Love Of My Life

We Are The Champions- Apr. 16, 2016

Recommended song- We are the Champions by Queen

April 16, 2016

Benjamin's POV

The group of teenagers were a bundle of nerves, except for Liam, he noted. Liam never got nervous before a performance, he was born to be a performer, he had the talent and charasmatic personality to be a successful musician. Benjamin noted the other members of "No Strings Attached", the name the members of his acoustic guitar club came up with.

Liam was definitely the star in the group, but he was modest, encouraging and friendly with everyone he met.

Tyler had come a long way since the fall with his playing, but his real talent was with singing and songwriting. He was impressed with the deep soul of the 16 year old. Dylan was the jokster of the group but was surprisingly serious and passionate about the guitar. Emma and K.C. preferred the folksy songs and had impressive talent and Scottie rounded out the club with his diverse musical abilities. He could play piano, drums, guitar and harmonica which be often did during performances.

The little band had played quite a few local venues since February and once they got on the stage they were at home and comfortable. It was the waiting behind the stage that caused the nerves.

Benjamin was proud of the group. They were a great group of kids and he was happy that he was part of it. They respected him and humored him with his frequent playing of Queen songs.

Things were going well for Benjamin. The ache in his heart had slightly lessened and he was feeling more like his old self more and more.

His mother and Doris had encouraged him to start dating and he had gone on a few dates with ladies that his friends had fixed him up with. They were nice ladies but he knew after a couple dates that there was no spark or nothing in common except for the friends that set them up.

Jeremy had even encouraged him to set up an online dating profile which he quickly dismissed but lately he thought it wasn't such a bad idea. He would give it more thought he decided.

It was almost time for his band to go on stage so he brought them together for a pep talk. He watched with pride as they walked on stage and took their places.

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Tyler's POV

Tyler has been watching Mr. Myles for a few minutes backstage, reading all of the expressions on his face. He was easy to read and Tyler wondered if he knew that. His face showed pride, amusement, a glimmer of sadness crossed his face, disappointment then back to pride when he looked at the group of teenagers.

Tyler spent a lot of time in class and in the club watching his teachers facial expressions. Within a few minutes his expression could change a dozen times. He could tell when he was nervous because he would bite his lower lip before talking, when he was annoyed he would scrunch his eyebrows, when he was pleased, well that was the best look in the world. His face would light up and the person on the receiving end of it would bask in his silent praise. He knew when he was sad, a fleeting look of pain would cross his face. It would only be there for a quick moment but when Tyler would see it saddened him.

He was curious about him and hoped he was doing ok. Tyler never forgot the image of him crying holding his dying friends hand at the lake and when he hugged him at the hospital. He knew for certain that Mr. Myles did not recognize him.

Mr. Myles was a little happier these days, he looked more restful than he did in the fall. Mr. Myles was especially enthusiastic, when he was with the small group in guitar club, when they would practice or when Mr. Myles would play Queen songs. The club members sometimes teased him about it but they actually all enjoyed it. They all liked and respected the teacher.

They were almost ready to start their set and Mr. Myles called them together to give them words of encouragement.

When Tyler stepped out on stage his nervousness vanished when he saw his family. Debbie with her camera, Peter, Simon, Kevin, Jeff and Shane were all there beaming excitedly at him. They had been to all of his performances and we're his biggest fans. Shane especially bragged to his friends about his "cool" older brother playing guitar and singing on stage. It made him laugh, he certainly wasn't cool, but if Shane thought he was then he was happy.

The school year had been life changing for Tyler. He had an amazing group of friends that he confided in and felt nothing but support from them.

They knew that he didn't live with his family and that his foster family was his family that he loved. He told them that he hoped they would adopt him and how awesome his family was. He told them about his dream to be a lawyer so he could fight for children's rights. He was passionate about it and he and Becka would have lengthy conversations on the matter.

Each of his friends gave him so much comfort and confidence and he couldn't have asked for a better group of friends. They were regulars at his house, which a year ago he never imagined the possibility of friends over because of his embarassment of the situation. He did not had that shame anymore, he was proud to be part of the family. He was valued and appreciated by them.

He never could have imagined that he would sing and play the guitar in front of an audience once let alone as a regular thing. He loved the little band and the members. He was definitely not a strong guitar player but they didn't mind at all, in fact they always took time to help him with difficult parts. They encouraged his singing and it became something he was very proud of.

Their first song was "We are the champions" and the choir teacher helped them with the new arrangements. It was a mellow song, full of emotion. It started with Liam then the girls would join and by the time the second chorus started all six guitars were strumming while Tyler sang main vocals and Scottie sang backup.

I've paid my dues
Time after time
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
But I've come through

We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions of the world

I've taken my bows
And my curtain calls
You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it
I thank you all

But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
And I ain't gonna lose

We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on...

Tyler sang it slow, simply and heartbreakingly. He looked over to Mr. Myles at the last lines and was surprised to see him crying.