So, it’s Music Monday again. I’ve teased a new character that I won’t name because I don’t want bias in the series before it’s read. And this week it’s time to discuss the couple most seen. Yes, she has a “first love” and an arc with a potential second chance with him too. Neither is the same as when they were last together, and the opinions on how things ended differ too.

With that in mind, both options are viable, and it’s written in a way that you fall for the first love with her, and the pause person is later in the series. I like my threads seen and unseen when I write. So be prepared for rereads.

Today I have songs that set the longer side of the triangle up emotionally. Just by music alone, you see how different the two options present themselves. The first love is rock and roll through and through. And this part of the triangle? Woods is the one she fell in love with while defining herself. He became the ghost that lingered, and the best story she ever tells. So when the ghost finally hears the story himself and reappears in the flesh like time hasn’t passed? Yeah, that moment is where I am in the writing, and it feels cinematic. Not just because there’s a mechanical bull in the room…

But the situation? The unanswered questions? The wants and needs and self doubt that swirl together here? Everything is delicate for sure. Because Woods return? Surprise!

Delicate – Damien Rice

Now, why does he come back? Why hasn’t he just moved on and forgotten her? It’s more than just her seeing him before he was famous. It’s in the way they were together that neither can find in someone else. This song practically spells out every ounce of his return core. Woods has everything he could want. Except her. His troublesome Tweety, the luv he teased like the bad boy corrupting the shy girl. The woman he played for, who danced to any rhythm he set. She didn’t ask for anything more than him as he was.

When She Says My Name – Michael DeBois

Where are they by the second chance set up? Tweety and Woods were the it couple. The ones who saved each other, helped each other grow, believed in each other’s dreams and supported every step of the showmanship without total jealousy. Of course they weren’t perfect, but their relationship was quick to flame and burn, and if it had more time to simmer, it would have smoothed out. Except, they didn’t have that time. She wrote a whole book about how her journey went, and it heavily featured him. He just didn’t read it until years later. The moment he did? Woods came back, looking for his chance, and doing whatever it takes, but on his terms.

Whatever It Takes – Lifehouse

However, Woods isn’t just up against the new guy. He’s also up against the myths of himself. Both the ones in the press of his rockstar world, and the one’s Tweety made her story. That man that loved her the first time? He grew darker over time, and he’s the sort with enough humor now to joke about his young self. The one who thought time was on his side, and he could wait and everything would work out. Now? He’s got the career he dreamed of, it’s about the woman who loves his old self enough to immortalize it in print. There’s nothing to wait for now. And what’s worse? He remembers the big nights with her too, the ones that shook him to his very bones. He thought he lost that, but he didn’t. It was dainty in print, like Tweety was an innocent and not equally as aggressive about their chemistry causing smoke in public and fire that took breaths away in private.

If He Ain’t Gonna Love You – Jake Owen

Woods has always thought this song landed for him, the first time he saw the shy woman who couldn’t stop talking but touched him in a way that was too much. Or the ways she grew and looked the part by Halloween, dressing in a way that made him take action. But this second time? She’s exactly as he remembers, AND he knows what to do that got to her the first time around. If it still works? If what he remembers does the trick? That’s why he has to shoot his shot the second time around. It’s not easy. Forever never was, even if it did lead to some musical muse moments for his career.

Hot! Damn – Pink Laundry

The bonus song this week that is Woods core motivation? The song his soul sings in it’s own way and says the things he hasn’t said out loud? This is everything he’s learned in the time away, with the situations he’s been in, and the realization that it’s never meant the same without the woman that believed in him so hard she helped him figure it all out and made contacts for him.

The Girl – City And Colour