| Chapter 20 Tara sat in the studio amazed at what all it took to record an album. They had been there most of the day, and it still amazed her that the techs knew exactly witch button on the board did what. Everyone else seemed quite bored, A.J. and Nick went to find the game room, while Howie left to go see Kira. They were getting ready to have Brian sing the lead on a remake of a Boys 2 Men song he'd been working on all day. He had already recorded the background vocals, and a choir had been in yesterday to record their part. "Alright Brian, we're set. You ready?" asked the producer. Brian put on the headphones and nodded his head. The music started and Brian walked up to the mic. I've been wondering round in the dark, been lost so I would know like a shot in my heart. I know the pain so deep, but I know my faith will free me. Get there/ and I'll get through this/ Get there/ I'll find my way again, So don't tell me that it's over, Cause each day just gets me closer I will get there/ I will get there/ I will get there somehow, Cross that river/ Cross that river/ Nothing's stoppin me now, I will get through the night, and make it through to the other side Get there/ Get there/ Get there Tara was amazed at the feeling Brian was putting in the song. He was singing with his eyes closed. She started to get a little worried when Brian put his hand up and held the back of his head, but he didn't stop singing. I've been in these chains for so long, I'll be free, and I'll be there where I belong. Hold my head up high, I'll stand tall, And I swear this time I won't fall. Get there/ I will do this/ Get there/ No matter what it takes, Cause I know no limitations, and I'll reach my destination. I will get there/ I will get there/ I will get there somehow, Cross that river/ Cross that river/ Nothing's stoppin me now, I will get through the night, and make it through to the other side Get there/ Get there/ Get there Well the night is cold and dark, But somewhere the sun is shining. And I'll feel it shine on me, I'll keep trying, I'll keep trying. I will get there/ I will get there/ I will get there somehow, Cross that river/ Cross that river/ Nothing's stoppin me now, I will get through the night, and make it through to the other side Get there/ Get there/ Get there I'll get there. "Great Brian! Come in here and listen to the playback," the producer said. Brian took his headphones off and came in the room. He sat down next to Tara and the producer started the playback. "Hey you feeling OK?" Tara whispered. "No, my head is starting to hurt," Brian whispered back. Tara looked at him concerned, "Did you bring your medicine?" Brian shook his head no. "Well I think that's a keeper," the producer said as the song ended. Brian smiled, "Yeah, I like this mix. Um, would it be alright if we called it a day?" The producer looked at him, "Sure Bri, we can pick it up in the morning." "Thanks," Brian said. He and Tara got up and went to find where A.J. and Nick were hiding. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Howie was sitting in Kira's bookstore watching her work. He was amazed at how busy she really was. He'd thought running a bookstore was nothing, boy was he wrong! The last customer left and Kira walked up to Howie. "You ready to blow this joint?" she asked with a smile. "Sure, where we going?" he asked. "Well I thought we could grab something to eat, then maybe a movie or something?" Kira said. "Sounds good, I'm starving," Howie replied. They walked out of the store, Kira locked the door and they headed down the street. Howie was headed in the direction of Kira's favorite cafe down the street, when she stopped at her car. "I thought we'd do something different," she said unlocking the door for him. "OK, I'm game," he said. They got in the car and drove to the other side of the city. Kira pulled into a very elegant looking restaurant. "This looks nice," Howie said. "Yeah, I hear they have the best food," Kira replied. They got out and walked in. Kira walked up to the maitrade'', "Kira Gerrish, six o'clock." The maitrade' looked at his reservation list, "Yes, party of two. Follow me." He led them to their table. They had a table in the corner away from everyone else. The restaurant was candle lit, so it gave a feeling of being very private. They had ordered their food and were sitting there enjoying the music. "Howie, how is Brian doing today?" Kira asked. "He's OK I think, I really haven't had a chance to talk to him much. He got up and went to the studio this morning," Howie replied. "Oh yeah, Kristin said something about him doing a solo album," Kira said. "Yeah, he's been wanting to do it for a long time now," Howie said. Kira looked deep into Howie's eyes, "So, how are you doing?" He looked down, "Hangin in there I guess." Kira reached across the table and took Howie's hand in hers, "Howie, I know this is hard on you. I've lost some really close friends in my life, so I kinda know what you're going through. Anytime you want to talk about it, I'm here to listen." Howie looked at her, "Thanks." "Hey, what are friends for," she said with a smile. Howie smiled at that thought, friends. The waiter brought their food and left. "Oh man, I'm not sure if I can eat all this," Kira said looking at her plate piled with food. Howie laughed. They began to eat and carry on a conversation at the same time. They asked each other about their lives and family, what their favorite things were, just general get to know you better conversation. They both were having a really good time. Kira looked down at her plate, "Lord, I can't believe I ate all that!" Howie laughed at her, "You did, I sat here and watched you." "Oh, we missed the start of the movies," Kira said looking at her watch, "We could rent one and go back to my place if you want?" Howie gave her a little smile, "Sure, that'd be fine." They got up, settled the bill, and were headed to the closest movie rental. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian's head was pounding. Nick pulled the car up the drive and parked right in front of the door. He and A.J. got out to help Brian into the house. Tara ran ahead to turn down Brian's bed and get his medicine. They got to the stairs, "Brian, I'm gonna pick you up and carry you up the stairs," Nick said. Brian just nodded his head, he was holding the back of his head with both hands and had his eyes clinched shut. Nick picked him up and headed up the stairs, A.J. following behind. Tara ran up the back stairs and met them at Brian's door. Nick laid Brian on the bed and took off his shoes. "Brian, sit up and take this," Tara said holding his medicine and a glass of water. Brian sat up, took his medicine, and laid back down. Tara sat on the side of the bed, "Bri, can we get you anything?" He opened his eyes and looked at her, "No, just stay here until I go to sleep." A.J. leaned over to Nick, "Are the headaches always this bad?" Nick looked at him, "This isn't a bad one." A.J. looked in shock, "You're shittin me right?" Nick just shook his head no. Brian had a hold of Tara's hand, and every time his head pounded he'd squeeze it. "Bri, you're gonna break my hand if you don't stop," Tara said. "Sorry," he said as he let go. "You need something to take your mind off the pain," Tara said. Brian lay there with his eyes closed, "Sing." Tara looked at him confused, "What?" He opened his eyes and looked at her, "Sing to me like you did in the woods." Tara let out a small laugh, "Bri, I haven't sang since then." Brian closed his eyes as another wave of pain hit, "Please," he whispered. Tara took a deep breath, "OK, but the only song I can remember is Celine Dion." Brian just waved his hand like whatever. "OK here goes," Tara said. You're the bravest of hearts, you're the strongest of souls. You're my light in the dark, you're the place I call home. You can say it's all right, but I know that you're breaking up inside, I see it in your eyes Even you face the night afraid and alone, That's why I'll be there. When the storm rises up, when the shadows descend, Ev'ry beat of my heart, ev'ry day without end. Ev'ry second I live, that's the promise I make Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes. If that's what it takes. You can sleep in my arms, you don't have to explain, When your heart's crying out, baby, whisper my name. �Cause I've reached out for you when the thunder is crashing up above, You've given me your love. When you smile like the sun that shines through the pain. That's why I'll be there. When the storm rises up, when the shadows descend, Ev'ry beat of my heart, ev'ry day without end I will stand like a rock, I will bend till I break. Till there's no more to give, if that's what it takes, I will risk everything, I will fight, I will bleed, I will lay down my life, if that's what you need. Ev'ry second I live, that's the promise I make, Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes. Through the wind and the rain, through the smoke and the fire, When the fear rises up, when the wave's ever higher, I will lay down my heart, my body, my soul I will hold on all night and never let go Ev'ry second I live, that's the promise I make Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes. Tara looked down to see Brian fast asleep. She turned around to the shocked faces of Nick and A.J. She got up and walked out of the room, the guys following her. "What?" she asked. "We didn't know you could sing," they both said in unison. Songs Used: Get There, Boyz II Men, Prince of Egypt Soundtrack Whatever It Takes, Celine Dion, Falling Into You Chapter 21 |