Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: The induvial who actually leaked Pollack's information was not Molly Walker. It turned out to be Pollack himself. He was going to explain his actions to not only the group, but with his fans on Facebook Live. There was a heated discussion with the two siblings. Panic! At The Disco tickets were discussed but Heather was able to sweeten the deal with backstage passes since she once dated the front man of the band, Brandon Urie. Although Sarah didn't like the idea of getting something for free because of not only her friendship with a former classmate, but someone she bullied in the past she begrudgingly agreed to it. thanks to the generosity of Sarah's friend Heather. After that went down, Sarah took a moment to clear her mind in the area where Chuck was taken by Head Nurse Forrest. She would be joined by Casey and even she didn't want company at the moment thinking he was checking up on her, he wasn't there for her. Casey was actually there for some ducklings that he was watching out for who basically imprinted on him after their mother died. The two partners ended talking about Pollack's decision in leaking the information and how Jagger will hopefully be a positive influence on him. Sarah ended up using the duck analogy with Casey to tie it all together. So, what happens in this chapter? Here are the who, what, where, when, why, how's? Who does Sarah use as a dedication performance knowing it perfectly encapsulated Cherice's unfortunate situation with her Thyroid Cancer. What is Dysgerminoma? Where did Jeffster go after an unfortunate mishap after Sarah's performance? When did Sarah learn about the potential rift that was going on between Hartley and Chuck? Why did Gabby initially turn down being chosen as the new Rockstar Rebel? How did Sarah react to Chuck's performance of a Eric Clapton class that was his dedication song to Gabby? Read and find out! I hope you enjoyed 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.
My Father's Eyes
XXX
Before starting Bash At The Bench, Chuck told the courtyard crowd about what happened with the previously crowned Rockstar Rebel. However, instead of feeling sad for Cherice they showed their support with chants and cheers. The nerdy couple asked the crowd if they could join the both of them in not only a word of prayer for God's healing hands for the teenager suffering from Stage IV Thyroid Cancer, but for her parent's as well through this challenging time in their lives. Of course, the courtyard gladly joined in and took a few moments as they silently bowed their heads while Chuck shared a word of prayer as Sarah stood next to him. When the prayer was over, Chuck gave the stage to his fiancé, Sarah, who addressed not only the crowd and online audience, but Cherice as well who was watching from her hospital room bed with her parents keeping her company.
"The song I'll be dedicating to our girl Cherice is an 80's classic," Sarah paused, expressing a soft smile. "She wasn't even born when this song came out, which makes me feel and sound old." she added, shrugging her shoulders.
After she shared that announcement, the crowd actually expressed their disagreement because most of them are of a certain age as well. Chuck immediately chimed in. "If that's the case, then count me in."
"Me too!" hollered Morgan. He was perched behind the camera directly across from the main stage. "It was an awesome era for tv, movies, and music. Also…"
"Speaking of music," interjected Sarah, cutting Morgan off. Sarah knew if she didn't, he would have rambled on talking about everything 80's related. Coincidentally, she overheard her soon-to-be nerdy husband and Morgan having a discussion last night on who would win a fight between Alf and ET. She didn't even know how that conversation even started involving the two beloved pop culture icons of the 80's. From what she heard, the both of them agreed that ALF would play dirty since ET was a kindhearted, loveable alien. However, Chuck pointed out that ET's race was spotted in the Senate scene of the Star Wars prequel The Phantom Menace. He further added the species could very well be a powerful race of force sensitive Jedi. When she heard that, she tuned out on that conversation and tuned back into on something far more important, which was a rerun of Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince on TNT. In any case, that was last night, and now she was looking out into the crowd from left to right. Afterwards, she continued on. "Are you ready!?"
The crowd responded with exuberant cheers. However, Sarah had a bit of a disappointed look on her face as she addressed them again. "Come on!" she stated, sounding disappointed as well. "You all can do better than that!" She was clearly hyping up the crowd to get a better reaction from them. "Are you reeeeaaaaadddddddyyy!?" she screamed out, into the mic.
It worked. The courtyard erupted in an absolute crazed frenzy with Sarah standing at center stage basically motioning the crowd to give her their energy. It was a sight to behold, especially for Chuck. Speaking of Check, he was making his way through the insanely, raucous crowd to join Morgan, Chief Beckman, Casey, Ellie, Devon, and Big Mike. While doing so, he couldn't help but be amused by how Sarah was channeling her inner Goku trying to summon a spirit bomb. Chuck softly smiled as he saw Sarah go from one side of the stage wanting to hear and feel the courtyard crowd's energy. She certainly did. Before she returned to center stage, Sarah signaled Jeff and Lester to begin the musical intro of the song. A few moments later, she spoke up. "The song is called "Hit Me With Your Best Shot' by Pat Benatar."
Well you're the real tough cookie with a long history
Of breaking little hearts like the one in me
That's okay, let's see how you do it
Put up your dukes, let's get down to it
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away
During the break in the song, Sarah had it in her mind that the cancer that knocked Cherice down represented an ongoing fight that she wouldn't let or allow to defeat her. After getting to know the teenager named Cherice Baxter, she felt like part of her own family just like Monique Jordan who Sarah instantly bonded with, especially after the song performance that she dedicated to her. In any case, when it came to Cherice she managed to always pick herself up after getting knocked down from all the chemotherapy she went through. which left her considerably drained and sick. However, the young girl's spirit remained strong despite all the pain she was dealing with from the chemotherapy. Fortunately, she had the love and unwavering support of her parents all throughout the painful procedure.
Essentially, the song itself was more about having the strength and resiliency to be able to handle whatever life throws at you. Of course, the Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center knew the young woman was a considerably tough cookie who not only kept putting her dukes up, no matter how hard the shots her thyroid cancer hit her but wouldn't let her illness keep her down. The reason Sarah knew Cherice wouldn't stay down for the count was the fact that she really wanted to join the rest of the pediatric kids that were gathered down in the courtyard after her condition improved practically overnight. As much as Cherice wanted to be there, she was advised by her doctor, Bobbi Scott, to stay in bed just to be on the safe side. The teenager's parents agreed.
Although Cherice was disappointed in not being able to join her friends down in the courtyard, she had the next best thing. Her bff, Molly Walker. Before Sarah left Cherice's hospital room the teenager's mood significantly brightened as the two teenagers were facetiming each other and just gabbing away as teenagers would do. Surprisingly, there was no mention of the Panic! At The Disco backstage passes that were gladly offered by Heather because if it was high pitched teenage screams of excitement would have caused all the pediatric windows to shatter. That was an hour and a half ago. Now, the oldest Walker sibling was on stage and started singing the next set of lyrics to the song after the momentary break that gave Jeff and Lester the opportunity to shine for a bit.
You come on with it, come on
You don't fight fair
But that's okay, see if I care
Knock me down, it's all in vain
I get right back on my feet again
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away
The one thought that ran through Sarah's mind was that cancer never fights fair and doesn't care that you're going through an incredible amount of tortuous pain. It doesn't care if it caused you to miss classes, school dances, and/or ruined plans to hang out that you made with your group of friends. Yet, it's the tortuous pain that becomes a motivating factor to one day conquer and be freed from the disease that Cherice, as well as many other kids have been shackled to practically all their lives. In Sarah's mind, cancer has the ability to control and run your life, but only if you let it. Ultimately, it's a mindset in which the patient living with cancer lives it on their terms they've scheduled rather than have a life dictated by scheduled doctor appointments, medications and procedures.
Sarah couldn't help but admire the sheer determination and will-power to stay positive, knowing how much pain they've suffered through in the past, or will suffer through, that the average person wouldn't be able to completely fathom, which showed how much heart cancer patients have. Throughout her hospital career as hospital administrator, she has had the privilege and honor of meeting so many kids, as well as adults, who have been knocked down by cancer. However, despite being knocked down, the patients exuded a warrior-like spirit as they got back up on their feet, dusted themselves off, and continued to fight a battle no matter how insurmountable the odds were. Unfortunately, those who took shot after shot fought valiantly till the very end and were freed from the pain they've long suffered from.
As Sarah reached the final chorus of the song, she stood at the very edge of center stage and spoke up into the mic.
"For Cherice," Before she pointed the mic to the crowd, she called out to them. "Let her hear ya!" Afterwards, she sang the 1st line of the chorus and when she pointed the mic to the crowd, they loudly repeated those same lyrics back to her. Sarah did this twice with the next 2 sets of remaining lyrics. Meanwhile, Cherice was in her hospital room bed smiling from ear to ear watching Sarah's performance that was dedicated to her. That smile was forever ingrained in the memory of not only both her parents, but Molly as well, who Cherice was still facetiming with.
In any case, before Sarah reached the last two lyrics of the songs she turned around and motioned for Jeffster and gave them the spotlight, which they didn't waste at all. Jeff showed his electronic keyboard piano skills then played a few riffs from his electric guitar. When he was finished, Lester jammed away behind the drums and. as a drummer. briefly showboated. He lifted his right arm and twirled the drumstick in his right hand in such a flashy way that it didn't accidentally fly away or hit him in the face. After a few moments of Jeffster jamming away, Sarah returned to center stage and once again repeated the lyrics, before she sang the last two words of the song.
When she reached the last two words of the song, she signaled for Jeffster to stop playing. The echo of the music gradually faded in silence within the courtyard. A few seconds later, the crowd erupted in celebration, but then a sudden hush blanketed the courtyard as Sarah stood behind the mic stand. All eyes were on her as she placed the mic on the mic stand. Both hands were softly placed on either side of the mic stand. After she took a deep breath, she closed her eyes. Instead of ending the song with a grand and powerful flourish, she decided to do the exact opposite.
"Fire," Sarah softly and smoothly uttered. She briefly paused and then continued on. "Awwwaaaaayyyyyy." She softly held that lost note until it trailed off into silence.
In that moment of silence, Chuck was ready for the spirit bomb to make its impact, which it certainly did. When Sarah smiled, opened her eyes, and then gracefully stepped back, the courtyard crowd exploded in celebration of applauds and chants towards the hospital's Chief Operating Officer who reacted in a very humble way. Instead of having all the focus on her, she immediately turned around and acknowledged Jeffster's musical contributions to the opening performance. She even motioned for them to take center stage. Speaking of Jeffster, they stood there for a second not knowing what to do until they both looked at each other. That's when they took full advantage of being given the spotlight and quickly made their way to center stage. In actuality, the both of them were fighting each other to get to center stage.
Unfortunately, in all the excitement they weren't paying attention and got their feet entangled amongst the cords laying across the stage. Jeff and Lester ended up tripping, tumbled forward, and simultaneously fell off the side of center stage together. When that happened, it left everybody momentarily stunned, including Sarah. Of course, the crowd instantly reacted with a course of painful oohs in the aftermath. Meanwhile, Chief Beckman's reaction was the total opposite as she buried her face in her right hand. Afterwards, she shook her head because the thought of getting sued by those two instantly popped in her mind. Casey, on the other hand, simply smirked at the unfortunate accident that befell the two moronic souls. During that moment of stunned silence, Sarah's attention was on Jeff laying on top of Lester down on the ground below center stage. Her attention on the two seemingly unconscious men broke when she suddenly noticed Chuck appear below her.
Speaking of Chuck, he glanced behind him and then immediately faced the camera. "We'll be right back, Bartowski Brigade," announced Chuck, trying his best to flash his trademark smile. It was considerably awkward to say the least, especially with the sound of painful moans that were expressed by both men that could clearly be heard. Thankfully, it meant they were alive and hopefully not seriously injured. Although Chuck was sure Lester took most of the impact since Jeff landed on top of him. Chuck shook that particular thought out of his head and immediately signaled for Morgan to go to break. He did. Afterwards, a few of the pediatric nursing staff, that included Alex, rushed over, along with Big Mike, Ellie, and Devon to check on the 2 orderlies who were probably going to be admitted as patients.
XXX
"What's up, Bartowski Brigade!" Chuck stood in front of the blue courtyard bench and waved not only to the courtyard crowd, but the viewing audience online as well. "Before introductions are made to the newest Rockstar Rebel for Bash At The Bench, I want to give an update on Jeff and Lester's condition. As you may have seen, they took a not so awesome tumble off the stage." The crowd responded with soft murmurs. "They're both ok. Nothing serious when it comes to injuries. Lester just got the wind knocked out of him when Jeff landed on him," he shared, raising both eyebrows. "They'll be back up on this stage in no time."
In Chuck's mind, both men were considerably lucky they didn't suffer any serious injuries like broken bones or a severe concussion. They ended up actually landing on a leather mat, which cushioned the impact of the fall. The leather matt covered up some exposed cables that were laying in front of center stage. Normally, the area in front of and the side of the main stage were cordoned off to avoid people getting too close to the stage, which made it easily accessible to move around if Chuck or any other performer decided to jump off. Additionally, the exposed cables were usually moved underneath the stage, but earlier in the day there were a few problems that led to the cables being fully exposed. So, he looked under the stage to see if he could use anything to cover it over and he saw a lengthy leather mat that was underneath the stage. In hindsight, he's glad he placed the mat there and seemingly on the exact spot where Jeffser landed. Those two were lucky, he thought to himself.
"Anyways, without further ado," Chuck shook his head and refocused his attention on who everybody wanted to see. "Let's meet the newest Rockstar Rebel shall we, Bartwoski Brigade. She is 16 years old and dealing with a form of ovarian germ cell cancer called Dysgerminoma. Also known as Turner Syndrome. Her name is Gabrielle Massaro," he announced.
The crowd happily greeted Gabrielle with cheers and warmly welcomed the 16-year-old walking towards Chuck who she was going to sit with on the blue courtyard bench. At first glance, Garbrielle was noticeably shy and awkward at all the attention towards her. It wasn't because she was being interviewed in front of not only a large crowd or the fact that a much larger online audience was watching as well. The reason she was shy and awkward was because the treatments for her cancer caused all her hair to fall out, which left her completely bald. Yet, as she was approaching Chuck, the shyness and awkwardness seemed to vanish when she saw Chuck smiling at her. However, it wasn't just any smile as it was his trademark toothy smile that caused the 16-year-old to smile from ear to ear.
A second later, Chuck enveloped Gabrielle in a hug that had the youngest Bartowski sibling whisper something in her ear. Afterwards, the teenager stepped back after being released from Chuck's hug, looked at him, and nodded with a smile. Once things got settled down, Chuck handed her a mic and started the interview.
"Bartowski Brigade, you may not know this but Gabrielle here," Chuck briefly motioned over to the young woman sitting next him. "She actually declined to be the newest Rockster Rebel."
When the courtyard crowd heard that, the sound of surprise was expressed. It gradually dissipated as they now were thoroughly intrigued with wonder as to why she declined, which they were about to hear as Chuck continued on.
"She told me she was incredibly self-conscious and feared that people were going to make fun of her because she lost all her hair due to the chemotherapy." Chuck shared, turning his attention to the audience. "Do you know what I told her?" The crowd expressed their curiosity, which Chuck was about to respond with the answer. However, before he said anything, Gabrielle spoke up.
"You told me to be that little bald girl who met Neo in the Matrix Something about how there was no spoon. I still have no idea what you were talking about," she shared, shaking her head in confusion.
That warranted laughter from the courtyard crowd. Chuck turned his attention to them and shrugged his shoulders. Afterwards, he briefly waved his left hand and responded. "That was to break the ice. After that." He took a moment, smiled, and locked eyes with Gabrielle. He then spoke into his mic. "I looked you in the eyes and told you how beautiful you were, even more so without hair. You're an awesome young woman who is surrounded by people who truly care about and would never make fun of you,." he firmly stated, with softness in his voice. "This place will always be your safe space. We're here for you. You're now part of this big, awesome family." He then turned his attention back to the courtyard crowd. "Am I right, Bartowski Brigade!?"
In response, the courtyard crowd vocalized their agreement and showed their love, as well as appreciation, for Gabrielle by chanting her name loudly. The show of support and loud chants not only emotionally impacted Gabrielle, but her father as well who wiped away tears from his eyes. Chuck nearly had some tears to wipe away from his eyes after he gave that passionate statement but was able to pull himself together in order to get on with the interview.
After he took a moment and cleared his throat, he smiled at the 16-year-old once again. "So, Gabrielle," Chuck suddenly stopped and held up his left finger in the air. "Sorry, you actually go by Gabby, right?"
Gabrielle nodded. "Or Gabs," she responded, shrugging her shoulders. "The people in my life who know me best call Gabby or Gabs. My friends, dad," Gabby briefly glanced over her right shoulder towards her father. He was standing next to Alex and proudly smiled at her, as a father would for his daughter. She smiled back and then returned her attention to Chuck. "And I know my mom would be proud of me too."
At that moment, Chuck knew that he was going to have to navigate and handle talking about Gabby's mom with care because of how it related to what the young woman was going through right now. After he took a deep breath, he resumed the interview.
"Your mom passed away from ovarian cancer, right?"
The 16-year-old was momentarily silent and then nodded. "My dad told me she had it while she was 6 months pregnant with me. It apparently was in an advanced stage or something like that," she shared, shrugging her shoulders.
"When did you find out you had Dysgerminoma?"
"When I was 12. Fortunately, I didn't inherit what my mom died from. That was the good news."
"The bad news?"
"My stomach was hurting real bad. It hurt whenever I went to the bathroom."
"Your doctor initially thought it was just the possibility of symptoms you were going through for puberty."
Gabby nodded again. "The stomach pains didn't stop though and going to the bathroom was unbearable."
"That's when your doctor finally found out what it was?"
"All thanks to my dad." Gabby turned around in her seat and looked directed at her dad. She proudly expressed a smile towards him. "He never gave up believing what I was going through wasn't because I was going through puberty.
"I talked with your doctor, and you had to have a transvaginal ultrasound, MRI and computed tomograph to truly know what was wrong with you." Gabby nodded. Chuck paused for a moment then continued on. "I also talked to your dad and learned your mom made the decision to not take any medication or get treated for her ovarian cancer so you could live."
"Yeah. I found out she didn't have a natural childbirth when she had me."
"Cesarean," Chuck stated. "Or C-section. It was easier on her than giving birth."
Gabby nodded. "My dad told me she died a month later." There was a seemingly long silence before the 16-year-old continued on. "It doesn't sound fair at all." The sound of anger and pain in her voice could clearly be heard in her voice when she expressed that. "I felt like I was robbed from having my mom in my life because of that stupid cancer," she added, shaking her head. "All I have of her are pictures, letters, videos and the stories my dad tells me about my mom."
At that point, the entire courtyard was silent as they intently listened to the conversation between Chuck and Gabby. True, there was always an electric and energized atmosphere that can be felt a couple days leading up to Bash At The Bench. The insanely crazy crowds always brought their infectious enthusiasm to the point where they shared such a wide range of emotions, which was often expected from them. Essentially, it represented and defined who the Bartowski Brigade were and what made them a unique aspect of the online YouTube show. They'd never disappointed Chuck in showing how united they can become in helping not only a child fighting a cancerous disease, but the parents as well who they don't even know. All for complete strangers. It has become a cause that started out as a risk that ended up turning into an absolute juggernaut that Chuck, or Morgan for that matter, couldn't have ever imagined even in his wildest dreams. What's even more amazing was the reach he achieved with social media and the messages he received from the fans. Fans that shared their personal stories of how cancer has affected their family and the overwhelming emotions that can be felt after reading those stories.
For Chuck, it was one of the reasons that he didn't take what he'd been doing for granted. He used the opportunity provided by having a YouTube platform and doing something responsible with it by giving a voice for those who don't have the strength to speak out for themselves. Granted, he could have gone a completely different route and just became another YouTube influencer who created mindless content that involved clickbait material. Thankfully, he didn't and the one person who saved him from a life of wasted mediocrity was none other than his older sister, Ellie Bartowski. If it wasn't her, he would have continued wallowing in self-pity after his breakup with that who shall not be named. In a way, Ellie became his Uncle Ben. With great power comes great responsibility. Although the comic book character's life met an unfortunate demise, his old sister thankfully didn't. Through Ellie's wisdom and teaching, he truly turned into a man that could most definitely be proud of himself whenever he looked in the mirror. It's because of Ellie kicking his butt to go with her to work that he ended up on a journey that forever changed the course of life.
A life where he met a kid named Joshua Rush who lost his sight due to cancer. That young man was the catalyst who gave him the focus to start something that he never fully expected would turn out the way it did. That was 8 years ago. Chuck hadn't stopped and didn't plan to stop, knowing Gabby wasn't going to be the last patient living cancer he'd interview.
"I know what you mean," Chuck faintly replied.
"Did you say something, Chuck?"
Chuck shook his head. He sat there for a moment next to Gabby as if he was lost in thought. It was something that people closest to Chuck instantly noticed, especially Sarah who was suddenly concerned for her nerdy fiancé. Fortunately, she saw Chuck break out of that momentary haze and returned his attention back to the 16-year-old.
"Listen," Chuck flashed his trademark toothy smile once again. "I know your mom is watching from Heaven right now and is so proud of the young woman you've become."
"You think so, Chuck?" Chuck nodded. Afterwards, Cherice turned back to her father again and they shared a meaningful heartfelt exchange between the two of them. She then returned her attention back to Chuck. "It's just my dad and I. We're a team. I know he's proud of me and I can see it in his eyes."
"That actually leads me to the song I'll be dedicating to you.," Chuck stopped himself again. "Actually, to you and your father." The nerdy host pointed at him and motioned for him to join his daughter at the blue courtyard bench. Afterwards, he got up and looked into the camera. "And that will be right after the break."
After Chuck mentioned that Gabby's eyes lit up. She turned around and saw her father approaching. That's when she pushed herself up and darted towards her father. The both of them wrapped each other in a tight, warm embrace. It was another touching moment added to a whole list of moments that would, for Chuck, live on in his memory as long as he lived. A memory that would also be remembered by Sarah who noticed Chuck smiling but then it gradually faded as if there was something on his mind again. She intently watched him walk off and make his way towards the group of pediatric kids who he briefly acknowledged. Afterwards, he disappeared into the walkway that led towards the entrance of the pediatric wing of the hospital. The look concerned her and she intended to find out what was wrong before he went back on stage for the dedication song.
XXX
Chuck was standing silent with his arms crossed near the doors of the main entrance of the pediatric wing of the hospital when Sarah arrived. Instead of immediately walking to him, she took a moment and carefully observed his overall demeanor, as well as body language, as he stood there in the middle of the walkway, seemingly lost in thought. From what she surmised, something was definitely on his mind and the cause of it was something that involved the interview with Gabby. After a few more seconds went by, she decided to go check on him and see if he was doing okay. She called out his name. Unfortunately, he was too lost in thought and it took a couple tries before she was able to get his attention, which completely startled not only him, but her as well. In any case, after Chuck was able to settle down, the both of them sat down on one of the benches and talked things out like they usually did.
"I don't know, Sarah," Chuck sighed and shook his head afterwards. He sat back against the bench trying to mentally get some much-needed clarity. "I have this funny feeling that Hartley is keeping something from me that concerns my parents," he added. The sound of annoyed frustration expressed in his voice. "He hasn't returned any of my calls."
"He probably has a good reason," she retorted, with a sense of her nerd. "I'm sure Hartley isn't keeping anything from you and doesn't want to give you any false hope with any information that doesn't amount to anything. That's all."
"Should I be worried?" Chuck asked, leaning forward and slouching a bit. A look of concern expressed on his face.
Sarah saw that look of concern expressed on his face and so much more. In her mind, Hartley not contacting him back, left him utterly confused and frustrated. There had always been an open line of communication between the two of them, ever since Chuck's foster father wanted to be a part of finding his best friend who truly was like a brother to Hartley. Also, an uncle to her nerdy fiancé. Whatever information Conway and his trusted contacts associated with Longshore Investigations was able to dig up, no matter how miniscule, he shared it with Chuck without any hesitation whatsoever. Yet, in the past few months there's been gradual tension going between the two of them and one tension filled moment between the Chuck and Hartley at the Bartowski-Walker bbq. She recalled throwing out the trash in the back and suddenly noticed, out of her peripheral vision, Hartley stepping out in the driveway area.
Hartley was in the middle of a phone call when he was interrupted by Chuck, which caused the esteemed lawyer to briefly talk to the other person on the other end then quickly hang up. Although the conversation was hard to hear, because of the music playing inside, she clearly saw the serious expressions on both men's faces. More importantly, on Chuck's face, as it expressed an array of emotions. However, the one that spoke volumes was utter disappointment towards that man that stepped into the role of a father raising someone else's son. That same look of disappointment was also seen on Hartley's face as well. The looks of disappointment seemingly disappeared when she saw the both of them inside interacting with each other as if nothing happened moments earlier between them. It was as if they both agreed to be cordial and leave what they discussed outside before they entered Casa Bartowski.
That was odd. What was even odder was the absolute silence on Hartley's end and any time Chuck tried to go see him in person he would be turned away by his secretary. Each time Chuck heard from his secretary that Hartley was either out of the office, in an important meeting for a case, out of the country, etc. It truly affected him to the point where he became personally offended. When trying to see Hartley failed, his second option was to go see Vivian. To him, his foster sister wouldn't have ghosted him the way he had or treated him like he was a nuisance every time he she showed up. Chuck wanted an explanation and to see Hartley face to face. When Sarah found out that security had to get involved, she was completely flabbergasted after she heard that. That's when she took it personally as well. Why? Hartley and Vivian happily welcomed her with open arms and instantly became a second family to her. It hadn't been the case as of late, she thought to herself.
However, unlike Hartley not having the courtesy to actually explain his actions face to face, Vivian actually did and fortunately she was there when the interaction occurred between the two of them. Unfortunately, instead of giving an actual explanation of why it seemed like he was getting stonewalled by her father, all she could say or do was apologize for his actions against him. That was it, and before she left, Vivian said something that felt very mysterious and cryptic. You may not understand what's going on right now, but you will. Trust me. Those words uttered by Vivian were never forgotten, not only by her, but Chuck as well. As much as they wanted to truly know what was going on they've managed to refocus their mindset until the moment in the interview with Gabby that caused him to mentally get off track to the point of spiraling again. She was there for him every step of the way and even now, sitting next to him on the bench, knowing what he truly needed.
"Ouch!?" yelped Chuck, rubbing the back of his head wincing in pain. "What was that for?"
Sarah gave a slap to the back of Chuck's head that Leroy Jethro Gibbs of NCIS would most definitely be proud of. Afterwards, she reached up and gently placed her right on Chuck's shoulder and leaned forward. She looked him directly in the eyes and responded.
"I did what you told me."
Chuck rubbed the back of his head one more time before he gave his full and undivided attention to Sarah. "What?" Chuck replied.
"You don't remember," Sarah raised both eyebrows at Chuck. "Do you?"
"Not now, after that hit you gave me," responded Chuck. "I think you gave me a slight concussion. Damn, babe. For a moment I actually saw tweety birds flying around like in the Looney Toons cartoons. "
"Sorry," Sarah expressed an apologetic look on her face. Afterwards, she not only stood up and rubbed the back of his head with both her hands, but then leaned down to kiss the back of his head. "I guess those kickboxing classes have made more than just my legs stronger."
"Ya think?" Chuck retorted, expressing an amused smirk. They both shared a good laugh after what happened, Chuck stood up and faced Sarah. "Thanks Hannah." he faintly muttered under his breath. That merited another shared laugh between the nerdy couple. A few seconds later, he spoke up again. "I do remember what I told you."
"And that was?"
"I told you any time I was spiraling to hit me with a reality check. Whatever means necessary to snap me out of it." Chuck tilted his head a bit and briefly winced in pain. Afterwards, he flashed his trademark toothy smile towards his beautiful, blonde fiancé. "And you did. You kept your word."
"I do," Sarah stepped closer to Chuck. "Mr. Bartowski. Always," she softly added, peering up at him lovingly.
After she said those words, Chuck pulled Sarah closer to him to where they were now embracing each other. The both of them stood there looking deep into each other's eyes and momentarily getting lost within them. It was Chuck who broke the silence and before he spoke up, he took a satisfying deep breath.
"Soon," Chuck squeezed the woman he loved with all his heart in his somewhat tight embrace. "I'll be saying those two words to you, Ms. Walker."
"Soon to be," Sarah briefly paused. "Mrs. Bartowski."
Nothing else had to be said after that between the couple that were meant for each other. Instead of saying anything else, they simply sealed it with a kiss that represented mutual respect, admiration, and understanding. In addition, it represented a level of shared intimacy that far surpassed anything that their exes could try to come close to ever achieving. Essentially, from the moment they met in front of the blue courtyard bench, there was an indescribable connection that was initially witnessed by one person. That person was Morgan Grimes. He knew before Chuck ever realized it, that Sarah was something special and she would be the one who was the bright ray of light that shined through the dark, stenchy cloud that loomed over him.
Speaking of Morgan Grimes, his voice was heard announcing the 2-minute mark before they returned from break. Afterwards, the sound of the courtyard crowd expressing their joy and excitement was heard by the couple. That announcement unfortunately ended up interrupting the kiss that seemed like it was going to last forever. In any case, after Chuck begrudgingly released Sarah from his embrace, she stepped back and expressed a soft smile towards him.
"You coming?"
Chuck nodded. "I'll be there in sec. Do me a favor, though."
"What is it?"
"Let Morgan know, since Jeff and Lester are out of commission," Chuck briefly paused then continued on. "We're going to have to go to Plan B."
After Sarah heard that, she arched her right brow. "What's Plan B?"
"You'll see."
Sarah smirked. "So it's like that." She backed up and pointed at Chuck.
"I guess so," Chuck remarked, shrugging his shoulders innocently.
After Sarah turned around, she made her way to the main courtyard to talk to Morgan. However, halfway down the walkway she hollered back at him without looking behind her.
"Go get'em, Tiger!"
Chuck couldn't help but express his trademark toothy smile after she referenced a Mary Jane quote from not only the movie Spider-Man 2, but the comics as well. Face it Tiger, you just hit the jackpot. It was the other iconic line that Mary Jane said to Peter Parker but only in the comics, he thought to himself. In any case, to have her utter that iconic line Sarah conveyed in her own way boosted his level of confidence and power to over 9000. What it also did was give him push and motivation to give the best performance that came from a place of love that was inspired by someone he loved with all his heart. Afterwards, Sarah disappeared out of his line of sight. He took a deep breath and clapped his hands together knowing what Plan B was actually going to be.
XXX
Chuck placed a stool behind the mic stand and as he stood there, he was holding something in his right hand. That something was a guitar, which he lifted up to show not only the courtyard crowd, but the online audience who were watching as well. It caused a curious stir amongst the courtyard crowd. The type of guitar he held in his right hand was an electro-acoustic guitar and it was part of an array of Jeffster's instruments that were at their disposal during performances. A few seconds later, he plugged a cable into the bottom end of the guitar while the other end was already connected to an amp just off to his right side. Afterwards, he strapped it on and then took a moment to find a good seating position on the stool. When he did, Chuck finally directed his attention to the crowd.
"Quick question, Bartowski Brigade," Chuck took a moment to strum the electro-acoustic guitar and then continued speaking to the courtyard crowd. He then lifted his right hand and proceeded on. "By a show of hands, how many of you remember that old MTV show Unplugged?" It didn't take long for hands to be raised one after another. Although, there were a number of perplexed expressions in the crowd, which caused him to explain further. "Back in the 90's, bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and KISS sang their songs acoustically. Fun fact, Bon Jovi initially started it with their unplugged versions of Wanted Dead or Alive and Livin' On A Prayer. It was just Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora on stage strumming guitars singing into a mic. They performed on MTV at the VMA's. Short for the Video Music Awards. It was during a time when MTV actually played music videos instead of reality shows."
Chuck rolled his eyes and shook his head afterwards. That warranted some laughter from the courtyard crowd who were of a certain age who remembered that particular era when MTV ruled the roost with music instead of reality shows.
"Anyways," Chuck took a moment to strum a few chords on the electro-acoustic guitar again before he continued on. "I'll be doing Gabby and her father's dedication song unplugged style." When he announced that, there was a sense of intriguing excitement from the courtyard crowd. "It's a song by Eric Clapton called 'My Father's Eyes.'" Chuck was about to begin but then stopped. "Oh! You all are going to help me too. When I point to you, you'll be singing the following lyrics 'Look into my father's eyes.' Got it? Does that sound awesome to you guys?" he asked, holding up right thumb in the air.
The courtyard crowd erupted in cheers and applause showing their eagerness to be involved with Chuck's performance. After he positioned himself to get comfortable one more time, the nerdy YouTube host strummed away on the electro-acoustic guitar. A few seconds later, he closed his eyes and began to sing the 1st set of lyrics to the song.
Sailing down behind the sun
Waiting for my prince to come
Praying for the healing rain
To restore my soul again
Just a toe rag on the run
How did I get here?
What have I done?
When will all my hopes arise?
How will I know him?
When I look in my father's eyes
After Chuck sang the word 'eyes', he opened his own eyes and immediately pointed to the crowd.
When I look in my father's eyes
My father's eyes
Although the courtyard crowd wasn't in sync the first time around, Chuck pointed at them, smiled, and gave them an encouraging nod towards them. Afterwards, he repeated the previous three lyrics back. When he was done, he played the melody of the song on the electro-acoustic guitar. As he did, everyone in the courtyard was transfixed on the nerdy host who had his eyes closed while he strummed away to the beautifully melodic tune of the song. At one point, he stopped playing and started rhythmically knocking on the side and surface body of the electro-acoustic guitar to add a few beats to the performance. When that happened, the courtyard crowd erupted with joyous 'woos' with a few other celebrated chants mixed in. Of course, they all know how incredibly talented Chuck is, but when he displayed more of that talent by playing a musical instrument, it left everyone absolutely captivated, including Sarah. Granted, she witnessed moments where Chuck rehearsed while he strummed a few licks on the guitar. However, he never fully displayed his artistry on the guitar until now, and it was something that truly surprised the beautiful blonde about her nerdy fiancé. For her, it never ceased to amaze her how Chuck showed another facet of his musical talent, which caused her to fall in love with her nerd even more. Speaking of her nerd, she saw Chuck move closer to the mic and then started singing the next set of lyrics.
Then the light begins to shine
And I hear those ancient lullabies
And as I watch this seedling grow
Feel my heart start to overflow
Where do I find the words to say?
How do I teach him?
What do we play?
Bit by bit, I've realized
That's when I need them
That's when I need my father's eyes
Once again, Sarah watched as Chuck pointed to the courtyard crowd and this time around, they were able to be harmoniously in sync. Chuck immediately acknowledged their efforts as he flashed his trademark tooth smile towards them. A few seconds later, he graced the courtyard and online audience with another melodically beautiful, as well as seemingly hypnotic, rendition of Clapton's 80's hit song on the electro-acoustic guitar. After he rhythmically knock on the side and surface body of the electro-acoustic guitar again, Sarah couldn't help but vocalize her support when she suddenly screamed the following words that everybody heard:
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THAT'S MY MAN! WAY TO GO, BAAABBBYYY!"
Sarah's reaction instantly set off a chain of reactions that had Morgan, Ellie, Devon and Alex screaming their heads off as well, because the nerd was on fire performance wise. Meanwhile, Chief Beckman couldn't help but express an amused smirk, whereas Casey looked at his blonde partner as if she was a crazy woman who needed to be immediately tased, sedated, or both. The courtyard crowd, on the other hand, followed Sarah's lead and vocalized their support for a man that was giving another memorable, as well as stellar, Bash At The Bench performance. Of course, it looked to Sarah that her nerd was in some kind of musical zone as he eventually continued on to the 5th set of lyrics.
Then the jagged edge appears
Through the distant clouds of tears
I'm like a bridge that was washed away
My foundations were made of clay
As my soul slides down to die
How could I lose him?
What did I try?
Bit by bit, I've realized
That he was here with me
And I looked into my father's eyes
When Chuck reached the word "eyes", he immediately stood up, swung the electro-acoustic guitar behind him, and took two steps to his left. Afterwards, he pointed to the crowd who were absolutely ready for their part as the nerdy host flashed his trademark toothy smile. He couldn't help but feel like an orchestra conductor, but without the small conductor stick being used. In any case, as he continued to point to the courtyard crowd who repeated the words "Looked into my father's eyes," the courtyard itself sounded not only harmonious, but absolutely angelic as well. Chuck closed his eyes and just stood there as if he was taking it all in. A few seconds later, he opened his eyes, slid over to the mic stand, and grabbed the mic off of it. The courtyard crowd stopped singing and when they did, all eyes were now focused on the nerd who stood center stage.
"Look into," Chuck took a momentary pause before he sang the last 3 words of the song. "my faaaaaaaaaaather's eeeeeyyyyyessssss!"
Afterwards, he reached back and pulled the electro-acoustic guitar around to the front of him. At that point, he ended the performance with a bit of a flourish, as he softly strummed the chords to the chorus of the song. When he was done, he removed the musical instrument that was around him and simply took a bow. The crowd was about to erupt with the usual raucous celebration for another Chuck Bartowski performance that brought down the courtyard, but he quickly got off the stage, and for good reason. That reason was standing in front of the blue courtyard bench. He directed all the love and adulation back to the two individuals who he believed rightfully deserved all the attention. The newly crowned Rockstar Rebel, Gabby Massaro, and her father who he happily pointed to when he stood next to the two of them. Father and daughter were left completely overwhelmed that it left the both of them not only speechless, but considerably emotional as well. It was so emotional Gabby leaped forward and hugged Chuck. As for Gabby's father, he wiped away the tears and stuck out his hand for a handshake because of how much he appreciated making this day special for his only daughter. Both of them shook hands as Gabby never let go of the hug she had on Chuck.
XXX
NOTE: This is what I learned about Dysgerminoma. Also known as Turner Syndrome. Ovarian germ cell tumors grow in the ovaries. The tumors are usually benign (noncancerous), but they can be malignant (cancerous). Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Most ovarian germ cell tumors are treatable. For malignant tumors, the prognosis depends on the tumor's size and if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. In any case, what did you think of this chapter? Sarah dedicating Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" was an awesome song to perform knowing how tough Cherice is and even though she was down, she's definitely not down for the count. Plus, what do you think is going on with Hartley? Why is he avoiding Chuck? I know and you will eventually know as well. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter. As always, tip of the hat to NEVR for doing the beta. You Rock dude!