Jason could not believe his ears and turned to see his brother on the small makeshift stage dressed in his usual beat up jeans and a Wildcat football jersey. The small crowd of teenagers cheered as Adam clicked the portable microphone on.

"This is for my girl," He said, pointing at Alyssa, who was in just as much shock as Jason was at the time.

Then the familiar sound of one of John Cougar Mellencamp's most popular songs filled the room. Everyone started clapping and moving to the catchy tune. Being a showman, Adam really went all out, dancing up a storm.

"When I was a young boy, said to put away those young boy ways. Now that I'm getting' older, so much older, I love all of those young boy days," He sang in perfect sync and pitch. He slowly walked over to Alyssa and bent down on his knees. "With a girl like you! With a girl like you, Lord knows there are things we can do baby, just me and you. So come on and make it," he sang directly at her.

"Hurts so good. Come on baby make it hurt so good. Sometimes love don't feel like it should. You make it hurt so good," he continued as people clapped and went along with his actions. By then, Jason had made his way halfway across the room. Adam quickly spotted him and walked over to him next.

'Don't have to be so exciting, just tryin' to give myself a little bit of fun, yeah," he sang and then put his arm around his brother's shoulder. "You always look so invitin', you ain't as green as you are young." Jason immediately blushed in embarrassment. Adam winked his eye at him and continued back to the stage area to finish the song. Still not believing his eyes, Jason just stood there in shock as his brother put on the show of his life.

When Adam finished, people where standing up and applauding him. People were congratulating him and patting him on the back as he made his way back to the table. He hugged Alyssa furiously.

"That was for you since I can't seem to get my fingers to work for my guitar," Adam said as he kissed her on the cheek.

Jason came up behind him and clapped him on the back. "I didn't know that you was quite the entertainer, little brother," Jason commented. Adam just smiled with his usual ornery look.

"Yeah, just think that if he wins, he can buy us all dinner!" Chuck said joyfully. Adam smirked at his friend's statement.

"I would not hold my breath my dear friend. I just did it for the fun of it," Adam said as he shrug off the thought of even winning the money. Adam pulled up a seat so he could sit next to Alyssa while the next two acts went on stage. The last singer was Chelsie Winters, who did a beautiful rendition of "California Dreamin". Adam knew Chelsie from some of his classes since she was also a junior.

Soon the announcer came back and stated that after a few moments, the audience would be asked to vote for their favorite act by written ballot. Everyone took their turn voting and then lounging around for the winners to be announced. While they were waiting on the results, the group ordered a round of milkshakes.

"So, are you scared?" Chuck finally asked Alyssa. Not too much had been said about the operation, but Chuck had to ask. "I know I would be."

Alyssa flashed him a smile to let him know that it was all right to ask. She then thought for a minute as she stirred the last part of her milkshake. "You know, I have to admit I was not really that scared when they first mentioned it to me. I mean think about it, I might be able to walk again! That thought was exciting. But now, the closer I get to getting on that plane, I can feel those butterflies starting to flutter around."

"But you are going to be with the best Alyssa. I just know that you are going to be just fine," Kara said, reaching over and patting her hand. "Just think, this might be the beginning of a new life."

That statement haunted Adam. He could feel the lump in his throat start to form. Then that instant guilt came over him for even thinking about his selfish needs.

"I know. I mean I will always feel lucky to be alive and be able to live. But I miss feeling the ground when I used to dance and leap into the air. I miss the soft sand over my feet. I miss swimming way out in the ocean, even if it was the Atlantic. But most of all, I just miss being as tall as everyone else," Alyssa commented to the group. Alyssa had never really discussed her limitations out in the open.

"Tall?" Craig questioned. He did not remember Alyssa losing any of her height because of the operation.

"Yes, people look at you differently in a wheelchair. They mostly look down at you, if they even look at all. I have noticed more than anything that the people will talk to the person with me, instead of me. It is like they think that my brain does not work or something," Alyssa answered with annoyance. "That is another thing that hurts me."

"Well soon she is going to be off to Washington D.C. and then she is going to come back and walk off of that plane!" Chuck said with a smile.

"Chuck, even with the operation. I am still going to come back in this wheelchair. These things take time and work. A lot of work in physical therapy. I might have to even go on home tutoring. But if that is what it takes, then that is what it takes," Alyssa replied.

"What if you it doesn't work?" Craig inquired.

"Then I will continue my life as it is. I am blessed in many ways and I have to have faith that no matter what, I will live a full life," Alyssa said. As Chuck, Kara, Craig and Alyssa continued to talk about the surgery, Jason glanced over at his brother. Adam was unusually quiet. His face had become pale after Alyssa talked about what she missed about being paralyzed. Uncertainty was present in Adam's eyes.

"So what is the first thing that you are going to do when you walk?" Kara asked, leaning her head on Jason's shoulder.

Alyssa stopped for a minute to think.

"I know! I know!" Chuck chimed in. "She is going to walk down that aisle to her honey bunny!"

The whole table broke out in laughter except for Adam, who was still deep in thought.

"I don't think that Adam is ready to give up his bachelorhood just yet Chuck," Jason commented quickly.

"Someday, Chuck. But I would much rather dance with him on the beach in the moonlight. That is what I would like to do. I would like to run to the beach like I used to when I was a little girl in North Carolina. And then dance until I drop with my one and only," Alyssa said, leaning over to hug Adam.

"So Adam, what do you think about this surgery stuff?" Craig asked.

Adam turned pale for a moment. Craig's question caught him off guard. He quickly though regrouped himself and replied, "I think it is great. Alyssa deserves this chance and I hope that it works." But Alyssa noticed that something was wrong. She was about to inquire about Adam's thoughts when the announcer of the karaoke contest interrupted her.

"I now have the winners and I want to thank everyone who entertained us and everyone who helped us do the hard job of deciding of who gets the money. Now for the winners that YOU, the audience chose for the first annual Emerald Beach Bar and Grill Karaoke Contest . Coming in at third place is Nancy Rogers with her beautiful take on the Popsicle song by Jan and Dean. The dark haired energetic teenager proudly walked to the stage and collected her prize.

"Second place, with his stunning rendition of John Cougar Mellencamp, Adam Kramer!" the announcer called out. The table was instantly cheering a stunned Adam Kramer. He only did the song to be able to sing to Alyssa. He never counted on winning anything. Being pushed towards the stage, Adam slowly walked up to get his prize, a check for $100.00. His face was instantly red as everyone cheered and clapped their hands as Adam walked back from the stage.

"And in first place with the lovely tribute to our fine state, Chelsie Winters who must have been dreaming of $200.00 in her California Dreams!" the announcer exclaimed. The whole restaurant clapped as the young brunette made her way to the stage to claim her prize.

Back at the table though, Adam's win was being celebrated as a major victory. But Adam did not really feel like celebrating. Alyssa noticed this look on his face just as much as Jason did.

"Hey, I would love to be able to take a drive by walk at the beach before we have to head for home," Alyssa said. Adam agreed and the young couple excused themselves from the table.

Since it was so difficult to get the wheelchair through the soft sand, Adam usually carried Alyssa to the shore and sat her down and then went back for the wheelchair. But Alyssa just asked him to sit with her instead. A cool wind was coming from the ocean and you could hear the sound of the ocean crashing against the nearby rocks.

"I am so proud of you. You really did a great job," Alyssa commented.

"I never counted on winning anything," Adam said softly.

"Well, now you can go and get those parts that you wanted for the Trans Am now. That will give you something to do while I am gone," Alyssa said, leaning against Adam.

"Actually, I am going to give the money to you," Adam said. "I know that Clara does not make that much money doing her odd jobs and I want you to take the money and use it on your trip."

"Oh no! Adam I can not take your money," Alyssa immediately stated, turning to face him. But Adam put his hand up to her lips.

"Listen, I want to do it. That is what I want it to go towards and that is the way it is going to be. I have almost got the money for those parts any ways," Adam told her. Alyssa smiled and then looked down at the sand.

"You are not doing this out of pity, right?"

Adam looked up at her. "No, that is not it. I just want to help."

Alyssa reached over and put her hands under his chin and facing him towards her. "I saw your face when I was talking about walking. I want you to talk to me. I need you to talk to me."

"I guess I do feel guilty that you are in that wheelchair. I know that I did not do it on purpose, but I just keep thinking about..." Adam started in. His voice was starting to tremble.

"Adam, you saved our lives! You did everything you could do. Don't you ever think that," Alyssa said with a strong tone. "You are my hero."

Adam smiled at Alyssa's choice of words.

"And WHEN or IF I do ever walk again, I want you there to share in that first step," Alyssa remarked, leaning in closer. "And if it doesn't work, I want you to be there to hold me. We are a team and we will face the future together."

Adam's concerns melted away with Alyssa's statements. He looked into her eyes and saw a young beautiful woman who really loved him and did not harbor any regrets about her life.

"Alyssa Clarke, I love you," Adam whispered softly as the couple embraced and shared a loving kiss.