Chapter 7 Planning

The next day days were busy for everyone in the family. But it saw a drastic change in their little sister. She was smiling more, spending time with her brothers. She would go riding with Andy, sitting watching TV or a couple times with Barry singing with a guitar. It made Barbara smile to hear her daughter singing again. She would also spend time with the twins pulling pranks with Maurice or just sitting reading a book with Robin.

They also spent a lot of time working on the concert, when they told Shanell they wanted her to work on singing a bit more she was a bit wary of what they were planning. However as she liked singing with her brothers anyway she did. They had Andy and her practice singing Don't go breaking my heart together. It was fun to watch the two dance around each other and sing together like they used to when they were little. Barry would sit and play the guitar with a grin on his face as Andy would twirl her around as they sang. Both of the twins sang back up on it both had grins on their faces as if they knew a secret.

They had called the school to find out how they could pull off this concert. Barry had pitched it as a fundraiser for the school they would sell a few tickets. He wasn't sure how Shanell would handle that not only would she be coming up to sing with Andy on the song they just finished but, he wanted her to sing a song by herself. He wanted to show those teachers she was talented all on her own. He even had the perfect song for her and it was one he was going to be working on with her more than a few times in the next few days. He had gotten a hold of his friend Olivia Newton John asking her for a good song for his sister to sing. She had expressed mailed him a song called Don't Stop Believing. After he read the lyrics to the song he was sure it was the perfect one for Shanell to sing. So he after he got the song he had shown it to her asking if she wanted to try to sing it. Like the rest of the family she had ear for music so she had picked it up fast. Just listening to her sing the song had him grinning like a Cheshire cat knowing she was going to blow away those teachers and kids at her school. While they worked on it he didn't tell her the reason he wanted her to learn it though he thought she had a small inkling. He wasn't sure how she was going to take that she would be coming on stage with Andy for one song and one for herself.

He was just thinking on that when he headed into the living room/ music room. Andy and Shanell were practicing again, only Andy was doubled over laughing trying to breath he wasn’t sure why. “what's going on?” He looked at Shanell who looked at him innocently “oh no that look doesn't work it hasn't worked since you were four … what did you do...”

Shanell shrugged “I don't know we were working on the song … and I got the line when where I said I was his clown so I did this ...” She crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out the side her mouth. She straightened her face “so I looked at him and he burst out laughing....” She giggled looking at Andy who was now sitting down on a couch“you okay...”

He shook his head rolling his eyes “yeah I am fine ..just caught me off guard...” he looked at Barry “so is everything set up ?” He asked knowing the were looking for a few musicians for a back up band in case their own bands couldn't get here in time. He had finally caught his breath though he had to snicker it was nice to see her laughing and having fun again even if it was at his expense. He settled back on the couch watching Shanell move over to flop down next to him cuddling up to him like a puppy. he moved his arm around her shoulders puling her closer laying a kiss on the top of her head. It was nice to take a break from the rush of their lifestyles too. She rested her head on his shoulder. “so we have a band the tickets are out we know when the concert is … now only one thing left to do...”

“what's that ….” Shanell asked as she relaxed where she was. She was enjoying the time that she got to spend with her brothers.

Robin nodded “yep an outfit for Shanell and mum to wear …. after all they are going to be our guests at the show have to look their best.” He grinned.

Shanell made a face “shopping for an outfit why can't I just wear what I usually wear … “ She looked at her brothers all of them rolling their eyes at her. She knew she really didn't have a say if they wanted her to get an outfit she'd end up with an outfit. She sighed and flopped back down on the couch her head landing on Andy's shoulder “fine ….” She rolled her eyes.

Andy laughed “don't worry I was only kidding besides Starlight I am only going to be wearing a pair of jeans and a t shirt anyway …..” He hugged her. He laughed at her grumbling. “I know how much you love to shop....” He laughed again. He laughed harder when she shoved him. “easy Shan ….” He laughed and wrapped both arms around her and hugged her tight stopping her from shoving him.

Maurice looked over at them with a grin shaking his head. “so if we have the tickets the band is set we have the date …. nothing more to do but practice ….” He grinned “so are you ready for this snail?” he asked as he watched her unsuccessfully get out of the hug that Andy had her in. He had always called her snail she once asked him why. He told her the day mum brought her home she was wrapped up all tight in her pink blanket looking like a little pink snail. He'd called her that ever since.

Shanell looked over and finally gave up trying to get free and just sunk back down against Andy. “I guess …. I am nervous cause it could make it worse but I have to try......” They all agreed and headed to dinner when Barbara called them.