Roger was waiting backstage at the Kit Kat Club. Nervously, he strummed a few chords, and looked over the words to his song one last time.
Mimi darted backstage and gave him a big hug. "Break a leg," she whispered.
Roger nodded. "Thanks," he murmured.
Finally, the announcer came on. "Now, the Kit Kat Club is proud to present, the former lead singer of the Well Hungarians, in his solo debut, Roger Davis!"
Roger walked onstage, carrying his beloved Fender. He ignored the stool set out for him, choosing to stand by the mic. He cleared his throat. "As I'm sure many of you know, I recently had some trouble with my mother. But I don't regret it, because a good songwriter draws from his pains. And so, this piece was born. This song is called 'Mother's Child,' and it's dedicated to my mother." With that said, he began to strum the opening chords, and to sing.
Mother's child, should I put this
Chip under your skin
Or should I try to change the world we live in?
How can I drain the sickness from the river?
Wish that I could just wipe you from the face forever
Too much time is taken up
Too much time is taken up
Watching people suffer
Now I've got to take these drugs
And now I've got to take these drugs
So I don't see it over and over
And again the devil's had its way with someone
Torn and frayed, it desecrates
And fascinates us
Some are born, with the face of
Evil tattooed inside
I have no mercy, I just want to watch you die
Too much time is taken up
Too much time is taken up
Watching people suffer
Now I've got to take these drugs
And now I've got to take these drugs
So I don't see it over and over
I would accept death, but what can I do
My soul will not depart
Give me a corner of your lap to rest in
May God keep happy the one who gave my heart
So much pain, may he give the world's riches to the one who made me suffer
Too much time is taken up
Too much time is taken up
Watching people suffer
Now I've got to take these drugs
And now I've got to take these drugs
So I don't see it over and over and over
The crowd was silent. Roger was not surprised. The song was rather dark. Finally, after a long moment, he heard applause. Mimi stood alone, clapping. The rest of the Bohemians followed suit. Within a minute, the entire audience was giving Roger a standing ovation.
After the show, Jolene caught Roger backstage. "Brilliant! That was so raw, so real! How would you like a permanent slot with the club? Fridays at 9 pm."
Roger smiled. "I'd like that."
Jolene grinned. "The pay is great. Three hundred a night. Hundred a set for three sets. Sound good?"
"Roger nodded. "Sounds great."
Mimi was thrilled. "You're going to make your mark on the world after all."
Roger grinned. "Yeah, I guess I am, huh?"
Author's note: And that's it for part two! Keep an eye out for the third and final installment, With Unopen Arms, coming soon! Also, the song Roger sings is an actual song, actually written and performed by Adam Pascal, on his album Civilian. It is actually called Mother's Child.