Someday, Someway

The Chance

Lorraine Martino smoothed the front of her black, sequined dress as she stepped out of Gabriel Han's car, the cool night air brushing against her skin like a soft whisper. The dim, city lights cast a golden hue over the sidewalk as they approached the small, vibrant theater. The glowing marquee above the entrance read in big, bold letters: "Wheel-Cher: The Best Sitting Ovation Ever!"

Gabriel, ever the gentleman, held the door for her with a smile. His eyes lingered on her just a bit longer than usual, a silent admiration that made Lorraine's chest tighten. For a moment, she managed to push aside the constant background hum of her parents' latest feud, the stress gnawing at her mind. Tonight, it was just her and Gabriel, enjoying something absurdly fun.

"Ready for some Cher magic?" Gabriel asked with a teasing grin, one eyebrow quirked.

"Only if it's the best sitting ovation ever," Lorraine quipped back, trying to match his lightheartedness. But even as she smiled, there was a weight she couldn't shake. She tucked her arm through Gabriel's, her fingers gripping his sleeve a little tighter than usual.

He noticed but didn't press. Instead, he gave her arm a reassuring squeeze, guiding her toward the ticket counter. "I have a feeling we're in for something unforgettable."

Inside the theater, they found their seats toward the middle, close enough to feel the energy of the stage but far enough back to take it all in. The seats were a faded red, the kind that squeaked slightly when you shifted in them. Around them, the audience buzzed with anticipation, soft laughter and conversation filling the space.

Lorraine glanced around the room, catching glimpses of excited faces. Everyone seemed at ease, here for a fun night of campy entertainment. Yet her mind wandered. Krystal and David's voices echoed in her head. Her mother's sharp, cutting remarks. Her father's exhausted sighs. Their arguments had grown louder, more venomous, and Lorraine was constantly caught in the crossfire.

"Everything okay?" Gabriel's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. He was watching her closely, his brow furrowed in concern.

Lorraine forced a smile, turning to face him. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... family stuff, you know?"

Gabriel nodded, his expression softening. "I know it's been tough with your parents. If you want to talk about it, I'm here."

His offer was genuine, his voice low and warm, but Lorraine wasn't ready to unpack it all just yet. Not here. Not tonight. "Thanks, Gabe. I'll be okay. Let's just enjoy the show."

As if on cue, the lights dimmed, and the crowd hushed. A single spotlight appeared on the stage, illuminating a figure slowly rolling out from the wings. The wheelchair glinted under the soft light, and the audience erupted in applause. The performer, a man with long, dark hair styled like Cher's iconic look from the 70s, struck a pose—one hand raised dramatically, the other gripping the armrest of his wheelchair.

"If I could turn back time..." the Cher impersonator crooned, his voice eerily close to the real deal. His hands gestured in fluid, deliberate motions, adding flair and elegance to every note. The audience erupted in laughter and applause, their cheers a mixture of delight and admiration.

Lorraine chuckled softly, her body finally relaxing a little as the performer rolled through a series of costume changes and dramatic renditions of Cher's greatest hits. The absurdity of it all—Wheel-Cher—was exactly what she needed. She glanced at Gabriel, who was fully engrossed, laughing along with the rest of the audience, his eyes sparkling under the stage lights.

"Is it weird that he's better than I thought he'd be?" Gabriel whispered, leaning close so only she could hear.

Lorraine grinned. "He's killing it."