The Attic

Chapter Twenty Three

I hope hyperventilating doesn't kill, cause it's really serious right now where I stand in the big arena where the competition is being held. We are seated at a spot given to our school which holds a few students, I and Sophie included. I could see other schools at their different spot, some practicing, some chatting away. I saw a man demonstrating singing exercises for a girl. Whoa!

People kept filing in even when everywhere was packed already. It really is a big competition huh? I looked and saw my mom and Chloe, Freddy, Simon, Cody, Louis and Miss Paige. One look at them and I'm reminded of the beautiful friendship we've built. Sophie sat beside me. If I get qualified, I can move to the finals tomorrow. And if I win in the finals tomorrow, my school wins the trophy and I individually get other prizes and awards too. So cool.
    Okay I need to chill. Everything's gonna work out fine.

  "Here", Sophie said, "have some water".

  "Thanks". I say collecting the bottle from her.

  "Now, don't think too much. Just breath. It's just like you did it back there. Everything's is gonna be fine, you don't have to..."

  "Sophie, chill. I've got this"

  "You sure?" She sighed

  "Absolutely"

  "Fine. But if the pressure is too much just picture everyone in their underwear okay?"

I laughed hard, "sure"

  "Just don't laugh your ass off on stage please"

  "I can't promise that one. Who knows"

  "You got the lyrics of the song right up in your head?"

  "Yeah. Speechless by Naomi Scott. It represents exactly what I've been through. I couldn't have picked a better song."

  "Good ". Sophie said nodding.

I won't go speechless anymore; I say to myself while fondling with the bracelet my mom and Chloe gave me earlier this morning as a good luck charm. With all my loved ones by my side, I've got all the luck I need.

   _ _ _

  "...and now, representing Greenville High School, I invite Becky Peters on stage".
    The crowd clapped, roared and cheered I thought I'd go deaf. I was the last to perform. Yeah, savouring the last for the best.

  "You're up Becky", Sophie said nudging me.

  "Okay". I inhaled deeply.

  "Show 'em what you got".

  "Oh I will". I said smirking at her while she hooted and clapped.

I went on stage and bowed slightly to the host before collecting the microphone. Just as my dad taught me. Just as Jason and Sophie said. Close your eyes and block out every feeling from your environment. Feel the music and don't forget to sing with lots of emotion. That's why I picked the song Speechless, because it describes how I feel and what I would love to say to everyone. How strong I've become and how bold I am.

Hearing my cue to start, I opened and unlocked my beautiful voice to sing. With my eyes closed, I began...

       Here comes a wave
       meant to wash me away
       a tide that is taking me under...

I felt the music in my soul. Everywhere was quiet apart from my voice and the instruments. I keep flowing with the music. Just like my dad says, life is not a competition. Find the stuff that makes your soul sing, and be you own uniquely beautiful self.