Laverne was trying his best to hide his nervousness. He didn’t want his cousin and Keith to worry at all. Sure, he was confident about his singing voice, but he had never sung in public before. He was unsure if he could really perform in front of that many spectators. His heart was racing and he felt like he was running away from rabid dogs that are about to chew him apart.

He was at the backstage waiting for the finals to begin, and the only thing that was stopping his heart from exploding was the knowledge that Keith was in the audience; watching and rooting for him. Cara was on the other side of the room looking at him with fiery eyes, but Laverne ignored her. The two thuds who twisted his hands were on the other side and he smiled at them and the two shuddered.

The competition started and Laverne was the last one to perform. Before him, Cara sang a pop song that made the crowd really excited. The cheering in the theater was so loud that it drowned the loud beating of Laverne’s nervous heart.

Cara exited the stage and Laverne walked in the center nervously. He felt the weight of the people’s stare. He felt very uneasy. He felt a sudden urge to run away, but then he saw Keith amongst the crowd. He had no idea how he managed to find Keith among all those people, he just simply knew where to look. Somehow, there was something connecting both of them.

The nervousness that Laverne was feeling magically subsided. The sight of Keith smiling and nodding proudly at him was enough to give him strength and confidence. Laverne took a deep breath before raising his microphone. He closed his eyes and then begun singing.

His voice, like his face, was very angelic. Laverne could sing anything and it would move the heart of anyone listening to him. When he opened his eyes, he only looked at Keith. That proud and happy expression on Keith’s face kept Laverne really motivated. More than making Cara pay, Laverne wanted to win for Keith.

Laverne had no idea, but everyone in the theater - the audiences, the judges, and even his competitors - was really impressed with his talent. They were all at awe. Laverne finished his song and received a standing ovation. The crowd was cheering and booming. It made him feel great and confident, but only the sight of Keith smiling and clapping proudly made Laverne really happy. He didn’t care about the prize. Keith’s smile was simply enough for him.

Laverne sang with all his heart. And his voice reached everyone in that theater. The hearts of many were moved and captured by Laverne’s angelic singing voice, but it didn’t really matter to him, because he already had the heart of the man he truly loves.

The competition ended, and the winners were announced. It wasn’t a surprise when Laverne won, with Cara being his runner up. He saw Cara’s expression and saw how pissed she was. His plan was coming into fruition, and Laverne couldn’t wait for the grand finale.

Back at the backstage, Laverne was congratulated by some. He was surprised when Melanie and Keith entered. Keith gave him a bouquet of flowers and a tight hug. “I’ll give you something more later on.” Keith said with a smile.

“Wait here.” Laverne said when he saw Cara. He took his glass trophy and envelope of cash with him when he approached her. “It must suck to be always the second best, the second choice. First, it was with Evan, and now this competition.” Laverne said mockingly with a smile.

“You’ve already won, what do you want?” Cara was really irritated. She looked at Laverne with pretty furious eyes. She looked very wicked, but no matter how much she looked angrily at him, Laverne still stayed unfazed. Cara would never scare him.

“I’m here to make you feel even worse, isn’t that obvious?” Laverne replied. “But anyway, don’t be so down, that director from that agency was really impressed with you. I’ll turn him down, so he could settle for the second best.” Laverne added sarcastically.

“I don’t need you to get what I want. If you have nothing else to say, just leave. You are wasting your time.” Cara said coldly.

“Sure, but here, have this money.” Laverne said. He was holding both the envelope and trophy with his left hand. “I’m guessing it cost you a lot to hire three men to assault me.” Laverne said seriously. “Do you really think that they would succeed? I don’t even know what you were trying to achieve from that. But no matter, you failed. If I were you; I would not try anything like that anymore, because the next time you do, I would rip you apart.” Laverne said threateningly as he looked fiercely at Cara.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It was obvious with her expression that she was shaken. She was guilty, Laverne was sure of that. Laverne pushed the envelope closer to her and as he expected, Cara slapped his hand.

Both the envelope and trophy fell on the floor, it wasn’t a hard hit so the trophy wasn’t really damaged. But it made enough noise to catch everyone’s attention. “You are nothing but a pathetic witch. You would never get what you want because you’re rotten in the inside.” Laverne said provokingly and it gave him the result he wanted.

As the judges entered the room, the sight they saw was Cara slapping Laverne hard. His plan went even better than he expected. Cara would totally look like the villain and no one would suspect that he provoked her first.

“What’s happening here?” Keith sounded very mad. The judges walked closer to them as well. “Why did you hit him? Just what right do you have to hit him?!”

“I… just went here to talk to her… but she suddenly became angry, saying that she should have won and that I don’t deserve to win at all…” Laverne said acting all afraid and innocent. He also made it a point to look like he was about to cry.

“That’s not true, you…!” Cara was about to slap Laverne again but Keith caught her hand. She looked surprised and irritated at the same time. Laverne knew how much she wanted to slap him at that time.

“I won’t let you hurt him any further.” Keith glared at her then threw her hand away. Laverne felt at ease. When Keith came to his side, he felt really safe and confident, but he felt guilty for bringing Keith in that trouble as well.

“He started this, he’s just acting to make me look bad!” Cara shouted hysterically. “He did this before!”

“Give it a rest, Ms. Morrison.” One of the judges said. “We saw everything. We even came here to congratulate both of you, but I guess you are not worth it at all.”

“Here I am thinking that I can sign you both for a deal, but I don’t want a diva in my company, it would only tarnish my reputation.” Another judge said.

“I did nothing wrong, he provoked me! It’s all his doing! He’s acting!” Cara sounded so desperate and it was very amusing to Laverne. When no one was looking, he gave Cara a grin before Keith took him away. “Tell them the truth, you little fox!” Cara shouted. She sounded so hysterical, so desperate.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Laverne said with a very innocent expression that no one could resist. No one could even dare to doubt a face like that, and that was his very weapon, a weapon that Cara failed to counter.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Keith couldn’t help but feel that he knew one of the judges of the competition. That director of a talent agency was very familiar to him. That man tried to talk to Lav but Lav wasn’t interested in showbiz at all, instead, he talked to the dean of that performing arts school. Keith was still feeling really odd. Somehow he couldn’t push away the thought that he had a connection with that director.

Lav was on the couch with his laptop when Keith approached him. Keith was so proud of Lav for winning but he couldn’t help but feel that something was up. “What are you doing?” He asked when he saw Lav uploading a video.

“Watch.” Lav said and showed Keith a video of Cara slapping his hand away and then slapping him across the face but the part before Cara slapping his hand was not included.

“How did you get that? Wait, so that was your plan. She was telling the truth, wasn’t she? You really provoked her.” Keith was more amused. He understood why Lav had to do that, but Keith thought that what Lav did was still not enough for Cara to learn her lesson. He was so angry at Cara for trying to hurt Lav that he wanted her to really suffer.

“You’re not angry, are you?” Lav looked worried. “I promise you, this is the last.” Lav looked really honest. Keith could see that Lav was telling him the truth. Honestly, Keith wanted things to end as well, and just be peacefully happy with Lav.

“No, I’m not angry…” Keith said. “I just don’t want this to bite you back. Revenge is a vicious cycle.”

“I know, it only ends when one is completely ruined. This is the last time, I promise.” Lav said. “What she did was horrible, she deserves even worse, and the thought of her getting away with it, is just horrible. She needs to learn a lesson.”

Lav put the laptop on the table and then Keith held his hand. “Hey, you still have another prize from me.” Keith said sweetly as he put his legs on top of Lav’s thighs. He then smiled at Lav as he rubbed Lav’s thigh a bit.

“Oh, yeah. What is it?” Lav replied and then moved closer to him.

“Here.” Keith said before leaning closer. He kissed Lav passionately and Lav kissed him back. They embraced each other and lost themselves in the heat of the moment. They kissed and forgot everything else. It was just the two of them in their own world. Their hearts were connected and they beat at the same time. For Keith, that was the most magical night he could ever remember.

“Well…” Lav said with a slightly embarrassed smile. “That was the best prize I’ve ever got.” Keith was smitten with Lav’s lovely expression.

“I’m glad you liked it.” Keith said with a smitten smile and then gave Lav another peck on the lips.

Lav suddenly wrapped his arms around Keith and then pushed him to lie back on the sofa. With a naughty smile on his face, Lav kissed Keith passionately once again. Keith’s head was spinning in excitement. His heart was pounding so fast that everything else seemed so slow around him. Keith simply couldn’t contain the love he was feeling for Lav.

They slept together that night, with arms around each other. Keith held Lav tight and Lav reciprocated sweetly. Keith didn’t want that moment to ever end, but something deep inside him was saying that something big was about to happen. Keith pushed back that feeling and watched as Lav fell into a sweet and innocent slumber.

The morning came and Keith transformed back into his ghostly state. He knelt by the bed while he watched Lav’s sleep. He could never get tired of Lav’s beautiful sleeping face. It was so peaceful.

Lav smiled in his sleep. “You must be having a good dream.” Keith said happily with a bright smile. “Whenever I am with you, I feel alive…” Keith added.

Lav instantly smiled when he opened his eyes. “Good morning…” He said sweetly. Keith was smitten by Lav’s morning look. Being the first one that Lav sees after waking up made Keith really happy and he thought that he wanted to be the first one Lav sees every morning for the rest of his life.

“Good morning.” Keith replied with an equally beautiful smile. “If only I could, I would serve you breakfast on bed. This is the first time that I actually am frustrated to be a ghost, because right now all I could think about is giving you a good morning kiss.” He said honestly. “Do I sound perverted?”

Keith really wanted to be able to touch Lav whenever he wanted to. He wanted so much for the two of them to wake up in each other's arms. He wanted to wake up and smile at each other and then give Lav a sweet good morning kiss. And then they wouldn’t get out of bed but instead would cuddle for a few more minutes. They would stay in bed, just holding each other for a while before they finally take a shower together, eat breakfast holding each other's hands, and just being lovely and sweet to each other throughout the day. And when the night comes, they would sleep in an embrace until the next bright day.

“Not at all.” Lav said with a smile. “Because I am thinking exactly the same thing. It’s alright, we could make up for the lost moments later tonight.” He said with a naughty smile.

Lav did his usual morning routine and in the middle of it, his doorbell rang. It was room service. A hotel staff handed him a big bouquet of roses. “Who is it from?” Keith was curious. Lav took the card and opened it. “So, what does the card say?” Lav couldn’t answer.

Keith walked towards his direction and read the contents of the card. “I am so proud of you. I will always support you and would always be here whenever you need me. Love, Evan.” Keith became serious when reading the card. He was irritated, that’s for sure. Even though he was trying his best to hide it from Lav, he was unsuccessful.

“What is he even trying to accomplish from sending me this? Did he think that I would forgive him and be moved by just mere flowers? You know that this means nothing to me right.” Lav put the bouquet down and took the one that Keith gave to him the night before. “This is still my favorite, because you gave it to me.”

“I understand. I just can’t help but be irritated.” Keith said in a sulking manner. “Why does he have to be so stubborn, can’t he just leave you alone?” He complained. He really wished that Evan would stop bothering Lav.

“Don’t worry, it’s not like he could sway me any longer. As far as I am concerned, I am already shackled to you and you to me.” Lav said jokingly. “Basically, we’re stuck together, forever.” Lav had a very naughty smile on his face and Keith couldn’t help but smile as well, after seeing it.

“I must admit, I like the sound of that.” Keith said with a smile. Lav’s cellphone suddenly rang, and Keith noticed the sudden change of Lav’s expression. Lav looked really irritated and tired just by staring at the phone’s screen. Keith became worried, he was also wondering what made Lav that irritated. “Aren’t you going to answer that?” Keith asked worriedly.

“Leave it be. It’s just that guy from the talent agency last night. He kept on bothering me about that contract deal and I already told him that I’m not interested. Being in show-business is not in my plans at all.” Lav said.

Keith gulped. That guy really sparked something inside of him. There was something about that guy that made Keith wonder. He couldn’t stop thinking that they met before, when he was still alive.

“Why don’t you give it a chance? I think you would really be famous with that talent of yours. You’re great at playing the violin and your voice is simply angelic. Anyone would kill to have a talent like that.” Keith said calmly.

“I know that, and I like to showcase and share my talent as well, but I don’t like how show-business works. My mom owns a cosmetic company, and she deals with stars all the time, and she complains how plastic and hypocritical the people in show-business are. I’m not saying everyone is like that, just most of them. I don’t want to live like that. I want to be true to myself and live my life the way I want to. That simple.” Lav explained seriously.

Keith chuckled. “I understand, I won’t argue with that anymore. I’ll support whatever you want to do.” He said, but still, he thinks that Lav would be able to do amazing things in the limelight. Lav was very talented and Keith finds it a waste that no one else would get to witness that talent.

Melanie called that day and asked Lav on a celebratory lunch, but Keith was feeling suspicious about it. He knew that Melanie was up to something, but he just let it be. After all, he knew that Melanie would not do anything that would hurt Lav.

When they arrived at the restaurant Melanie said, they saw the man from the talent agency sitting with her. His name was Jefferson West, and knowing his name only amplifies Keith’s suspicion of their unknown connection.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“I’m going.” Laverne said and tried to walk away when he saw Jefferson West with Melanie. He had no energy to waste with such a pointless meeting. His decision would not change, he doesn’t want to be in the limelight. Standing in the stage of that contest was nerve-wracking enough for him, and he was quite sure he couldn’t handle much more attention than that.

“Just wait.” Melanie stopped him. “He’s been bothering me since last night. Non-stop phone calls to my cell and hotel phone, he kept on sending me gifts just to meet you, and he even came to my hotel room this morning. He’s driving me crazy.” Melanie complained.

Laverne saw that Melanie wasn’t lying at all. She looked very troubled. “I understand, but I still won’t sign that deal.” He said. Sure Melanie trapped him into that meeting, but seeing how troubled Melanie was, Laverne couldn’t even get angry at her. He could see how much apologetic Melanie looked as well.

“Fine with me. I just want him to stop bothering me.” Melanie replied, sounding very relieved. “Just please, make sure that he would stop bothering any of us after this. Being charged with a felony is not in my plans.” She said looking very tired.

Jefferson started talking as to how Laverne would make it really big. He sounded excited as he spoke. He kept on saying that Laverne would be a phenomenon, a superstar, but in all honesty, he couldn’t care less about those things.

“I’m sorry, it’s just doesn’t sound appealing to me at all. I already decided to accept the scholarship instead.” Laverne said innocently. He didn’t want to be rude to Jefferson, even if he was irritated and at his limits already.

“It’s alright. We could work things out around that, you could continue studying there while we build your career. This is a big opportunity for both of us, many would kill for such.” Jefferson said, trying to convince him.

“I understand that, but, being a superstar is simply not my style. It sounds too much of a hassle for me. And I don’t think I could handle the stress.” Laverne said innocently.

“That’s why I’m here. I would guide you through everything.” Jefferson said enthusiastically. Jefferson was persistent but not pushy, Laverne would give him that, but that wasn’t enough to change his mind.

Oh my Goodness, he really won’t stop. Laverne thought. He wanted that meeting to end already. It’s not like his decision would change anymore. It was such a waste of time for both of them, but Jefferson just wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Be patient, the more you push him away, the more he would be persistent. You must clearly tell him that you are not interested now or else he would keep on bothering you.” Keith said to his ears.

Laverne knew that Keith was right. People like Jefferson are simply too persistent to be persuaded otherwise. Being rude or cold would not work at all. “I love music, but instead of being in the spotlight, instead of having all unnecessary attention to myself, I’d rather make my own music. Quietly and peacefully.”

Jefferson sighed. “Why must everyone with the talent like yours be the same?” He said tiredly. “I understand, but I still want to work with you. I’m planning to expand my business, and I’m planning to make my own record label. When everything is set, would you consider working with me, as a music producer?”

Laverne couldn’t deny it; he liked the sound of it more than being the artist himself. He would be able to make music that many people might enjoy and still stay in the background. That sounds really interesting to him. “I’ll consider it, if you can wait until I finish my studies.” Laverne said.

“Lav… are you serious? To tell you the truth, the idea of you making music to be heard by everyone is really exciting. I think that many people would love your music.” Keith said happily. Laverne was deeply flattered with Keith’s words. It meant a lot to him especially because Keith said it.

“It’s a deal then.” Jefferson said with a smile. “Then I’ll keep in contact with you during your studies, I’m hoping that we’ll be able to work in the future. You could call me Jeff, by the way.” Jeff reached for a handshake and Laverne took it.

Jeff and Laverne finally came into agreement, but Laverne was still quite unsure what the future holds for the both of them. After that meeting, Keith and Laverne took a stroll around town. They enjoyed talking to each other, and they loved each others’ company.

“This is nice.” Laverne said as he looked at Keith with a bright smile. “Walking like this, with you by my side. I think I would like to do this with you more often.”

“Me too.” Keith answered in a sweet tone. “The only thing missing is us holding hands. Still, we could make up for that later tonight.” Keith said happily. Laverne couldn’t wait for the night to fall as well.

“I’m glad I met you, Keith. If I didn’t then I might still be blindly in love with Evan. I might still be getting swayed with his sugar-coated lies.” Laverne said sincerely. “I’m very thankful, that you came into my life, because finally, I’ve experienced what true love really is.”

“Me…” Keith said in wonder. “If I haven’t met you then I would still be a wandering ghost without any direction. Because of you, miracles started happening to me. Because of you, I had an idea what it is to truly live.” He said and then chuckled. “Isn’t it funny, that I am already dead but I feel so alive?”

“Not at all.” Laverne replied. “As long as your heart and soul know how to love, then you are alive. But, I would really like it if your heart only loves me.” Laverne said with a smile. He wanted to hold hands with Keith as they walk, and he couldn’t wait for the sun to finally set.

The sun was setting and Keith and Laverne were having a sweet moment together. That moment was really something that they both enjoyed. Laverne wanted that moment to last. But their lovely moment was interrupted by Evan.

“What are you doing here?” Laverne asked, he was really irritated by Evan’s appearance. But once he looked at Evan, he noticed that something wasn’t quite right. Evan looked scared and very worried.

“I’m glad I found you, there’s no time to explain, just come with me.” Evan tried to pull him but Laverne fought him and broke free.

“No. What is wrong with you?” Laverne complained coldly.

For some reason, Keith was very quiet. He would usually get very irritated and vocally angry whenever Evan was near him, but that time was different. Laverne could feel that something was up with Keith, but he couldn’t quite put his fingers on it. Laverne was worried, he wanted to know what was making Keith that way.

Suddenly a dangerous-looking man appeared. Then, without any word, the man pulled out a gun and pointed it towards Laverne.

The sun was slowly disappearing and the sky was getting dark, but what was yet to come was even darker than the coming night.

Keith suddenly moved in front of him. “I remember everything, Lav.” Keith said in a tone so sad and yet so fulfilled. A wry smile came to his lips. “This is it, my unfinished business. I love you.”

Laverne had no idea why Keith was talking that way. But he felt really afraid and worried. He knew that something was about to happen, but he couldn’t do anything to stop it. He felt really stupid and really helpless.

Evan run towards the man and fought for the gun, but the man successfully pulled the trigger. “LAVERNE!” Evan shouted. Laverne’s heart pounded faster and he became even more scared. He was unsure as to what would happen, but he knew that the outcome would be something terrible.

Everything became so slow in Laverne’s vision. The bullet was going towards his direction and his heart was beating so fast and it hurts really badly. Keith was still in front of him and Laverne became more afraid as the sun sets. Suddenly, he started crying silently. Time was too painfully slow. Each second was agonizing, and yet there was nothing he could do but wait and watch.

Finally, everything was over and the last thing that Laverne could remember was Keith saying. “We’ll meet again, Lav. Wait for me.” And then everything was dark.