I told you I was a sap. *sniffle* Lyrics not mine, wish they
were!
I know there's another story out there with the same name, but other
than the use of the lyrics, they're not related. This one's for anyone who's
ever cried in their car while listening to music. *sigh*
Stumbling from his seat in the front of the bus, he made his way quietly toward the lounge area at the rear. Damn, it was dark. He'd been asleep -how many minutes? hours? - lulled into a fitful rest by the steady rhythm of the road. Further sleep this night was was a useless dream and he'd been doing this long enough to know the futility of even trying.
As they alway did, his thoughts turned melancholy. He closed his eyes against the night in a vain attempt to picture her face. It had been too many weeks, too many shows, and the memories eluded him. Rising restlessly to his feet he powered up the stereo, pushing *play* and hoping like hell it wasn't some strange concoction one of his bandmates had left behind.
The soft music filled the air.
"Highway run, into the midnight sun
Wheels go round and round, in my mind"
Perfect. He sighed, his eyes watering. Then again, maybe this was just what he needed, a pity party for one.
"Restless hearts, sleep alone tonight
Sending all my love, along the wire"
God, he missed her. If only he could hear her voice ... touch her hand... This was the terrifying part of being on the road - the distance. There were always the little voices, his insecurities, that told him he was a fool, that she'd never wait for him. His doubts became almost unbearable on nights like this.
"And lovin' a music man ain't always what it's supposed to be
Oh girl, you stand by me I'm forever yours - faithfully"
Reaching for his cell phone in the dark, he dialed the familiar number by touch. Three rings ... four ... At her sleepy answer he was instantly contrite.
Soft exchanges of love and longing, whispers of loneliness, tears of unspoken regrets.
"Through space and time, always another show
Wondering where I am lost without you"
Where are you? she asks and once again, as on so many nights before, he has no answer. On the road ... somewhere, he replies.
I'll be home soon, he promises. Two more days, almost an eternity.
I miss you. I need you. I love you.
Soon, baby, he swears, brushing away yet another stray tear.
"And being apart ain't easy on this love affair
Two strangers learn to fall in love again"
The only thing remotely good about this life was the homecoming, the reunion and the euphoria of holding her once again, feeling her body close to his.
"I get the joy of rediscovering you
Oh girl, you stand by me I'm forever yours - faithfully."
They talked for hours ... each minute bringing them closer to one another.
It's getting light, she whispers, another sunrise, another day closer to being in your arms again.
Go back to sleep, he says, you need your rest. Close your eyes. He begins to sing softly, soothing both their hearts.
Resting the phone by her ear, she smiles. Her hand strays to the soft swell of her abdomen, gently covering the tiny life cradled within. As sleep overcomes her body, her lips curve into a delicate smile.
He's coming home. Your daddy's coming home.
"I'm forever yours, faithfully."
5-2-01