Author's Notes: I gave my character Tilly Jim's last name because I thought it would be cool and I mentioned a girl named Ash in my last chapter. You can read more about her in my other story which is a Methos/OFC ficcy called: "Don't Break My Heart". Also I'm not musical expert. I just know from what I see in movies and what not.

Chapter Three: Musical Montage:

"Are you nervous?" Angie asked Tills the next day at the shelter.

Today would be her first day of practice.

"A little bit." she answered.

"There's really no need to be. Joe is a really cool guy. He'll take care of you." Angie told her. "I mean he puts up with Richie right?" she laughed.

"He seems nice." noted Tilly.

"Speaking of which I better get going. It's 2:30. Later." Angie said goodbye to Tilly and Tilly made a mad dash to the bar.

"You're on time." Joe said with a smile when Tilly entered the bar.

"Ang let me leave late." Tilly replied and returned his smile. "Wow, this place is dead compared to last night."

"We have a few hours before we start getting busy. We can start with the basics. Then go on from there." he told her.

"All right, show me what you know." Tilly said and they went to it.

Joe helped her with some breathing exercises first. Then he helped her with her singing. He played some music when the time came for it. This would go on for several months and Tilly was getting better. Her friends even noticed a difference.Tilly liked practicing with Joe. He wasn't only a good musician but he was an excellent teacher and very patient with her. Joe enjoyed it too. He smiled at himself on occation. He never thought he would gain a student. He watched as she got better. It wouldn't be long and she would be ready to sing for a crowd.

"What do you think about tomorrow night?" Joe asked her one evening after they were done.

"For what?" she asked.

"A show, featuring you." he answered.

"Are you crazy?" she asked him. "You really think I'm ready for that?"

"Absolutely." he answered her honestly.

"I don't know Joe..."

"You've been pushing this off every time I bring this up. One day you're going to have to do it." Joe told her gentally.

"What if I make a complete fool of myself?" she asked.

"Then you do but me and your friends will still cheer you on no matter what happens." Joe assured her.

Tilly smiled at him. "Thanks Dawson."

"Do you want to give it a try?" Joe asked again.

Tilly thought a moment. It would happen sooner then later. It would be a good idea to get it over with now. "Okay, I'm game."

"I'll arrange everything, you just make sure you're here by 6:30." Joe explained. "That way you have plenty of time to do some last minute adjusting."

"Then I'll see you tomorrow." Tilly said and then left. Joe couldn't wait. This was going to be one hell of a performance.

Tilly didn't go straight to the apartment her and Angie shared. She made a detour and went to Richie's to tell him the news. "Richie!" she knocked on the lofts door.

"Hey Tills, whats up?" he asked as he let her in.

"Guess whats going to happen to me tomorrow?"

"I don't know, what?" Richie asked.

"I'm going to do my first show tomorrow!" she answered him.

"Yeah?" he asked.

"YEAH!" she answered.

"I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. Oh man, I hope I don't freeze up."

"What's going on in here?" the Highlander came out to see what all the fuss was about.

"Tilly is going to sing at Joe's tomorrow."

"Thats great." Mac told her. "What time? You know Richie and I will be there."

"7:30." she told them.

Tilly arrived at Joe's at 6:30. She talked to Joe a bit and told him she wanted to try out a Johnny Cash song, but it was a duet. "It Ain't Me Babe." she informed him.

"I know that one." Joe said.

It was a classic tune and they had sung it for fun at practices so he knew they could pull it off just fine.

"It's one of my favorites." informed Tilly. "Would you mind?" "Would you feel more comfortable if I sang with you?" Joe could see she was nervous."Please." she pleaded. Joe laughed. "My pleasure."

"TILLY!" Angie cried out happily a few minutes later and ran up to her friend and nearly knocked her over. "You are going to totally blow them away!"

"If I don't blow myself away first." she corrected Ang.

"I'm telling you you're going to be fine." Joe assured her.

"Where's Rich?" she asked.

"Don't worry him and Mac will be here soon." Angie assured her.

"I hope so. I wouldn't want him to miss this espically since he's the one who pushed me into it." said Tilly.

"He wouldn't miss it." Angie replied.

"See, theree he is now." Richie and the Highlander came in.

"Hey Tilly!" Richie greeted his friend with a hug.

"That was for luck."

"She won't need it." Joe assured him with a smile. "C'mon Tills its time."

They got up on stage. The place got quiet. Tilly couldn't help but notice how crowded the place was. She hoped she didn't freeze up. Joe began to introduce her.

"All right folks, got a new artist for you to hear tonight. May I present Tilly Brynes."

The costumers applauded for her. "ALL RIGHT TILLY!" Richie and Angie cheered the loudest. She blushed and Richie laughed. Mac hit on the back of the head.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"Thanks Mac." Angie said.

"Tills is going to kill you later if she finds out you laughed."

"So, without any further a do, we're going to sing for you a classic Johnny Cash and June Carter duet." Joe started to strum his guitar and the people glapped, knowing which song it would be. Joe started up.

"Go away from my window
Leave at your own chosen speed
I'm not the one you want babe
I'm not the one you need…"

This was where Tilly was suppose to join in but she froze up. Joe kept playing. He urged her to go on with his eyes. She took a breath. Then she nodded and finally joined in:

"…They say you're looking for someone,
Who's never weak but always strong
To protect you and defend you
Whether you are right or wrong

Someone to open each and every door
But it aint me babe
No no no, it aint me babe
It aint me you're looking for… babeGo lightly from the ledge babe,
Go lightly on the ground
I'm not the one you want babe,
I'll only let you down…"

In the audience Mac, Angie, and Richie exchanged glances. They couldn't help but notice how good the two looked on stage together and they sounded great.

"…You say you're looking for someone
Who'll promise never to part
Someone to close his eyes to you
Someone to close his heart"

Someone to die for you and more,
But it aint me babe
No no no, it aint me babe
It aint me you're looking for… babeYou say you're looking for someone
To pick you up each time you fall
To gather flowers constantly
and to know come each time you call

And will love you for all life and nothing more
But it aint me babe
No no no, it aint me babe
It aint me you're looking for… babe."

The song was over. The place erupted. Richie and Angie clapped and cheered the loudest. Tilly and Joe took hands and took their bows. "You guys were awesome!" Richie exclaimed and pulled Tilly into a friendly embrace.

"Talk about seeing ghost," complimented Mac. "It was like seeing Johnny and June again."

"Whoa, you mean you actually saw them in person?" Richie asked when he pulled apart from Tilly.

"Once or twice in concert." Smirked Mac.

"Who knew you actually had descent taste in music." Teased Richie.

"You did good kid." Joe took his turn to compliment Tilly.

"Yeah, but I almost froze up." She reminded him.

"Trust me, it happens." Joe assured her.

"So, are we going to expect anymore duets from you two?" asked Angie.

"Only if she's up for it." Said Joe.

"Are you kidding!? Name the time and place and I'm so there!" was her reply.

TBC…

Song: It Ain't Me Babe

By: Johnny Cash and June Carter

Author's Notes: (continued): Sorry if this chappie seems rushed I just wanted to get some time going so some drama can get going. You know there's going to be drama! BTW: had to add that song. I love that song!