You Make Me Feel

21. you make me feel

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, parents and teachers, my name is Francesca Aida and it is my pleasure to be your host for this event."

The half full audience cheers excitedly.

"Thank you very much. Also, I'd like to officially welcome you to St. Patrick's Secondary School 2019 Annual School Play. A big thank you to all parents for honouring our invitations. Without further ado, I'd like to introduce a few persons. Please, give a round of applause as they come up to the high table."

A short break after.

"Joining us tonight, let's have the proprietor of the school, Sir Hector Patrick, welcomed to the high table."

Accordingly, resonant claps echo in the theatre hall.

"Also, we have our beloved principal, Principal Alexandra, the panel and members of the high table..."

FELIX

Every performing act, from the music groups to drama clubs, with other solo performers, hang about behind the backdrop at various corners, some doing vocal training and body warm-ups, some rehearsing their routine, and others, like me, pacing up and down trying to shake off the nervousness.

Xian approaches. "Hey Felix."

"Hey Xian."

"Isn't this exciting? I don't think you're used to it."

"Xian, the crowd would be bawling their eyes if my band were performing. But, that's not what I'm bothered about."

He shifts from enthusiasm to an expressionless face. "Right."

I sustain air in my lungs, hoping to warm myself from the chills I've been experiencing since the moment I arrived here.

"You look like you're nervous."

"Nervous?! Oh, I think I left nervous behind like two hours ago. I'm at sheer terror. Who knows what Agnes is thinking right now?"

"Please don't tell me you took what Rex said to heart."

"I didn't, but who knows."

"Agnes, she's not evil. I'm sure you will be fine. You both will."

I exhale deeply, "I hope so." Freaking out won't help me through the evening. I dip my hands in my pockets and observe the others around me, maybe it will help build up some courage.

Looking out, each couple wears the same outfit with a different colour. But of course, the most striking colour is reserved for the star couple.

"Do you still remember the steps?" Gladys asks Andre, in their matching pink outfits.

"Yeah," he replies anxiously.

"Don't you dare make me trip on stage, do you hear me?" She warns him.

"Seriously? I rehearsed this routine for nights – my older brother thought I was going crazy."

Sofia and Ronald march out from their dressing rooms wearing their matching royal blue outfit to join them talking.

"Don't worry. I believe we can do this guys. We have practised thoroughly for a long time, and we didn't have trouble mastering the routine. I am very sure we will do our best," Sofia says.

"Oh, I'm so excited!" Gladys happily mumbles.

I take my eyes from the cheerful-anxious group to another at the far end, where Agnes and her friends sit opposite one another with brooding faces.

Agnes undoubtedly stands out for me. Her fine make-up and hairdo, curled up artistically. The scarlet ballroom gown she wears that matches her lipstick, left sleeve reaching her knuckles as the other hangs by a small cloth on her elbow, beautifully adorned with stones that blends so well with her autumn brown hair. She'll surely capture the attention of anybody who watches us dance.