Fallen - Chapter 009

Chapter Nine:




We walked off the stage and down through the orchestra pit. They played the wedding march as we went up the aisle and out the doors.



As soon as we went out, the flashbulbs began their popping like popcorn.



During the entire photo op, the press were amazing. They were polite and patient. They got some very good photos and then, afterwards, Dave said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the owners, management, and staff of the Ginorocity Hotel, Casino, and resort, I'd like to present the couple with a check for ten million dollars to cover the building of their home. Also, I'd like to present them with the keys to that one of a kind Rolls Royce step up limo.”



I looked over and saw it was indeed a one of a kind. It was as tall as a Suburban and stretched to be nearly thirty feet long. It was white and the windows were tinted gold. It had the bustle back of the older Rolls and the elongated hood



I ran over to Dave and said, “Man!”



He smiled, “You're the one who told me they'd make anything and as soon as I heard it, I knew you needed one. It'll fit in the garage in Kansas City where I'd prefer you make your home. That's why I didn't want you going there so soon.”



I hugged him, and ran over to En. “Let's go look at it!”



We went out and as soon as we exited, the doves flew and everyone threw confetti. The driver opened the door and En waited for me to get in before entering.



The press took photos until we were enclosed within and then, it drove off.



“Hey! Hold up! Where are we going?”



En said, “Babe, he's taking us around so it looks like we left.”



“Oh!”



I leaned over and kissed him. He began crying again and hugged me to him hard.



“I love you!”



“I love you likewise.”



“I'm so happy!”



“I know. I am also.”



“Can I give you our gift early?”



“Our gift?”



“Yeah. They're in the suite.”



“Huh?”



“I spoke with Dave and had them bring up the children from the orphanage. I wasn't sure if they'd allow you in the country, so I had them brought up.”



“Oh! We've got to let Sherry pick also...and Donny.”



We pulled around and when the door was opened, we exited. The press started snapping photos again, but all the got was us crying and walking with our heads down.



When we got back up, Dave looked at me and asked, “What's wrong?”



“He told me what's up in the suite.”



“Not yet! They're not in yet!”



“Oh!”



Anderson Cooper came over and hugged me, “Hey!”



“Hey bud. How are you?!”



“I'm doing great. It's good to see you so....happy...but you're crying.”



“En had the children of the orphanage brought up so we could pick them up here.”



“Really?!”



“Yeah, but they're not in yet.”



“Can I film that?”



“Yeah.”



Dave came over and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, over on the tables are press kits. They've got bios and they've got cds enclosed of the soon to be released music for both of them.”



“Could we ask some questions?” Anderson asked.



I turned to En and he nodded, I said, “Yeah, but please understand we're going to give interviews to those who request them.”



Anderson asked, “How long have you known each other?”



I looked at En and said, “That's not a real fair question. Our families have known each other for a long time. I know it's been at least twenty years.

En and I were acquainted, but weren't close for the past five years. We didn't start dating until earlier this year. We instantly knew it was right and since then, it's been a thing of building our lives so they'd be together without question.”



That answer seemed to satisfy him.



Someone else asked, “Is this the first marriage for both of you?”



I said, “En's first. It's my first, but I was in a long lasting relationship where we lived together, but weren't married. I've had previous relationships which were shorter in duration...none of them led to marriage.”



Someone else asked, “We did checks on you on the internet and couldn't find anything. All the links were down. Google said it was due to your publicity being updated. Will you have those back up?”



“Of course. I know there should be some things on My Space, FaceBook, and Google groups, but I'm not sure what else is there. Are En's down also?”



“Yes.”



I turned to Dave and he came over, “We're updating all the sites to reflect the photos and status of them. They should be back up this afternoon.”



Someone else asked, “We've got a press deadline real soon. Is there a way we in the print media can get a sneak peak of what music you've got?”



Dave looked at me and En. “Would you?”



“It can't be a full performance. I'll perform a few if En agrees.”



En said, “I'll do 'In Your Arms'”



I turned to Anderson. Gather Kleenex because everyone's about to cry.”



“Really?”



“Yeah, they'd be crying if they listened to the cd's, but I guess they want to cry in front of everyone!”

Dave said, “If everyone will go to the theater, we'll do a few songs. Please realize this wasn't expected.”



I went over to the mic and said, “Everyone who wants to come may.”



Dave gave me an alarmed look and I said, “Hey, there's a lot of people standing out there and I'd rather have them saying good things than not.”



He got on his phone and soon, the barricades holding all the fans were released. Everyone went into the theater and we went up on stage.



En and I went over to the mics and said, “What we're doing is a short short set. En is going to perform a song called, 'In Your Arms'. Then, I'm going to perform a few.

Just so the conductor down there knows, we're going to perform, 'Train', 'Cross', 'You Can't', 'Baby', 'Fallen', and then 'Road' to get people laughing. Then, that's it because we've got a luncheon.”



En spoke, “Everyone, the music we're about to sing is new. It's brand new and hasn't even been through all the editing yet.

The story behind this song is Rhette and I were at Rhette's parent's home trying on these clothes. Rhette's sister made a comment about us hugging and I said something like it felt good to be in Rhette's arms.

As you might not know, when Rhette hears a phrase, or word, it inspires a song to happen. The way it happens, Rhette says is like a slot machine having a coin deposited and the words begin spinning until they form up to be a poem. The poem takes shape and a melody is formed whereby the music happens and it's recorded on a telephone.

What happens then, is the band hears it and they arrange the music from what is said. It gets ran through a computer and they get a working sheet of music. They tweak it and it comes back to us as music which we sing.

Here is 'In Your Arms' the slow version because there's also a dance version.”



I said, “If you want, we can perform both?”



He nodded, “Ok, conductor, we're going to do both. I'll sing and Rhette is going to back me up on it.”



The orchestra began and he sang. We paused and then, the dance version began. He sang it again and I backed him up singing harmonies and highs.



When we were finished, the audience really applauded enthusiastically.



I said, “The first song I'm performing is 'Train'. It's really Gladys' song of Midnight Train To Georgia. What happened there, is we had a jam session where a lot of stars came to hear us sing.

It was a dream of mine to perform with her, and she came because a friend of mine by the name of Tina Turner called her to tell her she'd thank herself if she came.

When I saw her, I went over and asked her if we could perform together. She agreed and I told her I wanted to perform this one with her.

As you know, it's one of hers from way back. She was a bit reluctant which I understand, but she agreed and now, we're going to be performing it together and re-releasing it together because she loves how it's done. I hope you enjoy it...even though she's not here right now to assist.



The orchestra began and I went into it singing both her and I's parts. By the end, the applause was huge.



“Thank you. I'm sure she would Thank you also. The next one is 'Cross'. It's a hymn called 'The Old Rugged Cross', but it's revised so it's got a fresh appeal. This is my version, so I hope you understand it's not blamed on anyone else.

What my intention is for the song is giving it a flavor of a rock and roll church which has roots in the churches of the South where an organ is pumping and the choir is more enthusiastic than most. I hope you enjoy it.”



The orchestra went into it and I sang...boy did I sing. By the end, people were on their feet and the applause was a roar.



“Thank you. The next song the next song is different. It's got a video with it. In the video, I'm performing with an actor by the name of Jaymes Darringer.

It was shot a while back, so my hair is a different color. You'll notice one thing about me and that's the fact I change my hair quite a bit. Some days, it might be blond. Some days, it might be black with a blue steak, or tips, or pink, or red. It all varies according to what I feel like doing.

The concept for this was me getting into a relationship...I paused and said...and now, you see I'm married, but what I was saying then, was 'You Can't Do That To Me', but in actuality, I was saying, “You can, if you just make the move! Needless to say, it's a tease.

In the video, it's unique because the style hasn't been done before. It begins with a slide show on the wall of pictures being shown of a couple making out. Then, it draws you in as a voyeur and it gets to where you feel like you're there.

You see when she switches from saying he couldn't do that to her to her body language saying he can. You see him still checking to see if that's what she really wants until, he knows and clothing is removed. Then, it's a make out session which is clean.

The reason I kept clothing on is I realize the target audience is MTV and the teen generation where heavy petting is most likely what's going to happen instead of sex. It's sexy, it's alluring, and it's eroticism. I hope you like it as it's got a stripper beat mixed with pop.

This is 'You Can't Do That To Me'.”



The lights dimmed and the orchestra began. I sang and the video played, by the end, the applause was incredible.



“Thank you, I take it you liked it.” I paused and said, “The next song is personal.

What I've found is I wrote it from a personal point of view about a relationship I had which went bad.

In it, there's a whole lot of hurt because when you are in a bad relationship, you don't want to admit failure, but you've got so much time invested you keep working at it and trying different things but when it's bad, there's not much hope for it because it's not going to get better.

Many people have heard it and they all take it personally. They all feel things from their perspective and most everyone has cried.

Beside you, or around you are Kleenex boxes. You might've put them on the floor, but they were put there for a reason. You will probably need them, so gather some up because the next two songs are going to be that sad.

This is 'Baby, I'm Sorry' for all the times I've said I'm sorry to people.”



The music started and I went into it. As it built up with me using my voice to inflect the hurt, pain, anger, and frustration, I knew it was affecting them.



By the end, I said, “That's 'Baby'. I know there are people feeling emotions, but I'm about to switch gears and give your heart strings a pull in a different direction.



You see, the key to me getting to you in these songs is I've got to feel it. The pain you heard in my voice has to come through, otherwise, they're just words. It's emotional because that's what comes out in my voice.

I realize that last melody was haunting, but this next one has a video which gives you a perspective many of you haven't thought about and that's one of a mother who has a son come home in a body bag.”



I paused and let that sink in.



“The words are powerful. It's her pain. It's her grief and anguish, but it's her making sense of it. The video is patriotic and it's got a message I hope you take with you when you leave here.

I will warn you it's startling how you don't think about things until you are caused to think about them in an unusual manner. Be prepared because I know you're going to cry...I've cried watching this video...and I wrote it.”



I paused and then said, “This song is titled 'Fallen', I hope you like it.”



The lights dimmed and the gun shots sounded. The orchestra played and I watched the video as I sang.

When the first 'Fallen' happened with the gun shot, I heard people's shock register and chills went through me. Then, the sobs started and I heard people whaling as the second verse registered. When the second gun shot sounded, it sounded like a full blown nursery with the amount of crying. I went into the third verse and by the end, when the gunshot sounded and the music trailed off and that eagle soared, I heard people crying, but they were already clapping.



The ovation which happened surprised me. The lights came up and I saw every face had tears and they were all clapping. There were a lot of 'Bravos'.



I said, “Ok, I know it's emotional and I'll tell you whoever she is, she appreciates it. Now, I'm going to make you laugh...so please excuse me when I get into character for this character. You'll understand when it begins. This one is titled, 'One Road for the More'.”



The music began and I staggered, and began hanging on the mic stand and sang. The laughter started and by the end, they were in bedlam.



“As you can see, that song is fun. The reason that song got wrote was I performed 'Baby' in a place called the 'Crab Shack'. By the end, you would've sworn I'd just announced Anheiser Busch had just gone out of business with the way they were crying. Needless to say, everyone was bawling and I had to think of something to make them happy. I went up on stage and that's what resulted.

I think it'll show you I've got a personality, but it also shows I've been there a time or few. I will tell you alcohol nearly ruined my life and I don't drink in excess any longer. Yes, I do drink wine with a meal, but never will I let it get control any more.

To those in the press. If you want to print I'm a lush, I can't stop you, but be prepared for me to sue you into oblivion, and own everything you, your paper, your paper's ownership, and their corporate assets own. I'm not kidding about that, and I've got plenty of lawyers to do it...and plenty of money already to see they don't back off.

I am someone who teaches from example. I'd rather say I did something and teach those out there the effects than to ever just be someone who says, 'Don't drink, it's not good for you'.”



I paused and said, “I'm going to perform another which wasn't intended to be performed. It's not going to be on the first album I release, but the second.



I'm performing it because I want you to see what I mean.



If I told you to 'buckle up', you'd be 'Uh huh, yeah Rhette, I'll do that...uh huh...” and then, you'd go out and get in your car and throw me the bird as you drove off with that belt unfastened.

I will tell you I'm a prime example of someone who drove constantly without a belt. I'll tell you until this song happened, it was something I handled very lax. You'd see twelve thousand pound plates on my truck just because I knew they couldn't give me a ticket for not wearing mine. That's how pro choice I am about that.

Now, with this song coming out, I'll tell you that's changed. It made me think and it really got to me when this video came to be as I thought of the song.

The movie is coming out soon. This is on the soundtrack. It's coincidence the song happened before I knew anything about the movie...but that's called divine intervention. You know it's meant to be when things like that happen.

This one is called, “Can You Live Without Me”. Be prepared to cry.”



The lights dimmed and the video popped up on the screen. The car wreck still too my breath away with it's horrific sight. Then, I began singing.

By the end, when I was telling the child I was going to the light, I heard people bawling.



The lights came up and I said, “It's safe to say, you got it. Now you understand why my concerts will have Kleenex. Once again, it's a heart string pulled in a different direction. It's emotional and probably when you leave my performances, you're going to be spent.

I'll have you laughing, crying, and I'll have you dancing, and in church. You'll be entertained, but in the end, you'll know I feel every bit of it.”



En said, “And that's why I love her. Now, ladies and gentlemen, we've got a familial reception planned. Tonight, we'll be performing a full concert with a lot of stars here and a good number of them performing with Rhette and myself. You're welcome to attend as what isn't taken by the press, and celebrities, will be open to the public.”



He walked over and hugged me, “Come on babe.”



We went back into the dressing room and I said, “Hang on, I'm going to take these jewels off and get into something more comfortable.”



He hugged me and said, “Hon, there's a reason the Van Cleif man isn't here. I bought those for you.”



“What!”



“Hey, I'm a billionaire now. I can afford it and you're beautiful in them.”



“My God! They're expensive as hell!”



“And you're worth every penny spent.”



“Oh jeez!”



He laughed, “And no, you're not getting my checkbook.”



“Well, I'm going to see how fast a billion will be spent on one person.”



“No, I'll have kids to buy for also.”



“You're NOT buying jewels for kids!”



“I didn't say that.”



“Oh jeez. Let me get out of these fucking shoes, they're pinching the shit out of my toes.”



“Really?”



“I need a shoe stretcher. Those black satin ones over there are going to be bad also.”



“Why didn't you get bigger?”



“Because they're my size!”



“If they're pinching, they're too little.”



“No hon, put them on. It's the shoe. They do that because your heel is so up and you're on your tip toes. Everything pushing down and it's like shoving your foot in a funnel.”



“Wear tennis shoes.”



“Uh huh, I'm NOT going to have some Hollywood starlet judge me for being improper!”



“It's you who's suffering. So it's you who is putting yourself through that. Isn't that what you said about the cycle of abuse?”



“Yeah, but sometimes it's got to be.” I smiled, “You don't seem to mind my suffering when you're thinking about all that damned farming you want me to do!”



He smiled, “You really hate it, don't you?!”



“Honey, we've got the money now to never have our kids pick up a snow shovel and have them scoop shit. Other than that, you can now feed with equipment and milk with equipment. There's even a new way of doing that where robots do the work.”



“Uh huh.”



I stepped out of the shoes and got out of the dress.


“Man, you look hot in that girdle thing.”



“Help zip me out of it.”



“Why?”



“Because I'm getting into that other one.”



“Oh!”



My cell phone rang, “Hello?”



“We're waiting!” My Mom's voice said.



“I know, I'm getting changed into something comfortable and then, I'm going to be over there.”



“You're getting out of your clothes?!”



“I've got to cook Mother. I'm not about to cook in that dress!”



“Oh! Ok. I'll tell everyone.”



“I'll get back into everything for the photos, but I'm not about to mess it up.”



“Ok, hurry. Everyone anxious to see you two.”



“Heck, you all just saw us!”



“I know that, but...”



“I know, we're hurrying.”



“We'll be there as soon as I can get out of this blasted girdle and into another one.”



“You're learning they're no fun.”



“No, I've got a fella here who thinks it's fun to run his hands all over me instead of a zipper.”



“You tell him that comes later!”



I laughed, “I am.”



I hung up and said, “Unless you want on my Mom's bad side, you better get that zipper down fella!”



The zipper went down in a flash. “That's all you had to say, beside, I was ready to see you naked.”



“You realize you and I get an abbreviated honeymoon with all the kids coming. Don't you?”



“How many do you want?”



“Honey, I'm leaving that up to you. The moment it's left up to me and I see all those faces, I'm a goner.”



“So am I.”



“Ok, then lets decide on a number and get Sherry and Donny up there to pick also.”



“I like Sherry. I wish they would work out their differences.”



“Honey, I think it's safer for us to concentrate on finding Shelly someone than it is to get them back together. Besides, I think Shirley and Sherry are getting back together.”



“Have I met Shirley?”



“You might've. She was with me earlier. If not, I'll be sure to introduce you.”



“Ok, make sure you tell me she's the one who will be with Sherry.”



“You'll be able to tell. She'll be the one who looks like she belongs with Sherry.”



I got out of the girdle and stepped into the red. “Ok, I need you to zip me.”



“This one is different.”



“Yup, the other has bones and this one doesn't.”



“What's that mean?”



“The plastic things used to be made of whale bones back in the 1800's. They did it to reinforce making everything get stuffed in. It's sort of like putting everything in a vice.”



“Oh”



He zipped me and I went over and got in my pant suit.



“Man, you look good in anything!”



“And you look wonderful in anything also. That's why I stay so damned horned for you.”



He smiled, “Then we're alike because I really want you bad.”



“I know. I promise tonight, but I can't promise when.”



“Why?”



“Because the way it's going to go hon, is we'll do this concert and then, afterwards, it's going to be a meet and greet. We've got to rub elbows with everyone and then, after about an hour, we'll make a getaway and get upstairs to get it on.”



“When are we going to go pick kids?”



“You need to think about something here. We're going to pick kids and then, we're going to have to have a place to live with them. The farm isn't built and the place out in South Carolina only has five bedrooms.

Dave wants me to go to Kansas City to the mansion.”



“What do you think?”



“It's the safest. It's the biggest. And, it's probably the best for now.”



“Why?”



“Besides the Master bedroom, there are six other bedrooms on the second floor. Upstairs on the third floor is where the servant's quarters are and those rooms are just like the second, so there's eight up there.”



“Why seven on the second and eight on the third?”



“Because I took one of the bedrooms on the second and made a big bathroom for the Master bedroom.”



“What's the house like?”



“Huge. It's beautiful and a big mansion. Besides that, there's the basement and the pool. The kids are going to love the pool and I bet you they'll have that house as their favorite because of the pool alone.”



“Why?”



“Because when I designed it, I put a hug hot tub in behind the fountain. In that fountain is a slide into the main pool. The main pool isn't deep. It's three feet deep everywhere.

Off to the side is a kids area. There's a lot of water games and toys. There's a wading pool there and a kid's playland there which is beyond anything I've seen in a restaurant. It's more like what we've got here.”



“Why can't we raise them here?”



“We don't have a suite with that many bedrooms. Our star suites have three bedrooms and lots of steps. Yes, the kids area here is ideal, but it's insane with the amount of space we'd have to haul them from one place to another.”



“We've got more help here.”



“Yes, but I want a 'hands on' normalcy for them.”



“What's that mean?”



“It means I don't want them used to being institutionalized with restaurants, gaming noise, drunks, and complete excess. I want them to be normal with a home they can call theirs and people around them who are there no matter what.”



“Ok”



I was finished dressing, “Are you ready to go?”



“I've been waiting on you.”



“You're going to keep wearing your tux? We're about to be eating Italian and you're in all white. That's the most dangerous thing I've ever seen!”



“Why?”



“Unless you're planning on using a body bib, I wouldn't try it.”



“I'll be ok.”



“Famous last words...but then again, as perfect as you are, you'll probably do it and make my entire ancestry hate you.”



“Do you want me to change? Is that it?”



“You walking in, in white is going to make people smirk and hold their breath. You getting it off where you didn't get any on you will probably get you lots of pats on the back...with hands that have sauce on them...and lots of hugs from people who've got shirts that have sauce on them. I know I'd do it....I know Jilli will do it...and you can pretty much count on my brothers beating us to the...”



He laughed, “I take it you're telling me not to do it.”



“It'd be like walking into an arena wearing red. My family has been told they're bullheaded enough, they'll charge.”



“Ok, I'll change. What do you want me to wear?”



“That little white thong. I know most of my female ancestry would thank me. They'd like to wipe their hands on that.”



He laughed real big. “You're a nut.”



“I thought about having you wear those boxers that state: 'All Loads To The Rear', but I imagine quite a number of my male ancestry would fly out of the closet to follow directions.”



He laughed and shook his head, “You are not right.”



“Nope, but then again, when I made that comment about Dave holding the shotgun, it gave me an idea of having a wedding photo with both of us pregnant, but then again, someone on the mongoloid side has probably had a shotgun wedding and wouldn't see the humor in it.”



He laughed, “Are some of them here?”



“Oh yeah, free food, free booze, free gambling, a free airplane ride, and strange dna..I couldn't keep them away!”



“Is that one here?”



“Which one? The eyebrow they all share? Or the tooth? And whatever you do, don't mention anything about Dogpatch. They'll tell you they were down there and it's gotten too commercial.”



“Really?”



“Yeah, I've even been there.”



“What in the world is Dogpatch?”



“Oh jeez, I'm telling my age here aren't I?”



“Sounds like it.”



“There's a movie called 'Lil Abner'. I bought it and watched it until I realized most of the people in it looked like relatives and Dogpatch was just down the highway at Bagnell Dam.”



“What's Dogpatch?”



“It's a little town on the edge of the dam. There's all sorts of shops there and if it CAN be made of cedar, it's probably there and it's probably got a Made In Malaysia sticker on it. Most of my cedar for my closets came from down there.”



“Really?”



“Yeah, and if you dare ask me what cedar is used for in a closet, I'm getting' out my broom.”



He looked startled, “Why? Does cedar make you have to sweep out your closet?”



“Oh damn! Wear those jeans with the ass out of them.”



“I can't, my Mom is going to be there and I told her I'd get them mended.”



“Ok, I'll mend them with patches which have eyeballs on them. That way, when I'm looking, I'll see someone staring back at me. I might even make them glow in the dark so I can follow you in the dark with you winking at me.”



He smiled, “Ok, I'm wearing these.”



“No...no can do.”



“Why not!”



“Honey, the eyebrow bunch is going to want to know where you got them. I happened to see that store and when they all go home and tell everyone they bought jeans which cost a thousand times more than someone else's and should be able to get a thousand times the wear, they're going to come back when they wear them out to get a refund when they can't get someone as purty as me.”



He smiled, “In your family, they could.”



“Yup, but I dare you to tell Jilli that she and Jackie look alike. It should serve as entertainment.”



“You're wantin' to get me whipped!”



“Nah!”



He laughed and put on the Levis.



“Man, the way your swingin' fella, I gotta get me some of that.”



“It's all yours.”



“Thank God...”



“I do...for you.”



“And I do for you.”



He slipped into his pair of Docs and we went over to the Italiano via the back hallway.



“I can see why you built this now!”



“It's easier to get anywhere without having to go through a casino.”



When we got to the Italiano, we went in via the kitchen. The chef came over and hugged me. “You're on CNN. They just went to comercial because the announcers were crying.”



“Huh?”



“They played your songs!”



“What?”



“That 'Fallen' song before that, the 'Baby' song.”



“Oh hell! Cook everything. Make the brown sauce and mix all the vegetables into it and put it over the meat on top of fettucini.”



“What's wrong?”



“They weren't supposed to play it!”



I went out and instantly, everyone swarmed us. We hugged everyone and as soon as I got to David, I said, “Big problems.”



“What's going on?”



“CNN just played 'Baby' and 'Fallen' everyone in the kitchen, and the announcers were all crying.”



“Huh?”



“Yeah, someone took the promo cd and played the video from it.”



“Oh no!”



“We're going to be hurting without anything to sell.”



“Let me call them and get it yanked.”



“No, get Sal. I'll explain to everyone what the problem is.”



“Ok”



I went over to the mic. “Everyone, if I appear to be busy, please bear with me. CNN just played the video of 'Fallen' without permission. Now, we're probably going to have problems because we don't have anything to sell should someone want it.”



My Mom looked shocked, “They what?!”



“Yeah, we apparently didn't put on there 'Not For Broadcast' and they ran it.”



Dave came over, “Rhette, their phone lines are jammed. Everyone's wanting it.”



“Fuck!”



Mom said, “Rhette Vonn Michaels, that microphone is on!”



“Mother, right now that word applies. Dave just said CNN's switchboard is jammed with people wanting to buy 'Fallen'.”



She looked shocked, “Yes Mother? Did I see the word cross your eyes?”



Jilli busted out laughing, “You are so going to get it. You know she won't cuss in public!”



I heard my Dad laughing.



Mom came over, “What are you going to do?”



“We've got to try doing the best we can. Rightly, I have no clue.”



En came over and said, “I'd put it on the download sites and get it so people can download it on their phones. It'd get some money for it.”



I turned to Dave, “Let's get on that.”



“Ok”



En put his hand upon Dave's arm and said, “In regards to releasing the cd fast, if you release it via Blockbuster, they'll send out everything and have them in stores on Wednesday.”



Dave nodded, “Ok, I'll get Sal to printing some.”



“Dave, release everything except 'Can You'...unless you're ready for that to happen?”



“The movie isn't until Christmas.”



“Oh! By then, I could be a 'has been'.”



“We could release it and garner some interest in the movie.”



“It's up to you. I know that's your business.”



“I'd say go ahead and do it.”



“Then do so. Just to be clear, we're releasing, 'Cross', 'Baby', 'Fallen', 'Can You', and 'You Can't'.”



He said, “You need to get 'One Road' out there for comedy relief.”



“Ok, but we don't have a video.”



En said, “Advertise it with a 'Put Your Video Here' banner to get hits on YouTube. It'll take off because everyone will want to act drunk...even little kids.”



“Ok, but put MetaCafe's link on there also so we get on them.”



En looked at me and asked, “What is that?”



“It's like YouTube. In a way, it's cooler.”



Dave nodded, “I'm getting on it. Is it ok to release them on MTV?”



“Make hourly world premieres. That way, they release one an hour and have to play the others. It'll get more airplay because they'll have to play the others at that time...but you hit all of the music channels at the same time and YOU be sure to put on there the video is coming to them via courtesy of Haxxxll TV.”



He nodded, “Ok, let me go get this done.”



I looked at En, “This sure isn't the way I wanted to do this.”



Sal came over, “How many do you want pressed?”



“In regards to which one?”



“All of them. Do you want to put out albums, or what?”



“Put out a million of the singles and then combine them all for five bucks. The combination one, press five million of them. Can that be considered an album if it's only got five songs upon it?”



“Yeah.”



“Ok, tell them to give you the logo and title the album 'Rhette'. That way, it's telling them I'm considering myself a 'one name' artist.”



He nodded, “We're going to probably have to pay a premium to get this job pressed.”



“Give them a week's complimentary high roller suite at the El Conq if they don't charge the premium. Tell them it's unlimited, but they can NOT cash out chips except if they've played and won them. It's considered a bribe if we don't tell them that.”



“Ok”



He left and I went over to En and hugged him, “Thank you.”



He smiled, “I knew working at a Blockbuster would come in handy some day.”



I dialed Dave, “Yeah Rhette, we're streaming out to the download sites right now. They say the search for 'Fallen' has already loaded their servers.”



“Man! SO, I'm supposing they're liking it!”



“Yeah.”



“Wow...this is surprising me.”



“I'll get off here.”



“Thanks Dave.”



I hung up and walked over to the mic, “Everyone, as you can tell, we're in crisis mode. What I just heard from Dave is the download sites where people can download them for their phones and whatever are taking hard hits for people looking for them on the search portion of their servers. What that means is as soon as they put it on, I'm probably going to be selling a bunch of songs.

It's shocking to me because I know you guys like them, but in the back of my mind, I've been telling myself you guys are just being nice to me. Now I know they're really good.”



I went over and sat down and En came over and squatted next to me, “Baby, that wasn't fair.”



“Hon, when it's your family and friends, they'll tell you you've got a great hair cut and then turn around and wonder what in the hell you did. Now I know people like it. They understand.”



“I understand, but you need to give those who love you more credit.”



“I'm trying.”



He hugged me and my cell phone rang, “Yeah Dave.”



“Rhette, you're not going to believe what I'm about to tell you.”



“Hang on, either I'm pregnant or I'm about to be sick. Here's En.”



I leaned over and put my head down. En said, “Uh huh, oh man! Ok, I'll tell Rhette.”



He hung up and said, “The good news is it's selling. The bad news is the amount of downloads right now is unmeasurable because their numbers per second for downloads only go up to one thousand. They're estimating you're downloading at twenty thousand per second.”



“Oh jeez.”



“Stand up here!”



“If I do, I'm going to pass out.”



“What's wrong?”



“I didn't do this to be famous. I do this as a hobby. Now you're telling me everyone's hearing this frog croaking and praying for me to become a princess. It's not going to happen.”



He chuckled, “Nope, I've got you and I'm not giving you up.”



I kissed him and said, “Tell everyone what's happening. They're probably seeing me have this drama moment and wondering what in the hell I ate and if they should eat lunch.”



He laughed, “Ok”



He went to the mic and said, “Everyone, if you saw Rhette nearly pass out, let me tell you why. Dave just called and he said the one site they've got up so Rhette's songs can be downloaded is being hit hard.

Their counters on the downloads measure up to one thousand downloads a second. It's maxed out. They're estimating the songs are being downloaded at twenty thousand a second because their servers are all being hit hard.”



The excitement instantly in the room was instantly surprise, shock, and everyone started whistling and clapping. Tears stung my eyes and soon, I felt my Mama's hands on my back.



“Babe, it's ok.”



“Mom, It's not ok. I'm doing this as a hobby. Now I'm finding out I'm some sort of mega star and it's not really fair to those who want to get to be stars.”



“No one gets to pick their talent. You've worked for it and yes, I know you've got a low self esteem on it, but be thankful it's something you enjoy doing.”



“What happens if they burn me out on it?”



“They won't. Each night, you think about all the lives you're touching with your words and it'll be like your writing.”



“Oh man, can you imagine the emails I'll have to answer?”



“It's probably not going to be possible.”



“I gotta try. I've always tried answering all my emails.”



My phone rang. “Hello?”



“You're over a million on 'Fallen' and rising. That's a platinum hon.”



“Where are the others?”



“They're climbing off people searching and looking at them.”



“Oh man.”



“I'll be back in there in a moment. We've got you on Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo, and Sprint.”



“Do Time-Warner. They've got AOL.”



“Ok. Are you ready for the shit?”



“What's that?”



“You're getting covers of magazines all over. Ones which aren't even ours are calling in and asking to run our press announcement.”



“Oh man.”



“You're a star.”



“Yeah, that's what I'm realizing.”



He chuckled, “Cheer up!”



“It's something I've got to get used to.”



“I'm on my way back there.”



“Ok”



I hung up and said, “Fallen is over a million and all the rest are climbing.”



“Good!” Mom said smiling.



“He said magazines which aren't even ours are wanting me on their covers.”



Mom looked surprised, “That's good honey!”



“He said for me to get used to being a star.”



My cell phone went into one long continuous ring. I handed it to my Mom. “Answer that, it's the President.”



“President of what?”



“The United States. He's the only one who can make a phone do that.”



“You answer it!”



“Hang on, I want to go up here.”



I went to the mic and said, “Everyone, I need silence.”



The room went quiet and I answered the phone and put it on speaker, “Hello?”



“Please hold for the President of the United States.”



The room went excited and then, everyone shushed everyone else.



His voice came on, “Rhette Michaels?”



“Yes, Mr President.”



“Let me say I just went to the Press Room and found everyone crying. You don't know it, but I thought someone had died. Then, I found out they listened to your song on CNN and it had moved them.

We just got it downloaded on our phones and I'll tell you it's hard listening to a song on my phone when a camera is there to gage my reaction. AND, it's hard listening and crying knowing it's probably going to go out all over the world.

Right after that, I got a phone call from Michelle telling me I had to hear a song while she was trying to keep it together while crying. I told her I'd heard it and then, she said, 'You need to listen to the 'Baby' song.

I did, and then, I cried again.

Then, she told me to listen to the 'Can You Live Without Me' song and I'll tell you it just put me down on the desk of the oval office crying.

Thank goodness she called me back telling me to listen to the 'Road' song because she was laughing hysterically. I did, and I must say the press got me on camera listening to it.

I just downloaded 'The Old Rugged Cross' and was standing up when I began hearing it. When your voice hit me on the first line, I had to sit down. It's beautiful.”



“Thank you.”



“I hear you had this thrust on you from your announcement you just got married.”



“Yes sir.”



“I'd like to Congratulate you. Is it possible we can come out to that show you're putting on tonight?”



“Yes sir. How'd you know we were having a show?”



“I called Oprah to tell her and she said she was out there and was crying listening to the songs. We had a good laugh because I told her about that 'Road' song.”



“Sir, you're completely welcome to come out. We'll get you and Michelle seats.”



“What time?”



“Seven pm Vegas time.”



“We'll be there.”



“Thank you.”



“No, Thank you. May I make a suggestion?”



“Yes sir.”



“Would you put your songs on the Armed Forces Network?”



“I'll get right on it. They might be too busy crying to do much good for a while.”



“That's perfectly ok. They need to know someone gets it and it sharing it with the rest of the world.”



“I'll get right on it.”



“We'll be there.”



“Our security is tight. You might be here about half an hour early.”



“We will. I'll hang up now.”



“Thank you.”



I hung up and said, “I think I'm going to be sick again.”



The room erupted in cheers. My Mom hugged me and said, “You were good on that phone. I was so afraid you'd use that word.”



I chuckled, “I was so nervous I didn't get the thought.”



“And don't you dare do it tonight. You'll have the President on one side of the stage and me with a bottle of Palmolive on the other.”



Dave came over, “Ummm Rhette.”



“Dave, right now, you can't make me more nervous. The President just called and he's going to be here tonight.”



“Huh?”



“Ask everyone, I put him on speaker phone.”



“Oh wow! I was going to tell you 'Fallen' is over five million and all the others just broke a million.”



“Cool! Now, let's go see what's holding up the chef because my ass is hungry.”



He chuckled. En said, “I'm coming back.”



“Ok.”



We went back into the kitchen and I went over to the chef. “How's it coming along.”



“We're almost ready.” He pointed to the television monitor. “CNN is now playing your songs when they get them up.”



“Really?”



I turned to Dave, “Find out who made the decision to put my music on there and get that man a case of Dom sent.

Also, we need it put out on the Armed Forces Network. I promised the President.”



He smiled, “Ok”



He pulled out his phone and En hugged me, “Does this mean we're not going to get tonight?”



“Honey, we're making love if I've got to do it out on stage in front of the President. Mom said I can't use the word, she didn't say I could do it!”



He smiled, “We'll wait. Our kids might be in attendance.”



“Are they here yet?”



Dave nodded. Immediately, I asked, “Where?!”



He pointed up.



I turned on my heel and went out to the mic, “Sherry, Donny and Jim, I need you up here.”



They came up and I said, “I've got a bit of a surprise. You were told we were flying to Brazil on Monday to pick kids.

En was afraid I'd not be able to get into the country, so he and Dave arranged to have them brought to us.

Now, everyone, what I'm going to do is I'm going to have the chef go ahead and begin serving. I hope you aren't offended, but I've got children waiting which need us to go pick them.

If you've thought about adopting, now is the time. I'm not saying anything else, but when we're finished, they will be going back.”



En, Sherry, Jim and Donny, and I started out. Dave came with us. I dialed Anderson. “Hello?”



“This Rhette. Break away with your camera person. Get to the elevator which has the crown on the door. We'll be there in a moment.”



“What's going on?”



“The children are here. We're going up to pick them out.”



“Oh, we'll be right there.”



We walked down the hallway and behind me I heard, “Rhette! Wait!”



I turned, “Mom, this is something we need to do together.”



“No, I spoke with your Dad and he said it would be fine.”



“Huh?”



“We're going to go get one.”



“Ok”



She caught up and we walked to the elevator. The camera man was filming.



“Anderson, this is Jim and Donny. This is Sherry. This is my Mom. And Dave. Of course, this is En.” I said smiling.



He asked, “What are you hoping with the children?”



“Hoping? What does any parent hope when they're expecting? I'm hoping they'll be healthy, bright, and I'm hoping the future will allow them to grow up in a world without too many difficulties.”



En said, “I want children who will take our love and carry it forward.”



“How will you know?”



I said, “I'm not sure. There's no set way to know. It's basicly based upon sight. It's a shame because there's no way to know much more about them.”



En said, “I'm going to sing a little song. I'll know if they're musically inclined by them singing.”



We got on the elevator and I said, “Hang on, I hate to do this, but I've got a song which is coming through. Fuck! It's a sad one!”

The words came and I said, “OK, I hate to to this but it's there. It's a girl and she's sad, angry, and pissed. He's cheated and just got home.”



I began singing and the words for 'You Cheated' came out. Donny and Mom were both crying and Anderson had a tear sliding down his cheek. I reached over and wiped it.



“I'm sorry it was sad, but I have no control over what comes out.”



En hugged me and said, “I know there's no control over it. I've learned to not take anything personally when it comes through.”



Anderson asked, “Is that how it comes?”



“Yeah. We'll now give it to the orchestra leader and he'll get it played before them and probably by tonight, they'll have it ready for me to sing in front of the audience.”



“Really?!”


“They're excellent...a real talented bunch.”



The doors opened and we went out into the hallway. Dave said, “Over here.”



“Man, I'm nervous! I'm excited, but I'm really nervous. This affects people's lives.”



When we went through the door, the noise of kids' voices were overwhelming.



We walked in and instantly, I saw her. Sherry went to a little girl and knelt. Fortunately, she didn't go to the little girl I saw.



I walked over and went down upon bended knee, “Hello.”



She smiled and hugged me. Instantly, the sobs escaped me. The chorus to the old song, “If I Can't Have You” started.



The camera man came around and got a shot of us. He was sniffling and then caught the sound of me singing the song. Instantly, he walked away. He went over to Anderson and handed him the camera. He began crying hard. Anderson put the camera on and began filming.



A little boy around five or six came over and he reached out and touched my hand tentatively. I opened my arms and brought him into the hug also.



He climbed upon my knee put his arms around my neck and that's when he opened up and began crying hard.



I put my arms around him and then stood up. I kept one arm under his bottom and reached out with my hand to the little girl. I walked over to En who was sitting with three singing softly to them.


He looked up at me and asked, “Three boys and two girls?”



“Yes, but there's one over there who is too shy. Let me go get him because he's going to be the one who surprises us. He's got your eyes.”



He turned and motioned. The little boy ran over and nearly bowled him over.



I whispered to En, “That's it.”



“You sure?”



“Yeah, each boy has one to complete him and our girls have someone to be there for them.”



I looked over and saw Mom had three on the sofa with her.



When I turned to look for Jim and Donny, I saw they had six also. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sherry had a little boy and girl.



The door opened and Sam walked in. She smiled at me and walked right over to Dave. She looked and my attention was distracted by Anderson speaking to me.



“You've not stopped crying.”



“I didn't realize how much it'd affect me.”



En said, “Let's go get the paperwork finished.”



“Where?”



We went over to the table where a woman was sitting. En and I sat and my little boy wouldn't let go. My little girl stood beside me.



The woman took one look and began sorting files and laying them out. She began filling out the paperwork and then, moved papers over to us silently. En looked at them and asked, “What do we put?”



“Put the island in New York as our address. We'll put the papers through in New York.”



“Ok”



He handed me the forms and I filled them out trying to hold them around the boy. When I got it finished, I said, “Hon, fill them out like that.”



“It's asking what we want their names to be?”



“Her name is Venus Marie. This little one is going to be Brett Gino.

That little boy there is going to be Eric Robert. That little girl is going to be Victory Catherine with a C. That little boy there is going to be Holden Enriches. And that little boy there is going to be...”



En interrupted me. “I want to name him.”



“Ok”



He said with firm tone. “Rhette Jesus Immanuel. Without those in my life, I'd not know Heaven.”



I know my face crumpled. He patted my arm. “We'll call him RJ.”



“Ok”



I heard Anderson sniffle. He said, “It's hard being impartial when I see the love you two have between you.”



When the paperwork was finished, the woman gave us papers for our records. She said, “You must file these, otherwise it is not legal.”



Brett, whom I was holding said something and En spoke with him. He patted Brett's back and said, “He says he sees visions and knew we were coming. He's been told to not pay attention to the visions.”



“You tell him I SAID he's to let us know what they are and we'll always pay attention to them.”



En spoke to Brett and Brett hugged me tighter. He spoke and then turned to me and said in English, “I love you.”



Instantly I hugged him and said, “Baby, I love you too.”



Instantly, I looked up at Anderson and said, “Get this one because I can't get to my phone.”



“Ok”



The words came out as a lullaby. The children gathered around me as I sang and 'Baby, I love you too' came out.



When it was over, Anderson said, “Man that's good.”



“It's a Blessing just as his visions are and each child's own individuality.”



When the paperwork was folded, we got up and walked over to a sofa.

We waited for everyone to fill their paperwork and then, I told Brett, “I need to go pay the woman.”



He nodded and said something. En said, “He said he's been telling the woman a wealthy benefactor would come and give the orphanage one million dollars for the children and himself.”



I took Brett by the hand and went over, “Ma'am, I know you have a donation policy. Before I even met Brett, he told you I'd be donating one million dollars because he has visions. How he knew what my hand put to the check early this morning, I don't know, but that's what I put on the check.”



She looked surprised. “Use this money to gather needed supplies. How many are in the orphanage down there?”



“These are all we can afford.”



“How many are left?”



“Three.”



“Let me make a call.”



I pulled out my phone. “Hello?”



“Hi Mama Naomi.”



“Oh! Where are you?”



“Are you out here?”



“Yes.”



“Come to the penthouse elevator of Tower three.”



“Ok”



“I need to ask you if you've ever considered adoption.”



“Huh?”



“We've got three children up here who need adopted. You're the first person I thought about.”



“I can't afford to do so.”



“Wrong. En and I are putting money in your account.”



“Why?”



“Because it's the right thing to do.”



“You shouldn't.”



“Honey, I'm not much of a friend if I don't.”



“It takes a lot of money to raise one child let alone three.”



“There's ten million in your account for each child and then, there's ten million in there for yourself.”



“What?”



“Honey, I don't want you to lose your house. You're the only good people there as far as I'm concerned and I need to have someone to do a duet with.”



“Why?”



“Have you heard?”



“Heard what?”



“CNN let out my songs. I have a feeling Anderson here is standing in front of me being owed a case of Dom.”



“Anderson is there?”



“Yeah, looking as hot as ever. If the man filled a pair of Speedos as good as he does in my fantasies, he's packin'.”



She laughed, and Anderson said, “Rhette, we just went to commercial with that one!”



“We're live!”



“Yeah.”



“Why didn't you tell me?!”



“We've been live since we started.”



“You used my language?”



“They bleeped.”



“And thousands of trucker's right now are saying I've got their mouths.”



He laughed, “And millions of women just envisioned me in Speedos.”



I laughed, “Ok.”



“We're back from commercial. They're running.”



“Ok”



I slid the check to the woman and hugged her, “We're taking the last three.”



“Thank you!”



“I've got to go teach my children the first ten words of their futures.”



Anderson asked, “What are those?”



“It's a song. Through music, they find self esteem and through success, they gain the desire to learn more.”



“Really?”



“This little song made it into the books for probably being the song with the least words except for Kumbaiya



I went over and started doing the beat box. And then, went into the sounds of the synthesized horn. When it was time, for the words to happen, I sang, 'Do You Think You're Better Off Alone'...Then, I sang the second line, 'Talk to me, Ooh talk to me'



The kids started singing along. Anderson said, “Brilliant, simply brilliant.”



Brett came over smiling broadly. “Mama!”



He started doing a dance and got the kids to doing the dance.



Anderson started laughing.



I said, “Ok, Brett, let me learn the dance.”



He started doing it and I nodded, “Ok, it's like the old Jackson 5.”



He started singing, “ABC Easy as 123.”



I looked surprised and the kids instantly went into the song. Afterwards, Brett went over to HE (Holden Enriches), Robert, and Rhette.



They went into the song 'Return To Innocence'. Victory and Venus both began singing the female verses.



I smiled at Anderson, “I really didn't know they could do this!”



“I know. I can only explain it that Brett's vision saw them doing it as a family.”



The door bell rang and I went to answer it. Mama Naomi came in. She hugged me, “Hi honey.”



“Hi!”



“Where are they?”



“In here waiting on you.”



“Which ones? I know the ones singing are yours. That little girl looks like you.”



“Over here.”



I went over and knelt, “This is your Mama.”



She hugged them to her and Anderson, “Oh man! You never told me!”



“Honey, she's a friend of mine. Do you announce to the world a friend of yours is coming? No. You invite them and that's that. Just because they're famous doesn't mean anything if they're a real friend.”



“You sure surprised me.”



I said, “Let's let her get to know her kids without a camera in their faces.”



Brett was saying, “Mama, sing with me!”



He went into a beginning of do do, do do dah do. As soon as he sang, 'Pride', I instantly knew it was 'Pride, A Deeper Love' by Martha.



What's funny is I knelt down on one knee and he came over to sit upon my knee with his arms outstretched wide singing the Prides. When the verses were to be sung, I quickly caught on it was supposed to be me singing them.

When it got to the scats, he looked at me and started singing them. I hugged him to me and accompanied him with it.



When it was over, I said, “Anderson, we've got go to get them down and feed them.



I stood up and said, “Everyone, let's go get everyone fed.”



I turned to Anderson. “Come tomorrow and we'll get your interview completed.”



“I don't need any more. This is wonderful.”



“Really?”



“You're more than accommodating.”



“Thank you. Save me some of the video there. I want it to be put in our records so I've got them baby books going.”



“Ok”



Everyone went to the elevator and I said, “My Tribe hold back so everyone can go down as a unit.”



The kids all stay back and En came over, “Babe, Thank you.”



“Thank you. Do you see what Brett's doing?”



“No.”



“When I'm nervous, I use humor. That kid's scared to death and he's using song. It unites people like humor.”



“Really?”



“Yeah.”



Anderson heard me, “I think you're probably right.”



I leaned over and picked Brett up. He hugged me tight and I said, “Babe, you're going to be ok.”



He started sniffling again and in no time, he was off into a full blown cry. Anderson's camera man gave me a look and I began singing,



Welcome To My Truth - Anastacia



Sentimental days in a mystic cloudy haze

of a memory that now feels untrue

I used to feel the skies now I leave the mess behind

painting pictures that I so rue

Pages I've turned are the lessons I've learned



Somebody bring up the lights I want you to see

my life turned around but I'm still living my dream

Whooee Oh, I've hit about a million walls.

Welcome to my truth

I still love

Welcome to my truth

I still love



Tangled in the web with the pain I do forget

That was a time that I've now put to rest

Oh the pages I've turned are the lessons I've learned



Somebody bring up the lights that I want you to see

my life turned around but I'm still living my dream

Whooee Oh, I've hit about a million walls

Welcome to my truth

I still love

Welcome to my truth

I still love



Anderson asked, “Did you just write that?”



“No, another cancer survivor sang it...Anastacia. Her cancer pulled from her the will to perform, but mine gave me the will to get out and be something. It's strange because I identify with all these kids and know how they worried about getting out of the dark side and into the light. Now, I've got a responsibility and purpose other than self. It drives me. There's a need to have permanence and give people a way to know who I am.

En has a legacy. People can look at his videos and his family lineage and see he's got a mark made. Well today, I'm selling millions of songs and it's blowing me away because there's a person inside me who still can't believe people find what I do in the shower...have played and toyed with for years and years as a joke it now making people take notice.

Yes, there are words coming out of me, but it's coming through the voice.”



Anderson said, “For a long time, I've known Rhette. I saw Rhette got through changes and now I'm seeing it come about so it lookes like a butterfly coming out of the cocoon.”



He turned to me, “You seem more settled than I've known you to be, but there's a look in your eyes which is different.”



“In that song, it says I've hit about a million walls. When you're so busy hitting walls that you're walking around 'punch drunk', you sort of stagger even when you're going forward. Now, I've made it through the maze and yeah, my eyes are wild because I'm so used to looking around the next corner hoping there's no next corridor and now, I see a wide open world.

It's different. It's new. It's exciting and what's great is it's as beautiful as a garden, so I need to take time to smell the roses and relish having a family, a man who loves me...really really loves me...and yet, I've got fame. How that happened is just a bit scary because the songs are but rain drops but fame is like being caught in a downpour. Does it feel that way to you?”



En said, “For me, it's like I was in a cavern. Each song I had was an avenue leading me further. Then, when I got to the point where it was darkest, I realized as soon as I rounded the bend and went into the theater to meet Rhette, I was staring at the light at the end of my tunnel.

Rhette's brought me out into the garden and it's refreshing. The air is fresh alive and vibrant.”



Anderson smiled, “I still feel like I'm in it.”



“Find the right person. Make the right choice and it comes to you.”



The elevator stopped and I said, “Ok everyone, we've got to go this way. Hold each other's hands and I'll take you there. Your daddy will take up the rear so none get lost.”



We waved at Anderson and the camera man and then went around the corner into the hallway. We saw Mom and all the rest way up ahead.



As we walked, I looked over at Venus and Victory. Suddenly, it dawned on me my grandma on my Mom's side had named two of her girls with V names. I found it uncanny but when I took the initials of my boys, they were Rheb...or herb. I chuckled thinking of that grove we were going to have to keep them from as teens.



When we got into the dining room, everyone stood up and applauded. Brett the little ham bowed.



En chuckled, “I think he's got more showman in him than you mama!”



“He's certainly made an inroad to fame by singing like he did on Anderson's show.”



Sal came over and knelt down. I said, “Sal.”



The kids all smiled and Sal said, “Uncle Sal.”



“At least you didn't say Godfather!”



He laughed, “You're a bitch!”



Trey and Collin came immediately. Brett ran to them and hugged them. And then, when the others saw it was ok, they went over. I said, “Trey and Collin, they need to eat.”



“Ok”



“Take them to their table with you and we'll get them fed.”



I went to the kitchen and saw the chef. “I need twenty veal cutlet meals with parmesan melted over them. I hope they're tender.”



“They are.”



“Give them smaller helpings of lunch and those with slices of bread.”



He cut the bread and pointed with the knife. “You're real famous.”



“What's the totals? Have they said?”



“Many”



“Did they have us on with the kids?”



“Yes.”



“Great. At least my kids are famous.”



Dave came back, “Rhette, you're infectious, you know that don't you?”



“You're the one who adopted. I didn't tell you to.”



“She's going to raise them with me.”



“You better put a ring on her finger.”



He smiled, “One thing at a time.”



“David! Start with one thing...the engagement ring!”



“Rhette, you're over fifteen million with 'Fallen'. 'Can You' is just over fourteen. 'Baby' is at thirteen. 'Cross is at eight and 'You Can't' is at nine.”



“What's 'Road'?”



“We released it later. CNN played it and the announcers were laughing themselves off the air. When they play it, it goes up another million. It's at five now.”



“So you're telling me I'm at sixty four million sold so far today?”



“You're at sixty four in two hours.”



“Oh jeez.”



The veal cutlets came out and I put them on the bread and got them on saucers. I cut them in quarters and then, we got the meals dished. I put plenty of bread sticks in a basket and then wheeled out a cart to the kids' table.



Mom was there, “Rhette, you've got to meet Liza, Judy, and Cass (as in Elliot of the Mama's and Papa's).”



“Mom, you've got to stop with the names. You're killing me.”



She smiled, “You name yours what you want and I've named mine what I want.”



“Ok, we did.”



“What did you name them?”



“Brett is the show man.”



She hugged me, “Thank you.”



“He was my twin Mama, I had to.”



“What are the others?”



“Holden Enriches. He'll be called He for short. Robert Eric or Re for short. Rhette Jesus Immanual or RJ for short.”



“Please tell my you didn't put Jesus on a kid!”



“En did. He said those names have taught him what Heaven is.”



“Ok, but I think that's a bit much.”



“Name yours what you want. He got one and he did what he...he...he..” I started laughing, “You know when he gets mad, and he says, “Jesus!” he's going to get one of them right!”



She smirked, “That's a bit twisted.”



“My girls are Venus and Victory. Venus is the older.”



“Oh, those are beautiful names.”



“Two Vees like grandma named your sisters.”



“Oh!”



“It didn't hit me until I was walking down the hallway.”



She smiled, “We've got our work cut out for us.”



“It'll be easy. Just you wait.”



“I hope so.”



“I've got to get that schooling thing from that school out in Indiana. It's supposed to be the best.”



“Really?”



“Yeah, what I'll do is we'll raise them so we can get them educated together. They'll pull each other through.

Now, let's go eat.”



We walked over. Mom said, “Thank God En didn't wear that tux. It would've found every speck of sauce in here.”



En smiled, “I wanted to but Rhette gave me 'the look.”



Mom laughed, “I imagine it was accompanied with lots of words.”



“Oh yeah, I believe the words used were that everyone would use me as a napkin.”



Mom said, “Jilli would've.”



“Where's she?”



“They went out. They'll be back in time for pictures. She wanted to get a dress.”



“Let me call her.”



I dialed, “Hello?”



“Hey sis. Go to Frederick's. They've got dresses there. I bought a black one which is amazing and I got a white one which has puffed sleeves.”



“With draw strings?”



“Yeah.”



“Ooh, now I've got to take this thing back! How do you do that!”



“What?”



“I already bought that!”



“Good, we'll dress alike. Did you see the navy satin one in there?”



“Uh huh and you better not tell me you bought it.”



“No, I thought it'd be a bitch to find shoes which matched.”



“Damn, that's two I've got to take back!”



I laughed, “Sis, we'll look on eBay. Maybe we'll find some.”



“I was thinking about going with pale blue.”



“Have you found any?”



“Not yet.”



“If you find some, get a size 11 for me also.”



“Ok”



“We got six, so you're an aunt six times over and a big sister to three little girls.”



“Huh?”



“Liza, Judy, and Daughter Cass.”



“You gotta be kiddin' me.”



“They're gorgeous, but Mom kills me with our names.”



She laughed, “So I'm sisters with Judy and Liza. She finally got her revenge.”



I laughed, “Hey, I got a fictional character. You got real people. I think she favors girls.”



She said, “I would've preferred a fictional character.”



“Heckyl or Jeckyl.”



“Fuck you.”



“Mom, Jilli is using that word!”



“She's above the age to know better.”



“See, I get told she's standing on stage with Palmolive and you get told you should know better...that's favoritism if you ask me.”



“I'll get off here. I see an awesome dress.”



“Try it on. It doesn't fit right in the shoulders.”



“You asshole!”



“We've got the same tastes hon. We really should borrow clothes.”



“Can I borrow your brown suede outfit?”



“Yeah.”



“I love that.”



“I got a bone bustier to go with it. It's got all sorts of bric-a-brac on it.”



“I've got to go back to Frederick's TO MAKE RETURNS!”



“Hey sis, I didn't get that black one like that. If you get that, we can trade off, but if you got that black latex one, I wanna borrow.”



She laughed, “I seriously considered the black latex. I thought it'd be too much for television.”



“Nope, put a satin shirt over it and it's awesome.”



“Ok, that one black satin you've got would be hot.”



“Yeah, you're welcome to borrow.”



“I'll get off here.”



I hung up and Mom said, “She had to take most of it back?”



“Yeah, I already got it.”



Mom smiled, “At least you two have the figures for it.”



We ate and then, I said, “We really need to get the show on the road with the pictures. En and I have to go get dressed.”



We went over to the kids and RJ had his all over himself. He smiled and I said, “Yup kiddo, you're my namesake. You enjoy your food.”



Mom said, “Rhette, you've got to get Wet Ones and keep them in your purse.”



“I guess I gotta start carrying a suitcase for a purse now.”



She smiled, “If you can manage to get everything in that one you carry, show me how.”



“I'll probably end up with one of the black gator valises which looks like a doctor's bag.”



She gave me a Wet One and I wiped RJ off. All the other kids took trips to the bathroom to go get their hands washed with En.



I took RJ in the women's restroom and said, “Venus and Victory, wash your hands after and wipe.”



Me speaking English probably had no use, but I knew it'd take an army of concierge to get us through shopping.



Sam came in and said, “How are you getting along?”



“Ok, I don't know if they understand me, but I'm trying.”



“That's why we went with younger. We're hoping to get the language barrier crossed.”



“Hon, you make that man put a ring on your finger before I put a choke hold on his neck.”



She laughed, “We've talked about it.”



“Here's what a man will do. He'll talk about it until you pull it out and put an indian burn on the thing...THEN, you're a bitch!”



She laughed and my Aunt Ellen came out of the stall smiling broadly. “Rhette, you always brighten my day.”



“Thanks, speaking of brightness, I need to ask you if it's ok if we get Alex out here. I can get him into construction and Tommy will take him in.”



“Really?”



“Yeah.”



She thought for a moment and said, “I'll tell him. He's probably going to need to get out and away from there. Folks don't like him as much as the others.”



“We'll work on getting him accepted out here.”



“He's up in the room.”



“Why?”



“He said he didn't want to.”



“Let me call him. What room is it?”



“57104.”



“Ok.”



I dialed the room, “Hello?”



“Alex, this is Rhette. You can come down.”



“I can't.”



“Why not?”



“I don't have anything to wear.”



“What sizes are you?”



“33 waist and a large shirt.”



“Come down to the theater. I've got some clothes for you down there.”



“Ok”



I went out and carried RJ with me. Venus and Victory followed and I said, “En, I'm going to give my cousin Alex a pair of your pants.”



“Why?”



“He's unable to down because he doesn't have clothes. He's your size, so we'll dress him. I'm willing to bet you he'll still find them tight.”



“Why?”



“His horse cock will probably fill them.”



“Really?”



“Let's just say there's a mule in his family tree.”



“Where are we going?”



“To the theater. We've got to get dressed.”



“Ok, what about the kids?”



“Trey and Collin are going to watch them and take them to the kid center.”



“Ok.”



We went out and I went over to Trey and Collin. “Do you boys want to come with us?”



“Yeah!”



They came along and when we got out front, the crowd was gathered at the entrance. I held the kids back while En went over to sign autographs. My cell rang, “I can't get through.”



“Where are you at?”



“Behind all these people.”



“GO outside and come over to the doors. I'll open them and let you in.”



“Ok”



He went out and soon, I saw him. He walked over to the doors and I opened them. As fast as he was in, I said, “Come on. Let's get the kids in to the hallway.”



I dialed En's phone. “Hello?”



“He's in.”



“Ok”



We walked down the hallway and into the dressing room. Lena smiled, “Are these them?!”



“Yeah.”



“Well, introduce me!”



“Everyone this is Lena.....Lee nah”



I went over to Venus. “Venus she's the older of my girls. Victory is the youngest.



The boys are easy, Brett will tell you who he is. IF you remember the boys initials spell out herb, you've got them. Rhette is the youngest. His nickname is RJ. Then, you've got Brett here. He's the showman of the group.

What we have left are Robert Eric. His nickname is RE. Then, we've got Holden Enriches or HE for short. HE has the golden complexion and En's eyes.”



“You know, you made me remember all of them instantly!”



“These two here are Trey and Collin. Trey is the blond and Collin is the Golden hair one. They are my children's protectors. If anyone bothers them, they're to hit the fob they've got and get on the cell phone. They'll have guards running down on them like you wouldn't imagine.”



“Good!”



I went over to En's clothes and handed them to Alex.


“Go in there and get changed Alex. If they don't fit, give me a yell and we'll find you some others..”



“Ok”





“We're going to take them out into the theater because I've got to come back in and get changed. I need to leave a little imagination because my kids all think I'm Mama.”



“Oh!”



“Yeah, that's going to be a trick, I know.”



She smiled, “You can pull it.”



“I'll be back, have you heard the latest on the numbers?”



“Of people who are going to be in here? I heard it's sold out.”



“No! I meant for recording sales.”



“Huh?”



“I'll be right back.”



I said, “Kids, we need to come out here on the stage. Trey and Collin, make sure they watch out for that edge.”



“Ok”



I went down to the orchestra conductor. “Rhette!”



“Guess what. We're way up there for sales on the recordings.”



“Really?”



“What happened is CNN released 'Fallen' and their phone lines jammed with people wanting it. So, we released it on the download sites.

So far, we're at something like fifteen million for 'Fallen', 'Can You' and 'Baby' are all right behind. Cross was at something like five and 'Road' is low because we didn't release it until nearly an hour later.



Where is your computer monitor?”



“Over here.”



“I've got another one I need to arrange. I've got several more.”



“Your phone is putting them on. Which one are you talking about?”



“'You Cheated'”



He turned around and said, “Are you ready for 'You Cheated'?”



The orchestra got the count and they went into to perfectly. I listened and all the way through, it was amazing.



“That's great. We're going to play it tonight. I want another in that sad segment.”



He nodded.



“I need to see if you can do the music for ABC, 123 by the Jacksons.”



“Sure.”



“How fast can you pull it up?”



“One moment.”



He went over to the monitor and pulled up an arrangement. He said, “If they were ever in Vegas, and played it here, we've got it.”



“Ooh, ok! Let me go up and have my son sing it.”



“Son?!”



“Yeah, we just adopted and this little guy has taught himself English some using songs.”



I went up on the stage and said, “Brett, come over and lead everyone in ABC.” I took the mic stand and put it down. I said, “Ok, we're ready.”



The conductor got the orchestra going and Brett smiled. He went into it and the kids all did their back up.



When they were finished, I asked on the mic, Do you know, 'Do You Think You're Better Off Alone'?”



“One moment.”



I heard “We've got Do Duh Dee Duh and Die'.



Brett smiled real big.



“Try that.”

I went over and got the girls on a mic of their own. The music started and the girls started singing. The boys backed them and soon they were doing their choreography along with it.



They went into 'Mistake Number 2' accapella. Venus' voice was beautiful for being an eight year old, but the boys surprised me.



I looked over and saw Lena standing off to the side with her hands over her mouth clearly surprised.



The conductor said excitedly, “I've got it!” The orchestra went into it with a lot more orchestration than the original had in it.



I stood up with the kids and went into the count with the first trumpet blast. When it got to the three note blasts leading them in, Brett and the girls caught on.



When it was time to sing, I started with helping them. The girls and Brett went into it. The boys looked perplexed. When the 'Talk To Me' happened, Venus had it. She segged perfectly into the 'Do You Think You're Better Off Alone'



Brett went into a break dance down on the end when the trumpet was doing it's highs and the boys went into a leap frog thing.



I looked back over at Lena and saw En standing near me. I went back to him, “Her voice is beautiful.”



“They clearly taught them some English down there.”



“I think it came through the music they heard.”



“Maybe.” He paused and said, “Go get changed.”



“Ok”



I went back with Lena. “My!” she said.



“Honey, I'm so amazed!”



“You! I thought you said they knew no English!”



“They don't! It's like the only English they know is from what they heard on the radio.”



I got out of my clothes and got into the bustier/girdle. And then got on the garter belt. I'd just gotten the chemise over my head when RJ came running in crying. “Mama!”

I picked him up and held him and put my nose into his hair. He quieted and then hugged me tighter.



“Mama needs to get dressed. Sit over here with Lena.” I put him in the chair and then, he looked at his reflection in the mirror and laughed. She ran her fingers through his hair and said, “They need hair cuts.”



“Ok”



I heard the kids go back into 'Do Duh Duh Dee Duh' and said, “They really sing good!”



“You telling me! When I heard them singing that, I had to go see if they were playing a recording!”



I heard RJ's voice singing along and smiled, “Baby, you keep singing like that and you'll never milk a fuckin' cow!”



“Cow!”



Lena laughed. “He knows cow!”



“Moo”



I put on the dress and stepped over to get the back zipped. And heard the piano for 'Mistake Number 2' and sang along.



Lena put the head piece on with all the diamond. RJ said, “OH!”



“Pretty?!”



He smiled and he wanted to grab.



“NO!”



He looked startled and stopped. Lena said, “Here, hold the comb.”



She gave him the comb and he started combing his hair. She asked, “He still in diapers?”



“I think they're pull ups. We need to get some.”



I called the concierge. “Hello?”



“This is Rhette. I need some Pamper pull ups.”



“What size?”



“Let me check.”



I lifted RJ and looked. “I think it says 4. I hope I gave you the right information.”



“How old is he?”



“Almost thirty months.”



“That's probably right. I'll get you some.”



“Thanks. If you can find a diaper bag, and a bottle, I'll need that. I think he's bottle broke, but we're going to need one.”



Brett came in clearly pissed. “MOM!”



“What hon?”



“MOM!”



I turned and he came running over and hugged me. And then, he started crying.



“His Daddy probably broke his heart.” Lena said.



En and the kids came in, “What's got Brett upset?”



“He doesn't want to go to the kids' center. He wants to perform.”



“What do the others want to do?”



“They want to go to the kids' center.”



“Ask him if he'll behave here while we perform?”



En asked him and he nodded and then started crying again.



I said, “Tell him he can stay and we'll see if he behaves. If he doesn't, he'll have to go to the kids' center.”



En told him and Brett's sobs went to sniffles.



I asked 'En, do you think it'd be ok for the kids to perform and then go to the center?'”



“That's making what one wants to do what all of them have to do.”



“Ask them honey!”



En rolled his eyes and asked. The kids nodded and I asked, “Ask Brett if they perform if he will go to the kids' center. He might, or he might want to watch and learn how the stage is. I think he's got the limelight in his veins.”



En asked and promptly got told “NO!” by Brett. En said something and Brett smiled. Then, En said something else and Brett nodded.



“Ok, he doesn't want to go and he's saying he'll behave.”



“Mickey Rooney got a start that young and so did Sammy Davis Jr. Both of them had long careers, so I'm fine with it.”



En smiled, “I think you're right.”



“Did you ask them if they learned their English from a radio? Because I think they had a Fisher Price See N Say thing also which was in English. RJ knows Cow...”



“Moo!”



“And Pig?!”



“Oink!”



“Chicken!”



“Bock Bock”



En said, “You've figured it out.”



“Thank God I own that company so we can get them toys which teach them.”



Lena gave me my shoes. “Try that. I got them better for you.”



I put them on and asked, “What did you do, they feel great?”



If you put rubbing alcohol inside, before you stretch them, they stay stretched better. My ex taught me that with cowboy boots. He had me put a bottle in each after I put them on and I walked around in them. After a few hours of that, they were stretched and had my foot form in them. Now, they're the most comfortable things I own.”



“Interesting! I'll have to remember that!”



En said, “Hon, I need to get dressed.”



“Ok, but the concierge is bringing RJ pull ups and a diaper bag with a bottle. I'm not sure if he's bottle broke or not, but we don't need a cranky kid out in front of the cameras.”



“Ok”



I stood up and said, “I'm going to go practice 'You Cheated'.”



“Ok.”



“Come on kids.”



Everyone went out and I adjusted the mic stand. “Conductor, I'd like to practice 'You Cheated' one time through.”



“One moment.”



When the intro came up, I stood there and went into it. It starts slow and then by the end, I'm a screaming wreck. The highs are high and the words are coming fast and furious at the end.



When I got through, the booth said, “Rhette, I've got that. That's a good one.”



“Thanks.”



Brett was watching me. I smiled and he said something. I shrugged and he went to the dressing room.



En came out, “Rhette, Brett wants to know why you sing like that?”



“Tell him it's a sad song. I have to make it sound like I'm sad.”



He apparently told him and got satisfaction as he came back out.



When En was ready, he came out and said, “Ok, I'm ready.”



“Honey, we've got to get an English program for them, or we've got to get me taught Portugese. I hate not being able to answer their questions.”



“They'll learn soon enough.”



“Then teach me some Portugese.”



“Let me get them taught some English.”



I saw Alex. “You look the babe!”



He smiled, and En said, “Wow!



Alex smiled and I went over, “Do you like?”



“My butt's hanging out.”



“That's the way they're supposed to look.”



“Really? Why?”



“To show you've got a hot ass.”



“My Mom won't let me wear these.”



“Alex, I need to ask if you'd like to move out here and live with Tommy. We can get you a job in construction and you'd do well.”



“Why?”



“Because it'll make you a lot more money than you'd make back home.”



“I don't need much money to live at home.”



“Don't you want a house and your own family some day?”



“Yeah.”



“Then get a job.”



“How much would I make?”



“I'm not sure. We can ask Tommy.”



I dialed Tommy. “Hello?”



“Tom? It's me, Rhette. How much do you make in construction here?”



“About seventy five thousand dollars a year.”



I turned to Alex, “He makes seventy five thousand a year.”



“Who are you telling that?”



“Alex. He's wanting to know.”



“Oh”



“Would it be ok if he stayed with you?”



“Yeah. We've got the apartment above the garage.”



“Would you do me a favor?”



“Yeah.”



“When Patrik comes around, would you introduce them?”



“Why? Is Alex queer?”



“I think he'd plug anything walking.”



“Really?”



“Yeah, where are you?”



“Out in the entrance way.”



“Come over to the door. Alex thinks his mom is going to raise hell with him about the pants he's got on.”



“Why?”



“Because his pants have slits under the cheeks of his ass.”



“He look good?”



“Oh yeah.”



“Really?”



“Really Good...now would you do him that favor?”



“Yeah.”



I said, “Alex, go out that door and to your right. When you get to that door down there, go through it and Tommy will be there. He'll help you tonight.”



“Ok”



En and I hugged Lena and I said, “Where's Robbie?”



“He's out front.”



“Did you two not hit it off?”



“Yeah, we hit it off, but I need to be here and work, not run around.”



“Honey, you've got leave until 5:30. Be back here and we'll prep us for tonight.”



She smiled, “Ok”



I dialed Rob. “Yeah.”



“Lena has leave until 5:30.”



“Good. I'm about to go nuts out here.”



“Why?”



“All these stars. Do you realize who I'm seeing out here?”



“Yeah. I'm about to perform for them. It's interesting isn't it.”



“Whey do they space them out like they do?”



“So people get full milage out of those clothes they wear. They cameras are only for them while they come and then, they get in and get filmed hobnobbing.

Be sure to get plenty to eat. That buffet is going to get thrown away if no one eats it.”



“Can I take some home?”



“Yeah, I'll get you a box back here and the cook told.”



“Ok”



“How much stuff do you want?”



“I'll take everything they're going to throw away. Sheit!”



“You will do that if you eat it all!”



She'll be coming out the door in just a few moments. Are you there?”



“Heading that way.”



“Ok, now what I need you to do is to stick close to Alex because his Mom is going to be all over him with those pants on.”



“Why?”



“The ass is out of them and she'd rather have him up in the room than down here...nevermind they were given an unlimited card to go buy clothes.”



“What?!”



“Yeah, so you tell him to hang onto that card and make sure he likes it enough to stay out here and work construction.”



“How much are you paying him?”



“Tom said he makes seventy five grand a year working it.”



“He's worked it about eight years too. He'll start out about thirty five.”



“What?!”



“That's the way it is Rhette. Those who stay get paid. Those who don't lose out.”



“Ok, I'll work to get him more. I've already told him he'd be making that.”



He laughed, “Don't let everyone know that because it'll get him rode.”



“Maybe we'll make it so he puts that into savings for a house or something.”



“That'd be better.”



“Ok, well, I've got to go get pictures taken. You let me know by whistling loud what you thought at the performance later.”



“Ok”



I hung up and said, “We're ready.”



“You're a good hearted woman.”



I smiled, “In love with a good hearted man.”



He pulled me in and kissed me, “You know, I feel lucky.”



“Well, gambler, I already struck it rich getting your heart.”



He chuckled, “Ready?”



“Oh yeah, I'm looking at the clock on my phone because it's only about seven hours until we make love.”



He smiled, “I can hardly wait.”



“We're not going to wait this long ever again.”



“Thank you.”



We took the kids by the hands and went to the courtyard by way of hidden door. People were surprised to see us suddenly amongst them. Mom hugged me, “You look great.”



“Where's Jilli?”



“Over spoiling her sisters.”



“I guess I gotta get over there. Things will calm down once we're through tonight.”



“Don't count on it. You've got press and publicity.”



“Nope. I do press on the days we work and only those days. I owe Anderson an interview, but he said he had enough.”



“I like him. Did you two ever have anything going?”



“No!”



“You two get along great.”



“He finds it funny I think him sexy. But then again, I say things which take him out of the water on purpose.”



She laughed, “You know you can get by with it.”



“When we're done tonight, I want to shock the crowd. You be prepared.”



“What are you doing?”



“Dressing as a showgirl to announce the marriage of El Conq and the Ginos.”



“You're a nut.”



“It's a part of everyone seeing what they want to see. If they think they see me as a girl in that little costume, they'll swear I'm a girl.”



I walked away and went over to Jilli. “You look the knockout sis.”



“I had to search high and low to find something you hadn't bought already.”



“If we'd go shopping together, it'd be easier.”



“You'd look better than me.”



“Jill, you're the real one. Me, I'm the imposter.”



“Where are your kids?”



“Over by En. RJ is attached to me already.”



“What are their names.”



“Come over and I'll introduce you to them. My God I can't believe I went insane and got six kids.”



“Why?”



“Last Summer with Mike's kids, I swore they were enough to make me want to stay gay. I love 'em, but riding in a truck with them fighting, pissing, and moaning about what they were going to watch on the dvd player was too much. I thought they invented the fuckin' things to stop arguments!”


“Sis, you gotta way with that word.”



“You know I'm liable to stop when one of my kids spouts off with it. And then, it's going to be OOPS time! Sort of like the preacher's kid in the church.”



“What happened?”



“Well first of all, you have to remember I'm older, but that kid was like three years old and he went up and sat on one of the deacon's throne chairs and was pounding his back against the back going 'fuck a fuck a fuck a fuck a fuck a fuck...'

Well, I turned and asked the preacher's wife, 'Do you have a quarter jar for when your kid cusses?' and she said, 'My kid doesn't cuss!' I said, 'If you have a jar, he's up past twenty bucks now.' Well, she looked and you should have saw the look on her face.”



“What'd she do!”



She went up and grabbed the kid and took off to the nursery with him to teach all the other kids creative language skills, I imagine. Needless to say, she didn't care for me too much after that, but I pimped that kid out in prison.”



“What!”



“The little bastard came in with a drug charge and wanted to say I was a fag and burning in hell.

First of all, the kid was pretty and had people fucking him hard. And then, he was dumb, so he got in debt to the store...and thought we weren't going to do anything. I let it ride and I let it ride and finally, when he was up to a hundred and fifty bucks, I went in and slapped the dog fuck out of him and told him I now owned his ass and it was time to pay up or trick.

Needless to say, he chose the harder road.”



“I can't believe you!”



“Honey, don't think because your Mama got something off with me that I'll let you get the same shit off.”



“What she do?”



“The church was the preppy yuppy suburbanite church. If you don't work at the right place making the right wages and live in the right neighborhood driving the right car, you didn't have an in with them.

I had the car, but being a teen, she thought we still lived in town and proudly told someone within earshot of me that I was poor white trash.



I went over and said, “My legs don't spread to get a Caddy. I buy my own. I don't ride an undertaker and say I'm faithful to my hubby and I sure don't give head to the Dentist. So when you want to say I'm trash bitch, make sure I still live in the same neighborhood I grew up in because we now live out past you in the bigger house and own that whole valley.”



“I never liked her. Was she really doing all that?”



“Oh yeah. Her beautician got the goods on her and spilled to me on most of the women she had as clients. What's funny is I didn't believe her on that one and deliberately went to see if she was getting drilled by Doc Ferrell. What's funny is she went in and then they left together and went to Riverview Park.”



“Where you used to park?”



“Not that smart. She went down where that last lookout was so I could watch from the other turn around with binoculars. If she wasn't giving him head, she sure dropped a lot of pennies in his floor board and was picking them up one at a time.”



She laughed, “You're nuts!”



“Hon, I hate deep and hard when someone treats me like shit. Her grievance started with me because that fuck they had as the youth minister went and told her the rumor was I was gay. She used it and got me drummed out of nearly everything except offerin'.”



“Is that why you stopped going there?”



“The old people died out of that church and the yuppanites took over. The heart went out and unless you were giving the church your house, you had nothing coming if you were old.

And YET, when I went to prison, I wrote and asked if they would send me the bulletin they mailed out. I got told I had to be an active member.”



“Ooh.”



“Yup, and yet, they too wanted me to donate when they built the new church. Let me get some money and suddenly, they seem to want to put their hand out and think I won't slap the fuck out of it.”



She laughed, “”You're funny with that word.”



“Let's go meet my kids.”



We went over and I said, “Venus this is your Aunt Jilli.”



Venus smiled and En interpreted. She nodded and said, “Jilli.”



Jilli smiled and said, “Cute kid.”



“Got a voice better than me at that age when it comes to singing.”



En interpreted and Venus smiled huge.



“Our youngest daughter is Victory. She sings real good also. I'm proud of both of their abilities.”



“They're beautiful.”



“Yup. They take after their dad.”



She smiled, “I was thinking they had your looks and our bone structure.”



“En's nose.”



En smiled, “I can't interpret that, they'll think I'm dumb.”



“Just tell her this is her Aunt Jilli.”



“Ok”



I ran over and got RJ who was about to toddle away.



He smiled big and hugged me, “This is RJ. Rhette Jesus Immanuel.”



Jill's eyes got big. “What'd Mom say about the name?”



“I told her En named him and it suddenly got better. What's funny is when En's frustrated and yells 'Jesus!', he'll have one of them right!”



She laughed and En smiled, “If we named one Fuck, we'd have one right for Rhette also.”



“Duck, Quack Quack.”



“Right RJ, duck goes quack quack unless you break it's back and then it's a dead fuckin' duck.”



En said, “Chasing windmills constantly. One of these days, that's going to bite you.”



“Live life and worry about it when it happens. Until then, the duck will tell you to stay off it's back.”



He got a serious look and I said, “Yup, let my Mom preach her own gospel.”



He turned and walked off.



“Pissed him you did!”



“Hon, he can get happy or lay his hand tonight. I'm tired of people stepping on me.”



“Me too.”



“You make it fun. He knows there are things I'm not going to tolerate too far. And him running in and saying that shit isn't going to settle well.”



“You need to try for the kids.”



“Honey, I'm no Mary Poppins. I'm going to be a Mom who is real. If he wants the sort of Mom who will shut up and fly across the room, he needs to realize I'm not into power trips.”



“You seem to have it in your mind that you're not on a power trip of your own.”



“Oops, I gotta mingle. Eat shit sister.”



“Dish a little less and I might. You seem to be giving it when you should be listening.”



“Deal with the disappearing act I'm about to do and realize I'm giving you a clue when you see the double ones I'm holding up.”



I turned, “Venus, Victory, Brett, Holden, Eric, come on.”



I went up to the podium and turned on the mic.



“Listen. If you do NOT like my language, get the fuck out, leave, split, or whatever the hell you do with a broom.

If you are a part of my Mother's rampage to squish me under in regards to my word usage, then please realize my word usage sold nearly sixty four million records today and whether I use the word fuck, is my business, not yours, my Mother's, or anyone else's in my life...it is mine, it's personal, and I'm not about to change me for you, my Mom, or anyone else...namely Enriches.

If that's a power trip, fuck you, leave, get out, and go damned fast. When you leave, realize who has power and who doesn't.

If you think I'm on a mindless rant, fuck you. It seems to be the word pissing people off.

I'm thirty five fucking years old. My press kit says twenty eight, but even if I were twenty eight, I'd still tell you to mind your own fucking business because I'm old enough to know what I want to do and apparently seven years, or double sevens which happens to be the number of letters in fucking...isn't it AMAZING...which is also a seven letter word!”



Dave came up fast, “What's going on?”



“Let's see, my Mom tells me I have no right to say fuck, fucking, or fucked, but that's how I feel being told by her. Then, my other half gets to telling me I need to think of the kids for my word usage.

Does that sound like he's been told something...like, 'speak to Rhette about using the word fuck in front of kids?' And low and behold, my sister gets on a rant when Mr Ego wants to embarrass me by jumping my ass in front of family. Well, sorry, but Mr Ego will die the day I go flying across a room because of the abuse cycle.

So, while I'm on my way to the plane, I figure I'd come up here and front them out. I'll take my kids any fucking place I want and fuck them if they act like they give a fuck...yup, I can sure make it into a noun, adjective, and preposition. Let's see if I can make it a dangling participle!”



Dave went to the mic, “As you can see, Rhette's pissed and has probably more cause than should be said with one word, but it seems to be how he feels, so I'm running with it. Fuck the fuckin' fuck.”



Everyone laughed.



Dave said, “Family, before you run out, I need smiles pasted and you in pictures. If you'd like to run out, then please pay the bill on the way out. So far, it's about ninety million dollars. If you can't dish it out, we'll take payments or pasted on pearly whites in those pictures I'm going to have someone in if I got to prop up dead fucks.”



I took the kids over and stood in front of the rose trellis. Jilli came over, “Sorry sis.”



“Hey, we're family, I'll forgive you a lot faster than someone else.”



“What's that mean?”



“Let's say that dude with the full package over there walked up and told me he didn't like my language and told me I dish sloppy shit sandwiches to him, I'd tell him to get fucked. He'd tell me to do so with the slingin' salami in his pants, and I'd tell him the way it's flopping, either he's still on a three day ride with Cialis, or he's got a sock.

Did I mention the song I've got called 'Stuff it'?”



She laughed, “No.”



“It's a bimbo walking down a hall. One of the things she stuffs her bra with is a guys sock from his pants...probably biff who's only half stiff over there.”



“That's my Producer.”



“If he ever says he's got a hard on for someone tell him it's only half hard and your sis said so.”



She laughed, “He was saying what a babe you are...and how I ought to go blonde. I told him to eat shit.”



“Did I mention we've got a wonderful buffet over there I need to tell them in the back Robbie wants the leftover from?”



She laughed, “What's that mean?”



“Sis, you gotta eat.”



“I eat.”



“Uh huh, I rode with you home and hit every truck stop with a buffet and while I was grazing the carbs, you were nibbling the carrots and a few sprigs of celery.

Then, when we get home, you tore everyone's heart out only eating a nibble when they wanted you to eat a bite. You know they're German sis, they want you to load up on the carbs.”



“I eat.”


“Hey, speaking of eating. Do they give away Subway cards since you're a proud sponsor?”



“No.”



“Jeez, don't get me started on Subway.”



“You don't like them?”



“No, I love them. I mean, they hire about every gay guy on the planet and the way they cut a loaf of stick bread that way, you know it's a trick shot, so maybe they realize gay guys tend to work better with the wrists than straights.”



“Bob loves going in there.”



“Ok, maybe I'm being unfair. Let's say the Subway restaurants in Hannibal, Palmyra, Bluffton, Beaufort, and all points in between happen to have real effeminate sounding guys with lisps working in tight pants and...”



“You gotta stop.” she said laughing.



En came over and stood beside me and smiled, “Wanna talk?”



“Let's see...called your ass out on the fuck word like I give a shit and as far as I can see, you're not roasting in hell and that bastard over there keeps staring at me like I'm the bitch who would be a great cocksucker. The only thing I got from it was I've got to have some variety.”



Jilli started laughing.



I said, “Ok, so I'll throw some variety in it...but here's the rule I'll live by. I'll cuss and make sense. Jilli will attest to the fact our real dad made absolutely no sense when he cussed. I've prided myself on the ability to make sense when I do it...except when I say I slapped the dog fuck out of someone. I mean, have you really seen two dogs fucking? If so, what was it like because I've been told by someone it's not doggy style at all.”



Jilli busted out laughing real loud. “Please stop!”



En smiled, “You're really not see two dogs fucking?”



“No! I mean I saw Lucky try humping about anything that would hold still long enough, but Gypsy. When that happened, Lucky didn't walk right for nearly two weeks. He sort of walked on a diagonal instead of straight.”



Jilli busted out laughing again.



Our kids were looking back at us smiling. The photographer said, “Ok, everyone, we need you to scootch in just a little bith.”



“Oh jeez, please tell me we didn't hire the photographer from a Subway!”



About eight people started laughing.



The photographer rolled his eyes and I said, “The decorator was gay. The photographer is gay. I swear Dave has connections I don't have in the gay underworld.”



People started laughing and the photographer snapped the photo.



I asked, “For the amount of squinted eyes in that photo, we could've went to Maui and gotten a better picture.”



En said, “Honey, you're making everyone laugh!”



“Yup, the goal here not concentrating on the fuck word. Everyone's going to be worried I'm going to see the President and let one fly. I'm sure he thought he was fucked with that Joe the Plumber bastard, but if he thought that was his lucky day, I'm sure I could serve one up.”



Jilli said, “He wants us over here.”



“I'm sure there a reason for this.”



“Yes, memories.”



“Ok, think about this sis. How many wedding photos have you been in that you can remember like it was yesterday? The only memory we've got is the photograph. It's like wedding photographs are like a zone for amnesia or something. Well, I guess if this little scaffolding they have here were to fall and I landed in Aunt Mary's boobs, it'd be a memory, but...”



“You gotta stop Rhette!” Jilli said laughing.



“I was just going to add if Aunt Mary's boobs were up against Alex's ass, it'd be more of a memory.”



En started laughing. “I paid a lot of money for those pants.”



“And you got fucked honey and anyone who heard they cost fifteen thousand dollars would say you got gloriously fucked.”



I swear folks, that wedding photographer took that photo and about half the group was staring our direction in shock.



The photographer came over, “You up there, you're causing everyone to be out of it with these photographs. Please refrain from speaking.”



“If I don't it blows out my ass and you don't want to hear those sorts of fuck words blowing out my ass hon. It's not nice when it happens.”



Everyone busted out laughing and was nearly doubled over when the photographer apparently got excited and pushed the button.



Dave came over, “With all the professionalism upon that stage, you'd think we could get a good photo!”



“With all the stars in the other room, and famous directors you invited, and with the nearly ninety million spent, you think we could get something taking our picture that didn't have Poloroid on it.”



Dave smiled, “It's a Niko...move your finger...Nikon.”



I said, “Ok, I give. I'll give you one gootch photograph and just shuth up.”



Everyone busted out laughing and the guy took the shot.



“Ok, I'm sure there's supposed to be a union for working under these conditions. Right sis?”



“Probably would be. I think I'm crossing some sort of line by saying that and might end up being declared the shop steward...so I better be quiet.”



We went over in front of the fountain where we were on a riser again. My Aunt Mary came over and hugged me, “Rhette, you're too funny.”



“Do me a favor, look at that man's package over there. Do you think that thing is real?”



“Which one?”



“The guy with the gray slacks on.”



“Good Heavens!”



“I think he's overdosed on Cialis...is what I think.”



She smiled, “You! You made me look at another man!”



“I enticed you unfairly, but the reason I say that is because that things not moved in the last twenty minutes. I've heard of staying power, but most of the guys I've known have went down after twenty minutes.”



While we were talking the photographer was arranging us. He said, “Your diamonds are really reflecting the sunlight.”



“They're real hon. I'll tell you how much En spent on them when you're ready to press that shutter. You'll get another one of those shots.”



Everyone laughed and En said, “It's worth every penny.”



“If you'd said million, you would've been in the ball park. I was ok with renting them, but no!”



“Hey, they came from a sultan's princess.”



“And she's dead. If she were alive, she would've sold you them for the twenty seven million you paid. I promise that.”



Once again, the shot was ruined. This time the photographer said, “I'm about to get huffy.”



“Huffy is a bicycle made in Farmington, Missouri by inmates. If you were in prison hon, you'd get more than huffy, I bet you'd get Bruno, and Bubs too.”



En tried not laughing. He turned and yelled, “Holden!”



I turned and saw Holden in the fountain. I jumped off and into the water and got him.



Jilli smiled, “Nice save sis! I knew you'd figure a way out of the photos!”



“My damned girdle is riding! Don't say shit to me right now!”



Everyone laughed.



Holden smiled at me as we waded out. I said, “Honey, if I weren't so pissed about this iPhone of mine being wet, I'd be thankful you are ok. Right now, I can't call a concierge to get us dry clothes for you.”



En held out his phone.



“Thanks dear.”



I dialed and got a concierge. “This is Rhette, I need a child's size 6t pants and a size 5t shirt. Get me about eight of each, some Underoos, some socks, and some size10 child's size tennis shoes. I need an iPhone and yes, I've got a chip and no, over my dead body will they get to look at it.”



“Ok”



“My son went into the pond and so did I. I need a pair of size 11 opalescent shoes and this girdle and dress sent to the cleaners.”



“OK”



“We'll be in the dressing room.”



I took Holden and walked through the theater entrance. People stopped and stared as we went through.



When we got to the dressing room, I got out of the dress and then, I took the gray dress and bustier/girdle to the bathroom and dressed after toweling myself dry.



When I got him out of his clothes and dried. I blow dried his hair and styled it. He apparently decided he liked the blow dryer, because he kept wanting me to do it more and more. I blew mine and got it styled so I didn't look like Glenn Close so much during the 1001 Dalmations movie.



While I did my make up over, I chose to do a heavy underliner to my eye. What I found was it brought them out far more dramatically than ever before. I did my blends and got the lipstick painted on and that's when I got the knock upon the door.



“Yeah, come in.”



The concierge came in. “I've got all you need.”



“Good, my kid's decided he likes swimming, so he might need a swim suit.”



“I'm surprised the fountains didn't shut down as soon as the alarm sounded.”



“I think they had the alarms shut off due to the override for the Valentine's display being on.”



“Oh!”



“When you go out, go get all of my other kid's sizes on clothes and go shopping. To get them clothes.

Now, what about my iPhone?”



“The man at the store said he couldn't release the phone without the Sim chip.”



“Where was this?” I said with terseness hitting my voice.



“Target down at the end.”



“Ok, watch this and you see how fuckin' fast I get a phone ran to me.”



I dialed the new GM and said, “Rhette here. I just sent my phone down to Target without the Sim chip full of star's phone numbers. The bastard there won't give the new phone and kept the one which went into the fountains.

I want a phone and if I do not get a phone, I want that bastard fired and you to walk in front of him and get that fucking phone. We own that store's building and I'll put their shit out on the side of the street before I give up a confidential phone number.”



“That's understandable.”



“Tell that man I want him to run it up here and him to know who I am.”



“I'm on it.”



“By then, I might be out at the fountains again having more wedding photos taken.”



“I believe the photographer just quit.”



“Good, get a good photographer over there. If we don't have one, get Target to up a fuckin' camera and a memory chip. I'll take the damned things myself.”



“I'll get someone.”



“Thank you.”



I hung up and said, “We'll have a phone damned fast, or you'll see what I promised go into action.”



Holden had dressed himself with ease and I helped him with the shoes getting them laced and on the right and left feet.



“Ok, we're going back. Get a guard put on this door and don't let anyone enter or leave unless it's the beautician or En with a half drowned kid.”



“Ok”



Holden and I walked back through where all the stars were and hardly garnered any attention.



When we got to the area where photos were taken, I asked, “Ok, who pissed off the photographer?”



En said, “Brett. He thought he should lay down on his side in a shot. Apparently, the guy decided enough was enough.”



“We've got another one coming, or we've got a camera and memory card coming.”



I pulled out the phone and dialed the GM. “Yeah Rhette.”



“When you get that cameraman, or camera, make sure this one has a tripod.”



“Ok, you should be seeing the guy anytime here real soon.”



“Thanks.”



“Your phone is on it's way also. Once I explained who you were and why you weren't giving up the Sim chip, he came off a phone.”



“He was told once before. Please put in the records I want Target notified that if their manager isn't removed over that, I'll cancel their lease. When a concierge here is shopping for me and needs something done fast, he or she is to have that damned fast.”



“I agree. I'll get that letter faxed.”



“Thank you.”

I hung up and handed En his phone.



A man came in and said, “I'm the new wedding photographer.”



I went over and said, “Where's your camera?”



“I was told you had one!”



“Fuck! Forget it. I'll get this myself!”



I called the GM. “Yeah Rhette.”



“IS there a camera store here which sells decent cameras, tripods, and memory chips? You just got me a man with no camera.”



“What?!”



“Yeah, so he's now fired and if he charges you a dime one, you let me know.”



“Ok, he's now off the Rolodex.”



“Thank you. I need a camera. I'll take them myself.”



Dave came over as I hung up, “We need to get this show on the road.”



“Yeah, let's see on the Rolodex in there is a photographer who doesn't have a camera. I wonder how many checks he's gotten from us in the past twenty years? BUT, what I'm about to do is I'm about to go through that Rolodex and I'm about to compare checks to them and see who is and isn't stealing from us.

In regards to you wanting to get the show on the road, we are now waiting on someone to bring me a camera, tripod, and card because I'm about to take the fuckers myself.

If you do not hear the tone of my voice changing David, this is when your father goes down a tone and begins speaking slowly. It tells me when he's irked like hell and someone just came up to him and made a stupid assed remark without knowing what's on the platter.”



“Who's bringing the camera.”



“This is when the eyebrows rose and his hands went together because the placating tone and speed didn't work and I'm at the spot right before pissed.

If I fucking well knew who was bringing it or if it was coming, we'd both know. With the way the concierge are treated here, we'll be lucky if that guy doesn't get pissed and walk off the job.”



“What's that mean?”



“It means we pay them a hundred and twenty grand a year to get treated like shit. If I'd just ran from one end of this motherfucker to the other and got treated disrespectfully by a manager at Target and knew the owner of this place would have my balls if I didn't come back with an iPhone, I'd be worried.

Instead, the guy came back. Would I? Yeah, because I'd want to see a manager at Target removed from his job.
Since it seems we live by memos here, and whether or not people get them and read them, I'm going to be putting out my own memo. It's going to say, “If you or an extension of your company want to do business in my mall, you treat my people like gold and you treat the owner, and his family, like Gods because if you don't you'll surely see your ability to have a job and your company to make a dollar at this establishment.

That should tell you the manager is ordered fired. If he stays, Target leaves and I'll open my own store in there with employees I train and with goods I buy and sell at a loss if I need to.

Now, since we're still waiting on a camera, from a camera store here in the mall who might or might not have a lease at the end of this day, I'll tell you your guess is as good as mine.

Did you think to get the man's film who just quit us?”



“He was told to get it developed...”



“...and turned over to every fed in Las Vegas. Did you hire the man?”



“Yes.”



“Hmmm, I could ask some questions out of curiosity, but I'm not.”



“What's that mean?”



“Do you know what Gino was doing when he'd ask you a question standing up and facing away from you?”



“No.”



“It was more out of curiosity about what made the man. He'd ask the question because he was seeing a trend as of late which really interested him if it was just him, or if it was the man really showing his true colors.”



“Ok, what's that mean?”



“I'll go ahead and ask you if you see the trend of hiring the decorator and the photographer...both are effeminate and both are little and a bit broad in the hips, but both body styles identical.”



“Are you saying I'm attracted to that body type?”



“Yeah, but you know what? That's fine because I now know.

If you want to take a look at the body type which attracts me, take En and ask him to put a paper plate over his face. All of my fellas with the exception of Kevin have been built identical. Gino isn't in that classification because he was built robust, but there's a photo of him when he was young which is identical.

I think you aren't married because you aren't about to do something to yourself which would make you feel bad about yourself. I understand that, but all you had to do was tell me and I would've worked to help you with it.”



“You're wrong.”



“Ok, prove me wrong...and yes, I've went from thinking like Meemaw to thinking like Gino. He'd tell you to prove him wrong and usually, nine chances out of ten, the person couldn't do it.”



“He said you were the one chance.”



“Because I knew if I got myself into that box, it was something he had made up in his mind which was so off kilter, it was easily proven wrong, or it was dead on and it was better for me to admit it to myself than to go chasing butterflies.”



“I'm going to be getting married soon.”



“Good. Be sure it's something you want to do and I'll support it...if it's to Sam. If it's not, you better drag the fella's ass in here and let me meet him. I bet you he's built like that.”



He smiled, “You can be a horse's ass.”



The concierge came running up with a bunch of boxes. “Your iPhone is in with this.” He said out of breath.



“You were ran from Target to the camera store and all over?”



“Yeah.”



I turned and looked at David, “David”



“I'm on it Rhette.”



“Tell that fucker if he wants to keep his job, I'm allowed more than one. I'm allowed ALL if necessary and I'm allowed the complete run of the place. You tell the man when this day is over, this man is going to have a big fucking tip and it's coming out of his pocket.”



“Ok”



He went off to speak on his phone while the concierge and I put together a phone, camera, and got it set up.



I went to the mic and turned it on. “Everyone, we're now ready for pictures. “If you'd care to scootch yourselves...or whatever, I'd like to take a picture wicture.”



A lot of people laughed.





Within another hour, we were finished and had the kids in on the buffet.



The advantage of having them on the buffet is I learned a valuable lesson. The items are super sized which means if a pork tenderloin (pork fritter in some parts of the country) is a foot long and nine inches wide, it's great for an adult, but it's not good for a kid.

The same goes for my favorite the carp sandwich. It's eight inches in diameter and way too big for a kid, but with the help of a knife, I whittled them down for kids' sizes.

One thing I did find was the kids love the fried foods (corn on the cob, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, okra, corn nuggets, pickles, and lattice fries). Basicly put, if it can be drowned with katsup, it's a go with them, however when they saw me putting the chocolate pudding by the mound on their plates, they looked at me strange until they caught on to my thing of dipping everything in that instead of katsup.

When they tasted that, suddenly I was cool, I think.



By the end of the meal, Oprah and many of the stars had dropped by the table to give congratulations. Oprah scheduled a show with us and asked if I would sing. Being a stage wife and mom, of course I agree providing my husband and kids could perform too.



En smiled at me and what was great is Julia Roberts dropped by. I'll tell you, when she stopped to say 'Hi' and walked off, I had a photo of us together sent to Jaymes.

But, when Tom Hanks came by and spoke, I'll tell you I was euphoric. I turned to En and said, “If Kevin Bacon comes by, I'm so going to be enthralled.”



He winked and said, “Look across the room.”



“Where?”



“Where Kevin Bacon is standing.”



“Oh God!”



He laughed, “Does my wife have the hots for someone?”



“Yeah, I mean, since I was little I've loved him in things, I saw 'Flatliners' six times! And, I can't tell you how many times I've rented 'Footloose'!”



I saw RJ was starting to doze off. “We've got one tired.”



“I think they're all getting droopy eyes.”



Dave came over, “Thirty minutes until doors open.”



“Oh man!”



En put a reassuring hand on my arm. “Babe, you're already in make up and already in an excellent dress. Don't worry!”



Elton came over, “Rhette, you look wonderful.”



I stood up and hugged him, “Meet everyone please!”



He smiled, “Ok, who's the one sacked out?”



“That's RJ or little Rhette.”



“He's cute.”



“He loves his food like me. He wears it well.” I paused and said, “This is En”



El shook his hand and said, “I wish you both many happy years.”



“Thank you.”



I said, “Let me go around the table. Next to En is Holden Enriches.”



“He looks like his dad!”



“Yeah, he's a gorgeous little creature when he's not trying to drown in the pool out there. But, we'll do swimming lessons.

Next to Holden is Robert Eric. He's quiet, but when he opens his mouth to sing, he's surprising.”



“They sing?!”



“Oh yeah. It seems they learned some English from listening to either a radio or a cd player down there. They also learned livestock from a See N Say.”



“How interesting!”



“You know I'm going to put every educational toy I can at them to teach them things.”



“They've got that one system out now.”



“We're getting it. It should be a great way to get them caught up to their levels.”



“I hear it works well.”



“Next to RE is Venus. She's our oldest and oldest daughter and at eight, she sings and blows me away.”



“She's beautiful. She looks a lot like you.”



“She has a disposition which is wonderful. Next to her is Victory. She's got tomboy all over her, I know, but look at her bone structure. Those eyes are amazing and I know she's going to drag them in by the ton when she's older.”



“She's a cute kid.”



“Over there is Brett. I saved him last because he's got showbiz in his veins. I bet if you went over and sang to him, he'd lose it.”



“Really?”



“That's the one who sings and choreographs everything. I'll tell you there's a spot in my heart for all of them, but he's like to through and through.”



“Really?”



“Pushy as all get out.”



He laughed.



“Do me a favor, would you go over and sing the first line of 'Candle' to him? I want him to not appear to be totally shocked by all the people he's going to meet tonight.”



“Ok”



He went over and leaned down. Brette turned and El sang, 'Good bye Norma Jean'



Brett looked shocked and then began singing along with him. El turned and smiled, but I saw the tear.



En hugged me to him and RJ woke up singing. I looked at the kids watching and En pointed at Robert Eric. “He wants to sing too.”



“Ok, I'll go help him sing with them.”



I went over to RE and picked him up. I began singing and he began singing also. That got all the kids to singing and El smiled bigger. When it was over, he hugged Brett and then went around the table hugging all of them. When he got to me, he hugged me and said, “You're very lucky. Where there's music, there's love.”



I hugged him to me again and asked, “Would you do me the honor of playing when I sing 'Fallen'?”



“Sure hon.”



“Well, I'd love to have you up there when Anna and I do ours and Gladys. Oh hell, you know I'd love to have you up there with us all night long, I love you that much.”



“I know. I'll do Anna's bit and 'Fallen' with you.”



“Ok, I think we're staying in Kansas City until the new house is built.”



“Really?”



“The house is the most secure and the bedrooms are enough.”



“That's good.”



“Look at everyone. They're wondering who I am and how I've got all these famous friends already. They have no clue.”



“Half of them are fake and the other half aren't worth knowing.”



David's voice made the announcement, “Everyone the doors to the theater are open. Please let the families enter first and then, celebrities will be allowed to enter.

Those in Rhette's family, please sit where your designation is and please note the barricaded seats as they're for the President and First Lady.”



An excited buzz went out amongst the crowd and El asked, “How'd you get them?”



“He called. They heard 'Fallen' and then went into a frenzy of downloading my songs. I guess they had quite a cry fest.”



He chuckled, “The nation has all day hearing those songs!”



“What did you think honestly?”



“How many have you sold?”



“Of which one?”



“That should tell you they're all super excellent. Did I cry? IF I think of that melody one more time...” He dabbed his eyes and said, “That's the most haunting melody.”



“For 'Fallen'?”



“'Baby'. The sound of your voice in 'Fallen' instantly sent chills through me. And as I listened to the words, I was captivated by the vivid mental picture you painted until that first gunshot and then, I was a cry baby. After that, your words pulled me in a different way and I cried harder until that second shot and I just went into open unchecked bawling but your words made it through with pure patriotism and honor like she had found meaning for his death and found honor in it. That made me cry hardest.” He paused and wiped another tear. “Did you tell them what to do on the video?”



“Yeah.”



“It's amazing. When I saw it, I'd already heard the song four times and cried. Then, I saw it and oh, how I cried. I'll tell you, you've got the world with it and the awards are yours. No one's touched America like that...”



“Since you did with 'England's Rose'.”



“I wish you could've gotten to meet her. I think that's why they're taken to you. You look the part.”



“Really?”



“I'll tell you I love you and I loved her. You've got elegance, but you've got charm which is captivating. And with him, you've got a beautiful man and a family, but America is going to hold it's breath with you until you give them an heir.”



I stood stunned, “Do you think?”



“Honey, whatever you do, you play this things full and you be great. Give them their royal again and be wary of who you associate with. Right now, you've got your family and you better know each one of them is a star now because you're our new Diana.”



“That's a heavy weight.”



He turned so no one could see him speaking into my ear. “Rhette, when my phone is ringing off the wall about who wants to meet you like they did her, and when you're instantly stopping the presses with your beauty, you've got to know you're up on the high wire and they're all wanting to see you perform your walk because instantly, you've catapulted yourself beyond what they want to see fall. Don't fall.”



“Thank you. It's a heavy weight, but let me Thank you for my Mama and En. They've been on me about my language usage and I think it's up to me to make it the best if I'm going to wear that crown she did.”



“Make it your own.”



“I will, but you are my friend openly. I want you and I pulling this forever.”



“I'll be there for you. You know I would be.”



“Where's Anna?”



“She's here. She's nervous because she now thinks you're going to be brought down by her portion.”



“Fuck!”



He chuckled, “That's what I think, but you need to know you're already in a spot no one's been before.”



“How?”



“Look at all the people who you've been friends with for this long. It's like you're old Hollywood royalty and none of them ever made it as far as you.

They all would kill to work with you and they'd all kill to be in your spot. Pick roles wisely, but pick roles.”



“I've got one already.”



“Love Story?”



“Yeah, Dave wants me to do it, but I'm worried about being found out and having to give back an award.”



“It'll never happen. It'll be the biggest secret in the world and you'll have them all. Just bring in those you want to work with and refuse to work with others.”



“Would you work with me on something?”



“What's that?”



“Wages of War. It's going to take forever, but my Mom wants to see it brought to the screen.”



“Let me read it.”



“Ok”



“What about Jordan? You've got the boys for it.”



“I'll think about it. I don't want my kids being thought of as gay.”



“Why not?”



“Hon...”



He smiled, “I think you realize what you just did.”



“And it pisses me at myself.”



“Everyone does it at some time.”



My cell rang.



“Hello?”



“Hey, we're bringing in celebrities now and you're holding up things by keeping everyone out there.”



“Ok, I'm learning things here and what I'm learning is just blowing my ass out of the water. You'd pay a billion for what I've just learned and yet, I've got to hustle.”



“Ok, as long as you know.”



“I love you. Now, just have some patience. They're going to not miss anything.”



I hung up and said, “Ok, it's time to go in and show them I'm qualified to be quality.”



He smiled, “You'll do amazing.”



I stepped over to En and said, “Babe, I love you and I apologize.”



“For what?”



“For being less than what I'm supposed to be. El just gave me the words I need in order to pull me into a better light.”



He smiled, “You're forgiven.”



I turned, “Venus, Victory, Holden, Eric, Brett, and RJ, we need to go get ready.”



I went over and got RJ out of the booster. I used a corner of the table cloth to get his face wiped and then, carried him.



I saw El go into the theater and En asked, “What'd he say?”



“He said I'm as big as Princess Diana and we're the new royalty. He told me I could be like her, or be like Liz when she was with Burton, and it's my choice. Liz was more graceful when she wasn't on the bottle, so I've got to step it up a notch.”



“He said all that?!”



“No, but he meant it. You don't know how great he is as a friend.”



“He seems it.”



“One of the few I've had that long. I don't know how I can be seven years younger and know him for twenty two years. That would make me something like six when I met him. It's bad enough I was thirteen, but I'll be damned if I'm going to diminish the time for a press release.

Now, I've got to go in here and chew into Anna.”



“Why?”



“She's worried about how I'm going to be brought down by her.”



“What!”



“Honey, I was thinking I wasn't good enough to be on stage with her, and now, she's worried I won't be able to make it past being wild and crazy on stage.

Fuck, if you think about me out there doing 'Cherry', I sure can be out there with her.”



“Do you want to do 'Cherry' now?”



“Oh yeah. You need to know as they do I'm going to do a lot of things just to do them.”



“Why?”



“Sexy is as sexy does. For me to be a complete sex symbol, I've got to do things like that. If I look at it as an embarrassment, it's an embarrassment. IF I look at it as entertainment and a road to get me on into sexyville, then, it's nothing but a pitstop off the main highway called Rhette Michaels.”



“I'm not getting it.”



“Honey, if I get up there and do a segment of a show which makes people bawl and throw too many of those at them, it's called the 'crying game' concert tour and that's all I'm going to be known as.

If I give them full belly laughs, then I'm out of that mold and I'm good as a comedian.

If I get some love songs which carry us, then we're known as only love song peddlers. So, we've got to make it evened out and not just one or another, but a full entertainment package.”



“Wow! I'm getting it, but...”



“Dave once said he never knew where the road lay with me, but he knew I saw the vision at the end of the path. I never varied from it and it not only became my goal, but my success.

Now you're seeing why I am going to do it. I want everyone to know that not only can I do it, but I do it damned good when I do it.

What's interesting is I look at Julia Roberts and her laugh is infectious. And yet, she doesn't do comedy. She's done 'Pretty Woman' and the world loved her in it.

When you see me do movies, you're going to see me do serious, sad, thoughtful, and you're going to see me do comedy. I'll be the Marilyn of the screen, but I'm going to pull off many things.”



“Making movies takes time.”



“Honey, you have no idea how I can do a movie. What was the civil war as for locations?”



“I don't know, there's a lot of old cities.”



“Yeah, and there's battlefields. When you go walk battlefields with me, you're going to realize that battlefield is nothing more than an open field which a battle happened and yet, look out below where our house is and you'll see a set for the battlefields of one of the movies. You see a dairy and cattle operation for 'Rural Love'. You see a lot if you open your eyes and see it's possible we can live most everywhere we need to live for the movie already.

When we're in New York, we've got everything we need to be there and the kids aren't going to think they're away from home except the front yard is suddenly the Statue of Liberty instead of that wide panoramic scene you love.”



“Wow!”



“It's been made so our lives aren't uprooted. The kids feel at home everywhere we go and all we've got to do is not be afraid to pack up entire rooms and move them from place to place.”



He smiled and we went into the dressing room. I went into the bathroom and wiped RJ's face.



There was a knock on the door. “Yeah.”



“Get out here quick!”



“What!”



I went out and there stood Barack and Michelle. “Oh!”



He smiled and Michelle instantly came over to hold RJ. I hugged her, “Man, you're more beautiful in person!”



She smiled at me and said, “Thank you. You're tinier than I imagined, but you're amazingly beautiful!”



“Thank you.”



Barack came over and hugged me. “I owe you a debt of gratitude. The Secret Service brought me a file and...”



“Oh Mr President, if you're embarrassed.”



“Oh nonsense! I'm telling you Thank you. I think without you in the seventeen states you were in, we'd be elsewhere.”



“And I sure wouldn't be here saying anything to McCain except bad things.”



“Whew! I see anger there!”



“The man lied. I know he shouldn't even count on running again and I know I'm going to investigate more in depth when someone runs.”



“What's your concern?”



“Ok, first of all, he took potshots at you like Yosemite Sam. I didn't like it one bit, but hey, it's a race.

That all changed election eve when no one can get into his thing because it's in an elite all exclusive invitation only place. Yours is 'come one, come all' and you made everyone feel alive and a part of it. I didn't get to go, but I stayed home and cried.

And then, the day after, we see that man pulling out of a garage in a fucking Toyota! And he's supposed to be for the American worker! I'm sorry, but that sent me to the cellar with him to take out the trash!”



He smiled, “Tell me how you really feel!”



“Barack, when you were elected to Senate, I called my Mama and said, “Mom, that's our new President there...I just feel it” and of course, you should know she said, “I dont think it's time.” I said, “Oh, I think it's as good as any because we've got blacks everywhere and even the elderly are rooting Tiger like you wouldn't believe.”

So, I silently rooted for you until the announcement and that's when I handmade my own bumper sticker because no one had them. Then, when I got one, of course, I proudly displayed it and made a banner which looked like it and put it out at the sign shop.

You'd think with me being well to do, I'd be Republican and you'd think when I'm being told more taxes are coming from you, I'd be holding my breath, but you know what you should do? Pull up that patriotism and go to the old reels of World War II and show those kids going and selling pots and pans and say, “When Americans needed Americans, we pulled together and now, we need each other again” It's simple, and you can sell it in an ad like a campaign. It shoves the fact to Republicans that if they want to be horse's asses, they can be Un American. Let them have their day, but push a little harder on that.”



He looked at me and I said, “I know I just blew my vow out of cussing plum out of the water, but I promise not to embarrass you. Now, may I ask you a severe favor?”



“Yeah.”



“Ok, I'm not asking anything for myself, but do an investigation into Reggie Clemons and pardon him. He's not guilty and I put everything into it...on my skin and honor.”



“Who's he?”



“He's on death row. Now, I know you probably hear that all the time, that someone's on death row and not guilty, but he really isn't. I'll tell you he was in my house that night getting laid in my bed. Not with me, but with someone else. I was trying to program my clock on my stove...which was broken, but I didn't know that at the time.

What you can do is you can pull up my phone records from that night because I went to bed when they left.”



En came over, “Sir, Rhette told me about the case and I investigated online and what I found it appalling.”



I added, “I'm not asking for anything like world peace and I'll work on hunger here, but keep him alive and pardon him on your way out. I'll keep everyone off you about it from all my angles, but he needs help.”



“What are you going to do about hunger?”



“Ok, think of what world hunger is as a black board and turn it around. We've got more hunger here, sir, than you can imagine.

I'm about to ask these people for a telethon to donate money to OUR food banks and give an entire day to it.

I've worked in a factory which shut down and if you want to know the statistics, the suicide rate went to a staggering percentage and the alcoholism went to a staggering percentage and the divorce rate went through the roof all because good jobs went to Mexico.

I'll take care of it here and in regards to you sending AID to another country, send American goods so our farmers and cannery workers can profit instead of some politician's defacto group. Do that and you've got a hidden stimulus because it makes us work instead of some military halfway around the world.”



He smiled, “That's already in a plan of mine.”



“Then sell it as a part of what we need to hear now. Make American so proud to be American again we not only hold our flag high, we jump at the chance to go around the world to kick someone's ass when they burn it.

That's what it used to be...but we lost that somewhere. Now, we can get it.”



I paused and said, “I'm sorry, but I became a Mother today and I want a world where my kids have a chance of knowing pride in being American when they do what they do in life.”



He smiled, “Are you really a female impersonator?”



I laughed, “Yeah.”



“You remind me so much of Michelle it's amazing.”



“She's a good woman then!”



Michelle laughed, “Yeah, and so are you!”



“I'm sorry for my language, but my Mom's threatened Palmolive out on the side of the stage for me. She doesn't realize when I'm passionate about something, I'm vocal. If I could say it without, I'd certainly do it.”



He smiled, “Ok, you're forgiven. I'll look into it...and I'll get you your day and wholly support it if you'll do it.”



“Oh, I'm gonna do it. If I gotta be little ole me out there by myself, I'll do it and do it on seventeen states if I need to.”



“How do you control all that?”



“I don't. I tell them what I expect and I let the managers at the station go apesh....nuts.”



They laughed real loud.



“I think I get your meaning.”



“One thing I do is I tell them to write it and deliver it without slant. It's tough, but they're learning.”



“I appreciate it.”



“It's easy to write a biased story, but someplace in our news, we've gotten too used to doing it. Writing unbiased takes a lot more work.”



Dave came back, “Rhette!”



“I know, I'm sorry! I meet good people and I want to KNOW them! Sue me!”



Michelle said, “Hon, we'll get to know each other. I know you're real and I like that. Your songs are a part of you.”



“You're going to laugh as hard as you cry out there. Just don't be embarrassed.”



“If it's like 'One Road', I know we'll enjoy it.”



“It's sort of nasty, but not...if you look at it in my eyes, you see it's situational humor.”



“Ok, that's really the best kind. I loved the style back on the Carol Burnett show.”



“Oh, that Tim Conway! Man, I liked that guy. Well, you'll laugh that hard again.”



He smiled, “Ok”



We all went out onto the back stage and stood off to the side.



Dave said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great honor to introduce one of the best couples I know....the President and First Lady of the United States of America!”



Barack and Michelle walked out and the surprise and shock turned into deafening applause.



I hugged En and said, “Thank you babe.”



“Why?”



“For Reggie.”



“No problem at all.”



Barack said, “Everyone, today I cried. In fact, several times I cried and I'll tell you I never do it while listening to a song.

The way it went, I went to the Press Room and everyone was crying. At first, I thought, 'Oh boy, someone great has died and I'll probably get a briefing Ted Kennedy has passed'...instead, I found out it was over a song.

Then, Michelle called me and she was crying. She said, 'Honey, you've got to hear that song because not only does she get it, she's making everyone get it.' So, I downloaded it onto my Blackberry and I listened.

I'll tell you I cried. And THEN, Michelle calls me crying again! She said, “Honey, you're not going to believe this, but there's another song. It's called 'Baby, I'm Sorry'...it's so sad, I just want to tell you I love you.”

Well, I told her I loved her back and hung up. Then, I downloaded the song and listened. I'll tell you I cried. I'll tell you if you do not call the person you love and apologize and tell them you love them after hearing that song, you're made of stronger stuff than me.

When I called her, she was crying yet again! I tried to tell her I'm sorry and I tried to tell her I love her and she's crying. She said, “Barack, I don't know who she is, but I've got to get to know her...there's another song and it's called 'Can You Live Without Me'.

I'll tell you just that sentence sent chills through me because I face that every day and I'm thinking to myself...oh no, she's got my fears about my own mortality down and I'm going to hear it.

But I hung up and I downloaded it and suddenly, I hear what is worse than me dying. I hear the song of every parent's worst nightmare and I'm sitting there with my head upon the desk in the Oval Office and I'm just losing it.

That's when my phone rang again and she's laughing! I asked her, 'What in the world' and she said, 'Oh my God! She's got a song which is so funny, you'll die laughing.'

Of course, I downloaded it and I listened, and I laughed, and I heard 'The Old Rugged Cross' done so beautifully, it took me back to a church where I never heard it done that way, and yet, I was there and I wanted to here the Word more than ever.

And then, by then, I was on my way upstairs to hug my wife and just hold her. I wanted to reconnect and that's when she played me, 'You Can't Do That To Me'. It's seductive, it's enough to make you want to dance, and we danced. Oh man did we dance!”


Michelle stepped forward with a smile, “Honey, if you tell them what we did afterwards, I'll shoot you.”



“You just did!”



Everyone laughed.



She said, “What's on my mind is the press did this. Usually, I'm for the press, and I'll tell you I'm someone who enjoys the attention, but these people got married and in the press kit they thought they were using to introduce Rhette to the world, the press used it to take the focus off the fact this is their wedding day and it's a celebration of their love.

We just met them and I'll tell you when I meet someone and instantly want to get to know her better because she's just so kind, thoughtful, and caring...and yes, passionate about things, it makes me inspired to know them better.”



She paused and said, “When I met Barack, I met a man who I knew would be a great father. He was kind, thoughtful, and caring...and yes, passionate about things and it made me want to know him better.

It's rare you get to do that twice in a lifetime, in real life. In Barack's job, I find it an almost usual occurrence.

Until today, I've never been moved as deeply as I have with the people you're about to meet. I'll tell you I not only want to get to know them, I'm telling you I'm going to get to know them because their whole family is beautiful inside and out.

Without further ado, I want to introduce you to them. I know it's supposed to be Mr Camiletti's job, but hey, sometimes, I want to have an honor!”



She outstretched her hand towards us, “Mine and Barack's friends, Mr and Mrs Enriches Immanuel and their beautiful family!”



The applause was deafening and we went out with RJ upon my chest and my hand in Venus'.



When we got out there, Barack said, “We'll make a time to have quality time. I promise.”



En said, “Mr President and Michelle, we'll consider it an honor.”



They went off the stage and went to their seats. En waited until they were sat and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce my family to you.

First of all, until I met her, I didn't know love. Without her, love isn't a word in my vocabulary anymore. I thought I'd loved, but I didn't.

I'll tell you in her heart, Rhette's an old fashioned girl. I'll tell you later tonight, I finally get to make love. It was something she insisted upon and it's hard because the more I know her, the more I love her and want to experience that love with her.

This afternoon, we adopted children. Yes, it's sudden, and no, it's not something we set out to do to gain publicity, but hey, when Rhette said she wanted to adopt, we made calls and got them up here.

What I will tell you is they're from Brazil. They know hardly any English, but what English they know, was taught to them from songs heard and from See N Say toys.

We didn't know they're very musically inclined, but they are. We're just as surprised as when a baby says it's first words. Instead, ours sing.

What I'll do is I'll introduce you to our family and then, we'll stand back for a moment as I know David would like to say a few words.”



He went over and stood behind Venus. “Venus is our oldest daughter. She's eight. Victory is our youngest. She's six.

This is Holden Enriches. His nickname is HE and he's two and a half.

In Rhette's arms is Rhette Jesus Immanuel. I named him and without either of those names, I don't know Heaven. His nickname is RJ.

Next is Roberto Eric, or RE pronounced Aurrie. He's two and last, but not least is the showman of the bunch Brett. He's nearly five.”



Everyone applauded and Brett bowed. And then everyone chuckled.



Dave came over and said, “Everyone, I've known Rhette for twenty two years. In that time, I've seen Rhette grow up and I've seen Rhette love and fall out of love.

I'll tell you I wasn't supportive of Rhette when I first met her. I resented Rhette because my Dad fell in love with her.

Yes, up on the screen is their picture.”



I turned and looked and backed into En. The picture was of Gino and I together.



Dave continued, “You might be shocked. I know I was. I'll tell you I was appalled my Father was acting so foolish because I thought 'How can he love her when there's such an age difference.' I judged, but let me tell you the story continues.

When my Dad chose business over Rhette, it broke Rhette and Rhette left him to go to college. It's not in the bio, but Rhette majored in Mortuary Science and graduated.

It's not a field most would think anyone would want to go into, but I'll tell you it takes someone who loves with their entire heart to do the job because it's helping people when they're hurting their worst.

After leaving college, Rhette went on with life and got involved with someone whom she loved passionately.

During that time, my Father fell ill and came to me. He told me he wanted to spend the last six months with me and he wanted me to get to know everything about the business.

I did and during that time, my Dad would tell me about loving Rhette and little things. I'll tell you I didn't want to hear it, but he held strong and he told me in order to know him, I had to know everything.

I agreed, but it was hard. I didn't approve and yet, as I heard comments, or funny things Rhette did, I couldn't help but laugh because the stories were that funny. And through that laughter, I found love. I found the depth of love he felt for her and I found a love for my father because it wasn't embarrassing to him to love someone so completely.

When he had about three months left, he switched gears on me and began telling me about the Will. I, of course, didn't want to hear it. I wanted him alive and him telling me how he was going to disburse everything only affirmed he was dying.”



He wiped a tear and then, said, “When he told me he'd Willed it to Rhette, I was angry. I went out of the room and stayed gone for two days.

Then, I went back and wanted to know why. He told me Rhette was stronger and if they'd gotten married as he wanted, she would've gotten it anyway.

Then, he told me something which floored me. He said, 'David, Rhette will love you if you let her. She'll protect you if you'll let her. She'll be strong if you'll let her, but you've got to let her.

She's going to have a vision in business and I'll tell you, she's the sort that when the vision happens, you won't know it, but you need to understand she'll tell you she sees it and she's gone. You're going to have to chase her and you're going to have to trust because it's up here, not out where it makes sense.'”



He paused and said, “He died and for two years I was selfish and didn't let Rhette know what she'd received. Then, she came to Kansas City and she told me she was in town...nothing more...nothing less, but she wanted to see his crypt and to put flowers at his grave.

I'll tell you that simple act floored me. Here she was with someone she was with and she's got him with her and she's still demonstrating the love she held for my Dad and if the guy didn't like it, he better find a way TO like it because she was going to do it whether he was on board or not.

I'll tell you that changed me and decided to go with her to the grave. While there, I told her what she'd received and in one instant, she went into a full blown anger NOT because of me holding out on her, but at my Dad for not giving it to me!

Instantly, she told me, 'Dave, you take it. I don't want it. It's something which split us up and rightfully, it belongs to you.'

I told her it was hers and she without missing a beat told me to manage it and run it as if it were mine. Then, she left and I was left holding everything and wondering what sort of person would turn down billions of dollars!”



A murmur broke out in the audience.



He said, “Money isn't something Rhette's about. She'll tell you she loved a billionaire and lost him. She'll tell you she's had billionaires who were friends and didn't lose them. She'll tell you she looks for what's in a person's heart and not what's in their wallet.”



He paused again and said, “What I'm trying to say is Rhette's the real deal. You get Rhette and yeah, she's been known to be hot headed, and I'll tell you when the chips are down, she'll dive off a stand while taking wedding pictures and not think twice about the dress to save one of her kids in a fountain.

I'll tell you when she gives to you, she gives her heart and I'll tell you in business, there's a knock down drag out spirit which she'll rock the foundations of Wall Street and do what's right.

I'll tell you without my father's money, Rhette made her own. Look up and down the strip out here at the billboards which advertise things which look like they chase you and that program was invented by her. I'll tell you she made a fortune from it and continues to do so.

I'll tell you before that, she had a company which employed nearly seven hundred people making billboards and if you look at the billboards which have rounded corners, those the ones coming from her plant.

What you don't know is she'll tell you about billboards and signs to the point you'll want to go into that business because there's a market for it. Then, she'll tell you about signs like the ones advertising Captain D's, or Autozone, or any on the front of a business and she'll tell you there's six hundred dollars at most in materials and she sold thousands of them for about ten times that much. She's a saleswoman and she's got awards from it.

And yet, during it all she made money and through the break up, she sold the company, but was savvy enough to hold her patents and continue to make money and royalties from them.

What I'm getting to is Rhette was handed a king's ransom and she made her own because the other money didn't interest her.”



He paused and said, “Why am I telling you this?! It's because I want you to know there's a person up here and she'll insist you get to know her before you like her.”



I walked over and said, “David, honey, the roast is next week.”



Everyone laughed. I looked down at the President and he was wiping tears from laughing so hard.



I took the mic and said, “Dave is my son in law without license. I love him and that's what matters. He loves me and I know it. I know our friendship is ageless, timeless, and it's full of respect.

What I want you to know about me is I'm as good as my worst. When you see me up here dancing, remember I tried a Jackson 5 dance move in the shower and fell breaking three ribs.

As I lay there damned near dying, I told myself. “If you're going to die doing something bitch, die being yourself!”



Everyone laughed.



“What I want you to know about me is I've got friends who can sing. I'll tell you I respect them immensely and I'll tell you when I first met Tina and Elton, it was embarrassing because I thought they were impersonators at a Halloween costume contest and thought Tina would be a sure fire winner and Elton wouldn't win a thing.”



Everyone laughed real huge.



“Yeah, it was situational comedy, and we've laughed about it forever since then, but later that night, I took them home to my house and we sang.

I'll tell you instantly, they wanted me on the circuit. I'll tell you I thought them kind, but certainly not in their caliber.

Through all those years, word spread and I met other great stars and like a bad reputation, my abilities to sing and do star's music spread.
What happened is like a perfect storm. I had a friend whom I loved and I had known his family since I was little. I knew him, but I'll tell you I thought him to be the wild child and so good looking it intimidated me.

What I didn't know was I'd see him someplace and he'd put on the suave debonair act and I'd ask myself, 'What in the hell!? And then, I'd walk off shaking my head because I thought he was being placating.

Last week, I went to New York. I went there because I wanted to spend four million on an apartment. Yeah, it's a lot of money, but there's a practical side to me which says, 'IF you're going to spend that much on a house, you better well get some land with it and it better be a whole bunch of it!'

Since the land is a scenic panorama of New York looking out at the Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler building, and there's no land but neighbors above and below, I turned it down and went to eat a panini instead with Tina...Oh, by the way, I sort of started an avalanche while I was in the apartment because I pounded out a tune for her on the piano.

We went and ate the panini and then, she took me home to her house where we did a stage number for her concert and she said she wanted me to do it with her.

Elton came and he thought the little song I wrote was great and he helped arrange it and get it polished.

What they did next, was they played a joke on me. She'd called Clive and he came.

Now, I'll tell you Clive and I didn't jive...is that a nice way to put it Clive?”



Clive came out on stage, “Yeah.”



“Clive will tell you I'm a whole lot on attitude with Clive and not much nice. Everyone else bows and scrapes, but what I saw of him wasn't good.

You see, Tina would go out on tour and by the end, she'd be dragging....uh, tail... and it'd take her a trip to a spa to recover, so I'd take her and I began to associate the way she was with Clive.

I now know it's just what a lot of hard work does to someone...when they give a sh....fuh...man!”



Everyone laughed.



I stopped, “Folks, let me tell you something. My Mama is off on the side of the stage with a bottle of Palmolive with my name written all over it. Yeah, I'm grown, but I'm still her baby, so I have to watch the creative language studies I'm teaching my kids.

I understand that, but it's hard when some words fit so good!”



Everyone laughed again.



“So, needless to say, I'm trying, but I love my Mama better when she's away from the Palmolive.”



Everyone chuckled.



“The reason I began this is to tell you I have a gift I never knew existed. I have the ability to hear a word or phrase and suddenly, it's like a slot machine which begins tumbling and when the reels stop spinning, it's the name of a song and I've got the poem turning into a melody which gets put on my phone. By the end of the recitation, it's got me telling what the sound is like, what the background video is like, and what instruments are playing.

I do a lot of beatbox and scatting to it and that's what gets handed to a very talented orchestra. They arrange it and by the time I hear it again, they've got me a song and I sing it. The booth up there records it and what you heard on the radio, iPod, telephone, or television today is what is called a rough cut because it's not had my seal of approval on it.

I'll tell you one of the song which sold something like fifteen million has two errors on it. You probably think it's great, but to me, it's not perfect.

Well, I've got to realize I'm not perfect, but it's harder to realize I'm good enough to sell music and have people like it.

It's humbling and for that, I want to thank everyone who's bought it.”



Everyone applauded greatly and I said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Clive, Elton, Anna, Pink, En, Madge, and a whole lot of others got their wish. I recorded and I'm going out on the road.

I'm doing it my way, like I said in Tina's song, but I'm doing it your way too.

You see, I'm a saleswoman. I came from a poor background and I realize when it comes to me versus someone like Elton or Tina, I've got no record. So, En's said he'd team up with me and Gladys said she'd team up and we're going out on tour selling dates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. We'll probably sell Thursdays and Sundays if it's a good turn out, but to ensure people don't throw tomatoes, we're going to have the max cap being thirty bucks and that's it. The nosebleeds are ten and I'd rather have them buying my friend's albums or En's with the extra dough they have than on my music.

You see, when this is all over, I'll still be their friend. I'll still be me, and I'll still be a wife and a Mom. It's not about the money because I made that. It's not about the awards, because I got some. It's about me doing it so I can hold my head up high and stomach what I put out.”



A whole lot of people applauded.



I continued. “Tonight, you're going to hear me sing. I'll tell you now you're going to hear songs which make you cry...that's why there's boxes of Kleenex. You're going to laugh because some of the songs are that funny. You're going to fall in love with other songs and you're going to be inspired and taken to church with others.

You see, it's about me giving someone their money's worth. It's not about much else because I've been the one who saved up an allowance to go see someone and was greatly disappointed....and if Yanni is out there, it's you buddy...eight hundred damned dollars put out for me, my lover, my mom, dad, aunt, and uncle to have a nice dinner, parking, and entertainment where all I can hear is him telling people we expected a rock concert instead of hearing the music...well, buddy, we didn't hear the music and yes, we felt fucked.”



I paused and said, “Mom's giving me a cheers with the Palmolive bottle, so she agrees. It's either that, or it's a new way of where it's going....I'm not sure.”



Everyone laughed.



“What I'm saying is if you went to a theater to watch a movie and you couldn't hear the dialogue, you'd go ask for your money back. We were stuck, so if you perform, you put people out in that audience and you have them listen during sound check. I know I will.

I'll also tell you in situations like this, I can be heard without a microphone and I know that music is going to blast you if it's loud.

I don't need bleeding ear drums and trips to the emergency room to have people saying I sang good. I need people who can hear to hear a friend of mine sing next month...or whenever.”



Dave came out and I said, “Yeah, Dave, we both like to talk.”



Everyone laughed and I said, “But, I have peers here who need to know.”



“I was trying to tell them when you're passionate about something you make them understand.”



“Thank you.”



I stepped back next to En and everyone applauded.



Dave said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Clive Davis.”



Clive came out and said, “That's why I love Rhette now. She sells me on the business she's in and she makes me aware of what we all need to know...from someone's perspective who knows what we sometimes forget...that a customer is the person with the money.”



He applauded as did everyone.



He said, “I met Rhette some twenty years ago and know she sang Mariah before Mariah. She sang Big Mama Thornton before I knew who she was. She sang the greats and she sang the unknowns and she sang holding her own with everyone and yet, she hated my guts.

I'll tell you her words to me about what I do for a living at Tina's house that night are etched in my eardrums...it went something like, 'Clive, if I didn't feel like you'd pimp me like a twenty dollar whore and slap the shit out of me to get back on stage and give a fuck, I'd do it.'

Needless to say, when I heard her sing, and needless to say, when I knew she didn't need the money and wouldn't be exploited, I wasn't sure how to approach her.

You see, she's that sort of person, she'll put up a good fight and those of us in the industry who do that to people don't know how to deal with someone who will take care of themselves.

What made the difference to me is Rhette did something no one else has done. She marketed herself over a cup of coffee which tastes better than any I've tasted before and taught me how to cook rotisserie chicken and by the end of that conversation, I was ready to propose, and not put her out there. Yes Enriches, you're a lucky guy.”



He walked over and said, “Rhette marketed herself by saying one thing to me, she said, 'Clive, if I'm going to to it, I'll do it where my friends are proud to be on stage with me and not feel like I'm a disgrace.'

What I'll tell you is I heard Rhette's audition and heard all the music recorded of her and felt dread. Why? Because I had someone who could sell out stadiums, sell records, and be great who didn't need the money and wouldn't be exploited, what she said to me after I told her I couldn't do it was scorching, but what she heard was me telling her she wasn't good enough...not that she was that great.

I'll tell you I'm a lucky guy. I've put out the best and now, I'm getting credit for putting out the nice...est. Yeah, she'll let you know what she thinks, but she does it in a style which wins you. And Mr President, you missed a running mate in her. Thank God, the rest of us get to hear her sing.

With that said, I'm going to turn the mic back over to Enriches and get this show on the road.”



En came over and said, “You know, it wasn't scripted, but everyone, I want to Thank you for that because it makes the ways I love her all the more meaningful.”



Everyone applauded.



“Let me say a few words and then, I'm going to put my kids on and we're going to get them to bed.

When I met Rhette all those years ago, I fell and I fell hard. I'll tell you I've been with others since then, and I'll tell you I've been with beautiful, but inside, I felt empty because it wasn't who I wanted.

Yeah, I was debonair. Yeah, I was cool. Yeah, I tried impressing, but you know what won her? What won her was me going home with her to that farm and falling in love with the place.

What I felt until then wasn't anything near what I feel now because it wasn't as real as it should've been. But I'll tell you she told me we were building a mansion there and we were going to call it 'the farm' and I thought, Ok! How are we going to do that?! But you know, she and Jilli went for a jog and during that run, her Dad took me for a sit down and said, “Son, you love her, but you're not going to get her. She'll run you all over this place and until you break the bullshit, you're not going to get her.

I'll tell you now, that settled my butt down and I'll tell you when she got back, I knew I could be a lot of things which weren't me and I'd never get her, so I got real. Instantly, love happened completely and what I saw before me was the woman I know the rest of my days hold...because I don't want anyone else.”



Everyone applauded and stood up.



I went over and kissed him.



He smiled and said, “I'm a lucky guy.”



I adjusted the mic down and then went over to the other and adjusted it. Then, I gave the mic to En and said, “The kids bedtime will be late if we keep it up...they come first.”



“Ok” he said smiling. “Ladies and Gentlemen, they don't have a name because they're not a group. If we put them out, they'll be known as 'Our kids' because they're our kids.”



I said, “Conductor, we're ready. Give them the lead in and they'll be fine.”



The music started and by the end, everyone was giving them ovations. Brett kept bowing and I gave everyone hugs.



Our concierge took everyone to the back and out to the children's center. Brett stayed smiling. I took a chair and put it out on the stage. He sat and I knelt down by him. “You be a good boy now.”



He hugged me and I went over to En with the mic.



En said, “The first song was written that day out at the farm. Rhette wrote it and gave it to me. It's called 'In Your Arms'.



The music started and I sang back up. At the end, the applause was deafening. I kissed him and said, “Ok, here's where we make a change in plans because we've got duets with our friends.



Dave came out on stage and said, “Hang on.”



“What!”



“Gladys wants to say a few words.”



“Ok”



I said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, she's a new friend, but I'll tell you I feel a bond with her already that's beyond time. Miss Gladys White.”



Gladys walked out and held a microphone. “I've asked to say a few words because on the night Rhette and I met, she did 'Train' with me and blew me away.

For me to say in all the years I've done it, that this is the best it's been done is a statement I don't make lightly, but to Rhette, it wasn't anything except 'doing it right'...with a lot more soul in it than any other way.

Then, Rhette did 'The Old Rugged Cross' with me and I'll tell you until I heard it her way, I never paid attention and apparently, the country agrees because I need to tell you some numbers Rhette.”



“Ok”



“Right now without releasing one record, cd, cassette, 8-track, or anything but a digital recording, you're already in the stratosphere of sales.

I'll tell you 'Cross' isn't even on the religious channels yet, and you went over ten million.”



“What!”



Everyone applauded



“That's right hon. You're selling beyond what anyone else has ever done for a religious recording ever.”



Everyone applauded


She said, “Let me give you some perspective everyone. Her sales started at roughly around twelve thirty out here. In six hours, she's sold more than Motown ever did, sold more than most of the greats in this industry ever did and she's done it not knowing or caring about the numbers...with only six recordings.”



Everyone applauded.



Gladys continued, “Mr President, tonight, on the evening news they did something which hasn't ever been done. Both networks played music and told about the numbers sold, people crying in the streets from songs, and how what Rhette predicted was happening everywhere...that people were pulling over when they heard the songs.

You see, Rhette calls them 'pull over songs' because you pull over because you're crying so hard.

I'll tell you I heard 'Baby, I'm Sorry' and 'You Can't Do That To Me' and knew she was great.

I got the privilege of performing 'Midnight Train' with her and knew she was great. I got the privilege of hearing 'Cross' for the first time come out of her and felt more power coming from someone than I ever did before when she sang it.

But not until today when I was upstairs in my suite did I hear 'Fallen', or 'Can You Live' and when I heard it, I was on my knees crying. My family began calling me and I got the honor of telling them I knew her and yes indeed she's that talented.”



Everyone applauded and I hugged her. She whispered in my ear, “Baby, I've gotta tell the numbers, so be prepared.”



“Ok”



She said, “I just told her to be prepared for numbers. With that said, I'm going to pull out this list and shock people. I'm not meaning it to be dramatic, but it's incredible.

'Fallen' is in the lead. So far, seventy million Americans have bought it, downloaded it, or advanced ordered a hard copy of it.”



Chills went through me and I went to my knees with my hands over my face.



She helped me up and I said, “Let me speak.”



I took the mic and said, “She thanks you. I know she's a character in a song, but she got heard today and for that boy, who is represented by so many...ooh fuck, hang on, he's got words.



I said, “Everyone in the booth, get ready and record this because he's just given me the words. It's called 'Iraq Attack'. He's a medic. His job is to go fetch 'em and he's done that job behind sandbags squatted and running for so long he wonders if he can do a hundred yard dash as fast as he's ever done it without standing.

In the background, there's smoke, machine gun fire, and he's hearing cries...'Medic...We need a Medic...Get your ass out there, my buddy's dying God damn it! So, he's running. Here are his words.



The words came out as a staccato. They were filled with fear. They were panicked and they weren't steady. All the way up, he's telling how a hero doesn't die but once and until he's dead, he's not going to be anything but a survivor. And then, a final burst of a machine gun and nothing....



People sat stunned. Shock registered and then, I heard the four gunshots of 'Fallen' and I went into the song. The monitor behind played the video.



Gladys leaned into me crying and I held her as I sang her anguished cries. And afterwards, the house lights came up and I saw the President and the First Lady holding each other crying.



Gladys' tear stained face was what I saw as I thought to myself, I hope the First Lady never has to deal with that pain.



Gladys said, “That's amazing.”



“I'm sorry we went off the format of the show. He told his story and now, his Mama's words have more meaning...but that's how I write a song folks. Something registers and suddenly, I'm getting the words.”



Gladys said, “I've seen you do it several times and I'm still amazed at how it seems more like a miracle than anything.” She turned to the audience and said, “In case you're wondering if that's put on, know it isn't. What you witnessed is what I've seen and that's how her hits are made.”



She paused and said, “The world is being given someone who has miracles being delivered to her and she's passing them along. That's all I can say.

These numbers here are reflective of what we have going on out there. Grandparents are telling their grandkids to go get an iPod for them at Walmart* or wherever and they're flying off the shelves. People who have never downloaded a song before on a computer, their phone, or whatever, are now seeing a craze to hear them and to her, it's just a song...she's not crying, she's not doing anything but passing along the miracle of words.”



She pulled out the paper and I said, “Miss Gladys, let's leave them where they are. We know 'Fallen' is outselling everything and 'The Cross' is in last place. Both are someone's baby dying and both, died because we needed them to die.”



Instantly, I saw the President go onto his knees and begin praying. Miss Gladys turned to me and said, “Child, you put a whole sermon into a few words and I don't know what else to say?”



“Let's sing it.”



The music came up and we sang, oh how we sang. By the end, she ran to me hugging me. I felt her shoulders quaking and knew she was crying.



“It's ok. It's going to be ok. We've got these jaded motherfuckers where we need them and right now, I think we could sell the sound of someone's junk truck driving down Troost and they'd buy it.”



She laughed real hard.



“Since you put it that way, let's sing 'Train'”



The music came up and we went into it. By the end, when I was doing the Boxcar Willie whistles, people were applauding and whistling.



Gladys said, “I told you it was exceptional. Now you know it.”



She handed me the mic and walked off the stage.



I told the booth, “Take the lights down low and give me a spot.”



They did and I walked over to the side and got the boa. When I walked back, I began singing the line, “All the men come in these places.” and the orchestra took it up. By the end, Tina was out and singing next to me and the applause was deafening.



She said, “Before I do our next, let me tell you the very first night I met Rhette, she sang that song just like that and snagged mine and Elton's heart.

Since then, it's been my honor to know Rhette and share our lives with her.

Tonight, I felt for the first time, like I wasn't worthy as a friend. I viewed coming out and performing with her as an anchor on her career.”



“And I hope you got word to you I thought you were full of it.”



“Yes” she said smiling.



“Because it's true. We're friends for chrissake. Remember that and nothing else. We'll be friends and we'll always be friends. Put what goes on out here out here and let's sell it.

What goes on at home won't ever change, so why let it be affected!”



“You're right. For one moment, I forgot.”



“Well, that's why we're good together. We pull each other up when we're down and we like to do it together. Now, let's give them something maybe they've been waiting for...if so, let's give it to them.



She smiled and we went into the intro of 'Mary'. By the end, everyone in the place was dancing from our choreography and instructions.



Dave ran out on stage. “Rhette!”



“Yeah Dave.”



“We're live! The cameras are up in the booth, over to the left and back by the door.”



“What for?”



“The President just texted and told the networks to take it live.”



“Well, ok then!”



I went out to the middle with Tina and said, “We're live on networks by Presidential order.”



She jumped back from me, “What!”



“Yeah, you heard it hon, we're selling it!”



She laughed and I said, “For those of you who just tuned in, we just got told we're now live on three networks nationwide and we're pre-empting by Presidential order. I'll tell you I'm honored you're still with us.

We're giving a special wedding reception to ourselves live. En is off stage and I'm on with Tina. We're both rather shocked because it's in preparation for her concert she's giving in Kansas City.

Right now, we're going off script again and we're going to have Elton on the piano. The spotlight shined on him and I said, “Three friends upon stage who've known each other for twenty plus years.”



Elton said, “I'd like to say a few words and then, we're going into a song wrote by Rhette and arranged by myself along with Tina. That was by Rhette's request because that's how Rhette is.

When I met Rhette, I knew laughter at it's fullest, friendship at it's best, and love at it's finest. I'd like to take a moment and congratulate Enriches and Rhette on their wedding.”



Everyone applauded and then El said, “Rhette, now is the time to put a plug in for your show you want.”



“Ok” I said, “What we're going to do is on Friday after Mother's Day, we're holding a telethon to feed the hungry here in America. It will be broadcast from the Ginorocity hotels here and it will be complete with a 1-800 number for those who would like to pledge gifts of money and for those who have a food bank, it will be a way for you to call in and get on the list of who receives the donations.

If you have a company, own a company, are on the board of a company which makes food, I want pledges. NOT of numbers of cans, pounds, but of hours of production your company will give...transportation to the local bank and distribution centers state wide in your areas.

You see, people out there in our country are unemployed and they're having a hard time making ends meet. Let's give them something to make them not have to worry.

I know I'm getting way off of it, but Gladys and I wrote a song together on an organ here which goes something like this...”



I was surprised when the orchestra began playing it. I began singing all the lines with all the people's voices..



When I was finished, I said, “That song ladies and gentlemen will be sung by those who want to sing it for those who need it. I impersonated the voices and I hope they will be on it, but unlike 'We Are The World', we're going to be about the United States on this one and we're going to feed our people first. You see, we manage to feed everyone else, but I'm just not seeing other countries lining up to feed us when we're hungry. With that said, I think it's time we feed our own and worry about the others when we're better as a nation.”



The President stood up and I threw him the mic. He said, “I've pledged the day already to be by Presidential Order. It's not only bi-partisan, it's American. It's time we understand our hand outs are received and then, we're using those same hands to help up.

Until then, we'll make some announcements and because Rhette gave me a really excellent idea to help feed everyone else at the same time we're helping to stimulate our economy. What we're going to do is we're going to start using our dollars which are normally sent to other countries in aid to help our farmers and workers here by giving canned goods, and farm goods instead of cash.”



Everyone applauded and I said on the other mic, “Mr President, Thank you”



He turned the mic off and threw it back. I said, “Ok, let's get as much music in as we can until they leave us for late news.”



Elton went into 'Last Time Out' with Tina singing and I doing backup.



When it was over, Tina went off stage and I said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Martha Wash!”


Everyone applauded and Martha came out. I said, “Hey babe, how are you?!”



“I'm wonderful, and yourself?”



“I'm married to a wonderful man, adopted six super kids, and sold a ton of songs today, and now, I'm getting to sing with friends, so I'm better than normal.”



She laughed, “Nice dress, can I borrow it sometime?”



“Yeah, you see that little boy over there? He's my son. He's recognized everyone so far, but he's only learned the songs because of the radio. When he hears you sing, he's going to come up off that chair like he's been shocked. He'll be grabbing for this mic because he'll sing it.”



“Really? Which one?”



“All of them sugar, apparently, they had a cd collection down there which taught him English in that manner.”



“Ok, well let's give him reason to sing!”



“Ok, why don't I go ahead and give him a mic since I know we can fill this place with sound.”



“Really?”



“Watch this!”



I walked over to Brett and gave him the mic. He looked perplexed and held it. I began singing the intro to 'Ride On Time' and it was like a switch got turned on inside Brett. Suddenly he was singing it with little man bravado.



Martha stood there and smiled as I did the yells and then, she started singing background.



I walked around the stage and doing the yells and Elton pounded on the piano. During the musical interlude towards the end, Brett did a breakdance and ended up laying down on the floor with his head in his hand.



When Martha began singing the intro to 'I Don't Know', Brett looked shocked and then ran over to her hugging her leg. He'd forgotten his mic in his excitement and ran back over to get it and began singing.



I sang back up and then, she pointed up so I began singing the upper ranks.



I looked out at the President and First Lady and they were both dancing...but then again, the aisles were filled with people dancing and those who weren't were jiving at their seats.



When it was over, I went into the 'Ow' of 'Everybody Everybody' and Brett looked at us while Martha went into the first verse. He went into the choreography and began dancing.



At the end, I hugged her and said, “Ok, what we're going to do is I'm going to take us into the first song I wrote for myself. It's called, “You Can't Make Me Do That'. I'm not sure how it's going to work with the video playing on the monitor, but we're going to try it with lights since I know those cameras need light.”



I went into the intro and by the end, people were dancing.



I said, “Ok, two minute commercial break and then, I'm going to take everyone into the Kleenex zone.”



I turned to El and said, “Hon, tell them something for two minutes.”



“Ok”


I ran full speed back stage and got into the black dress and shoes. Then, I ran back out. Martha zipped me and I hugged her, “Thank you darling.”



“Thank you! I can't believe he took this live!”



“Me neither, but it's going to sell us some records.”



I came back out and asked, “How are we on time?”



“You're at ten...nine...eight...seven...six...five...four....three....two...one...live”



“Welcome back. I wrote this next song at Tina's. It's not about En's and my relationship...so please don't think that. It's about a previous relationship of fourteen years which ended.”



I nodded and El began playing the melody. I went into 'Baby' and by the end, I knew people were crying.



“The next song, has a video. The people I've got made it and they tweaked it so it's got footage of a movie due out this fall. We've went ahead and released it because we wanted it to get play. It's called 'Can You Live Without Me'.



The car wreck happened up on the screen and Brett screamed. I went over and picked him up as the dialogue happened. His sobs diminished, but in a way helped carry through the child's crying throughout it.



By the end, I saw the President again was crying and said, “Buckle up...out there....please don't make a child cry.



I went into 'I'll Stand By You'. By the end, En was standing at the side of the stage.



When he came out, he smiled at me holding Brett and kissed him. Brett smiled and hugged me tighter.



He said, “Brett is one of our children. You might not know it out in the television world, but we adopted today. The others don't want to perform and be here, so they're off playing, but Brett's got showbiz in his veins, so he's here.

What he doesn't know is I sing. He doesn't know I'm probably bigger down there than I am here, and yet, he still loves me. That's incredible.



The guitar began for the intro to 'With You' and Brett instantly went upright in my arms. He smiled real big and En began. The shock on his face made everyone chuckle. When the chorus happened, I clicked on the mic and put Brett down. He went over singing to En and hugged him.



En hugged him to him and held him as he sang the verses. By the end, he said, “That's now known as Brett's song.”



En whispered, 'Do You Know' and Brett smiled real big and began singing it. En smiled real big and began singing alongside him.



What was amazing was Eric came up on stage. I took En's mic and handed it to Eric. He began singing En's song with him and we had three generations singing together.



I walked over to Elton and hugged him. “That's a sight. I don't think it's been done.”



When the song ended, En took them into 'Excape'. I went out on stage and began slow dancing to it with Eric.



“This is powerful.”



“When our baby finds out his grandpa is famous, he's going to be blown out of the water again.”



“Thank you.”



“For what?”



“Giving us grandchildren.”



“Honey, it's called family.”



When En went into the 'You Can Runs' high, Brett smiled and kept the melody.



The orchestra took us on into 'Rhythm' and as the words were sung, En came over and sang them to me. I sang backup in the chorus and then, he stood behind me dancing slow until we got to the high parts and I sang along. Brett was over doing a dance and that's when I saw the audience was once again dancing...maybe they hadn't stopped...I don't know.



When he went into 'Hero', Brett came over and I held him. En sang the words to us and then took us into a slow dance.



After he was finished, I said, “Two minutes.”



I ran off stage and ran to the back. It was harder to get out of the dress and bustier, but I got into the showgirl costume and helmet super fast. I looked in the mirror and saw everything looked great and went out in the platforms.



When I got back on stage, En and Brett looked surprised. The audience shock was reflective.



The booth counted down and I said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, for the past twenty years, the Ginorocity hotels and casinos have given you great service and entertainment. It's now with great pride and privilege I'd like to say we now own the El Conquistador resort, hotel, and casino. It's spas are world class and it's entertainers are family.

I'm now going to take us into the comedy portion of the evening.



The first song I'm going to sing has been bought by many of you and seems to be needed because my other songs are sad.

I wrote 'One Road' because I sang 'Baby' to a bar full of people to gage reaction. You would've thought I told them Anheiser Busch had closed it's doors by the way they cried.

To inspire sales, I went back up on stage and plunked this little ditty out on a piano and now....”



The orchestra began and I stood in a stagger. People began chuckling and as the words flowed, the laughter was genuine and by the end, I had everyone in full laughter.



“The next one needs explanation. You see, if you hear the words, it'd probably never get put out there. Needless to say, when you hear the concept for the video, you realize this chick lost her dog and is running around asking everyone if they'd help her find it. Unfortunately, they do and you get a lot of people running around asking for the dog by name.

With that said, I'll now sing 'Cherry'”



People began laughing before the music started and by the time I'd gotten through the first verse, I was running around asking people if they'd seen my cherry as I'd lost my cherry.



Everyone went into full belly roll and as the words came out, they laughed harder and harder. The President was bent over laughing and Michelle was leaning over him laughing.



At the end, I said, “It's situational comedy folks. That poor girl had no clue what she did by losing her dog!



The next one is another sad one. It's definitely not about my relationship with EN, but about the last one. It's called 'You Cheated'.



The orchestra began and En took Brett to the back because he was nearly nodded.



By the end, the sadness, despair, and sense of betrayal had given everyone tears.



En came out in the blue jeans and t-shirt. I said, “Our next song is a duet. It's called 'Our Wedding'.



En looked shocked and began singing with me. We began dancing and singing to one another.



By the end, Eric said, “Now is my song. The night Enriches told me he had asked for Rhette's hand, Rhette and I went out onto the balcony. She told me about her sense of family and how she wanted babies. Little did I know I'd be a grandpa so soon!

BUT, while we were our there, Rhette had a song come and when she was finished, she said, 'That's my gift to you'. It's called, 'My Cherished Memory'.



The music began and En and I danced as he sang the beautiful words.

When he was finished, the ovation and applause were thunderous.



I stepped forward and said, 'We have one more performer tonight and then, I'm afraid that's all. She and I are going to sing a duet, Miss Celine Dion!”



The music cued up and she came out humming. I went to the other mic and began singing with her hitting high soprano.



Afterwards, Celine said, “Honey, it's a privilege. Now, what I'm supposed to tell you is there's a choir over there who want one song and that's 'Deliver Me'. The television stations are staying until then, so say what you need and then, let us have the honor of hearing you take it.”



I went to the mic and said, “Before you hear me warble out 'Deliver Me', I'm going to sing a little song called by 'Free' which is how I sing in the shower.

It's not a pretty scenario, but when I'm in the shower, operatic songs inspire me. I don't know why, but here we go. I'm about as dressed for it as I am then.”



The music began and I took it. The highs I took it to were astronomical. Martha had the lower back melody beautifully. By the end, the audience gave us an ovation with thunderous applause.



The music began for 'Deliver Me' and the choir we had, had El, Tina, Celine, Martha, Gladys, Eric, and En in it. Once again, the screen behind me went orange.



I went to the edge of the stage and saw the President and First Lady slow dancing. I was watching the red light of the camera and knew they were the one on me...or was that a laser.



I never heard the shot....all I know was the world went black and the impact which put me on the stage happened with a hellacious thud.



ab





While the funeral played before a stunned nation, Elton sang 'Fallen' with a new arrangement...about how she'd been taken from them.



She was being given a funeral with celebrities, dignitaries, and President and Mrs Obama in attendance. They wept for the lost friendship, the widowed groom, the children who would never know their mother.



The cameras played the crowd. Not a dry eye except on the faces of six stunned children. At the bottom of the screen scrolled totals and the 1-800 number for the donation hotline. She'd finally get her people fed.



All of her songs, the new, the ones already on the market, and the ones which hadn't even been arranged played continually. They'd been released prematurely as singles in order to give her children a legacy.



Once again the world cried...only this time, they had cried all weekend long. They were stunned, angry, frustrated, and all the networks and all the press machines were in full gear pumping out all the stories they could get. Her biggest secret was kept.



When the procession began, it took her from the center of an ice skating rink in St. Louis to her final resting place in the newly erected mausoleum decorated in black granite and white marble in checkerboard fashion on a hill overlooking a valley....





Fallen

(By Rhette Michaels)



My baby took one today.

He went down and there he lay

They put him on a litter and carried him away.

A casualty needing replaced

Because he'd fallen



Two men came and knocked on the door.

They said words, like 'Hero, patriot, and more.

They didn't look back as they left me on the floor.

They drove down the street never bothered they'd cut me to the core

And now I'm 'Fallen'



Our nation was built by a Gun

Countless boys...an army of our sons

Waging battles while on the run

Never stopping until they've Won

Freedom was built by the fallen



We live by freedom's grace

We stand tall with pride upon our face

As we strive to fill all this space

giving democracy to the human race

Our most precious give from the fallen





The End

ab

Notes From Retta:



This story was written in February of 2009.



In this story, I have written about the illegals living in the Hannibal area and the strange fact that no actual murders take place in town.



Those facts collided in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 27, when Manuel Caseras, one of the illegals repeated stabbed and killed two people.



Although I don't condone what he did, I want to point out once again how lax the H.P.D. were in doing their jobs.



During the time he's lived in this country, Manuel's met and fathered a child with one of the deceased, been repeatedly arrested for assaulting, domestic violence, stalking, and violation of restraining orders...and yet, the police now state they didn't know he was an illegal.



Five arrests over three years in which they booked, charged, and allowed him to go through the judicial system here. Multiple years where he held no green card, and yet, he got a driver's license, bought a vehicle, licensed it, and was able to get a cell phone, and use it to harass the deceased.


In writing the way I do, I repeatedly poke fun at, and report in my writing the Barney Fife police we've got in this town. It goes to show a restraining order and repeated requests by the deceased for help were unanswered.



In this situation, the police chief held a press conference. During that press conference, the police chief stated he could've done more had the community assisted.



I'm sorry, but when the man in charge of one of the systems wants to blame a community when he, his department, and his officers failed to perform yet once again, it's hardly the community's fault. I believe it's time to start asking more questions internally Police Chief Davis.



This story and none of mine which I write, are in any way, shape, or form, intended to diminish the value of a human life, the power a mother has to raise her children, or the ability to live life to it's fullest.



I deeply regret, and sympathize with the family, friends, and children of the deceased. I want them to know this story and any others of mine do not diminish the lives of the deceased.







From My Keyboard To Your Heart,

RettaMichaels

RettaMichaels@Gmail.com

Copyright Notice - Copyright © 2009 by RettaMichaels

The author, RettaMichaels copyrights this story and retains all rights. This work may not be edited, changed, or duplicated in any form, media [ known or unknown ], without the author's expressed permission. All applicable copyright laws apply. RettaMichaels does NOT give editorial consent in order for this to be published. If it is deemed unpublishable in it's context, permission much be granted before publication or changes occur.

Trademark Notice – 2009 by RettaMichaels

“From My Keyboard To Your Heart”, ”'Retta”,“RettaMichaels”.“Retta”,“Rhett”, “The Queen of Gay Romance”, and “Rhette” are all Trademarks of RettaVonnMichaels L.L.C. None of these trademarks may be used, or authorized without consent.



Disclaimer: All individuals depicted are fictional, and any resemblance to real persons, locations, or incidents is purely coincidental.