Never Looking Back

Night At The Apollo (part 1)

Holy fuck! Tonight is the night that the Teenagers perform at the famed Apollo Theater! Currently, the Teenagers and I are backstage, making some final preparations before we take the stage. At the moment, the opening act, Jackie Wilson, is singing onstage. As I look at the mirror and ponder over whether to readjust my hair a bit, I place my hand on my four-months-pregnant baby bump. "Alyssa, your baby bump seems to grow a little bit every day," Jimmy says, smiling. Laughing, I respond "I am pregnant with twins, after all! By the time my due date gets here, my baby bump will be bigger than a globe!" My response garners laughter from Sherman, Joe, and Herman. Sherman smiles, saying "I'm so happy. We're performing at the Apollo! Right now, we are standing backstage at the Apollo!" Grinning, Joe exclaims "This has been my biggest dream! I've been crying so many happy tears tonight! Hell, the fact that Columbia is recording tonight's concert for an LP release makes me all the more happy!" "It makes us all happy, Joe. Performing at the Apollo has been a dream for all of us, even Alyssa," Jimmy says, combing his hair a bit. My grin widens, and I say "I know. It makes me so happy that I'm able to experience all these wonderful things with you guys!" Herman laughs a bit before saying "Thanks, Alyssa. Can you believe we're having two LPs- our fourth LP, The Wild Five, and an LP of tonight's concert- being released in a few weeks?" Joe nods and says "I know. We've all come a long way since Frankie was with us. We've had many people come and go, but we all stayed good friends."

There's only a few more minutes until it's time for the Teenagers to take the stage. I'm sitting backstage, and I'm talking to Joe. "Can you believe it, Joe? It's an honor to be singing at the Apollo," I say. Joe nods, responding "I know. This has been one of my lifelong dreams, Alyssa. Now, my dreams are all becoming reality, and I feel so damned happy. You being here makes it so much better." Herman and Sherman nod in agreement. "Alyssa has been with us for a little bit over a year now. I'd have to say she's made our adventures in the world of being famous all the more better, you guys. That is why we all love you, Alyssa. You've made all of us better people," Sherman says, walking over to me. I stand up and reply "Aww, Sherman! That's so sweet! Being with you has made me so-" I'm cut off by Jackie Wilson appearing backstage. He cheerily exclaims "Being the opening act is so fun! They all loved me, but I'm sure they'll be more excited to see you! Good luck out there!" The other Teenagers and I nod in unison. Herman looks at us and says "This is it, guys! We got this! Teenagers, always!" In unison, the other members and I raise our right arms into the air and exclaim "Teenagers, always!" That little catchphrase, "Teenagers, always" that Herman made up speaks volumes. We may almost all be in our early twenties, but we will forever be teenagers at heart!