Beyond The Sky

54

We play through the song a couple times, just to make sure we have it almost perfect. When I think we have it, I turn to Lance again. "Did you wanna try and record it today?"

He's silent a moment, probably thinking about it. "One take. If it doesn't sound good we can try again tomorrow after we perform for Evynne."

"Good compromise. Okay, one moment..."

I grab my camera and tripod, looking at the area. It's a little cramped...

"Could you push your seat back a little?"

He scoots his seat back closer to the wall. I push mine to equal his chair.

"That's a lot better, thank you."

I find enough space to set the tripod down, and put my camera on top of it. "There we go."

I turn the camera on, and make sure it's facing us and in focus. "I'm going to push the record button..."

"Wait a sec--" Lance starts.

"Huh?" I ask inquisitively. "What's wrong?"
"I just have a general question. Is this just going on one site or a couple?"
"Two at the most."
"Okay. I just don't wanna be everywhere."
"Understandable." I nod. "Are you ready now?"
"Ready."

I push the record button and the 3 second timer starts, beeping every second.

I sit down right before it starts recording. I begin with a small introduction to the video, introducing the both of us and what we're doing. I look to Lance and nod, and he takes a breath. I start playing the song's intro.

A few moments later, the video's complete. "Let's check and see what take number one is like. I hope it turned out okay."

He looks at me and nods as I pop up and push the record button to end the video. "I will have to cut that out when I edit it, but that's not much."

I take the camera off the tripod and take it to where we're sitting. I sit back down and go into the camera menu to start playback. I hit the play button and my voice starts to go through the speakers.

"I sound so different," I complain, "I totally forgot what my voice sounds like on camera."

"That's basically what you sound like to me. No offense, though."

"None taken." The song starts playing in the video.

We both listen closely to it, hoping that there's no mistakes in the initial recording. I'd much rather get this done and over with... and I'm sure Lance does too.

The lyrics begin, with Lance starting it off. Starting off strong. Good.

I continue to listen, Lance right beside me looking over my shoulder, watching too. I look at him and smile. "Sounding good so far."

He smiles back at me. "I look so awkward."

"Don't worry about that. I do too." I laugh quietly.

My verses start up and I listen to the playback a little closer than I did with Lance's. His verses sounded good the whole time through.

I'm just a little worried about the double part. The harmony... I'm worried it didn't turn out.

It sounded fine before the recording. I just worry a bit since it sounds different on camera.

I close my eyes and focus just on my voice. I hum a bit, content.

"And... here's the duet part." I take a deep breath, worried. I listen close to both of our verses.

About a minute later the video ends.

That harmony was perfect. I was so worried it was gonna sound bad...

And it only needed one take. I am so proud of us. I look over at Lance and smile, full of pride.

"We did it, Serena," he says to me, wrapping his right arm around me. I smile a little wider.

"All it needs is a little bit of editing and it'll be ready to upload... and share with the world."

He unwraps his arm and stretches, standing up. "Did you want to start learning the second song, too?"
"If you're up for it," I say, "and you're able to learn two songs without getting the two confused, sure."

"May as well just kill two birds with one stone, right?"
I shrug. "I guess."

I put my camera back where I had it before and sit back down. I switch over to the other song. "This song is a little different than My Favorite Regret," I say, "it's not a duet - but we can turn it into one by swapping verses. I won't require any harmony and this one," I laugh. "But if you wanted to add some I definitely won't stop you."

"That was too complicated for me in the last one..." He pouts.

"Okay, okay, I got it." I laugh a little more. "Let's take a look at the lyrics."
Lance nods. "Beyond the Sky, hm?"

"Yup. I like this one." I smile. "It... Reminds me of..." My voice trails.

"...Arlo?" Lance asks, his voice soft.

"Yeah." My smile weakens. "Anyway..." I pause. "Did you want me to do the first few verses on this?"

"Sure. Can we listen to it first?"

"Of course."