I wait backstage while I waits for Lizzie's cue for her to come on, when I notice a short auburn haired girl in the audience in the very back. Suddenly the songs I'm about to sing makes me nervous like nothing else.
"Why the long face Josie?"
I turn around to see Mr. Goodfellow standing there in his Klaus costume.
"Oh, I just remembered something."
"You know I've noticed the longing stares between the two of you for years now, but I've also seen you run. Why is that?"
"I guess I just get nervous about talking to her cause when I see her I want to run up and kiss her and beg her to be mine. Why did I just tell you that?"
"Cause you've known me forever, remember?"
"Oh, yeah. Sorry."
"Josie, I am the reason for Landon and Hope breaking up. I have taken over as director since Landon suddenly fell and broke his arm, so I tell you that I will be right here if you need me. Now as the guidance counselor I have two things I am supposed to do. The first is break people apart."
"What's the second?"
"Well, you are about to find out."
I hear Lizzie's cue and I draw in a deep breath before stepping into the light.
"Here I am."
I see Hope in the audience and I watch as her eyes look at me up and down but I focus back onto the task at hand. I go up to Kaleb as he plays Damon ready to sing the final song. The one that when I read it I instantly thought of shining blue eyes and auburn hair with the scent of paint and the woods.
They said Always
They said Forever
But in the end I'm left alone.
I've tried running
But time always finds me
And it will take and take
And what you love is never safe
And everyone you need one day will go
So when you said forever
Any wonder that I ran
But I think I'd rather lose you
Than have never held your hand
I can't see Hope in the audience instead she's behind the curtain where I can see her face twist into a smile. I can't help but smile back, and Kaleb seems to notice since he steps slightly to the side letting both of us have full view of each other. Hope then does something super unexpected she steps out on stage starting to sing the song with me. The audience of students cheer loudly and gasp at Hope and I singing together.
So if forever is just tomorrow
I wanna face it with you by my side
And if our always is just one more day
That's one day more you've changed my life
And I don't wanna love you afraid
Of the day that my heart's bound to break
So if forever is just tomorrow
Then tomorrow I'll love you
Always
At this point Hope and I are face to face and I draw in a huge breath and surge forward pressing my lips onto hers putting everything on the line. There's a louder sound of happiness from the students, but all I can think about is how Hope sets her hand on my cheek. And obviously I'm thinking about how we're kissing in front of the whole school. When I pull away we look into each other's eyes with her hand still on my cheek.
"What about Landon?"
"Well, I just sang to you about how I'll love you always and forever so I think Landon's out of the equation don't you think?"
