2.

'So Darren how does it feel to be asked to perform at this year's 'Mardi Gras?' the interviewer from 'Outrage' asked.

'I've very flattered to be asked,' Darren replied with a genuine smile, 'the gay community have always been very supportive of my music and I thank them. It is wonderful to be here today and to be part of something like this. I was walking around earlier, watching the parade and I have to tell you the vibe here this year is something else. I think it's marvellous that everyone can come together like this and celebrate the diversity of our society.'

'You're going to be performing your new single 'Insatiable' can you tell us what that song is about?'

'It's about love, it's about being with someone who consumes your very being. The kind of love where you don't want to let that someone out of your sight for even one second.' Darren grinned, 'It's very sexy.'

'It is that.' The interviewer agreed with a laugh and then continued. 'Does it feel strange to be here as a solo artist?'

The $64,000 question.

Darren still wasn't sure about that one so he answered as honestly as he could. 'Yeah, it does feel a little weird but you know life is all about pushing yourself to do new things, even things that scare you a bit. Performing with a back up band is kinda like having a security blanket, you know that if you mess up they will carry you through but being up there all on my own, shit yeah, it freaks me out sometimes but I'm loving it as well. It's giving me a chance to be who I really am. What you see in my performances now is the real me, no bullshit, no image, just me. And I just know that everyone out there is waiting to see if I fall flat on my arse, well maybe I will, who knows? It's just all part of the 'new' me folks!' Both Darren and the interviewer laughed this time.

'Well thank you for your time Darren and I look forward to your performance later, I'll have my pillows ready just in case you do go flying.'

'Cheers mate.'

The two shook hands and then the guy wandered off to find his next celebrity to interview.

Darren watched him go before checking the time and concluding that he had enough to go out and mingle a bit more before he had to take to the stage.

Everywhere he went there were smiling, happy faces, even the police were relaxed and smiling. Rarely was there trouble at these events but you never could tell. All it took was a handful of narrow minded homophobes and it could all go horribly wrong.

But for now all was peaceful. Peaceful and colourful. Many people had taken part in the parade earlier and still wore their brightly coloured costumes. Darren thought that he had never seen so many sailor outfits and fairy wings. He felt almost drab in comparison dressed as he was in a pair of faded blue jeans and a black t-shirt. His outfit was deliberately low-key, he had chosen to wear what he felt comfortable in and much as he enjoyed all the razzmatazz of his stage outfits he was enjoying just being plain old Darren Hayes for a while.

Even so he caught more than one person glancing his way, checking him out? or merely searching their memories for where they had seen him before? Either way the attention was flattering but Darren refused to met their eyes, not wanting to engage in conversation or be asked for an autograph, he simply wanted to stroll around and soak up the ambience of such a unique day, though once or twice he found his own head turning and his inner voice asking ‘now is that a boy or a girl?’

The crowd was a real mixture, the annual event a real social occasion. There were families there with children, pushing babies in buggies or allowing them an advantaged view from a baby back-pack. All ages were present. All revelling in just being able to be themselves, to be to express themselves without fear of condemnation, proud of their sexuality.

Same sex couples walked around hand-in-hand, arms round each other, laughing and talking and over to one side of the park where they had gathered, a commitment ceremony was taking place. The officiator must have just said that the participants could kiss their partner as a loud cheer arose.

The cheering brought back memories of Darren’s own wedding, how happy he and Colby had been, surrounded by their friends and family. Happiest day of your life they said, and it was but somehow that happiness had floated away from them. Now here he was a single man and a solo artist.

Such thoughts led him to thinking once more of his other ‘marriage,’ the musical one that he and Daniel had had.

Two marriages. Two divorces. Both of them heartbreaking.

For a spilt second Darren regretted agreeing to perform ‘Affirmation’ but there was no way he could get out of it now. Better to get it over and done with. The first time was always going to be the hardest. Like getting back on a horse after it had thrown you. He had always known that it was something that he would have to do sooner or later. 

Sighing to himself he decided that he had better be getting back to the stage area to warm up his voice and go through his other pre-performance rituals. Not to mention that Leonie would no doubt be getting worried about where he was.

Backstage was a hub of frenzied excitement, Leonie instantly found him and led him over to the make-up table.

‘You know Darren,’ the make-up guy told him as he finished applying his foundation, ‘if you have something to tell your fans now would be a perfect opportunity to do so.’

Darren caught his eye in the mirror and smiled. ‘You know what?’

The guy smiled back, running his fingers through Darren’s hair and making his scalp tingle. ‘What?’

‘I don’t think so.’ Darren sang, bursting into laughter.

‘Oh well,’ the guy shrugged and picked up a tube of mascara, ‘no harm in trying.’ He winked conspiratorially at Darren, ‘Your secret’s safe with me.’

Darren just shook his head and grinned. He had to give him ten out of ten for trying but there were going to be no great revelations from him today.