The Performance
(2 days later)
Madison walked into the ER in search of Abby.
"Hey Frank. Where's Abby?"
"Check the lounge, I think I saw her go in there about 5 minutes ago."
"Thanks!"
She pushed open the door and found Abby standing at the counter, staring into the depths of her coffee cup, as if it held all the answers to her problems.
"Hey, what's up?" Madi asked quietly, so as not to startle Abby.
Abby looked up, "Okay, I guess." Offering a half hearted smile.
"What time does your shift end tonight?"
"Um…7 o'clock I think."
"Perfecto. Do you have anything planned tonight?"
"Sitting at home, watching Friends reruns with a pint of Ben and Jerrys. Why?"
"Oh what flavor?" she shook her head, "Never mind. I have a show tonight and I was wandering if you wanted to come. Neela's coming and Sam's going to try and come if the ER isn't too busy and she can get away for a few minutes"
"I don't know." Madison looked at Abby with knowing eyes, "Ray isn't gonna be there, if that's what you're worried about. He's going to Violets surprise birthday party."
"Violet?" Abby asked.
"You know, Brett's girlfriend."
"Oh, I guess I could come."
"YES! Alright, it's at 9 o'clock. We'll all meet at your house, since that's where the majority of us live."
Abby chuckled.
"Well, I gotta go I was supposed to meet Drew here 5 minutes ago. Hopefully he didn't leave without me."
Set List
(1)Break Out! Break Out!
(2)Black Roses Red
(3)Crazy
Everyone met up at Abby's and Neela's apartment at 8 o'clock and headed to Ike's for sound-check. Pretty soon people started trickling in a few at a time. They decided to start the show early, but just as Madison was about to step on stage, she was pulled back. She turned around, coming face to face with Ray.
"What are you doing?" she asked in a stage whisper.
He looked at her intently, 'Please Madi, you gotta let me do this."
"Alright, fine. Abby's gonna get pissed at me, but oh well, I know how much this means to youou."
"Thanks so- wait, why is Abby gonna get pissed at you?"
"Because I promised her you weren't gonna be here. It was the only way I could get her to come."
"Well tell her she can blame it on my stubborn streak if she does."
"I'm gonna act like I'm trying to stop you so she knows this wasn't my idea."
"Fine, do whatever."
Ray strode out onto the stage with Madi in hot pursuit. She grabbed his arm as if to stop him, and he shook her off roughly, which seemed to take her by surprise. Upon seeing Ray, Sam, who had just walked in, gasped. Neela promptly dropped the Cosmo she had been sipping, and Abby choked on her Ginger Ale.
"Abby, baby, I'm sorry."
I'm just a blank sheet of paper
This fool's about to write you a letter
To tell you that he's sorry
For the way he did you wrong
To ask for your forgiveness
For leavin' you alone
She stood motionless, scarcely breathing, as he stared at her.
He's been lookin' down at me seems like forever
He takes the cap on and off his pen
It's like he can't decide
What he wants to say
If he'd just tell the truth
I'd be on my way
Madison watched the scene unfold from stage left, unable to tell what Abby was thinking.
But he just stares at me
And I just stare at him
He don't know where to start
To say he doesn't want it to end
Now it's one hour later
And I'm still a blank sheet of paper
The sunlight is coming through the curtains
He's almost asleep pen in hand
There's a tear in his eye
That refuses to fall
If it would land on me
That would say it all
But he just stares at me
And I just stare at him
He don't know where to start
To say he doesn't want it to end
Now it's four hours later
And I'm still a blank sheet of paper
Sam and Neela stood dumbstruck, the same exact thought running through each of their heads.
'He must really love her. They've really got it bad.'
But he just stares at me
And I just stare at him
He don't know where to start
To say he doesn't want it to end
Now it's four hours later
And I'm still a blank sheet of paper.
Abby put two and two together, realizing that that was what was going on in the lounge 2 days ago. 'He's almost asleep pen in hand'
Oh but he just stares at me
And I just stare at him
He don't know where to start
To say he wants it back again
Now one broken heart later
And I'm still a blank sheet of paper
The song ended and Ray vaulted off the stage. Abby stood where she was. He approached her cautiously, his eyes telling all; she stared back for a moment before hurling herself into his arms. A few onlookers applauded. As Madison and her band started playing, she caught Abby's eyes and was completely surprised when she mouthed 'Thank you.' Madison just shrugged in reply.
well guysI hoped you liked it! this is the last you'll hear from me for a while, I just hope you don't forget about me!
Disclaimer: I don't own Maura Tierney, Shane West, Parminder Nagra, Linda Cardellini, the guy who plays Frank (anyone know his name?) Brett Klorer or his gf Violet, or Ikes. I however do own Madison and this story as well as Drew and the band (this comes in the near future once I'm off hiatus All bottled up readers!)