This was it. I took a deep breath. I could hear the screaming of the girls.
I peeked through the curtain and saw Taylor stomping his feet as usual. Isaac was walking down along the lines of girls, showing off his guitar skills.
And Zac, of course, was banging the crap out of his drum set.
I took another deep breath and shoved my ear plugs in some more. I'm glad Zac recommended these things about 10 times.
I tugged on my jeans. I had bought them the other day. They were large and baggy and hid my leg cast. My arm brace was another thing. I knew how hot it got under the lights so I wasn't going to try wearing a long sleeve shirt.
I pulled my hair lackey out and tied my hair back up.
I sighed. I had put this on the guys with too short a notice, but they were enthusiastic. I had all my faith in them, but in me... well, I couldn't tell.
The music suddenly stopped and the screaming swelled.
I took a deep breath again. I felt light. Perhaps it was the drugs I was on. Suddenly, the tune of the Verve's 'The Drugs Don't Work' came into my head.
I shook my head, trying to erase the song.
"...and here's a very special friend of ours..."
I glanced at my watch.
"...she's a singer... You might know her."
I grabbed a stick of gum and shoved it in my mouth. God, I felt so nervous.
"Welcome Kristen Harmont!"
The screaming swelled again. As if they were screaming for me. It was just because Isaac has stopped speaking.
I pulled the curtain aside and walked slowly towards the extra mic stand at center stage. I lifted my hands on instinct, but then dropped them. Tay would be playing keyboards tonight.
I smiled at the crowd, and turned to Ike, raising my eyebrows. He gave the thumbs up.
I turned and flashed Tay a smile. I couldn't find Zac behind the drum set so I just smiled at the top hat.
I turned around.
It quietened.
"I dedicate this song to someone who has passed away. I loved her deeply, and so did these guys." I swung my arms around. "Tonight, this is for her. And I thank Isaac, Taylor and Zachary Hanson for helping me."
The screaming rose again.
I cleared my throat.
Slowly, the soft tones of a keyboard broke over the buzz.
I closed my eyes.
"Oh... oh."
It must have been cold there in my shadow...
Jessica.
...while you were the one with all the strength... a beautiful face without a name...
Laughter in the distance.
..you are the wind beneath my wings...
A gentle tapping, paced with the beat blended with the notes.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed... but I've got it all here in my heart..
I do, Jess. Believe me, I do.
The mellow tone of a guitar joined in.
My voice rose. Did I ever tell you you're my hero? You're everything, everthing I wish I could be.. oh, and I. I can fly fly higher than an eagle... for you are the wind beneath my wings...
I opened my eyes, not feeling the tears or seeing the audience. I saw only the mere glimpse of a face...
Fly... fly away... you let my fly so high... you the wind beneath my wings... you.. you.. you the wind beneath my wings...
Quietly, 3 voices joined mine and wrapped around in a single note.
Thank you, thank God for you the wind beneath my wings.