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However, bit by bit, I cool down and focus on the impressively extravagant ceremony, pleased to have received this opportunity.
A wide selection of bands and artists from different genres masterfully perform their number. Then our moment arrives.
“And the winner of this year’s Best Singer Award goes, for the third consecutive year, to...” the host says excitedly, “Michael Jones.”
“Thank you!” He places his hand on his chest and over his heart. He kisses my hand, and confidently walks towards the huge stage. “Thank you, all,” he thanks everyone again. “I’m very grateful for anyone who finds joy in my music. Over the past years, it has become an inseparable part of my life and, although I’ve been doing many other things, this is what still thrills me most. I cherish all my fans.”
A vigorous round of applause erupts again.
“Tonight, I have a special surprise for you. I want to reveal a new song and I dedicate it to all of you .”
“Yes, man, play it!” people cry out and applaud enthusiastically. He holds the golden music-note-shaped award, and excitedly steps off the stage and walks towards us.
All the lights go out as a huge screen rolls down, and the clip is projected on the backdrop with the title ‘Lost Myself in You’. Shocked and amazed, I see all the bits of our vacation in Greece. I see myself dressed in a black bikini, swimming in the pool and evading Michael as he tried to tickle me. Then, it’s me again dressed in a white bikini, lying on my back, soaking up rays of sunlight, and enjoying my newfound sense of freedom in the midst of the wonderful sea. Then, there are some images of me on a breakwater, posing like an experienced model. Next, we were both embraced, lying in each other’s arms on the indulgent sofa in the yacht. Then, it’s me again, jumping wildly and joyfully bouncing on the wide bed in the luxurious cabin. There’s other footage of me sitting on the beach and writing names in the sand. And further scenes of us in the pool, diving, at the café, and even our perfect dance on our last evening together. All those images were interwoven with moving words sung by a hoarse and touching voice; just as it always was.
“How did you do all of this?” I asked in complete shock.
“We kept taking pictures and videos everywhere we went, remember?” he explains. “So, I thought I’d give you this gift, so that you’ll know that the days we’ve spent together were very meaningful to me. I’m completely in love with you.” He tells me, then kisses my head.
Everyone is looking at me. The audience applauds all around us. He points at me and shows me off to the entire crowd, kissing my hand. I freeze. I’m unable to move or breathe.
“See? A new princess is born,” Avi soothes me, and hugs me tightly from behind.
“I’m astonished! It’s amazing!” I’m overcome with pride and surprise. Even though it was my darkest hour, he still managed to make me look great. “Thank you, Michael.” I cry out, half-panicking, half-excited, and I wrap my arm around him.
“I need to thank you, for inspiring me,” he looks straight into my eyes, as he wipes away tears of joy.
“It’s an awesome song!” Avi says. “I’m quite sure you’ll be here next year, too,” he pats Michael’s shoulder.
The ceremony finally ends. Michael refuses to attend the after-party, claiming that he’s extremely busy and has to fly back to attend to his business. I’m so grateful for it. I’m looking forward to having some stability.
“I hope you’re okay. You look overwhelmed. Did I put a lot of pressure on you today?”
“I wasn’t expecting any of it. I don’t know how to process such an intense experience.”
“You don’t need to,” he says. “It’s just an event that I prepared especially for you. For us. It isn’t a part of our real life.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“I’ve already told you; this world no longer dictates my life. Well, should we talk about the elephant in the room?”
“Not yet!” Avi states. “Let’s change, take a breath. Let’s grab something to smoke, drink, and blow off some steam.” We all immediately agree and, thirty minutes later, we meet again at the center of the room. We sit on the sofa, drink, smoke and slowly lighten the mood.
“So, you two are in love, aren’t you?” Michael suddenly blurts.
“Right. Michael, listen, we didn’t prepare for this, but Sam has become very important to me. Frankly, ever since we’ve met there has been a spark between us. That day when you left, we sat down and talked. I opened up to her unlike I ever had before. I felt her sympathizing with my pain and embracing me. We bonded. We couldn’t help ourselves. I must admit that this is the first time I’d realized just how deep and meaningful your relationship is. In any case, before we knew it, we were completely swept away. I couldn’t stop it. You know that, for years, I’ve been belittling myself in romantic relationships. I haven’t found the right partner with whom I wanted to spend a couple of months, let alone an entire lifetime. You’ve always teased me and said I acted on my urges, refused to grow up, that I was moody and reckless. I’ve never really wanted to be in a relationship. The last thing we wanted was to cause any drama or break anyone’s heart,” Avi speaks with sincerity. “Everything that has happened, my grandmother passing away and this void in my life, emphasized just how much I needed her. I lost myself in her, exactly like your song said.”
“Wow, I really didn’t expect any of this,” he stifles a tear. “First Dawn betrayed me, and now you too?” He looks at him, stunned.
“Are you serious? I understand how you must be feeling right now, but don’t you dare compare me to Dawn!” Avi says, infuriated. “I’m sitting here, before you, opening my heart to you. I truly understand you. This isn’t easy for either of us. Sam is deeply in love with you. She wasn’t faking any of it. We both missed you, a lot.”
“Sometimes, things are out of our control. I guess you shouldn’t have to pay the price for me being far away from you two.” Michael becomes sullen. “It still pains me, I must say. But I also understand that you were both in a very vulnerable position, and you’ve found true comfort in each other’s arms. I have no right to judge either of you. You’ve been through so much. I should confess, however, I’m somewhat jealous when I see you together. We had a special connection, Sam. I wouldn’t want to lose it. He turns to me and continues; I’ve missed you a lot. That’s why it was so important for me to give you that memory, so that you’d finally understand how important you have become to me, even when I’m far away. I must admit, I did not expect any of this,” he swallows a tear. “But it’ll pass. I truly love Avi, and I’ll get over this,” he concludes.
“Michael, I’m terribly sorry. I wanted to tell you everything at the beginning. But we thought it wasn’t the right thing to do, considering you were so far away and on tour. You must believe me. I love you. I’ve always loved you, but I’m in love with Avi, too. This is impossible, I don’t want to lose you,” I cry. “My bond with both of you is so meaningful to me. I gave in to my inner urges. In an ideal world, I would have wanted to have both of you.”
“I felt that I’ve finally found someone I can trust,” Michael adds. “It isn’t easy for me to leave the past behind and find comfort after what had happened with Dawn, and so soon, nonetheless,” he looks deep into my eyes. “But it did. And I fell head over heels for you. How do you suppose that I move past this?”
“Honestly?” Avi cuts him off. “I actually think that when it comes to matters of the heart, we should go with the flow and not stop to analyze and plan everything. We’re not in any hurry. We’re happy together. I hope you know that I care and love you with all my heart. I feel so at ease in your presence. We’ve been suppressing our desires and passions. We’ve been hiding and listening to others rather than ourselves. How about we leave it all behind and try something different? Let’s just try to have some fun for once. Both of us can love this amazing woman. After all, each of us loves her in a completely different way. So, I think we each have something different to offer her. As long as she consents, I really don’t mind that you’ll keep enjoying each other’s company. So, what do you say? Agreed?” Avi doesn’t leave any room for questions.
