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Post by fallingn2ct on May 16, 2010 6:50:28 GMT -5
The two went and sat in the corner of the room. The light slanted gently through the window splaying across the floor.
"How do I even say this?", Shelby shook her head as her voice became thick with tears.
"What ever it is Shelby", Keith took her hands in his,"Just say it."
She gazed into his clear eyes and took a deep breath,"I'm sick Keith, not just the sick to my stomach or not feeling well. I mean sick as in I have..........I have a tumor........on...on my kidney. The only one I have left."
Keith felt as if the air had been sucked out of the room,"Are.....are you dying?"
Shelby could no longer hide the tears that burned,"If I don't get a transplant then yes, I might."
"Why didn't you tell me?",he asked softly,"All these years, I mean you could have told me."
"The medicines were helping for a while, I was feeling fine."
He dropped her hands after a sudden realization,"You lied to me about the business appointments with your dad. Over the last week you have lied to me."
"Please", she said placing a hand against his cheek,"please understand it wasn't to hurt you. You have so much going on in your life right now. I wanted to make sure before I worried you."
"This whole week, you just found ways to lie about what was going on?", he pulled back from her,"I love you Shelby and yet you feel like you couldn't trust me."
"Keith, it's not like that," she struggled for words and to remind herself that she knew this might be the reaction," This is something that I didn't want anyone else ot have to deal with. Especially you, it wasn't easy keeping any of this from you."
"What were you afraid of? Did you think I would just leave?"
"I don't know", she answered feebly", I love you Keith and I just wanted to spare you any hurt. To keep you from having to face what I have been facing for a very long time."
Keith swallowed thickly as he looked at Shelby, she looked healthy, strong, her coloration wasn't detoriated. None of it made any sense to him,"I love you Shelby, that will never change," he took a step closer to her," I am not going to leave you, what ever it takes to fight this. I will be with you."
"Thank you", she said kissing him,"Im sorry, I'm so sorry."
"Don't be", he said softly embracing her.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 20, 2010 7:41:41 GMT -5
Shelby changed after they talked for a bit more. She & Keith were now walking side by side down hands tightly clasped together," What did they say about you possibly traveling?", Keith asked.
"Well," she began," The doctor advised against it, but said it is possible. I mean if I keep myself from getting too worn down, take my meds, all the usual."
"Touring is grueling Shels, I won't lie about that. Different city every few days. Time on a bus, or a plane, not eating normally, different hotels. The whole thing."
"All of which I am willing to do Keith", she said stopping him," I want this more than I have wanted anything in a long time. My dad doesn't want me doing this, neither do the doctors, but it's not about them. It's about me and my life, plus," she smiled,"I'll be with you."
"Stubborn one you are", he planted a kiss on her forehead,"I suppose it could be fun having you."
"Oh, you suppose?", she laughed as they turned up the walk of a house,"This is Paul's place?"
"Yeah, thought you could meet him and a few of the others. They have all heard about you."
"And what have they heard?"
"About this amazingly gorgeous, stubborn, funny ridiculous gal that I dated when I was a wee one and now she's back."
"A ridiculous gal?', she grinned," I see," she took her hand from his," I may have a few sorted tales about you they have yet to hear."
"Oh no you don't", he knocked on the door before entering,"Honey we're home!"
"Oh yes I will", she said placing her bag on the floor by the door.
"Look who showed up", a tall man with blondish brown hair spiked in the front said walking into the foyer," and he brings a beautiful guest," he took her hand," I am Paul Byrom."
"Shelby McConnell," she laughed,"Nice to meet you."
"Hope this bloke here hasn't filled your head with too much nonsense"
"Okay Byrom", Keith said shoving him playfully," You can back off my girl now, don't want Dom getting jealous."
"Dom or you?", he laughed,"Please come on in, Ryan and George are both here. Damian and his mum will be in tomorrow."
"Everyone is going to be here", Shelby looked at Keith quickly.
"Ryan is here because you are trying out to dance with him, guess the others just showed up", he answered slipping his arm around her waist."
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 23, 2010 20:16:53 GMT -5
"Finally get to meet the mystery girl", a dark haired man with kind grey-blue eyes stood up as Keith & Shelby walked into the main sitting area.
"You must be Ryan", Shelby plastered a smile on her face as they shook hands.
"That would be me, Keith here says you are wanting to try out to be my dance partner."
"It's true", she gave a slight laugh,"Guess I am going after the big role first time out."
"Well, we can rehearse tomorrow if you'd like."
"Great", she nodded.
"Shels, this is George, kind of the dad of the group", Keith said.
"Nice to meet you", George hugged her,"I think we're all happy that you are here so we don't have to listen to this one," he gave Keith a clap on the back.
"What were you going on about?", Shelby teased looking up at Keith.
"It was mushy, trust me", Ryan laughed,"Should we tell her?" he looked to Paul.
"I have never loved anyone else", Paul dramatically placed his hand against his forehead,"I was 16 and in love, she crushed me."
"There will never be anyone like her", Ryan playfully swooned back into the chair."
Shelby couldn't help the laughter that bubbled over,"Wow, you were that bad."
"Yeah, thanks guys", Keith felt his face glowing crimson,"Now that they have embarrassed me completely, what are plans for the evening?"
"Thought we'd all hit the town,"Paul said,"food, music, some dancing perhaps."
"You up for that?', Keith looked to Shelby.
She nodded,"Yeah I just need to go back to the hotel and freshen up a bit."
"We'll all meet here say eight o'clock?", Paul said. Everyone agreed.
"Want me to come back to the hotel with you?', Keith asked as he stood outside with Shelby to get her a cab.
"No, you should get some rest. I'll be back tonight."
"Call me if you need anything", he wrapped his arms around her.
"I will I promise", she said kissing him softly,"I love you."
"Love you too", he released her as the cab approached,"see you tonight."
"Bye", she waved. She arrived back at the hotel shortly after five and went to her room. She laid on the bed and thought back over the day. Keith had said he would stay with her and they would fight together. He hadn't turned his back on her. She turned her face into her pillow as tears came. Tears of anger, tears of sadness, tears of joy. All emotions colliding into each other at the same time. Her body racked with sobs exhausting her every muscle until she was too weak and her eyes were too sore to hold open. She fell asleep to the low mumbles come from the lowered volume of the television.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 25, 2010 16:24:47 GMT -5
Keith sat on Paul's back porch nursing a Guinness and watching the sun set. The weight of the news Shelby had delivered was beginning to fully settle into his mind. He stared at the fading light through misty eyes. He thought that with Shelby coming back to Donegal a piece of him would be completed, that it would truly be the start of their happiness together. Now it was the one thing that he didn't want to think about, the idea that she could die before they had even had a remote chance at exploring their depths of their relationship. Now it began to make sense why she had been so upset about her mother. She would need a transplant. For a brief moment a thought flashed in his mind that he maybe a match for her, but they weren't related. He took a long pull of the dark beer and sighed.
"Hey mate", Ryan said opening the door.
"Didn't mean to disappear", Keith sniffed quickly.
"Everything okay?", he sat in the chair next to Keith," You have seemed quiet."
"Just had some news today", he shrugged.
"Anything imparticular?"
Keith sighed heavily,"Shelby doesn't want anyone to know and I shouldn't be talking about it, but she's very sick Ryan."
"How sick?", he asked concerned for his friend.
"She has a tumor on her kidney, the only kidney she has left and if she doesn't get a transplant she could die."
Ryan let out a low whistle,"That's heavy there lad, how is she dealing with it?"
"Frighteningly well, I just don't want to lose her when I just got her back."
"My advice is not to dwell on it, just be as normal as possible. That is what she is going to need from you and everyone. This is between you and me, no worries."
"Thanks man", Keith nodded.
"Hey chaps, Shelby just got here", Paul poked his head out the door.
"Thanks", Keith stood up and drained the rest of the glass.
"Let's go have some fun", Ryan clapped him on the back as they made their way inside.
"Hey" Shelby smiled as she saw Keith.
"Hey yourself", he said hugging her,"You look wonderful," he admired the black skirt the stopped slightly above her knees and the deep purple colored blouse she wore.
"Figured a night out in Dublin deserved a skirt", she laughed. She slipped her hand into Keith's as they all made their way out the door and began a walk to a nearby Pub.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 29, 2010 14:12:27 GMT -5
The city was warm and balmy as the group walked together. Shelby soaked in the sites and sounds of all the people, listened to the chatter and playful banter of all the guys. Keith was quiet next to her and it did bother her, for the last week or so they had had no problem talking and now his silence did nothing to ease any of her nerves. It was her fault and she knew it, she should not have told him. She mentally kicked herself for thinking that he would just be okay with it all. She knew he meant what he had said about fighting with her, but at the same time would it be too much for him? She sighed as they entered a smokey Pub.
"You okay?", Keith looked at her.
"Yeah," she nodded," Just thinking, that's all."
"Bout what?", he asked as they followed the others.
"Nothing, no worries", she gave his hand a squeeze.
"Shelby, has this lad here shown you any good pubs in Donegal?", Ryan asked.
"I have to admit, I have only been to one. Nothing to do with Keith though", she answered,"When you're a dancer you have to be disciplined."
"I'm sure one pint is okay", Paul winked.
"I'll have something", she laughed.
"Look, karaoke!", George said excitedly,"Who's singing tonight?"
"Depends on how many drinks", Ryan laughed a long with the others.
Shelby was amazed at how at home she felt being with the 4 guys and she was to meet the younger member of the group the following day. Keith had kept an arm around her as they sat down. She watched as he smiled, the dimples in his cheeks deepening, the way his blonde hair was swept to one side & slightly wind blown. She could see the shadow of a few days worth of growth on his face. How oculd she hurt him this way? She shook her head slightly, she wouldn't think about any of it tonight. Tonight was about fun, about enjoying a night out with her boyfriend and friends.
"Another round of Guinness!", a waitress approached the table with fresh, frosty pint glasses filled with the dark liquid.
"Thank you", Paul took one of the glasses and helped to pass them around.
"This is gross", Shelby grimaced taking a long swallow.
Ryan laughed,"and yet you have had what now 3 glasses."
"Entirely besides the point", she laughed feeling slightly more light headed than she realized,"Not every day I get treated to a night out by a bunch of handsome Irish guys and of course the wonderful Scotsman over here", she patted George's arm who sat next on her opposite side.
"Such flattery", George laughed.
"I think my girl here as had a wee bit to drink", Keith gave her a grin.
"For that, you owe me a dance Harkin, George if you would excuse me," Shelby looked towards him.
"Of course," George slid out of the booth.
"Really Shels?", Keith looked at her before taking more of his drink.
"Do I look like I'm kidding?", she tried to hide the smile pulling at the corner of her lips.
"Kind of", he teased.
"I'm sure I can find someone else", she scanned the room.
"Fine, fine", he gave in and slid himself out of the booth,"Not a fair fight at all ya know," taking her hand.
"I'm a girl, I don't always fight fair.", she smiled as they made their way to the small area in front of a stage. A houseband was playing covers of old 80's tunes,"I love this song!", she laughed as the opening lines of "I want to know what Love is", began to be sung by the lead singer.
"Try singing it a thousand times,"Keith laughed pulling her close.
"Guess I missed that song on the cd," she looked up at him.
"Or else you never listened to it", he kissed her softly.
"I may have been guilty of that", she rested her cheek against his shoulder. She felt his breath against her ear as he sang the lines softly to her.
"In my life there's been heartache and pain. I don't know if I can face it again. I can't stop now, I've traveled so far, to change this lonely life.I wanna know what love is,I want you to show me. I wanna feel what love is, I know you can show me."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Jun 6, 2010 17:22:06 GMT -5
Shelby awoke the next morning feeling the beverages consumed the night before. She groaned rolling over in bed.
"Morning sleeping beauty", Keith said.
"Who let you in?", she mumbled.
He laughed,"You weren't waking too well on your own love, so I just stayed to make sure you were okay."
"I look horrible", she pulled the blanket up over her head.
"I think you look kind of cute", he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled down the blanket,"Want breakfast?"
"Don't you need to get showered and everything?", she brushed her hair away from her face.
"Why don't you get yourself spruced up a bit & I will order room service. Then we need to get you to the dance studio for some rehearsal with Ryan."
"Oh no!", she threw the blanket off and ran into the bathroom," Oh", she quickly came back out", Scrambled eggs, toast, & tea."
"You got it", he grinned picking up the phone.
Shelby quickly showered and redressed. She pulled her hair into a bun. Smoothing her shirt over her work out leggings she went back into the room.
"You look refreshed", Keith said, he was lounging on the bed flipping through tv channels.
"Feel much better", she placed a few things back in her bag,"There's an extra toothbrush in there."
"Not a fan of morning breath?", he stood up.
"You want so much as a hug you will brush your teeth", She smiled.
"Fine, fine", he went into the bathroom.
Shelby heard a knock at the door," Morning", she smiled at the room service attendant.
"Mornin'!", he answered,"Where would you like the tray?"
"On the table by the window", she pointed.
"Have a great day", he nodded.
"Thanks!", she gave him a tip and then sat down, her stomach rumbled at the smell of the steaming eggs.
"Better?', Keith kissed her cheek.
"Much", she laughed,"Breakfast is here."
"Im famished!", he sat on the bed after grabbing a piece of toast,"So today, you and Ryan rehearse, tomorrow you audition and then the next day we have to ourselves, and then home."
"Have it all planed out huh?"
"Well as long as you and you're family are good with it all."
"It's fine, Dad is actually flying out from here to go back home. I want to spend some time with him. Plus he'll throw a fit about all the doctor's orders and medicines and so on."
"He worries about you Shels, he's your Dad."
"I know, I know", she munched on her food,"Anyway, so I audition for Sharon tomorrow?"
He nodded,"She made a special trip to see you. She heard how good you were."
"Wonder who could have told her that?", she smiled.
"Doesn't matter," he winked.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Jun 10, 2010 18:05:51 GMT -5
"Ready to work on a few things?", Ryan asked Shelby as they both stretched out.
"Yeah I have watched the DVD of the new stuff, but I may not be perfect", she said with a smile.
"Look", Ryan began,"Keith told me about your situation, and I'm not going to say anything to anyone. If it gets to be too much we can take a break."
Shelby felt her frustration bubbling under the surface,"That won't be necessary. I'm fine."
"I'm not meaning to upset you, I just want you to know it's okay."
"Look Ryan, I appreciate what you are trying to do. Right now I just want to rehearse and make sure that I am ready for tomorrow."
"Don't be angry with Keith either, he is just trying to deal with it all. He needed someone to talk to."
"Let's just drop it okay," she started the music and made sure that it was loud enough to make conversation difficult. They moved and danced together. Shelby channeled her anger into focusing on the moves. What right had Keith to say anything? Who would Ryan tell? She would have to prepare an explanation if anyone else came along.
"Great job", Ryan said as the music came to an end.
"Thanks," she answered,"Tell Keith I went back to the hotel."
"Shelby", Ryan began.
"No," she turned quickly,"This was not something that I wanted everyone to know. Now I have to figure out how to deal with it."
"Not everyone knows! Keith told me and that was it."
"and who will you tell? What happens when others find out? I have to go", she grabbed her bag and left the studio.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Jun 19, 2010 10:02:05 GMT -5
Shelby agrily threw her bag on the bed and ignored her ringing cell phone,"You caused this", she said towards the phone as she went into the bathroom to shower.
Keith sighed as he pressed the end button on his phone,"Ryan, why did you have to say anything?"
"It wasn't meant to be hurtful, but if she needed to take a break or drink some water. I just wanted to let her know that I understood. "
"She is probbaly thinking I told everyone, including Sharon and that her shot at the tour is over."
"Let her know it's not mate", Paul said walking into the room,"What's going on anyway?"
"Nothing", Keith grumbled.
"Ah, girl troubles", he laughed,"What was the fight about?"
"Don't worry about it", Keith headed for the door,"Be back in a bit." He caught a cab to the hotel where Shelby and her family were staying. Mixed emotions rolled through his body like waves as the cab pulled up. He tapped his fingers anxiously against his thigh as the elevator climbed the floors. As he approached her door he hesitated and then knocked.
Shelby groaned as she pulled herself off the bed,"Coming", she called. She opened the door and immediatly the frustration boiled under skin,"Can I help you?"
"Can we talk?", Keith asked.
"About what?", she answered icily.
"Come on Shels, do you honestly think I would do something to deliberately hurt you? Can I come in?"
"Fine", she moved past the door,"No I don't think you would, but the bottom line is that you did. You told Ryan about this whole thing, I didn't want them to know."
"I know that and I do understand, but the other night when you told me", he shook his head," I had to tell someone, I had to talk about it."
"You could have talked to me!"
"What and upset you even further? I am scared Shelby, scared as heck. Just as you come back into my life, you may end up leaving it for good. But I don't want to tell you that because you don't need to hear it."
"Do you think this is easy for me? I didn't ask for any of this to happen! I want to be normal, I want to be with you. and if being with me is too much then you can walk out the door", she crossed her arms, her chin set defiantly. She swallowed back the tears.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Jun 21, 2010 12:46:32 GMT -5
"Is that what you think?", Keith felt the words stab harshly at his heart,"You think I am going to walk out on you?"
Shelby held her ground firmly,"I don't know what I think Keith, but I know that this isn't fair to you. So again if it's too much, you can go."
He crossed the room and placed his hands on her shoulders, looking into her emerald eyes filled with unshed tears,"I love you Shelby, my plan is to never walk away from you. No matter how hard this gets, how sick you may get. I will stand by your side or sit by your hospital bed. I just need you to understand and to stop trying to push me away."
She felt herself crumble under his words and leaned heavily against him,"I'm sorry", she sobbed,"I'm so sorry."
Keith sighed and wrapped his arms around her, her stroked her hair and let her work through the tears,"I'm not going any where I promise you that."
"Thank you", she smiled up at him through her tears,"Thank you for loving me."
"You never gave me a choice, even when we were sixteen", he grinned bringing his lips to hers.
"I do kind of command things don't I", she murmered.
"Wouldn't have it any other way", he wiped her tears gently with his thumbs,"You hungry?"
"Famished", she said not moving from his arms,"Can we stay here just a little longer?"
"Long as you want", he said softly as he rested his chin against the top of her head.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 18, 2010 15:56:37 GMT -5
Shelby allowed her body to move to the music as fluidly as possible. She felt the warmth and familiarity spread through her body as she extended her leg for the leap she was about to do. She warmed up in a smaller room preparing for her audition. It loomed before her like a dark storm, if she made it the storm would subside to blue skies, if she didn't she felt as if she would be plunged into a swirling mass of dark waters. She stumbled over a few steps and chided herself.
"Hey beautiful", Don said with a smile.
"Hi Dad", she said catching her breath,"Just getting warmed up."
"Don't over think this Shelby, I know you can nail this thing"
"And if I don't?", she looked up at him.
"Then I will happily let you spend the rest of the summer here and be even happier when you come home."
"Figured as much", she laughed,"I know the risks dad, I really do, but I want this."
"I know you do Shels", he hugged his daughter,"I just want you in one piece, that's all", he kissed her forehead.
"I know", she sighed," still nothing from mom?"
"I'm sorry baby", he shook his head.
"It's okay", she nodded.
"Sharon's here", Keith said poking his head into the room.
"Be right there", Shelby said,"You going to watch me?"
"Have I ever missed a performance?"
"Then let's go", she left her items in the room and they made their way into the large studio.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 19, 2010 19:57:54 GMT -5
Once inside the large dance room Shelby was introduced to a woman with blonde hair and kind eyes. It was Sharon Browne.
"I have heard great things about you Shelby," she smiled.
"Thank you," she blushed," I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity."
"What we'll do is have you do some interpretive dance, then Irish Step, and finally partner work with Ryan."
"Sounds like a plan", she nodded.
"When ever you are ready", she took a seat next to Keith and her father.
Shelby looked to Keith who gave her a quick wink as the music started. She took a deep breath and concentrated on the steps. She flowed through the movements and easily transitioned from one style into another. She finished the Irish step dance to an applause.
"That was quite something", Sharon smiled.
"Thank you", Shelby said while catching her breath.
"Ryan if you're ready?", she turned to Ryan who sat to her left.
"Indeed", he stood and made his way to Shelby," We can do this," he said with a grin.
"Afraid I may be better than you?", she laughed.
"Let's find out", he said as they began the dance. They moved with each other in perfect sync with the lyrics of the different songs.
Shelby felt a pain that was burning in her side, but ignored it until the dance was finished. Ryan patter her back gently as the people in the room applauded.
"I have seen plenty", Sharon said with a wide smile," Welcome to the tour Shelby!"
"Seriously?", she said excitedly.
"Seriously", Sharon laughed," I will get all your information from you father if you want to get changed."
"Thank you", Shelby hugged her and then looked to Keith. She motioned for him to follow her.
"You did it!", He exclaimed hugging her tightly.
"Careful", she said," it hurts a little."
"Are you okay?", he looked at her.
"Think I just over did it a little bit", she answered.
"I'll take you back to the hotel", he kissed her temple before allowing her to go change.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 21, 2010 8:01:10 GMT -5
The next day Shelby spent the day with her father as he prepared to fly back to Arizona.
"You'll email me the tour dates?", Don asked as they stood at the curb side drop off area.
"Soon as I get it", she nodded.
"And you'll see a doctor if anything gets too bad?"
"I promise, I will have people looking out for me."
"You're my baby Shels, I am going to worry a lot", he hugged her.
"I know daddy", she swallowed her tears," You're going to be late, so have a safe flight. Everything will be fine."
"Love you princess", he kissed her cheek and gave a wave walking into the airport.
Shelby got back into the car swiping fiercely at her cheeks.
"Everything okay?", Keith looked at her.
"Yeah, my dad just worries and this is just hard", she sighed.
"He knows I would never let anything happen you", he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"I know", she smiled," we better get back and make sure we are packed and my grandparents are ready to go."
Over the next few months Keith began to spend a lot of time heading to the Southern portion of Ireland for tour meetings and a few new recordings. Shelby busied herself with keeping in shape and with doctors appointments, they gave her advice for keeping healthy under such circumstances as traveling. Towards the end of June she herself had to head south for the tour rehearsals. She and Keith had not seen each other in weeks.
"Shelby!", Keith said running to her in the train station
"You're here", she grinned as he swept her into his arms.
"I missed you", he kissed her tenderly.
"I missed you too" she sighed relaxing into his arms,"How are rehearsals and everything going?"
"Not too shabby if I do say so myself," he picked up her bag as they made their way outside.
"You look tired", she said concerned.
He shrugged,"Comes with the territory, nothing to worry about."
"If you say so", she slipped her hand into his as they walked,"Where will I be staying?"
"Sharon has us all staying in a cottage near the studio. It's quite spacious."
"Well, for you five yes."
"Shels, you're staying with us, Ryan and I talked her into it."
She pulled her hand from his," I don't need baby sitters."
"Don't start this Shelby," he said starting the car,"I promised your dad that nothing would happen to you and I intend to keep that promise. Grumbled all you want, but it is this way."
"Doesn't mean I like it," she answered defiantly.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 21, 2010 17:29:12 GMT -5
Tour rehearsals ran for the next two months until the show was ready to go on the road. Shelby, the female instrumentalists, & the other couple of female dancers were going to be on one bus while the guys shared another. Shelby was sure to keep in touch with her father and let him know every step of the way where they would be and when. Don was arranging to attend a few of the shows.
Opening night Shelby sat alone in the dressing room. She barely recognized herself in the makeup and dress. Her hair had been done by the professional artists. She tried to fight the tears that sprang wuickly to her eyes as she thought of her mother. She wanted Siobhan to see this moment more than ayone else. To see her take the stage in front of thousands and finally get to live her dream,"Stop fooling yourself", she sighed.
"Who are ya talking too?", Keith said coming into the dressing room.
"Myself", she turned on a smile," You certainly look dapper".
"They made me shave", he pouted playfully.
"You look nice", she laughed wrapping her arms around his waist resting her cheek against his shoulder.
"Excited?", he said rubbing her bare arms.
"I am", she answered quietly.
"But?"
"Just wish my mom was here, that's all."
"I know love", he kissed her forehead,"But you have all of us who are proud of you. plus the thousands of people out there right now."
"Who have no clue who I am," she laughed.
"But they will Shels, come on, you watch from the side til it's your time", he pulled her out of the dressing room.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Jul 28, 2010 17:50:42 GMT -5
Shelby had never felt more electrified than when she stepped on the stage during her first number. The sound of the fans cheering as Ryan came to the stage and the music started, a high up beat tune called "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown". When her cue to take position on the stage came she felt as if another force was guiding her way. She danced and moved wth Ryan and the other dancers. The feeling of the hot lights beating down on her bare arms and shoulders gave her a shot of adrenaline. During the "Surfer Medley" with Keith she wasn't sure she could smile any wider. More than anything else was the fun she was having, her new job dancing for a nationwide touring show, was fun.
After the show was done Shelby changed and headed for the bus, as she made her way out she was greeted with requests for photos and autographs. despite the exhaustion she felt, she obliged the people and felt exhilerated that people wanted her autograph or photo. When she finally got onto the bus she nearly collapsed into her bunk, the day finally weighing in on her. She heard the other girls chattering as they climbed onto the bus.
"Bed already?', Meghan asked poking her head into Shelby's bunk.
"Yeah", she laughed," show wore me out."
"We usually go out after the show," Ruth one of the violinist chimed in,"Go back to the hotel, change and hit the town."
"If I feel up to it", she yawned. Once back at the hotel Shelby went to her own hotel room, she dropped her bag on the floor and removed her shoes. Unzipping her bag she took out the medicine box of pills and made her way to the bathroom. She swallowed the pills in order and then changed into a t-shirt and shorts. As she pulled her hair into a ponytail she heard a knock on the door. She looked through the small peep hole and saw Keith,"Hey", she said opening the door.
"Everything okay?", he said walking into the room,"the girls said you weren't coming out with them."
"Hello to you too", she smiled.
"How are you feeling?"
"Keith", she said softly," I am fine, just tired."
"I'm sorry", he shook his head,"I know I'm sounding like a maniac."
"Yeah, you are just a little bit", she turned on the small lamp next to the bed,"I just took all my meds and you know I can barely function after that."
"I know love", he sat next to her on the bed as she arranged her pillows,"I can stay with you if you want."
"No, you go out. Have fun with everyone,"she pulled back the blankets and slid bebeath the cool sheets.
"Are you sure? It's okay if I don't go," he resumed his position next to her and took her hand.
"Honey, I am fine, all I'm going to do is sleep", she yawned feeling the medications make their way through her body.
"Where's your mobile?", he said stroking her cheek.
"Bag", she answered struggling to hold her eyes open.
"I'll leave this on your night stand, call me if you need anything", he placed the phone on the tablenext to her bed.
"Okay", she nodded.
"I love you", he kissed her softly.
"Love you", she whispered feeling herself falling into sleep.
Keith quietly crept out of the room and went to his own to get ready to go out. His heart pulled at him as he thought about leaving Shelby alone without anyone near her. Part of him knew that she had changed him. Over all their months together his desire to go out had waned to almost none, he simply wanted to be with her. As the others came to knock on his door he just said he was tired and not up to the night out. Once he was sure they all had left he went back to Shelby's room. She was in a deep sleep, small wisps of hair had escaped the ponytail and curled about her face. He lay next to her putting an arm protectively around her. He soon found himself drifting off.
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Post by celticbear on Jul 28, 2010 19:06:37 GMT -5
Aww, I love how everybody wanted shelby's autograph. But most of all I love the Fact that Keith gave up a chance to go out, to stay with Shelby as she slept. That is so like Our Keith! Update soon.
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