You'll Never Stand Alone

Chapter 1

October 1985

The wind, swooned against the thick air, mixing in with the rainy, muggy New York night. Despite the rather unpleasant weather, the streets of NYC were bustling as usual. Patrons were walking to and fro to their destinations, minding their business as they usually did.

This particular night, the streets of 119th avenue were abuzz with the rich and famous as they all made their way into Javits Center for the annual fundraising event dedicated to fighting cancer. The benefit included an array of who's who, who either were there to make a presence, mingle and donate, or to donate, mingle and perform. It also made good press for celebrities who were trying shed some positivity on their image.

30-year-old newcomer Kevin Costner stood in the doorway upon entering the gala. He tugged on his neatly fitted tuxedo, which hugged and elongated his handsome 6" 1' frame. He nervously ran his hands through his sandy blond hair, not knowing what to expect out of the evening. He was the "new kid" of Hollywood, so to speak, just making his breakthrough in a number of successful movies, including Silverado. He didn't know exactly what to make from the Hollyweird scene, feeling as though he didn't exactly fit in with everyone and the expected behaviors that came along with it. Kevin's publicist booked him for the event, suggesting that this would gain him positive recognition and good press early in his career. He was just grateful to finally get the recognition that he felt that he deserved in his recent films. At last, Kevin felt as if his hard work had begun to pay off.

He stepped into the scene and surveyed his surroundings. A number of actors, philanthropists, models and some musicians sprinkled themselves about the grand room. Mostly talking among themselves, they tasted wine, sampled h'orderves, and watched as famous acts performed a set on the stage that was set in the front. Politely nodding to a few familiar faces, he made his way over to the bar and ordered a Gin N' Tonic to calm his nerves. It's gonna be a long night he thought to himself. It seemed that everyone had brought a date. Although married, Kevin told his wife Katie that he would go alone. The constant press and red carpet appearances had taken a toll on her and she didn't put up a fight to tag along. Besides, it was nice to be without Katie complaining and nagging about every single thing. After a decade of being married to her, Kevin was starting to notice a lot of things that seemed to get under his skin. "Hey Kevin, my man!" Kevin turned around to see his pal Billy Crystal come up to him. "How's it going?" he asked as they shook hands. "Man, it's great, I can't complain." Kevin remarked, trying to play it cool. "Come on over here, Danny Glover and a few others are standing over in the corner." Billy told him. Kevin nodded as he took as he took a sip of his drink and followed him over to the group of seasoned actors.

After some subtle conversation and a couple of drinks later, Kevin was fully relaxed into the scene. He had humbly settled in with his new peers and cracked a few jokes that got the ball rolling. He promised himself that he would never pretend to be someone that he truly was not. Deep down, he knew that he was a just a regular guy, who liked simple things. In his brief time as a star in Hollywood, he was not impressed with all of the glitz and glamour that it offered. Looking into the stage, he had grown tired with the simple singers and bands that were being showcased. I could do a better job than this slowfest he thought. A thorough music lover and recreational musician, Kevin could spot out good musical talent on an instant. If he wasn't in love with the art of acting, he could have easily seen himself as a A&R or a manager on a music label. I guess you can't expect much from an event like this,

The MC came to the stage and surveyed. "I hope everyone is having a great time! Once again, give it up for the Parison band ladies and gentlemen" Polite applause filled up the room for the mediocre act. The MC cleared his throat. "Well, ladies in gentlemen, I must say that we are in for a treat from our next act. This beautiful young lady is on the cusp a hugely successful album! Her number third number single, is quickly topping the charts. With a voice like an angel and charm like a flower, I'm pleased to introduce Ms. Whitney Houston to the stage!" Everyone immediately turned towards the stage to survey the talent. Moments later, a beautiful Black girl with dark almond skin emerged on stage. Tall, willowy, but shapely and donning a blue off the shoulder gown, she gracefully took the microphone and gave a shy, but beautiful smile. Her hair fell into asymmetrical curls that framed her oval shaped face. Damn, she's beautiful! Kevin couldn't help but admire to himself. Her name sounded familiar. He was sure that he had heard her on the radio.

"How's everybody doing tonight?" she asked. Everyone clapped or answered "great", "good" or "fine". The notes of an upbeat tune started and she danced around to engage the crowd, who immediately drew themselves in for the first time that night. "There's a boy, I know, he's the one I dream of." She effortlessly belted into the microphone. "Looks into my eyes, takes me to the clouds above. Oh I lose control, can't seem to get enough uh huh. When I wake from dreaming, tell me is it really love? Ooohhh, How will I know? How Will I Knooooow? How will I knooowww?? How Will I Knooooooowwww?" Kevin felt himself more impressed than his intrigued peers, setting his drink down and walking a bit closer to the stage. Of course, he knew who this young woman was. She was practically on every radio station. The first time he heard her, he told his wife." Man, this White girl has soul! I've got to meet the genius behind the pop singing talent." Now he realized that she was indeed a beautiful Black girl, he was blowing the roof off the place and livening up the previously boring party. She has to be from church he commented to himself. Growing up in the Baptist church, he was familiar with the soulful, loose sound that came from singing God's praises.

After the fun song had ended, a thunderous applause roared across the room, with a few people actually yelling "Encore!" Whitney graciously smiled. "Oh gosh. I thank you all so much." She looked back at her band and nodded her head for approval. "I think I can squeeze one more in for you all". The band slowed it down as she closed her eyes and began to croon into the microphone. "A few stolen moments, is all that we share. You've got your family, and they need ya there. Though I try to resist, being last on your list. But no other man's gonna do. So I'm Saving all my love for yoooouuuu." Kevin felt his own self, closing his eyes, rocking with the magnificent voice that was displayed in front of him. He had not heard a live voice as pure, yet powerful as Whitney Houston and it was quite refreshing. After the song finished, Kevin joined in the crowd's thunderous applause. As Whitney took a gracious bow and blew a few kisses, he felt like he had to introduce himself to her and at least let her know that she had an instant fan in him.

As she walked off stage, Kevin found himself walking towards her direction. Whitney immediately was greeted by admirers and was a bit taken aback by it all as she signed autographs and took pictures. Kevin didn't want to bombard her like the rest, so he waited off to the side until the crowds died down. After about 20 minutes, he walked back into her direction. Not looking where he was going, he smacked himself right unto Whitney Houston herself. "Oww! Shhhhiiii..." Whitney said, trying hard not to curse aloud. "I'm so sorry." Kevin said looking down at her and assessing for any damages. She's even more beautiful up close "Are you okay?" "I'm fine" Whitney said as she straightened herself back up, tugging on her gown. "Are you okay?" Kevin laughed "I am now that you said you're fine." Whitney gave him a deep look before smirking. "And who might you be?" "Kevin. Kevin Costner. I'm kinda the new guy in town as far as the fame and movies go." "New guy, I like it." Whitney retorted. "Aren't you in that movie Silverado? My dad's been raving about that movie for months now." Kevin nodded. "That would be me." "I'll have to tell my dad that I saw you. Usually, he or my mom tag along with me on these events. But tonight, they both decided they needed a break. Honestly, I don't blame" "Yeah I left my wii.... I came solo tonight myself." Why did I not feel the need to tell her that I was married? "Well isn't that nice?" Whitney smiled. They briefly stared at each other before cutting their eyes away. "Well Ms. Houston-" "Please, call me Whitney." Whitney cut him off. "Whitney, I just wanted to tell you how you brought the house down tonight." Whitney shyly chuckled. "Thanks. It was humbling to play at such a venue tonight." Listen, I don't know if you drink or not, but can I get you something from the bar? It's the least I can do after almost running over you." Kevin offered. " I would actually love something to drink" Whitney said right before her publicist came up to her. "Come on Whitney, we've got one more spot to do tonight and you're due in about an hour." The prim and proper lady told her. Whitney looked over at Kevin and shrugged her shoulders helplessly. He was the nicest and realist guy she had met in awhile in the industry and was intrigued to get to know him better. "I guess it won't be tonight though. Showbiz calls." Kevin extended his hand out to her. She graciously took it and he raised it to his lips. "It was a pleasure running into you Whitney. Literally." She laughed. "Likewise. Don't be a stranger. I'm sure we will see each other again."

Kevin waved goodbye as she was whisked away to her limo. He noticed on her way out that a very beautiful and expensive looking bracelet fell on the ground. He ran to pick it up. "Hey Whitney!" he called out. "I believe this is your bracelet!!" But as soon as he yelled out those words, she had disappeared outside and raced away in her limo. He looked down at the bracelet and clasped it into his pockets. He was sure that it probably meant something to her and he would have to find a way to get the glass bracelet back to Cinderella. And it would have to be sometime very soon.