"Because I'm shocked by the power, shocked by the power of love."

[likefatherlikeson]

Who: Justin, Mark Campbell and Gen Hart (+ Sunshine)
What: Epic Surprises!
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: Friday night (Aussie time)

They had a little bit of time to kill before the show and before people began to pile into the Opera House, they took advantage to see some of the interior and the views of the Harbour. Justin was mostly just walking around in a permanent state of shock that he was about to go on stage and perform at one of the most well-known theatre venues in the whole world... and a place that was part of his own heritage and blood. More and more, he was becoming aware of his Aussie roots. He had an innate connection to this place. It made him feel at peace. The beach and the sunsets could put him into almost a complete state of calm, a balance he couldn't get anywhere else with the bipolar having him often teetering between his moods.

Then his dad was chatting to him on Facebook, and there was a mention of a present delivered to his dressing room. It was time to get back there anyway so that costuming and make-up could pwn him to make sure everything was perfect. These last three nights of performing in Sydney were huge. They were VIP shows, and beyond competitions winners and charity recipients, there were going to be a lot of big names in the audience. Not to mention reviewers and journalists covering the show. It was no wonder the nerves had flared up inside him. This was one of those times the stage fright would kick in to full capacity, no doubt.

Things were hitting crazy stations when he got backstage again and he was bracing himself to get pounced at any minute. He could have his diva moments, but mostly he just let everyone do their jobs so he was prepared to do his. "J, final sound check in thirty," one of the sound managers told him as he walk past and he nodded when he headed into his dressing room. As soon as he got in there, there was a shout of, 'SURPRISE!' and he jumped with a slight scream of shock at the sudden surprise and stumbled back a little. It was a miracle he didn't pee his pants.

Standing in the dressing room was his dad holding Jamie, Gen, Will, his grandparents, his Uncle Sam, his Uncle James and Nat, Paris and Michael, and Kolbie and Toby... somehow all managing to fit into the room. He got such a fright with very, very unexpected surprise that when the penny dropped a moment or two later that they were all actually there, he promptly burst into tears because he couldn't believe it.

Comments

[aussielawyer]

It hadn't exactly been easy to navigate getting everyone here, but ultimately, nothing was more important to any of them that particular night. For the Aussies amongst them even more so, because Justin was playing at their iconic landmark and it was beyond incredible to think about. Like any of them were going to miss it. In fact, Mark was absolutely 100% adamant he wasn't going to miss his son performing at the Opera House, that he threatened to forge a medical clearance to fly. Ultimately, Sam came through for him and he did still have to take it easy, but there was no way in fucking hell Mark would miss this. Even Ali, Andrew and Jack had come over, but there was no way they would've fit in there. It had been a huge surprise for everyone to try to keep, but they had all been fantastic with it. Justin had no idea. Will had confirmed that to Mark the night before in text messages, insisting that Justin had absolutely no idea of any of it. He just thought they had the last three big shows to do, it would be crazy, and then he could go home. When Caden had told Mark the show would be playing at the Opera House to close the Aussie run, Mark said he wanted front row tickets for his family, no matter how much they cost. Price wasn't an issue.

Seeing Justin's reaction, it was obvious Will's deduction had been spot-on. Not that anyone wanted to make Justin cry, but they were shocked/happy tears and Justin was, in general, always a highly emotional kid having a mood disorder. Mark laughed when he went over to Justin and pulled him into a hug... which meant Sunshine was immediately wrapping her arms around Justin too. "Hey, it's okay, kiddo," he said, rubbing Justin's back. It was an amazing moment, with them all having known so very deeply the pain Justin had suffered through, and how tough life could be for him in general. They had all wanted to be there for this moment. It took a little while before everyone hugged a teary Justin, and everyone else (including Mark) was tearing up with him. They did soon filter out, promising to see him more after the show, and it just left Mark, Gen and Sunshine there with him. Mark stooped his head a little so he could see Justin's face and wiped some of the tears away with his thumb. "You didn't think we were going to miss this, did you, mate?" Then he was hugging him again and kissing his head. "We missed you like you wouldn't believe."