Echo Part I

Song by Trapt.

Tonight's the night. Though I have no doubt in my mind that she'll be here, I can't remember a time that I was this nervous before a show probably since my first headlining appearance. I finish tuning my guitar, though there are people specifically hired to do that I still like to do it myself, take a sip of water, and give my back up band "good luck" handshakes. It's time, the moment of truth.

Instead of opening with a single like I always do, tonight I'm opening with a song I had written for my second album, after one of our many almost on-agains. That's why I told her not to be late. As soon as I walk onto the stage my eyes begin scanning the crowd frantically. When I reach the mike I give a short greeting,

"Hey, Toronto! As you probably know this is my hometown, so this is a very special show for me. To go along with that theme, I'd like to open with a special song for a very special person. She knows who she is."

Close my eyes, let the whole thing pass me by
There is no time to waste asking why
I'll run away with you by my side
I'll run away with you by my side
I need to let go, let go, let go, let go of this pride
Asking why

I'm still searching when finally I spot her moving in the crowd to my left. I'm staring into a sea of people but now they all might as well be gone. We lock eyes and a flood of memories wash over me. Kissing her, caressing her skin, waking up to her with the sun shining through the window making her skin glow and eyes sparkle. I have to marvel at her beauty.

I think about your face, and how I fall into your eyes
The outline that I trace, around the one that I call mine
A time that called for space, unclear where you drew the line
I don't need to solve this case, and I don't need to look behind

Ever since I screwed up that first time so long ago I realized what I'd be missing without her. I knew then that if I ever got her back I should hold onto her forever. That hasn't changed, but I guess it wasn't only my choice.

Do I expect to change the past I hold inside
With all the words I say repeating over in my mind
Some things you can't erase, no matter how hard you try
An exit to escape is all there is left to find

I know the meaning of the song is not lost on her. Though she's far away from me I'm pretty sure I see a tear slide down her cheek. We both know that she's been running away from me for too long, and now it's time for her to run away with me. Away from her fears and doubts that have held her back for so long, for too long. She starts moving through the crowd quicker towards the front. Once there, she talks to one of the guards and he begins to lead her out of the crowd and my view. But its okay, I know where she's going.

So I
Close my eyes, let the whole thing pass me by
There is no time to waste asking why
I'll run away with you by my side
I'll run away with you by my side
I need to let go, let go, let go, let go of this pride
Until this echo, echo, echo, echo in my mind
Until this echo, echo, echo, echo can subside

I had basically forced all the members of the venue staff working tonight to memorize her picture so they knew what to do if she approached one of them. I glance to my left and see her waiting there on the side of the stage. I know these next songs we play before a quick intermission are going to make for the longest stretch of time I've ever had to endure but at least she's closer now.

When it finally came time for intermission, I rushed over to where she was standing. For a good twenty seconds we did nothing but stare at each other. After what felt like an eternity she spoke,

"I love you…"

Was all she managed to get out before I scooped her up in my arms and spun her around probably a few too many times making us both a little dizzy, but we just laughed about it. Once I have her in my arms I'm enveloped by her unique scent that is so sweet and comforting to me. She breaks my reverie when she continues to speak.

"…I'm sorry it took me so long to come to my senses. I guess I've known all along where I belong I just was too scared of our past, but I'm ready to move forward now. Thanks for waiting for me."

I takehold of her face and look into her eyes. Though everything about her is permanently etched into my brain, the memory is nothing like the real thing.

I finally speak, "In case you didn't remember, I love you too. Always."

A brilliant smile lights up her face and I can't help but smile in return, so happy I can make her do that again. My feelings overcome me and I can't hold back anymore so I finally close the small distance between us and kiss her. All the feelings of longing and happiness are communicated through our lips and it's almost overwhelming, but neither one of us pull away until we're forced to from lack of air. I give her a few more quick kisses for good measure.

My band all starts to gather nearby us, my signal that the break is up and it's time to go back onstage. Reluctantly, we break apart and my gaze doesn't leave her until I get to my mike. Even then, I can't help but continue to look back at her the whole time.

We've finally gotten it right, and I can't wait to continue.