Chapter 620: Some Nights
Friday, March 10th, Late Afternoon
The day, night, and evening, before the championship game was always pensive. She lay on a chaise and listened to the song play. Back in her head, she remembered back to the night before her first; she was seventeen, pregnant and a cheerleader, her husband and his brother, her best friend, were co-captains on the team. She remembered laying on their bed while he paced the bedroom. It hadn't always been that bad; the NCAA, the Lakers, the Olympics, even when James went for titles, she was nervous. This was her third generation of championship games, and now her granddaughter had just a wake-up before she faced her destiny.
Haley looked over to her phone and nodded to the song's beat. Since working in the music industry, she stopped listening to music for pleasure. Haley always thought it was sad, she loved music, but business made her ears tired when she returned home. Haley closed her eyes to listen to the singer's voice and the message they were trying to get over to the listener, but sometimes songs can mean other things.
"You seem tired," Nathan said as he walked into the room.
"It's a long day, and we're heading to Raleigh tomorrow," Haley said.
Nathan hobbled over to another chair and sat down. He picked up his leg and rested it on the table. He looked at Haley, and Nathan sighed, "Well, it's for Brett," he said.
"I know, and I want to be there for her," Haley said.
"So do I," Nathan said.
"How do you sit there so calmly?" Haley asked.
"It's easier when you're not playing," Nathan said.
"But you're nervous and not showing it?" Haley asked.
"I try," Nathan said.
"Even with your oldest granddaughter playing?" Haley asked.
"Yes, especially with her," Nathan said.
"Why aren't you showing it?" Haley asked.
"But you are nervous," Haley said.
"Of course," Nathan said.
"Why?" Haley asked.
"Brett is my first student," Nathan said.
"Why?" Haley asked.
"Why what?" Nathan asked.
"Why did you never go into coaching like you originally planned?" Haley asked.
"Nothing came up at the right time, and we have the grandkids now, so it's not right," Nathan said.
Haley nodded, "Okay," she said.
"So, what are you listening to?" Nathan asked.
"It's a playlist; I think this is a band called fun," Haley said.
Nathan nodded, "Okay," he said, then leaned back to listen.
Some nights, I stay up cashing in my bad luck
Some nights, I call it a draw
Some nights, I wish that my lips could build a castle
Some nights, I wish they'd just fall off
But I still wake up, I still see your ghost
Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for, oh-oh
What do I stand for?
(Whoa ooh whoa, oh) what do I stand for?
Most nights, I don't know anymore
Friday, March 10th, Late Afternoon
She walked out of the apartment's front door and looked across the river. The casino was just in her field of view, and it was lit up for the night. She leaned on the balcony rail and thought about what was spread out before her. She reached out with her hand and cleared some hair out of her face. There was no downtime, her sister would say, which is true, as tomorrow she'll be at the team faculty working on her shoulder.
Kay lowered her hand and rested it on the rail. One thing she could say is that the view was beautiful. Clay and his people were good at what they did. Kay sighed and bent over to lean heavily on the railing. At least she is alive.
Ivy would enjoy this view, Kay thought. Ivy always liked the lights over the water, be it the Chicago River or Lake Michigan, but here this is the Thames River, on the eastern side of Connecticut. She knew nobody, and there was very little public transportation, so she was stuck in place since she rarely drove.
"Taking in the view, Kay?" Tanzi asked as she walked out of her apartment.
"Yeah, not much is going on, so I came out here to get some air and think," Kay said.
"Yeah, I like to do this, as well," Tanzi said, taking her place next to Kay.
"It seems nice," kay said.
"The view of the casino is amazing when it's lit up like now," Tanzi said.
"That it is," Kay said.
"So, what are you thinking about?" Tanzi asked.
"Thinking how my ex would love this view," Kay said.
"Yeah, why would she like it?" Tanzi asked.
"She liked over the water; she was a big Thomas Kincaid fan," Kay said.
"She sounds like a wonderful person," Tanzi said.
"Ivy is," Kay said.
"So, anyway, I've talked with Ozzy, and we're inviting you to dinner tomorrow," Tanzi said.
"Okay, what time?" Kay asked.
"Say seven O'clock," Tanzi said.
"Good; what do you want me to bring?" Kay asked.
"Nothing, just yourself," Tanzi said.
"It's a Southern thing; I have to bring something," Kay said.
"No, no, you don't," Tanzi said.
Kay grunted.
"When is your first home game?" Tanzi said.
"May second, it's a pre-season game," Kay said, "Why?"
"Ozzy and I are planning to buy tickets and see you play," Tanzi said.
Kay nodded, "You don't have to," she said.
"I know, but we want to," Tanzi said.
Kay nodded.
Oh oh, oh ooh whoa oh
Oh ooh whoa oh, oh-oh
Oh oh, oh ooh whoa oh
Oh ooh whoa oh, oh-oh
So this is it, boys, this is war
What are we waiting for?
Why don't we break the rules already?
I was never one to believe the hype
Save that for the black and white
Try twice as hard, and I'm half as liked
But here they come again to jack my style
Friday, March 10th, Evening
Sitting on her bed, she leaned against the headboard with a tablet set down on her lap. Her hair was pulled back in a blonde ponytail, and she wore a pair of reading glasses. Gently she swiped through the pictures on her social media. Eventually, she picked up her head.
Sawyer looked to the foot of the bed. Keni was sitting there studying Sawyer.
"What'cha doing?" Keni asked.
"Looking over pictures," Sawyer said.
"Pictures of what?" Keni asked.
"Of life and friends, on social media," Sawyer said.
"Can I see?" Keni asked.
"Why?" Sawyer asked.
"So, we can share the memories," Keni said.
"Really?" Sawyer asked.
"Yes, really," Keni said.
"Maybe I want to go down memory lane alone," Sawyer said.
Keni shook her head, "You never not take me along," she said, "Unless, yes, you're anything," Sawyer said.
"You are," Keni said.
"Am not," Sawyer said.
"You're lying," Keni said.
"What makes you say I'm lying?" Sawyer asked.
"Because you're terrible at it," Keni said, quickly reaching out and pulling away the tablet Sawyer in her lap.
"Hey!" Sawyer said.
Keni looked at the pictures and swiped through them. Shaking her head, she handed Sawyer the tablet back. "Oh, sweetie, you're going to have to let it go. Cyberstalking isn't going to help. He made his choice," Keni said.
Sawyer put the tablet aside. She looked upon Keni. "He talked o me this week," Sawyer said.
"What did he say?" Keni askd.
"He just reinforced that our friendship was over," Sawyer said.
"He said that?" Keni asked.
Sawyer nodded, "Yes," she said.
"Oh, Sweetie, I'm sorry," Keni said, leaned forward, and hugged Sawyer, bringing her close and comforting her. On the tablet, sitting abandoned next to them, it chimed.
Kier: Hi Sawyer, HRU?
That's alright (that's alright)
I found a martyr in my bed tonight
She stops my bones from wondering just who I am, who I am, who I am
Oh, who am I? Mmm-mmm
Mmm-mmm
Well, some nights, I wish that this all would end
'Cause I could use some friends for a change
And some nights, I'm scared you'll forget me again
But some nights, I always win (I always win)
But I still wake up, I still see your ghost
Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for, oh-oh
Friday, March 10th, Evening
Standing in the window of the old manor, she sipped her coffee. Though her stepdad had been with her mom throughout most of her life, she rarely lived or stayed here throughout most of her life. Her mom raised her in the same two-bedroom house where she raised her brother. They quietly got married in a private ceremony after she went to college.
Angela took another sip of her coffee. She held the mug navy style, gripping the cup, not the handle. Angela had a lot to think about, with the offer Ashlyn made for her and the possible future. Bringing Jess down here was tempting, having her around cousins and family. On the other hand, it would separate her from her friends.
"Why are you keeping vigil when you're not playing tomorrow?" Andy asked as he entered the room.
"Have a lot on my mind," Angela said.
"How much of it is the game tomorrow?" Andy asked.
"Some, not all of it," Angela said.
"Something I learned a long time ago, Little Angel, is if you're not on the court, you can't affect it, so sit back and enjoy it all," Andy said.
"That's easier said than done," Angela said.
"That's what makes you so successful is your competitiveness, but tomorrow is for the girls; let them have it," Andy said.
"Not the easiest thing to do," Angela said.
"There is a time when every warrior has to lay down their sword," Andy said.
"That is a hard thing to do," Angela said.
"I know," Andy said.
Angela nodded and sipped her coffee. "You mentioned a vigil; why?" she asked.
"When a squire was to go into battle his first time, he would keep a vigil in prayer," Andy said.
"But I'm not going into battle," Angela said.
"That's why I said you're not playing the game," Andy said.
Angela nodded and looked back towards the window.
"Are you worried that if they win tomorrow, your win won't be unique?" Andy asked.
"We'll always be unique; we were the first," Angela said.
"That is true," Andy said.
Angela sipped her coffee; the lukewarm liquid felt weird, sliding down. But she knew she needed to finish it. "I hope Brett can finally feel like she stepped out from her mom's shadow," Angela said.
"Are you sure it's her mom's shadow she feels covered by?" Andy asked.
"Yes, who else's shadow would it be?" Angela asked.
Andy nodded, "Is that all that's on your mind?" he asked.
"No, but nothing else I want to talk about," Angela said, "Just yet."
"Okay," Andy said.
what do I stand for?
(Whoa ooh whoa, oh) what do I stand for?
Most nights, I don't know
Friday, March 10th, Evening
The world slowed down when she worked out; it allowed her to clear her head and gain perspective. Anyway, she was too keyed up to sleep, so she worked out to burn energy. After her workout, she used the gym's shower to clean up. She dressed in a tank top and shorts, grabbed her workout clothes, and headed upstairs.
Brett walked into her room and went right into her gym bag. Going it over again, she made sure she had everything. Zipping the bag closed, she picked up her smartphone and looked at the group message for the basketball team. Most of the conversation was about the team wishing each other luck and good night.
Putting her bag down, Brett climbed onto her bed and sat crossed-legged. She reached over to her nightstand and picked up a book. She started to look over the cover and scratched the side of her face. Brett knew she needed sleep. Yet, she was way too keyed up to sleep.
"I see I'm not the only one awake," Buck, Brett's maternal grandfather, said.
"Yeah, pretty keyed up," Brett said.
"Me too," Buck said.
"Why you too?" Brett asked.
"I always got keyed up before your momma's games," Buck said.
"Why?" Brett asked.
"I always got excited to watch her play, and your Momma was not just good; she was great. There was a time she was better than Angela," Buck said.
"I find that hard to believe Momma was better than Auntie Tall," Brett said.
"She was, before her knee went, your Momma was the star of the A's," Buck said.
"I don't believe you," Brett said.
"Ask them," Buck said.
"I just might," Brett said.
"Get some sleep; you're going to need it," Buck said.
"I'll try," Brett said.
"That doesn't mean reading a book," Buck said.
"I know," Brett said.
"Now, go to sleep," Buck said and left the room. Brett returned the book, shut off her light, and lay down. She tried looking for sleep and eventually found it.
So this is it?
I sold my soul for this?
Washed my hands of that for this?
I miss my mom and dad for this?
No, when I see stars, when I see–
When I see stars, that's all they are
When I hear songs
They sound like a swan, so come on
Oh come on, oh come on, oh come on
Friday, March 10th, Night
The place they chose was out of the way, on the Upper Westside of the island, probably Hell's Kitchen, Grant would later reflect. The place was nice, and Fallon had brought him here before. Fallon knew the owner, and the regular patrons knew her but let her be. Having wondered about this in the past and if she noticed, he would ask Fallon, and her typical response would be to shrug and say, "I might."
They were sitting in a booth having drinks. That amazed him how down-to-Earth Fallon was. She had simple tastes and enjoyed simple things, which probably made it easier to pass herself as a normie. There were stories of excess on what would be perceived as on a billionaire level; surprisingly, Fallon was quite normal.
"So, I bet you're getting tired of all my stories," Fallon said and took a sip of her beer.
"No, but I am wondering something," Grant said.
"What?" Fallon asked.
"Did you do any of those crazy billionaire money-burning things?" Grant asked.
"Other than but a multi-million dollar home my freshman year of college?" Fallon asked.
"Yes," Grant said, shaking his head.
"One of my best friends, knew her for years, graduated from Duke and got into UCLA Medical School. To celebrate that New Year's Day, I rented a private jet and flew to Nova Scotia and tried to celebrate as many New Year's as possible," Fallon said.
"How did that work out?" Grant asked.
"It didn't, we tended to miss the hour, and when we landed, all we saw was the airport," Fallon said.
"Do you regret it?" Grant asked.
"No," Fallon said, "Candi and I always laugh about it."
"Candi?" Grant asked.
"Yes, Doctor Candi, I know it sounds so Soap Opera or Porno," Fallon said.
"I bet," Grant said.
"Speaking of crazy things, my niece is playing in the state championship basketball game tomorrow. Do you want to go?" Fallon asked.
"Are you serious?" Grant asked.
"Yes," Fallon said.
"I would love to attend," Grant said.
"Good, finish up; we're going to have an early day tomorrow; meet me at Marine Terminal at Laguardia at Seven AM," Fallon said.
"What? Where are we going?" Grant asked.
"North Carolina," Fallon said.
"I just assumed New York," Grant said.
Fallon smiled, "How else are you going to meet my family?" she asked.
"You're crazy," Grant said.
"They say it comes with getting too much too soon," Fallon said with a wink.
Well, this is it guys, that is all
Five minutes in, and I'm bored again
Ten years of this, I'm not sure if anybody understands
This one is not for the folks at home
Sorry to leave, Mom, I had to go
Who the fuck wants to die alone all dried up in the desert sun?
Friday, March 10th, Night
Sleep came hard for her; she was a bundle of nerves. This happened when she was seventeen in high school. Also, twenty-one when she was in college. Her first year in coaching, that championship season, and now tonight. Surprisingly, she was never nervous about her husband's championship games in the NBA. Maybe that was because she wasn't directly involved.
Ashlyn sat in bed with all her coaching stuff spread across the bed. She had the scouting report open and was looking through it all. Ashlyn wanted to be prepared, but she knew there was a point of over-preparedness, but where was the line?
There was a knock on the door. "Yes?" Ashlyn called.
"Momma, can I come in?" Maeghan asked.
"What are you doing up, Maeghan?" Ashlyn asked.
"I had to use the bathroom," Maeghan said.
"So, why did you knock on my door?" Ashlyn asked.
"I'm having trouble sleeping, and I saw you were awake," Maeghan said.
"Come in," Ashlyn said.
The door opened, and her youngest daughter walked in. Maeghan was dressed in her night dress, with some girlie cartoon character on it. Maeghan was only eight, but Ashlyn reflected she seemed to have an old soul. Looking at the little blonde girl, she smiled as Maeghan looked at the bed.
"What's all that stuff, Momma?" Maeghan asked.
Ashlyn looked sheepishly at the mess on the bed and over to her daughter. While looking at Maeghan, Ashlyn started to clean up. "Just stuff for tomorrow's game," Ashlyn said.
"Why?" Maeghan asked.
"I don't know," Ashlyn said, holding her arms apart.
Maeghan climbed up onto the bed and into Ashlyn's arms. Maeghan cuddled up to Ashlyn like she did when she was younger.
"Momma, why is basketball so important?" Maeghan asked.
Out of the mouths of babes and wisdom, Ashlyn reflected. "Honestly, I don't have a good answer," she said, "Al least after tomorrow, I'll be home more."
"Like every year," Maeghan said.
"Yes, like every year," Ashlyn said.
"Can we go to Disney this year?" Maeghan asked.
"We'll see," Ashlyn said.
Maeghan nodded, "Momma," she said.
"Yes?" Ashlyn asked.
"When is Daddy coming home?" Maeghan asked.
"I don't know, Honey, I don't know," Ashlyn said.
My heart is breaking for my sister
And the con that she called "love"
And then I look into my nephew's eyes
Man, you wouldn't believe
The most amazing things
That can come from
Some terrible lies
Friday, March 10th, Night
There were two buses on this tour, just for Nordwind. One of the buses was for the band themselves; the other bus was for the crew. Tucker mostly made the trips between the cities on the crew's bus. Now he had Alix with him; he wondered how this would work.
Surprisingly it wasn't that difficult; the crew was tired and took the time to sleep. The tour had been grueling, and they all needed sleep. So, Tucker and Alix found themselves alone in the back lounge, having a celebratory beer from the fridge.
"So, how long before you head to South America?" Alix asked.
"A few weeks, but it's a less intense schedule," Tucker said.
"So, when is this assignment over?" Alix said.
"Once I turn over a finished movie," Tucker said.
Alix nodded, "How about the filming part?" she asked.
"After the summer festival season," Tucker said.
Alix nodded, "Yeah, I think we're trying to get booked on some of those dates. I would love to do the summer traveling across Europe, even if it's following Katrina around," she said.
"It has to be an advantage to have Kat as a sister," Tucker said.
"Is it an advantage to have your parents?" Alix asked.
"It opens doors for me, big time, but I'm more Elizabeth Ilsen than Emma Roberts," Tucker said.
"What does that mean?" Alix asked.
"Yes, my name gets me in the door, but I bust my ass to stay inside," Tucker said.
"Well, Katrina is a great sister, but there are disadvantages," Alix said.
"Such as?" Tucker asked.
"Everyone thinks I can sing like her, I can't; I've never been able to," Alix said.
"I've always thought you have a great singing voice," Tucker said.
"Awe, Tucker," Alix said, kissing him progressively more intensely.
Tucker broke it off, "Alix," he said.
"We'll be in Tree Hill tomorrow and back to our normal lives," Alix said.
"It's not that; we're not alone on the bus," Tucker said.
"I'll be quiet," Alix said.
"I doubt that," Tucker said.
"You love it," Alix said.
"That I do," Tucker said.
They leaned together and kissed again.
Oh oh, oh ooh whoa oh
Oh ooh whoa oh, oh-oh
Oh oh, oh ooh whoa oh
Oh ooh whoa oh, oh-oh
Friday, March 10th, Night
The doors closed behind her as she stepped aboard. She walked towards the back of the bus, greeting various band members and their merch manager, who was with one of the band members. Finally, she came to the back lounge and fell heavily onto the seat. Looking across the lounge, she could see her bandmate and husband.
Kat signed and closed her eyes.
"Are you ready to be home?" Arne asked.
"Yes, we will be home tomorrow, and I get to hold Raya," Kat said.
"I can't wait to see Raya myself," Arne said.
"Yeah, it would be nice to be home and be a family," Kat said.
Arne nodded, "I have some work to do, but it will be great just to be home," he said.
"What do you have to work on?" Kat asked.
"Some ideas for new music for the next album cycle," Arne said.
"You're not going to spend our whole time off in the studio?" Kat asked.
"No, only a day or two at the most," Arne said.
"I'm going to hold you to that," Kat said.
Arne nodded, "I wouldn't have it any other way," he said.
"That's good," Kat said, and share reached for a blanket. Kat kicked off her shoes, then pulled her feet underneath her. She was finding a loose cushion that she fluffed for a pillow. Finally, she covered herself with a blanket.
"Why don't you head to your bunk?" Arne asked.
"I just need a nap, and it's still early," Kat said.
"Okay," Arne said.
"What would you be doing?" Kat asked.
"Working on ideas for the new album," Arne said.
"What are you thinking concept-wise?" Kat asked.
"Raya inspired it," Arne said.
"How did Raya inspire it?" Kat asked.
"It's about the wonder and the awe of childhood and the beauty of imagination," Arne said.
"Oh yeah?" Kat asked.
"Yes," Arne said.
"I have a few ideas that might work," Kat said.
"Yeah?" Arne asked.
"Yeah, when we get home," Kat said.
"Okay," Arne said.
"I'll nap now," Kat said.
Arne nodded, "Okay," he said.
Kat curled up and took a nap.
The other night, you wouldn't believe
The dream I just had about you and me
I called you up, but we both agree
It's for the best you didn't listen
It's for the best we get our distance, oh
It's for the best you didn't listen
It's for the best we get our distance, oh-oh, oh-oh
Lord Byron stated once "Between two worlds life hovers like a star, twixt night and morn, upon the horizon's verge." When you grow up around books you are exposed to quotes as such. It makes me wonder about the meaning of it all. Does what happens tomorrow matter more or does it matter less then what happened today. It makes me wonder, especially with what has been happening and what will happen tomorrow. Is that all life is those moments between birth and death, night, and morn? What are your thoughts? Comment below.
RavenHussar
T3 Collective.
Not much to say on this Episode. This is a bridge between the last one and the next episode. Laying bricks for the next few stories and tying up some loose ends. RavenHussar's quote from Lord Byron is perfect as it is twixt night and morn. We officially close out the middle third of the story. Now comes the final push. This was the calm before the storm.
Writing stories, well not many, but the world conspired for me to have a rough time writing the last five. Life is a time sink all its own. This Chapter was the worst and took almost a week to get through. Maybe it's life, exhaustion, burnout, I don't know. This chapter is belatedly posted and I will be taking a break until November 7th this year.
The Annus Horribilis Secrets
1) Carson Murphy has passed away. (Episode 2)
2) Spencer Churchill "Church" Grady was killed in action as a US Navy Seal and buried in Arlington National Cemetery (aka The Garden). He is also Jessica Ashlyn Scott's Dad. (Episode 4)
3) Constance "Connie" Garland is in a permanent vegetative state. (Episode 6)
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Playlist
Chapter 598
Sarah McLachlan – Elsewhere
Chapter 614
All Man Brother's Band - Whipping Post
Chapter 616
Taylor Swift - Look What you Made Me Do
Chapter 619
Nightwish – She's My Sin
Nightwish – Whoever Brings the Night
Nightwish – The Islander
Nightwish – Cadence of Her Last Breath
Chapter 620
Fun – Some Nights
Poems
Chapter 596
John Donne - A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning
Quotes
Translation Guide
Chapter 612
Babushka - Russian for Grandma
Opa - German for Grandpa
Chapter 618
Babushka - Russian for Grandma
Opa - German for Grandpa
Chapter 619
Opa - German for Grandpa
