| Chapter 33: The Comeback **Author's Note** The following song is an original written by a very good friend of mine. Keep your eyes out... she'll make it big someday, mark my words. All I did was give her a title, and she surprised me with a song. Thank you Deana, this chapter is for you. Mars 2112: New York City The girls were in the back, awaiting their grand entrance for their album release party. The day was everything they dreamed of and more. They spent all day promoting on television and radio shows, including an hour-long special on MTV, with the streets of Times Square so packed that they had to declare a state of emergency. More than that, the girls were elated when Lauralee informed them of that morning’s events, and were talking in between shows, wedding plans with Sandy and Jerry. Many celebrities were on hand for the event as well as the guys, their families and friends. They were going to perform their single, then spend the night celebrating their return to the music industry. The girls were getting ready; headsets on when Riley walked inside, grinning from ear to ear. “OK ladies, show time!” Riley clapped his hands together. “Ready?” “As we’ll ever be,” Elizabeth said. “Kim all set?” “She’s psyching herself up.” “OK, you know the drill ladies,” Bianca started. “Group prayer.” They all gathered around a circle with Riley, holding hands. Laura looked up at Lauralee. “Do the honors Lau?” “With pleasure,” Lauralee smiled as they bowed their heads. “Lord, thank You for giving us this moment. We ask that You give us the strength to perform with all of our hearts, keep our voices and bodies strong as we give it our all for our guests. We intercede through our dear friend and sister Veronica, who we are giving this performance for. Veronica, keep us safe and know that everything we do is for you. I also thank You Lord, for giving me back my family. Amen.” “Amen!” the girls and Riley said. “OK ladies ready?” Riley asked as the girls nodded. They all put their hands in the circle. “1,2,3, Elegance, victory is ours!” They all applauded as they got ready to walk on the stage, as Tommy Mottola was on hand to introduce the girls. “Welcome everyone to this elegant event! Tonight we celebrate the release and comeback of one of the most, in my opinion, talented and warm-hearted groups in the business today. They have persevered over many obstacles, coming back stronger than ever. I think their album says it all; they are victorious. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Elegance!” The applause was roaring as the girls came onstage, performing the song that allowed them their comeback: Lauralee: I know what you’ve been up to You keep on flirting with him You will get hurt You like to play with fire Try getting between us Our love will just keep on Getting higher Elizabeth: What do you think you’re doing? It’s not just any guy you’re pursuing Attempting to take him Every time I turn away I think you better listen To what I’ve got to say All: Girl, you must be dreaming He’s not your type Never been the kind That goes around scheming What we have is real Something you’ll never be able to feel I’ve got his heart, body, and soul It’s time you’ve been told That’s my boyfriend Bianca: You’re constantly running around in circles Spreading your tired lies Claiming how he was at the club last night With his hands up on your thighs Girl that’s my man Stop trying to creep up on him He’s my boyfriend Laura: Not one of those guys Who falls for your pretty little eyes I think you better listen To what I’ve got to say All: Girl, you must be dreaming He’s not your type Never been the kind That goes around scheming What we have is real Something you’ll never be able to feel I’ve got his heart, body, and soul It’s time you’ve been told That’s my boyfriend Lauralee: Didn’t anyone ever tell you If you play with fire You will get burned This is one lesson you’ll have to learn You will never be his girlfriend Watch yourself, you’re messing With my boyfriend Lil’ Kim: Uh, uh yeah, it’s the Queen Bee None of ya bitches got a hold on me My man’s got eyes for only me He’s true blue, you best believe See, my boo Is never gonna mess with you You pigeons don’t have the intelligence To steal the men who love Lauralee’s hot smile Laura’s bad girl style Bianca, who is running game And Elizabeth, who’s keepin’ her playas tame Girl, please, you don’t stand a chance There’s no screwing with the women of Elegance All: Girl, you must be dreaming He’s not your type Never been the kind That goes around scheming What we have is real Something you’ll never be able to feel I’ve got his heart, body, and soul It’s time you’ve been told That’s my boyfriend They froze in their final positions to applause reverberating the walls. The girls looked at each other and smiled as they gave their bows to the crowd, knowing it was all clear. Lauralee looked out and saw Sandy and Dominic cheering, Catherine clapping her hands wildly, Charlene whistling with her two fingers in her mouth, and, to her surprise, Jerry pumping his fist in the air and yelling. She gave them a wave, as Sandy blew a kiss to her. She then saw the guys, cheering wildly and smiling. Lauralee gave a wink to Alex and he responded by mouthing, “I love you.” ~*~ Howie, after watching their performance, went to the bar and got a glass of champagne. He then leaned on the bar, watching the scene in front of him. Ever since his moment of clarity, he knew things were set, however, he hadn’t gotten in touch with Celia. He tried calling her several times on her cell phone, home or at the club, but all he got was a voicemail, answering machine, or an employee saying she was busy or not in. He knew she was trying to avoid him, but he couldn’t bear to tell her his feelings on a machine. He didn’t even have the chance to know if Celia was at the party, because he flew in and went straight there. He almost missed the girls’ performance but thankfully he had about 2 minutes to spare, and now they were busy taking publicity shots and being congratulated by their guests. He said hello to people passing by, taking the occasional picture with a celebrity or executive, but he kept craning his neck to try and find her. He probably looked at over a hundred faces, but the one he wanted most of all seemed to be a no-show. ~*~ People were dancing the night away, with the girls living it up most of all. They mingled, sipped champagne, and most of all, being overjoyed at their comeback. It was everything they had hoped for and more. Lauralee walked around the crowd, receiving well-wishes from everyone, kisses on the cheek, and signing autographs of the CD, making her way to her family. “Finally made it,” Lauralee smiled as she approached her family. “What a party!” Sandy smiled. “You’ve outdone yourselves from the first one.” “Well, we have a lot more to be happy about right?” “Absolutely,” Jerry smiled. They chatted some more, overlooking Catherine dancing with P. Diddy again, making the crowd cheer as they cleared the dance floor. They laughed as the rest of the girls and guys, minus Howie, joined them. “I just can’t get over how your grandmother moves Lau,” Elizabeth snorted. “Let’s just hope P. Diddy can keep up with her,” Brian laughed. “Well, I, for one, am having a great time,” Alex said as he lifted his champagne glass up. “This calls for a toast.” They raised their glasses as Alex cleared his throat. “I said this once before to Lau when she began recording the album last year, but I think it’s appropriate again. To life, it’s one hell of a ride!” “Salud!” Jerry laughed at they clinked their glasses and drank. They drank as the DJ played a reggae version of “I Want it That Way,” as Lauralee turned to Jerry. “Ever reggae Jerry?” “Me?” Jerry widened his eyes at the grinding bodies on the floor. “Can’t say that I have.” Lauralee grabbed his arm. “Ladies, what say we show Jerry the Elegance way to dance.” The girls eagerly nodded. “What are you doing?” Jerry laughed as the girls grabbed his arms and dragged him to the floor and began to grind on him in a circle. He had a look of surprise and joy as he was being danced on. When the song ended, Jerry was laughing so hard he was crying. Lauralee laughed as she gave Jerry a hug. When they broke away, they looked at her mother as she had tears in her eyes, tears of pure joy. ~*~ Howie looked on, still trying to find Celia in the crowd, but decided to give up. Maybe he was too late. Then he saw Lauralee and the girls making their way to the bar. “Hey guys!” Howie yelled. The girls looked around as they saw Howie, waved and gave him hugs of hello. “We thought you weren’t gonna make it,” Laura smiled. “I almost didn’t, but the plane was delayed,” Howie said. “We haven’t seen you in a while. So… how are you?” Lauralee asked, looking a little unsure. “Actually… I’m better than I have been in a while,” Howie smiled. “Really?” asked Bianca. “I let go. It was hard for me, but I know she,” Howie looked up, “understands.” “We’re so happy for you!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “Group hug!” The girls surrounded Howie with a hug. “And?” Laura asked. “How does Celia feel?” Howie shook his head. “I don’t know. She’s avoided me since I came back. I think it’s too late.” A collection of snorts and giggles passed by the girls. “What’s so funny?” Howie asked. “Uh D?” Lauralee asked. “Have you managed to turn around in the past 2 minutes?” “Huh?” Howie turned around as the girls broke out into laughter. It was Celia. Chapter 34 Contents Chapter 32 "Boyfriend" Deana A. c/o Princess D. Publishing Copyright 2002 |