Where I'll Always Be
Chapter 22: Worries and Surprises
It was the middle of December. It was colder, now everyone was bundled up in coats and scarfs. Nikkie and Craig have rehearsed every word, every step, and every single detail for the Festival. It was a December 23 on a thursday, the day before the performance. Nikkie, Craig, Jimmy, and Paige were in the school that was holding the performances. School had ended the day before. Nikkie was putting up red and gold stringy streamers on the rim of the stage and Paige was putting up the blue and silver stringy streamers on the walls. Jimmy helped out with putting the decorated pictures on the walls. Nikkie stood on the stage with Craig as they hung white shiny snowfalkes on the blue curtains of the stage. Nikkie got down from the chair she was standing on and stepped back to look at the stage.
"This auditorium turned out so nice" Nikkie said
"Yeah, just wait till you have to perform on it. In front of hundreds" Paige said picking up extra snowflakes from the floor.
"Thanks for the encouragement" Nikkie said. Paige smiled
"Don't stress, you got it" Jimmy said putting his arm around Nikkie and kissing her. Nikkie smiled
"This came out beautiful, thank you so much for your help, me and my staff can clean up the rest, ok" Ms. Parkinson, the school vice-principal said as she walked in to the auditorium.
"Cool, let's go get something to eat" Paige said "I'm starved" she added
Evryone slipped on their jackets and left in a taxi to get back home. They picked up some food and went back to Nikkie's house because it was too cold to stay out. They were up in her room eating and watching T.V.
"So you guys ready for the show tomorrow" Raylese said as she walked into the room
"Yeah, everything is perfect nothing can interfere" Nikkie said
"Good, well I'll be back in a while, mom's coming home in an hour or two and Alexa is sleeping in mom's room." Raylese said and she left.
"So....everyone's going to Chris's for the X-mas Eve party" Paige asked
"Yeah, from what I've heard" Nikkie said
"Cool..... I'm gonna head home...... I need to get some sleep, and I need to get started on my Winter packet" Paige said
"Yeah, I'll leave with you" Craig said as he and Paige both slipped on their coats.
After Craig and Paige had left Nikkie had fallen asleep. Jimmy covered her with her thick light brown and black comforter. He kissed her cheek and went home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
It was Christmas Eve. Nikkie was walking around her room in her towel packing her outfit and supplies in her bag. She slipped on red sweatpants and a black long sleeve shirt. She did her hair and slipped on her black coat. She left her mother a note that read:
Mom-
See you at the show. Wish me luck.
-Nikkie XOXO
She left to pick up Jimmy. After getting Jimmy, they went to the school to get on the bus. She found everyone here. Mr. Raditch was taking attendance. But Nikkie notice something was wrong.
"Manuela Santos, Chris Sharpe, Marco Del...." Mr. Raditch said as he got cutt off
"Wait a minute. Where's Craig" She asked
"Oh, he's going to be running late. He'll be coming to the school later." Mr. Raditch said
Nikkie looked down and Jimmy put his arm around her. The attendance was finish and everyone went into the bus. Nikkie sat in the second seat from the back with Jimmy. Manny and Emma sat behind them. Manny sat by herself beside Emma and Chris.
"Hey Nikkie" Emma said. Nikkie got up on her knees and rested her elbows on the rim of the seat looking down at Emma and Chris.
"Yeah" Nikkie said
"Where's Craig" Emma asked
"I have no clue, but wherever he is, he better remember not to let me down" Nikkie said
"Well good luck. I heard Joey has to work overtime and then Craig has no one to take him. Plus between Christmas Eve and New years Eve trains don't go straight to Peterborough, you have to take atleast two shuttles. Then finally walk atleast 20 blocks to get there" Emma said. All this made Nikkie's stomach turn. It was only 12:00. The show didn't start until 7:00. Nikkie sat back down and curled up with Jimmy.
After 2 and a half hours of driving it was now 2:300 and they had finally arrived at the school. Nikkie was backstage doing a warm-up with her voice. Jimmy was helping out with the rest of the stage setup. Manny was with Chris rehearsing some dance steps with a few other girls. It was finally time to get dressed and get ready because the auditorium was already beginning to get full.
Nikkie slipped on black jeans that had had a tanish brownish fade in it. She slipped on a tan and light brown floral tanktop. She slipped on a jean jacket that matched her jeans and the tan timberland high heel boots. She pulled her straight hair into a ponytail on the side. She used a crimper and crimped some of the hair in her pony tail. She topped it off with a tan colored kangol had that she tilted to the side. Paige helped her do her make-up. Nikkie put on meduim gold hoops and sat down drinking and drank alot of water.
It was 7:30 and Craig hadn't arrived yet. Nikkie was pacing sucking the tip of her thumb.
"Nikkie calm down, he'll show up" Chris said putting his hands on her shoulder and looking at her.
"Thanks Chris but, he's late and we'll be on in half an hour. There is no chance he'll make it" Nikkie said walking away to sit down and drinking a little bit of water. Chris sighed and walked over to Manny who was dressed in a black mini-skirt and a red tube top and red knee-high stockings and black sneakers. She was with 4 dancers who were wearing black capris and red tank top and red santa hats.
The backstage director came and gave everyone slots. Nikkie and Craig were the 11th performers. Nikkie breathed easier with releif because now there was chance for him to come.
Nikkie was sitting next to Spinner who was practicing his drum recital on the table with his drum sticks. Marco and Jimmy were doing a quick review of the song and Nikkie had seemed to have lost hope of Craig showing up. She walked over to Jimmy.
"I'm canceling my performane" Nikkie said
"What?" Jimmy asked
"It's too late for Craig to arrive and it's useless without him" Nikkie said
"No, you can do it. You have the tape with his recording on it, right" Jimmy asked
"Yeah, but.."
"But nothing. You can do it. I know you can" Jimmy said holding hand and staring deeply in her eyes. Nikkie looked at him then looked down. She looked back up.
"I can. Ok......I'll do it" Nikkie said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him and sat down and reviewed her lyrics with more confidence than before.
Manny was on stage performing a song called "Kiss me on Christmas" which she wrote and Chris was on the side on the turn table. The dancers were in the back round and it was awsome. Then 3 other performers went. Then it was time for Jimmy, Marco and Spinner. Jimmy was playing guitar and sing so was Marco.
(Jimmy)Jimmy and Marco play soft guitar music, with soft drumming
I see you sitting there
With a smile on your face
My world just shifts around
Everytime I feel your space
And never did I think it would go so far
Never did I think we would be
(Jimmy and Marco)
Together forever more
(Chorus {Jimmy and Marco}) Spinner banged his drums and the music got heavier with more rock/pop
This is for the night
You made me see the light
You took my hand
And told me you understand
This ifs for the night
You said I love you so
I know this cause
Your lips told me so.
Uh Yeah, oh oh oh oh oh oh
This is for the night
(Marco)
I look into your eyes
You got me hypnotized
Im spinnin round and round
My world it turned upside down
I never felt this way
Until the first day
We met
I closed my eyes and we
We kissed
We kissed
You backed up and you smiled and said
See you at school
(Chorus{Jimmy and Marco})
This is for the night
You made me see the light
You took my hand
And told me you understand
This ifs for the night
You said I love you so
I know this cause
Your lips told me so
The drums became softer taps.
(Jimmy)
You took my hand and said
That you understand
You said you wouldn't leave
Me all alone in the dark
I feel the lights go down
There's no one around
You kept your Promise
Caaauussee
The drumms became louder.
(Jimmy and Marco)
I FEEL YOU NEXT TO ME
This is for the night
You made me see the light
You took my hand
And told me you understand
This ifs for the night
You said I love you so
I know this cause
Your lips told me so
This is for the night
You made me see the light
You took my hand
And told me you understand
This ifs for the night
You said I love you so
I know this cause
Your lips told me so
AND THE SONG ENDED
"Merry Christmas everyone" Jimmy yelled
"Merry Christmas" Marco and Spinner said. Everyone clapped and whistled loudly. Nikkie stood beside the curtains smiling. When Jimmy came near her, he put down his guitar and she jumped in his arms.
"I knew you'd like it" Jimmy said squeezing her tightly. She let go and looked at him.
"I loved it" Nikkie said
He smiled and he kissed her.
One performer went on. And Nikkie was next. She was nervous. She stood still beside the curtains. She stood their cracking her knuckles and bending her knees making her jump up and down. Jimmy came behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. He kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear. "Good Luck" and he left.
The introducer came next to Nikkie and said "Ready....wait where's your partner" she asked.
"He's late, so do you mind just calling up Nikkie stevenson" Nikkie said. the lady nodded and went on stage as the other performer got off.
"Now to introduce a beautiful singer. Singing a song for the true meaning of love, especially on Christmas, here's Nikkie Stevenson singing "Whenever you call" by Mariah Carey and Brian Mcknight" she said. Kayla and Raylese in the audience looked confused with the question running through their minds **Where's Craig?**.
The intro came in.
(Craig backround tape) The stage was still empty. for that was Craigs que to come in.
Love wandered inside
Stronger than you
Stronger than I ( Nikkie walked on stage)
(Nikkie)
And now that it has begun
We cannot turn back
(Craig backround tape)
We can only turn into one
(Chorus:Nikkie and Craig backround tape)
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 remeber
The part of you so tender
I'll be the one to catch you fall
Whenever you call
Verse
And I'm truly inspired (Craig BR: And I'm)
Finding my soul (Craig BR: Finding my soul)
There in your eyes (Craig BR:There in your eyes)
And you
Have opened my heart(Craig BR: Have opened my heart)
And lifted me inside
By showing me yourself
Undisguised
(Chorus: Nikkie singing and Craig Backround tape)
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 remeber
The part of you so tender
I'll be the one to catch you fall
Whenever you call
(Craig backround tape singing)
And I will breathe for you each day
Comfort you through all the pain
Gently kiss your fears away
( Nikkie singing)
You can turn to me and cry
Always understand that I
Give you all I am inside
( Nikkie singing)
I won't ever be too far away to feel you.
SUDDENLY THE MUSIC CHANGED AND CRAIG APPEARED BEHIND NIKKIE HOLDING HER WAIST AS SHE HAND ONE HAND IN THE AIR PUSHING OUT HER BEAUTIFUL VOICE TO HIT THE HIGH NOTE.
(Craig singing WITHOUT his backround music)
And I won't hesitate at all
(Nikkie singing)
Whenever you call
(Chorus: Nikkie and Craig FINALLY singing together on stage)
I won't ever be too far away to feel you
(Nikkie)
And I won't hesitate at all
(Together)
Whenever you call
And I'll always remeber
The part of you so tender
I'll be the one to catch you fall
Whenever you call
Whenever you call
Whenever you call
They got a standing ovation. Nikkie did admit she got scared a little bit, but at the same time she was happy he made it. They both held hands and said Merry Christmas. They ran backstage and she hugged him tightly. She backed up and smiled. Craig was happy she wasn't upset. But then the light changed. She hit him in the arm
"What was that for" Criag said while rubbing his arm
"Because your had me worried.........where were you" she yelled
"I'm sorry.....I woke up late and then Joey had to work. Look I'm really sorry" Craig said
"It's ok, I'm just glad you made it. And at least you came dressed for it" Nikkie said studying his outfir. Which was black jeans and tan colored timberland construction boots and a white t-shirt and a tan colored zipper hoody.
It was end of the show and everyone went on stage to do a quick good night and Merry Christmas.
Author's Note: WoW!!! I thought I'd never get this on time. Hey I think that I loved this chapter, didn't you. If you did, share the love. If you didn't share your burn. I don't care. Chapter 23 coming next week...HOPEFULLY!!!
XOXO
Chapter 22: Worries and Surprises
It was the middle of December. It was colder, now everyone was bundled up in coats and scarfs. Nikkie and Craig have rehearsed every word, every step, and every single detail for the Festival. It was a December 23 on a thursday, the day before the performance. Nikkie, Craig, Jimmy, and Paige were in the school that was holding the performances. School had ended the day before. Nikkie was putting up red and gold stringy streamers on the rim of the stage and Paige was putting up the blue and silver stringy streamers on the walls. Jimmy helped out with putting the decorated pictures on the walls. Nikkie stood on the stage with Craig as they hung white shiny snowfalkes on the blue curtains of the stage. Nikkie got down from the chair she was standing on and stepped back to look at the stage.
"This auditorium turned out so nice" Nikkie said
"Yeah, just wait till you have to perform on it. In front of hundreds" Paige said picking up extra snowflakes from the floor.
"Thanks for the encouragement" Nikkie said. Paige smiled
"Don't stress, you got it" Jimmy said putting his arm around Nikkie and kissing her. Nikkie smiled
"This came out beautiful, thank you so much for your help, me and my staff can clean up the rest, ok" Ms. Parkinson, the school vice-principal said as she walked in to the auditorium.
"Cool, let's go get something to eat" Paige said "I'm starved" she added
Evryone slipped on their jackets and left in a taxi to get back home. They picked up some food and went back to Nikkie's house because it was too cold to stay out. They were up in her room eating and watching T.V.
"So you guys ready for the show tomorrow" Raylese said as she walked into the room
"Yeah, everything is perfect nothing can interfere" Nikkie said
"Good, well I'll be back in a while, mom's coming home in an hour or two and Alexa is sleeping in mom's room." Raylese said and she left.
"So....everyone's going to Chris's for the X-mas Eve party" Paige asked
"Yeah, from what I've heard" Nikkie said
"Cool..... I'm gonna head home...... I need to get some sleep, and I need to get started on my Winter packet" Paige said
"Yeah, I'll leave with you" Craig said as he and Paige both slipped on their coats.
After Craig and Paige had left Nikkie had fallen asleep. Jimmy covered her with her thick light brown and black comforter. He kissed her cheek and went home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
It was Christmas Eve. Nikkie was walking around her room in her towel packing her outfit and supplies in her bag. She slipped on red sweatpants and a black long sleeve shirt. She did her hair and slipped on her black coat. She left her mother a note that read:
Mom-
See you at the show. Wish me luck.
-Nikkie XOXO
She left to pick up Jimmy. After getting Jimmy, they went to the school to get on the bus. She found everyone here. Mr. Raditch was taking attendance. But Nikkie notice something was wrong.
"Manuela Santos, Chris Sharpe, Marco Del...." Mr. Raditch said as he got cutt off
"Wait a minute. Where's Craig" She asked
"Oh, he's going to be running late. He'll be coming to the school later." Mr. Raditch said
Nikkie looked down and Jimmy put his arm around her. The attendance was finish and everyone went into the bus. Nikkie sat in the second seat from the back with Jimmy. Manny and Emma sat behind them. Manny sat by herself beside Emma and Chris.
"Hey Nikkie" Emma said. Nikkie got up on her knees and rested her elbows on the rim of the seat looking down at Emma and Chris.
"Yeah" Nikkie said
"Where's Craig" Emma asked
"I have no clue, but wherever he is, he better remember not to let me down" Nikkie said
"Well good luck. I heard Joey has to work overtime and then Craig has no one to take him. Plus between Christmas Eve and New years Eve trains don't go straight to Peterborough, you have to take atleast two shuttles. Then finally walk atleast 20 blocks to get there" Emma said. All this made Nikkie's stomach turn. It was only 12:00. The show didn't start until 7:00. Nikkie sat back down and curled up with Jimmy.
After 2 and a half hours of driving it was now 2:300 and they had finally arrived at the school. Nikkie was backstage doing a warm-up with her voice. Jimmy was helping out with the rest of the stage setup. Manny was with Chris rehearsing some dance steps with a few other girls. It was finally time to get dressed and get ready because the auditorium was already beginning to get full.
Nikkie slipped on black jeans that had had a tanish brownish fade in it. She slipped on a tan and light brown floral tanktop. She slipped on a jean jacket that matched her jeans and the tan timberland high heel boots. She pulled her straight hair into a ponytail on the side. She used a crimper and crimped some of the hair in her pony tail. She topped it off with a tan colored kangol had that she tilted to the side. Paige helped her do her make-up. Nikkie put on meduim gold hoops and sat down drinking and drank alot of water.
It was 7:30 and Craig hadn't arrived yet. Nikkie was pacing sucking the tip of her thumb.
"Nikkie calm down, he'll show up" Chris said putting his hands on her shoulder and looking at her.
"Thanks Chris but, he's late and we'll be on in half an hour. There is no chance he'll make it" Nikkie said walking away to sit down and drinking a little bit of water. Chris sighed and walked over to Manny who was dressed in a black mini-skirt and a red tube top and red knee-high stockings and black sneakers. She was with 4 dancers who were wearing black capris and red tank top and red santa hats.
The backstage director came and gave everyone slots. Nikkie and Craig were the 11th performers. Nikkie breathed easier with releif because now there was chance for him to come.
Nikkie was sitting next to Spinner who was practicing his drum recital on the table with his drum sticks. Marco and Jimmy were doing a quick review of the song and Nikkie had seemed to have lost hope of Craig showing up. She walked over to Jimmy.
"I'm canceling my performane" Nikkie said
"What?" Jimmy asked
"It's too late for Craig to arrive and it's useless without him" Nikkie said
"No, you can do it. You have the tape with his recording on it, right" Jimmy asked
"Yeah, but.."
"But nothing. You can do it. I know you can" Jimmy said holding hand and staring deeply in her eyes. Nikkie looked at him then looked down. She looked back up.
"I can. Ok......I'll do it" Nikkie said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him and sat down and reviewed her lyrics with more confidence than before.
Manny was on stage performing a song called "Kiss me on Christmas" which she wrote and Chris was on the side on the turn table. The dancers were in the back round and it was awsome. Then 3 other performers went. Then it was time for Jimmy, Marco and Spinner. Jimmy was playing guitar and sing so was Marco.
(Jimmy)Jimmy and Marco play soft guitar music, with soft drumming
I see you sitting there
With a smile on your face
My world just shifts around
Everytime I feel your space
And never did I think it would go so far
Never did I think we would be
(Jimmy and Marco)
Together forever more
(Chorus {Jimmy and Marco}) Spinner banged his drums and the music got heavier with more rock/pop
This is for the night
You made me see the light
You took my hand
And told me you understand
This ifs for the night
You said I love you so
I know this cause
Your lips told me so.
Uh Yeah, oh oh oh oh oh oh
This is for the night
(Marco)
I look into your eyes
You got me hypnotized
Im spinnin round and round
My world it turned upside down
I never felt this way
Until the first day
We met
I closed my eyes and we
We kissed
We kissed
You backed up and you smiled and said
See you at school
(Chorus{Jimmy and Marco})
This is for the night
You made me see the light
You took my hand
And told me you understand
This ifs for the night
You said I love you so
I know this cause
Your lips told me so
The drums became softer taps.
(Jimmy)
You took my hand and said
That you understand
You said you wouldn't leave
Me all alone in the dark
I feel the lights go down
There's no one around
You kept your Promise
Caaauussee
The drumms became louder.
(Jimmy and Marco)
I FEEL YOU NEXT TO ME
This is for the night
You made me see the light
You took my hand
And told me you understand
This ifs for the night
You said I love you so
I know this cause
Your lips told me so
This is for the night
You made me see the light
You took my hand
And told me you understand
This ifs for the night
You said I love you so
I know this cause
Your lips told me so
AND THE SONG ENDED
"Merry Christmas everyone" Jimmy yelled
"Merry Christmas" Marco and Spinner said. Everyone clapped and whistled loudly. Nikkie stood beside the curtains smiling. When Jimmy came near her, he put down his guitar and she jumped in his arms.
"I knew you'd like it" Jimmy said squeezing her tightly. She let go and looked at him.
"I loved it" Nikkie said
He smiled and he kissed her.
One performer went on. And Nikkie was next. She was nervous. She stood still beside the curtains. She stood their cracking her knuckles and bending her knees making her jump up and down. Jimmy came behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. He kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear. "Good Luck" and he left.
The introducer came next to Nikkie and said "Ready....wait where's your partner" she asked.
"He's late, so do you mind just calling up Nikkie stevenson" Nikkie said. the lady nodded and went on stage as the other performer got off.
"Now to introduce a beautiful singer. Singing a song for the true meaning of love, especially on Christmas, here's Nikkie Stevenson singing "Whenever you call" by Mariah Carey and Brian Mcknight" she said. Kayla and Raylese in the audience looked confused with the question running through their minds **Where's Craig?**.
The intro came in.
(Craig backround tape) The stage was still empty. for that was Craigs que to come in.
Love wandered inside
Stronger than you
Stronger than I ( Nikkie walked on stage)
(Nikkie)
And now that it has begun
We cannot turn back
(Craig backround tape)
We can only turn into one
(Chorus:Nikkie and Craig backround tape)
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 remeber
The part of you so tender
I'll be the one to catch you fall
Whenever you call
Verse
And I'm truly inspired (Craig BR: And I'm)
Finding my soul (Craig BR: Finding my soul)
There in your eyes (Craig BR:There in your eyes)
And you
Have opened my heart(Craig BR: Have opened my heart)
And lifted me inside
By showing me yourself
Undisguised
(Chorus: Nikkie singing and Craig Backround tape)
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 remeber
The part of you so tender
I'll be the one to catch you fall
Whenever you call
(Craig backround tape singing)
And I will breathe for you each day
Comfort you through all the pain
Gently kiss your fears away
( Nikkie singing)
You can turn to me and cry
Always understand that I
Give you all I am inside
( Nikkie singing)
I won't ever be too far away to feel you.
SUDDENLY THE MUSIC CHANGED AND CRAIG APPEARED BEHIND NIKKIE HOLDING HER WAIST AS SHE HAND ONE HAND IN THE AIR PUSHING OUT HER BEAUTIFUL VOICE TO HIT THE HIGH NOTE.
(Craig singing WITHOUT his backround music)
And I won't hesitate at all
(Nikkie singing)
Whenever you call
(Chorus: Nikkie and Craig FINALLY singing together on stage)
I won't ever be too far away to feel you
(Nikkie)
And I won't hesitate at all
(Together)
Whenever you call
And I'll always remeber
The part of you so tender
I'll be the one to catch you fall
Whenever you call
Whenever you call
Whenever you call
They got a standing ovation. Nikkie did admit she got scared a little bit, but at the same time she was happy he made it. They both held hands and said Merry Christmas. They ran backstage and she hugged him tightly. She backed up and smiled. Craig was happy she wasn't upset. But then the light changed. She hit him in the arm
"What was that for" Criag said while rubbing his arm
"Because your had me worried.........where were you" she yelled
"I'm sorry.....I woke up late and then Joey had to work. Look I'm really sorry" Craig said
"It's ok, I'm just glad you made it. And at least you came dressed for it" Nikkie said studying his outfir. Which was black jeans and tan colored timberland construction boots and a white t-shirt and a tan colored zipper hoody.
It was end of the show and everyone went on stage to do a quick good night and Merry Christmas.
Author's Note: WoW!!! I thought I'd never get this on time. Hey I think that I loved this chapter, didn't you. If you did, share the love. If you didn't share your burn. I don't care. Chapter 23 coming next week...HOPEFULLY!!!
XOXO