Baby Talk

I don't know what it is about Holidays that make me want to write. Maybe it is that 8 hour span where I don't really have anything to do, or nothing expected of me maybe it's just that my brain wants a vacation so .… I was looking earlier for a "writing prompt" and didn't really see any that jumped out at me as something I wanted to take forward. So I opened up word and just touched my keyboard. This was the result ….. I have no idea where it came from. I'm not a mom … I don't have a 3 month old, I don't even know anyone with a three month old but when I started typing this is what came out.

~~ Baby Talk ~~ 

She felt human after emerging from the shower, clean hair, fresh clothes, she felt like she was ready to conquer the world again. She was grateful to the man who made this happen for her. As she walked through the house she couldn’t help but notice how quiet it was. That had not happened in over three months. A small part of her started to panic but the other part of her said calm down I’m sure everything is fine, but her pace quickened as she got into the Livingroom. Often, she finds them snuggling on the couch, dogs at their feet or being used as pillows. She popped over the back of the couch, but found nothing not even a dent where they were previously snuggled up.

Before she went into full panic attack mode she decided to look around maybe she just missed them. She backtracked to the bedrooms thinking they have to be back here, they just have to be, but upon entering her new son’s room she found it empty and sickeningly quiet. The toys from last night still in the floor, nothing in the crib, nothing new in the wastebasket. Even the rocking chair mocked her by being unnervingly still. They were gone. The baby’s room faced the driveway, she looked and the car was there. Where in the world did they go she wondered as her heart started to race a bit more than she would like.  

Her brain told her that they were fine, and she knew that to likely be true, but it didn’t stop her head from also coming up with the alternative. Whenever they were not where she was she missed them with a ache she never thought she’d have, especially when she couldn’t hear them playing - sometimes that was enough to calm her down - sometimes. She knew being a new mom was going to have its challenges, but she always felt like that was one that she really didnt need to worry about. These panic attacks whenever he was out of her sight was something she didn’t anticipate and didn’t know how to stop. She was working on it, but it wasn’t easy. She yelled for the dog but didn’t hear the familiar sound of the nails on the floor boards that would usually calm her nerves. They would always lead her to her son. Now her heart wasnt just racing, she was also having trouble breathing.

She walked into the kitchen to grab her phone from it’s charger prepared to call her husband when she noticed the backdoor was open. Unlike him to leave the door ajar like that, her brain took note. She went to the door and rushed out and around the corner stopping when she heard her husband’s voice, finally, talking to the baby, dogs running around. They were deep into conversation and she didn’t want to interrupt. Now that she knew that they were ok she wanted to eavesdrop a little bit as her heart started slowing down her breathing returning to normal.

She loved to listen to her husband talk to their infant like he was a grown up. He would often tell him about his day, talk to him about who was around, or just explain random things to him like football rules, or how to work the remote control, why they have a record player but no records that kind of thing. She asked him once why.

“I was sitting there holding him one day just starring at him but not really interacting with him. He was looking at me like he expected something and I felt I wasn't delivering.  So,  I decided to talk to him but didn’t really know what to say” he told her. "That’s when it hit me that it didn’t matter what I said just that I was saying something for him to get used to my voice. It wasn't like he would know what I was talking about anyway." So now he talks to him about anything and everything.

“So what you need to do is water them, but not over water them, they don’t like a lot of water, their roots will rot." He said as he weeded a section of the garden, "Then you have to replace them all together. It’s much easier to just lightly water them in the morning. Plus, your mom loves these flowers. They give the house a nice smell but don’t overpower the rest of the garden so you want to keep these alive if at all possible. The biggest threat really is the moles, but that’s why I have this wooden barrier around it. That helps keep the moles out, but frankly a mole is going to go where it wants unless you trap it and get it out of there. That requires special equipment and gets a little messy.”

Then she watches as he stands up, dusts off, picks up the carrier and moves a few feet to the right setting it down then getting back on the ground himself.

“Now these over here they are annuals and you could set them on fire and they would still grow, but don’t set them on fire. They are awfully close to the house for that. What I mean is they are very hard to kill, even a mole can’t really get at them. They are very pretty in the fall but in the summer are kind of an eye sore, they do add a bit of green to the garden during the summer. So, they have their place during summer too. You have to remember the pay off for fall or you are libel to just pull them up. Mom’s not as wild about these as I am, but again that’s what makes it all work. The balance of this garden, every thing is planned out and it works.”

He stands up again to move to another part of the garden and sees her spying on them,  Hey darlin it was too nice a day to be inside, so we decided to play in the garden." She smiles and he smiles back, “Oh wow look what we have there, it’s that elusive mommy smile!" At that moment she burts into tears.

He snatches up the carrier and moves to his wife, “oh crap babe I’m sorry …. Here take him he’s getting a little red anyway." He kisses her cheek and walks back towards the garden "I’m going to grab a few tomatoes and we’ll make lunch!” she looks down at her little man.

“I…..I didn’t mean to make you guys stop. I shouldn't have come out here. I’m so sorry, I’ll go back inside” and she sets the carrier back down facing her husband and rushes inside still crying, fighting back a sob at this point.

He stands there for a second dumbfounded but picks up the carrier and follows her. “Mom’s a tick emotional, I mean it’s not easy to pop a small human out of your body without all haties breaking lose.” He sets the carrier on the kitchen counter, and turns on the faucet to wash his hands then the tomatoes. He know she can hear him from the living room and continues to talk to his son, “See mom’s have it tough after the birth cause they are suddenly being torn into like 26 directions and they don’t know which way to turn. If they turn left then the right might collapse and if they focus on the right the front might go down and don't even get me started on the back or the other 20 something sides. They always are concerned about what they aren’t doing even if what they really want is to focus on what they are doing. Mom’s ... they are silly.” He says as he takes the carrier and the fresh tomatoes to the middle island and takes out a chef’s knife to start slicing them up. “See it’s easier for a dad, dad’s job is simple. Make sure everyone is safe and taken care of. We are expected to go to work, bring home money, take care of the house, take the pictures, and provide entertainment for said family.”

He grabs the bread and starts spreading it with mayonnaise as he continues, “but mom’s they are expected to do all of that, literally provide food, and so much more and it’s sometimes overwhelming.” His son starts to cry, just cause that’s what a 3 month old does, “now now … don’t get me wrong mom loves you. You are the greatest thing we have ever done, but sometimes mom needs a break she just doesn’t know how to ask for said break, sometimes she isn’t aware that a break is even needed or an option.” As he gently rocks the carrier to calm his son, “so it’s also my job to remember to give mom that break without making her feel like I’m taking over, or saying she can’t do it all.” He leans in closer to his son, “truth is mom can do so much more than she gets credit for that if I’m not careful she’ll do my job too, then why will you guys need me?”

He plates up the sandwiches and walks into the living room handing his son to his wife and putting the plate in his lap.  He kisses her forehead, “I love you!” she smiles at him, “thank you” as she takes her son into her arms.

“Now let me tell you about your dad He is smart about a lot of things like the garden, and fixing things. He built most of your toys by himself with minimal cussing. He has almost mastered diapers and bathtime, and reads the best bedtime stories ... we are the luckiest people on the planet because we have him and no one can do his job like he can.  I say we keep him. What’s your vote?” then she looks over to her husband and they share a kiss as their son watches on, then he starts to fuss a little “I guess that makes it unanimous, you are stuck with us!” he smiles at her, "I want that in writing" taking a bite of his sandwich watching the love of his life being held by the other love of his life. 

----

So there you go. Short, a little sweet, and at times too much so. Hope you had a good 4th doing whatever it was you wanted to do with your holiday!

Marcy
@beaslma

AmWriting "My Fault"

So I started this story the other day, it buried itself into my brain and wouldn't let go until I got it out .... and since one of my goal is to write more ... I decided to post it here. Some of my issues with writing of late is that I write it, save it, then close the word file, moving on with my life thinking, well that was pointless. Without have an end game for the story a place to share it, a purpose for its existence it makes it seem silly. Like learning a musical instrument in your 40s. So I'm going to use this blog for some of that. Maybe you'll read it and enjoy it maybe you won't but at least it's no longer a file on my computer sitting useless. So ... here goes ...

My Fault

David sat in his chair, a drink in his hand, lights turned off, and remote in his other hand, when there was a knock on his door. He sat his drink down, “it's open” he yelled as he muted the TV with a sigh.

His cousin’s wife Ann walked in, slightly taken back by his appearance, and sat down across from him as she tried not to show it, “So….how’s it going?” he noticed her glance around the room.

He grinned, likely for the first time in days, “Really? That’s what you are going with… ‘how’s it going’ he paused, “You do realize how lame that is, right?!”

She, reached for his drink, leaned back in the chair, “yeah whatever …the point is still the same, how are you?” She took a sip of his drink, “Pepsi?”

“I’m not over here drinking myself into a stupor, I’m better than that.” She raised an eyebrow, “yeah, ok I’m not, but you caught me on a good night. I spent a full week completely toasted and it didn’t help so I’m trying the other spectrum.” Then he smirked again, “Yes, you may have some of my drink. Since you asked.”

“There he is, that’s who I’ve been looking for.” She handed him back his drink, “Look I know this isn’t easy, I guess the reason I’m here, is to ….” She paused, leaned forward, placed her hand on his knee “I’m here.”

“I know. I appreciate it, really I do.” He looked towards the TV as the show he was watching started to come back on, “Wanna watch with me?” He half hoped she’d decline and leave and the other part of him hoped she’d stay. He wasn’t sure which part he wanted to win, but it was kind of nice talking to someone, he had forgotten what his voice sounded like.

She didn’t answer, but got up and moved to sit in the chair closer to him and reached for his hand. He took it and squeezed it as they settled in to watch.

A few months ago, if she had come by, there would have been food in the kitchen, music playing from the stereo, or more likely his phone, and the TV would have been long forgotten. A few months ago, he was happy, he was engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world and had his entire life planned out ready for him to live it. A few months ago, she wouldn’t have come over alone, but would have brought his cousin, Chris, with her and they would have spent an evening in conversation, laughter, and fun games. A few months ago, everything was different.

He remembered the first time he brought Karen home to meet Chris and Ann. He wasn’t sure who was more nervous Ann or Karen. He laughed a little to himself when he remembered telling Karen afterwards that he would have won that title easily as they made their way home. They had been dating for nearly a year, but he didn’t want to introduce her until he knew he they were serious about each other. Why put her through the scrutiny if she wasn’t the one he reasoned. They walked in the house and Chris was outback grilling steaks. Ann handed Karen a glass of wine and sent David outside, “Go she’ll be fine… I don’t bite …hard!” He glanced at Karen who replied, “I have no problem biting back!” Both laughed, and he kissed her on the head as he went towards the back door. As she closed it behind him he yelled, “Best behavior Ann!”

“What’s that about?” Chris said looking up. 

“I think I was kicked out of your house so your wife could interrogate my date!”

He laughed, “You really should have seen that coming!” then turning to the mini fridge on the deck, “Have a beer.” “So…..”

David laughed, “So…..” They have always had very easy conversation often holding long conversations barely saying a word to one another. They were roughly the same age with Chris being 6 months older, but David was taller. They were as close as brothers and despite the fact they had different moms looked like brothers too. “She’s a great girl, you are going to like her. If you don’t … keep it to yourself”

He flipped the steaks, “Deal.” They both knew that Ann was the camel, if Karen didn’t win her over then it was an uphill battle no matter who else liked her. They talked football while waiting on the steaks to finish. David kept glancing through the window to see the two laughing with one another. 

It was a wonderful night, a little awkward at times, but everyone seemed to get along and that’s what was important to David. He didn’t need them to all be best friends out of the gate, but he needed them to all get along since they would spent a lot of time together down the road. At one point he saw Chris grinning at Karen as she told a story about her dog and he caught Amy grinning at him with a small nod of approval at what she was hearing. They would become fast friends and the four of them became very close in a short span of time. When David finally popped the question Amy was the first person Karen told, Chris having already known for weeks that it was coming.

They both watched in silence as the comedy on TV played out in front of them, he was starring at the box but not really taking it in and she kept stealing glances at him. She also noticed a pile of mail unopened, and a computer covered in a thin layer of dust. He was nesting and had cut himself off from everything even she and Chris. The cell phone, that she has been desperately trying to connect with him late laid discarded on the other side of the room, she couldn’t tell if it still had battery or not. He looked good, tired, but good. She glanced at him again and this time he caught her, “Chris said to say hi if I got to talk to you. So "HI!" He’s working tonight but … well he’s worried about you too. We’ve been trying to call but you aren’t answering.” Gesturing to the phone, “You can’t do that you know.”

“I do.” As he continued to stare at the TV. “I haven’t had much to say, and then my phone died. It was nothing personal, honest.”

She ignored that, “There’s this cool device they have now, I’ll see if I can get you one, you plug one end into the wall and the other end into your phone and like magic it keeps it charged for you so that the battery won’t die.” She smiled as the said it hoping he’d laugh.

“I’ve heard of those, there might be one around here somewhere, seemed easier to not though.” He didn’t laugh.

The show came back on and she was lost in thought. This had been going on for over a month and frankly it scared her.

No matter what has happened in their lives they’ve dealt with it together, Chris was his rock and she knew David was Chris’ rock. If they weren’t going to reach out to one another she’d be that bridge. She had the night free and decided she’d come over. Not really expecting to find this. She didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t this. She knew he was hurting, she knew he was pulling away she didn’t know what to do about it. She wished Chis was here, he told her to give him time. “He’ll come to us when he’s ready Amy, you have to respect that.”

She glanced around the room again only to realize that any remembrance of her was gone, no photographs, no books, no clothing. A shadow box that she made after their last vacation was gone from the wall. Then she noticed the boxes in the hallway. He had purged her from the house. She felt helpless to help him through this and felt as his friend it was her duty to see him to the other side of his heartbreak, somehow.

Shortly after college Amy and Chris broke up, they fought for weeks before deciding that it was just too much effort to be together. They boxed up their stuff and went their separate ways figuring they’d never see one another again.  She moved in with her best friend from College until she figured out what to do next. They were having dinner one night when a knock at the door scared them both since they weren’t expecting anyone.

She was shocked to see David behind the peep hole. He knew she was looking and waved. She opened the door but didn’t invite him in as it started to rain.

“Hey…” he said as he buried his hands in his jacket pockets. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d come by and see how you were doing.” She didn’t say anything so he just stood there as it started raining harder, “Um… can I come in ?”

“Oh yeah of course, please come in. We were just eating dinner, it’s just spaghetti but would you like a plate?!” As she moved out of the way to let him in.

“No, I’m good I’ve already eaten, I didn’t mean to interrupt your dinner, please sit back down and eat while it’s hot.” He pulled her chair back out and gestured to her to sit down. She took her seat her friend still sitting in hers. No way in the world was she leaving this conversation if she could help it.

“So….how’s it going?” she grinned as she took a big bite.

“I’m good, work is good, life is good …… look … I’m not going to waste your time. Is it really over…. Cause … Chris is a mess. He’s angry with himself that you guys go to this point but he has no idea how to make this better cause you won’t talk to him. What can we do to fix this?”

“We?”

“Hey I’m part of this relationship too, I introduced you guys after all. If you don’t make it my relationship quota goes back down to none. I have a reputation I’m trying to build here.”

She smiled and put her fork down, “look David, I appreciate…”

He cut her off, “no …. No I won’t leave here without a solution for this. The two of you belong together, he’s an idiot and no one knows that better than me. He’s a better man when you are around, he thinks more about the world, he’s more focused and driven when you are around. He needs you. He can’t breathe when you aren’t around, he’s constantly at near panic attack mode. I’m not saying that’s a positive, but it’s the truth. I hate seeing him like this and I know the solution is you two getting back together. I know you guys have problems, but if you can’t work them out what’s the hope for the rest of us? He makes you better too by the way. He relaxes you, he shows you there is more to life than work and you need him too. Will you just talk to him and see if there’s anything there to salvage?!”

She was taken back by his bluntness, she glanced at her friend who shrugged, “He’s not wrong. You guys are great together and short of something catastrophic you should at least try to work it out.”

He walked over to her friend, “I like her, why don’t we hang out with her more.”

She didn’t know what to say. She still loved Chris and David was right she needed him as much as he needed her. When she didn’t reply he got down on his knee to be on her level, “what was the fight about?” she honestly couldn’t remember. “Please Ann just have coffee with him. Tomorrow 9am?”

She agreed, and they got back together around 9:05 and were married a few months later. David, the best man, gave a fantastic speech about how he made this night happen and was solely responsible for their happiness which made the room laugh and the two of them nod in agreement. She had looked forward to watching him on this journey finding the love of his life, marriage, kids, and felt cheated that he wasn’t going to have that at least for now. There had been other girlfriends but none that made his face light up the way Karen did. None who put that sparkle in his eye just by saying her name in his presence.

The show continued, neither really caring about the show, but it gave them a chance to talk during commercials and not have to deal with awkward pauses.  When the show ended she squeezed his hand again, “well I’m going to go, please charge your phone, and check in every once in a while.”

She walked over to his phone and plugged it in for him, then started out the door when he said quietly, “it’s all my fault.”

“I’m sorry what?”

“It was …. my fault.”

“Please do not be stupid, you can’t possibly think that is true.” As she made her way back over to him.

“She was due to come home two days later. I missed her. I asked her to come home early. Had I never called her on that stupid phone, she’d be sitting here with us now.” That was the first time he said out loud the words that had been bouncing around in his head for weeks. “I was bored and missed her and now I’ll never talk to her again.” She wrapped him in her arms, no words for him as he sobbed into her shoulder.

She had no idea how to react “Darlin, you can’t do that to yourself.” He lifted his head and looked her in the eyes, “how can I not?” tears streaming down his face.

Seeing that face she was reminded of the day he got the call, on the same phone she suddenly realized that she had just set to charge. He had joined them for lunch after church and was about to leave to go pick her up at the airport when his phone rang. She and Chris were arguing about something, she couldn’t remember what now, and when he answered they both sensed the room change. He turned white as a ghost, grabbed Chris’ shoulder, said he’d be right there. The two of them took off out the door without speaking, she ran to grab her shoes to join them. By the time she got to the door they were gone. Chris told her later how awful it was walking into the hospital looking for Karen only to be told she had just taken her last breath. They were told that the pilot over shot the runway and the plane crashed as it was trying to land, there were few survivors. They missed talking to her by less than 5 minutes.  A few months ago, everything was different now it may never be the same.

You know ... I'm not sure why most of my stories end with someone leaving or dying but there ya go.... What did you all think?

Marcy (@beaslma)   

A Royal Musical Journey – conclusion – original fiction

This isn’t the post I had planned for today, yes that’s right I’m really trying to get back into this blogging thing. However I finally got the Haley and Michael’s story out of my head and onto a screen. I thought I’d wait and post it tomorrow but decided life is short …why wait?! So here it is … the conclusion of this Royal journey which I realized while doing this that each “main” character has been a focus on each story which is kind of cool. The first one Dreams,Music, and the Royal family was from Kate’s point of view, the second Connections was from Harry’s, the third A Royal Welcome (my favorite) was from Shannon’s and this one is from Ryan’s point of view (a four part story...who saw that coming ha!). That was a happy accident and I hope it didn’t make it too disjointed.

If you want to read from the beginning links to the other stories are in the paragraph above. It’s not necessary to understand the story but makes it more fun.  I must restate how odd it is that I’ve even chose this as my “muse” I don’t know Shannon or Ryan and I certainly don't know any of the Royal family, heck I've never even shown a big interest in the comings and goings of the Royal family, yet I find myself thinking about this story long after I’ve left the keyboard. I hope Ryan and Shannon don’t think I’m crazy, I doubt that the Royal Family even knows I exist.

This one ended up longer than I had anticipated and I’ve actually cut a lot of it out so stick with me if you can. So anyway …. Here it is …. Enjoy

A Royal Musical Journey

Ryan never gets tired of stepping onto a stage, never gets tired of watching the love of his life standing nearby singing her heart out, never gets tired of the feel of a guitar in his hands and knowing that he can make it do things others only dream of. It was a New Year’s Eve show, something they said they wouldn’t do as holidays are for family, but when Hoda calls you say yes … principles be damned.

They finished their song during the New Year’s Eve festivities and sat down to talk with Hoda and Kathie Lee for a few moments as part of their year-end special and as most of their interviews of late tend to do the conversation turned to their involvement with the Royal Foundation and their most successful fundraiser to date. They showed a montage of the event and Ryan was instantly transported by the memories made in those two weeks.

It started with Ryan watching Shannon walk down the hallway of Heathrow Airport on the arm of the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry carrying Ryan’s bag behind them. Ryan wanted someone to stop and take his picture, where the hell are the paparazzi when you need them he thought. The Prince of England is carrying my bag for goodness sakes someone take our picture!!!!

“Man you guys sure know how to pack light.” Harry said as he walked behind Kate and Shannon.

“Shannon’s bags are somewhere between here and the States. The airline is looking for them, those are mine.” Ryan informed him as he carried his other bag filled with his clothes. 

“Man, two weeks in a single pair of jeans is not going to be fun! However, Kate loves a good reason to shop we might end up with an afternoon just the boys. Actually, that sounds fun!” As they walked out the door of the airport and up to the car.

Harry handed over Ryan’s bag to be placed in the trunk then climbed into the car behind everyone else. Once again Ryan looked around and no paps in sight. Part of him was bummed yet he was also oddly impressed they just walked out of a busy airport unnoticed with two of the most recognizable royals.

“Did Shannon tell you they lost her luggage?” Harry reported as he settled into his seat.

“We were talking about it on the way to the car, I can find her something in my closet for lunch and then we’ll find something for tomorrow night.”

Shannon didn’t want to bother them with this, “It’s ok guys, I’ve got a jacket in Ryan’s bag and can manage I’m sure they will find it soon!” She was slightly freaked out about wearing the Duchess clothes which were always so beautiful.

“We don’t have time to do a shopping run today, but we’ll make time tomorrow if the bag hasn’t turned up yet. We can’t have you meeting the Queen in jeans and a T-shirt now can we?”

Ryan noticing that the idea of meeting the Queen was freaking Shannon out decided to change the subject, “So when do we get to meet these amazing kids we have heard so much about?” he asked glancing over at Harry.

Harry looked a little startled, “A select group will be at the lunch today and others will be at dinner tomorrow night. This weekend we’ll have a less formal “meet and greet” where you’ll really have an opportunity to connect with them.”

Sitting on one side of the car while Kate and Shannon were on the other side Harry started to relax some into the seat. “This event has been exhausting. Don’t get me wrong I’m excited about it, but every time we turn around there’s someone trying to turn it into something that it’s not; from artist, to the kids, and even some of the sponsors, and don’t get me started on the parents. You guys are the first group picked up that hasn’t demanded something, a better hotel, a better timeslot, first pick of the kids they want to work with, some have even asked to get out of working with the kids. Everyone is acting like this is their own personal concert, even the local groups. Frankly it’s starting to get on my last nerve.”

Shannon looked over, “That’s awful, I can’t even put into words what this event means to us, not only cause it allowed us to get to know you guys, but it’s giving us the trip of a lifetime and an opportunity to share our music with a new group of people. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’ll be there.”

Harry smiled at her, “We might just take you up on that, I have to warn you a few are already big fans.” Kate grinned, “Harry won’t stop playing the EP at every single event and meeting we’ve had with the kids and volunteers.” Ryan looked at Shannon, this was indeed a fairy tale that he hoped never ended. 

The next day Ryan was standing in the siting room at Buckingham Palace waiting for Shannon to come back downstairs and wishing it would be sooner than later. They were the first to arrive for tonight’s dinner so that Shannon could borrow an outfit from Kate and Ryan felt uncomfortable about being in the room alone almost like he snuck in there. Something about the room and the quiet made him think he’d get in trouble any second and sent back to the car. He stood to walk around the room just to have something to do and was admiring a painting of a beautiful garden when a voice behind him started him.

“It’s even more lovely in person.”

Ryan turned around to see the Duke of Cambridge standing there in a suit that had a little stain on the shoulder. “I bet it is. This painting is amazing too tho.” He reached out his hand, “By the way I’m Ryan, um… Mr. Duke sir”

The Duke laughed “Call me Will everyone else does. My brother and Kate have been so excited for you guys to get here they have talked of little else for over two weeks.”

“We can hardly believe that we are here, Shannon keeps asking me to pinch her! I can’t believe that she’s upstairs borrowing some of Kate’s clothes, thanks for letting her do that. She said she’s really going to feel like a Princess tonight.” 

“HA! Don’t mention it, Kate was especially excited to play stylist for the evening. It’s not often she gets to dictate what someone else is going to wear, well other than me that is. She says picking out a suit gets boring cause the only thing that changes is the tie!”

“Speaking of your suit did you know you have something on the shoulder.”

Moving to a nearby mirror to examine his jacket, he starts rubbing it with a piece of ice from a glass handed to him, “The kids were going to be in bed when we finished tonight so I popped in to say goodnight before I came down.” After fussing with it for a few minutes, “How’s that?”

“Much better. Besides isn’t that basically a dad badge?” William laughed and nodded. Ryan couldn’t believe he was having a normal conversation with the future King of England like they had known each other for years, he decided to take advantage of this moment. “I have to ask you this cause if I don’t I’ll regret it….. Are Harry and Kate really fans or I mean I don’t mean to be crass but I just can’t help waiting on someone to walk up and say the jokes over get out and that would kill Shannon!”

William laughed, “Ever since Kate heard your music she’s been singing it, when she’s cooking, when she’s rocking the kids to sleep, when she’s working out, she has played that EP so many times if it were a record it would be ruined. I have never seen my brother nervous to contact someone and his biggest fear is you guys would turn him down. He’s not used to hearing the word no. Did you know that he and Kate sang We’ll Always Have Mexico to my Grandmother and she is the one that decided you and Shannon needed to sing it not Harry and Kate? They worked on that song for several weeks and she loved it but not coming from them. If you all left now I think they would both go with you!” he said with a smile.

Ryan didn’t know what to say and didn’t have an opportunity to speak as William pointed behind him causing him to turn towards the door. The most beautiful thing he had seen since their wedding day was walking through the door. He didn’t even excuse himself just walked towards Shannon unable to focus on anything or anyone else in the room. “You look amazing!”

“I’m scared to death I’m going to ruin this dress” Shannon said unable to hide the smile on her face. In this dress, she was radiant.

“Honey it’s not the dress, I’ve seen dresses, this dress is garbage without you in it!” Shannon playfully hit him in the arm “Don’t you dare let Kate hear you say that!”

Harry walked up behind Shannon, “He’s not wrong!” winked and walked off.

The rest of the night was a blur of activity and both Ryan and Shannon were surprised that once the evening began and they both relaxed they realized this was exactly where they needed to be. After an amazing dinner there was a small get together that included music and dancing. They met a 12-year-old who had been writing songs since she was 8 and had recently recorded one in a real studio thanks to Prince Harry. She was excited about this opportunity as she wanted to learn how someone got involved in the music industry. Ryan told her it was all luck and hard work but mostly luck. They made plans to get together soon to talk more about the industry. They met another artist from Paris who was looking to move to the states to be the next “Lady Gaga” and hoped to use this event as a platform to do that. It was a 16-year-old however that stole Shannon’s heart.

The young man was standing to the side of the room alone and so Shannon walked over to say hi. The young man told her that his name was Josh and he played guitar. Shannon said she and her husband played as well and started talking to him about some songs they both knew. The boy confessed to Shannon that he felt like he was an imposter and didn’t belong there. Shannon told him she was sure that wasn’t true and that she looked forward to hearing him play. He perked up after that and she sat with him for a long time just watching the room. At one point, she even asked Josh to dance with him. She didn’t realize that Kate was watching from the other side of the room with a huge smile on her face. She didn’t notice that Harry too had noticed what she was doing. None of that mattered to her. She wanted to make this young man comfortable so he could enjoy this evening like everyone else.

On their first totally free day of this trip, Ryan and Shannon arrived at Kensington Palace early that morning the girls were going to go shopping, since Shannon’s bags still hadn’t arrive and the boys were going to do what boys do. Kate was waiting when they walked in and she immediately grabbed Shannon’s arm and headed right back out the door. William was standing in the hallway and yelled towards the door as it closed, “Ok have fun bye!” then he turned to Ryan, “Guess they are in a hurry. Have you eaten breakfast yet?!” They started to turn towards the kitchen when the door flew back open, and Kate rushed up to William gave him a hug and a kiss said bye and left again. Ryan laughed, “guess she forgot something!”

Ryan followed a now blushing William into the kitchen which was filled with activity as the kids were sitting at the table eating breakfast with Ryan guessed the nanny fussing over the baby.

William turned back to Ryan as he took a napkin to clean George’s hands, ”Harry will be here shortly, we figured while the girls were running around we’d do the same.  I thought we could start with a ride around the grounds, show you that garden we talked about last night. It’s not hunting season so no hunting but we’ll still find something to do.”

That afternoon Ryan, Harry and William returned to the Palace exhausted, cold, tired, and hungry. They must have ridden every inch of the estate. Ryan was glad the rest of the day was free as he needed a few minutes to recharge. He didn’t think he’d ever get the picture of ridding across a pasture with William, Harry and George (in Harrys Lap) watching the beautiful scenery around him. They hadn’t planned to take George but once he heard horses were involved there was no way he was going to be left behind. Hearing George laughing from Harry’s horse made bringing him completely worth it.

A little while later Ryan was sitting in the living room of Kensington Palace alone. William had taken George upstairs to get him down for a nap, Harry had run off to make a phone call, and the girls were still shopping. He was almost asleep after the days actives when Harry walked in and sat down in a nearby chair.

“Sorry we left you alone down here”

“No problem, please don’t feel you have to entertain me, if you have something else you need to be doing. I know this is a hectic time for you.”

“yeah that’s why I’m enjoying the excuse to just …. Sit.”  He leans back in the chair stretching out and Ryan realized how tall the young man was as well as how tired he looked.

A few days later it was finally time for Haley and Michaels to take the stage. Shannon and Kate had a surprise for Harry that Shannon had told Ryan about that morning.

As the notes for We’ll Always Have Mexico started to play Ryan faked getting choked up. Kate shoved Harry out onto the stage, and Ryan ran off to look for water as Shannon shoved a microphone in Harry’s hand. She nudged him and he started to sing. Kate and Ryan were off on the edge of the stage laughing and clapping as Harry looked up towards the Queen, Phillip, Charles and William who were all laughing obviously in on the surprise. Harry fell into the song and he and Shannon nailed it as Ryan walked out with a closed bottle of water thanking the Prince for helping him out.

Shannon asked William and Kate to join them on stage, he had come down to close out the festival. Their new friend Josh walked out from the other side of the stage and said “At the afternoon meet and greet you guys held prior to this event Shannon, Ryan and I wrote this song as a thank you to the Royal Foundation for all that they do.” Ryan walked up to the third microphone and said, “We’d like to play it for you now if that’s ok.” Kate had tears in her eyes and mouthed thank you to Shannon who was putting her guitar away so that Ryan and Josh would play while she sang. Harry was also blown away by this gesture and he has never seen Josh so outspoken and excited on a stage. He usually hung back and avoided any part of the spotlight. It was truly a perfect ending to a very successful event. This was exactly what Harry had wished for when he and Kate first had the idea for a benefit like this. 

Ryan was snapped back to the conversation before him when Hoda asked about the most exciting part of the trip, Shannon said meeting the Royal family, Ryan said, getting to know the kids the foundation helps daily and seeing Shannon in one of Kate’s dresses. Shannon’s bags showed up the day after her big shopping spree with Kate but said there was no way she was returning anything they bought even if it meant she’d never be able to buy clothes again to make up for it. It was truly a trip of a lifetime and Ryan couldn’t wait until next year’s benefit and hoped they’d be invited back if for no other reason that to see how Josh was doing and to try and talk him into playing on their next record.

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Well there you go…besides one of my 2017 goals is to write more and they say whatever you do on New Year’s Day is what you’ll do all year so here’s hoping that’s true.

I’m pretty sure this story is done as I’m not sure where to take it from here so now it’s time to find a new muse. I hope you all enjoyed it, I hope Haley and Michael’s isn’t calling a lawyer for a restraining order for me, cause I really do love their music and I really hope this is going to be their year. I can’t wait to hear more from them, if you haven’t already check out their website below:

Website: http://haleyandmichaels.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/haleynmichaels

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HaleyandMichaels/?fref=ts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyandmichaels/

Have a great 2017 everyone! I can check one thing off my New Year's Resolution post ! :D

Marcy

(@beaslma)

Original Fiction - A Royal Welcome

The saga continues…seriously this thing is taking on a life of its own, I thought maybe 2 or three posts but now I’m not even sure when it will end, or frankly if I even want it to end. As you may recall dear reader, I started this story back in January after a dream I had that featured “We’ll Always Have Mexico” a song by Haley and Michaels (if you haven’t already check out their website and learn more about this fantastic couple). I must restate how odd it is that I’ve even chose this as my “muse” I don’t know Shannon or Ryan and I certainly don't know any of the Royal family, heck I've never even shown a big interest in the comings and goings of the Royal family, yet I find myself thinking about this story long after I’ve left the keyboard. I’ve written many a great paragraph on my way to work which will never see the light of day. Must remember to get a tape recorder STAT!

Get the new Haley and Michaels EP here ... https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/haley-michaels/id609857311

To read the background before jumping in below … here’s the link to the other posts

1 Dreams, Music, and the Royal family…a fun combination

2 Connections

and now I give you part 3 of this journey

A Royal Welcome

She couldn’t believe she was standing at the baggage claim in Heathrow Airport, it seemed literally foreign to her as going out of the country before today meant Canada. Looking around she wanted to grab the nearest person and say “We are going to play our music for the QUEEN!” but was determined to keep her cool and resisted the urge. She did want everyone to stop moving so she could live in this moment and capture it so she’d always remember it as Ryan walked over to her.

“You can stop looking, they lost your bag. They are tracking it and said when they find it they will send it to the hotel, but it was definitely not on the plane. I guess it got left behind after the last plane change. I’m so sorry Shannon!”

She looked up at Ryan “Do you realize where we are? Do you realize what we are about to do?”  She took his hand and the clink of her ring made her pause again, “Do you realize this is our first trip as a married couple?” She wanted to make a list of all the first happening in her life because they were all coming so fast she was afraid she’d forget them all. First time I’ve lost my luggage on a trip, she thought, first trip with my husband, first time I’ve called Ryan my husband, first time in London, first gig ‘across the pond,’ it was all starting to make her head spin when Ryan leaned down and grounded her with a single kiss.

Nearly a year ago this journey started with an email from Prince Harry which they were all pretty sure was a joke. He was inviting them to perform at a benefit concert for their Royal Foundation. They couldn’t believe that the Prince had heard their music, which hadn’t been released yet overseas. After several additional e-mails it was clear that the group and their managers weren’t taking the request seriously until they received one with a European phone number simply asking them to call for a discussion about the benefit.

After checking the time in London Shannon, Ryan, and Mark, their manager, dialed the phone. The last thing they wanted was to wake up and infuriate the Prince, or more likely his “people” by calling at an insanely late or early hour, if by some chance this was real. They listened as the phone dialed fully expecting some pub or radio station to answer, pulling a prank. The way they saw it this could be good publicity for an up and coming act and definitely a story to tell on stage or in their next interview.  They each sat there thinking, what if this is real, but not wanting to voice it out loud and appear to be foolish later. Shannon was praying for no answer so they could leave a voice mail and the journey could continue.  Until there was definite sign that this was a prank a small part of her could live in the ‘the Prince of England likes our music’ bubble.

After the third ring a quiet voice answered, “Hello” not expecting an answer Mark stumbled, “um…yes, this is Haley and Michaels we were told to call this number to talk about a possible benefit show.”

“Oh…yes” a very surprised voice answered, “One moment.” Then there is a thud on the phone. Mark gave a nod to the band as if to say told ya. After a few moments in which Mark would have hung up, if Shannon had let him, the voice returned to the phone, “sorry about that, hard to talk business with a sleeping toddler in your lap.” Shannon playfully slapped Ryan on the arm and mouthed, ‘That’s Harry!’

“I’m so glad you guys called, I could tell from the e-mail exchanges we weren’t all on the same page. I’ve asked someone to get Kate so we can really discuss the benefit and convince you guys to join us since she’s the co-chair. As you know from my initial e-mail, the benefit would be for The Royal Foundation and will help fund a lot of the projects we have in the coming year. The hope would be that this would turn into a yearly benefit which would serve several purposes for us, to promote the foundation, showcase some of the kids we are helping, the work the foundation does, and fund projects for the coming year. It would also give the artists a platform unlike no other.”

The three of them sat there dumbfounded until Ryan blurted out, “Is this real?”

The Prince laughed, “Ha ! Yes very much so. Kate just walked in, I have Haley and Michaels on the phone to talk about the benefit.” 

“Hey guys! So glad to finally get to talk to you! We LOVE your EP, even George sings ‘we’re gonna light it’ as he walks down the hallway, well as well as a toddler can sing it! Um… speaking of which where is my child?”

“He’s on the couch he had just fallen asleep when they called. So guys we are thinking May 2016 for this benefit, we haven’t finalized exact dates yet but we are thinking a 2 or 3 day festival featuring music, a sports tournament around the music festival, and arts and crafts. Three or four jam packed days of activities and events all showcasing what the Royal Foundation has to offer.”

Kate breaks in, “The theory is to put an emphasis on the kids being helped by the foundation, showcasing their art, showcasing their talents and showing why supporting this foundation is supporting these kids and why the two are important. We feel like putting an emphasis on the positives that the foundation gives to these kids then more will get involved and we can do more for these kids. We feel like the musical aspect of a festival will bring more people to the table so we can show them how truly amazing these kids are when given the proper chances. So the bottom line is … are you guys interested in joining the benefit?”

Before thinking Shannon says, “Why us?” then she panics, “I mean it’s a fantastic opportunity and we’d love to, I’m just … our music isn’t being played over there …. So yeah why us?”

“Bloody Hell did you not tell them the story” Kate says towards Harry. “Last time Will and I were in the states we heard 500 miles on the radio. I fell in love with it so Will bought your EP for me. I immediately fell in love with the entire thing and sent it to Harry. He fell in love with We’ll Always Have Mexico and we agreed you guys should be at the benefit if only because we’d love to hear more of what you guys can do.”

Dumbfounded Shannon and Ryan just sat there, Mark jumped in, “of course we’d love to be a part of this, and we apologize for not writing back but in all honesty we thought it was a prank. I’m glad Shannon convinced us to give you guys a call to find out for sure. We’ll definitely be more responsive now. Can I ask who are some of the other artist? I assume it’s a mixture of artist and genres.”

Harry was glad they were on the phone, “um…to be honest …. You guys are the first group we’ve contacted about his benefit. However yes, a mixture of artist and genres is what we are going for, but we also want it to make sense, meaning you guys won’t be the only country group with a bunch of alternative bands. We want to bring as many people to the festival and a mixture of talent should do just that. We are also hoping that the artist will hook up with some of the musically inclined kids that will also be a part of the festival and talk with them about the business and process of what they do. A mixture of established artist, armatures and up and coming acts will really allow for a learning experience like no other.”

The next few months were a blur of activity as Haley and Michael’s continued to support their EP, work on their album, plan a wedding, and prepare for the festival. Soon they were suggesting bands they knew to the foundation and talking about schedules, plane tickets, and arrival times. They had really gotten to know Harry and Kate over the last year and couldn’t wait to see them in person and not over a computer screen. Shannon never wanted to leave this airport because they would be that much closer to this fairytale being over.  She was jolted back to reality and out of Ryan’s embrace by a now familiar voice.

“Pathetic you’d think they’d wait until they got to the room, I mean there are kids here!” Harry said under his ball cap and sunglasses as he gestured around the airport.

“Oh, leave them alone this is after all their honeymoon, congratulations you guys! I hope you don’t mind but we decided to make this welcome on our own.” Kate said from under a similar ball cap as she grabbed Shannon’s arm and pulled her towards the doors, “Now let’s get going there’s so much to do!” Shannon looked back to see Ryan shaking hands with Harry as Kate started talking about all that was to come over the next week or so, it was truly going to be the trip of a lifetime and she couldn’t wait to get started even if she’d have to wear the same jeans for a few days.

 

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so anyway there you have it ... what do you guys think? have you guys checked out Haley and Michaels, if not you really should, they are fantastic ! What's your favorite track on the EP?

 

-Marcy

Connections - Fiction piece

So …um… it’s been a while. My bad. I didn’t mean to be gone so long it just .. kinda happened. Not cause I was off having fun mind you more cause I was well tired of a computer. Like physical act of looking at a screen or touching a keyboard made me want to vomit, which is not good for computer devices. I think I’m better now … we’ll see if I get through this post sans vomit. Wow this post is going so well if anyone is still reading…thank you I promise it will get better.

I’ve been rattling around in my head a story that I started a few weeks ago after a dream (see post “Dreams, Music,and the Royal family … a fun combination …” I keep wondering what would have happened next had I not been woken up by my evil alarm clock. However every time I start to write it I feel … odd. I don’t know Shannon or Ryan and I certainly don't know any of the Royal family, heck I've never even shown a big interest in the comings and goings of the Royal family. It seems weird to be writing about “real” people. I’ve always felt weird about “fan fiction” cause it implies I know more about these people than I do. It’s one thing when I’m writing about characters I’ve created and can literally do anything I want with them, but these are real people, with real feelings, who might one day find this post and either hate me or love me, and since I love them so much the idea of their “hate” makes me sad and gives me writer’s block.

So … Shannon, Ryan, Harry, Katherine, all of you mentioned below, please forgive me but I have to get this out of my head so I can once again think like a semi normal person, what’s sad is I see this as a four part piece, however before I get ahead of myself let’s see how this one goes before I start talking about a third one let alone a forth one.

The sequel to Dreams, Music, and the Royal family … a fun combination …

"Connections"

Prince Phillip walked into the sitting room at Bukcingham Palace and is surprised to find Prince Harry with his back to him. “Oh Harry so good to see you!” Harry continues to stare ahead unresponsive. “Harry?” It’s very unlike the Prince to completely ignore someone. As Phillip gets closer he notices that Harry is wearing headphones and holding his electronic device that Phillip notices Harry spends a lot of time with. He sits in a nearby chair and once again addresses the Prince. No response. Playfully Phillip kicks out at the chair then laughs as Harry almost falls out of it.

“You scared me sir!” Harry yells across the room, louder than he would have if his ear buds would be at a normal volume.

“I wouldn’t have if you’d take those blasted things out of your ears!” Phillip replies pointing to the side of his head. "I swear you'll go deaf!"

“My bad, I was watching a video. I’m waiting on Will. Since George came along the always punctual one is always late!” then he grins to himself, “Who knew I’d turn out to be the reliable one around here.”

Phillip grins, “What were you listening to?” Knowing better than to remind the young Prince how many times William sat in the same chair far less patient waiting on Harry.

“Oh, Haley and Michaels posted another video online. This time it’s a cover of a song called “You’ve Got a Friend” I can’t get their voice out of my head. They blend perfectly together.”

“Ah yes I too like to listen to the album that Katherine bought me, Lights is my personal favorite.” Then he looks over to the door to see if anyone was listening, “have you called them yet?”

Harry sighs and slumps down in the chair, “No, I’m not sure what to say. We haven’t really finalized anything for the benefit yet, like dates or anything, so what do I say, ‘hey guys I love your music want to commit to a benefit happening sometime possibly in London, but we aren’t sure when, where, or how yet.!?’ That seems amateurish. I would like to have more details for them so it doesn’t come off as one of their friends playing a trick on them.”

William started to walk into the room, Phillip stood up patted Harry on the shoulder, “Then get to work!” and walked out the way William came in.

William took the seat left by Phillip, “What was that about?”

Harry looked up, “oh nothing we were talking about the benefit”

Looking at his tablet, “Still haven’t figured out how to call them yet huh?! Pathetic.” As he stood up to leave for their charity engagement, “Let’s go we’ll be late!”

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That afternoon Harry and William arrive back at the Palace to get ready for an early dinner engagement. As they started up the stairs to change they heard the squeal of a young voice and a tired mommy, “George get back here!” Harry smiled as William took the stairs three at a time.

Harry rounded the corner to see a disheveled Kate standing over George keeping William at bay. “No he’s going to listen to me, now George get up and come back to your room, NOW!” seeing he was beaten George sat up, looked towards his father who shook his head and then saw Harry. “HARRY!”

“No not Harry, you can’t play with Harry until you go to your room and pick up your toys and get ready for dinner! Now go!”

“Sorry buddy” Harry waved “see you soon!” as he turned his back on this and headed to get ready. He saw Kate send him a grateful smile as he turned to walk away. Some days I’m glad I’ve not done that yet, he thinks as he unlocks his room, then thinks of George falling asleep in his lap after a book and remembers it isn’t always bad.

That evening before the state dinner hosted by the Queen, Harry finds himself standing with Kate as they waited in the receiving room waiting on the Queen and Phillip to arrive, “William says you still haven’t contacted Haley and Michaels. It’s not like you to be shy!” Kate turns to look her brother-in-law in the eyes, “What’s up?!”

“Details Duchess…details.” He watches her squirm a little at the use of her formal title, one she’s never quite gotten used to. “It’s difficult to sign a group to a commitment when frankly there’s nothing to commit to yet. As chairs of this event I was hoping we could tentatively come up with a date tonight.”

She stood there for a moment thinking as William called her over to meet someone, she nodded to him and walked away. Harry was struck by how much his Sister-in-Law and brother had grown into quite the picture of a Royal Couple. She supported him when necessary, but could also hold her own in any room. Mom would have been proud he thought and not for the first time.

That evening at dinner Harry makes a point of sitting next to Kate. Typically at a dinner like this they all divide and conquer the room so each guest gets what Harry calls the “Royal treatment” but tonight he’s got business to discuss with Kate.

As the first course is sat in front of them and the chatter around the table picks up, Kate turns to Harry, “May, I’m thinking May before it gets too hot or the weather starts turning on us. Obviously not this May, because that’s just crazy as I'm not going to be able to help much with the new baby coming, but next May. That gives us a year to really promote the benefit, get some sponsors, and sign up as many artist as we can. I think we need to include people on the stage as well as people around the grounds, like painters. Some of the kids that we meet on a daily basis can be showcased and really make it about the children who will be helped by this benefit. I also think that the stage should be shared with amateur artist as well as established artist and every group in between. A mixture will get a variety of people on board and interested.” She paused as she ate her salad. “Harry?” after he said nothing.

He was just starring at her, “May….yeah ok.”

“Now call them get them as the first group signed to the benefit I can’t imagine they will tell you no.” He doesn’t respond, “Harry…you do know how to contact them right?”

He looks at her shrugs his shoulder, “Not really” wishing that he didn’t blush so easily.

Kate pulls out her phone, under the table, pulls up their website and sends it to Harry as a text that says “start here silly!” Then goes back to enjoying her dinner and talking to the guest to her other side.

The next day Harry started with the “contact us” portion of the website and started typing up the e-mail. It was a short e-mail for the time he spent on it. He wanted it to be right, not too creepy but also not very fanish.  He wanted to sound professional. He read it one last time and hit send feeling that a weight was lifted from his shoulders, as Kate said he’s not usually this uptight about things. He heard the now familiar squeal from down the hall and went to play with his nephew the one person who never turns him down.

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So there it is, this one took on a life of it’s own and ended up being different than what was in my head when I started writing but decided to run with it and let the words fall where they will.

BTW that song mentioned by Harry that Haley and Michaels posted , "You’ve got a friend" is real and can be found on their Facebook page it's fantastic. 

 

Haley and Michaels Facebook Page

 

Check em out guys this group is ah-mazing! :D

Marcy

Dreams, Music, and the Royal family … a fun combination …

Normal people dream about their crushes, or put themselves into their favorite movies, books etc., or even people in their lives me… I dream about songs, music, musicians. One time I dreamed that I was at Justin Timberlake’s BBQ and ended up tearing up his potato salad machine, maybe I’ll share that with you one day it was a good one. Last night I had a dream about a new song “We’ll Always Have Mexico” that’s infected my brain by a country band called Haley and Michaels. An adorable couple from California with a unique sound. Get their EP here or via Itunes it’s one of my favorites of 2014.

Anyway here’s my dream … with a royal twist!

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Harry dragged Kate into the room and said “Come on we can do this we just have to prove it to her!” “She’s never going to let us” she says as she follows him into the room. He sits her down in a chair then takes the chair next to her and they look ahead. The Queen is sitting there, as the Queen does all prim and proper. “Go ahead.”

Harry looks at Kate, she looks back and he starts singing ….

Hey nice to see you, how are you doin'
Wow, how long has it been

Kate takes a breath and joins him …

Last time I saw you you were leavin' for Boston
Thought I would never see you again

Harry continues…
But here I am seein' your face
And it's all comin' back
Like it was just yesterday

The two of them harmonize starting to get lost in the song …
And that song played
La da da da, la da da da
Remember that night on the beach
You laid next to me
La da da da, la da da da
Countin' stars and feelin' so free
You said to me
If this is as far as we go
We'll always have Mexico

At this point both Kate and Harry have forgotten that other people are in the room, they are completely focused on each other and the song. Then Kate remembers the next verse, the one she’s been worried about since Harry suggested this crazy idea, and gets a little nervous but plows ahead.

Do you remember drinkin' so much tequila
You fell off your seat at the bar

The Queen gave a disapproving grunt causing Kate to cringe afraid they’ve upset her, and Harry touches her arm continuing the song. . . .

Later that evenin' we danced in the moonlight
And you fell asleep in my arms

Harry keeps Kate’s gaze as they fall back into the song starring at one another…
We had one hell of a week
I still think about you
Do you think about me

Singin' la da da da, la da da da
Remember that water so blue
Me kissin' you
La da da da, la da da
Oh, the lovin'
Havin' nothin' to do
I said to you
If this is as far as we go
We'll always have Mexico

Now it was Harry’s turn to blush as he thinks about all the press associated with what his sister-in-law wears.
La da da da, la da da da
You look so good in that dress

After listening from the hallway, William walks into the doorway with a grin on his face. He’s staying back so as to not mess up their performance, but he loves the playfulness in his wife’s voice and enjoys seeing her smiling as she starts to sing the last of the song. Her favorite part.

La da da da, la da da da
I know you got a plane to catch So I guess this is as far as we go
But we'll always have Mexico

William starts clapping from the doorway of the room and Prince Phillip sitting next to the Queen joins him. It jolts Harry and Kate back to reality. Kate blushes, and Harry turns to his grandmother, “Can we do it at the benefit? Please?”

The Queen looks to them, “When did this happen?”

Harry laughs, “It's didn't, it’s a band in the States. Kate heard the song on the radio last time she and Will were there and she sent it to me. We love it and think it’s a fantastic song! It will play well at the benefit.”

Kate isn’t breathing cause she’s afraid the Queen is upset with them, it’s so hard to tell from just looking at her, even after all these years. She thinks to herself, did I just cuss in front of her …oh bloody hell....I did. She looks over her shoulder to William who is beaming at her. He nods at her and mouths, ‘breathe its ok’.

The Queen looks at Kate, “Are you comfortable with what the song … implies?”

Kate looks to Harry and back, “People make assumptions about me all the time, this will just be another one that’s not true. It would definitely give the benefit some "attention." If you are worried about it we can get the American band and have them sing it. It’s a beautiful song and Harry's right it would play well at the show.” She takes it as a compliment that the Queen thinks it could be a real story. She never dreamed when she sent the song to Harry he'd suggest the two of them sing it as a duet tho she has enjoyed practicing it with him.

The Queen replied, “Who is the band?”

Kate takes out her phone, “They are called Haley and Michaels, a cute couple who recently released an EP of the same name. This song is on that album. William and I heard them playing in the car and I hummed it for several days. William bought it for me and thought it would be fun for the benefit so we sent it to Harry. The duet was Harry’s idea.” She hands her phone to the Queen, realizing she kind of threw her brother-in-law under the bus.

The Queen is looking at the cover of the EP on Kate’s phone when Prince Phillip leans over, “She’s beautiful, I’d like to meet her.” Both Harry and Kate exchange glances and waited.

The Queen says, "ok they will sing it, get them to the benefit.” She starts walking away then turns back, “Harry … stay out of Mexico.” Then leaves the room. Prince Phillip leans into Kate, “Buy me a copy of that album please.” Then he pats her on the shoulder and walks out after his wife humming La da da da, la da da da.

Harry looks crestfallen and Kate turns to him, “What’s wrong? You were right she liked the song!”

“I wanted to sing it!”

Kate walks over to William and turns back, “maybe if you ask nicely they’ll let you sing backup!” then her and William leave the room laughing.

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Then I woke up ... well truthfully my alarm went off….. I would have loved to see the rest of this dream. It made me happy to think that this band would get this much attention from Kate and it made me smile to have the two of them bonding over this song, cause in my head that’s the kind of relationship they have.

It’s a really great song and I highly recommend this EP, this song, the record and more important this band. They are an adorable couple who are also insanely talented. Here’s a few others from this group….

 

This is their version of 500 Miles which you may have heard on the radio ... I heard it on the way home from work one day, fell in love with it and rushed home to look them up.

 

 

 

This is another song on the EP Just Another Love Song, which is the song that took me from "fan" to "super fan"

 

Dream big, listen to music, and have a great weekend guys!

Marcy