Dance For Us In Heaven

[alexisgat06]

Prologue

I stood quietly at the back of the church. The tears slowly trickling down my cheeks causing black streeks of mascara. I felt a soft hand on my back and looked up to see the one person who had been my rock for the past few days. He nodded his head to the front of the church and I shook my head. I wasn't ready. I watched as three other guys slowly walked to the front, their heads hanging. Each taking one step at a time, almost slowing with each step. I couldn't do this. It was too soon. You left us too soon. I looked up at him and nodded. I had to face the reality eventually. He intertwined our fingers and helped me walk to the front of the church. I stopped in front of your casket. I couldn't look at you it hurt too much. He nudged me slowly and we both stepped up. I looked in at you. You were too young. It wasn't your time. I felt another arm snake around my shoulders and looked up and saw Jeff standing beside me along with the other two guys. Each with tears fighting to escape from their eyes.

"To the lives you touched, to the rythms you followed, to the footsteps you left behind, and to the talent that will never be forgotten. Here's to a beautiful life lived. We love you Gee. We will miss you. Dance For Us In Heaven." That was our final goodbye.

--

I sat at the back of the studio watching the boys dance. Ever since that day you left us they haven't been the same. It took them forever to add a new member. No one wanted to replace you. No one could ever replace you. You were special, Gee, and they'll always miss you. It was still unclear to me on why you had to leave us so soon.

I watched as they got frustrated with each other. Each yelling something different about how everything they were doing was wrong. I had to keep reminding them that this wasn't what you wanted. You didn't bring them together for them to break themselves apart. They were a family; we were all a family. They always had to remember that. I sighed as I watched them all dispurse into different corners of the studio. Standing up I made my way into the middle and called them all back in reminding them once again they were doing this for you. They miss you Gee, I wish you could be here.

--

It was another day. They found out about the show you wanted them to do. They wore their white masks and gloves proudly with their heads held high. Immediately they were a crowd favorite. They were doing this for you, Gee, they miss you. I watched as they ran off the stage holding eachother up for support. Tears trickled down some of their cheeks. This was for you, Gee. They found someone new to fill in the missing gap. He wasn't you Gee, but he was almost as amazing.

--

Today they were crowned the winners. All of America had voted them the best. They had a performance dedicated for you that they performed. All of America knows about you now. They all raise their pointer fingers in the air for you. 'One For Gee', the boys say. I hope you are looking down on them and smiling. You did this for them. You held them together and you still are. Everyday they dance, they dance for you. They now wear cross necklaces in remembrance of you. You were one of a kind, Gee, we all will always miss you.

--

They started the tour today. All across America they'll travel showing off their gift. The gift that you helped them realize they all had. They still wear those white masks proudly, never removing them from their faces while they perform. It's the one thing they have left from you. They still wear the original masks you gave them. I am so proud of them.
They're on tour with some other crews from the show, but none of them have the passion like they do. They're special Gee and it's because of you. They'll always miss you. Please Gee; Dance For Us In Heaven.

--this is a story I wrote on IDF and I'm rewriting it here and fixing up the mistakes and stuff from before. If you didn't read it on IDF this is based off of a true story, and a lot of it is personal to me. I hope you guys like it!

[lovestory]

This is great!

[alexisgat06]

thanks! im going to post more when I get home from shopping! this story makes me cry haha

[alexisgat06]

Chapter One

December 14, 2007, a day that will always stand out in my mind. That was the day that I lost someone who was like an older brother to me. We all lost a part of our family that day.

Gary Ray Kendall. He was like family to me. Ever since I moved out to California and took one of his classes I always looked up to him. He was one of a kind. I never met anyone like him before. I remember walking into class that day and seeing him standing at the front of the studio. He didn't look like the belonged there. At the age of 36 he was still such a brilliant dancer. He immediately took me under his wing, and we became so close, so fast. I was only 17 at the time but he quickly accepted me into his family of brilliant dancers.

I clearly remember the day he took me to meet his new crew. JabbaWockeeZ is what they called themselves. I thought the name was ridiculous, but I'll ask you at the end of this and I'm sure you'll be able to remember it. The boys all looked up To Gary. He held them together. At the time, seven members made up the crew, but soon there would be so many more.

Randy, he helped Gary find the Jabbawockeez crew. Although he mostly kept to himself, he still knew he always had a friend in me.

Rynan, he is still like my brother. He is always there to make me laugh and pick me up when I need him. Luckily Gary was there to watch him get married just a month before he was taking from us. He and his wife, Belle, are two of the sweetest people I have ever met, and I am happy to call them family.

Kevin was the next oldest after Gary at 31. He always has so much personality. In my eyes he was the best dancer in the crew. He always had the best ideas to bring everything together into a really awesome routine.

Cris, he was the flirt of the crew, but somehow I was lucky enough to claim him as mine. He always strives to be the best he can be never wanting to fall behind the others.

Joe, he was, is, and always will be one of the craziest people I have ever met. If he can't get a smile on your face, noone can. And the way he translates his personality into his dance moves is amazing, I always wished I could dance like him.

Phil was one of the earlier people brought into the crew. He was very mature for his age when I met him, yet he was still crazy. He definitely like a brother to me, and I love him for that.

And last but not least there was Gary. The founder of the white masks and gloves. He swore that by wearing them the crew would not be identified by the individual but by the whole of the crew, and he was right. The masks are what made the Jabbawockeez.

--

I stood quietly at the back of the church. The tears slowly rolling down my cheeks causing black streaks of mascara. I felt a soft touch on my back and looked up and was met by Cris' bloodshot eyes. He nodded his head to the front of the church and I shook my head. I wasn't ready to walk down the aisle and see what would meet me at the front. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see the other boys standing behind me. Their eyes all matching the looks of Cris'. I watched as they quietly advanced down the aisle almost looking like they might turn around and walk out of the church.

I finally looked up at Cris and grabbed onto his hand. I had to face this reality. I walked slowly up to the front of the church that was filled with his friends and family. I stopped at the front of the aisle. I was willing myself to take the couple steps forward but I couldn't. I felt Cris pulling at my hand and I sighed squeezing my eyes shut. I felt more tears roll down my cheeks as I looked in on him. He was too young. It shouldn't have been his time to leave us.

I turned and walked back down the aisle and took my seat pulling Cris down beside me. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and I leaned into him feeling my body shake. I was never good at saying goodbye. I watched Rynan walk down the aisle his face buried in his hands; Belle, his wife, leading him back to where we were sitting. Kevin and Randy following close behind. The funeral started and it seemed like the whole church erupted in tears. No one wanted to see him leave so soon.

Rynan silently stood when the priest asked if anyone wanted to speak of Gary. He walked to the front of the church with his head still hanging low. He turned around to face the crowd and words began to spill from his mouth. I watched as the boys around me began to cry. This day was one that I wasn't expecting so soon.

"To the lives you touched, to the rythms you followed, to the footsteps you left behind, and to the talent that will never be forgotten. Here's to a beautiful life lived. We love you Gee. We will miss you. Dance For Us In Heaven," those were the last words that spilled from Rynan's mouth before he walked back down the aisle towards us.

The boys sat there each raising up their pointer finger on their right hand. "One for Gee," they all whispered. That quickly became the thing they did at the end of each of their performances. The funeral ended and I waited with Belle as the boys all went to help place the casket into the hearse. We slowly walked out to our cars and I slid into the passenger seat as I waited for Cris. I watched as he walked towards his car, shaking his head. He opened the door and dropped himself into his seat carelessly.

"Are you okay?" I whispered turning to Cris watching as he wiped the tears away from his eyes. He nodded his head and reached down intertwining our fingers and squeezing my hand. I squeezed his back in return letting him know I was there. We had to be there for eachother.

Watching as his parents walked from the church broke my heart. They both looked like they needed eachother for support or they would collapse at any second. The cars started to move and Cris quickly put his car into drive and we followed the cars in front of us. I swiped at the tears falling from my eyes and stared out of the window.

This wasn't fair; it wasn't fair at all.

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[lovestory]

This is so good but sad.
Keep going!

[alexisgat06]

Aww thanks! I'll add more in a lil bit.

[alexisgat06]

I'll post tomorrow before work. I was really busy today getting my tattoo touched up and packing.

[alexisgat06]

It had been a week since he left us and things were starting to look up, except for the fact that the boys refused to get along. It was like he was the glue that held them together. He was their rock and with him gone it was like they were lost. The only thing I could do was team up with Belle in reassuring the boys that everything would be okay and that they were made for this.

I sat at the back of the studio with my knees pulled to my chest. Belle had just gone out to get everyone lunch and I volunteered to stay so we knew they wouldn't hurt eachother, even though we knew none of them would ever take it that far. I smiled as I watched Cris turn around and offer me a small smile. I knew having me there with him was his comfort, I just wish the other guys had that too.

The boys once again walked into their formation. I crossed my fingers behind my back and prayed to myself that no one would mess up this time. If someone did I knew they'd all leave. I hit the play button on the remote for the stereo and the music flooded the speakers and poured out. I watched in awe as they danced. There was something so unique about them that I would never be able to get over. When they were all on count with eachother they looked like one person. It was amazing. The music finished and for once I saw a smile creep onto each of their faces. Rynan was the first to turn around and smile at the group. They all gave eachother a hug and I let out a sigh of relief. I felt tears threatening to spill from eyes. Finally they were doing this for him.

"Yo, Lex, when's Belle gonna be back?" I heard and looked up to see Ben looking in my direction. I shrugged my shoulders and smiled warmly.

"Not sure, but she left like half an hour ago so she should be back soon," I said and turned to look at the rest of the guys. "That was amazing. Maybe if you tried like that all the time you'd actually get somewhere," I told them and they all laughed. Cris walked over to me and sat down beside me. He leaned into me and I scrunched up my nose. "Ew, sweaty," I giggled as he leaned in and kissed the tip of my nose. I wiped away the sweat he left on my face and groaned.

"So guys," Rynan began and everyone sat down on the floor where they were. "I saw online that they're having auditions for a new TV show 'Americas Best Dance Crew'," he told them. "I think we should try out. Ya know, show off what Gee taught us."

"I don't know Kid," Kevin whispered. "I mean isn't that a little too much too soon?" They all looked around and nodded in agreement with Kevin. I sighed. They were never going to get anywhere with this attitude.

"Guys, he would have wanted you to do this. I'm sure if he was still here he would be pushing to do it. You can't hide away from everyone now," I said and watched as their eyes closed. I knew they were thinking about him. They knew I was right. "Do it guys. One for Gee," I said and nudged Cris in the side. He gave me an unsure look, but slowly a smile appeared on his face and he nodded his head.

"Yeah, one for Gee," he agreed. After a couple minutes of silence they all began to mutter 'One for Gee,' and nodding their heads. This is what they've been waiting for. Something to display their talent to the world, something to expose the type of dance they did. This was their ticket to stardom. And I knew he was going to be watching them from above.

I smiled when I saw Belle walk in. "This is new," she laughed refering to the smiling faces of the boys. She was right. In the past week it seemed like when one was smiling the others weren't. It was like they couldn't get themseleves to all be happy at once. And finally Rynan had pulled them together. He was always like a leader to them after Gary.

"They're talking about doing the show," I informed her and she clapped her hands together happily. Hopefully this would be the start of their new beginning. Hopefully they would make it.

--

"God, I can't do this I can't do it!" I complained as I fell from the same freeze I had been working on for the past hour. I looked over at Gary with pleading eyes willing him to let me stop.

"Alexis, just trust me. Take a deep breath and take it step by step. I promise, you can do it," he told me and I looked over at him wiping the sweat from my forehead.

"Gary," I whined. "What girl does freezes like this?" I asked placing my hand on my hip.

"A lot, now do it. Just trust me," he said and I nodded my head. I couldn't help but to trust him. He turned on my music and I quickly fell into beat with the music doing the first part of my routine. The time came for my dreaded freeze and mentally in my head I counted out the steps the way he had showed me. Finally I stayed up on my hands without coming crashing to the ground. I flipped myself over onto my feet and a smile quickly grew across my face. "See I told you," he said as I ran over to him and jumped into his arms wrapping my legs around him.

"Ah, Gary! I love you! Thank you so much for helping me. I never thought I'd actually be able to do it," I gushed smiling into his shoulder. He let go and smiled looking down at me. "Thank you so much," I repeated.

"Alexis."

Gary informed me to try the freeze one last time before I could go home. I happily nodded my head and ran back to the middle of the studio. He hit the play button on the stereo and I began to dance.

"Alexis, baby."

Once again I counted the steps of the freeze out in my head and I hit it perfectly. I beamed once again as I stood from the ground. I had finally done it.

"Alexis, baby, wake up, you're having a bad dream," I heard as I pushed myself up from the bed; tears were cascading down my cheeks and I could feel myself shaking. I had been dreaming of him. I really wish he didn't have to leave us so soon.

"Was it him?" I heard Cris ask as he pulled me into him. I nodded my head into his shoulder and let the tears fall. "Baby, it's going to be okay."

I looked up at him and shook my head. Nothing was ever going to be okay. The one person that deserved to be living on this earth was taken from us. I layed back down into the pillows and felt Cris' arms snake around my waist. This was never going to be easy.

--

Once again I sat at the back of the studio along with Belle. We watched as the boys tried coming up with a new routine for the try outs. Once again they were getting frustrated with eachother. The six who were able to take off work for the show all mumbled words under their breath as they walked back into formation. He needed to be here to make them whole again. I sighed looking over at Belle. She looked at me and shook her head. She hated it when they fought just as much as I did.

"I can't watch this," Belle groaned and pushed herself up off of the floor and walked out of the studio.

I watched as Rynan followed Belle out of the room, the other guys complaining as he did so.

"This is stupid. We're never going to be ready," Phil complained as he walked to the back of the studio grabbing a bottle of water. The others followed suit in agreement. I hated watching them like this.

"Guys just chill," I snapped, rolling my eyes. "You're all being a bunch of babies and you need to act like the ages you are. Do you think he's happy looking down on you and seeing you guys acting like this? I know if it was me that was gone and looking down on you I'd be haunting the shit out of your asses to snap you all out of it. These attitudes are seriously getting old. I'm the youngest one here and I'm acting like I'm older than half of you. You guys aren't going to get anywhere if you keep acting like this. You're like a family, best friends and brothers. Start acting like it."

I pulled my hood onto my head and layed back onto the floor. I needed to get away from this.

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[lovestory]

Post more soon! It's really good!

[alexisgat06]

Thanks! I'm at work now but ill post when I get home

[alexisgat06]

I'll try to post before I go to work but I went out with my fiance and friends last night and I am feeling it haha

[alexisgat06]

I pulled Cris' car slowly up next to the curb putting it in park, I silently pulled the flowers off of the passenger seat and opened up the driver's door and got out. I looked at the many headstones along the ground as I walked the familiar path towards the back of the fields. I stopped when I saw his right in front of my feet. "To the lives you touched, to the rythms you followed, to the footsteps you left behind, and to the talent that will never be forgotten. Here's to a beautiful life lived. We love you Gee. We will miss you. Dance For Us In Heaven." That was the engraving that was placed on it after his parents heard Rynan's speech at the funeral. Gary Kendall. 1970-2007. He left us too soon.

Every week since he left us this was my routine. I'd go to the local flower shop, pick out an assortment of flowers, then I'd drive to the cemetary. At the cemetary I'd replace the week old flowers with the new ones and I would sit and tell him all about the week we had had.

I sat on the ground and a tear slowly escaped my eye and rolled down my cheek. "They're not the same ya know, without you. I don't know how much longer they're going to last. I don't know how much longer I'm going to last. I miss you so much. I haven't danced longer then ten minutes since you've been gone. Nothing's the same. When you left I think all of our hearts left with you," I whispered looking down at his headstone. I pulled my knees up to my chest and burried my face in them allowing the tears to soak my jeans. When I finally felt like I had spent enough time there with him I pushed myself off of the ground and slowly walked back to my car.

I pulled the car away from the curb and drove out of the cemetary. Wiping away the few stray tears that still attached themselves to my cheeks I drove the all too familiar roads back to my apartment. I pulled Cris' car into a parking space and slowly exited it and walked up the stairs to my apartment. I threw the keys down onto the table that sat beside my door and walked to my couch. Letting my body fall onto the coushins I pulled a blanket up over me. I looked at the clock and saw I had two hours before I had to pick Cris up from the studio. I flipped on my TV and hit the play button. The video Rynan had made of Gary began to appear across my screen. Once again the all too familiar feeling of tears fell upon my cheeks. He left us too soon.

I watched in amazement. My mentor. My big brother. He truely was like family. I picked up my cell phone and flipped it open. Scrolling to the end of my messages I clicked on the one that always made me happy and sad at the same time.

From: Gee
alexis i know im sick, and i might not always be around for you but i want to let you know that you're going to be amazing one day. your name is going to be known as one of the best dancers out there. you gotta show the world what you got. you gotta go out there and kill it. when im gone im always gonna look down on you. i love you baby girl. never forget me.

That was the last message I ever received from him. I immediately saved it the second I got it. He was always going to be with me. It broke my heart to see someone go so suddenly, so young. I wiped away the remaining tears and started a new message.

ive made up my mind. i need to dance again.

I hit the send button and knew I wouldn't receive a message for another hour and a half. I jumped off of the couch and hurried back to my room. I stripped from the clothes I was wearing and pulled on a pair of Cris' sweatpants that were laying across my bed and a tank top. I grabbed a pair of Nikes from my closet and ran down the hallway. Grabbing Cris' keys off of the table, I bolted out the door and down to his car. I had to get to the studio. I had to show him I could still do it. I wasn't giving up on him.

I pulled into the studio's parking lot and jumped out of the car. I ran into the studio and threw the bag I had been carrying to the ground. The boys that were currently occupying the studio turned to me and a smile quickly spread across Cris' face. He picked me up off of the ground and smiled at me.

"You back?" he asked and I knew exactly what he meant. I nodded my head and all the boys faces were filled with smile.

I was back. But it was only for him. My Yoda. The one who taught me everything I knew. Please Gee, Dance For Us In Heaven.

--take the time to watch the video. gary was truly amazing--

[lovestory]

Great update! I watched the video and he was a amazing dancer!

[alexisgat06]

I sat at the front of the studio flipping the paper I was holding between my hands. My heart was beating quicking as I waited for Rynan to tell the boys the most important thing they all needed to hear right now. At the moment only Rynan, myself, and Belle knew what he was about to tell them. I sighed, this was for the best. This would hopefully make everything better.

I stared off into the distance as I heard Rynan begin talk. Tears were daring to fall from eyes, just playing at the edges ready to spill out at any time. I couldn't read this letter. It hurt so much the first time I read it; to know he wasn't here anymore. I wasn't going to be able to get through this without crying. I knew none of the boys would either. I felt Belle nudge my side and I looked up seeing Rynan nod his head in my direction. I looked down at the paper I was holding and carefully opened it. I let my eyes run across the paper taking in his handwriting, sighimg before I started to speak.

Dear Guys,
I'm writing this letter to you because I might not be around long enough to tell you everything I want and need to. Dance has been a part of my life since as long as I can remember. It's been my escape from the streets and the hardships that I was asked to face. I need you all to live my dreams through you, just how I know you're going to. When we all came together we became one family that everyone wanted to be a part of. Thankfully we have always stood strong in our brotherhood. I need you all to do me one favor. There's a show I found information on while I was online sitting in this hospital room. There's a show coming up on MTV for dance crews. I want you guys to audition. I know you can do this. This is my dying wish for you guys to audition for the show and for you guys to win. Everyone knows that the JabbaWockeeZ will be a household name one day, and this is your chance. Show America what you can do. I'll always be looking down on you, guiding your way through everything. Just wear those masks proudly.

Kevin, keep those straight leg dances coming. Those are dances that will live on forever. Stay strong through all of this brother. Keep that little boy of yours safe. I can't wait to watch down on him to watch him dancing his heart out just like you do.

Rynan, keep that wife of yours happy. I've known you for years and you've grown so much. You're are the definition of a BBoy and I'm proud to say I helped you get to where you are today. I'm waiting for the day I get to be the guardian angel for all your beautiful Phillipino children.

Cris, you're one crazy son of a bitch. I'm going to be laughing up in heaven watching down at every thing you do. Try not to drive Alexis completely insane with the crap you do. Keep dancin my brother. You're never going to fall behind them. Remember that. And I'm going to be in the wedding when you decide to man up and propose.

Randy, make sure you keep these boys in line. You're the one that started them, and just make sure they know that you can end them too.

Phil, I will always look down on Jayah and Xavier and make sure they are watched carefully. Keep your head up brother you're going to go far.

Phi, you have some of the most intricate moves that I have ever come across. You need to get your style out there and help bring it into the crew as well. Please hold everyone together, you're the one they all run to with problems, and use that to your advantage, I won't be able to watch you guys fall apart.

Alexis Faith, that's exactly what you need, faith. Keep your head up baby girl. You're strong I know it. I'm going to be watching you dance your heart out and hitting those freezes that most girls can't and I'm going to tell the angels that I taught you everything you know. I'm so proud of you. Stay strong. Keep Cris in line.

Belle, I'm going to be waiting to see those pretty babies that I know are going to happen eventually. Keep up with Full Force babe, you're going to be just as big as my boys one day. Stay strong.

I hope you all aren't crying by now, even though I know you're all babies and probably are. Just remember we're a family. JabbaWockeeZ family is going to be around forever. I'm going to be looking over each and every one of you. Keep those masks fresh. Try not to miss me too much. Just remember I'm going to be dancing in Heaven. Now Wock It Out!

I love you all,
Gary "Gee One" Kendall

I looked up from the paper, letting the tears to freely fall down my face. The boys were sitting there each staring at a different spot in the room. Randomly one of them would swipe at their eyes and I knew they were crying. We all were. Belle sat silently on the floor at my feet sobbing into her knees, Rynan slowly stroking her back wiping away his own fallen tears. Cris sat at the back looking everywhere but at the other guys. I could tell just by his posture he was about to lose it at any second. Kevin was laying on his back staring at the ceiling, he had pulled his glasses from his face and continued to wipe away the tears that rolled from his cheeks.

I let the letter fall from my fingers as I slid down the wall behind me to the ground. I pulled my knees up to my chest and buried my face in them. I squeezed my eyes shut but immediately his face flew into my vision. Everytime I closed my eyes he was there, smiling that warm smile of his. I looked up and shook my head daring myself to stop crying. I looked up at the ceiling and closed my eyes once again allowing his face to flood my vision. Dance for us in Heaven Gee. We won't let you down.

[lovestory]

Great update!