New Beginnings (Sequel to: It's Complicated)

Chapter 20: Flashbacks

Shawna's POV

Tonight is the show. I'm scared but so excited. As I huddle with my team after rehearsals memories from that night rush through my head.

((FLASHBACK))
Meet and greet before the show...

"Ready for the next one?" Rick asked.

I nodded and smiled. The next few girls came in and I squeezed all of them.

"We love you Shawna," a girl smiled so big.

"I love you guys too," I hugged them all again.

"So for the pose can we all stand in a line and cross our arms with a serious face?" Another girl asked.

"Sounds great!" I smiled.

The four of us stood in a line and crossed our arms. The photographer took the photo.

"Before you guys leave I want a smiling one let's all have one big hug!" I smiled.

They all wrapped their arms around me and I smiled.

"Thanks ladies, enjoy the show!"

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Minutes before the show...

"Shawna you ready for this?" Derek asked.

"Oh yes I am," I smiled. "Are you?"

"Of course! The vibe in the room is incredible."

"I know. I can feel it from here," I smiled and admired the crowd from backstage.

"Well I'll see you out there," he patted my shoulder and jogged off.

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Show...
When it happened it happened slowly and painfully. The sound of cracking ribs and the bullet tearing through my flesh.

((END OF FLASHBACK))

I jumped in the middle of a conversation with Derek, I wasn't even paying attention.

"Shawna are you okay?" Derek asked.

I looked up with tears in my eyes.

"I'm scared," I said.

"Just calm down, you still have a few hours till showtime. First you have to get through the meet and greet and soundcheck."

"Right," I took a deep breath and pulled myself together.

I went to the meet and greet spot. Rick smiled and waved, "you ready?"

I nodded and fixed my hair. Two girls came in and they hugged me tightly. It was something I needed. They were both crying. I smiled at the two of them.... I recognized them.

"You guys look familiar," I said.

"We met you the night of the shooting," one of them said.

"Weren't there three of you?" I asked.

They started to cry again, "our friend Mia was shot that night and didn't make it."

I started to cry and I pulled them both into my arms. I held them as we all cried. It was at least five minutes of us huddled together.

"I'm sorry girls," I said. "I'm so sorry. My heart is breaking for you guys. I can't imagine how hard it is for you."

"Shawna we're getting better. We're just worried about you. We know you're not emotionally prepared for this and we wanted to let you know that we went through the same situation and you're not alone," one of them said.

"Wait before you continue what are your names?" I asked.

"I'm Amaya," the one who was talking said.