She slowly stepped up to the mic as the music began to play. We all looked around, unsure of if this was a mistake or not. Could she have really picked this song? Her eyes closed and her fingers started to snap at her side as she began to sing.
I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life
It's gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right.
Her eyes opened up and she slowly scanned the crowd as the music picked up in tempo.
As I, turn up the collar on, my favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin' my mind
I see the kids in the street, with not enough to eat
Who am I, to be blind? Pretending not to see their need
She seems almost wistful as she spreads her arms, moving her body to the beat.
A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top
And a one man's soul
They follow each other on the wind ya' know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know
She looks directly in front of her, at the tables of people. She motions like she's preaching to us but she's really talking to herself.
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
She bops around stage and gets all the sounds of Michael Jackson down pat. She almost does the nana's better than he does. Xander stares up at her with a look of amazement on his face as everyone at the table, and in the club, begin to get into the song with her.
I've been a victim of, a selfish kind of love
It's time that I realize
That there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Could it be really me, pretending that they're not alone?
She takes the mic and steps off the stage, prancing in between the tables. She touches some peoples shoulders as she pauses to continue the song.
A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart
And a washed-out dream
They follow the pattern of the wind, ya' see
Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me
She stops near our table and hops around in a little circle as she starts the chorus again. Then she walks slowly around our table, touching each of us as she looks into our eyes, singing her heart out.
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
She prances back up to the stage as the chorus continues to repeat. The music lifts into the bridge, a choir of backup singers join the track and everyone in the club is clapping along. She repeats the chorus a few times as she brings us back down, ending the song in style.
The club wait's a beat as the music stops and then it erupts in wild applause. Anya blushes and curtseys before jumping off the stage and bounding into Xander's arms. He hugs her tight and whispers softly into her ear, causing her to smile bashfully at him and kissing her cheek before sitting down. Picking up her glass, she takes a sip and looks around the table. "So who's gonna follow that?"