Hoops & Harmonies

11.

The lights in the venue dimmed, and a soft murmur of anticipation rippled through the crowd. Monica stood backstage, taking a deep breath as she glanced at herself in the mirror one last time. The familiar rush of pre-show nerves fluttered in her stomach, but tonight, they were accompanied by something else—excitement. Not just for the performance, but because Angel was there, waiting to see her perform for the very first time.

Monica had carefully planned this night. It wasn't just another show; it was a chance to share a part of herself with Angel that she hadn't before. She wanted Angel to see her in her element, to understand a side of her that was intimately tied to her music and her passion. But more than that, Monica wanted to make this night special for Angel—to show her just how much she meant to her.

The stage manager gave her the signal, and with one final breath, Monica stepped out onto the stage. The roar of the crowd was deafening, but her eyes immediately sought out Angel, standing just off to the side, close enough to see everything but far enough to stay out of the spotlight. Angel's smile was bright, full of pride and love, and it gave Monica the strength she needed to step into the center of the stage.

The band struck up the first chords, and Monica's voice floated through the venue, smooth and powerful. She moved through her set with the ease of a seasoned performer, her voice drawing the audience in, making them feel every note, every word. But even as she sang to the crowd, her mind kept drifting to Angel, her presence a steady anchor that kept her grounded.

As the set went on, the mood in the venue shifted, becoming more intimate. The lights softened, casting a warm glow over the stage as the band started playing the opening notes of "Why I Love You So Much."

Monica felt her heart skip a beat as she approached the mic, knowing this was the moment she had been waiting for.
She looked out at the audience, her gaze sweeping over them before looking over at the side of stage where her eyes landed on Angel, who was watching her with adoration. "This next song is special to me," Monica began, her voice soft but steady.

"It's a song about love—the kind of love that makes you feel like you're the luckiest person in the world. And tonight, I'm singing it for someone very special, someone who's shown me that love doesn't care about anything but the heart."

The crowd murmured in appreciation, but Monica's eyes never left Angel's. She saw the subtle shift in Angel's expression, the way her eyes softened, and Monica knew Angel understood that the dedication was for her.

The band continued playing, and Monica poured her heart into the song. Her voice was filled with emotion, every word carrying the depth of her feelings. She sang about the kind of love that transcends everything else, a love that was pure and true. And as she sang, she wasn't just performing for the audience—she was singing directly to Angel, letting her know through every note just how much she meant to her.

By the time the song ended, the crowd was on their feet, applauding and cheering. But Monica's focus was on Angel, who was clapping with tears in her eyes, a look of pure adoration on her face.

Monica bowed to the audience, thanking them for their love and support before turning to leave the stage. But instead of heading back to her dressing room, she made a beeline for Angel. As soon as she stepped off the stage, she rushed into Angel's arms, wrapping her tightly in a hug.

"How did you like the show?" Monica asked breathlessly, her heart still racing from the performance.

Angel pulled back just enough to look into Monica's eyes, her smile wide and genuine. "It was amazing, Mon. You were amazing. I've always known you were talented, but seeing you up there...wow. I'm so proud of you."

Monica felt a wave of relief and joy wash over her, her insecurities melting away in the warmth of Angel's words. "I'm so glad you were here to see it," she said, her voice soft. "It meant so much to me to have you here."

Angel cupped Monica's face in her hands, leaning in to kiss her softly. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world. And that song...thank you. It was beautiful."

Monica smiled, feeling a sense of contentment settle over her. The night had gone perfectly, and more importantly, she had been able to share a piece of her heart with the woman she loved. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Monica knew that this was just the beginning of many more special moments to come.

No longer burdened by doubts or insecurities, Monica was finally able to fully embrace the love she had with Angel—a love that was timeless, unbreakable, and stronger than anything she had ever known.