Part 238
The guys hit the stage that night for the first half of the show. Each one hit their marks, did the skits, sang the songs, and did all the right dance steps but it was no where near the show they usually put on. Several times, Howie had to wipe the tears from his eyes as he thought about Sarah. It was usually after he’d gone to where she normally sat in the pits and not seeing her served as a reminder to him of what he’d lost.
As the video of the Boys in the year 2050 played, the guys were in the ‘underworld’ getting ready to go to the small stage at the back of the arena. It was now that Howie began to lose control of his emotions. They were doing ‘How Did I Fall In Love’ during this set and he had no idea how he was going to sing his part. As he stared at Sarah’s picture, tears streamed down his cheeks.
Without warning, Howie punched the wall and growled through clenched teeth, "Why Sarah, damnit?"
Kevin put his arm around Howie as the younger man began to cry in earnest. The others looked on wondering how they’d get through the rest of the show. Their hearts were breaking watching Howie.
Kevin said gently, "Howie, we’re going to be there for you. You’ve go to hold it together just a little longer, bro."
"How in the hell do I hold it together, Kevin? My wife, my angel, my best friend…YOUR best friend…was on that plane. Can you imagine how scared she was? You’ve NEVER seen her truly terrified, Kevin. It’s sickening and that’s the only thing I can see right now. All she ever wanted was to be loved. WE wanted to grow old together, raise our children together. Tell me, how do I go on, Kevin?"
Alex spoke softly, "You’ve still got a part of her, D…Jesse. You need to hold on for her."
That seemed to have a calming affect on Howie as he wiped the tears again. "I know you’re right, Alex…but, Sarah…."
"We understand, Howie," reassured Brian as he put his hand on Howie’s shoulder. "You know, we’re ALL gonna miss her."
"I can’t do the song, guys," said Howie softly.
There was NO question as to what song Howie was referring to. Sarah and Howie had performed ‘How Did I Fall In Love’ numerous times and when he did it in concert, she was always where he could sing it to her.
Kevin looked at the other three for their approval as he said, "We’ll take it out of the play list…and Drowning."
The other three nodded their heads in agreement knowing what the two songs meant to Howie and Sarah. They continued to wonder how they’d get through the show. For that matter, how would they finish the tour?
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Sarah and Raoul arrived at the arena as the 2050 video was playing. Making their way through the backstage area, crew and security were excited to see that they were safe and sound.
Jeff, head of management, bumped into Sarah on her way to Krystal’s dressing room. "You’re here?"
"I just got here. Where’s Howie?"
"In the ‘underworld’. Let Raoul take you to him."
"NO!"
"What? Howie is about to go nuts thinking you’re dead."
"I know. Look, Jeff, I want to do ‘How Did I Fall In Love’ with Howie, surprise him."
"No problem. We’ll get them down there and then come back and get you."
"I need to get a note to Brian so he doesn’t sing. And I need a mic."
"We’ll handle it. Go get ready."
Sarah had never really liked Jeff but right now, she was just thrilled to be back and safe so she gave him a hug. Then she went to Krystal’s dressing room to borrow one of her outfits.