| Chapter 54: Whenever You Call One week later The girls ran to the bus, with the guys not far behind in their bus. They were in Phoenix, and had now gotten used to the tour life. Wake up in either their bus or hotel room, do some promotions in either local radio, television or magazines, rehearse, do sound check, get dressed, perform, then hop onto the bus awaiting their next destination. Sometimes, they checked out a local club or bar, but there wasn’t much time for sightseeing. The only things they saw were through a hotel or bus window. It was long days, depending on the schedule. The guys were used to it, but the girls had to do double time, doing as much promotion as they possibly could fit in to their already exhausting schedule. They hopped into the bus, making sure to not forget their things and practically collapsed on the couch in the back. “Whoa, is it me or do they get louder and louder?” Elizabeth sighed. “Especially in the last week,” Lauralee wiped her stage make-up off with a towel. “I don’t know how they do this every night for months. I’m exhausted.” Laura came to the back of the bus. “You guys up for a club tonight? Mario found out a place from one of the crew.” “I’m up for it,” said Veronica. “What about you guys?” “Sorry, I’m hanging with Bri tonight,” Elizabeth shook her head. “Same with Nick… he challenged me to a new video game,” Bianca smiled. “What about you Lau?” asked Laura. “Um, I don’t think so,” Lauralee looked out the window. “Why? Mario said it would be cool,” Laura asked. “Can’t, have to make a phone call,” Lauralee looked at her intently. “To who?” Lauralee looked down. “My mother.” Laura stopped for a second. “Oh God Lau, I’m sorry. I forgot,” Laura sat next to her. “3 years,” Lauralee sighed. “And it still seems like yesterday.” “OK forget the club, we’ll just hang at the room tonight,” Veronica suggested. “No, I don’t want you to have a pity party for me. You guys go and have fun. I really need to be by myself tonight,” she turned to the girls. “You sure?” “Absolutely.” ~*~ “I sent flowers to the cemetery this morning, Mom. I just wish I could be there with you,” Lauralee leaned against the headboard. “Honey, Daddy wouldn’t want you to drop everything to be here. Your Grandma came by and we went to the cemetery this afternoon. The flowers were beautiful, I saw them when I was there,” Sandy said into the phone. “It still hurts Mom,” Lauralee closed her eyes real tight. Sandy gave a broken sigh. “I know Lau. It takes time. We’ll always be sad, but we just have to think of the good times. If it wasn’t for your Dad, you wouldn’t be in the position you’re in now.” “True.” “Look I better get going. If you need me, I’ll be right by the phone.” “OK, uh Mom, did you get the tickets?” “Yup, this morning. We can’t wait to see you honey.” “1 month to go,” Lauralee smiled. “I love you.” “I love you too. Bye.” “Bye.” Lauralee hung up the phone and looked at the ceiling. She practically had to beg Alex to go with the crew to the club. He wanted to stay, but at her insistence, he only went because he asked her to. This was a day she really needed to collect her thoughts, to think about her family, and the last thing she needed was to have people tell her the same stuff about her father. Later on, she went outside of the room, where Marcus was waiting in the hall. “Everything all right?” Marcus went up to her. “Yeah, um listen, can we go down to the lounge? I want to work out on the keys.” “I don’t know Lau,” Marcus furrowed his brow. Mario went with the group, so Marcus was now her personal guard for the night. “Come on man, it’s 2 in the morning. Who’s gonna be up at this hour?” Marcus smiled. “OK, let’s go.” They went downstairs to the lobby, where Marcus led Lauralee down to the lounge. “Looks clear. Want me to leave you alone?” “No, have a seat. I could use a small audience tonight.” Marcus took a seat on one of the chairs as Lauralee walked up to the piano. “Feel like a song?” “From you? Anytime,” he winked. “I wrote this song for my dad right after he died. I think this is a good time to play it.” “You sure you want me here?” He stood up. “You bet I do, now sit,” Lauralee pointed to the chair. “You’re not a guard tonight, you’re a friend, got it?” Marcus’ shoulders relaxed a bit, signaling that he was “off” for the time being, and took a seat. “Ready?” Marcus nodded as Lauralee began to stroke the keys. Love wandered inside Stronger than you Stronger than I And now that it has begun We cannot turn back We can only turn into one I won’t ever be too Far away to feel you And I won’t hesitate at all Whenever you call And I’ll always remember The part of you so tender I’ll be the one to catch your fall Whenever you call And I’m truly inspired By finding my soul there in your eyes And you have opened my heart And lifted me inside By showing my your soul undisguised I won’t ever be too Far away to feel you And I won’t hesitate at all Whenever you call And I’ll always remember The part of you so tender I’ll be the one to catch your fall Whenever you call And I will pray for you each day Gently kiss your fears away You can turn to me and cry Always understand that I Give you all I have inside I won’t ever be too Far away to feel you And I won’t hesitate at all Whenever you call I won’t ever be too Far to feel you And I won’t hesitate at all Whenever you call I’ll always remember That part of you so tender And be the one to catch your fall Whenever you call Whenever you call Lauralee heard not only the applause of Marcus, but of Mario, Laura, Veronica, Howie, Kevin and Alex. They went up to Lauralee. “That was beautiful Lau,” Veronica wiped away the tear on her cheek. “What are you guys doing back?” asked Lauralee. “We were worried about you,” Alex said. “Plus, we weren’t really having a good time without our favorite bar top dancer,” Laura winked. “Hey, that was only one time with too many tequilas,” Lauralee laughed. “You OK?” asked Howie. “Yeah, that felt good to sing,” Lauralee smiled. Kevin put his hand on her shoulder. “I know the pain doesn’t exactly go away, but it lessens with time.” “I know.” “That was one of the most emotional songs I have heard live,” Marcus said as Mario nodded in agreement. “Thanks bro,” Lauralee gave him a hug. “And thank you for listening.” “You’re welcome,” Marcus let go of her. “Now I say that it’s bedtime for you guys. We leave at 9.” “Yes Mommy,” Alex whined as Marcus led the group upstairs to their rooms Chapter 55 Contents Chapter 52 |