I can do this.
I've waited for so long, I can do this.
Looking around the stage, I make out familiar faces. Naya and Heather sit on a blanket sharing a hotdog and smiling as they watch Lea bounce around looking for Dianna, shielding her eyes from the sun. I laugh. Lea always forgets her sunglasses.
I keep looking around, waiting to see the rest of the cast. Max and my brother Chuck are by the concessions stand, stocking up candy for the show. Cory, Mark, and Chord are throwing around a frisbee, while Jenna and Harry walk around the park, looking for places to take pictures of with Jenna's new camera.
Suddenly, I see Chris.
He's standing far off to the side, and looking directly at me, a small smile on his face. I grin back. I can do this. He'll understand.
Clearing my throat, I speak into the microphone.
"Hi, everyone. I'm Darren. Welcome to the benefit concert to promote the album we've put out, which is a collaboration of artists that have come together to pay tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time- Bob Dylan. I'm here to start you off."
Breathe, Darren.
"Um. This is- this is for Chris, my…friend. I thought about you when I picked this song out, because. Um, just listen, okay? You'll understand."
I start to play, taking in a breath as I open my mouth.
Can't you hear that rooster crowing ?
Rabbit running down across the road
Underneath the bridge where the water flows through
So happy just to see you smile
Underneath the sky of blue
On this new morning, new morning
On this new morning with you.
I look up, catching Chris's eyes. His expression is hard to read. Oh God, I think I've upset him. He doesn't want this. He doesn't feel the same way. I look down. I can't stop singing now; I've got to keep going.
Can't you hear that motor turning
Automobile coming into style
Coming down the road for a country mile or two ?
So happy just to see you smile
Underneath the sky of blue
On this new morning, new morning
On this new morning with you.
The night passed away so quickly
It always does when you're with me.
I look up, making sure I don't catch Chris's eye. I look over to Max and my brother, both of them smiling at me, Max giving me a small wave and a thumbs up. Naya and Heather are holding hands, smiling and swaying as I keep paying. Lea's leaning on Dianna's shoulder, still covering her eyes from the sun bearing down on her, while the boys wave their hands in the air all together swaying. Chuckling, I continue.
Can't you feel that sun a-shinning?
Ground hog running by the country stream
This must be the day when all of my dreams come true
So happy just to be alive
Underneath the sky of blue
On this new morning, new morning
On this new morning with you.
I have to look at Chris. I need to know if we'll be okay after this, even if he doesn't feel the same way. I'm scared.
I look up, and I'm greeted by the biggest smile I've ever see from Chris. I smile back, hope rising in me, as I watch him wink.
He feels the same way.
I finish the song, and smile as the applause dies down. Introducing the next artist, I walk off the stage, and see Chris waiting for me. I walk up to him slowly, and stand facing him.
"So," he says, smiling.
"So," I say.
"Kiss me," he says simply.
I grin and walk forward, putting my arms around him, and leaning forward capturing his mouth. He smiles into the kiss, putting his arms around my neck and kissing back.
I hear the entire cast hoot behind us. "Finally!" I hear Lea say, and I laugh, breaking away from the kiss.
I look at Chris as he laughs, and entangle my fingers through his, as we walk back to our friends.
So happy just to be alive
Underneath the sky of blue
On this new morning, new morning
On this new morning with you
New morning
With you