Everything was a mess. Ash was ready to say screw it and just stay home. They'd spent three hours in the morning looking for a tux for Chaz. They finally found one, but she'd had to argue with the salesman about doing a quick hem on the pants. He wasn't happy, but when she offered to pay in cash, he brightened up and catered to her.
By the time they got home she had to fix a quick dinner, which she ended up burning so they ordered something. While they were waiting on the food, Ash called Aprille. She needed someone to kick her in the ass and tell her everything was going to be okay.
"Hello?"
"Tell me I can do this and that everything's going to be fine tonight."
"You can do this," Aprille replied, trying to keep the smile out of her voice, "and everything is going to be fine tonight."
"I don't know Aprille," Ash said, "I'm nervous as hell and things have just been crazy today."
"Oh honey, you know it's gonna be great."
"I just need to hear it."
"Look, the show is going to be awesome," Aprille told her. "I've already got everything here set up so I can stay glued to the tv."
"I can always count on you, can't I?"
"Of course," Aprille said, "You just better let me come out there and visit once in awhile."
"Like I could stop you." Ash laughed. She knew that she'd be able to get a boost from her best friend. It calmed her some, but she could still feel the butterflies flitting around in her stomach. There was a knock at the door and Chaz got the money off the counter to pay for the sandwiches they'd ordered. She talked to Aprille for a few more minutes and then hung up, promising not to get herself all worked up.
The sandwiches were delicious and they ate them quickly, wanting to make sure they were ready to go in time. After they finished, Chaz jumped in the shower and Ash cleaned up the leftover papers and napkins. When he was done, she grabbed her towel and underclothes and headed to the bathroom.
The hot water seemed to soothe her and Ash came out of the shower, shiny and smelling of her favorite soap. She covered every inch of her body in a silky lotion and hurried to the bedroom. She towel-dried her hair and sat down in front of the vanity mirror. She applied her makeup with a steady hand before brushing out her hair and pulling it up loosely. A few curly wisps escaped to delicately frame her face and she smiled at the result.
Ash took one last lingering look and got up, walking over to the garment bag, hanging on the closet door. She unzipped it, gazing again at the material, so silky it shined. She took it out of the bag and stepped into it, gingerly pulling it up and reaching around to zip up the back.
Relishing the feel of the material against her skin, she leaned down and took the shoes from their box. She slid them on her feet and stretched her toes a little, making sure again that they didn't pinch or restrict them too much. She admired herself in the full-length mirror and smiled again, happy with the results.
"Wow...Mom, you look great."
"Thank you, sweetie," she said, grinning at him. He had his tux on, making him look a few years older than thirteen. His sandy-colored hair was gelled into a messy array of spikes and his bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement. Ash could feel herself tearing up at this preview of the man her son would become, but she swallowed them back, knowing it would just make Chaz roll his eyes uncomfortably.
Just as she was spritzing herself with a musky scented perfume a knock sounded at the door. Chaz ran to answer it and Ash took a minute to steady herself again, taking a few deep breaths. Yes, everything was going to be just fine. With a firm nod, she turned from the mirror and walked out of the bedroom.
Chris was waiting in the living area, talking to Chaz. He looked up as Ash entered and froze, his words completely forgotten. God, she was.... he couldn't begin to describe how beautiful she looked. The silence hung in the air and pulling himself together, he cleared his throat.
"You look...amazing."
Ash smiled, a slight blush staining her cheeks, making her look even sexier. Chris licked his lips and smiled. He couldn't believe that he was the lucky one who got to have her on his arm tonight. He was going to be the envy of every man there. Offering his arm, he smiled again and they all left her loft.
~*~
It was complete and utter chaos. People were everywhere. There were constant flashes from cameras and questions loudly hurled at whichever celebrity was nearest and would stop to listen. Ash and Chaz walked alongside Chris, flanked on either side by the rest of the group. Ash had a smile plastered to her face, which was starting to ache from the constant position.
A hand squeezed hers and she looked over to find Chris smiling down at her. She relaxed some knowing he was right there beside her, supporting her. Chaz was eating up the attention, waving at people and hamming it up for the cameras. The guys had teased him good-naturedly about his tux, but they seemed to hover around him, like they would a younger brother.
It seemed like hours before they were finally inside and sitting in the plush seats surrounding a huge stage. Ash was seated towards the middle of the aisle with Chris on one side and Chaz on the other. Chris explained a little about how the show worked and they would have to leave quite some time before their actual performance so they could get ready. Ash sat in wide-eyed wonderment, taking it all in.
When the show started, Ash tried to pay attention, but Chris kept making comments about the different celebrities that sent her into fits of giggles. She shushed him, but was secretly thankful for his jokes. Their performance was supposed to be the highlight of the show and was set smack in the middle. About 45 minutes before they were to go on, one of the crew members stopped at the aisle, letting them know it was time to go backstage. Chris leaned over to kiss Ash stood up, winking at her before getting up to slide past her.
"For luck," he said. Like he needed it. Ash smiled at them as they each passed her. They each hugged her quickly, Lance and Joey pressing a kiss to her cheek as they went by. The butterflies started to come back and Ash had to take a few deep breaths. She felt like she was watching her child taking it's first steps. Chaz reached over and squeezed her hand. She looked at him and he smiled.
"They're gonna do great, Mom," he said.
"Yeah, I know."
"Besides, with your choreography, how can they go wrong?"
Ash grinned at him. It was so simple to Chaz. For her though...it could make or break her career here in the land of celebrity. They turned back to the show, watching a few more winners take the stage. When the lights dimmed onstage and she heard the opening strains of the remix she'd listened to so much she heard it in her sleep, Ash held her breath. She glanced over at Whip and Shay who were smiling brightly and giving her the thumbs up. Ash turned back toward the stage and watched.