Well, I guess it was inevitable that HR would find its way into this story.  This song is one of the most orginally romantic I've heard in a long time, and at the same time very real, from  a show that's those things and more.

Disclaimer: Characters and associated details are property of HB and are used for non-profit, entertainment purposes only.

Archiving permission granted.

THE REAL ADVENTURES OF JONNY QUEST

Synopsis:  When it comes to them, J&J ask the musical question, "Who knows?"

"ON BROADWAY"

by Eric R. Umali

Part 6 - "I Should Tell You"

When Race's first warning had come over the intercom, there was no hesitation.  Hadji quickly stuffed the QuestWorld gear where it could not come loose and strike anyone, then belted himself in tightly.

Jonny, on the other hand, undid his own belt and rushed forward even as Jessie leapt from her own seat.  Without a word, they met in the middle of the cabin and dropped into a pair of adjoining seats.  They strapped in tightly as the jet began its slow, deliberate roll.

"I'm sorry we argued," said Jonny, his voice barely audible over the din of the engines and the turbulence.

"So am I," said Jessie, and she clutched his hand tightly.

As the plane continued to turn, they shut their eyes.  Images flashed through both teenagers' minds.  Images of another pair of young people, reaching out to each other in a time of need, only to find more in each other than they dreamed possible.

The East Village in New York City.  The last bastion of the bohemian artist.  Two people too scared and too guarded and too unsure to do what their hearts told them was right, Roger and Mimi finally reached out...

Roger:
I should tell you I'm disaster
I forget how to begin it

Mimi:
Let's just make this part go faster
I have yet- to be in it
I should tell you-

Roger:

I should tell you-

Mimi:
I should tell you-

Roger:
I should tell you

Mimi:
I should tell I blew the candle out
Just to get back in

Roger:
I'd forgotten how to smile
Until your candle burned my skin

Mimi:
I should tell you-

Roger:
I should tell you-

Mimi:
I should tell you-

Both:
I should tell-
Well, here we go
Now we-

Mimi:
Oh, no

Roger:
I know- this something is
Here goes-

Mimi:
Here goes-

Roger:
Guess so
It's starting to-
Who knows?

Mimi:
Who knows-

Both:
Who knows where
Who goes there
Who knows
Here goes
Trusting desire- starting to learn
Walking through fire without a burn
Clinging- a shoulder, a leap begins
Stinging and older, asleep on pins
So here we go
Now we-

Roger:
Oh, no-

Mimi:
I know

Roger:
Oh, no-

Both:
Who knows where- who goes there
Here goes- here goes
Here goes- here goes
Here goes- here goes

They both felt the world turn right.

When Jessie opened her eyes, she found herself clutched tightly to Jonny, with his own arms around her in return.  His eyes opened as well, and they both smiled.  Slowly, almost reluctantly, they parted and sat back in their seats, hands still clasped together.

Moments later, Benton appeared in the main cabin.  "Are you all right, kids?"

The three teenagers nodded, then sank into their chairs, relieved.  Neither Jonny or Jessie noticed as Hadji peeked over the top of his seat to watch them as they whispered quietly to each other.  They young man smiled slyly as he settled back again, happier for his friends than ever.

TO BE CONCLUDED...

"I Should Tell You" from the musical Rent
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Larson, used without permission
The first knock-me-on-my-butt awesome musical I've seen since "Phantom"!  Every single song is incredible, the characters are vivdly drawn, and I could listen to Adam Pascal and Daphne Rubin-Vega sing for days on end.