A Twist For Pop

Chapter 10 - First Show of Many

Chapter 10 – First Show of ManyApart from two hours when Michael and I went out for lunch Michael has spent the entire day doing last minute rehearsals but now Michael is backstage getting ready and even from back here we can hear the thunderous applause from the audience as they watch the supporting act. 'Are you nervous' I ask watching as Michael has his make-up applied 'I'm petrified Evie, but I know it will be an amazing show' he smiles reassuringly at me through the mirror to which I return the smile and continue to watch as his make-up is delicately applied.Soon after Michael is dressed all of the band, dancers and vocalists enter the rom and form a circle each holding hands, I remain out of the circle and to one side until Michael notices 'Evie, come on join in' he smiles as I hesitantly join the circle. Everyone bows their head as the director of the tour recites a prayer, then everyone places their hand in the middle of the circle 'here's to an amazing show' Michael announces before we all cheer then part ways as the show is just about to start.'Good luck Michael' I smile, he doesn't say a word he just hauls me into his arms and hugs me tightly then kisses the top of my head before darting away and getting into his starting position in 'the toaster' contraption which propels him through the floor. Although I've seen it hundreds of times before but this is the first time I've seen it with the lighting and effects and even I'm standing with my mouth open.For the next two hours Michael continues to sing and dance with such dedication and ferocity and the audience is right there with him. Everywhere I look from the wings I can see people singing, screaming, dancing and some are fainting due to the heat; but there isn't a single person sitting down not even in the stands, everyone is on their feet.Even after two hours of practically non-stop dancing and singing Michael is still going strong, he gives no indication of being tired but it's now the final song 'Man in the Mirror' and behind me I see the stunt man gearing up and on the stage I can see Michael getting dressed into the same astronaut costume. The stunt man is wheeled onto the stage in a crate where he and Michael secretly switch places and the crate, with Michael inside, is wheeled backstage. Without hesitation Michael leaps out of the crate and darts into his dressing room where he divests of his costume and slips back into his ordinary clothes before coming back into the main area of the wings. The show is still going off as Michael and I leave the building and climb into the car which whisks us away to the hotel.'So, what did you think?' Michael asks when we enter our suite 'the show was amazing, I can't believe how fantastic it was' I enthuse with a grin on my face, I continue to ramble as I walk further into the room throwing my jacket onto the sofa and sitting down. 'What?' I ask when I look up to see Michael smirking at me with his arms folded 'I love it when you ramble, it's so cute' he teases as he makes his way over to me and takes a seat. 'I don't ramble, you asked what I thought and I was just saying' I protest while Michael says nothing, he just continues to smile at me and stare like he's deep in thought. After what seems like an age he finally looks away 'I'm gonna grab a shower, won't be long' and with that he makes his way into the bathroom and I hear him turn on the faucet.While Michael showers I grab my battered diary and begin to write down everything that has happened today...I feel myself being lifted up then seconds later I feel plush cushions beneath me as I'm lowered onto a bed, I flutter my eyes open and I'm met with the sight of Michael wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. His hair is soaking and beads of water drip onto his caramel skin. He rummages in a drawer before finally pulling something out, he gently pulls me into a seated position and discards of my socks and shoes. I snuggle into his chest as he sits beside me holding me up, 'do you want me to get you dressed as well' he jokes, all I do is nod my hair. I'm just that tired that I don't care.He unbuttons my jeans and slips them down my legs then pulls up a pair of sleep shorts, I hear him take a deep breath as he gently unbuttons my blouse before slipping it over my shoulders and quickly pulling a vest top over my head. Once I'm dressed he helps me into bed and I snuggle down as my eyelids give way and I fall into a deep sleep...