By Starbearer TM

Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please.

A strange giddiness had set in, far headier then any wine or stimulant upon Trynia. Bright sunlight and laughter merged into an awareness that had opened up a new vista to her, of her life before marriage being a pale shade of what it had now become. All the trials and tribulations had brought them both to this day, this hour. Now as the newlyweds rushed past the fountain, the rice pelting their faces brought Trynia to a sudden awareness.

Close behind them moved the photographer and other guests. They filed quickly into the awaiting banquet hall, contained within the villa. The gentle crashing of surf vanished into the sound of excited chapter once the newlyweds entered the large space, airy and comfortable.

Silver and purple bedecked each table, dusted with tiny star foil shaped confetti. Each table had a centerpiece of carnations, roses and lilies, in shades of white and purple. While most of the tables were round, the table up front was long and thin, for the bridal party. To the left were the section of groom's tables, and the right, the bride's. Security guards kept their distance, in their black suits, urging people toward their designated tables. Namecards carefully denoted where each guest was to sit, and every table had a good view of the front.

"Oh god it's INCREDIBLE," Trynia breathed to Paul. "I mean I had seen a peak of it... but this is..."

"You wanted the best, you got the best," Paul joked. "The hottest WEDDING in the world... nothing but the best for you from now on, sweetheart."

Behind the main table was a stage, curtained off, behind by a wooden varnished square of dance floor. Fine marble columns supported the tiled roof, painted in frescoes with angels and cherubs. Whoever had created this dwelling had a sense of romance unparalleled by few.

"This way, love," Paul said, leading her to the place of honor next to him.

"Way to go, Stanley! You actually WENT through with it!" Gene whispered to him, slugging him on the back. "You gotta tell me how it feels to be married..."

"He's only been married TEN minutes, Gene!" Terri rolled her eyes. They took their seats next to the newlyweds, and everyone else filed into place.

"Congratulations!" Gene shouted, catching his friend up and giving him a strong hug.

"Thanks Gene... I think!" Paul croaked. Gene released him and then clanged his water glass with his spoon.

"Everybody, I know it's the best damn decorating job you've seen," he said, as everyone became silent. All eyes rested on Gene, and he felt instantly at ease, with an audience.

"So when do we get this party STARTED?" someone asked. Paul glanced over and saw that Terri was grinning from ear to ear.

"Well no time like the present. And who am I to make you all wait for one hell of a spread?" Gene asked. "So I'll save the roasting and toasting... till AFTER the salad at least!"

"Good going," Paul nudged him. Everyone sat down and the gentle murmur of conversation resumed.

***

"So when are we going to drop the bomb?" Terri whispered to Gene.

"When we have the dance," he whispered back. Trynia glanced in their direction, and Gene drew his finger across his neck. Paul glanced from his best friend to his new wife in momentary confusion.

"Salad sir?" the caterer asked, putting a Cesar salad before Paul.

"Sure..."

"No rabbit food for me," Gene waved the salad away. Wine and grape juice was poured carefully into each person's glass, and Trynia happened to glance over to the table where her family members sat. Her mother and a few cousins had gathered with her younger brother Chase and her brother Michael.

"Is it just me, or is there some sort of... distance here?" she whispered to Paul.

"How so, love?" he asked.

"The security guards, and only four of us at the head table,' she whispered to Paul.

"It's Gene's idea," Paul teased. "Anyway, I can't have my new bride carried away by a thousand or so jealous KISS army soldiers can I? After all you know how many hearts will be broken when they find out you and I have tied the knot..."

"Will you go public?" she asked. "I mean you had told Mike on KOL... but I know you wanted to keep this wedding under wraps from the general public as long as we can..."

"Yes, but they will find out eventually. It's just the way I want them to... that I can control," Paul said, kissing her hand. It seemed as if a barrier now separated her from the normal people, for she could see Andre and Chris standing quietly to either side of the table, giving her and Paul a friendly wave. For a moment, she poked the salad, not quite hungry. The glint of the impressive engagement ring flashed shortly in her eyes, and she fingered it thoughtfully.

"Mrs. Paul Stanley, sheesh," she chuckled to herself. Out of the corner of her eye, she could glimpse her mother watching her carefully. For a few minutes she ate in silent reflection, catching a glimpse of herself in her wedding gown in the ornamental mirrors set at intervals in the room.

Terri suddenly clanged her plate with her spoon, and others joined in. The universal prompting caused Paul to gently grasp Trynia's chin and turn her to face him. He planted a brief yet passionate kiss on her lips. His hands folded over hers, and she fingered the gold band she had slipped over his finger that matched her own.

"So, when are we going to REALLY have fun?" Terri glanced over at Gene.

"In a few," he whispered. "These poor people need ALL the nourishment for what we're about to dish out..."

After a lunch of chicken cacchtorie, lobster bisque soup, and Cesar salad, Gene banged his spoon against his glass. Trynia leaned to Paul and gave him yet another kiss, but Gene cleared his throat and stood up, holding his glass of grape juice up.

"While I'm ENTHUSED these two are showing their love for each other, that's NOT the main reason I've got your attention," he cleared his throat. "Paul here made me the best man, and with that title I have certain... responsibilities... to get this shindig off right... so may I start with the obligatory toast..."

Paul and Trynia parted from their kiss, leaning against one another to look at Gene. Clearly he enjoyed this, for his next mingle of acrid remarks set everyone laughing.

"How do I say this... there's the mushy stuff I'm SURE you'll expect the best man to say, and the embarrassing anecdotes I could pull out of my... uh ear to tell you, but I think we've had enough interesting stuff to last a while. So, I'll just start by saying that I never thought I'd see my buddy here, in these circumstances. And I have to say Stanley; you've never looked better. So here's to the best time in your life... since band business of course... and may this union be one we can all tell the grandkids about..."

Surprised by this honest toast, Paul gave a grateful smile, and clapped. He rose and smiled at his friend, clinking his wineglass to Gene's own goblet of sparkling grape juice, saying, "Thanks man... I'll drink to that..."

Everyone took a sip of their respective beverages, and Mike stood up next, calling everyone's attention to him. Trynia smiled as he said, "Well as the one who gave her away... I have a few words to say on behalf of my sister. Sis, you've made some tough choices in your life, and I'm happy to say that I've stood by every one. It's hard to believe you're marrying a man I've admired in magazines and on the concert stage for years. But I know he'll take good care of you... forever. So here's to you, Paul and Tryn... be happy and be well... because the lady you're marrying deserves the best..."

Just then, they noticed the canned music, an orchestral piece drifting in. Paul groaned when he noticed the deejay walking in and sitting down behind his stand. How had Gene sneaked him in?

"You've got to be shitting me right?" he asked Gene.

"He's just playing the music. But I'm the master of ceremonies," Gene smiled and turned back to Paul and Trynia, once the toast had been made, "Now I think we're ready for a little dessert, and you know what THAT means... I'm going to ask Paul and the missus to get up and come OVER here and cut this cake... and we'll get to watch the fun..."

He snapped his fingers, and the caterers trundled out a seven-layer cake, placing it on the table nearby. A bow wrapped cake knife was handed to Paul, and he gestured for Trynia to stand next to him. She flushed with embarrassment as everyone started singing the infamous cake cutting song to the tune of Farmer in the Dell. Taking a piece of the cake, Paul held it up to her with a mischievous smile on his face. Trynia took the other piece, and glanced at Terri. She mimed a smashing motion, and everyone watched as Paul delicately maneuvered his slice for her to nibble. She first held her piece up for Paul to taste, and Gene shook his head as if expecting more.

"Psyche!" Trynia laughed, and ended up smashing the piece in his face. He laughed and smeared icing down her cheek, spluttering with a mouthful of frosting.

"Now that's the way you do it!" laughed Terri. She passed a napkin to Paul, who was still grinning from the assault. He drew his finger through the frosting and licked his middle finger, sending another resounding cheer from the female contingent of the reception.

"We're not out of the woods yet," said Gene as the laughter died down. "Now the FUN really starts... Tryn, will you do us the honor of throwing the bouquet?"

Terri took the extensive bouquet, and handed it to Trynia. All the girls rose from their chairs eagerly to await their chance, assembling on the dance floor. Trynia turned around, and closed her eyes. With a casual fling, she hurled the bouquet over one shoulder. Instantly Erica squealed as she rushed to claim it. Sharmane and Mel both dived for the floral arrangement, knocking heads. The bouquet vanished in the tangle of bodies and laughter.

"I got it!" someone announced. Erica held the bouquet aloft, eagerly brandishing it.

"Way to go!" Trynia smiled, giving her the thumbs up. Gene chuckled heartily, and Paul slugged him on the arm, shaking his head.

"Always love a cat fight don't you?" Paul quipped.

"Hey, watching lovely ladies all tangled up gets my blood going you know," Gene leered back.

"Typical," Trynia laughed. She rushed over to give Erica a kiss on the cheek before she settled into her place next to Kevin.

"All right now," Gene said, clapping his hands for silence. "The third event... Can I have the garter please? And a chair for the bride?"

He gestured and Andre and Chris brought a chair over, and set it before the main table. Trynia walked over and sat down in it, amused as Paul knelt before her. He winked and she slowly tugged her skirt up. Playfully he tucked his head and shoulders under her skirt, as if pretending to be lost. With a good bit of tugging he pulled down the item and held it aloft.

"Now, can I have all the eligible bachelors please rise from their seats and stand behind the groom?" Gene asked.

"You too, Gene," Terri said.

"I mean eligible," he said.

"You're unmarried too, smartass," she tugged his arm.

"You have to Gene. It IS tradition," Paul joked. "C'mon Gene, don't' be scared of a scrap of lace!"

Grumbling, Gene let himself be maneuvered behind Paul where Chase, Dwight, Kevin and others stood. He slowly wandered toward the edge of bachelors vying for a good shot. Paul turned around and held aloft the garter, twirling it on his finger. Kevin eagerly eyed the garter, as did Dwight.

"That's MINE!" Dwight whispered.

"I beg to differ," Chase whispered. "My partner's been WAITING for me to tell him about THIS!"

"Step aside and let an EXPERT take over," Art rubbed his hands together. "I'll have you know I was a catcher in intramural softball!"

"Gentlemen, let's give it a fair shot," Kevin urged. "He's about to throw..."

As Paul closed his eyes and readied himself, Gene slowly tiptoed toward the stage. He seemed rather uncomfortable being coerced into even standing near the assemblage. Everyone clapped and shouted as Paul threw the garter with a mighty toss that sent it flying over the heads of the bachelors. They fumbled and stumbled over each other, their hands groping anxiously as it arced overhead.

Gene felt something hit him in the back and land on his shoe. The infamous scrap of lace lay at his feet. Not even thinking, he reflexively picked it up, before being mobbed by the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner..."

"Shit," Gene groaned. "This doesn't count..."

"You got it first man," Kevin said as he held Dwight and Art out of the way.

"I think one of YOU has more use for this then me," Gene said, handing the garter to Kevin. "Your lady's waiting ANXIOUSLY..."

"But you got it first," said Art.

"Take it kid," said Gene, pushing the garter into Kevin's hands. He moved away quickly, a little too quickly the bachelors thought. Paul by this time had returned to Trynia's side, and both were watching the scene in amusement.

"Uh... very interesting. Now will the lucky man put the garter on his sweetheart's leg please?" Gene asked, gesturing for Erica to sit in the chair Trynia had occupied. Kevin demurely slipped the garter only to Erica's knee.

"Higher!" Mike urged. "C'mon!"

"Put it UP there!" said Dwight.

"Uh out of respect for modesty and a possible pummeling, I don't think he's going to dare," joked Art. "Remember, Paul's watching him..."

"No fun," Chase laughed. Paul gave a smile at the comment, loosening his tie and unbuttoning the top button of his shirt. He slung his jacket over the back of his chair.

"Now, how about a bit of dancing folks?" the deejay asked. "Are we ready for the required movements?"

"Where did you dig UP this guy?" Paul demanded of Gene.

"Patience. It's just till the real band I ordered shows up," Gene said, flipping out his cell phone.

"Everyone get up. Don't be shy now, ladies and gentlemen," the deejay urged. Paul got up, and took Trynia's hand.

"Now every wedding requires, no demands that the mother dance with her son, so for this occasion I have a very SPECIAL song... going back a ways... from the master of big bands, Glenn Miller..."

"At least he got SOMETHING right," Paul muttered. "Wait here love..."

Mrs. Eisen smiled as she took her son's hand, and they gracefully strode onto the dance floor together. A chorus of clarinets smoothly slid into the air, and mother and son did a slow box step. The disco ball had been activated, and soft flecks of light danced across the couple, and the smooth varnished square of dance floor. Wistfully Trynia sighed, knowing what dance was next.

Looking over his mother's shoulder Paul noticed his bride's mournful glance, and caught his dad's eye. With a jerk of his head he gestured toward Trynia and mouthed the word 'dance'. Mr. Eisen smiled and nodded, making his way over to Trynia.

"Isn't that wonderful folks!" the deejay said, raising his hands. "Give us a hand for the wonderful mother and son. And now the bride must have a dance with his daughter... his own little girl..."

Gene grabbed the Deejay and whispered fiercely into his ear. The deejay spluttered nervously as Gene grabbed a CD and shoved it into his hand. Trynia felt a stab of guilt pass through her, and her knees turned to water. Thankfully, a hand on her shoulder steadied her, and she saw Mr. Eisen.

"I would like to dedicate this next dance to a very special young lady that the groom here considers like a daughter to him," the deejay stammered awkwardly. "And to a father who very much loves his new daughter in law..."

"What?" Trynia asked. Paul took Erica's hand and led her onto the dance floor.

Mr. Eisen took Trynia's hand and asked, "I don't suppose you would mind dancing with a old man on his son's wedding day, would you?"

"Really?" she asked. "Oh God... you don't have to..."

"I do," Mr. Eisen smiled. "He DID get his dancing ability from me, I'd like to say."

She squeezed his hand and smiled. No longer was she wearing the gloves at this point. Hand in hand, they strode onto the dance floor to join Erica and Paul. Suddenly she heard instead of the infamous Daddy's Little girl, a gentle guitar melody sounded over the speakers. Paul McCartney and John Lennon began to sing Yesterday, much to her surprise and delight. "Bless that son of yours," said Trynia as Mr. Eisen lead her in a slow dance.

"He's a character all right. Though sometimes I think he takes it a BIT too far on stage," Mr. Eisen smiled, swaying gently to the music with her. Paul led Erica with the same dexterity, whispering into her ear. As the two couples passed, Paul winked at Trynia.

"He's so happy..." Trynia whispered.

"Of course, he's happy, dear, he has a wonderful new wife," Mr. Eisen whispered to her.

"You are entirely too much," she whispered back.

"Eve doesn't ever want to let me lead," he chuckled in Trynia's ear.

"It's nice to dance with a young lady who knows her way around a dance floor."

"Thank you sir,' she laughs. "I had a good teacher..."

"I can tell," he said. "It's a beautiful wedding you've thrown for us. Just beautiful. The day I got married, I could have walked on air."

"You're welcome... and thanks... for... everything..." she blushed, and wiped away a tear.

"Eve and I are very happy that Paul found you. He's been searching for someone like you for a very long time."

"I only wish other people were..." she started, and then fell silent.

"Trynia, one of the things that I've always admired about my son is that he is true to himself. He does what needs to get done and he does with 100% heart; he's never apologized for what he felt was right."

"I know... I just wish..."

"And you...you two made a decision awhile back, and right or wrong, it's between you and no one else," Mr. Eisen said, squeezing her hand again that clasped hers.

"Thank you, for reminding me..."

"God gave you those precious babies to raise because he knew they would be well cared for."

She rubbed a hand over her belly and sighs. "I wouldn't trade having them for anything..."

"And you need to love them and care for them every day, because you'll be amazed how fast it will go. Some day YOU'LL be spinning your new son-in-law around the dance floor and wondering where it all went. Corny as it may sound; I remember holding Stanley in my arms when he was minutes old. It just..."

She laughed finally and smiles. The music slowed to a halt. "You're a wonderful treasure Mr. Eisen."

"I guess what I'm trying to say is don't let your father drag you down. Don't let him guilt you into feeling that what you've done is wrong," Mr. Eisen said, leading her off the dance floor.

"I know... I just..."

"And if you just get tired of it.... The conflict that is...you know you have your in-laws who love you," he leaned down and kissed her cheek lightly. She wiped away another tear, and gave him a kiss on the cheek as she hugged him tightly.

Paul and Erica walked over to them, and Paul threw his arm around his dad, "Tell me you DIDN'T make her cry" Paul teases as he leans down to kiss her.

Overcome with emotion, she leaned up to kiss him and hugged him tightly. As he pulled away from the hug, he made firm eye contact. He whispered, "Hey, Shhhhhhhhh. It's just a dance. PROMISE."

"Heck of a dancer you've got there, son." Mr. Eisen smiled as he leaned to hug Paul. She looked up at him and wiped away a tear. Eve wandered over to join them, and kissed her husband on the cheek.

"Well done," she whispered. "You both looked VERY good out there."

Mr. Eisen took Eve's hand and kisses it as well. As they prepared to return to their table, Mr. Eisen leaned down to Trynia, "Remind him to ask his sister to dance. She's here all alone and....well, it would mean a lot to her."

"Yes," she nodded. "During the snowball dance! You aren't leaving are you?"

"Eve would like another glass of wine, and well, Gene has told me that there's a surprise yet which is NOT to be missed," said Mr. Eisen with a wink.

"I'm glad," she laughed. "Because I think you will be happy with it..."

Paul turns to him, slightly distracted and says, "Surprise?"

"And now folks, it's time for a blast from the past... let's all see how many of you get up and dance to THIS favorite!" the Deejay announced. Paul winced when the familiar sound of a disco beat pounded through the hall, and the disco ball flashed stroboscopic patters across them.

"Is he KIDDING?" Paul groaned. "TRYNIA! THIS is why I didn't want a DJ."

"It's only temporary!" she told him.

"Daddy, can you do the YMCA dance with me?" Aaron asked, tugging Paul's sleeve.

"Oh JEEZ," Paul groaned, looking helplessly at Trynia.

"I don't think you can refuse a young man a request like that," Trynia winked. Paul relented and let his son drag him out onto the dance floor. At sight of this, Gene wandered by Trynia and they exchanged a wink.

"Are they here yet?" Trynia mouthed.

"Soon,' Gene nodded, glancing at his watch. "Just after this dance..."

After a successful floor dance, Paul winced when he heard "I was Made for Loving You" suddenly blending in overtop of the fading Village People.

"Daddy, that's YOU," Aaron laughed.

"Yes, unfortunately it IS," he moaned.

Just then Gene walked up and tapped him on the shoulder. He shouted, "Hey twinkletoes, you have a phone call!"

"Gene... now what?" Paul winced. "If you don't do something about this deejay I'll do something NOW!"

"Daddy?" Aaron asked.

"Why don't' you run along and say hi to Cousin Erica, okay?" Paul asked.

"Sure daddy!" Aaron said, hugging his dad. He rushed off to find Erica who was dancing with Kevin.

"TELL me this is almost over," Paul said, in mock frustration, to Gene.

"Freakin' VILLAGE People? And now THIS? Dynasty?"

"Relax..." Gene assured him, a shit-eating grin on his face. "The real entertainment's on its way. Their flight got delayed...and well... they need a base player."

"If you play any more 70's crap, I'm going to need a heck of a lot more champagne. THEN we can talk about relaxing,' Paul joked sardonically. It registered what Gene had said and he grabbed his friend's arm, saying, "They WHAT? You booked a band with NO bass player?"

"Easy, Stanley. I'm filling in for their bass player. Here's your caller... he wants to wish you well on your wedding day... so excuse me a moment... while I go up and help set up..."

He took the phone from Gene, and said loudly over the music, "Hello?"

"Hello? Paul?" answered the voice on the other end. "I wanted to call to congratulate you!"

"Shit.... Uh...Hello?" Paul asked. "Bill? Bill Aucoin? Is that YOU?"

"I was in town, and heard the news. Congratulations you rascal! You finally did it!"

Paul looked around in frustration, "Hey.... Uh... hold on just a second. Let me take this into the hallway. Damn Gene's got a disco beat going in my ear."

He walked quickly from the reception area, phone in hand. Bill chuckled and asked, "Is that I Was Made for Loving You in the background?"

Outside the room, Paul found a quiet corner, and chuckled, "Yes, can you believe it? Only Gene... I tell you Bill, never write bad songs, because they will be back to haunt you..."

As he spoke, several strangers walked past, hurrying into the main room. They carried guitar cases and drum set components, speaking in excited hushed tones. Peripherally Paul watched them go by, not registering just who they were. He found his way into the men's room, and continued the conversation, "As I was saying... only Gene would so royally embarrass you by playing a song your band couldn't play onstage at your wedding."

"Yes, I would imagine that stunt is worthy of Gene..."

"But you know, it's a hell of a night any way you slice it. I'm a MARRIED man, Bill!" he smiled. "And are you sitting down? She's NOT blonde."

"Well that's a change," Bill laughed. "I'm happy for you Paul. You deserve some peace after the stormy relationships... you've had in the past..."

"I guess, if there's anything I learned from the Linda debacle, it's the type of woman I DON'T want in my life," said Paul, leaning against the tiled wall and glancing at his reflection in the mirror.

"Good for you. I'm glad to see you've come to your senses... No offense..." he laughs.

"None taken Bill. And the minute I met Trynia, I knew. I just knew." he babbled, champagne beginning to take effect. "Actually Linda's not been too bad lately. We aired a few things out awhile back. She even sent us a nice wedding gift. Go figure."

"What?" Bill asked. "A set of his and hers towels?"

He laughed at this remark, "Nah, actually it was very sweet.... A really nice piece of artwork. Apparently her new hot shot lawyer husband has some connections."

"Ah, what particular artist?"

"Actually, it's a Monet. It looks great in our guest bedroom...couldn't actually stand the thought of it in our MASTER bedroom," he chuckled. "Somehow I don't think the symbolism would be lost on Trynia. And get this. I finally got Linda to admit that I'm not a totally incorrigible bastard.... And that's saying something, huh?"

"Wonderful. Say Paul, I think I shouldn't keep you waiting any longer..."

"Bill, it was great of you to call! Damn, I'll have to return the favor some day when we can have a chance to talk," said Paul with a smile. "And I REALLY want you to meet Trynia."

"My pleasure. Take care Paul, and treat her right." he heard bill chuckling on the phone. "See you later Paul."

"Absolutely. You can count on that!" Paul smiled and clicked the phone off. Leaving the bathroom he wandered down the marble lined hallway, looking for Trynia.

Another disco song pulsated the air, and he was thankful it was the BeeGees with Night Fever from Saturday Night Fever. This he could handle. A served walked by with a drink-laden tray, stopping long enough for Paul to grab a glass. He took a tentative sip and strode toward the curtained off stage. Slipping the phone in his pocket, he walked past Terri who grabbed his arm. She demanded, "What KEPT you? Everyone's WAITING for you to dance with Trynia!"

"Terri!" he yelped, as he wiped a bit of spilled champagne off his shirt.

"Is it just me or are you beyond jumpy tonight?" she asked. He looked at her and softened a bit.

"Paul... we're waiting..." she said.

"I'm coming...I'm COMING..." he rolled his eyes at her as he allows her to lead him to the floor.

"Come on... we're just about ready to get rid of that deejay... the band's here!"

"Oh, thank GOD!" he muttered.

"They're setting up. Gene wanted it to be a surprise..."

"And when you get married, my dear, I'll return the favor" he said as he kissed her cheek on the way in the dance floor.

"If I get married,' she joked. "You saw how Gene got rid of that garter."

"And..... Uh...care to tell me what I'm dancing TO." he smiled, combing the floor for Trynia.

"She won't tell me," Terri shrugged.

Across the sea of guests Trynia waved to him, "Paul! Get over here!"

He smiled broadly and handed his champagne glass to Terri. As he walked toward Trynia he teased, "Guess I'll find out!"

Glancing at the champagne in her hand, she wandered over to a nearby plant and tipped the glass's contents into the potting soil. Grabbing one of the servers, she said, "Get me a diet coke please..."

"Sure thing Ma'am," he nodded.

Walking up to Trynia, Paul grabbed her by the hand, leading her to the middle of the dance floor. Shouts of protest arose from the deejay as Andre and Chris descended upon him. One of them shoved a wad of cash into his hand while the other grabbed his crate of CD's. Everyone looked around in confusion as the Deejay was summarily escorted out by both security guards.

"I think they're ousting the Deejay," Trynia giggled.

"Oh what a shame," Paul laughed.

"You can't DO this to me! I'm a professional!" came his shouts of protest that faded into the laughter of the crowd.

"Now, why don't we really DANCE?" Paul turned to everyone and smiled. "I believe this is our cue, Trynia?"

So saying he bowed slightly in a exaggeratedly romantic fashion and kissed her hand. She dropped a curtsey, and smiled. Paul turned to the crowd and smiled broadly.

"Well they are here, but they're setting up..." she whispered.

"I have absolutely NO CLUE what is going on," he chuckled back, slipping his arm around her waist and taking her other hand in anticipation.

"It's okay... just wait for the music..." she said.

"Only that we're dancing to SOMETHING....I think,' Paul said.

"You can start by leading me to the dance floor..." she whispered.

He continued holding her hand and watches the curtain with anticipation. Suddenly smoke drifts from behind the curtain, masking it from view. Momentarily bewildered, Paul glanced at Trynia in confusion. Drums and a bass chord started up from behind the curtain, filled in by guitars and a saxophone line. In and around the lines of harmony wove a keyboard/synthesizer.

"Say WHAT?" Paul demanded in confusion. His eyes narrowed, as if he should know it, but could not believe. The twanging lead line plucked off around the other components, causing everyone to tap their toes or sway.

"Too many people are sleeping today... While the world is breaking up... the alarm is sounding... Look all around...WAKE UP, WAKE UP!"

"Ohhhh.... My..." Paul started, his jaw almost to the floor.

"It's getting louder warning...as the line is forming..." sang a very familiar voice.

"Let's go!" she laughed, starting to lead an entranced Paul to the music.

As the smoke cleared, he saw the collection of musicians onstage, of varying heights, each wearing contemporary but nice clothing. People clustered around the stage, as Gene moved up the microphone and sung out the chorus, "When the BELL RINGS..."

A red banner hung behind the drumset, bearing words and a logo that seemed long lost. At sight of it Paul threw back his head and began howling with laughter.

"Wicked...LESTER?" Paul gasped.

"You bet," Trynia grinned widely.

"These old cronies?" he said, wiping tears from his eyes. On lead guitar he noticed a man he hadn't heard from or spoken to in years, the very man who had introduced him to Gene all those years ago.

"God...." he gasped, again speechless. Motionless he stood rooted to the spot.

"They are all there... Tony, Brooke, Ron... and..."

"Steve...Steve's playing my WEDDING! I thought he HATED me!" he whispered, so only Trynia can hear.

"I had an inside track to twist his arm," she admitted. "An old friend of the band..."