Chapter Thirty Rallying Together at a Rally #2
“The wise person who told me that I was out of touch,” Jason continues, “was my brilliant stepdaughter, who happened to be one of those teenagers who restored this park. She reminded me that if a town isn’t welcoming to its youth, if it’s not a place where young people want to learn and grow and hopefully one day raise their own families, then that place is failing.
She showed me that this town, this place I love and have been proud to call my home all my life, is failing so many people.
So, thank you to Meera.” Jason smiles right at me.
Some people clap for me, some even turn around to look at me, and it’s even more awkward. I’m sure I’m as red as a tomato. Noah’s hand touches mine for only a split second, and I gasp. But when I look back at him, he’s watching the stage.
“So today,” Jason continues, “I’m announcing two things. First, I’m pulling out of the mayoral race and in November will instead run for city councilor in the riding where I have served for the last six years.”
My head jolts to Mom. Did she know this? Her eyes are wide with shock. She didn’t know.
“It’s not the right time for a new role in my public life, not when I’m also adjusting to my new role as husband and stepfather.
My family may be new, but they still come first. So, I’m pleased to heartily endorse Peter McCrae for mayor of Cherrybridge.
He’s served this town well for many years.
” A few whoops sound off in the crowd in support of Peter, which makes Jason smile warmly.
“But at the same time I’m committed to helping Cherrybridge do a better job at serving the youth here.
Mayor McCrae and I are creating a new task force for youth, and I’m pleased to announce our first project.
LeClair Industries will work with a landscape architect to make this park even better than it is now.
I’ve asked them to draft plans for a new playground, a skate park, and a clubhouse that can house programs for Cherrybridge youth. ”
Everyone claps wildly, myself included. This is amazing news! I turn to Mom. She’s beaming, so proud of her husband.
Jason’s grinning widely too. “And there’s more.
Years ago the city held weekly musical performances on this stage every summer.
I even played here with my teenage grunge band many times.
We’re committed to reviving those concerts and celebrating Cherrybridge’s musical roots.
And to give you a taste of what’s to come, for one day only we’re bringing the old band back together!
C’mon onto the stage, guys! We’re Crash on Jupiter! ”
My jaw drops. I can’t believe this is happening.
Everyone screams when Jason unbuttons his shirt to reveal a Crash on Jupiter T-shirt.
Someone starts removing the sheets from the equipment on the stage, and it turns out to be guitar stands and a drum kit.
Mike and two other men climb onto the stage to join Jason.
I laugh when I see that one of them is Jeff from the parks and rec department.
They each unbutton their shirt to reveal Crash on Jupiter shirts. I look at Noah, still right next to me.
“Did you know about this?” I ask.
He grins, nodding. “It’s been an interesting couple of days, Noorani. They’ve been rehearsing nonstop.”
I shake my head, amazed. After checking the gear, Jason stands at the microphone and screams, “Hello, Cherrybridge!” This is definitely not the Jason I knew. Or I thought I knew.
Jason introduces each band member by name, and then they start playing.
I’ve never heard this song before, so maybe it’s an original, but I can’t even believe how good they are.
Jason has the perfect grunge voice, like a cross between Eddie Vedder and Kurt Cobain.
All his fake-politician mannerisms are gone, and he’s pure charisma.
The rest of the band is amazing too. Mike’s epic guitar solo elicits more screaming.
Jeff looks even more like Animal the Muppet on the drums. They play three songs, and they not only sound fantastic but seem like they’re having the best time, grinning at each other between songs.
You’d never know that these men have barely spoken in twenty years. I smile at Noah. “They’re amazing!”
He probably doesn’t hear me, but I can see on his face that he thinks the same thing.
Mom’s absolutely mesmerized by this other side of her husband.
The slightly dorky, cheesy guy had a Rock God inside him the whole time.
I know I fell for Noah after hearing him sing, and I wonder if Jason’s singing is making her love him more.
Also, ew. My stepfather is a Rock God—and my mom’s obsessed with him.
After they finish their third song, Jason stands at the mic, waiting for the crowd to stop cheering.
“You’ve heard enough of us middle-aged men reliving our youth, so how about we get some real kids up here?
To play his own original song, please welcome the son of Mike Jacobs, our guitar player, and one of the kids who restored this stage, social media sensation Noah Jacobs! ”
My eyes go even wider as Noah grins at me, then whispers into my ear, “This one’s for you, princess.”
I shiver when his warm breath touches my neck, and I know he can tell, because he flashes that flirty, mischievous smile that I can’t get enough of.
And then he climbs onto the stage. Like the other musicians, he takes off his button-up shirt, but instead of a Crash on Jupiter T-shirt, he’s got a simple black tank on. His father hands him a guitar, and someone pulls a tall stool to the microphone. Mike, Jason, and the others stay on the stage.
“Hi. I’m Noah. This is a new song… It’s called ‘Prepared.’ ”
He starts playing and it’s amazing. Crash on Jupiter backs him up with quiet bass, guitar, and drums, but this song is all soulful, emotional Noah. It’s a bit faster-paced than “Want to Be More,” but it still suits his voice perfectly.
The chorus is “I wasn’t prepared to fall. I couldn’t brace myself, but when you said I am more, I felt the sun on my face, and it felt like home.”
I’m tearing up, watching him sing. He’s amazing. He is more than he thinks he is.
Mom suddenly whispers into my ear, “I understand the appeal of musicians now.”
I laugh through my happy tears, then lean in close to whisper into Mom’s ear, “I’ll be fine with Nani. Don’t leave Jason. Stay here with him, as the real you.”
Mom nods, then hugs me tightly.