Never Looking Back

Where or When... Or Why

The Teenagers and I are currently backstage at the Dick Clark Show, and we are waiting to perform our version of "Where or When." "I'm glad we were invited to be on the Dick Clark Show again. I wonder what he'll say of our new LP," Herman says. Happily, I respond "I know! Maybe he'll mention something about the Belmonts' version of "Where or When," too." Sherman walks up to me, wraps his arm around my waist, and says "Our version is the best! Joe is singing on it!" I open my mouth to say something, but then, I notice Dion and the other Belmonts appear backstage. Dion looks at me and smirks, while Carlo walks over to Joe and wraps his arms around him. Then, I hear Dick Clark's excited announcer voice exclaim "Here to perform their newest single "Where or When," here are the Belmonts- and joining them are the Teenagers!" The Teenagers, the Belmonts, and I walk onto the stage. Wow, this is sudden. Time for one hell of a collaboration.

"(All)
It seems we stood and talked like this before
We looked at each other
In the same way then
But I can't remember where or when

The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
The smile you are smiling
You were smiling then
But I can't remember where or when

(Joe and Dion)
Some things that happen
For the first time
Seem to be happening again

(All)
And so it seems that we have met before
And laughed before
And loved before
But who knows where or when..."

We finish the song and bow as the crowd gives their loud, appreciative response. Dick Clark re-appears and cheerily exclaims "The Teenagers and the Belmonts, everyone! Now, this was one big collaboration of sorts- Dion, what do you think of this?" Dion grins and says "I liked it, and I honestly think we should do this again." He then looks at the Teenagers and I, and he adds "If the people at Columbia Records and Laurie Records are up to it, we might even consider the possibility of doing a collaboration LP." "Hey, that sounds like a good idea! What do you think of it, Alyssa?" Dick Clark asks. Smiling, I respond "Hey, I'm up to it!" The other Teenagers all nod in agreement, and I smile. Then, Dick Clark exclaims "Alright! Also, make sure to buy the Teenagers' new LP, A New Tune. Once again, give it up for the Belmonts and the Teenagers!"

Once the Teenagers, Belmonts, and I get backstage, we all look at each other. Dion says "Hey, I had fun." We then walk around, and I walk by Joe and Carlo. As I walk by them, I can hear Joe say "Carlo, I want you so much." If I had a drink in my mouth right now, I'd be spitting it out in surprise of what I just heard. Get some, Joe! I then walk back over to Joe and say "Get some, man!" "That's what I'm planning to do, Alyssa," Joe responds, grinning. Oh, Carlo and Joe are too fucking adorable.

Later that night, Sherman and I are downstairs, laying on the couch. We're wrapped up in blankets, and we are watching some cheesily humorous movie. "Hey, Sherman, what are your thoughts on a Belmonts and Teenagers collaboration LP?" I nervously ask. Sherman looks at me and replies "Well, I find the idea to be quite unique. However, while we were on the way back here, we did hear the radio announcer mention rumors of Dion possibly preparing to leave the Belmonts." I nod my head and respond "I know. Honestly, I feel like he's saying it's a collaboration LP when it's actually gonna be a solo LP with us on backing vocals." "Well, whatever it is, it sounds like a good idea," Sherman says. Well, today was quite an interesting day. However, I wanna delve deeper into the reason why Dion wants the Belmonts and the Teenagers to do a collaboration LP.