Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: Chuck and Sarah deal with the aftermath of their actions concerning the physical altercation involving Jack Burton. Chief Beckman informs the both of them their practically suspended from working and stepping foot on Westside Medical grounds. Of course, it puts a big wrinkle when it comes to prepping for Bash At The Bench for Chuck, but the crew have his back. Also, Ellie and Devon inform Sarah of the dire diagnosis of Jack's health. He's on borrowed time and if he doesn't get a kidney soon, he'll die. This leads to Ted Roark offering a surprising proposal to Sarah herself. Will she take it though? So, what's in store for this chapter? Here's the who, what, where, when, why, and how of it. Who does Sarah find in kitchen after waking up and thinking she was late for think? What movie character is Sarah compared to after mentioning something she wore is in the laundry? Where is Sarah going on her road trip? When are they leaving since they do have a week off? Why is Sarah asked to sing after something in her past was reveal before she went downstairs by Emma? How does the person in question they've met up with help her? Read and find out! Anyways, hope you enjoy the read and leave a comment to share your own thoughts on this particular chapters. As always, reviews are awesome.

Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment I truly appreciate it. Please continue to do so as it gives me the incentive to write more chapters.

I don't own Chuck.

Reflection

XXX

Sarah's eyes slowly open from her slumber and as usual it takes a while for her eyes to focus to where she gradually focuses on the one thing that she stares at every morning. Her alarm clock on the nightstand, which is located on the left side of her bed. It reads 9:15 a.m. and after staring at it for a few seconds her eyes shoot wide open causing her to immediately sit straight up in absolute rushed panic.

The blonde, and most certainly smart as a whip, beauty throws off the comfortable covers revealing that she's wearing her Harry Potter pajamas bottoms and a shirt of the same movie. After the oldest Walker daughter jumps out of bed, she then heads straight for her bathroom but suddenly stops halfway there because she soon realizes she isn't going into work today, which brings a sense of relief in that moment.

Unfortunately, that sense of relief fades as she once again realizes that the reason she's not going into work is due to a suspension brought down by the board of directors. What she also realizes she's done the exact same thing since Monday and it's now Wednesday. In that instance, she can't help but shake her head not at just that, but at the suspension as well. A suspension that in the eyes of her mother Emma, younger sister Molly, her nerdy boyfriend Chuck, and everyone else in her inner circle that believes she received an unfair, raw deal because of how it all went down.

For it's a situation that was most definitely instigated by her own father, Jack Burton. A man who is angry and not to mention vindictive when it comes creating chaos with him in order to make his own tragic situation seem less pointless, she thinks to herself. Now, his life hangs in the balance and she has the power to actually give or take life from the man who is pretty much considered to be a sperm donor since he hasn't been in her life, or Molly's life for that matter, in years.

As for her own situation, she didn't really know what to think or do when the beginning of the work week rolled around. She practically felt lost, and not to mention incredibly antsy, in not being at Westside as the hospital's Chief Operating Officer, especially knowing there were important matters to attend to. Yet, Chief Beckman assured her that things are under control and to just relax, as well as enjoy the "time off".

Unfortunately, relaxing and enjoying her "time off" isn't really considered one of her strong suits knowing full well her time off was forced. However, it gives her the opportunity to take some time to reflect on her life up to now and there's pretty much a silver lining knowing once the week is over she'll be back working alongside the people who aren't just co-workers or associates. They've become friends…better yet…family. For it's a place where she's able to put down roots just like Casey who after talking with him considered himself a nomad during his military days. Heading off to one deployment after another.

After retiring, he felt a restlessness within him and partly why he and Kathleen split up. It wasn't until he was contacted by Chief Beckman's and offered the position of head of security of Westside Medical Center that had changed. He accepted and the rest is history, according to him. In a sense, both of them share a similar story as his former commanding officer James Keller put in a good word to the auburn haired Chief Administrator of Westside Medical Center. For the hulking head of security, he didn't know how Keller even got in contact with his boss of shorter stature or knew of his situation, but he did know one thing. He was thankful and owed a debt of gratitude toward him.

It's that same debt of gratitude that she owes to her former boss, Langston Graham in finding that quintessential groove in which she's able to easily maneuver her way through her working environment to where the unforeseen situations faced are handled without any complications whatsoever.

After standing there in the middle of her bedroom, she takes a moment to reach with right hand with a black hair band around her wrist in order to reach underneath her golden locks to rub the back of her neck. She then rakes her fingers through the same golden tendrils now with both hands to where she inevitably scratches the back of it then moves upward to the top of her head. It's at that point, she slides in her bathroom, with considerable amount of pep in her step, to do her morning routine that usually happens a couple hours earlier if she were actually going to work, that is.

Now that she has been given the "week off", or in this particular case free time on her hands, she has to find ways to keep herself busy so she can be able to go back to work next week. Of course, it's going to be incredibly difficult because it's the first time that she's ever experienced being relieved of her duties, especially for a whole week. Granted, she has gotten in trouble during her working as Langston Graham's wildcard enforcer, but all she ever got was a slap on the wrist because she was practically the director's right hand.

So, she ended up not getting punished, much less a reprimand for that matter. In her mind, those were the perks as she basically experienced preferential treatment from Graham himself due to the fact that she was excellent at her job and followed his orders to a T.

In any case, as much as she wants to head into work, she's taking the opportunity for once to go with the flow even though she's not really the type to do just that when it pertains to maintaining a schedule that's now been broken. In other words, she is a self-professed work-a-holic. While standing there in front of her bathroom mirror, she takes a moment to give off a sigh that expressed so much without even saying a single word.

It's at that point, Sarah pulls back her hair into a pony tail with that same hair band around her right wrist. Afterwards, she commences to do her daily beauty regime but instead of getting ready for work, she simply tones it done since she'll be relaxing at home once again. Possibly have a Harry Potter movie marathon again or binge watch a few seasons of Dexter from the beginning, she thinks to herself. A glimmer of grin appears in the corner of her mouth that leads into a smile as she peers into her bathroom mirror.

So many thoughts could very well be running through her mind right now, which there are. Yet, the one main thought is that she's a very lucky woman to have Chuck in her life who so in tune with her in mind, body, and soul. However, it's the physical aspect of their relationship that hasn't quite gotten physical, not quite yet. For the most part, they're holding on knowing she wants it just as much as he does evident by intense visual exchanges they both have towards one another.

Fortunately for her, he hasn't put any pressure on her, unlike her past relationships that would go all PePe Le Pew in order to fulfill their own pleasurable desires. Chuck is the complete opposite and, truth be told, she's noticed that there's a considerable about of nervous tension when it pertains to sealing the deal between the two of them. Of course, it's been a while for him since his last relationship ending badly to where it ended up scarring him to the point of taking his mojo according to Devon.

In spite of that, he's come a long way when it comes to having his heart dug out after being buried for quite some time in what Ellie referred to his own Dead Man's Chest. A metaphorical chest that also contained what was thought to be at the time for Chuck thoughts, feelings and emotions that would never come alive again, which the same can be said for her as well. They've been there for each other in every sense of the word, especially when it comes to big decisions that are either personal or professional.

For Chuck, things have certainly picked up for Kessel Run Technologies ever since Mr. Strickland came aboard as a big investor in the company. Add to that the word of mouth recommendations coming from individuals who have now become clients have given her nerdy beau a new found appreciation for having friends in high places. Plus, when it comes to the man responsible for his new found success, Ted Roark, he can be at times quite mysterious involving his intentions, especially after this weekend and with Chuck, for that matter.

A weekend in which she would find herself given a choice to either save the life of her father or spend the last month or so of his life in absolute pain. What made the situation even more complicated was Roark informing her, along with Chuck, Ellie, and Devon, that he can make it possible to make the funds for artificial kidney happen. All he needs is her approval and he can make a call, just like that. Of course, he gave her some time to make a definite answer but while doing so would get in contact with 2 men who were responsible for the project simply for introductions purposes.

Her thoughts concerning why Roark is willing to help her regarding the scope and magnitude of the situation that he didn't have any professional or personal involvement in, are subsequently suddenly set aside after hearing echoes of laughter coming from downstairs. The sound of 2 people laughing causes her to be somewhat suspicious since Molly should be in school so, after finishing up in the bathroom, she makes her way downstairs. After reaching the bottom floor step of her 2 story condo, her eyes are transfixed on the person standing at the stove a couple feet away from her.

"Hey, you're awake and up finally. Awesome!"

"Chuck?" questioned Sarah, expressing confusion but ending with a surprised smile towards him.

XXX

"It's sweet of you to think of me but you didn't have do this. I told you I'm fine and since I now have some free time to spare on my hands I can just pretty much be a couch potato." Sarah stated, taking a seat at the breakfast table next to her mother. "I've got day of binge watching movies on the agenda planned." she added, briefly shrugging her shoulders.

For Sarah, seeing Chuck downstairs in the kitchen wasn't all that uncommon since he's practically a resident of sorts. A second or third home for him for that matter. In any case, after exchanging kisses and giving her nerdy boyfriend a playful slap on his butt, she poured herself some coffee and took a seat next to her mother. She watched as Chuck cooked breakfast for her and whistled a tune while doing so, which she finds absolutely entertaining.

Furthermore, she considers it a warm sight to behold as well and would most definitely get used to in regards to their future together as she partakes in said breakfast. Breakfast that consisted of a plate filled with scrambled eggs, waffles, bacon and 4 pieces of toast. Butter or jam on the side. It's what's otherwise known as the Bartowski Breakfast Special. It's something that his dad used to make for him and then Ellie ever since their mom left.

Essentially, it became the special breakfast that bonded the 3 of them together in a deeply positive way. Now, it's bonding her to him and possibly her mom as well. Speaking of Sarah's mom, her thoughts are abruptly broken the sound of her voice.

"She's lying, Chuck." Sarah's attention averts from Chuck sitting across from her to the woman sitting to her left. "Well, you are." Emma insisted, staring directly at her oldest daughter. The eye contact on her never wavering. After shaking her head, she continues on. "You've actually been miserable for the last 2 days. Come on. Admit it." encouraged the matriarch of the Walker women.

Sarah doesn't answer right away. Instead, she sits there momentarily staring at her mother then over to Chuck. Afterwards, she peers down taking a bite of Bartowski Breakfast Special that is incredibly delicious. While continuing to eat, she can feel the two of them staring at her, but forges on eating her meal causing her to be visibly uncomfortable by it. It's not long before she drops her fork and lifts her head to answer the statement conveyed by her mother.

'Fine. I am miserable. Is that what you want to hear, Mom?" she stated, leaning back and crossing her arms in front of her. "I just want this week to be over and get back to work. Am I happy about it? No. I'm a big girl, so you don't have to worry about me."

"Not when it's costing you your happiness, sweetie." Emma pauses then keeps going. "Your father." she faintly breathed out, then shaking her head afterwards. Disappointment, disdain and anger momentarily expressed in her voice, as well as on her face. All 3 would subsequently be brief leading her focus to return back to her oldest daughter. "Plus, I'm always going to worry about you. I'm your mother."

"And I'm your boyfriend." Chuck chimed in, flipping the kitchen towel he's holding over his left shoulder. Once he's gotten Sarah's attention, he continues on. "I worry about you too." He pauses briefly then keeps going. "I know you and how miserable you are."

"How? You haven't seen me in 2 days?" she retorted.

"We've talked on the phone. That's how I know. I can tell in your voice. How you sounded over the phone." shared the youngest Bartowski sibling. "You've been off. I have ears, you know." he added, pointing to both ears.

"He's right." nodded Emma. "You have been off ever since being suspended."

"Off?" Should I feel insulted? It's the one main thought swirling in her head, whereas the other thoughts were mainly expletives that weren't suitable to say out loud. Fortunately, Molly is nowhere in sight, or within earshot for that matter, if she were to let loose. Instead, Sarah quirks her right brow after hearing that. She then looks back and forth from her mother to Chuck. "Is today "gang up on Sarah" day?" she conveyed, shaking her head in disbelief.

In that instance, Chuck gets up from his seat and slides over to her side and kneels right beside her. "Not at all, babe." He takes a slight pause before continuing to speak. "It's just that you've got a lot on your plate and I'm not talking about what's left of the Bartkwoski Breakfast Special." he replied back, expressing a faint chuckle. "What I'm trying to say here is, after the bomb that Roark dropped and then having the decision placed on your shoulders on whether or not you want to save Jack is some heavy weight to carry." Chuck added, exchanging a tight lipped smile towards her. "Let us lighten the load for you. You don't have to carry all of it. What about Dr. Dreyfus? I know he's been a bighelp to you."

"He's out of town this week. Something came up. A medical conference he has to attend. I'll see him next week." she replied back. She then refocuses back on the lightening the load and not having to carry all of it part. "Look, I have to do it. It's my responsibility, Chuck."

"Why? You don't have to and it doesn't have to be. Your father…" Emma pauses to gather the right words to say. After taking a momentary deep breath, she forges on. "…he made his own mess of things health wise and has to deal with it even if it means his dying. I know it sounds heartless but that's the reality he chose…" It's at the point, Emma points to her oldest daughter. "…not you."

"I know that. It's just…"

"Just what?" wondered Emma.

"I know Jack's sins aren't my own and it took some therapy with Dr. Dreyfus to make me see that. Most of it though, came from talking to you and how so supportive you've been. You've been where I am. It feels like I still have unfinished business with him. Unresolved issues that have to be settled between the two of us. You know."

"I know. That's why I took the day off from work. To spend with you."

In that instance, Chuck flashes his unmistakable smile that melts her heart every time she sees it causing her to brighten up. For her, the two simple words uttered by him gives her some considerably warm comfort knowing that he does truly know, being that he has questions still left unanswered with his own father leaving. In her mind, she hopes they can be resolved with his father one day just like with hers. That's a tall order when it comes to dealing with Jack Burton, she thinks to herself. Yet, she sets that thought aside and turns her attention back to the man kneeling right beside her.

"Have I told you how much of an articulate schnook you are?" she softly said, placing her right hand against his left cheek.

"Not recently…" answered Chuck, with a sheepish shrug of his shoulders. A faint grin expressed on his lips. "…but I'll take the compliment." he added, leaning in to give Sarah a kiss. His counterpart meets him halfway leading their lips to be pressed together. Unfortunately, the moment wouldn't last long as they both hear the sound of a clearing throat. The source…Emma Walker.

"I think it's time for you two to get going?" she stated, pointing at the two individuals that were in a lip lock moments ago.

"Going?" wondered Sarah, quirking her right brow once again. "Where are we going?"

"It's a…" Chuck suddenly stops knowing full well she hates surprises. So he takes a different approach. "Let's just say I called in a favor." he coyly shared, causing Sarah to be thoroughly intrigued. "So, hurry and change Ms. Lebowski."

"Hey, he wore a robe practically all throughout the movie. Do you see me wearing one?" questioned the blonde, leaning back and then briefly peers down with both arms out.

Chuck stares at Sarah for just a second then turns his attention to Emma who immediately gives her response. "Laundry basket. A regular couch potato this one and nearly had to use the vacuum on her." she shared, raising both eyebrows.

In response, Chuck raises both his eyebrows as he turns his attention back to the woman he loves. She shakes her head in disbelief after what her mother revealed. "Way to throw your oldest daughter under the bus, Mom!" chuckled Sarah, in a more surprised way.

"Just get your ass up and get out of the house." she retorted back.

"Language."

"Really?" responded Emma, expressing a look of surprised disbelief on her face towards Sarah. Her reaction wouldn't last long as she expresses a soft chuckle then continues on. "Go on and have fun. You remember how to have fun, right?" questioned the matriarch of the Walker women, with a tremendous sense of encouragement behind it.

Sarah reacts by reaching over, grabbing the kitchen towel that's draped over Chuck's left shoulder and playfully throws it over to her mother. "Fine." she replied back lowering her shoulders, expressing a mixture of an over exaggerated moan and whine.

In that instance, Chuck rises up into a standing position and in doing so helps Sarah out of her chair. While doing so, he pulls her forward then directs her towards the stairs, but not before giving a playful slap on her butt. The nerdy couple exchange smiles with one another leading Sarah to eventually amble up, then disappear up the stairs, leaving Chuck and Emma in the kitchen who end up finishing off what's left of the Bartowski Breakfast Special.

XXX

It was a total of 45 minutes for the car ride to the intended location that Chuck drove Sarah to. The intended location…Santa Clarita, CA. LA North Studios to be exact. According to Chuck, he called in a favor to Michael Buble, since he wasn't that far away and found out that he had 2 days off before continuing on his concert tour. A tour that's stopped in Santa Clarita and Michael was more than willing to help out in any way, especially after finding out Chuck is a fellow singer. In any case, after sitting in on some practice rehearsals in even spacious arena the couple were given the tour leading all 3 individuals to find themselves in the recording studio where they'd be able to comfortably sit and talk in the lounge area instead of the control room.

"Yeah…" Bublé stated, briefly looking around. "…this is where the magic happens." he added, giving off air quotes in regards to the word magic. "When I'm on tour at least. Whenever I have ideas for a new song, it helps to have a place to go to and work on it. Tweak it. Work on it some more." The Canadian crooner gives off a humble shrug afterwards. "You know…one singer to another. You're a star in the making, Chuck"

"That's awesome to hear. Mr. Bublé." Chuck responded, expressing genuine interest of his surroundings.

"Michael. Mr. Bublé is so..." There is a momentary pause as he tries to search for the right word to convey. After a few seconds, he continues on. "...formal and it's as if you're speaking to my dad." he humorously chuckled afterwards.

In response, Chuck and Sarah express humorous laughter as well. While doing so, Chuck can't help but be awe inspired and not to mention enamored by his surroundings. As a quasi-singer himself, he gets "it" when it comes to having all the pieces come together in order to bring a song to life.

"Okay, Michael..." Chuck replied, feeling somewhat awkward saying it. "but if I'm being honest here...I'm not on your level. Me...I just sing on my YouTube show and the songs…" He pauses for a moment then continues on. "…they have a message and meaning, especially when it it's for that special Rockstar Star rebel who I'm singing it for. Them…they are the true stars in the making." he firmly insisted, shaking his head politely disagreeing with the successful solo artist.

"I like you Chuck. You're different. Unlike the people I come across in the music industry. You actually genuinely sound and feel real."

"That's because he is." Sarah proudly retorted, with a smile directed at Michael then to Chuck. In that moment, she reaches over and rubs her nerdy boyfriend's furry right forearm. Afterwards, she turns back to the man sitting at the piano and take that small window of opportunity to chime in with absolute curiosity on her part. "How do you do it? What I mean is..." She pauses to gather her thoughts in order to convey what she specifically wants to ask Michael. "…what inspires you to create hit songs? Do they come naturally?" wondered the blonde beauty.

Chuck's attention on Sarah now on Bublé who seems to be visibly thinking in regards the response he's going to give. Speaking of the successful, 2 time Grammy award winning singer, he sits there for a moment reflecting back on his own creative process to the songs he writes and sings. The couple don't have to wait long as he freely shares with them how he goes about making magic happen by standing up then heading to the piano located behind him a few away from the lounge area within the recording studio. The nerdy couple aren't too far behind finding themselves standing to his right just off to the side to where they both end up sitting on stool that were already placed there.

As the Canadian crooner briefly tickles the ivories of the studio piano, he looks up sharing how it usually starts. "This is how I sometimes start off..." Bublé starts swaying to the notes of what he's playing. "...right here at the piano. It's usually me riffing away and I'm not going to lie..." he shared, shaking his head. "...there are times where I'll be riffing away until I find that melody that I can hook on to. It just comes easy and naturally. Other times, nothing happens. I'm sitting and playing the piano not really accomplishing anything, which can absolutely frustrating."

"I've been there." stated Chuck, raising both eyebrows and fully aware of his experiences in prepping for Bash At The Bench.

"So, even a veteran in the music business like yourself can succumb to the pitfalls of writer's block." stated Sarah, in a questioning manner.

"It happens to the best of us, Sarah." nodded Bublé, briefly giving a humble shrug. "Anyways, there are certain things that inspire me. My wife and son for instance. A big part of my inspiration as a singer and writer. Then there are my friends, the fans, or even just random people who help provide me with the inspiration to do what I do. The songs can range from sexy, to heartfelt, and then immensely powerful, as well as empowering." he explained, describing the feeling of the songs written and sung. "They can also be considered considerably therapeutic in a way."

"How so?" wondered Sarah, leaning in and focusing her attention on Michael.

"Well..." Bublé responded back. "...have you ever needed to get something off your chest that's so been weighing heavily on you? It's as if you're carrying the pressure of those feelings on your shoulders? As a singer, the best way I know how to relieve those feelings...that weight...is just to sing. You for instance..." he pointed out, zeroing in on Sarah.

The sudden attention on Sarah causes her to be thrown off a bit to the point where she briefly turns her attention to Chuck. In response, Chuck simply tilts his head and motions back over to Canadian crooner all-the-while giving a supportive nod to her. "What about me?"

"It looks like you've got something to get off your chest. I'm guessing it's something to do with your father who was taken to the hospital Saturday night at the Hospital Gala."

It's at that point, Sarah is silent as she now is experiencing being uncomfortable with the line of questioning about that fateful night. Instead of responding to Bublé, she turns to her boyfriend who is responsible for this apparent ambush on her. "Did you know about this? You know I hate surprises." she stated, suddenly springing up from her stool and backing away.

"Sarah!" Chuck springs out of the seated position and quickly turns around. "I swear. I didn't talk to him about that night and this isn't a surprise. Not the surprise you're thinking of right now. It is a surprise that I'm thinking about but in a good way. The good way where..."

"Chuck." Sarah firmly said cutting him off, in a tone that nearly had Chuck pissing himself.

In order to calm things down, Chuck puts up both hands in front of him. In doing so, he then takes a deep breath to smooth things overs the best he possibly can. "All I said was I just wanted to put a smile on your face because you've been having it rough."

"I'm not a charity chase. I don't want to be seen as one." she replied, expressing a mixture of anger, embarrassment, and a sense of betrayal in her voice.

"I know you're not." he retorted, quickly reaching down to take both of her hands into both of his. He briefly peers down then lifts his gaze to lock his eyes on to hers. "I don't see you that way."

"Why did you bring me here?" questioned Sarah, glaring directly at Chuck.

Chuck is about to respond when Bublé' intervenes and tries to quell the ensuing quarrel between the not so loving couple at the moment. "Listen Sarah..." he said standing up, but not moving from his spot behind the piano. "...I didn't mean to make you feel as if you're a charity case. Not my intention. I'm sorry if I did." He takes a moment to take a deep breath then gather his thoughts. Afterwards, he attempts to put out the unintentional fire before it ends up turning into a massive blaze. "All I'm saying is, singing helps and is considered deeply therapeutic that once it's over you'll experience this sense of being cleansed in a way."

Sarah stands there with her hands still in Chuck's. Her attention on Bublé' is directed back at Chuck who she can see a look of genuine sincerity when it comes his good intentions, which can sometimes backfire on him. Yet, he means well and in her mind is adorably cute when he looks into her eyes with those chocolate brown puppy dog eyes. However, she doesn't dare smile at him because she still wants to exude the demeanor of a woman not liking the situation she's been presently put in.

After briefly peering down at the floor of the recording studio, she shakes her head then speaks up. "I'm not a singer."

"Yeah you are." Chuck replied back.

"How do you know?" questioned Sarah, quirking her right brow.

"Your mom showed me videos of you singing at recitals and some involving singing competitions when you were teenager in High School. You're awesome!" he said, with beaming with immense joy and surprise.

"You saw those!?" she questioned back, with shocked surprised in the tone of her voice. "Mom, I'm going to kill you." she muttered under her breath.

"What happened? What changed?"

Her attention would be refocused back to Chuck then begrudgingly responds to what she just found out. "Me. I did." It's at that point, Chuck releases both of Sarah's hands from his then she makes her away around Chuck inevitably sitting back on the same stool she sat in previously. This would lead Bublé' to sit back down as well at the piano with Chuck taking a seat back on the stool he previously sat on as well. Both men giving Sarah the time to gather herself before continuing on. "My heart wasn't in it. I actually was going to major in music in college but that didn't happen. I ended going down a completely different path altogether." she further shared. "I was doing it mainly because I wanted to show my dad that I'm more that what he sees in me."

"What better way to get those feelings off your chest than to sing about it. Like I said before, it's deeply therapeutic. How about it, Sarah?"

Sarah sits there quietly contemplating Bublé's offer and for her, it has been quite a long time she has even sung anything. Add to that, she singing in the presence of two men that are most definitely intimidating. To her, when it comes to trying to do something that she hadn't done in years, it causes her to suddenly experience a feeling that's a combination of fear, dread, and anxiety. Yet, a small part of her wants to at least try to see if she's still got it, knowing she was good at it until she left it all behind due in part to her father's influence. Singing and being is a singer is lofty dream. That's a fantasy. Focus on reality and where the real money is. That's what her father said to her. Shattering her supposed lofty dream and making it, or in this case molding her to who he wanted her to become, a reality. After seemingly sitting there forever in silence, Sarah turns to Chuck.

"If I do this..." she softly said, briefly averting her attention to Bublé'. "...you have to stay with me. I'm not going to do it unless you're by my side."

In response, Chuck expresses a encouragingly supportive and comforting smile. "You got it."

"Awesome." happily responded, Bublé. "Do you know what song you're going to sing?"

"Yes..." immediately chimed in Sarah. She didn't even stop to think about. "...I do. It's a song that's actually resonated with me ever since the movie came out."

"What movie?" wondered Chuck.

"Mulan." Sarah answered. "Do you happen to know and can play on the piano the song Reflection by Christian Aguilera?" she asked, with a sense of curiosity.

Bublé smiles from ear to ear in response. "I have nieces and they always want me to play a Disney song on the piano whenever I visit either of my 2 sisters. You're in luck because that's one of the songs I know how to play. I know it so well, I can probably play it in my sleep." he humorously shared. After sharing a laugh with the couple, he pauses briefly then speaks up. "Trust me. This will help in the long run for you, Sarah. Just let me know when you're ready." he said, waiting for Sarah's go ahead.

XXX

Look at me
You may think you see

It's clearly evident that Sarah sounds unsure of herself and not to mention completely nervous singing the first 2 lines of the song then stops. However, she feels the encouraging squeeze of Chuck's hand telling her that he's keeping his word and staying by her side from the beginning of the song to the end. She truly and greatly appreciates having such a supportive man doing something that's completely out of her comfort zone. After exchanging a smile with Chuck, her attention is turned to Bublé' who points to his eyes then softly says the following 4 words: "Close them. It helps."

Sarah nods and complies with what Bublé' said knowing she's seen countless singers or lead singers in bands do it. Plus, Chuck has done several times during his Bash At The Bench performances, she thinks to herself. Of course, she's done it herself during her singing recitals and singing competition days that she nearly forgot to do it. It's considered a coping mechanism for any singer that gets overwhelmed with the size and scope of the audience they're singing in front of. By doing that, it helps empower them to concentrate on their inner world while at the same time tap/connect with their emotions. She takes a deep breath then starts over this time with her eyes closed as she hears the piano start to play.

Look at me
You may think you see
Who I really am
But you'll never know me
Every day
It's as if I play a part
Now I see
If I wear a mask
I can fool the world
But I cannot fool my heart

For Sarah, all the feelings and emotions relating to her father flood back and hit her with such an immense impact. In her mind, she always felt like she wasn't being her true self and simply playing a part that was expected of her by the man who was grooming her to be him. Unfortunately, she would find herself wearing a mask and covering up the face of girl that Jack Burton didn't see as his own daughter, but rather a tool to continue on with his legacy. A legacy of manipulation and lying. Though she was able to fool those around her into changing into someone that she wouldn't recognize, her heart wouldn't be fooled at all.

As much as she wants to open her eyes out of pure curiosity sake to see the look on Chuck and Michael's face, she doesn't because it would cause her to stop. It's something she actually doesn't want to do because once she sets her mind to a goal there's no stopping her whatsoever. While continuing to sing, she hearkens back to the words Bublé's in regards to getting those feelings off your chest and you'll feel in a sense cleansed. Speaking of Chuck and Michael, the expressions on both their faces are of pure respect and admiration for the blonde woman who is belting her very own heart out in front of them. More so with Chuck than with Bublé' as she hits the chorus of the song.

Who is that girl I see
Staring straight back at me?
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside?

Sarah can feel the emotions welling up inside her and even though her first instinct is to stop singing because she's afraid to show her vulnerability and not let the floodgates open, she forces herself not to. Instead, she allows the emotions and words of the song itself to completely envelope her to the point of embracing it tightly like a great big bear hug and never letting go. For her, this song to this day has strongly resonated with her as it perfectly reflects her toxic relationship or lack thereof with her father. While continuing to sing, she can feel the tears slide down both sides of her cheeks but doesn't wipe them away.

I am now
In a world where I
Have to hide my heart
And what I believe in
But somehow
I will show the world
What's inside my heart
And be loved for who I am

Who is that girl I see
Staring straight back at me?
Why is my reflection
Someone I don't know?
Must I pretend that I'm
Someone else for all time?
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside?

I am now in a world where I have to hide my heart. Those word have more meaning for her than anything else as it pertains to living within her father's world of high expectations. Hiding behind a persona that wasn't really who she was, or meant to be for that matter. Once she broke free of him and crossed paths with Chuck she gradually started seeing that girl again. A girl that she started to again recognize in the mirror earlier today when she woke up. A girl that never had a chance to live a normal childhood.

In her mind, it was like being re-introduced to her inner child all over again after so many years of being brainwashed. It's that thought in which the anger builds inside her to the point where the softness in her voice she started out with in the song becomes considerably stronger and gritty in tone, but it's not sung loudly or over the top. Sarah gives it just enough emphasis to express and reveal the pain that she hasn't completely let go off while at the same time continuing to let the tears flow.

There's a heart that must be
Free to fly
That burns with a need to know
The reason why

Why must we all conceal
What we think, how we feel?
Must there be a secret me
I'm forced to hide?
I won't pretend that I'm
Someone else for all time
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside?
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside?

For her, there were so many reasons for her to break free from her father, but didn't consider herself strong enough because of his strong mental influence. It was like a scarlet letter that would seemingly be forever burned into her mind, body, and soul. Her attempts to hide that mark from her mother ended up failing. It's her mother after all who could see right through what her oldest daughter tried to conceal from her. That thought made the biggest impact on her to where it causes her to stumble with the words of the song. Yet, with her eyes still closed and tears streaming down her cheeks, she quickly composes herself then keeps going.

In her mind, she refuses to let the emotions stop her from finishing the song knowing those years of pretending and hiding the real Sarah Walker are now gone. That's the stubborn side she inherited from Jack Burton and it's the only thing she's glad that's been passed down from him. As the song gradually comes to a close, she can feel a sense of emotional, and not to mention mental, relief that Michael was possibly referring to. The heavy weight and burden of her issues relating to her father suddenly dissipating to the point where she feels as if she can breathe better. It's a new found experience that she finds absolutely liberating so much so she can't help but express a smile. A smile that Chuck and Michael see first-hand to where they end up smiling as well.

During that smile and all throughout the latter part of the song, both men witnessed Sarah completely open herself emotionally. A considerably heartwarming scene and truly something to behold as the tears continue to fall down her cheeks. A rebirth for her of sorts. However, even though tears are being shed causing her to struggle vocally she pushes herself to keep going, which is considerably amazing from where Chuck is sitting. As for Canadian crooner, he's experienced and witnessed what is unfolding him before and it's the reason why he oftentimes refers to what's happening as deeply therapeutic that ultimately helps cleanse anyone including Sarah in every sense of the word.

When the final note is played by Bublé and last word sung inevitably fading into utter silence, what's left is the sound of a woman crying her eyes out. A woman who feels inwardly exhausted after putting herself out there and she didn't care how she sounded as long as she was able to do what she set out to do. A few seconds go by and she slowly opens her eyes. The first person she sees is the man behind the piano who proudly smiles, gives a nod towards her and reaches up to wipe some tears away. Afterwards, she turns to Chuck sitting next to her who she notices has shed a few tears of his own watching her. Instead of saying anything she quickly leans over to his open and awaiting arms succumbing to all the tear filled emotions from singing a song that has such a deep rooted mental and emotional connection with her.

XXX


NOTE: Sorry for the delay! Just took a break and now that break is over I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter! So what do you think? Sarah was/is a singer herself much to the surprise of Chuck who found out from Emma. Plus, Sarah's choice for her to sing. Perfect for her in all that he's endured as it relates to Jack Burton? Share your thoughts and leave a review! Thanks for your continued support. A tip of the hat to your reads and to my beta NEVR. You rock dude!