Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: Casey and his former military associate, Scary, come face to face. Scary informed Casey that Bennett was involved in a mission to capture Bin Ladin. Unfortunately, it turned out to be trap and Scary shared that an air strike was called in because the situation called for it. Casey didn't like what he heard and took it personally because the powers that be basically looked the other way when it came Bennett's overall mental and physical health. Meanwhile, Chuck and Morgan have a conversation with Mark Ratner before Bash At the Bench officially begins. The nerdy host and bearded cameraman find out that Mark has a crush on Heather, but it's complicated. Speaking of Heather, she revealed to Sarah how she saved her life when they went somewhere more private and considerably quieter because the courtyard was filled with people for the show. Heather shared she suffers from social anxiety disorder, and she nearly contemplated taking her own life during her high school days when she got targeted by the mean girls. Sarah was part of the mean girl back then. It caused Sarah to become emotional and sincerely apologized for her actions and after they continued talking, they became friends. So, what happens in this chapter? Here are the who, what, where, when, why, how's? Who does Jeffster partially dress up when it came to their opening performance for Bash At The Bench. During Jeffster's performance, what did Ellie respond with when Chief Beckman informed Executive Producer Alexis White on not wanting her presence at the show to turn into? Where does Chuck's thought process suddenly lead to after sharing a piece of information regarding the newest Rockstar Rebel's non-cancerous tumor? When does Sarah realize that a potential relationship between Mark and Heather might not happen? Why does Heather want to join Chuck for the interview with the newest Rockstar Rebel. How does Chuck react when the newest Rockster Rebel does a sign that instantly impacted him to the point where he fell to his knees? Read and find out! I 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.
Speaking The Same Language
XXX
Jeffster opened Bash At The Bench with a song by Russ Ballard called Voices. One of the reasons the duo chose the song was because it was part of the soundtrack from an episode of a popular 80's television series that they were binge watching. The popular 80's show was Miami Vice. Although neither one of them looked like Sonny Crockett or Ricardo Tubbs, they acted the part by agreeing to wear white and pastel jackets over their Jeffster long sleeve shirts. However, the socks stayed on. It was mandated by Lester because he felt the smell alone of Jeff's sweaty feet could very well cause the audience to either throw up, pass out, or both.
In any case, the duo wasn't alone on stage as they were joined by Stephen Pollak playing the electric guitar. Surprisingly, the actor was actually musically talented to where Chuck and Morgan shrugged their shoulders because they really didn't believe he could play when he mentioned it to them. Speaking of the nerdy host and bearded camera man, they continued to focus on the opening musical performance that continued to entertain the courtyard audience, which included Ellie, Devon, Big Mike, Sarah, Heather, Mark, White, Beckman, Casey and Panzer. They all watched as Lester pranced around the mic stand with mic in hand before he began the 3rd set of lyrics to the song.
In my head the voice is waiting
Waiting for me to set it free
I locked it inside my imagination
But I'm the one who's got the combination
Some people didn't like what the voice did say
So I took the voice and I locked it away
I got the key, I got the key
Voices, I hear voices
Voices, I hear voices
Don't look back, look straight ahead
Don't turn away, then the voice it said
Don't look back, yesterday's gone
Don't turn away, you can take it on
After the chorus, Jeff comes in with his electronic keyboard solo and kills it, giving his own unique flash that only Jeff can do. A few seconds later, Pollak stepped forward and immediately riffed an electric guitar solo that the courtyard audience erupted in applause over. The look on Chuck and Morgan's faces expressed how they were actually impressed by his skills and, by the sound of females cheering within the audience, he was a hit with the crowd. Of course, Pollak was doing some showboating with Lester hyping up the actor. Speaking of Lester, he continued on with the singing portion of the musical performance.
Voices, I hear voices
Voices, I hear voices
Don't look back, look straight ahead
Don't turn away, then the voice it said
Don't look back, yesterday's gone
Don't turn away, you can take it on
After Lester's echoing run of the last word, there was a momentary lull as his voice gradually faded. It wouldn't be long before the lead singer of Jeffster off darted from one side of the stage, then across to the other. While he did, he raised his hands above his head and started clapping, which was the courtyard audience's cue to clap along. Once there was a steady clap going on, Lester pranced around the stage again and as he did, he sang the word 'voices.' Lester then stopped, faced the crowd and turned the mic that was in his right hand toward the crowd. As he did, he sang the word 'voices' again then lifted his left hand and placed it against his left ear for him to hear the crowd repeat it back to him. Lester wasn't disappointed as the audience echoed it together in seemingly perfect unison back to him.
As the audience participated in the back-and-forth exchange with Lester, the executive producer that represented Five Elder Studios took the opportunity to speak with Beckman.
"This will be a tremendous opportunity to gain further notoriety for the hospital, Chief Beckman," she stated. "Plus, it also gives us free publicity in advertising the studio's project starring Chandler and Pollak," White firmly added.
"As much as the Board of Directors approved this endeavor of yours," Beckman paused as she watched Chuck head towards the main stage. "I still have some concerns."
"What concerns might that be?"
"The agreement was for Ms. Chandler and Mr. Pollak to shadow my Chief Operating Officer and Mr. Bartowski," the Chief Administration pointed out, with concern in her voice. "They've agreed to it and signed the contract. That much is for sure." She paused for a moment and gathered her thoughts before Beckman continued on. "I just don't want this whole situation to end up turning into…" She stopped in order to search for the right word.
"A circus."
Beckman turned to the source of the voice. That voice belonged to one of her best doctors that has done tremendous work in the field of neurology at Westside Medical Center, Eleanor Woodcomb. Plus, she's also the older sister of Chuck Bartowski. A woman who she respected and gave a nod to after she heard what she said.
"Indeed Dr. Woodcomb," Beckman turned back to White and repeated what Ellie said. "A circus."
"A circus has to have a ringmaster, Chief Beckman," White retorted.
"She is the ringmaster, Ms. White," Devon chimed in. He expressed a respectful and proud smile to his auburn-haired boss. "Our ringmaster. An awesome one at that who keeps this hospital running,." he added, giving a firm nod to the executive producer.
"I'm flattered, Devon," Beckman responded, expressing an appreciative smile back. "However, when it comes to the circus that is Bash At The Bench," She turned her attention to Chuck who was now by the blue courtyard bench briefly talking with the parents of the next Rockstar Rebel. "It's Mr. Barowski over there who is the ringmaster," she added, pointing over to him.
"Now that I've witnessed firsthand what goes on behind the scenes for the show," chimed in Mark. He paused for a moment then continued on. "It's crazy." His eyes briefly widened with astonished disbelief.
"How does he do it?" wondered Heather, shaking her head.
"It's not easy." responded Sarah. She stood arm in arm with the woman next to her, who she had a heart-to-heart conversation with a while ago. Both women now considered friends after a heartfelt and meaningful talk between the two of them. "The awesome thing is he's not alone and whenever he needs help, Chuck has his family and friends to back him up," she added, supportively squeezing Heather's right arm.
"You are correct, Chief Walker." nodded Beckman. She stood for a moment seemingly in deep thought and then spoke up. "I just hope I'm," she quickly corrected herself. "We're not going to have any regrets with promoting your project on Bash At The Bench," Beckman retorted. "It's considered new territory for Mr. Bartowski and Mr. Grimes. From my understanding, their core audience is mostly kids."
"I assure you, Chief Beckman," firmly stated White. Her eyes locked on to the eyes of Westside Medical Center's Chief Administrator. "We're speaking the same language here and understand what's at stake. You, Chief Walker, Chuck, Mr. Grimes, and the Board of Directors won't end up looking like a bunch of clowns when this is all over."
Speaking of clowns, the back-and-forth exchange between Lester and the audience was entertaining, but it wouldn't last long as the front man of Jeffster returned to the mic stand. He took a moment to glance behind him toward Pollak who was able to adapt very quickly despite the short notice that was offered to him to be part of the opening number. Thankfully, Pollak's skills were able to add to, instead of take away from, the musical performance. Afterwards, Lester's attention returned back to the crowd and reattached the mic to the mic stand. He then continued singing with Jeff backing him up on vocals every step of the way.
Don't look back, look straight ahead
Don't turn away, then the voice it said
Don't look back, yesterday's gone
Don't turn away, you can take it on
Don't look back, look straight ahead (voices)
Don't turn away, then the voice it said (voices)
Don't look back, yesterday's gone (voices)
Don't turn away, you can take it on (voices)
When the vocals of the song were done, Lester turned around and let Pollak and Jeff finish off the performance. The combination of the electric guitar and electronic keyboard played by both men simply gelled together. Jeff and Pollak ended the performance with a flourish, which led to raucous applause, screams, cheers, whistles, and Arsenio Hall dark pound barks. After things eventually settled down, Lester addressed the courtyard crowd.
"You rock, Westside!" The sound of exuberant woos echo within the courtyard. Afterwards, Lester continued to address the crowd. "Give it up to an honorary member of Jeffster," Lester turned and motioned for Pollak to step towards the front of the stage. "Stephen Pollak!"
Pollak removed the electric guitar that was draped around his upper torso and lifted it up in the air. As he did, he waved to the crowd before he joined Lester at the front of the stage with Jeff following right behind him. The actor took a few seconds to privately talk with Lester and Jeff before he took center stage.
"Thanks Lester! I had a blast jamming with you guys!" he added, expressing a wide, appreciative smile. He then reached up and fist tapped not only Lester, but Jeff as well. "I hope we can do it again some time, boys!"
"Jeffster and Steven Pollack, Bartowski Brigade!" Chuck announced, addressing the courtyard crowd once again. After the crowd applause, cheers, whistles, dark barks, etc. died down, the nerdy host spoke up. "Now before I bring up our newest Rockstar Rebel to the stage, I'd like to introduce a new friend to the show. She's an executive producer for an upcoming project that Chief Walker and I are technical advisors for." After he shared that news, the audience clapped with supportive appreciation. Chuck continued on after the audience settled down. "The project is called 'We'll Always Have Omaha'. So, without further ado, let's give a round of applause for Alexis White."
The nerdy host waved towards White and motioned for the executive producer to head up to the stage. Before she did, White made sure to bring Heather with her, so she could also introduce her two main leads of the upcoming project as well. Mark was about to join them, but the executive producer pointed at him and told him to stay, like a dog being given a command by their owner or, in this particular case, his boss. Her actions didn't sit well with Sarah as it pertained to how Mark was treated, which was momentarily set aside. Why? She once again noticed a shared look between Mark and Heather before both women made their way to the main stage with Panzer right behind them mainly to keep an eye on Jeffster. In Sarah's mind, she would most definitely bring up all that she's observed between the two of them with Chuck.
XXX
"Anyways," White stood there for a moment holding the mic in her right hand as she looked out into a sea of courtyard faces. Her iPhone still clutched in her left hand. "Once an air date has been decided and announced, I hope you all tune in!"
The audience clapped after the executive producer shared that piece of information. Panzer situated himself behind the main stage and his presence was clearly felt by Jeffster as White's head of security shot a death glare at both men. Both men dared not to look behind them as they looked straight forward out of fear.
"Awesome. Thanks for sharing the details of what your upcoming project is about," Chuck uttered, shooting his trademark toothy smile. "Any chance of providing us with any spoilers?" he added, raising both eyebrows.
White lifted up her left hand that clutched her iPhone. She shook her head then pointed and wagged her finger at Chuck. Chuck shrugged his shoulders then turned to the courtyard audience and expressed a crooked grin.
"I tried, Bartowski Brigade."
After White breathed out an amused chuckle, she spoke up. "Before Chuck introduces the newest Rockstar Rebel, let me take this opportunity to introduce you to the two stars of We'll Always Have Omaha." White turned her head and focused on the two people who were behind her and a couple feet away. "You've already met the character Brody. The talented Stephen Pollak," she uttered. "Now meet Katrina Omaha. She's Hollywood's rising star, Heather Chandler!" she happily announced, then stepped aside for them to step forward.
The Bartowski Brigade applauded the actor and actress who were kindly welcomed as they approached the mic. Pollak was surprisingly a gentleman and let Heather step up to the mic before him. The actress acknowledged what Pollak did with a soft smile and quick nod. She then lifted her left hand, softly placed it on her co-star's chest and locked her eyes with his, which lingered there momentarily. It was something that Sarah immediately noticed. Sarah wasn't the only one, as she saw Chuck eyes briefly widened. The Chief Operating Officer then glanced over to Mark, and she saw a pained look expressed on his face before he lowered his head.
In her mind, she's definitely getting to the bottom of this with Chuck. Speaking of the youngest Bartowski sibling, he stood there on stage off to the side with Jeffster while Heather addressed the crowd, while Pollak stood closely behind her. Of course, the size difference between the two of them was clearly noticeable as Pollak towered over her. He lifted both hands and placed them on her shoulders, then rubbed them from side to side in a seemingly intimate way, as if they were in a relationship.
"First off," Heather paused and took a deep breath before she addressed the large crowd before her. "A big thank you to Chuck and Chief Walker for signing on to be technical advisors for our new project." She made eye contact and waved at Sarah who stood beside Chief Beckman at the camera stage area. Afterwards, she glanced over to her right where Chuck was standing and nodded over to him.
"Yeah," Pollak chimed in, pointing to Heather. "What she said."
"We may be actors who pretend for a living and do our best to convey the intended emotions on screen," She abruptly stopped to express an amused chuckle. "Sometimes badly and way over the top." The courtyard audience couldn't help but express laughter after they all heard that. "Yet, it's the genuine emotions you experience in this hospital that are truly real." In that moment, Heather locked eyes with Sarah who she was able to experience real emotions with and finally have closure with. She then broke eye contact with Sarah and turned her attention towards a group of special kids. "Real as each and every child over there, who are deserving of being called Rockstar Rebels," she added, sounding considerably emotional in her voice.
The sound of genuine emotion in Heather's voice impacted everyone in the courtyard, especially Sarah. Speaking of the Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center, she witnessed Pollack lean down and kiss the top of Heather's head. Afterwards, she saw her friend peer up at him and exchanged a seemingly loving look between the both of them. It didn't sit well with her after she had her usual girl talk with Alex and found out that Pollak hit on her when he spent time at the pediatric area of the hospital. He's either a womanizer cheating on Heather or something else is going on. Unfortunately, she set that particular thought aside, as Sarah heard the sound of Heather's voice again.
"As Ms. White said," Heather briefly glanced at the woman who was hired for the lead room, which she greatly appreciated. "It's unclear if what we've been working on will be a movie or a turn into a series." she shared, shrugging her shoulders.
"I'm just glad I'm employed again," Pollack stated, expressed a bit of amused laughter. "Plus, I have bills to pay." The audience responded with laughter as well, after he shared that with them.
After Pollak mentioned paying his bills, Heather briefly thought about how she's been lucky enough to not be worried about when the next paycheck comes. She recalled the days of going to audition after audition for either a television commercial or hired simply as an extra for a number of days during her high school. It wasn't easy but she did her best to manage because that's what she wanted for herself. Although it wasn't much of a paycheck, she put every scent of it in the bank while she continued to live with her parents. She was certainly fortunate to have such devoted, caring, and supportive parents who weren't the typical stage parents, she thought to herself.
For her, no matter how difficult, tiring and stressful it was for her, the voice in her head told her to never quit. She wanted her inner voice to match the language she spoke every time she was on screen. Granted, it didn't necessarily start out that way when she began her acting journey. However, after early disappointments, setbacks, moments where she struggled with staying positive to the point where she doubted her abilities early on in her career, she was able to finally sink her teeth into a role that got her noticed by Hollywood. A role that defined and paved her way to stardom in which she didn't have to worry about the next paycheck rolling in to pay her bills.
Heather shook her head and broke out of her brief thought process. After she did, she leaned forward and spoke up into the mic. "Whatever happens, Stephen and I are looking forward to getting it underway so we can show everybody the finished project. Set your DVR's."
Pollak leaned forward and spoke into the mic. "Or just tune in when it premieres everybody!"
The actor was a bit off balance when he leaned forward but he compensated with help from Heather after he wrapped her in a hug so that he wouldn't fall. It's at that point, Chuck stepped forward and addressed the courtyard audience once again.
"Give it up to our new friends, Bartowski Brigade!" Chuck's time with White, Heather, and Pollak ended. He then shifted the focus to the moment everyone in the courtyard and online were waiting for. "Next up is the newest Rockstar Rebel. She's 8 years old and her name is Bridgette Solomon. You'll meet her after a word from our sponsors."
As Chuck prepared for and mentally shifted gears for the interview that was about to happen down at the blue courtyard bench, he suddenly felt a tap on his right shoulder. "Chuck."
The tap on his right shoulder startled Chuck and it caused him to drop the note cards that were prepared ahead of time for the interview with Bridgette. After he settled down once he turned around and saw who it was, he kneeled down and gathered up the note cards. "What's up, Heather?" he asked.
As he did, the nerd noticed Panzer behind her and was pretty much there as a scary barricade that kept Jeffster from getting to the actress. Of course, Jeff and Lester took that opportunity to make themselves scarce for their own safety before they returned for the musical performance dedicated specifically to Bridgette.
"Do you mind if I join your interview with Bridgette?" she asked.
Heather's request caused Chuck to stop because it was something he never experienced before during his time as host of Bash At The Bench. After a few seconds, he regained his focus. "Sorry," Chuck briefly shook his head. "I've actually never had anyone ask that before."
"If that's a problem you don't…"
Chuck interjected. "Oh, it's no problem,." he quickly stammered out. "Out of curiosity, why do you want to join the interview?"
"Well…"
XXX
For the past 10 minutes, Chuck sat on the left end of the blue courtyard bench for Bridgette's interview. The 8 year old was an arms length away from him and tightly embraced a stuffed gorilla while she sat on her mother's lap. It wasn't just any stuffed monkey. It was a stuffed monkey from her favorite Disney movie, which related to the song he was dedicating to her later in the show. Beforehand, Bridgette and parents were welcomed with silent applause in sign language where the courtyard crowd raised their hands in the air and waved them around for the family to see. It was considered a different greeting than how past Rockstar Rebels and their parents were greeted, which certainly put the Solomon family at a comfortable ease, since Bridgette and her parents were deaf. He had to give credit to Heather who informed him of the special greeting. Speaking of Heather, she approached Chuck who stood in front of the blue courtyard bench, and stood next to the nerdy host because she was actually his sign language interpreter.
Heather informed him about her special skill that she picked up when she was part of MTV's Real World Los Angeles in Pasadena. Essentially, her roommates worked at The John Tracy Center. It was a private, nonprofit education center for infants and preschool children with hearing loss that was founded by Louise Treadwell Tracy. The wife of actor Spencer Tracy, in 1942. The center has provided parent-centered services worldwide and it has always held a special place in Heather's heart. So special in fact that she listed it as one of her favorites she's donated her personal time for whenever she's not working. The former reality star and now actress continued to learn ASL because she genuinely wanted to learn more and it was information added on the back of her head shot to possibly help stand out among other head shots.
Although the hospital's interpreter was ready to assist Chuck with the interview, she gladly stepped aside to let Heather take over doing the sign language. The reason she requested to be part of the interview was because she formed a connection with Bridgette when she and Sarah met with the pediatric kids before the show started. The connection between the two of them was initially formed when the actress noticed the stuffed gorilla. When she tried to initiate a verbal conversation it went well at first. After she was informed by Sarah about the 8 year old's hearing disability, Heather started signing to her. It wasn't much of a surprise to the Chief Operating Officer, since she followed her career. In her mind, the language is considered similar but just conveyed in a different way.
"Neurofibromatosis Type 2 causes tumors to grow along her nerves," Chuck noted, reading from his notecards. "Another medical term for it is called Vestibular Schwannomas or Acoustic Neuroma." he shared.
"Yes," The Patriarch of the Solomon family nodded then took the lead and answered Chuck's question. "It's hard to understand."
"I know it is," Chuck responded, in an understanding and comforting way. "He resumed the interview with Heather's continued assistance. "Specifically, the nerves that are responsible for hearing and balance leading to the inner ear. It's because of those tumors that Bridgette's hearing loss has gradually gotten worse over time. Right, Mr. and Mrs. Solomon?" Heather finished signing Chuck's question.
Mr. Solomon nodded once again, then took the lead and answered Chuck's question. "That's right, Chuck."
"We'd hope that our daughter wouldn't inherit it, but she unfortunately did," Heather interpreted. She kept her focus on Mr. Solomon as he sat there and gathered his thoughts before he continued on. "They didn't show up until she got older. Around the time she turned 3 years old. Thankfully, the doctors have told us that the tumors are considered non-cancerous," she conveyed. The sound of relief in her voice after finding out the good news. "We all thought there was nothing to worry about until she turned 6 and the tumors started to grow in such a way that it caused her pain," he shared.
Chuck smiled with relief as well. "I talked to Bridgette's doctor, and he said there were two options to consider removing those tumors that are causing her hearing loss. Stereotatic radiotherapy or radiosurgery. The first option is treating the non-cancerous tumors with high doses of radiotherapy. If the 1st option doesn't completely remove the tumors, then Bridgette will have to go through radiosurgery. It's considerably risky."
"Unfortunately, the radiotherapy to remove the non-cancerous tumors didn't work."
Mr. Solomon was silent after Heather signed what Chuck shared with everybody in the courtyard. After a few seconds, Bridgette's father broke his silence and responded. "It's hard to see our daughter tired all the time. Even harder when she cries because of the pain. We cry because we want to take that pain away from her. but can't. She ends up not being her usual rambunctious self," he stated, shaking his head. "Our doctor said she needs surgery."
"I'm sure her doctors are looking out for her best interests. After talking with her doctor, I know there's been discussions with you and your wife about cochlear implants."
It's at that point, Mrs. Solomon lifted up her right hand in order to convey what she wanted to say through Heather. Chuck nodded and motioned for her to go on.
"Our job as Bridgette's parents is to protect her. Do we have selfish reasons for not wanting to have the surgery?" Mrs. Solomon nodded. "Yes. She'll gain the ability to hear, but we'll lose what tightly connected all 3 of us. We're afraid we'll lose her, because she won't need us anymore once she'll be able to hear."
After Mrs. Solomon conveyed that Bridgette suddenly broke free from her mother's embrace. She then hopped off from sitting on her mother's lap. The 8-year-old quickly turned around, tucked her stuffed gorilla under her left arm, and started signing away. At first, Bridgette's quick hand movements caused Heather to not be able to understand what she was trying to say. Thankfully, the newly crowned Rockstar Rebel's parents signed for their daughter to stop, calm down, and breathe before she calmly resumed what she was trying to say. Bridgette did just that.
"You won't lose me. You're my parents and I will always need you," Heather shared. She sounded emotional after conveying Bridgette's thoughts to her parents. "That won't change if I hear or not. I love you both."
She lifted up, then held up her right hand and held out to her parents as if to tell them to trust her. A soft, loving smile expressed towards them. That same smile was reciprocated back by her parents as they reached out to take her hand in theirs. The incredibly heartfelt moment between the 3 members of the Solomon family was capped off with Bridgette leaping forward to hug both her parents. Of course, tears were flowing because of the emotionally touching moment from such a strong 8-year-old girl. Everybody needed a moment to emotionally compose themselves, especially Chuck and Heather. After they experienced an emotional rollercoaster, the nerdy host checked on his interpreter before he continued on.
"After doing some research," Chuck cleared his throat and then briefly scanned over his notecards before he returned his attention to the Solomon family. "I learned that Neurofibromatosis type 2 is caused by a change in the NF2 gene located on chromosome 22. This gene encodes a protein known as merlin. Furthermore, there's actually mutations in the NF2 gene that disrupt the function of merlin, which is part of a complex molecular signaling pathway that regulates how cells grow and divide."
After he shared that, Chuck lowered the notecards and was momentarily silent. It wasn't because what he repeated from his notecard went completely over his head. No. He sat there silently because something struck him. A few seconds later, he started chuckling to himself. The sound of the nerdy host chuckling caused Heather to be concerned.
"You okay, Chuck?" she inquired. Heather reached over and placed her left hand on Chuck's left shoulder.
Heather's hand on his shoulder caused him to break out of his amusement. He lifted his head and briefly glanced behind him. "Oh, sorry," he apologized. "I had a funny thought just now."
"What thought?"
Heather didn't stop signing as a conversation between her and Chuck started. She continued to interpret the conversation between her and Chuck so that the Solomon family would be kept in the loop.
"Bridgette is one of the X-men, since she carries the mutant gene," Chuck jokingly remarked.
The nerdy host of Nerfherder and Fuzball took the moment and injected humor in a seriously sobering situation. Afterwards, there's a faint murmur that swept through the courtyard as all eyes fell on Bridgette's parents who looked as if they were trying to mentally comprehend what Chuck said. Fortunately for him, what Heather interpreted to the Solomon family was able to hit in a positive rather than a negative way, when Mr. Solomon suddenly laughed. Chuck and Heather then witnessed Bridgette's father stand up, expressed a snarling look on his face, and held up three fingers on both hands. Afterwards, he crossed his arms into the symbol of an x. Heather laughed as she interpreted exactly what Mr. Solomon was signing.
"Wolverine."
Chuck responded with his trademark toothy smile as he copied what Mr. Solomon signed as well and then gave him a thumbs up. The sobering and tense atmosphere within the courtyard instantly turned around in that moment of amusing levity, thanks to Mr. Solomon's X-men reference. After things settled down, the youngest Bartowski continued on with more information about Neurofibromatosis Type 2. He took a moment to briefly scan over his notecard then continued on with the interview.
His attention turned to the precious 8-year-old girl who tightly embraced her stuffed monkey.
"That's an awesome stuffed monkey you have there."
The nerd smiled and pointed to what she tightly embraced. The 8-year-old and newest Rockstar Rebel squeezed her stuffed monkey and then responded, which Heather interpreted once again.
"His name is Abu."
"Aladdin," nodded Chuck, expressing a soft smile. "Is that your favorite movie?"
Bridgette nodded then continued signing. "Yes," interpreted Heather. "I love that movie and watch it all the time."
"I know," responded Chuck, expressing his trademark toothy smile. "And I also know what your favorite song is from the movie too. Lucky for you," Chuck pushed himself up into a standing position from the blue bench. "Chief Walker and I will be singing it," He then looked behind him where Heather had been standing since the interview started. "With her help."
A firm nod was given to the actress. She reciprocated back with an appreciative smile after signing what Chuck conveyed. At that moment, Heather felt honored to be part of a special performance dedicated to such a tremendously strong 8-year-old girl named Bridgette Solomon. Speaking of Brigette, she was absolutely ecstatic and celebrated with her parents after she found out Chuck will be performing her favorite Disney song from her favorite movie, Aladdin.
XXX
Chuck placed the mic stand with the mic attached by the blue bench where Bridgette and her parents were sitting. After he took a moment and adjusted the mic to the right height, he stepped back then took a deep breath. For him, every song he dedicated to a Rockstar Rebel was absolutely meaningful and special. Of course, he placed a tremendous amount of pressure on himself and after he experienced his anxiety attack several months back, he made sure to do the exercises that Forrest taught him, which have worked for him.
In any case, once he was done with those exercises, he was approached by Heather who looked considerably nervous. Fortunately for the actress, she was given some helpful advice from the nerd who was considered a pro at dealing with pressure every time he stood center stage. One of the things that he repeatedly told her was to just have fun. Heather kept that in mind as she took her place right there by Chuck's side near the end of the blue courtyard bench where the Solomon family were seated. Panzer situated himself between the main stage and the blue courtyard bench in case Jeffster decided to pull something stupid again, especially during the musical performance.
While Heather stood there for a moment, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she opened them. When she did, she expressed a soft smile towards the Solomon's but mainly to Bridgette who smiled back at her as she tightly embraced her stuffed Abu. The actress' focus on Bridgette was subsequently broken when she heard a couple of taps on the mic. She turned her head and saw the nerdy host briefly addressed not only Bridgette and her parents, but the Bartowski Brigade in the courtyard, as well as online.
"This song was sung by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle," Chuck shared, as Heather interpreted what he said to the Solomon Family. He briefly paused and cracked a crooked smile. "The heart of the song is about two people from two different worlds meeting and eventually falling in love. A story about a princess confined in a protective castle in Agrabah who ended up meeting and being shown a life of freedom from a simple street rat named Aladdin. In a way, Bridgette is Princess Jasmine as she has been confined in a silent world that she's painfully lived until the opportunity to experience not only comfort, but also be given the opportunity to hear as well. As for the street rat, Aladdin…"
"That would be you, Chuck," Heather spoke up, while at the same time signing.
The audience acknowledged the actress' comparison of the nerdy host to the Disney character. Chuck responded by humbly waving what she said off and corrected her. "Not me. I'm flattered, Heather," The nerd shook his head and then resumed speaking. "That honor is bestowed to her doctor, but without the falling in love part." He shook his head and then paused for a moment. "Although, I do have a hairy best friend named Morgan. The both of us have gotten into our fair share of hijinks."
"You got that right, dude!" hollered Morgan, from behind the camera. The sound of laughter was expressed by the courtyard crowd after they heard Morgan's response.
Chuck expressed a soft smile as Sarah walked towards him. In his mind, he actually agreed that with what Heather said about him being Aladdin. Before meeting and instantly falling in love with Sarah, he felt like an emotionally broken street rat who had fun with his hairy best friend. Both of them enjoyed monkeying around the Westside Medical Center version of the Sultan's Palace/streets/markets in Agrabah. In this particular case, the Sultan is Chief Beckman who ironically shared a connection when it came to their short stature.
Of course, when it came to the Sultan's version of a security team in the Disney animated movie, Casey definitely embodied in every way the Captain of the Royal Guards of Agrabah, Razoul. A captain who took his job seriously and shared an oftentimes cantankerous relationship with Aladdin, which best described he and the hospital Head of Security's relationship over the years. That or Princess Jasmine's protective pet tiger, Rajah. A humorous smirk was faintly expressed by Chuck when that mental image popped into his head.
In any case, from the moment he met Sarah. and after their first kiss when they returned from their first official date. He felt like he was on a magic carpet ride, he thought to himself. Thankfully, she trusted him, took his hand, and got on his metaphorical magic carpet for a ride that they continued to believe will never end. To this day, he didn't know who his Genie was that granted his wishes after he rubbed the lamp but considered himself the luckiest guy in the world because his life turned completely upside down in an absolutely awesome way.
The nerdy host set aside his thoughts of comparing the Aladdin characters like the slithering snake, Jafar, to the hospital weasel of an attorney, Emmitt Milbarge. A character that perfectly described how everyone in the hospital saw the four eyed creep. If Chuck didn't set aside his thoughts, he would have quite possibly stopped the show and brought in Morgan to actually have a serious discussion. A discussion that he believed would probably last longer than the 4-hour discussion about what kind of sandwich to bring on a deserted island.
His faint, humorous smile quickly faded after Sarah took her place on Chuck's left side. He then quickly changed the focus, before he ended up saying something he embarrassingly regretted.
"So, Bridgette, your favorite song I've dedicated to you is 'A Whole New World'."
After he mentioned the title of the song, Chuck smiled at the two women who stood on either side of him by the blue courtyard bench. He then looked behind him over his right shoulder and signaled Jeffster up on the main stage to begin without Pollak. The actor wasn't part of the musical performance this time. The youngest Bartowski sibling then peered over to Sarah and Heather who he gave quick nods to with an added reassured, supportive smile. However, the smile and nod were more so for Heather letting her know that she's got this. A few seconds later, the youngest Bartowski sibling reached out and grabbed the mic/mic stand and started singing the first set of lyrics to the song.
I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over sideways and under on a magic carpet ride
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us "No", or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming
After Chuck sang that last word of the song of the 3rd set of lyrics, he briefly closed his eyes in that particular moment because he started getting emotional. If he had kept his eyes opened and continued looking at Sarah, he would have started crying. So, he shut them to avoid the tears from forming then escaping from his eyes. Unfortunately, he didn't quite know how Sarah, or Heather for that matter, emotionally fared, knowing he was about to break early on in the song, which he did in the past. During that brief moment, his curiosity got the better of him. As he continued to hold on to the mic/mic stand, he lowered his head and peek over to his left and right. What Chuck saw was that Sarah and Heather had their eyes closed too.
A considerably heartwarming smile graced both their faces as they momentarily stood there and waited for him to continue singing. For him, it was their heartwarming smiles that caused him to be heart warmed as well to where he expressed a smile of his own, even though nobody could see it because his head was lowered. It was in that moment, he harkened back to earlier in the day when he and Morgan listened to how Mark described Heather as an angel, and he agreed with that description. As for Sarah's smile, it will forever take his breath away as he was emotionally uplifted. A few seconds later, he lifted his head and opened his eyes, and proudly showed his own smile when he heard Sarah belt out her part of the song.
A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Unbelievable sights, Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky
Once Sarah's ended on the word 'world' at the beginning of the next set of lyrics Chuck joined in. The both of them sang together with such perfect, harmonious precision. The nerdy couple interlocked hands, turned to face each other and locked eyes. The courtyard went crazy and erupted in screams. Although the focus of Bash At The Bench was always on the Rockstar Rebel, the focus right now was on Chuck and Sarah. Of course, the courtyard crowd, and quite possibly the audience that were viewing online, knew they had undeniable chemistry, but it was clearly shown right there for everybody to see. Heather even saw it and nearly stopped signing because she was momentarily distracted by the sparks that were coming off the both of them.
A whole new world (Don't you dare close your eyes)
A hundred thousand things to see (Hold your breath, it gets better)
I'm like a shooting star, I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be (A whole new world)
With new horizons to pursue
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you
During the break in the song, Jeff made his presence known with an electric guitar solo on the main stage. That's when he and Sarah took a step back. As they did, they watched with curious intrigue as the Solomon family placed their hands on one of the speakers that was situated by the blue courtyard bench. All three of them were huddled together and expressed joyous contentment as the couple observed them from where they were standing. Both of them wondered why, and it was answered when Chuck felt a hand on his right arm. That arm belonged to Heather who leaned over and whispered to not only him, but Sarah as well.
"They're feeling the vibrations from the music on the speakers."
"Awesome,." he whispered out, expressing his trademark toothy smile.
Sarah stood there cuddled up next to her nerdy fiancé and witnessed something they've never seen before. Unfortunately, the special moment they witnessed between the two of them wouldn't last, as they continued singing together the chorus of the song once again.
A whole new world
(A whole new world)
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us "No", or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming
A whole new world (Every turn, a surprise)
With new horizons to pursue (Every moment, red-letter)
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you
Ooh
Sarah's run near the end of the song not only got her emotional, but Chuck as well. The audience immediately erupted in applause vocally and with their hands raised shaking in the air. For Chuck and Sarah, it was such a surreal and awe-inspiring experience that tears started to flow from their eyes because they couldn't hold back the raw emotion both of them let out in that moment. For Chuck, it was a moment that he experienced countless times in the past during a Bash At The Bench dedication performance. However, he considered this performance not only his most memorable, but absolutely special for so many reasons. One of those reasons was that the language or lack thereof instantly resonated with, and definitely impacted, him in a tremendously positive way, evident by the tears flowing down the side of his cheeks. As for Sarah, she experienced that same raw emotion Chuck was feeling when she sang Reflection after being encouraged by Chuck and Michael Bublé. It turned out to be absolutely therapeutic for her in a considerably positive way.
The nerdy host got even more emotional when Bridgette raised her right hand and conveyed a sign that he knew quite well, because he remembered his mom doing it. A memory that suddenly resurfaced in that moment for him to the point where he momentarily stopped singing and dropped to his knees because of the immensely significant impact he felt. In his mind, what Bridgette conveyed in sign languages spoke volumes and easily translated in a truly meaningful way from one person to another. A feeling of mixed emotions stirring within as he reached up and wiped away the tears of a memory that involved his mother that he hasn't had in years. A mother who, whenever she watched him head out to catch the school bus, tuck him into bed, or let him know how much she cared, without even saying a word was giving him the sign of I love you.
True, Bridgette signed it to Heather as well, but it impacted him so much more with the memory of his mother. It's those cherished memories that suddenly resurfaced that caused a smile to be expressed through the tears as Sarah knelt down beside him to check if he was okay. Chuck nodded to Sarah and then to Heather who he noticed was concerned about him as well. Afterwards, he pushed himself into a standing position with a bit of help from his fiancée. Afterwards, he didn't waste any time and continued on with the vocals without taking a moment to compose himself, even if his voice cracked or sounded shaky. It didn't matter to him because the focus was on Bridgette, who he suddenly scooped up in his left arm and continued singing the remaining lyrics to the song.
A whole new world
(A whole new world)
That's where we'll be
(That's where we'll be)
During the soft vocal run of the remaining set of lyrics, Chuck turned and faced in the direction of Bridgette's parents. Sarah stood closely beside him with the 8-year-old sandwiched between them. He then pointed to them and did his best to make the I love you sign, while he was holding the mic, which he managed to do without dropping it. As for Bridgette and her parents, they exchanged in sign language I love you to each other. Chuck set her down and the 8-year-old quickly ran over to her parents with stuffed Abu in tow. All 3 members of the Solomon family huddled tightly together in a hug.
A thrilling chase
(A wondrous place)
For you and
Me
There wasn't a dry eye in the Westside Medical Center's courtyard when everybody witnessed the loving embrace going on before them as Chuck ended the performance with the last four words of the song. When the song was over, the crowd erupted with raucous applause. Everybody's hands shaking in the air directed at Chuck and Sarah who simply nodded. After the nerdy couple wiped the remaining tears on their faces, they then turned the focus and applause over to Heather, who placed her hands over her heart, acknowledging her part in the performance. Afterwards, all three of them directed the attention to Bridgette and her parents who rightfully deserved the applause instead of them.
XXX
NOTE: What inspired the sign language performance was a YouTube clip from the movie CODA when the main character was signing to her family. They were sitting in the balcony, and it was truly a captivating performance. So, I added a bit of that with my own spin when it came to writing the sign language performance for Bash At The Bench involving Heather. What do you think? Hope you enjoyed this chapter and share your thoughts. Leave a review because it gives myself and any writer for that matter the incentive to keep writing more chapters. As always, a tip of the hat to NEVR for doing the beta! You Rock!