O.S.
Gwen's POV
It's been two days since Ben's graduation, and we already have our debut gig together! Truth be told, I never thought the dweeb would take me up on my offer.
He smiled, setting the stage while I'm running through some vocal warmups backstage.
"Two days. This is amazing."
We decided to start our show in a simple, intimate setting. Open mic night at a local bar-restaurant. A few acoustic songs to open, then some rock to get them going.
We kept our usual street clothes but put a twist on them. I kept my gray Lucky Girl tank top from last time, a pair of black jean shorts, and the same black sneakers. All put together with a blue and black plaid button-up like Ben's.
My musician in crime had his signature green and white zip up hoodie hanging on a rack. Concluding my warmups, I got a better look at his outfit. Black sneakers, white Sumo Slammers t-shirt with a blue and black flannel on top, and jeans with numerous "10" patches covering the tears with my stitching handiwork. He finished mic'ing everything up, strolling backstage with his guitar in hand. Acoustic-electric for once as we ran through a few bars.
As we tra-veled this long n dusty road
You were there al-ways by my side
Through e-verythi-ng n everyone we fought
You have always been my node
We couldn't keep ourselves from smiling, our cheeks warming up.
"Who knew we'd harmonize this good?" I asked
This time, it was Ben's turn to take the lead.
When everythin-ng's hard n it brea-ks
And I never wanna turn and esca-pe
Shatters of the ashes
Ho-pin' that it passes someda-y
Endless reminders of who I am
Bring me back to you, fixing my wa-y
"And you say you can't hit the high ones." I smirked impressed
"Guess I can now. Like you said, it's all in breath control." Ben smiled with a hint of a smirk
"Among other things." I replied returning the smirk
We smiled, enjoying our warm-up session.
"I honestly still can't believe we're here." Ben said, excitement evident in his voice
I kept the smile across my cheeks, taking in my surroundings but mostly focusing on the look of glee on my cousin. He began strumming through another one of our songs as I sang along. Who knew all he needed was that summer course, and a few others to get him falling head over heels with making music?
"So, guess you're doing the ballad you wrote for me?"
"Of course, I am. You got me here after all." He smiled
"I'm ready when you are, seems like we got a good crowd out there." I said
We nodded as we walked out, addressing the crowd as we took our seats on stage.
"Hey all, thank you so much for coming out tonight. We're gonna give you some great music this evening, so keep tipping your waitstaff and bartenders." I said smiling as Ben began the first song
His hands began strumming with his nails, while plucking a few strings in between as a "richer" sound filled our ears.
"So, our first song of the night, it has a very simple message. You look to find what you have, and it's something so special...that it can never be taken from you. So, don't let go, and treasure it." I said
After the first few bars, I began vocalizing my opening melody moving into the first verse. Ben soon joined in exactly as before.
Intro
As we tra-veled this long n dusty road
You were there al-ways by my side
Through e-verythi-ng n everyone we fought
You have always been my node
Ben strummed a few more chords beginning his verse as I vocalized the harmonies.
V1
Defending the wor-ld is second natu-re
Keeps her head on a swivel-
Being ever-nimbl-e
But what ha-ppens, after- the battle?
Is the question I want to kno-w.
It was once again, my turn.
V2
I know you've been cryin' n tryin-
To find out the tru-th from me-
What we have is a two-way street
Our fate is simply destiny, and
I'm mo-re than just your shoulder to le-an o-n
Just *TE-L-L ME-* how you fee-l after-
My voice echoed through the venue a moment, finishing up my verse.
For the last verse through the chorus, we sang together a bit, then I switched back and forth to the backup vocals.
Whate-ver you're fee-ling with me-
(Oooooo-aaaaaaahhhhhh)
Guar-ded by the acts of our battl-es
(Eeeeeeeee-eeeeeeeee)
P-T-S-D
It's quite a- catastrophe
(Tell- meeeeeeeeee)
"I'm afra-id of losing you too-" Ben finished the last line
Chorus
When everythin-ng's hard n it brea-ks
And I never wanna turn and esca-pe
Shatters of the ashes
Ho-pin' that it passes someda-y
Endless reminders of who I am
Bring me back to you, fixing my wa-y
His swift, smooth hands were switching between fingerstyle and strumming. Tears formed in my eyes as we're nearing the end.
"Ben?" I said leading into my solo section
Bridge
You'r-e my ro-ck
My- best frien-d
N' I'll be- your- bodyguar-d
I'll cherish you more than you kno-w
Our blood is our greatest bond
And we'll alwa-ys ke-p our hear-ts
Cause-
Final Chorus
When everythin-ng's hard n it brea-ks
And I never wanna turn and esca-pe
Shatters of the ashes
Ho-pin' that it passes someda-y
Endless reminders of who I am
Bring me back to you, fixing my wa-y
Our audience cheered while we wiped our tears and shared a hug. From what we could see, there wasn't a dry eye in here. The same feeling of pride I had from hearing his senior project came back. As we moved into another verse, the crowd seemed to disappear. Just two cousins singing our songs, a grinning "mess."
Our crowd clapped as we ended our first song of the night.
Another acoustic song filled the room, with a Goo Goo Dolls-esque feel to it.
V1
He's smiled wide-eyed n giddy
Proud as ev-er
Cap n gown adorned his excellence
Amist the cheers and the flashes
She knows he's scared to death
Of wha-t the future may hold in his new place
Pre-Chorus
Through a private mo-ment of comfort
They'll be reasured
We'll walk through the doors as one
With a smile and a kiss
Out on his way
Hone his craft with no dela-ys
Chorus
Ru-n far!
Grasp it all!
You'll make the world cheer and shake with your name
Winning over hearts
That's not the easy part
We'll all see your name in lights!
V2
Schoolyard adversity
Wrapped up in tragedy
Don't you forget who you are
Jealous of your talent, she tried to bring you down
You rose above whole from the ashes
Only I Can Talk To Him Like That
C2
Ru-n far!
Grasp it all!
Leave all your doubts behind
When you hi-t the stage, all that matters is what you sing
Your troubles, forget 'em tonight!
Relating that we're not alone!
Bridge
Loves sprouts up
In the oddest of places
Leaving you nods to follow
Deciding to pursue your passion and love
Rarely done well
You'll be going far
And into her embrace with nothing but her grace
Final Chorus
Ru-n far!
Grasp it all!
Success never ends in his eyes!
She-'s proud!
Knows who you are!
All that they need in their lives
All that they'll need in their li-ves
In my humble opinion, this is the second most powerful song Ben's written. What really brings it together is our harmonies in the chorus. Goo Goo Dolls feel indeed, not that I'm complaining.
Moments like these I'll never forget, I'm so lucky we found a bond through music. Years ago, I'd abhor his dweeb-ness, which seems to have almost died out. I don't think that part of him will disappear completely, and in a way I'm glad. After all, he isn't perfect. These soft lips of mine sent a smirk his way amongst the cheers of the crowd, ending our set.
"Thank you all for coming tonight! Hope you enjoyed the show, and if you're not doing anything next time we're in town, come see us again! Look us up online, we're Team Tennyson!" Ben said
"Drinks are on Ben!" I joked
We departed from our crowd, waving one last time as we disappeared behind the curtain.
My face still hurt with excitement and emotional high of playing our first show together.
In a twist, Ben spun me around in a hug as our laughs and cheers filled our dressing room.
"This was amazing! I should listen to you more often." He smiled
My shoes clinked with the floor as we started packing up our gear.
"Hey, *you* were just as good. Maestro song writer you are."
Flushed cheeks and a neck scratch were all I got in reply, wrapped up in a nervous chuckle.
"How was that first song?"
"My absolute favorite, your best work." I smiled
The dim lights of The Rustbucket greeted us from the back entrance.
"Home?" He asked
"Home."
Grandpa Max was our chauffeur for tonight, gave us a more than warm welcome a cheesecake to celebrate.
"Thanks Grandpa!" We said hugging him
Slices were split, despite each of us having our own, smiles still plastered on our faces.
"You're a great guitar player Ben, I admire your song writing."
"And I admire your vocal skills, you're no stranger to guitar either."
I chuckled, appreciating his kindness while knowing full-well who's better.
"I'm getting there." I said
Toasting our sodas completed our night as the small-town lights evaporated in the distance.
"To Team Tennyson." Ben said
"Team Tennyson." I replied clinking our bottles
I stole a kiss on his lips, still smiling.
"Don't ever change." I smiled
He gave me a thumbs up, finishing his last slice of cheesecake.
Perfect venue, perfect music, perfect family. All wrapped up in the perfect package our First Show.