Song 36

The curtains closed on the play, and all the cast and Aggie stood at the front of the stage, hands linked as they gave a final bow. Meloira scurried off for a moment, reaching backstage and returning with a large bouquet, presenting them to Aggie. “Thank you for the moment,” she whispered, handing the bouquet over.

Aggie took the bouquet, holding it tightly as she looked to the audience. Everyone was still up on their feet as the cast took another bow before heading off backstage. Cast members jumping and hugging each other, congratulating each other on a successful night. “That was amazing,” Aggie spoke up, getting everyone’s attention. “Thank you, everyone, for being a part of this journey with me. I know it was a struggle to get everything together so quickly, but without all of your help, none of this would have been possible.”

“Cheers to our wonderful playwright,” Meloria proclaimed, holding up an imaginary champagne glass.

The rest of the cast joined in, raising their imaginary glasses also as everyone yelled ‘Cheers.’ After the formalities, some cast members went to change, while others met up with their family members from the audience. While Aggie was busy talking to a local reporter, Meloria took the opportunity to find her family. “Mama, Papa,” she called out, waving to them as she spotted them still in their seats. With a large grin, she ran over to them, jumping into Edward’s arms. “Papa, I can’t believe you all came.”

“Believe it,” Edward laughed, kissing the top of Meloria’s head. “You have made us all so proud.”

“That song was beautiful,” Evelyn chimed in. “Did you write that yourself?”

“Aggie and I actually wrote it together,” Meloria explained as she picked Finn up into her arms, kissing him on the cheek. “How long do you plan on staying?”

“We’re actually heading to Umculo tomorrow,” Edward explained, holding up some Uki Uki Theme Park tickets. “Figured we’ve use these passes you got for us.”

“You got them,” Meloria laughed. “I’m glad they made it to you and that you’re actually going to be using them.”

“Yes, and we can meet this Tenma boy from the photo,” Eveyln snickered, giving Meloria a nudge.

“Mama,” Meloria gasped and blushed deeply. “Please, it’s not like that.”

“Not from what I remember,” Lucan snickered.

Meloria pouted, looking away and pretending to be upset with them all, struggling to keep up the act when the twins started to dance and pull funny faces, which made Meloria burst out laughing. She couldn’t believe how much she had missed the twins’ funny antics and her parents' overbearing nature. “Oh, Lucan, how are Kendra and Fischer?” Meloria asked, disappointed she hadn’t seen them yet.

“We’re not far,” Kendra sang from behind Meloria. Turning around, Meloria’s mouth hung open, seeing Kendra minus the swollen belly and instead with a baby in her arms.

“Looks like you’re not going to be our little singer anymore,” Fischer laughed. “You're going to be our little actress.”

“Oh, not quite,” Meloria shook her head. “I still want to be an idol, and I will be.”

“We have no doubt,” Kendra smiled, kissing Meloria on the cheek before turning to introduce herself to Edward and Evelyn.

Meloria placed Finn down, letting him say hello to the baby as Kendra and Evelyn started to exchange stories. Meloria excused herself and decided to go and get some fresh air. Out of everyone she saw in the audience, there was one person she wished she could have seen. Stepping outside, looking up to see the full moon shining down on her, Meloria smiled, leaning against the wall. “Raville, would you have been impressed tonight?” she whispered, seeing her breath in the cold air.

“I think he would have loved it,” Meloria turned her head, seeing Jonny standing before her. “Much like I did.”

“Jonny,” Meloria gasped, hugging him tightly, feeling safe as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “It’s been too long.”

“It certainly has,” Jonny laughed, pulling away, stepping back to look Meloria up and down. “You look so grown up, like a real lady. I hear you’ve been having quite the journey.”

“Oh, I certainly have,” Meloria laughed, pulling Jonny to sit on a nearby bench. “In Umculo, I planned a pop-up concert of sorts to help Tenma, this guy who owns a theme park, and using it, I managed to get people into the theme park, and Lucan planned this whole menu for him using corn. Then in Kuste, where we met Kendra and Fischer, Lucan really wanted to stay and live by the ocean, learn to catch fish, and you know, I knew it was time for us to go our separate ways, but I couldn’t find the words, so I went on the radio and sang a goodbye song for him.”

“Whoa, it does sound like you’ve been very busy,” Jonny let out a hearty chuckle, impressed by how much Meloria had accomplished. “Sounds like you’ve been enjoying a lot of new experiences, even trying acting.”

Meloria blushed and nodded. “I made a promise to everyone I met that I would help them with their dream,” she smiled, her hand folded neatly in her lap. “What's a couple of side missions on my way to becoming Reybu’s number one idol?”

“That’s quite the grown-up way to think about things,” Jonny smiled softly.

“And yet,” Meloria sighed, looking back up to the moon. “I wish I could show Raville what I’ve achieved. To be able to make him a promise and learn about his dreams.”

“Perhaps,” Jonny smirked, turning to Meloria, cupping his chin between his fingers and thumb. “You could speak to him soon.” Meloria’s face distorted into a look of confusion. What did Jonny mean? Raville wasn’t here; no one even knew if he was alive. “In the capital, they are putting on a variety show.”

A variety show? It could be like a talent show.

“The most well-renowned musicians, comedians, even juggling acts will be performing,” Jonny smirked. “And one of the headliners this year is Raville Thornewood.”

“Raville?” Meloria gasped, standing up as she tried to make sense of what Jonny was saying. “Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not,” Jonny assured, standing up, a hand placed on Meloria’s head. “I swear to you I am telling the truth, and it’s a reason why I’m here. Meloria, I am offering you a chance to perform on the biggest stage in the capital.”

Me? Perform in the capital? Meloria couldn’t believe it; to her, this was the equivalent of getting an invitation to perform at the Tokyo Dome. Every idol's dream. If she could sing in the capital and truly stand out in Reybu’s most prestigious show amongst some of the most talented people in the country, then her dream might just come true. She would be an idol, but most of all, she could see Raville again.

“Do it,” Aggie smiled, coming out into the cold air.

“But Aggie, what about the play?” Meloria argued.

“The play was for one night only,” Aggie giggled and shrugged. “So that means you’re not needed.” Meloria frowned, making Aggie smirk and wink. “Until the next play.”

“Next play?” Meloria smirked back.

Aggie nodded, holding out her pinkie. “I promise, I’m going to write an even more amazing play for you,” she swore. “And I’m going to write even more beautiful songs for you to sing.”

Meloria couldn’t help but laugh as Aggie adopted her pinkie promise. Meloria nodded, linking their pinkies, “You better keep that promise.”

“I will,” Aggie smirked. “I 'm never one for breaking a pinkie promise.”