Chapter 8: Girl Meets Open Mic
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or settings of Girl Meets World. I do, however, own the character of Remigius "Remy" Bellamy. I seek no profit from this act of fiction, merely recognition from the community of readers. Thanks to all who have followed and favorited this, and I want to apologize to all of you. A lot of personal things in life, school being a main thing but others as well, got in the way of my writing. What will be culminating in this chapter has already happened on the show, but I think I've given it a unique twist that I hope you all enjoy.
The days following Christmas were nothing to write home about as the powder had gone back to gentle, sporadic flurries and the group had all spent time with their respective families. Remy had started to teach Jimmy a few simple songs on his old guitar while getting a feel for the new mahogany beauty he had proudly named Lucinda.
Maya had began painting various projects with the new Winsor-Newton brushes Remy had bought her, spending countless hours in the small corner of her room she had turned into a makeshift studio. Riley enjoyed the time she got to spend with her extended family as it distracted her from the fact Lucas had left for Texas until New Year's Eve. Farkle and Smackle spent their times doing various experiments with the new chemistry equipment they bought one another. Great minds think alike, after all.
For all intents and purposes, everyone was locked in their own orbits and content with what was going on...everyone except for Topanga Matthews. The lawyer turned café owner found herself looking for something to draw in folks in the post holiday slump, the Christmas party was still fresh in her mind. The way the music seemed to bring the entire room together stuck out to her, but she couldn't place what it was it made her think of.
"I wonder if we stayed open later...wait a minute! Open...music...open mic!" She exclaimed, thinking out loud. "That's it! We'll have an open mic night on New Year's Eve and be open all night. If it goes well, maybe we can even make it a weekly thing" Topanga clapped her hands and looked around, realizing she was proclaiming this wonderful plan to...absolutely no one. Not even Auggie was near to hear about it.
After moving to her daughter's room and discussing her genius plan, Topanga set out to get the word out. She only had three days to prepare and would need every second to make it perfect. Riley was quite excited by her mother's idea, mostly because she was equally fascinated by how Remy singing always brought people together. A room of seemingly complete strangers would band together to join in on a chorus or harmonize on a verse. She reached for her phone and texted her friends to meet at her house because she had news.
An hour or so had passed and everyone had convened in the Matthews living room, Lucas even able to join them via Skype. On nearly all accounts, the idea of open mic night went over beautifully...all but one.
"No. No no no no no. Nope. Absolutely not." The southern musician repeated as he waved his hands back and forth when they suggested that he perform at it. "I don't do open mic nights. Nope. Thanks but no thanks. Gonna pass." He answered with a shake of his head.
"But...why?!" The group asked in utterly shocked unison.
"Remy, you're the biggest performer in our entire school! For a while I was half convinced you were part jukebox. You...you're not going to...why?" Riley asked, holding the young man by the shoulders. "Whhhhhhhhhhhhy!?" She questioned again, shaking him almost violently.
"Because-" He sighed, slowly pulling away from the young woman, "I perform from the heart, when it suits me, for audiences that will appreciate it. I'm not into open mics or talent shows or anything like that…no preformed audiences for me, no preexisting pressure, no thanks." He said with another sigh. Please let that be a sound enough reason… He thought, not wanting to really explain himself.
"O...oh. I see." She said, frowning slowly. "Well...it is open mic, so it's always open if you change your mind, I guess." She shrugged and turned toward everyone else.
"Yeah, if you decide to then we'll all support you. Or not. Whatever you choose." Farkle said, smiling at his friend and putting a hand on his shoulder reassuringly.
"Ye-we-sup-you-Re-" Lucas's Skype call crackled out with it's poor connection.
Remy nodded softly, his eyes drifting toward where Maya sat, but then toward the door. "I uh...I'm gonna go guys. Thanks for the invite, and I hope it goes well. I'll try and be there at least, for support." He said, moving quickly toward the door and down the hall.
He took the exceptionally long walk back to the hospital, not even bothering with the subway. The rhythm of his feet hitting the pavement kept his mind from wandering, at least for a bit. He tried not to dwell on the true reason as to why he didn't want to go to the open mic night. Tried...and failed. As his feet carried him 'home', his mind hopped into a proverbial time machine.
4 years earlier
His hair was longer, tied in a ponytail, and his breath was short, his palms sweaty as he sat on the stool beneath the stage lights. His middle school talent show had arrived and his 'girlfriend' at the time had convinced him it would be a good idea to sing.
"H...hi...hello. I'm...I'm Remigius...Remy. Remy! Remy Bellamy...and I'm...uh...I'm gonna be singing for you t-t-t-today." He squeaked into the microphone that stood before him. As his eyes adjusted to the lights, he could see the crowd. Though it was small to most, his anxiety made it seem enormous. His eyes scanned the groups of his peers, a bubbling fear welling up within him...until they rested on her. Loralie Lanset, his 'girlfriend', stood next to a group of 'friends' and twirled a strand of her strawberry blonde hair around her index finger. Seeing her calmed him enough to strum the first notes what he had chosen to perform that evening.
"I'm wandering the streets in a world underneath it all. Nothing seems to be, nothing tastes as sweet as what I can't have. Like you and the way that you're twisting your hair 'round your finger. Tonight I'm not afraid to tell you. What I feel about you…" His fingers strummed expertly, but his voice was cracking...not too certain if it was the nerves or puberty to be honest. He had stopped looking at the crowd as he tried to compose himself before diving into the chorus. You're a musician, and she's watching, and you can do this!
"I'm gonna muster every ounce of confidence I have. And cannonball into the water. I'm gonna muster every ounce of confidence I have. For you I will for you I will."
See? This...this isn't so bad. Right?
"Forgive me if I st-stutter, from all the clutter in my head. Cause I could fall asleep in those eyes, like a water bed. Do I seem familiar? I crossed you in hallways a thousand times. No more camouflage I want to be exposed, and not be afraid to fa-" He stopped midsentence as his eyes trained back on where Loralie was...and he saw her lips were locked with one his 'friends'. As the sound of boos began to roar from his sudden silence, he ran from the stage and out the doors of the auditorium…
Present Day
"Remy...son?" Maribeth spoke as Remy entered her room in what looked almost like a trance. "Everything...okay?"
"Huh?" The young man said as he raised his head and looked over to his mother's bed. "Yeah...sorry about that Momma. Lost on a trip down memory lane. Not a good visit either."
"What has you dwelling, child? It's not like you." She said, sitting up a bit and patting the edge of the mattress where he would often sit.
"There is gonna be an open mic night at Topanga's to celebrate the New Year...I told everyone that it's just not something I do. I didn't explain why, figured they don't need to know the whole talent show and Loralie debacle. But that was what I was thinkin' on." He said, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he sat next to his mother.
"Well son, I understand why you feel the way you do...but do you really think that letting something that happened four years ago, thousands of miles away, with people you don't speak to anymore or give a damn about affect your present, here, with people you speak to every day and care for deeply? You can't change the past, we both know that...but you can choose what you associate with different things. Maybe it'd be best to make a new memory?" Maribeth said as she rubbed her son's back softly. He was always a strong, loving boy for her and refused to show her when he was being a typical, angsty teenager, so this rare moment was previous to her.
"Maybe…" He said with another sigh, running his fingers through his hair slowly. "I just don't want to relive that memory on stage. I know it's just the café, but still…"
"Just think it over, okay? You're a smart boy, you'll make the right decision. I'm sure."
And with that, the conversation was done. Remy knew when his mother was done speaking on a subject, and he wasn't about to keep prying open his own wound. They talked for a couple hours about everything and nothing, but the topic of the open mic never came up again.
As the small family laughed and spoke, a light knocking came at the hospital room door before the hinges creaked to announce the entry of a visitor.
"Hope I'm not interrupting anything important." Shawn said as he peaked around the corner and was ushered in by both Remy and Maribeth.
"Not at all, Shawn. It's good to see you." Maribeth said, smiling.
"Good to see you too, Maribeth. You seem in good spirits. I actually wanted to talk with Remy though, if you don't mind? Remy, is that okay?" Shawn asked, fidgeting with something in his pocket as he stood in place before them. He wasn't his usual self. Immediately, of course, Remy's mind went to the worst and thought something was wrong with Maya.
"It's fine with me. You two go talk. It's probably best I get some rest anyhow." She said through a yawn.
As they walked out of the room, Remy quickly closed the door and stopped Shawn right then and there. "What the hell is going on? You're not your usual, laid-back self. You're acting more antsy than a turkey in November. What is it? Is it Maya? What's wrong? What's goin' on?!" Remy questioned, his voice heavy with concern.
"What...no. Oh god, I'm sorry Remy. I didn't meant to make you worry like that. Maya is fine. She's actually at the art museum with Katy. I needed to talk to you though, about the open mic night. She told me you don't plan on performing. I want to respect your wishes, but I had a favor I had wanted to ask of you that was going to be a lot easier if you were…" He said, pulling out the small box from his pocket that he had been moving about this whole time.
"Katy and I have been together for awhile now. From the first time I asked her out as we stood in Demolition to today, I can't imagine a better life than one with her. I want to propose, and I was hoping you could lead me in with a song."
Oh hell...why? Why is this happening to me? I can't just say 'no' to something and have it stick, hmm? What is this, some game to you? Remy thought to God or whoever as he looked at Shawn, noticing a look of almost desperation covering the photographer's face. His mother's words began to ring in his head: make a new memory.
"For something like that...I guess...just this one." He said with a sigh and turning his back toward Shawn. "I'll work on learning the song...I have the perfect one. You work on relaxing...you're gonna give yourself away actin' the way ya are." He said as he walked toward the elevator and pressed the buttons to take him to his floor.
The next three days flew by as Remy slaved away over sheet music and practiced for his mother, who was rather elated that her son decided to conquer his demons and help out a friend. Everyone else did their own promotional things for the big event, none of the wiser of Shawn's plan or Remy's involvement.. Maya had finished some new paintings to decorate the walls, the Matthews had gone shopping for the other decorations, Farkle had updated the café's website with all the info, Smackle worked on a few special, one night only recipes, and Shawn found a way to cover up his jitters by taking photos and making fliers for it.
The big night was finally on them as Zay set up the microphone and stool in the corner of the café, Topanga triple and quadruple checked that they had enough of everything, and Katy wiped down the counters for what seemed like the millionth time that day. The shop was busy for the event, various New Yorkers sitting and sipping on smoothies, some even on coffee despite the later hours, while others munched away on pastries. Riley, a freshly returned Lucas, Maya, Farkle, and Smackle all sat facing toward the stage in one of the corner booths, Corey and Shawn sat at the bar area chatting as they watched the hustle and bustle of everything...but there was no signs of Remy.
"I knew he wouldn't perform, but I thought he'd at least come to support the event…" Riley said, sadness laced in her words.
"Hey now, he's still got a bit of time. Don't go counting him out just yet." Lucas said to his girlfriend, lifting her chin and looking at her softly. "He's never let us down before."
"He's...not wrong." Smackle said with a tilt of her head.
"Speak of the devil…" Farkle mused as the bell of the café door chimed and the bayou boy walked in slowly. A Train shirt covered his torso, his lower half donning his usual black jeans...but his wrists were the greater confusion for all involved. He wore his wrist bands that he usually kept spare picks in, but his back was free of his usual guitar case.
"I'm not devil, but I am a man of my word and I gave someone my word I'd be here…" He said, looking about and nodding just enough that Shawn would notice. As the lights of the café dimmed just a bit for the after-hours event, Zay finished setting up the make-shift stage.
Hours passed as many individuals came up and gave their best shots at songs, some doing small stand up routines, and a few performed lengthy spoken word pieces. All were welcome, applause and cheers following each performance. Riley even performed her own original poem and Lucas fumbled his way through a Dierks Bentley song. Finally, the witching hour was drawing near and the café had all but emptied as the patrons took their leave to watch the iconic ball drop. All that remained was the stalwart group and a few regulars that could almost always be found inhabiting a booth at Topanga's until closing. That was when Remy stood up and walked toward the stage.
He lightly tapped the mic and sat on the stool as Zay brought out Lucinda.
"So, like I said, I don't do open mic nights...but someone asked me a favor and I felt a need to oblige." He said as he pulled a pick out of his wrist band. "Because, you see, you all are people I care about. You've never wronged me. We're part of each other's lives, and at times it seems for better or for worse. So...here goes nothing."
As the pick hit the strings, he felt the painful memories try to invade his mind...but not today. Time to make new memories…
"Forever could never be long enough for me, to feel like I've had long enough with you. Forget the world now, we won't let them see. But there's one thing left to do. Now that the weight has lift, love has surely shifted my way…" Remy crooned out as Shawn took Katy's hand and began to dance. The spun about in a traditional slow dance until the photographer took a knee and looked up at her before Remy sang the next lines, asking his question for him.
"It was in this café, what feels like forever ago, that I barely got up the nerve to say 'hello' to you. Four years later, and I can safely say that doing so was the best decision I could have ever made...up until this point. Having you and Maya in my life has been nothing short of spectacular. It's funny how you don't realize the influence you have on someone's life, or that they have on your's, until someone new comes into your life and reminds you of everything that can change. Katy Hart...will you…" Shawn said, pausing as Remy continued singing.
"Maaaaaarry me. Today and every day. Maaaaaarry me. If I ever get the nerve to say 'hello' in this café, say you will. Ohhhhohhh, say you will."
Katy was awestruck as she looked at Shawn but listened to Remy, covering her mouth with her right hand as Shawn still held onto her left. Was this really happening?
"Together could never be close enough for me, to feel like I am close enough to you. You wear white and I'll wear out the words 'I love you' and 'you're beautiful.' Now that the weight is over, love has finally shown her my way." Remy sang, unable to fight the smile from spreading across his face slowly with each lyric. He knew the song as soon as Shawn asked him to sing him in. A café, a proposal, and Shawn he told him the story of Angela and Katy and clothes shopping...so it all clicked for the musician in an instant. It was like a story coming full circle.
"Maaaaaarry me. Today and every day. Maaaaaarry me. If I ever get the nerve to say 'hello' in this café, say you will. Ohhhhohhh, say you will. Ooooooh."
"Promise me, you'll always be, happy by my side. I promise to sing to you, when all the music diiiiiiiies…" Remy sang softly as he held the strings, making the music stop as Shawn cleared his throat and took over.
"Maaaaaarry me. Today and every day. Maaaaaarry me. If I ever get the nerve to say 'hello' in this café, say you will. Ohhhhohhh, say you will. Oooooooh. Marry me...ooooh." His eyes shone with the small layer of happy tears that threatened to escape pending her answer. "So...say you will?"
"Of course I will...if she's okay with it." She said, smacking his chest lightly as the tears flowed down her cheeks and she pointed to where Maya sat.
Though she had her own tears flowing, Maya wiped them away and cleared her throat. "Eh...I guess he'll do." She said with her false tough girl bravado, letting the tears drop once more as Hunter slide the ring over her mother's left ring finger. We'll finally, officially, be a family…
Amidst all the hustle and bustle and engagement bliss, Remy slipped away. He stood out in front of the café as the snow came down around him. It wasn't that he wasn't over the moon for Shawn and Katy, merely that he felt it wasn't his place to stay. Though he had become so close to this people, he was still new...this was still new...the year was about to be new. New year...new place….new memories He thought as he sighed, his breath forming a small cloud as it exited his lips. All for the best, I guess. Gonna need a suit, I figure. He laughed as he looked back through the window of Topanga's at the smiling couple. His eyes scanned the room quickly as he noticed one person was unaccounted for, though his question was answered before he could even think to ask it.
"Hey. music man, you can't just run off like that!" Came an all too familiar voice, though it cracked a bit as she spoke. Maya Hart came running up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, burying her face in his denim jacket. Her voice cracked once more as she pushed the words up and out, passed her lips. It wasn't as if she didn't want to say it...she wanted to say so much more but couldn't find the words, so she left it at the most simplistic expression of her feelings. "Thank you...thank you so much…"
With a chuckle, he shook his slightly before speaking. "For what? I just did what Shawn asked. I played him in…" He said, cupping his hands tenderly over her knuckles before turning to face her."Nothing special on my part."
"But that's where you're wrong. It was everything special on your part. Yes, playing music comes second nature to you. You've gone so far as to tell me you can basically figure out a soundtrack for everything you do in your life...but not everyone has that Remy. I don't, my mother doesn't, and Shawn certainly doesn't...but in romance movies, when the boyfriend gets down on one knee, a love song plays to fit the occasion. My mother has always wanted to be an actress, starring in those romance movies...and because you gave that moment a soundtrack, Shawn gave my Mom a memory she'll never forget. You made his proposal to her that much more magical, like pulling a scene right off the silver screen. And you helped me have a real, official, complete family. So when I say thank you, and you ask 'what for'. that's what for, ya big stupid…" She said as she leaned up and kissed his lips lightly.
As their lips brushed, it wasn't like their first kiss. This wasn't the passion filled locking of lips that felt like the night should never end so they could live in that moment for eternity. This was a gentle, affectionate gesture to show how much she appreciated all he had done, and to remind him she certainly thought more of it than just a 'friendly thing'. She didn't know why he hated open mic nights, honestly, but regardless of his reasons he got over it and did it anyway so that Shawn could give her mother a New Year's Eve she'd never forget. Her heart was a flutter with feelings she couldn't place or name, or perhaps could name but fought against...but in that moment, she needed him to know how much he, and what he did, meant to her.
In his mind, Remy realized how similar his evening was to Shawn's but a less grandiose scale. With Shawn's tale coming full circle, so did his. He ran off that stage because he saw the girl he cared for locking lips with someone else. She showed him how little she thought of him, how much she didn't care...but as Maya's lips pressed tenderly against his, the complete opposite had happened on this night. He knew she cared. He knew, or at least thought he knew, in some ways what he meant to her. No boos were had when he stopped singing tonight, but instead a man got to confess his true feelings to a woman. He helped facilitate something so often reserved for fairytales and fiction. His fingers locked behind Maya's back as they kissed, and he thought to himself. This must be it...welcome to the new year. New memories covering up the old, fresh ink over whited out lyrics that lack relevance or meaning. Maybe open mic nights aren't so bad...because this night is one of the best I've had.
In the distance, the echoing roar of the count down could be heard as voices cried out
'five, four, three, two, one." The teens embrace only tightened, their lips stayed locked, making their own new memories to look back on fondly. The snow came down slowly, flakes tangling in his auburn mane and getting lost in her blonde locks. The street lights reflected softly off the packed piles of powder and it was as if they stood in their own wonderland.
As the first ballista of fireworks went off, lighting the sky with reds, golds, and whites. they ended their osculations, eyes locking on one another as they slowly reopened. Golden orbs transfixed on sapphire spheres, like setting suns longing to sink into the mysterious depths of the ocean. Blue eyes gazing into the copper toned spheres and wanting to know everything that laid behind them...and the realization came to both of them that, perhaps, this would be the year where they could do just that.
"Happy New Year, Remy."
"Happy New Year, Maya."
End of Ch.7 Author's Note: Thanks for sticking with me guys. I know it's been a long time since I got something out (considering the new year's chapter just came out in July...sorry again about that…), but I have a substantial break from school and no other life events happening to pull me from writing this guy out. Next chapter is a big one as we delve into Remy's true feelings and the word he's been avoiding as well as a previous love interest for Maya in Josh with Girl Meets This Feeling. Not going to put down any set time I'll have it out, so I'll just aim for "soon".
