Let's get the show started

Songs:

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile from the movie Annie sung by Donald Craig

It's Been a Long, Long Time by Kitty Kallen

It's Magic by Doris Day

The Man I Love by Dorothy Lamou


Ch 15: A Little Song and Dance

(Heart's POV)

I got to the steps of the stage. I got a little nervous again. I was fine during lunch time, but I noticed there were a lot more people here for dinner. It was my second time up on stage for a long period of time. I took a breath and went up to the stage as the band finished their last instrumental song and they took a bow.

The Raven demon playing trumpet, who I found out his name was Randy, waved to me.

"Hey there little miss. Are you ready to get this show on the road?" Randy asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be. We all remember the songs I picked for tonight?" Everyone nodded. "Alright let's get started then."

I walked up to the microphone. I looked out into the crowd of tables to find Charlie. I soon spotted them; they all were sitting on a table to the left that was close to the dance floor. I saw Charlie wave at me. I gave a small wave back.

I looked back out to the rest of the dining area. "Good evening everyone. Welcome to Giuseppe's. Enjoy your dinner while we sing you some tunes. Don't be afraid to get onto the dance floor either." I took a pause. "The songs for tonight are some songs for that special someone in your life or just some fun ones to get you on your feet."

I finished and then looked down a moment. Alastor, I still miss you so much. Some of these songs...I'm dedicating to you. I'll sing for you. This first one especially I knew was a song he referred all the time.

I grabbed the mic as the music started and started to sing.

"Hey, hobo man

Hey, Dapper Dan

You've both got your style

But Brother,

You're never fully dressed

Without a smile!"

I heard people starting to cheer slightly. They knew the song.

"Your clothes may be Beau Brummelly

They stand out a mile -

But Brother,

You're never fully dressed

Without a smile! "

I had a smile as well this whole song. I just think of Alastor when he would always quote it or hum it as he walked down the hallway.

"Who cares what they're wearing

On Main Street,

Or Saville Row,

It's what you wear from ear to ear

And not from head to toe

(That matters)"

I glanced at Charlie and them at their table and they certainly looked surprised by the song I chose.

"So, Senator,

So, Janitor,

So long for a while

Remember,

You're never fully dressed

Without a smile!

Ah, the lovely Boylan Sisters "

I stopped singing and some of the band members that had a high voice sang the next lines.

"Doo doodle-oo doo

Doo doodle-oo doo

Doo doo doo doo

Doo doo doo doo

Your clothes may be Beau Brummelly

They stand out a mile

But, bother

You're never fully dressed

You're never dressed

Without an

S-

M-

I-

L-

E.

Smile darn ya smile"

I finished and almost wanted to cry. I did that song for Alastor. The man that made me smile every day since I met him. He lived by that song. I looked and saw Charlie clapping but Vaggie and Angel kind of looked at each other with a look of shock on their face. I didn't care how anyone reacted; I did that song for him. I just hoped Alastor was out there watching me and proud of what I did.

I sang two more songs that managed to get some people out on the dance floor. I then switched it to a slow song to get those lovers on the floor.

There was a lot of instrumental with this song, so the boys played the song and I kind of did some twirls on stage until it was time for me to sing. I noticed that Charlie had dragged Vaggie onto the dance floor finally and the two started to dance. I thought it was adorable, but pour Angel was alone. I noticed him sigh as he put his head in his one hand while his other played with the water glass on the table. If I wasn't on stage, I would have danced with him.

I then got to the singing part.

"Never thought that you would be

standing here so close to me

there's so much I feel that I should say

but words can wait until some other day

Kiss me once, then kiss me twice

Then kiss me once again

It's been a long, long time

Haven't felt like this, my dear

Since I can't remember when

It's been a long, long time

You'll never know how many dreams

I've dreamed about you

Or just how empty they all seemed without you

So, kiss me once, then kiss me twice

Then kiss me once again

It's been a long, long time"

The trumpet started back up. Again, this song made me think of the deer demon that I was missing in my life. The kisses every day. Every night when he would come to my room and tell me goodnight. Kiss me deep and passionately.

"Ah, kiss me once, then kiss me twice

Then kiss me once again

It's been a long time

Haven't felt like this my dear

Since I can't remember when

It's been a long, long time

You'll never know how many dreams

I dreamed about you

Or just how empty they all seemed without you

So, kiss me once then kiss me twice

Then kiss me once again

It's been a long, long time

Long, long time"

I stood back and people clapped. It was so fun being up here. Charlie and Vaggie went back and sat down. I then spotted her; it was Lizzy! She was at the front desk. The host walked her to Charlie and them. They greeted her and she sat down with them. I got nervous again. I was surprised Lizzy came. I don't know if she has ever seen me sing before. She's seen me sing at karaoke, but this was different.

The next song was starting so I had to be focused.

"You sigh, a song begins

You speak and I hear violins

It's magic

The stars desert the skies

And rush to nestle in your eyes

It's magic

Without a golden wand

Or mystic charms

Fantastic things begin

When I am in your arms

When we walk hand in hand

The world becomes a wonderland

It's magic

How else can I explain?

Those rainbows when there is no rain

It's magic

Why do I tell myself

These things that happen are all really true

When in my heart I know

The magic is my love for you"

The band kept playing the song. As there was a tiny break from the lyrics.

"Its magic

Why do I tell myself

These things that happen are all really true

When in my heart I know

The magic is my love for you"

The song ended and again people clapped. I looked over and I saw Lizzy clapping as well. I was surprised and happy. My night wasn't over though. I still had a few more songs to do.

I went away from the slow songs and went to some more jazz and ones you could really dance to. I did about three of those songs. I was having so much fun after a while, I didn't even realize what time it was. I had time for one last song.

I was also surprised that my friends and my sister stayed this entire time. It made me happy to see that they truly did support me, and it made my heart just fill with joy. I was happy to have them around on my first day.

I then got to my final song.

I went up to the mic. "OK folks I have one more song for you tonight and then I'll be off." I announced.

Everyone clapped. They really did enjoy me. I was just smiling.

The last song started up.

"Someday he'll come along, The man I love

And he'll be big and strong, The man I love

And when he comes my way

I'll do my best to make him stay

He'll look at me and smile, I'll understand

Then in a little while, He'll take my hand

And though it seems absurd

I know we both won't say a word

Maybe I shall meet him Sunday,

Maybe Monday, maybe not

Still I'm sure to meet him one day

Maybe Tuesday will be my good news day

He'll build a little home, That's meant for two

From which I'll never roam, Who would, would you

And so all else above

I'm waiting for the man I love."

There was a break in the lyrics as the band continued behind me. Soon the lyrics came back.

"Maybe I shall meet him Sunday,

Maybe Monday, maybe not

Still I'm sure to meet him one day

Maybe Tuesday will be my good news day "

This song reminded me of Alastor because I am missing the man I love most. Maybe someday I'll see him again. I tried to keep my mind on the rest of the song.

"He'll build a little home, that's meant for two

From which I'll never roam, Who would, would you

And so all else above

I'm waiting for the man I love."

The song ended and people stood from their tables and clapped for me. I was so surprised. I gave a small bow and then gestured to the band behind me who also bowed. I bowed one last time, gave a little wave and then walked off the stage.

When I got to the bottom of the steps I was met with Charlie and the others.

"Heart you were amazing." Charlie praised her as her eyes went wide.

"I agree. I had no idea you sang so well." Vaggie added as well.

Lizzy punched my arm lightly. "You killed it up there sis."

Angel slung one of his arms around me. "You did a great job kid. I enjoyed everything ya did up there." Angel said to me, he sounded like he was drinking and had a small slur.

"Thanks everyone." I had such a big smile on my face.

I couldn't believe how tonight went. Too bad Alastor couldn't be here to see me, I'm sure he would have enjoyed it.

Soon Glenn walked up to me. He had a small bouquet of flowers in his hand, they were red roses. When he got up to us, he handed them out to me. "Heart, these arrived for you. They are from someone that wanted to remain anonymous."

"For me?" I questioned as I took the flowers.

Glenn nodded. "They just showed up on the host stand when no one was looking. There is a small card attached but I didn't want to read it." Glenn told me. "You may leave for tonight as well. Very good work tonight young lady."

Glenn then walked away.

I looked and did see a small card. I pulled it off and looked to see the writing on it. I almost didn't want to believe it. My ears went back. I knew the handwriting. Alastor's.

The card said: "To my Little Wolf, you sang wonderful tonight. Keep smiling, my dear."

I started to cry, putting my ears flat against my head. Alastor was here. He did watch me. I put my hand to my mouth as tears fell. Charlie took the card from me and read it. She gave me a sad look. She put a hand on my shoulder.

"Heart, you going to be ok?" Charlie asked me.

I nodded, not trusting my voice.

"What the hell does that jerk want?" Angel said as he read it as well over Charlie's shoulder.

"Come on let's get out of here." Lizzy said as she wrapped an arm around me and led me towards the front door.

We all headed outside. Once we got outside Charlie handed me back the card that was on the flowers and put it against me.

"Heart, I thought it was nice of him to buy you flowers. It was your first night." Charlie said to me.

Lizzy lit a cigarette. "When I see that asshole again, I'm going to beat the shit out of him."

Charlie looked over at Lizzy, "I don't think that's necessary."

"I think it is. He broke my sister; I say it's only fair if I break him to." Lizzy said as she took a hit.

"Charlie, it's ok." I said finally." I agree, it was nice of him. It shows me that he did in fact watch me." I looked down at the flowers. "Maybe he'll be back soon then." I smiled.

I could tell everyone was giving me a sad look.

"I wouldn't keep your hopes up." Lizzy whispered as she blew out smoke.

"Time will tell." Vaggie said.

Eventually we did say our goodbyes, I said my thank you, gave hugs and went our separate ways. Me and Lizzy walked home together but it was a silent walk. At least no one bugged us along the way.

We got home and I went to my room. I placed the flowers in with the other one I got yesterday. At least they were all roses. I had a smile. My ears to the side in content. I looked at our picture together. I placed the card that came with my flowers down besides the picture.

"Heart." I heard my name be called.

I turned and saw Lizzy in the doorway.

"Lizzy, what's up?" I asked her, turning around.

She walked up to me. "Don't get your hopes up with these flowers and shit you are getting. Whether they are from Alastor or not I don't know but I just want to tell you. To be careful."

I was a little upset that Lizzy was saying these to me but at the same time I understood that she didn't want to have my feelings be hurt again.

"Thanks Lizzy, I understand your concern. For the moment though" I turned back to the flowers. "These are what have gotten me to go out and do stuff. For me to get a job. It just has me excited."

"Ok, but still. Be careful." She said with concern.

"I will. Oh, by the way, I'm going to be taking dance lessons. I'm going tomorrow. You want to join me?" I asked her.

"Eh, no thanks. Not my thing. Have fun though."

I nodded, "Ok, well Goodnight Lizzy."

"Goodnight." She closed my door.


The next morning, I got up and got ready so I could go to my dance lesson with the guy I met yesterday. That snake demon, Russell. He was a pretty charming guy and I was going to give him a try on how this dance stuff would go.

I got dressed and was getting ready to leave. I looked at my flowers on the table beside my bed and I had a smile go across my face. It got me going today.

I made sure I had everything, and the card Russ gave yesterday and walked out of the house.

After walking a big through town, I got to my destination.

I held out the card in my hand to look at the address. This was the place that was on Russ's card. The building looked like an old small theater, it almost looked abandoned but when you looked closer at the one door you could see a sign in the window that said, 'Russell's Dance Lessons'

I decided to head inside. The place still looked a little run down and a tiny bit dusty. I didn't know where to go so I walked to another set of doors. I perked up my ears and soon heard the tune of music playing behind them. I looked in to see a stage all lit up and the music was clear. I saw Russ on stage, he had another client with him. I was a little early, so I walked down the aisle and sat in a seat close to the stage and sat down to watch.

Russ noticed me sitting, "Ah hello there young lady. This lesson is almost over so I'll be with you shortly." He said with a smile.

I sat and waited the last 10 minutes until they were done. Just from watching them it seemed that the person he had on stage had been learning for a while and Russ was satisfied with their work. They said goodbye to each other and now it was probably my turn.

"Now, shall we get started dearest Heart." Russ said as he gestured to the stage.

I was nervous a moment as my ears were back and my tail wrapped around me, but I got up from the chair and went up to the stage. As I got to the top of the stage in front of Russ, I dropped my tail from my waist.

"Are you ready to start?" He asked me with a smile.

"I guess so. Where do we begin?" I wondered with a little excitement.

"Well I say we start with tap dancing, but I go through all the types of dances with first timers to see what they know. Then go with what they want to focus more on." Russ explained.

"Ok sounds fair, let's start then." I said with a smile.

We started with some little dance styles and even ones I never knew of. Tap, Ballet, Swing and even Hip-Hop, which was an interesting one to try. Some of them I wasn't really a fan of. For the most part I was pretty into all the dancing. I still love to do it. Russ was a pretty good teacher and did show that he did know what he was doing. Sometimes he was a little hands on with everything I tried but I knew he was just trying to teach me, so I just brushed it all off.

"Alrighty, very very well dear. Now we have one last one I'd like to try and do today, I hope you don't mind a partner?" Russ asked with a small bow.

"Well if a partner is needed then I don't mind." I answered.

Russ went up to me and took my hands and put one on his shoulder and the other in his hand. He put his hand on my hip.

"The normal ballroom waltz." Russ said.

I was very uneasy, but I had to show him I was ok with dancing.

"Have you done this dance before?" He asked me.

"Oh yes. I danced a lot with my…old significant other." I told him.

I had such a hard time thinking of what to call Alastor. I didn't want to call him an ex. I didn't want to call him an old thing. He was still mine even though I haven't seen him in two months…. right?

"Ah well good. Let's get started then." Russ said as he started the music.

It was weird at first. Doing the dance with Russ since I only ever danced with Alastor. Was nice to dance again though. Russ dipped me at one point as well, I wasn't surprised by it as I was used to Alastor dipping me all the time. Of course, Alastor used to kiss me so it was a weird feeling to not have one. Russ was very close to me though after the music was done though.

He cleared his throat and pulled away from me. "Very nice, your old dance partner has taught you well. I will say that you need no work on this at all."

"Thank you. So, what do you think will be best for me?" I asked him curiously.

"I'll say that since you work where you do some entertaining, I say we start with more tap dancing for you." Russ suggested.

"Sounds good to me." I said smiling.

"We can start that in the next lesson then. You have an idea on when you'd like to come back?" Russ asked.

"I'd love to come back and learn more. How about in two days? That sounds ok?" I asked.

"That's fine. Want me to put you down for the same time?" He made sure

"Yes please." I answered.

"Sounds good. I'll see you next time then dear." Russ said.

We said our goodbyes and I walked back home. I was looking forward to more dance lessons. Russ was an amazing teacher and I was glad to have met him. Nice guy too, I was happy to have another lesson from him.

I was hoping these next few months will turn out ok and hopefully I can live them to the fullest.


Not over yet, I promise. Let's see how the last few months pan out yea?