stood on my tiptoes before brushing my lips softly across his.
"Don't forget the oceans." I said quietly as I turned to walk back onto stage with my guitar motioning for SME to stay where they were. Glancing back one more time, I watched as Tommy made his way out into the audience to stand at the back of the room. I still didn't know for sure where we stood, but something had happened between us that left me feeling both warm and insecure at the same time, if that makes sense. Limping slightly to a stool positioned in the middle of the stage, I watched storm clouds gather in Darius's eyes as I hefted my guitar up and leaned toward the microphone. The audience grew dead silent.
"This is a song called "He Rescued Me." I said as I played gently with the strings of my guitar. "It goes out to a very special man—Stuart Harrison." I reiterated as my fingers began to move over the guitar—an old guitar I had brought out and tuned just for this occasion because it had been a gift from my father. Then I began to sing.
Who was he?
Standing in the corner.
Quietly watching me.
His face was concealed.
Watching as I cried
Like sand in an hourglass,
I was lost in the chaos
Soothed by his sudden clasp
What once was concealed
Was suddenly revealed
He rescued me.
Chorus:
Took me by the hand
Showed me where to go
Gave me my first step
Taught me what I know
Lent me a helping hand
When first learning to stand
Gave me support
Led me along
Taught me what was right
When, at first, I did it wrong
He was under my skin
Deep in my thoughts when afraid
How can I live again
Now that he is gone
He rescued me.
Chorus:
Took me by the hand
Showed me where to go
Gave me my first step
Taught me what I know
Watched me grow
Guiding me on my way
For the seeds we sow
Must learn to step away
Eyes shown with pride
At my decisions
Never yelled, nor did he cry
When I chose the path
Less traveled by
Branching out in song
He rescued me
Chorus:
Took me by the hand
Showed me where to go
Gave me my first step
Taught me what I know
Now I look back
Worried as I do
Please tell me I remembered
To tell him "I love you."
And as the last chords played out, I watched with tears glistening at the corners of my eyes as Tommy blew me a kiss and mouthed "I won't forget the oceans" as he left to catch his plane.