Post by Damianite on Jul 10, 2009 3:19:19 GMT -5
Taylor was sitting at home watching Celtic Thunder and sitting at the computer as the tour dates for the spring tour came up. Everyone was ecstatic, and she knew that she was wishing on lucky stars. She had talked to so many amazing people in the pub from all over the states, Washington, and the Mainland. Maybe it would just be her lucky day. All of the sudden, Sharon Browne added a date at the Save on Food Memorial Centre in Victoria, BC.
Her eyes lit up with excitement as she jumped around with joy. All she could think to do was post it on the pub! She let all her friends know,
and it seemed like it would be a late-nighters reunion-- name tags and all. Even her dear friend Meagan from the states was coming for it. Heather Jane was sitting at home with a hot cup of tea, and she spilled it in shock.
She had always wanted to travel to the island, and now Celtic Thunder was gonna be there!
"OMG!" she thought.
The word spread pretty quickly. Mia had just come into the pub and was swarmed with messages, and Taylor talked to all the late-nighters. Even thunderetteterri was coming from Seattle to see the concert.
"It's just a ferry ride away," she said.
Mia was thinking of how we'd all find each other. Of course, Meet and Greets were of the utmost necessity for us girls.
As the days grew closer, Catherine joined the team of people coming to Victoria to see the lads. It was gonna be a blast, and they were all hyped, talking every night at 10pm. They were all ready--decked out in their Celtic Thunder shirts with their gifts for the guys, glow sticks, and all.
"This is gonna be a real party," Taylor thought as she traveled to Victoria at 6am, "Breaking up Is Hard to Do" blaring from her car.
Later, she stopped just outside Nanaimo to pick up Meagan, who flew in from the states and had landed at 6:45.
As they went over the malahat on the way to Victoria, Meagan showed her the card she wanted to give to Damian. She looked utterly intrigued by the altitude and felt her ears pop.
"It's an amazing feeling, isn't it," Taylor told her.
They all decided to head out to Victoria early in the day so they could meet and go all together. You know, tour the city and that type of thing. Taylor was the main tour guide since she'd lived there most of her life. They met just outside the Parliament Building around 7:15.
"As you all know, Victoria is BC's capital city," Taylor said as they all stood by it taking pictures of each other.
"Memories for sure," Catherine said quietly.
When out on the water, they saw a big black ferry coming into the dock.
"Oh ha ha! That’s the Coho ferry. It comes from Port Angeles, Washington," Taylor stated.
"Oh, let's go for a walk along the water," Heather said. "And yes, Thunder Girl, we can go see the ferry."
Meagan and Taylor both laughed.
"Maybe we'll see some gorgeous Americans come off the boat," Taylor said with a smirk.
They stopped at a concession stand and all bought a bottle of water. It was a hot day, and, well, they needed something to drink. As they walked along, Heather walked right into a gorgeous customs officer and spilled her water down her white shirt. The officer apologized and went back to the ferry to check everyone's passports. His job of course. All of us girls just watched him slowly walk away. Since the passengers unloaded on the upper deck, we couldn't see many of them, excepting the very tall ones who just looked creepy anyways.
"So much for gorgeous Americans," Taylor said with a laugh.
The ferry then lowered the gate to let the cars and trucks off.
"Well, let’s find something else to explore since we got a lot of time before we gotta get ready" Catherine said.
They all, except Heather, who was still trying to dry her shirt, slowly turned to walk back in the direction they came from. So she was still at the gate watching all the cars. A lot of cars came off the boat, but it wasn't as many as usual according to the traffic director standing in front of her.
"Why is that? Heather asked.
"Ooh ha ha. Because we got two semi trucks and three tour buses on this trip. Some band performing tonight they say. Some Irish men I can barely understand." the traffic director replied. "In fact, here's the trucks now."
As Heather looked toward the ramp, a red semi truck came off the ferry, slowly revealing the words "CELTIC THUNDER." All she could do was yell back to her friends who were just around the corner waiting for her.
"HURRY GUYS COME HERE!! You gotta see this!"
The girls all ran back to see what the big fuss was about. To their surprise, it was the CELTIC THUNDER trucks. After that came the buses. It really looked like no one was on the buses, well,
"Except the driver," said Terri.
"I wonder where the lads are?" said Catherine.
They took some pictures of the trucks and everything from the other side of the gate of course (none of them wanted to in trouble). Then Taylor and Meagan decided they were gonna go up to the ticket booth so they could get a better view of the boat. They knew they would see the guys that night. The other girls stayed down by the water, just having fun. As they walked up, Taylor's phone went off playing “Ireland's Call.”
"Hey, Sarah what you doing?"
"I'm lost in Victoria" Sarah replied.
"Where are you girl??? Actually, you know what; meet us at the Coho ferry terminal in 10 minutes."
And that was that. Meagan left Taylor in the lobby while she went to the ladies room, So then Taylor just sat reading a book when she saw a young boy was handing out posters the said "CELTIC THUNDER 7pm Save On Foods Memorial Centre." She decided to walk up and get one from him. As soon as she heard his voice, she knew he had an Irish accent, and she politely asked him his name. Just as he was about to reply, all the girls, including Sarah, found her and called her name. Then Meagan finally came out after freshening up.
"Don't know who you're gonna meet in Canada," Meagan said as she walked towards them.
Taylor finally got a chance to again ask the boy what his name was.
"My name is Alex," he politely replied.
"Nice to meet you," all the girls said.
It popped into Terri's head that his name was Alex, and he's handing out Celtic Thunder Posters, and he has an Irish accent.
"We know exactly who this boy is, girls" she said with a smile. "This is Sharon Browne's son Alex. Am I right???
"Yep for sure," Alex replied. "She is my mother."
The girls were so excited they met him.
Taylor blurted out, "OMG YOU’RE SO LUCKY!!"
Alex laughed and said, "So I'm guessing you girls are here to see the concert tonight?"
"YES YES we are!!" Heather replied.
"Meet and Greets too, I might add," said Sarah.
"Didn't know the lads had such an impact on teenagers. Its Damian McGinty," Alex said with a bit of a smirk. "That boy seems to be the heartthrob of the group, or so the lads tell me."
Meagan became a little shy at this.
"Maybe just a little," she said quietly.
Alex looked at her with a big grin.
"I take it you're a Damianite then," he said with a smile.
"I'm hoping he is at the Meet and Greet tonight. It would be a dream come true," she replied.
"Well, I'll be sure to tell him he has an American girl who came all the way here to meet him."
Meagan gave Alex a big hug. Then he heard the horn of the car that was to take him to meet his mom and the lads.
"Bye, guys. See you tonight!" Alex said as he ran off.
Heather just sat down on the chair and started laughing.
"One Down, five to go," she said.
The rest of the girls started laughing while Terri looked at her and smiled. Taylor looked at the clock.
"It's only one o'clock, and the concert isn't until seven."
"Hmm. Let's go get some food," Heather said.
All the girls walked out of the ticket office and saw all the trucks driving up the road. They laughed. Then Meagan looked up the road and thought to herself, "I'm in the same city as Damian McGinty. Wow." Taylor tried to get daydreaming Meagan's attention.
Sarahleto and the girls decided that Tim Hortons sounded like a good place to eat. They all went in for coffee and hot chocolate. They were getting ready to order when the cashier asked Mia, "Where you guys from?"
"We are from all over the states and BC mostly," Terri said.
"Guess you guys are here for the Celtic Thunder concert tonight eyy??"
"Yeah we are," Taylor replied.
"Have fun," the cashier said before they all went and took a seat.
They just relaxed in Tim Hortons and enjoyed their coffees when all of the sudden, Mia started laughing out of nowhere. Terri just looked at her funny before asking, "What is it?"
"Don't look now, but someone looks like he just got out of bed," she tried says amid her laughter.
All the girls looked over to the door, and to their surprise, there stood Paul Byrom himself. He got in line to order his coffee, and all the girls couldn’t help but laugh. They all looked over at him, and I guess he can hear better than they thought, because as soon as he ordered his coffee, he started walking over to their table.
"Hey, ladies," said Paul.
Taylor looked up from drinking her hot chocolate and almost choked on it.
"Hey, Paul," she struggled to say.
"I figured you guys were talking about me when I saw this young lassie here looking at me." he said as he leaned on Mia's shoulder.
Taylor just looked at him and said, "Looks like you just got outta of bed there, swanky tenor."
Paul looked at her and started to laugh.
"I knew it," he said. "Thunderheads I'm guessing. Only you guys would know that."
"Yeah. Thunderheads unite!" Meagan said.
Paul looked at her, and then at their shirts. All the girls except Meagan had thunderhead t-shirts on. She had opted to wear her Damianite t-shirt.
"Where you from?" he said.
"I'm from the states down East."
"Ah, don't tell me you guys are the girls Alex has been talking up a storm about."
They all looked at Paul.
"Yeah, I guess we are," they all said together.
Paul got a kick out of them, and they didn't even know it. He said his hellos, and they all talked about that night. He wouldn't let slip any surprises though. When they talked about meet and greets, Taylor suddenly looked at all of them.
"Do we all have them?" she asked
“No, the trip here was too expensive, and I couldn't afford that too," Sarah replied.
Paul looked at her in a bit of a daze for a second.
"That’s not good," they all thought as they looked at Paul. He pulled out a black sharpie and a napkin.
"Here's a personal M&G," he said as he signed it with his swanky signature.
Then he handed it to Sarah, who took it in confusion.
"Sharon will be notified," he explained. "You have my personal Meet and Greet for the night, sweetheart."
Paul then looked at his watch and said, “Time flies. Gotta run! I trust I will be seeing you ladies tonight."
"Look for the glow sticks, Swanky Tenor!" Terri said just as he walked out the door.
That made him smile, and as he walked out, all of them asked Sarah to see the napkin.
"To think! Personal Meet and Greets signed by Paul Byrom himself!” said Taylor.
Heather and the rest of them got up and decided it was time to start heading to their hotel so they can get ready.
"Holiday Inn, here we come!" Meagan chanted as the girls walked down the road. Catherine and Taylor just imagined how awesome it was gonna be too see Ryan Kelly himself in concert.
"Ahhh," they thought.
As they walked down the road, I guess they directed a lot of attention with their Thunderhead shirts because someone from across the road yelled to Taylor and the girls to come over. They wanted a picture with them. It didn't occur to the girls till they got across the street that talking to a little girl were George Donaldson and Sharon Browne themselves! They had decided to all go out and see BC's capital city.
"Or so I'm told," George said. "What brings you girls--?"
"Oh, Celtic Thunder fans," Sharon interrupted. "Nice too meet you guys. Planning on seeing the show tonight I gather?"
"Yes for sure! Wouldn't miss it for the world!" they all said at once.
"This day just gets better and better! First Paul, now you guys," Sarah stated.
Sharon gave a tiny laugh as she said, "Well, more to come too! The rest of the lads are out and about exploring, and I really hope they don't get lost with the new city and all. By the way, was Damian with Paul, by any chance?" she asked the girls.
"No," Meagan replied.
Sharon looked a little puzzled.
"I'm looking for him. He is supposed to do something tonight at the show... Oops! I've said too much. Well, if you girls see him on your travels, let him know I need to speak to him please, ladies. Are you the girls who met my son Alex by any chance? He won't be quiet about this pretty little American girl, and I kinda got puzzled and told him we're in Canada. But he insisted.
Meagan and Sarah laughed.
"Yeah, that would be us. We are American, but came to see our fellow thunderheads up here in Canada. And to enjoy an amazing show of course." Sarah said.
"Well I guess we will see you girls tonight. You got Meet and Greets too I'm guessing?"
"Yeah we do," Taylor answered.
"Sharon?" Sarah asked. "Look at this."
She showed her the napkin.
"Paul and his goofy news," Sharon said. "Looks like I will be seeing you all tonight then.
George came over and gave Heather a hug, introduced himself to all the girls, and let the girls have pictures taken with him before he too headed back to the hotel to get ready. The girls sat down on a bench together in front of the Parliament building. They were all in shock. They never expected the day to turn out like this. Meagan couldn't help but think what Damian was gonna do at the concert that night. So many things were running though her mind. Terri looked at the big clock that had just had chimed four o'clock. The girls finally ended up at their hotel.
"Holiday Inn. Nice and fancy if I do say so myself." Mia said as they sat down, waiting for the check-in clerk to check them in.
"That's what I call backpacking it," Meagan said as they all went out to the car and grabbed their bags.
They got kinda lost but finally found the elevator. They laughed as they all tried to squeeze in it together. They all fit but it was pretty squishy. They were kinda all facing backward because that's the only way they could fit. Then they heard the elevator stop on the seventh floor, and Taylor heard someone get on the elevator. The door closed, and the elevator filled with a kinda scent that Taylor couldn't compare to anything. She slightly tried to turn around, and there was a man facing the door listening to his ipod. They finally reached the nineteenth floor, and when the door opened, the guy who was wearing shorts and a muscle shirt got off the elevator and stood to the side to hold the door for all the girls.
"What a gentlemen," Heather thought.
That is, until after Taylor, the last off the elevator, said thank you. He replied with an accent that just made her bolt to look up just as he turned to walk down the hall. She didn't get to look at his face. The girls all roamed the hall till they found the big blue door that said 223.
"This is our room, girls" Taylor said in the midst of looking down the hall, still trying to figure out who the gorgeous elevator guy was.
Terri walked in and jumped on the bed that she called hers. I guess the girls didn't realize it was a big suite, and there was a room off of it. Taylor and Meagan decided they would take that room because it had the biggest bed and the satellite TV and DVD player. Catherine came walking into the room and looked up at the clock.
“Girls, it's five o'clock! Let’s get ready to go."
She handed Mia a case, and she opened it to reveal the new Celtic Thunder TMH CD. Taylor laughed as Terri took the remote and pressed play. All the girls opened their bags and spent a half an hour getting all dolled up to go to the concert.
"Crap," Taylor said. "I'm gonna run downstairs to the ATM, and when I come back, you girls should be ready. Then we can go."
She put on her heels, and with her cute little skirt and her hair all jelled up, she looked kinda like a fairy. Meagan told her that as she walked out the door. She walked down the hall, reliving her experience with the elevator guy, hoping to run into him again. Waiting for the elevator to come up, she heard singing voices coming from down the hall.
“Caledonia, you're calling me. Now I'm going home.”
She knew it was coming from her room. Laughing a little she got on the elevator, she went downstairs. She found the ATM machine and got her money. She tried to be quick to make sure she and the girls weren't late.
She grabbed the cash and ran back towards the elevator, not watching where she was going. She ran right into this guy and totally knocked the wind out of him. He slipped and fell on his back. Laughing, he looked up at her with the most gorgeous smile on his face. Taylor looked kinda nervous as she got up and helped him up.
"Ahhh, you're--" she said.
"Ryan," he interrupted. "Well, nice way to meet you," he said to her.
Taylor recognized the voice.
"You're the one who held the door for me and my friends?" she asked.
"Oh ha ha. Yeah, I guess I am. Why are you in such a hurry for?"
"Getting ready for the Celtic Thunder conc.....OMG How did I not know? You're Ryan Kelly!" she said standing face to face to him.
Her heals weren't helping with her balance either as Ryan reached out to stop her from falling.
"Yeah, I am," he said. "A thunderhead I'm guessing, telling by your Thunderhead t-shirt. Damianite too I'm guessing??"
"Yeah a little," she said smiling. "But not as much as my friend Meagan. She is here from the states to see him."
Ryan looked at his watch.
"Well, I hope you don't plan on leaving right after the concert. Since we are staying in the same hotel, we can catch up later maybe. The guys would love to meet you."
"Well, ok," she barely replied just as he was about to walk away. "Where are the guys?"
"I had to take a shower first since I was at the gym. I told them I would catch up with them at the arena."
Ryan looked at her with a smile and gave her a hug.
"See you tonight," Taylor replied as Ryan walked out the door.
Taylor ran to the elevator and pressed the button for the nineteenth floor. The elevator finally got there as she took off her heals and ran down the hall. She knocks on her room door. Mia answered and lets her in. Taylor collapsed on her bed while the girls just looked at her funny. She looked up at them and all she could even stutter was, “Dreams really do come true."
Catherine looked at the time. It's almost six o'clock. The girls grabbed their purses and ran out the door. They all stood outside the Holiday Inn and called for a taxi. Sarah laughed while trying to get Taylor to tell her why she was so star struck.
"I just met the Dark Destroyer," Taylor said in a fluttery voice.
They all arrived at the Save on Foods Memorial Center and looked at the huge crowd of people. They were happy because they all had front row tickets and didn't have to get in line to buy them. They sat outside for a few minutes, taking memorable pictures of the trucks and just looking around. Taylor saw the car Ryan drove off in, and there he was getting out of it. He looked up, saw Taylor, and waved as he went into the back of the arena. The rest of the girls were totally hyped.
"Oh my!" Mia said. "It was Ryan Kelly!"
"Let's go get in our seats," said Meagan.
They all walked into the arena. The girls were all wowed. It was so big!
"Omg, twenty-five minutes till the show," Sarahleto said as she looked at her watch.
She, Meagan, Taylor, and Mia decided they were going to scout out the arena. You know, just look around. So they left the rest of the girls in their seats because they were too busy admiring the set and how big the arena was.
"This place is huge," said Terri. "I hope you guys don't get lost."
Taylor laughed as they walked out the doors and over to the table where they were selling all the Celtic Thunder merchandise. There behind the tables were Declan and Alex. Alex came up to Meagan and gave her a hug.
"You're here! Great! Hold this during Caledonia. It's their last song of the night," he said as he handed her a little American flag. "Damian will be looking for it. Where are your seats for the show?" he asked.
"Front row in the center," Taylor answered.
"Well enjoy the show girls. I better be getting back to work," said Alex.
Meagan was overjoyed with her little American flag. Mia had a secret of her own. She had her mini Dark Destroyer coat only pubbers would know about. It was hidden in her bag. They looked around the arena for the concession area because the girls were really thirsty with all the over-excitement.
Meanwhile back at the seats, Terri, Catherine, and Heather were having fun talking to many other fans of Celtic Thunder. It was ten minutes till show time, and they were all getting ready, breaking their glow sticks and all. The rest of the girls were on their way back from getting drinks when Taylor saw something on the ground. It looked like a ring so she picked it up. It was blue and had some Irish symbols on it. Sarah looked at it.
"That looks kinda like Keith's ring," she said.
Taylor looked puzzled and handed it to her. Sarah looked at the ring and admired it as they all walked back to their seats. All the girls were back together. While Taylor and the other three girls were gone, they had handed out these signs that said “We Love You Too” to hold up during the last song. The girls just smiled and laughed. They all took their seats as the lights went out and the dark arena went silent.
Then Phil Coulter's voice filled the arena, then the drums, and then the sound of Ryan's voice. All the girls were already on the edge of their seats. The monks filed across the stage, and Meagan knew one of them was Alex. She had a big smirk on her face. Taylor and the rest of the girls were paying attention to the stage. It was amazing--the smoke, the lights, everything! The girls were utterly enjoying themselves. Terri and Sarah were dazed, especially when Keith stepped out on the stage to sing "Lauren and I." The whole crowd just fell in love. His smile was amazing. That shiny blue suit just topped it off, and every time he said "can't," it just made the two girls fall even more in love. Keith and his Irish accent yelled out in a pause in the song, "Hello Victoria, Canada!" Sarahleto just couldn't help but grab the American flag out of Meagan's hand and wave it frantically in the air. Keith looked down at the audience and saw Sarah with the flag in her hand and a ring on her finger identical to his own. She had put it on for safekeeping.
Keith walked off stage looking at his thumb.
"Oh no, where is my ring?" he thought. "Man, I gotta find that American girl after the show!"
But with all the fans, he thought he didn't have much hope.
The concert was going amazingly well. Taylor was just itching in her seat for Damian to come out and sing "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do." All the lads came out, and it was like fire hit the whole audience.
"'Take Me Home' is an amazing song," Taylor said to Meagan, who hadn't heard the entire song.
Mia and Catherine couldn't help but have googly eyes at Paul. Him and his swanky walk. It just blew them away. He came out in a black suit with a pink shirt. The girls just jumped out of their seats. Catherine decided to hold up her "WE LOVE YOU, PAUL BYROM" sign, which he totally saw. He nudged Keith to tell him to look down at the girls in the front row.
There was the girl. I guess Keith just knew. Sarah was still wearing the ring, and she was singing along to every part of the song. She just couldn't help but look at Keith, who had a gorgeous smile on his face. He couldn't help but let out a little tiny laugh in the middle of the song. It didn't ruin the song at all. It just made all the girls swoon with love over Keith. Taylor and Meagan were standing and were so incredibly happy to just be in the presence of Celtic Thunder, let alone Damian McGinty!
The guys finished their song and took the applause with great gratitude. I guess the crowd knew what song was next. The background went purple, and the upbeat song started to play. Taylor knew it
"OMG this is my song!" she said.
The crowd went incredibly wild. Damian came out in his leather jacket and skinny jeans. It was like a whole new Damian McGinty. It made the girls co crazy with excitement.
"Remember when you held me tight, and you kissed me all through the night."
All he could do was point straight at Taylor and Meagan. it was like a dream, but it was actually in reality! Damian was utterly enjoying himself in the song. He couldn't help but flaunt his gorgeous legs in those skinny jeans. Taylor was so intrigued by him that she held up her hot pink sign that said "WE LOVE YOU." Damian looked at her and smiled. Meagan was so happy. She was so close to him! He finished his song and said "Thanks" with his beautiful Irish accent. It was the cutest thing the girls could have seen. They all sat back in their chairs. Taylor and Meagan's high point of the night was over.
The concert was almost over and the girls knew it. "Caledonia" was next, and it was amazing. The guys did an amazing job like always. The girls had their glow stick necklaces on, and their "We love you too!" signs ready.
They came out, and I guess the guys thought the audience should join in singing with them. Taylor and the girls knew all the words, and when the guys turned around, the girls decided to point back at them too. They used their hands to show their love, and they did a magnificent job of standing out. Nobody else did anything close to that. The guys turned around too and saw seven girls out of the eight thousand or so in the arena singing at the top of their lungs, “Let me tell you that I love you” and pointing right back at them. The guys got a real kick out of of it, just as the girls had planned.
All the girls had their signs and decided to hold them up. Catherine had the “We love you, Swanky Tenor!” Terri and Sarah held the sign that said. “Teach us to surf, CUTIE!” Heather was in the middle and held the sign that said "Thunderheads Unite!" Well, Mia decided to be mischievous and pull out her mini Dark Destroyer coat and wear it while holding up her sign.“I'm your mini Dark Destroyer, Ryan." Meanwhile, Taylor stood with their sign that read, "Damian, you're our #1” while Meagan waved a rose with a little card attached. The card read, “Damian McGinty, you are incredible. Never change.”
All the girls were enjoying themselves. Keith couldn't help but smirk and give a thumbs up to Terri and Sarah. Paul just threw the girls a wink during this swanky walk, and that made their lives for sure. Ryan didn't really see the sign, but Mia wasn't going to give up hope. Taylor and Meagan really got Damian's attention I guess because he looked straight at them. Because the girls were in the front row, Meagan held out the rose, and it was like pure luck or something because Paul nudged him, meaning for him to get it, I guess. All they could do was slowly walk up to the stage as Paul and Keith signaled to them to come closer. Their Damian knelt down and gently took the rose out of Meagan's hand.
"Thank you girls," he whispered.
Taylor was speechless.
He got up, and I guess his cheeks had become sorta red with being able to talk to two such beautiful girls. As the lads walked off the stage, they waved and did their salutes. It was the end of the concert. The girls had really enjoyed themselves.
Then Sharon Browne's voice came across the arena.
“Anyone who has Meet and Greets, please stay seated. Everyone else, thank you for attending Celtic Thunder, and we hope to see you again soon."
Everyone slowly exited the arena. Alex came out and with a smirk on his face. Catherine asked him what was funny.
"Oh haha. Nothing. Did you know that there are only ten Meet and Greets for this show.??" Alex said.
"Why is that?" Taylor asked.
"Oh, because it is the last concert of the tour, and well, they like to make it more personal, you know," Alex replied. "Well guys, I gotta run. mom needs me to get water for Paul."
As he walked away, the girls giggled a little.
"Looks like our Swanky Tenor needs some liquid after that performance. I wouldn't doubt it," Terri said with a smile.
Some guy came around next and asked us to show our M&G passes. When they got to Sarah, she handed him the napkin that Paul himself had signed for her. I guess he looked at her funny and told her she had to leave, because she started to walk out. The rest of the girls seemed really upset, but since she didn't want to ruin it for the rest of the girls, she left quietly. Sarah walked out the door with her sign in hand, and because it was a big arena, almost everyone had left. She walked past the buses and pulled out her camera to take a picture of it. She tried hard, but tears had slowly begun to fall down her face. Sarah just rubbed them off. Then realized she would have to wait for the rest of the girls come out because she didn't want to get lost in the city. Since had no clue where she was going, she sat on the curb where the Celtic Thunder buses were parked. She just stared at the personal M&G Paul had given to her at Timmy's earlier that day.
Meanwhile back in the arena, all the girls sat in their seats. There were the six girls plus a little girl with her mom and dad. They were there because PBS gave them free Meet and Greets. The little gir, who wore all her Damian stuff,l was like six, and she had her poster ready for the lads to sign. Her mom politely asked George to run back and get Damian because it was past the little girl's bedtime.
George picked the little girl up and said, “So, you love Damian, eh, little one?" as well as his hellos and goodbyes to the other girls.
He got the family to follow him out the door where Damian and Keith were waiting for Paul and Ryan to get out of the shower before they went in for the rest of the M&G's. The little girl got to meet Damian, and all she could do was say "Hi" and smile. The parents got a picture of her with Damian, and then they were off. Damian gave the little girl a big hug and waved bye. Finally, Paul and Ryan got out of the shower. As they walked out, Keith just burst out laughing.
"Lads, you missed the cutest little girl totally in love with Damian."
"Ohhh," Paul said. "Was it those girls with the rose?" he asked with a smirk.
"No, she was six," Damian clearly stated with a manly voice.
George just looked at the lads and said, "I've done my M&G. I'm going back to the hotel to get some rest and call my wife."
The lads looked at him.
"Okay," they said.
"Now, let's go face the fifty people in that room,"Paul said. "OMG. This is going to be exhausting,"
All the lads walked into the room and saw six girls sitting there.
Paul looked around.
“Is someone playing a trick on us or something?”
"Nope, Paul," Alex and Sharon said as they came out. "This is it. We only sold six, and PBS gave away three. And according to one young lady, you gave someone a personal one yourself, Paul, if I'm correct," Sharon said.
Alex looked at all the girls, and since there were only six of them, he was confused.
"Well, a little girl with her mom and dad already left," Damian said.
"PBS Meet and Greets," Sharon said with a smile. "You girls are the six who purchased yours, and Paul, it looks like your mystery girl didn't show up."
Keith laughed at him and quickly looked at the girls's signs.
"The girl who had a ring like mine was with you guys. Where is she now? I just remember the surf poster she had,' he said as he laughed.
"The security team kicked her out because they thought her Paul M&G was fake," Taylor said. "She is probably outside waiting for us."
Keith looked at her a little confused.
"Well, let's take Celtic Thunder to her," said a smiling Damian.
He looked right at Meagan and Taylor who were still sitting in their chairs In shock.
Paul and Keith were already headed out the door. Ryan stopped to get acquainted with Mia as she grabbed her purse. He looked at her coat I guess she forgot to take off and pulled a little bit of a laugh. As she started to walk towards the door, Ryan did a little skip.
"I guess you really are my Mini Dark Destroyer," he said in his husky yet Irish voice as he put his arm over her shoulder. "Now let's go find your friend."
I guess Damian felt obligated to stay with Taylor and Meagan because he didn't leave with the rest of the lads. Meagan finally got the will to say "Hi." Damian just kinda let out a little laugh.
"I never thought I'd make two beautiful girls like yourselves speechless," he said.
Taylor laughed.
"Oh, I'm okay really. I guess it's just amazing to be here. Why didn't you go out there with the lads?" she asked.
"Because you girls are in here," he said with a smile. "What brings you to Canada, Meagan?" He asked.
She replied shyly.
He finally showed his gorgeous smile and put out both his hands to help the girls up.
"Come on, girl! There's so much to do tonight, and it's too quiet in here, even though I'm not complaining. Its nice sometimes. Plus I'm getting kinda hungry," he laughed as they all walked out the door.
Damian held the door for the two girls. As Taylor rolled up the sign she had, Damian caught a glimpse of it. When he saw the “Damian You're Our #1!", I guess it finally clued in to him. This was the American girl Alex had told him about, and he had read the Canadian girl's letter to him when he was back in Ireland. He had also seen her messages on Myspace all the time.
"Wow, girls. It really is a pleasure to finally meet you two after everything," he said.
As the three of them took a stroll out the doors of the arena, Paul sat with Terri and Sarah. Sarah looked like she had been crying, but I guess the guys had used their charm. She was laughing with Keith about how she stumbled upon his ring inside and put it on her finger for safe keeping. Keith gave Sarah a big hug just as Taylor walked out.
"Where is Heather and Catherine?" she asked.
"They went back to the hotel to sleep because they weren't feeling too well," Sarah replied.
"I think it's all the excitement," Paul said with a laugh.
Meagan let out a tiny laugh.
"Tell me about it," she said.
"Where is Ryan?" Damian asked.
Keith laughed.
"He took a cab with Mia," he replied. "They said they would meet us back at the hotel. So much for a twenty minute M&G."
Sharon poked her head out of the girls's bus.
"Looks like you gotta find your own way back. Any of you girls know your way around Victoria?"
Taylor raised her hand.
"Born and raised on the island," she said.
Sharon looked at her.
"Okay, make sure the boys are back at the hotel later tonight cuz our plane leaves tomorrow evening, and well, I don't want to lose them!"
She laughed as she got back on the bus.
Damian gives Taylor a big hug.
"You're amazing, Girl," he whispered in her ear.
"Thank God we got a tour guide, or else we would all have to be back in the hotel sleeping like babies," Paul said.
"Well, what do you girls want to do? Consider it a night in town with Celtic Thunder," a smiling Keith said to the girls.
All of them just sat down to relax for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, Mia and Ryan's taxi stopped at the water in front of the Parliament buildings. Ryan paid the cab fare and looked at Mia.
"So did you enjoy the concert?" he asked her.
"Yes, I did. But what are we doing out here? This isn't the M&G," she began to say.
Then Ryan gently put his finger on her lips and said, "I know you probably want to meet the rest of the lads. If you want to go back we can. I just kinda wanted to get to know my mini Dark Destroyer," he chuckled. "And the rest of the lads are probably all going their separate ways.
He looked right into her eyes.
"I never thought I would meet a lovely young girl like you. I could just talk to you and not have to worry about making myself look like an idiot," he said.
Mia laughed.
"Haha your doing it right now."
He grabbed her and swung her around.
Mia knew from that moment on that this was gonna be the beginning of an amazing friendship.
They walked the waterfront, talking about everything from Ryan's tours with the lads to Ryans home back in County Tyrone. Mia explained to Ryan the whole Dark Destroyer thing, proving just how much Mia was a fan of his. He just smiled. She looked up in the sky and since she saw stars, she went and sat on a ledge which was just above the water. Ryan followed behind her. He slowly set her on the ledge with the palm of his hand on the small of her back for support so neither of them fell in. Ryan pulled out his phone and turned on the camera. He took pictures of the stars at first. Then, an idea popped into his head.
He looked over at Mia and snapped a picture. Then she grabbed the phone from him.
"Uh delete that!" she said.
Ryan looked at her.
"Fine then. Take a picture with me," he said with a smile.
So Ryan held out the camera phone and as Mia leaned in, Ryan snapped a picture. He turned the phone around to look at it. They both said, "Awe I like it!" at the same time. It was cute. Then Mia got a wild idea.
"Let's take some funny ones! Show the lads how much fun we had hehe.."
Ryan laughed.
"Haha! Bet they would love that!" he said with a smirk.
She took the camera and told Ryan to smile while she took a picture. Ryan decided to kiss her on the cheek in the middle of it. She was a little shocked. They both looked at the picture. It was a priceless moment caught on camera. Ryan stood up at took her by the hand to help her up. As they slowly walked along the waterfront in the direction of the hotel, they made it memorable by catching funny pictures.
Meanwhile, the rest of the lads were back at the arena chatting with all the girls. Keith grabbed Sarah by the hand and helped her up.
"Can I show you something?" he said as he went off towards the bus.
He looked at her and said, "Close your eyes."
Then he lead her on to the bus. She almost tripped over his guitar case, and then Damian's pink suitcase. As he told her to sit, she opened her eyes. Sarah was on the Celtic Thunder tour bus. Keith had his guitar in his hand as he said, "I figured you could help me. If I play you a song, will you be honest and say if its good or not?"
He started to sing a new song to her, one that no one had ever heard before. Sarah was completely mesmerized. Keith Harkin himself was singing to her. She sat there until Keith finished his song. It was amazing. I guess her wandering eyes looked down on the bed she was sitting on, and she saw that it belonged to Damian because above the bed was a gold plate. It read "Damian Mcginty." she smirked a little bit.
"What did you think?" Keith asked her.
"I loved it! It was amazing," Sarah replied.
She still had that little smirk on her face.
"DamianBaybe and Meagan15 would kill to be sitting here," she said with a laugh.
Keith looked at her.
"You mean with me or the fact that you're sitting on Damian's bunk?"
Her cheeks began to turn red.
"Ohhh, lol. Because its Damian's bunk. Haha I can't believe he has a pink suitcase though," she said.
Her eye caught a pink piece of paper on his pillow.
"Tough guys flaunt pink, I guess," she said with a smile.
She picked it up so she wouldn't wreck it, slightly realizing that it had her friend's name on it.
"Interesting," she thought.
Keith looked at her with his gorgeous blue eyes and said,"Well, just let me change and then we can go out for dinner if you like. I'm pretty hungry. What do you think?" Sarah replied with a smile.
"Sounds like fun! What about the rest of them?"
Keith walked out the bathroom door wearing only his shorts, revealing his gorgeous surfer body. He flipped his blonde hair. Sarah couldn't help but to look at him.
"I cant find my shirt! he said in the midst of laughing as he searched through his suitcase. "Wow, I'm smart. Haha! I always lose everything."
He gave up and just stole on of Ryan's.
"No one will notice," he said with a smile.
He grabbed Sarah by the hand and led her off the bus. Paul talked to Terri outside as the two came off the bus.
"We're off to get some food, Lad!" Keith yelled to Paul. "I'll meet you back at the hotel!"
Paul just kinda looked at him, revealing his swanky eyebrows. Thunderetteterri couldn't help but laugh. Sarah looked all around and asked thunderetteterri where Taylor and Meagan went.
"Ooh, Taylor took her car and drove Damian somewhere. They're showing him around Victoria."
"Well, we are off, guys! I'll see you later!" Keith said as he and Sarahleto walked off.
Paul and Terri sat there talking about the show, and she was getting a laugh out of his comedy. Paul just laughed.
"Looks like Damian is going to have fun with those girls tonight. Heartthrob of the group for sure. The young ladys just swoon for him," he said with his amazing Irish accent.
Terri could feel her cheeks turn red.
"I wont hold it against you," Paul said with a funny look on his face. "Who is your favorite??"
Terri just smiled and said, "Honestly, I love you all for different reasons. It's nice to just talk to you," she said with a smile.
Paul looked at her.
"Ah, a genuine Celtic Thunder fan."
Terri laughed.
“Well, it looks like we are walking back to the hotel.” she said.
Paul grabbed her by the arm.
"Letss make it an adventure!" he said as they walked off into the night.
Meanwhile, Taylor and Meagan walked with Damian and finally found the car. Damian paused.
"Do you have your license?" He asked.
"Yeah, I do," she said laughing. "Well, at least my L."
Damian had a big smile on his face.
"You got a nice car. A convertible."
He looked at her and smiled.
While Meagan hopped in the back, Taylor got in the driver's seat and just kinda looked at Damian.
"Well, you gonna get in already?" She asked.
"Oh yeah. Haha," Damian said as he hopped into the car.
She turned on the car, forgetting that on the way there, the girls had listened to “Breaking up is Hard to Do.”
The stereo blared out, “ Don't take your love away from me. Don't you leave my heart in misery. If you go, then I'll be blue.”
Damian couldn't help but laugh. Taylor's cheeks went a little red.
"That's awesome," he said in his Irish accent as he leaned down to turn the song.
Ryan and "Midnight Well" came on.
"Haha!" he laughed. "The sucker always gets the girl," he said amidst his laughter.
Meagan looks at Damian and laughed a little.
"What can we say? He is the Dark Destroyer!" she said with smile.
Damian smirked and blurted out, "So are you girls entering the contest tomorrow back at the hotel?"
"What contest?" Taylor asked him.
"Oh, the talent contest based on Celtic Thunder. Me and the lads are judging and along with Phil and Sharon. The top three winners get to go on a first class trip to Ireland and tour the hometowns of their favorite Celtic Thunder members."
They both looked at him kind of funny.
"Haha!" he laughed. "I hope you girls are up to the challenge. Prove the Thunderheads your truly are..."
They drove the car pretty far oh a busy highway, and it was kinda nice, blowing in the wind and everything.
"Let's go get some food," Meagan finally said.
Soon, Taylor pulled into the McDonald's drive thru, and I'd have to say, it was pure comedy. Damian looked utterly confused.
"Order for me, girls. I have no idea what is good," Damian kinda said shyly.
Taylor and Meagan laughed.
"Cheeseburgers. Are you kidding me, Damian!" Meagan said with a smile.
They ordered their cheeseburgers, and Taylor paid for them.
Damian looked at her.
“You should of let me pay, girl," H\he said with a smile.
"You can pay next time," Taylor said in reply.
They headed back to the hotel as it was getting late. i\It was almost eleven thirty, and well, they needed to go check on the rest of the girls. They got back to their hotel, and Meagan got out of the car at the front entrance to take the cheeseburgers upstairs to the rest of the girls. Taylor had to go and park the car, and Damian decided to stay with Taylor since Meagan had his food.
Meagan walked into the hotel, and there was Keith standing their with Sarah! They had just gotten back from their dinner and were sitting on the bench that looked out on the water. Keith looked up at her.
"What's up, girl?" he said with a smile. "Where is the D?"
"Oh, you mean Damian? He is with Taylor. They went to park the car. We got cheeseburgers!" Meagan said. "Well, I'm gonna go up to the room at give the rest of the girls their food," she said as she hopped into the elevator.
"Sarah said I will be up in a bit."
Keith looked at Sarah with a smile as they both just sat there and watched the water from the hotel window.
Meanwhile, George was upstairs sleeping, and Meagan walked into the room to find nobody there except Catherine and Heather Jane. They were fast asleep as they had to leave at six in the morning to head home. Terri left a note saying she was out for the night with Paul, watching the stars by the beach.
"All are welcome to join.
Here are the directions.
signed: Paul Byrom."
Meagan was incredibly tired and decided to get ready for bed, thinking nothing of the note on the door. She got into bed, and it took less than ten minutes before she was out.
Meanwhile Mia and Ryan finally found their way back to the hotel. Mia sneaked into the girls room so as to not wake up any of the girls. When she looked at the note, she thought she would go to see Terri. Since Ryan was cold, he ran to grab a sweater and found the note on the door of the guys room in the process.
"OUT. Watching the stars and waves. It's amazing."
Ryan walked out the hall door and ran into Mia.
"Haha. Looks like you're headed where I'm headed," he said with a laugh.
They both took the elevator, and as she reached for the main button, Ryan's fingers gently touched hers. It sent shivers up her arm. They finally got to the main floor, and just outside the elevator door was Keith, standing there giving Sarah a hug. Then she kissed him on the cheek and smiled. That is, until she turned around to see the smirk on Ryan's face.
"Well, hello there," he said amid his laughter.
"Where you think your going?" said Mia.
"Ummmm. Bed," she said. "Meagan is in bed now too."
"Well then come with us!" Mia said. "We are going to meet Paul and Terri to watch the stars."
"Let me grab a coat," said Sarah.
Keith just looked at her.
"That's okay. You can use mine if you get cold k! Lets go!"
The group of them headed out the door. Keith, Sarah, Ryan, and Mia walked down the road. It was an amazing night out, clear blue skies and lots of stars. They finally made it to the park to see two people sitting on a log down by the water. The group went down, and Keith ran up to Paul and tapped him on the shoulder. Paul jumped a pretty good distance, and all Ryan and the girls could do was laugh. As they sat down, Ryan knelt forward a bit.
"Hm, looks like we got the whole crew."
Paul looked at him with his swanky eyebrows.
We're missing the old man," he said with a smirk.
Terri looked around.
"Where are the rest of the girls?" she asked Mia.
"They are sleeping," she replied.
"Aw, the youngsters are sleeping," Keith said with a laugh.
"I only saw Catherine, Heather, and Meagan back at the hotel" she said.
"George is the only one in our room," Ryan said looking confused.
"We are missing Taylor," Terri said looking worried.
Paul looked at Ryan.
"You mean Damian isn't in the room playing his darn video games? That's strange," he said kinda puzzled.
Sarah let out a huge laugh.
"Connect the dots, guys," she said amid her laughter.
"Damian is out with Taylor! He wont get lost. She is the reason we are all here. They will find the note and be here sooner or later."
Meanwhile, Taylor and Damian parked the car, got out, and walked up to the door.
Damian shyly asked her, “What you planning to sing in the talent show tomorrow, Taylor?"
"Um, I dunno yet," she replied.
I guess it wasn't too helpful that Taylor was wearing heals, because just as she went to go up the stairs, she fell and her ankle kinda twisted, and she sat down in pain. Slight tears ran down her face. Damian was a few steps behind her, and he caught her from falling further. He couldn't do anything but sit down beside her. He gave her a hug, and all Taylor could do was laugh a little and take off her heals.
"I hate these dang shoes," she said with a bit of a smile.
She wiped the tears from her eyes, and they got up and headed to their rooms. Taylor was so happy that she got to spend the night with Damian. They got to her room and completely ignored the sign on the door.
"I will be right back," she said to Damian.
She ran in the room to grab a pen and her grandma's ticket from the concert she went to in Vancouver BC. Damian waited outside the door and saw the note on the door from Terri. Taylor finally came out with the sharpie and the ticket and shyly said, I'm scared I won't see you again after tonight. So can you sign this for my grandma? It would mean everything to me."
Damian looked at her. Her cheeks were kinda red.
"Oh, I knew it! You're the one who told me about your family coming to Vancouver and was missing us after only fifteen minutes!"
"Yes," she told him in a quiet voice. "My family couldn't help but be happy when she went to that concert. It was one of the best nights of her life. Every time you sing 'A Bird without Wings,' I just love it."
Damian looked at her with surprise. He wrote on the back of the ticket, "Forever & Always, Damian Mcginty."
He handed it back to her.
"Tell her to write me, and I will write her back," he said as he looked at her. "The night is far from over, girly. Change your shoes, and let's go meet the others," Damian said with a smile.
Taylor changed her shoes.
"Skate shoes," she came said as she came out.
Damian just laughed.
"Better than heels," he said.
They took the elevator down, and Taylor looked at him in confusion.
"Um, where are we going?" she said.
"Oh, to meet the rest of the lads for the night since everyone else is sleeping," Damian replied. "So before we get there, what song are you going to sing tomorrow?"
"I'm thinking 'Come by the Hills," she said.
Damian was in shock.
"Are you sure you can pull that off? Even the Gaelic part? I love that song!"
"Well, maybe. I think I'm gonna make it a surprise," she said with a big smile on her face.
Damian put his arm around her.
"You can't leave a guy like me guessing," he told her.
They took the walk while looking at the stars and talking about everything. She got to tell him about her hopes of traveling to Ireland for St. John ambulance. He was so happy for her. He smiled and said, “Don't forget to look me up eyy."
All of the sudden, Damian looked up and saw Paul and Terri sitting on the log down by the water. Mia and Ryan were down by the water soaking their feet in the nice ocean water. Keith and Sarahleto were lying on their backs in the sand staring up at the stars. Damian looked at his watch. It was Twelve fifteen.
"Good morning, guys!" he yelled out.
Everyone look at him as he and Taylor walked up.
"Where have you guys been?" Terri asked DamianBaybe.
"We went on an adventure," Damian answered with a wink. "So, you guys know we have, like, eleven and a half hours before we are all expected to perform at the talent contest tomorrow? I'm so excited!" he said with a laugh.
"I know, eyy," Paul said. "It should be great craic! Are you girls contestants?" he asked.
"I'm thinking about it," Taylor replied.
Ryan looked at her.
"What song you gonna sing?"
"Haha! Dang girl won"t tell me!" Damian answered. "I've tried twice!"
She nudged Damian.
"It's a secret!" she said with a laugh. "I think all of ours are. You will have to wait and see boys!"
Sarah laughed.
"Its amazing to spend time with you guys. You're so laid back, and I do believe you have a good percent of the night crew here with you."
"Thunderheads unite!: Terri said smiling.
Taylor went to sit by Terri.
"I'm singing a Damian song," she whispered in her ear.
"Haha. I think you should sing Keith," she whispered back.
Everyone enjoyed their morning, and they all sat together and watched the sun rise. It was an amazing experience. Damian took a lot of pictures. He even got a morning jogger to take a picture of them all. Ryan pulled out his phone and bragged about him and Mia's picture. After that, Paul and Keith picked him up and threw him in the water. Damian caught the whole thing on video. The girls were having the night/morning of their lives. Damian looked at Taylor.
"I'm gonna miss you. I think this is the beginning of a great friendship," he said with a smile.
Taylor gave him a hug, and his cheeks went a little red.
"Me too," she whispered in his ear. "A night to remember."
She took his phone out of his pocket, left him a note on it, and programmed her number into his phone. Paul looked at the time. It was five in the morning.
"Time flies by!" he said. "
We better start to head back to the hotel before Sharon wakes up and wonders where we were all night, especially you Damian," Keith said to him with a smirk
Her eyes lit up with excitement as she jumped around with joy. All she could think to do was post it on the pub! She let all her friends know,
and it seemed like it would be a late-nighters reunion-- name tags and all. Even her dear friend Meagan from the states was coming for it. Heather Jane was sitting at home with a hot cup of tea, and she spilled it in shock.
She had always wanted to travel to the island, and now Celtic Thunder was gonna be there!
"OMG!" she thought.
The word spread pretty quickly. Mia had just come into the pub and was swarmed with messages, and Taylor talked to all the late-nighters. Even thunderetteterri was coming from Seattle to see the concert.
"It's just a ferry ride away," she said.
Mia was thinking of how we'd all find each other. Of course, Meet and Greets were of the utmost necessity for us girls.
As the days grew closer, Catherine joined the team of people coming to Victoria to see the lads. It was gonna be a blast, and they were all hyped, talking every night at 10pm. They were all ready--decked out in their Celtic Thunder shirts with their gifts for the guys, glow sticks, and all.
"This is gonna be a real party," Taylor thought as she traveled to Victoria at 6am, "Breaking up Is Hard to Do" blaring from her car.
Later, she stopped just outside Nanaimo to pick up Meagan, who flew in from the states and had landed at 6:45.
As they went over the malahat on the way to Victoria, Meagan showed her the card she wanted to give to Damian. She looked utterly intrigued by the altitude and felt her ears pop.
"It's an amazing feeling, isn't it," Taylor told her.
They all decided to head out to Victoria early in the day so they could meet and go all together. You know, tour the city and that type of thing. Taylor was the main tour guide since she'd lived there most of her life. They met just outside the Parliament Building around 7:15.
"As you all know, Victoria is BC's capital city," Taylor said as they all stood by it taking pictures of each other.
"Memories for sure," Catherine said quietly.
When out on the water, they saw a big black ferry coming into the dock.
"Oh ha ha! That’s the Coho ferry. It comes from Port Angeles, Washington," Taylor stated.
"Oh, let's go for a walk along the water," Heather said. "And yes, Thunder Girl, we can go see the ferry."
Meagan and Taylor both laughed.
"Maybe we'll see some gorgeous Americans come off the boat," Taylor said with a smirk.
They stopped at a concession stand and all bought a bottle of water. It was a hot day, and, well, they needed something to drink. As they walked along, Heather walked right into a gorgeous customs officer and spilled her water down her white shirt. The officer apologized and went back to the ferry to check everyone's passports. His job of course. All of us girls just watched him slowly walk away. Since the passengers unloaded on the upper deck, we couldn't see many of them, excepting the very tall ones who just looked creepy anyways.
"So much for gorgeous Americans," Taylor said with a laugh.
The ferry then lowered the gate to let the cars and trucks off.
"Well, let’s find something else to explore since we got a lot of time before we gotta get ready" Catherine said.
They all, except Heather, who was still trying to dry her shirt, slowly turned to walk back in the direction they came from. So she was still at the gate watching all the cars. A lot of cars came off the boat, but it wasn't as many as usual according to the traffic director standing in front of her.
"Why is that? Heather asked.
"Ooh ha ha. Because we got two semi trucks and three tour buses on this trip. Some band performing tonight they say. Some Irish men I can barely understand." the traffic director replied. "In fact, here's the trucks now."
As Heather looked toward the ramp, a red semi truck came off the ferry, slowly revealing the words "CELTIC THUNDER." All she could do was yell back to her friends who were just around the corner waiting for her.
"HURRY GUYS COME HERE!! You gotta see this!"
The girls all ran back to see what the big fuss was about. To their surprise, it was the CELTIC THUNDER trucks. After that came the buses. It really looked like no one was on the buses, well,
"Except the driver," said Terri.
"I wonder where the lads are?" said Catherine.
They took some pictures of the trucks and everything from the other side of the gate of course (none of them wanted to in trouble). Then Taylor and Meagan decided they were gonna go up to the ticket booth so they could get a better view of the boat. They knew they would see the guys that night. The other girls stayed down by the water, just having fun. As they walked up, Taylor's phone went off playing “Ireland's Call.”
"Hey, Sarah what you doing?"
"I'm lost in Victoria" Sarah replied.
"Where are you girl??? Actually, you know what; meet us at the Coho ferry terminal in 10 minutes."
And that was that. Meagan left Taylor in the lobby while she went to the ladies room, So then Taylor just sat reading a book when she saw a young boy was handing out posters the said "CELTIC THUNDER 7pm Save On Foods Memorial Centre." She decided to walk up and get one from him. As soon as she heard his voice, she knew he had an Irish accent, and she politely asked him his name. Just as he was about to reply, all the girls, including Sarah, found her and called her name. Then Meagan finally came out after freshening up.
"Don't know who you're gonna meet in Canada," Meagan said as she walked towards them.
Taylor finally got a chance to again ask the boy what his name was.
"My name is Alex," he politely replied.
"Nice to meet you," all the girls said.
It popped into Terri's head that his name was Alex, and he's handing out Celtic Thunder Posters, and he has an Irish accent.
"We know exactly who this boy is, girls" she said with a smile. "This is Sharon Browne's son Alex. Am I right???
"Yep for sure," Alex replied. "She is my mother."
The girls were so excited they met him.
Taylor blurted out, "OMG YOU’RE SO LUCKY!!"
Alex laughed and said, "So I'm guessing you girls are here to see the concert tonight?"
"YES YES we are!!" Heather replied.
"Meet and Greets too, I might add," said Sarah.
"Didn't know the lads had such an impact on teenagers. Its Damian McGinty," Alex said with a bit of a smirk. "That boy seems to be the heartthrob of the group, or so the lads tell me."
Meagan became a little shy at this.
"Maybe just a little," she said quietly.
Alex looked at her with a big grin.
"I take it you're a Damianite then," he said with a smile.
"I'm hoping he is at the Meet and Greet tonight. It would be a dream come true," she replied.
"Well, I'll be sure to tell him he has an American girl who came all the way here to meet him."
Meagan gave Alex a big hug. Then he heard the horn of the car that was to take him to meet his mom and the lads.
"Bye, guys. See you tonight!" Alex said as he ran off.
Heather just sat down on the chair and started laughing.
"One Down, five to go," she said.
The rest of the girls started laughing while Terri looked at her and smiled. Taylor looked at the clock.
"It's only one o'clock, and the concert isn't until seven."
"Hmm. Let's go get some food," Heather said.
All the girls walked out of the ticket office and saw all the trucks driving up the road. They laughed. Then Meagan looked up the road and thought to herself, "I'm in the same city as Damian McGinty. Wow." Taylor tried to get daydreaming Meagan's attention.
Sarahleto and the girls decided that Tim Hortons sounded like a good place to eat. They all went in for coffee and hot chocolate. They were getting ready to order when the cashier asked Mia, "Where you guys from?"
"We are from all over the states and BC mostly," Terri said.
"Guess you guys are here for the Celtic Thunder concert tonight eyy??"
"Yeah we are," Taylor replied.
"Have fun," the cashier said before they all went and took a seat.
They just relaxed in Tim Hortons and enjoyed their coffees when all of the sudden, Mia started laughing out of nowhere. Terri just looked at her funny before asking, "What is it?"
"Don't look now, but someone looks like he just got out of bed," she tried says amid her laughter.
All the girls looked over to the door, and to their surprise, there stood Paul Byrom himself. He got in line to order his coffee, and all the girls couldn’t help but laugh. They all looked over at him, and I guess he can hear better than they thought, because as soon as he ordered his coffee, he started walking over to their table.
"Hey, ladies," said Paul.
Taylor looked up from drinking her hot chocolate and almost choked on it.
"Hey, Paul," she struggled to say.
"I figured you guys were talking about me when I saw this young lassie here looking at me." he said as he leaned on Mia's shoulder.
Taylor just looked at him and said, "Looks like you just got outta of bed there, swanky tenor."
Paul looked at her and started to laugh.
"I knew it," he said. "Thunderheads I'm guessing. Only you guys would know that."
"Yeah. Thunderheads unite!" Meagan said.
Paul looked at her, and then at their shirts. All the girls except Meagan had thunderhead t-shirts on. She had opted to wear her Damianite t-shirt.
"Where you from?" he said.
"I'm from the states down East."
"Ah, don't tell me you guys are the girls Alex has been talking up a storm about."
They all looked at Paul.
"Yeah, I guess we are," they all said together.
Paul got a kick out of them, and they didn't even know it. He said his hellos, and they all talked about that night. He wouldn't let slip any surprises though. When they talked about meet and greets, Taylor suddenly looked at all of them.
"Do we all have them?" she asked
“No, the trip here was too expensive, and I couldn't afford that too," Sarah replied.
Paul looked at her in a bit of a daze for a second.
"That’s not good," they all thought as they looked at Paul. He pulled out a black sharpie and a napkin.
"Here's a personal M&G," he said as he signed it with his swanky signature.
Then he handed it to Sarah, who took it in confusion.
"Sharon will be notified," he explained. "You have my personal Meet and Greet for the night, sweetheart."
Paul then looked at his watch and said, “Time flies. Gotta run! I trust I will be seeing you ladies tonight."
"Look for the glow sticks, Swanky Tenor!" Terri said just as he walked out the door.
That made him smile, and as he walked out, all of them asked Sarah to see the napkin.
"To think! Personal Meet and Greets signed by Paul Byrom himself!” said Taylor.
Heather and the rest of them got up and decided it was time to start heading to their hotel so they can get ready.
"Holiday Inn, here we come!" Meagan chanted as the girls walked down the road. Catherine and Taylor just imagined how awesome it was gonna be too see Ryan Kelly himself in concert.
"Ahhh," they thought.
As they walked down the road, I guess they directed a lot of attention with their Thunderhead shirts because someone from across the road yelled to Taylor and the girls to come over. They wanted a picture with them. It didn't occur to the girls till they got across the street that talking to a little girl were George Donaldson and Sharon Browne themselves! They had decided to all go out and see BC's capital city.
"Or so I'm told," George said. "What brings you girls--?"
"Oh, Celtic Thunder fans," Sharon interrupted. "Nice too meet you guys. Planning on seeing the show tonight I gather?"
"Yes for sure! Wouldn't miss it for the world!" they all said at once.
"This day just gets better and better! First Paul, now you guys," Sarah stated.
Sharon gave a tiny laugh as she said, "Well, more to come too! The rest of the lads are out and about exploring, and I really hope they don't get lost with the new city and all. By the way, was Damian with Paul, by any chance?" she asked the girls.
"No," Meagan replied.
Sharon looked a little puzzled.
"I'm looking for him. He is supposed to do something tonight at the show... Oops! I've said too much. Well, if you girls see him on your travels, let him know I need to speak to him please, ladies. Are you the girls who met my son Alex by any chance? He won't be quiet about this pretty little American girl, and I kinda got puzzled and told him we're in Canada. But he insisted.
Meagan and Sarah laughed.
"Yeah, that would be us. We are American, but came to see our fellow thunderheads up here in Canada. And to enjoy an amazing show of course." Sarah said.
"Well I guess we will see you girls tonight. You got Meet and Greets too I'm guessing?"
"Yeah we do," Taylor answered.
"Sharon?" Sarah asked. "Look at this."
She showed her the napkin.
"Paul and his goofy news," Sharon said. "Looks like I will be seeing you all tonight then.
George came over and gave Heather a hug, introduced himself to all the girls, and let the girls have pictures taken with him before he too headed back to the hotel to get ready. The girls sat down on a bench together in front of the Parliament building. They were all in shock. They never expected the day to turn out like this. Meagan couldn't help but think what Damian was gonna do at the concert that night. So many things were running though her mind. Terri looked at the big clock that had just had chimed four o'clock. The girls finally ended up at their hotel.
"Holiday Inn. Nice and fancy if I do say so myself." Mia said as they sat down, waiting for the check-in clerk to check them in.
"That's what I call backpacking it," Meagan said as they all went out to the car and grabbed their bags.
They got kinda lost but finally found the elevator. They laughed as they all tried to squeeze in it together. They all fit but it was pretty squishy. They were kinda all facing backward because that's the only way they could fit. Then they heard the elevator stop on the seventh floor, and Taylor heard someone get on the elevator. The door closed, and the elevator filled with a kinda scent that Taylor couldn't compare to anything. She slightly tried to turn around, and there was a man facing the door listening to his ipod. They finally reached the nineteenth floor, and when the door opened, the guy who was wearing shorts and a muscle shirt got off the elevator and stood to the side to hold the door for all the girls.
"What a gentlemen," Heather thought.
That is, until after Taylor, the last off the elevator, said thank you. He replied with an accent that just made her bolt to look up just as he turned to walk down the hall. She didn't get to look at his face. The girls all roamed the hall till they found the big blue door that said 223.
"This is our room, girls" Taylor said in the midst of looking down the hall, still trying to figure out who the gorgeous elevator guy was.
Terri walked in and jumped on the bed that she called hers. I guess the girls didn't realize it was a big suite, and there was a room off of it. Taylor and Meagan decided they would take that room because it had the biggest bed and the satellite TV and DVD player. Catherine came walking into the room and looked up at the clock.
“Girls, it's five o'clock! Let’s get ready to go."
She handed Mia a case, and she opened it to reveal the new Celtic Thunder TMH CD. Taylor laughed as Terri took the remote and pressed play. All the girls opened their bags and spent a half an hour getting all dolled up to go to the concert.
"Crap," Taylor said. "I'm gonna run downstairs to the ATM, and when I come back, you girls should be ready. Then we can go."
She put on her heels, and with her cute little skirt and her hair all jelled up, she looked kinda like a fairy. Meagan told her that as she walked out the door. She walked down the hall, reliving her experience with the elevator guy, hoping to run into him again. Waiting for the elevator to come up, she heard singing voices coming from down the hall.
“Caledonia, you're calling me. Now I'm going home.”
She knew it was coming from her room. Laughing a little she got on the elevator, she went downstairs. She found the ATM machine and got her money. She tried to be quick to make sure she and the girls weren't late.
She grabbed the cash and ran back towards the elevator, not watching where she was going. She ran right into this guy and totally knocked the wind out of him. He slipped and fell on his back. Laughing, he looked up at her with the most gorgeous smile on his face. Taylor looked kinda nervous as she got up and helped him up.
"Ahhh, you're--" she said.
"Ryan," he interrupted. "Well, nice way to meet you," he said to her.
Taylor recognized the voice.
"You're the one who held the door for me and my friends?" she asked.
"Oh ha ha. Yeah, I guess I am. Why are you in such a hurry for?"
"Getting ready for the Celtic Thunder conc.....OMG How did I not know? You're Ryan Kelly!" she said standing face to face to him.
Her heals weren't helping with her balance either as Ryan reached out to stop her from falling.
"Yeah, I am," he said. "A thunderhead I'm guessing, telling by your Thunderhead t-shirt. Damianite too I'm guessing??"
"Yeah a little," she said smiling. "But not as much as my friend Meagan. She is here from the states to see him."
Ryan looked at his watch.
"Well, I hope you don't plan on leaving right after the concert. Since we are staying in the same hotel, we can catch up later maybe. The guys would love to meet you."
"Well, ok," she barely replied just as he was about to walk away. "Where are the guys?"
"I had to take a shower first since I was at the gym. I told them I would catch up with them at the arena."
Ryan looked at her with a smile and gave her a hug.
"See you tonight," Taylor replied as Ryan walked out the door.
Taylor ran to the elevator and pressed the button for the nineteenth floor. The elevator finally got there as she took off her heals and ran down the hall. She knocks on her room door. Mia answered and lets her in. Taylor collapsed on her bed while the girls just looked at her funny. She looked up at them and all she could even stutter was, “Dreams really do come true."
Catherine looked at the time. It's almost six o'clock. The girls grabbed their purses and ran out the door. They all stood outside the Holiday Inn and called for a taxi. Sarah laughed while trying to get Taylor to tell her why she was so star struck.
"I just met the Dark Destroyer," Taylor said in a fluttery voice.
They all arrived at the Save on Foods Memorial Center and looked at the huge crowd of people. They were happy because they all had front row tickets and didn't have to get in line to buy them. They sat outside for a few minutes, taking memorable pictures of the trucks and just looking around. Taylor saw the car Ryan drove off in, and there he was getting out of it. He looked up, saw Taylor, and waved as he went into the back of the arena. The rest of the girls were totally hyped.
"Oh my!" Mia said. "It was Ryan Kelly!"
"Let's go get in our seats," said Meagan.
They all walked into the arena. The girls were all wowed. It was so big!
"Omg, twenty-five minutes till the show," Sarahleto said as she looked at her watch.
She, Meagan, Taylor, and Mia decided they were going to scout out the arena. You know, just look around. So they left the rest of the girls in their seats because they were too busy admiring the set and how big the arena was.
"This place is huge," said Terri. "I hope you guys don't get lost."
Taylor laughed as they walked out the doors and over to the table where they were selling all the Celtic Thunder merchandise. There behind the tables were Declan and Alex. Alex came up to Meagan and gave her a hug.
"You're here! Great! Hold this during Caledonia. It's their last song of the night," he said as he handed her a little American flag. "Damian will be looking for it. Where are your seats for the show?" he asked.
"Front row in the center," Taylor answered.
"Well enjoy the show girls. I better be getting back to work," said Alex.
Meagan was overjoyed with her little American flag. Mia had a secret of her own. She had her mini Dark Destroyer coat only pubbers would know about. It was hidden in her bag. They looked around the arena for the concession area because the girls were really thirsty with all the over-excitement.
Meanwhile back at the seats, Terri, Catherine, and Heather were having fun talking to many other fans of Celtic Thunder. It was ten minutes till show time, and they were all getting ready, breaking their glow sticks and all. The rest of the girls were on their way back from getting drinks when Taylor saw something on the ground. It looked like a ring so she picked it up. It was blue and had some Irish symbols on it. Sarah looked at it.
"That looks kinda like Keith's ring," she said.
Taylor looked puzzled and handed it to her. Sarah looked at the ring and admired it as they all walked back to their seats. All the girls were back together. While Taylor and the other three girls were gone, they had handed out these signs that said “We Love You Too” to hold up during the last song. The girls just smiled and laughed. They all took their seats as the lights went out and the dark arena went silent.
Then Phil Coulter's voice filled the arena, then the drums, and then the sound of Ryan's voice. All the girls were already on the edge of their seats. The monks filed across the stage, and Meagan knew one of them was Alex. She had a big smirk on her face. Taylor and the rest of the girls were paying attention to the stage. It was amazing--the smoke, the lights, everything! The girls were utterly enjoying themselves. Terri and Sarah were dazed, especially when Keith stepped out on the stage to sing "Lauren and I." The whole crowd just fell in love. His smile was amazing. That shiny blue suit just topped it off, and every time he said "can't," it just made the two girls fall even more in love. Keith and his Irish accent yelled out in a pause in the song, "Hello Victoria, Canada!" Sarahleto just couldn't help but grab the American flag out of Meagan's hand and wave it frantically in the air. Keith looked down at the audience and saw Sarah with the flag in her hand and a ring on her finger identical to his own. She had put it on for safekeeping.
Keith walked off stage looking at his thumb.
"Oh no, where is my ring?" he thought. "Man, I gotta find that American girl after the show!"
But with all the fans, he thought he didn't have much hope.
The concert was going amazingly well. Taylor was just itching in her seat for Damian to come out and sing "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do." All the lads came out, and it was like fire hit the whole audience.
"'Take Me Home' is an amazing song," Taylor said to Meagan, who hadn't heard the entire song.
Mia and Catherine couldn't help but have googly eyes at Paul. Him and his swanky walk. It just blew them away. He came out in a black suit with a pink shirt. The girls just jumped out of their seats. Catherine decided to hold up her "WE LOVE YOU, PAUL BYROM" sign, which he totally saw. He nudged Keith to tell him to look down at the girls in the front row.
There was the girl. I guess Keith just knew. Sarah was still wearing the ring, and she was singing along to every part of the song. She just couldn't help but look at Keith, who had a gorgeous smile on his face. He couldn't help but let out a little tiny laugh in the middle of the song. It didn't ruin the song at all. It just made all the girls swoon with love over Keith. Taylor and Meagan were standing and were so incredibly happy to just be in the presence of Celtic Thunder, let alone Damian McGinty!
The guys finished their song and took the applause with great gratitude. I guess the crowd knew what song was next. The background went purple, and the upbeat song started to play. Taylor knew it
"OMG this is my song!" she said.
The crowd went incredibly wild. Damian came out in his leather jacket and skinny jeans. It was like a whole new Damian McGinty. It made the girls co crazy with excitement.
"Remember when you held me tight, and you kissed me all through the night."
All he could do was point straight at Taylor and Meagan. it was like a dream, but it was actually in reality! Damian was utterly enjoying himself in the song. He couldn't help but flaunt his gorgeous legs in those skinny jeans. Taylor was so intrigued by him that she held up her hot pink sign that said "WE LOVE YOU." Damian looked at her and smiled. Meagan was so happy. She was so close to him! He finished his song and said "Thanks" with his beautiful Irish accent. It was the cutest thing the girls could have seen. They all sat back in their chairs. Taylor and Meagan's high point of the night was over.
The concert was almost over and the girls knew it. "Caledonia" was next, and it was amazing. The guys did an amazing job like always. The girls had their glow stick necklaces on, and their "We love you too!" signs ready.
They came out, and I guess the guys thought the audience should join in singing with them. Taylor and the girls knew all the words, and when the guys turned around, the girls decided to point back at them too. They used their hands to show their love, and they did a magnificent job of standing out. Nobody else did anything close to that. The guys turned around too and saw seven girls out of the eight thousand or so in the arena singing at the top of their lungs, “Let me tell you that I love you” and pointing right back at them. The guys got a real kick out of of it, just as the girls had planned.
All the girls had their signs and decided to hold them up. Catherine had the “We love you, Swanky Tenor!” Terri and Sarah held the sign that said. “Teach us to surf, CUTIE!” Heather was in the middle and held the sign that said "Thunderheads Unite!" Well, Mia decided to be mischievous and pull out her mini Dark Destroyer coat and wear it while holding up her sign.“I'm your mini Dark Destroyer, Ryan." Meanwhile, Taylor stood with their sign that read, "Damian, you're our #1” while Meagan waved a rose with a little card attached. The card read, “Damian McGinty, you are incredible. Never change.”
All the girls were enjoying themselves. Keith couldn't help but smirk and give a thumbs up to Terri and Sarah. Paul just threw the girls a wink during this swanky walk, and that made their lives for sure. Ryan didn't really see the sign, but Mia wasn't going to give up hope. Taylor and Meagan really got Damian's attention I guess because he looked straight at them. Because the girls were in the front row, Meagan held out the rose, and it was like pure luck or something because Paul nudged him, meaning for him to get it, I guess. All they could do was slowly walk up to the stage as Paul and Keith signaled to them to come closer. Their Damian knelt down and gently took the rose out of Meagan's hand.
"Thank you girls," he whispered.
Taylor was speechless.
He got up, and I guess his cheeks had become sorta red with being able to talk to two such beautiful girls. As the lads walked off the stage, they waved and did their salutes. It was the end of the concert. The girls had really enjoyed themselves.
Then Sharon Browne's voice came across the arena.
“Anyone who has Meet and Greets, please stay seated. Everyone else, thank you for attending Celtic Thunder, and we hope to see you again soon."
Everyone slowly exited the arena. Alex came out and with a smirk on his face. Catherine asked him what was funny.
"Oh haha. Nothing. Did you know that there are only ten Meet and Greets for this show.??" Alex said.
"Why is that?" Taylor asked.
"Oh, because it is the last concert of the tour, and well, they like to make it more personal, you know," Alex replied. "Well guys, I gotta run. mom needs me to get water for Paul."
As he walked away, the girls giggled a little.
"Looks like our Swanky Tenor needs some liquid after that performance. I wouldn't doubt it," Terri said with a smile.
Some guy came around next and asked us to show our M&G passes. When they got to Sarah, she handed him the napkin that Paul himself had signed for her. I guess he looked at her funny and told her she had to leave, because she started to walk out. The rest of the girls seemed really upset, but since she didn't want to ruin it for the rest of the girls, she left quietly. Sarah walked out the door with her sign in hand, and because it was a big arena, almost everyone had left. She walked past the buses and pulled out her camera to take a picture of it. She tried hard, but tears had slowly begun to fall down her face. Sarah just rubbed them off. Then realized she would have to wait for the rest of the girls come out because she didn't want to get lost in the city. Since had no clue where she was going, she sat on the curb where the Celtic Thunder buses were parked. She just stared at the personal M&G Paul had given to her at Timmy's earlier that day.
Meanwhile back in the arena, all the girls sat in their seats. There were the six girls plus a little girl with her mom and dad. They were there because PBS gave them free Meet and Greets. The little gir, who wore all her Damian stuff,l was like six, and she had her poster ready for the lads to sign. Her mom politely asked George to run back and get Damian because it was past the little girl's bedtime.
George picked the little girl up and said, “So, you love Damian, eh, little one?" as well as his hellos and goodbyes to the other girls.
He got the family to follow him out the door where Damian and Keith were waiting for Paul and Ryan to get out of the shower before they went in for the rest of the M&G's. The little girl got to meet Damian, and all she could do was say "Hi" and smile. The parents got a picture of her with Damian, and then they were off. Damian gave the little girl a big hug and waved bye. Finally, Paul and Ryan got out of the shower. As they walked out, Keith just burst out laughing.
"Lads, you missed the cutest little girl totally in love with Damian."
"Ohhh," Paul said. "Was it those girls with the rose?" he asked with a smirk.
"No, she was six," Damian clearly stated with a manly voice.
George just looked at the lads and said, "I've done my M&G. I'm going back to the hotel to get some rest and call my wife."
The lads looked at him.
"Okay," they said.
"Now, let's go face the fifty people in that room,"Paul said. "OMG. This is going to be exhausting,"
All the lads walked into the room and saw six girls sitting there.
Paul looked around.
“Is someone playing a trick on us or something?”
"Nope, Paul," Alex and Sharon said as they came out. "This is it. We only sold six, and PBS gave away three. And according to one young lady, you gave someone a personal one yourself, Paul, if I'm correct," Sharon said.
Alex looked at all the girls, and since there were only six of them, he was confused.
"Well, a little girl with her mom and dad already left," Damian said.
"PBS Meet and Greets," Sharon said with a smile. "You girls are the six who purchased yours, and Paul, it looks like your mystery girl didn't show up."
Keith laughed at him and quickly looked at the girls's signs.
"The girl who had a ring like mine was with you guys. Where is she now? I just remember the surf poster she had,' he said as he laughed.
"The security team kicked her out because they thought her Paul M&G was fake," Taylor said. "She is probably outside waiting for us."
Keith looked at her a little confused.
"Well, let's take Celtic Thunder to her," said a smiling Damian.
He looked right at Meagan and Taylor who were still sitting in their chairs In shock.
Paul and Keith were already headed out the door. Ryan stopped to get acquainted with Mia as she grabbed her purse. He looked at her coat I guess she forgot to take off and pulled a little bit of a laugh. As she started to walk towards the door, Ryan did a little skip.
"I guess you really are my Mini Dark Destroyer," he said in his husky yet Irish voice as he put his arm over her shoulder. "Now let's go find your friend."
I guess Damian felt obligated to stay with Taylor and Meagan because he didn't leave with the rest of the lads. Meagan finally got the will to say "Hi." Damian just kinda let out a little laugh.
"I never thought I'd make two beautiful girls like yourselves speechless," he said.
Taylor laughed.
"Oh, I'm okay really. I guess it's just amazing to be here. Why didn't you go out there with the lads?" she asked.
"Because you girls are in here," he said with a smile. "What brings you to Canada, Meagan?" He asked.
She replied shyly.
He finally showed his gorgeous smile and put out both his hands to help the girls up.
"Come on, girl! There's so much to do tonight, and it's too quiet in here, even though I'm not complaining. Its nice sometimes. Plus I'm getting kinda hungry," he laughed as they all walked out the door.
Damian held the door for the two girls. As Taylor rolled up the sign she had, Damian caught a glimpse of it. When he saw the “Damian You're Our #1!", I guess it finally clued in to him. This was the American girl Alex had told him about, and he had read the Canadian girl's letter to him when he was back in Ireland. He had also seen her messages on Myspace all the time.
"Wow, girls. It really is a pleasure to finally meet you two after everything," he said.
As the three of them took a stroll out the doors of the arena, Paul sat with Terri and Sarah. Sarah looked like she had been crying, but I guess the guys had used their charm. She was laughing with Keith about how she stumbled upon his ring inside and put it on her finger for safe keeping. Keith gave Sarah a big hug just as Taylor walked out.
"Where is Heather and Catherine?" she asked.
"They went back to the hotel to sleep because they weren't feeling too well," Sarah replied.
"I think it's all the excitement," Paul said with a laugh.
Meagan let out a tiny laugh.
"Tell me about it," she said.
"Where is Ryan?" Damian asked.
Keith laughed.
"He took a cab with Mia," he replied. "They said they would meet us back at the hotel. So much for a twenty minute M&G."
Sharon poked her head out of the girls's bus.
"Looks like you gotta find your own way back. Any of you girls know your way around Victoria?"
Taylor raised her hand.
"Born and raised on the island," she said.
Sharon looked at her.
"Okay, make sure the boys are back at the hotel later tonight cuz our plane leaves tomorrow evening, and well, I don't want to lose them!"
She laughed as she got back on the bus.
Damian gives Taylor a big hug.
"You're amazing, Girl," he whispered in her ear.
"Thank God we got a tour guide, or else we would all have to be back in the hotel sleeping like babies," Paul said.
"Well, what do you girls want to do? Consider it a night in town with Celtic Thunder," a smiling Keith said to the girls.
All of them just sat down to relax for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, Mia and Ryan's taxi stopped at the water in front of the Parliament buildings. Ryan paid the cab fare and looked at Mia.
"So did you enjoy the concert?" he asked her.
"Yes, I did. But what are we doing out here? This isn't the M&G," she began to say.
Then Ryan gently put his finger on her lips and said, "I know you probably want to meet the rest of the lads. If you want to go back we can. I just kinda wanted to get to know my mini Dark Destroyer," he chuckled. "And the rest of the lads are probably all going their separate ways.
He looked right into her eyes.
"I never thought I would meet a lovely young girl like you. I could just talk to you and not have to worry about making myself look like an idiot," he said.
Mia laughed.
"Haha your doing it right now."
He grabbed her and swung her around.
Mia knew from that moment on that this was gonna be the beginning of an amazing friendship.
They walked the waterfront, talking about everything from Ryan's tours with the lads to Ryans home back in County Tyrone. Mia explained to Ryan the whole Dark Destroyer thing, proving just how much Mia was a fan of his. He just smiled. She looked up in the sky and since she saw stars, she went and sat on a ledge which was just above the water. Ryan followed behind her. He slowly set her on the ledge with the palm of his hand on the small of her back for support so neither of them fell in. Ryan pulled out his phone and turned on the camera. He took pictures of the stars at first. Then, an idea popped into his head.
He looked over at Mia and snapped a picture. Then she grabbed the phone from him.
"Uh delete that!" she said.
Ryan looked at her.
"Fine then. Take a picture with me," he said with a smile.
So Ryan held out the camera phone and as Mia leaned in, Ryan snapped a picture. He turned the phone around to look at it. They both said, "Awe I like it!" at the same time. It was cute. Then Mia got a wild idea.
"Let's take some funny ones! Show the lads how much fun we had hehe.."
Ryan laughed.
"Haha! Bet they would love that!" he said with a smirk.
She took the camera and told Ryan to smile while she took a picture. Ryan decided to kiss her on the cheek in the middle of it. She was a little shocked. They both looked at the picture. It was a priceless moment caught on camera. Ryan stood up at took her by the hand to help her up. As they slowly walked along the waterfront in the direction of the hotel, they made it memorable by catching funny pictures.
Meanwhile, the rest of the lads were back at the arena chatting with all the girls. Keith grabbed Sarah by the hand and helped her up.
"Can I show you something?" he said as he went off towards the bus.
He looked at her and said, "Close your eyes."
Then he lead her on to the bus. She almost tripped over his guitar case, and then Damian's pink suitcase. As he told her to sit, she opened her eyes. Sarah was on the Celtic Thunder tour bus. Keith had his guitar in his hand as he said, "I figured you could help me. If I play you a song, will you be honest and say if its good or not?"
He started to sing a new song to her, one that no one had ever heard before. Sarah was completely mesmerized. Keith Harkin himself was singing to her. She sat there until Keith finished his song. It was amazing. I guess her wandering eyes looked down on the bed she was sitting on, and she saw that it belonged to Damian because above the bed was a gold plate. It read "Damian Mcginty." she smirked a little bit.
"What did you think?" Keith asked her.
"I loved it! It was amazing," Sarah replied.
She still had that little smirk on her face.
"DamianBaybe and Meagan15 would kill to be sitting here," she said with a laugh.
Keith looked at her.
"You mean with me or the fact that you're sitting on Damian's bunk?"
Her cheeks began to turn red.
"Ohhh, lol. Because its Damian's bunk. Haha I can't believe he has a pink suitcase though," she said.
Her eye caught a pink piece of paper on his pillow.
"Tough guys flaunt pink, I guess," she said with a smile.
She picked it up so she wouldn't wreck it, slightly realizing that it had her friend's name on it.
"Interesting," she thought.
Keith looked at her with his gorgeous blue eyes and said,"Well, just let me change and then we can go out for dinner if you like. I'm pretty hungry. What do you think?" Sarah replied with a smile.
"Sounds like fun! What about the rest of them?"
Keith walked out the bathroom door wearing only his shorts, revealing his gorgeous surfer body. He flipped his blonde hair. Sarah couldn't help but to look at him.
"I cant find my shirt! he said in the midst of laughing as he searched through his suitcase. "Wow, I'm smart. Haha! I always lose everything."
He gave up and just stole on of Ryan's.
"No one will notice," he said with a smile.
He grabbed Sarah by the hand and led her off the bus. Paul talked to Terri outside as the two came off the bus.
"We're off to get some food, Lad!" Keith yelled to Paul. "I'll meet you back at the hotel!"
Paul just kinda looked at him, revealing his swanky eyebrows. Thunderetteterri couldn't help but laugh. Sarah looked all around and asked thunderetteterri where Taylor and Meagan went.
"Ooh, Taylor took her car and drove Damian somewhere. They're showing him around Victoria."
"Well, we are off, guys! I'll see you later!" Keith said as he and Sarahleto walked off.
Paul and Terri sat there talking about the show, and she was getting a laugh out of his comedy. Paul just laughed.
"Looks like Damian is going to have fun with those girls tonight. Heartthrob of the group for sure. The young ladys just swoon for him," he said with his amazing Irish accent.
Terri could feel her cheeks turn red.
"I wont hold it against you," Paul said with a funny look on his face. "Who is your favorite??"
Terri just smiled and said, "Honestly, I love you all for different reasons. It's nice to just talk to you," she said with a smile.
Paul looked at her.
"Ah, a genuine Celtic Thunder fan."
Terri laughed.
“Well, it looks like we are walking back to the hotel.” she said.
Paul grabbed her by the arm.
"Letss make it an adventure!" he said as they walked off into the night.
Meanwhile, Taylor and Meagan walked with Damian and finally found the car. Damian paused.
"Do you have your license?" He asked.
"Yeah, I do," she said laughing. "Well, at least my L."
Damian had a big smile on his face.
"You got a nice car. A convertible."
He looked at her and smiled.
While Meagan hopped in the back, Taylor got in the driver's seat and just kinda looked at Damian.
"Well, you gonna get in already?" She asked.
"Oh yeah. Haha," Damian said as he hopped into the car.
She turned on the car, forgetting that on the way there, the girls had listened to “Breaking up is Hard to Do.”
The stereo blared out, “ Don't take your love away from me. Don't you leave my heart in misery. If you go, then I'll be blue.”
Damian couldn't help but laugh. Taylor's cheeks went a little red.
"That's awesome," he said in his Irish accent as he leaned down to turn the song.
Ryan and "Midnight Well" came on.
"Haha!" he laughed. "The sucker always gets the girl," he said amidst his laughter.
Meagan looks at Damian and laughed a little.
"What can we say? He is the Dark Destroyer!" she said with smile.
Damian smirked and blurted out, "So are you girls entering the contest tomorrow back at the hotel?"
"What contest?" Taylor asked him.
"Oh, the talent contest based on Celtic Thunder. Me and the lads are judging and along with Phil and Sharon. The top three winners get to go on a first class trip to Ireland and tour the hometowns of their favorite Celtic Thunder members."
They both looked at him kind of funny.
"Haha!" he laughed. "I hope you girls are up to the challenge. Prove the Thunderheads your truly are..."
They drove the car pretty far oh a busy highway, and it was kinda nice, blowing in the wind and everything.
"Let's go get some food," Meagan finally said.
Soon, Taylor pulled into the McDonald's drive thru, and I'd have to say, it was pure comedy. Damian looked utterly confused.
"Order for me, girls. I have no idea what is good," Damian kinda said shyly.
Taylor and Meagan laughed.
"Cheeseburgers. Are you kidding me, Damian!" Meagan said with a smile.
They ordered their cheeseburgers, and Taylor paid for them.
Damian looked at her.
“You should of let me pay, girl," H\he said with a smile.
"You can pay next time," Taylor said in reply.
They headed back to the hotel as it was getting late. i\It was almost eleven thirty, and well, they needed to go check on the rest of the girls. They got back to their hotel, and Meagan got out of the car at the front entrance to take the cheeseburgers upstairs to the rest of the girls. Taylor had to go and park the car, and Damian decided to stay with Taylor since Meagan had his food.
Meagan walked into the hotel, and there was Keith standing their with Sarah! They had just gotten back from their dinner and were sitting on the bench that looked out on the water. Keith looked up at her.
"What's up, girl?" he said with a smile. "Where is the D?"
"Oh, you mean Damian? He is with Taylor. They went to park the car. We got cheeseburgers!" Meagan said. "Well, I'm gonna go up to the room at give the rest of the girls their food," she said as she hopped into the elevator.
"Sarah said I will be up in a bit."
Keith looked at Sarah with a smile as they both just sat there and watched the water from the hotel window.
Meanwhile, George was upstairs sleeping, and Meagan walked into the room to find nobody there except Catherine and Heather Jane. They were fast asleep as they had to leave at six in the morning to head home. Terri left a note saying she was out for the night with Paul, watching the stars by the beach.
"All are welcome to join.
Here are the directions.
signed: Paul Byrom."
Meagan was incredibly tired and decided to get ready for bed, thinking nothing of the note on the door. She got into bed, and it took less than ten minutes before she was out.
Meanwhile Mia and Ryan finally found their way back to the hotel. Mia sneaked into the girls room so as to not wake up any of the girls. When she looked at the note, she thought she would go to see Terri. Since Ryan was cold, he ran to grab a sweater and found the note on the door of the guys room in the process.
"OUT. Watching the stars and waves. It's amazing."
Ryan walked out the hall door and ran into Mia.
"Haha. Looks like you're headed where I'm headed," he said with a laugh.
They both took the elevator, and as she reached for the main button, Ryan's fingers gently touched hers. It sent shivers up her arm. They finally got to the main floor, and just outside the elevator door was Keith, standing there giving Sarah a hug. Then she kissed him on the cheek and smiled. That is, until she turned around to see the smirk on Ryan's face.
"Well, hello there," he said amid his laughter.
"Where you think your going?" said Mia.
"Ummmm. Bed," she said. "Meagan is in bed now too."
"Well then come with us!" Mia said. "We are going to meet Paul and Terri to watch the stars."
"Let me grab a coat," said Sarah.
Keith just looked at her.
"That's okay. You can use mine if you get cold k! Lets go!"
The group of them headed out the door. Keith, Sarah, Ryan, and Mia walked down the road. It was an amazing night out, clear blue skies and lots of stars. They finally made it to the park to see two people sitting on a log down by the water. The group went down, and Keith ran up to Paul and tapped him on the shoulder. Paul jumped a pretty good distance, and all Ryan and the girls could do was laugh. As they sat down, Ryan knelt forward a bit.
"Hm, looks like we got the whole crew."
Paul looked at him with his swanky eyebrows.
We're missing the old man," he said with a smirk.
Terri looked around.
"Where are the rest of the girls?" she asked Mia.
"They are sleeping," she replied.
"Aw, the youngsters are sleeping," Keith said with a laugh.
"I only saw Catherine, Heather, and Meagan back at the hotel" she said.
"George is the only one in our room," Ryan said looking confused.
"We are missing Taylor," Terri said looking worried.
Paul looked at Ryan.
"You mean Damian isn't in the room playing his darn video games? That's strange," he said kinda puzzled.
Sarah let out a huge laugh.
"Connect the dots, guys," she said amid her laughter.
"Damian is out with Taylor! He wont get lost. She is the reason we are all here. They will find the note and be here sooner or later."
Meanwhile, Taylor and Damian parked the car, got out, and walked up to the door.
Damian shyly asked her, “What you planning to sing in the talent show tomorrow, Taylor?"
"Um, I dunno yet," she replied.
I guess it wasn't too helpful that Taylor was wearing heals, because just as she went to go up the stairs, she fell and her ankle kinda twisted, and she sat down in pain. Slight tears ran down her face. Damian was a few steps behind her, and he caught her from falling further. He couldn't do anything but sit down beside her. He gave her a hug, and all Taylor could do was laugh a little and take off her heals.
"I hate these dang shoes," she said with a bit of a smile.
She wiped the tears from her eyes, and they got up and headed to their rooms. Taylor was so happy that she got to spend the night with Damian. They got to her room and completely ignored the sign on the door.
"I will be right back," she said to Damian.
She ran in the room to grab a pen and her grandma's ticket from the concert she went to in Vancouver BC. Damian waited outside the door and saw the note on the door from Terri. Taylor finally came out with the sharpie and the ticket and shyly said, I'm scared I won't see you again after tonight. So can you sign this for my grandma? It would mean everything to me."
Damian looked at her. Her cheeks were kinda red.
"Oh, I knew it! You're the one who told me about your family coming to Vancouver and was missing us after only fifteen minutes!"
"Yes," she told him in a quiet voice. "My family couldn't help but be happy when she went to that concert. It was one of the best nights of her life. Every time you sing 'A Bird without Wings,' I just love it."
Damian looked at her with surprise. He wrote on the back of the ticket, "Forever & Always, Damian Mcginty."
He handed it back to her.
"Tell her to write me, and I will write her back," he said as he looked at her. "The night is far from over, girly. Change your shoes, and let's go meet the others," Damian said with a smile.
Taylor changed her shoes.
"Skate shoes," she came said as she came out.
Damian just laughed.
"Better than heels," he said.
They took the elevator down, and Taylor looked at him in confusion.
"Um, where are we going?" she said.
"Oh, to meet the rest of the lads for the night since everyone else is sleeping," Damian replied. "So before we get there, what song are you going to sing tomorrow?"
"I'm thinking 'Come by the Hills," she said.
Damian was in shock.
"Are you sure you can pull that off? Even the Gaelic part? I love that song!"
"Well, maybe. I think I'm gonna make it a surprise," she said with a big smile on her face.
Damian put his arm around her.
"You can't leave a guy like me guessing," he told her.
They took the walk while looking at the stars and talking about everything. She got to tell him about her hopes of traveling to Ireland for St. John ambulance. He was so happy for her. He smiled and said, “Don't forget to look me up eyy."
All of the sudden, Damian looked up and saw Paul and Terri sitting on the log down by the water. Mia and Ryan were down by the water soaking their feet in the nice ocean water. Keith and Sarahleto were lying on their backs in the sand staring up at the stars. Damian looked at his watch. It was Twelve fifteen.
"Good morning, guys!" he yelled out.
Everyone look at him as he and Taylor walked up.
"Where have you guys been?" Terri asked DamianBaybe.
"We went on an adventure," Damian answered with a wink. "So, you guys know we have, like, eleven and a half hours before we are all expected to perform at the talent contest tomorrow? I'm so excited!" he said with a laugh.
"I know, eyy," Paul said. "It should be great craic! Are you girls contestants?" he asked.
"I'm thinking about it," Taylor replied.
Ryan looked at her.
"What song you gonna sing?"
"Haha! Dang girl won"t tell me!" Damian answered. "I've tried twice!"
She nudged Damian.
"It's a secret!" she said with a laugh. "I think all of ours are. You will have to wait and see boys!"
Sarah laughed.
"Its amazing to spend time with you guys. You're so laid back, and I do believe you have a good percent of the night crew here with you."
"Thunderheads unite!: Terri said smiling.
Taylor went to sit by Terri.
"I'm singing a Damian song," she whispered in her ear.
"Haha. I think you should sing Keith," she whispered back.
Everyone enjoyed their morning, and they all sat together and watched the sun rise. It was an amazing experience. Damian took a lot of pictures. He even got a morning jogger to take a picture of them all. Ryan pulled out his phone and bragged about him and Mia's picture. After that, Paul and Keith picked him up and threw him in the water. Damian caught the whole thing on video. The girls were having the night/morning of their lives. Damian looked at Taylor.
"I'm gonna miss you. I think this is the beginning of a great friendship," he said with a smile.
Taylor gave him a hug, and his cheeks went a little red.
"Me too," she whispered in his ear. "A night to remember."
She took his phone out of his pocket, left him a note on it, and programmed her number into his phone. Paul looked at the time. It was five in the morning.
"Time flies by!" he said. "
We better start to head back to the hotel before Sharon wakes up and wonders where we were all night, especially you Damian," Keith said to him with a smirk