Write off the Fear

Chapter 14

As Mim's final note fades out into the auditorium, she looks up and sees teary eyes and emotional faces staring at her. Some of them have tears streaming down their cheeks and some are on the brink of breaking down. But no one makes a sound other than the occasional sniffle of snot. A minute passes then a slow clap can be heard from somewhere in the middle of the crowd, more specifically the judging table and Mim's eyes struggle to see who it is with the spotlight still in her face. Then slowly, more claps join and soon the whole auditorium is filled with shouts of praise for Mim and everyone is on their feet. Mim is stunned and frozen in her spot as her eyes fleet across the auditorium at the standing ovation she's getting. She spots her mom again and sees the puffiness of her eyes and the big proud smile taking over her face as she enthusiastically claps and shouts, what Mim thinks is 'THAT'S MY GIRL!', and Mim gives her a smile in return. Mim finally looks back down at her sisters and sees that they're all in the same state as their mom and she grins at them happily. She looks next to Tiny, at Nash and Nova, who has her phone up directed at Mim, who are both jumping up and down and shouting out 'woohoos' and she giggles at their antics before her eyes shift to Katelyn, who's standing next to Liza and her eyes soften. Katelyn is using two fingers and whistling the loudest whistle Mim has ever heard and when she notices Mim looking at her, she stops and gives her a big grin before mouthing to her 'stand and bow', which she conveys through actions, and Mim does those things.

Once she's taken her bow, she awkwardly takes a step back and turns to see if she can find Mrs King in the wings to save her. Thankfully Mrs King gets the idea and steps out with a big smile on her face and stops next to Mim and whispers into her ear, "Well done, kid", before she addresses the crowd that's died down a little.

"Yeah! Great stuff! Thank you Miranda." Mrs King says and she motions for Mim to head back to the wings and Mim is grateful for the escape and scurries off stage.

"Let's give it up for our two talented writers!" Mrs King exclaims and the crowd gets loud with cheers again before Mrs King motions to 'settle down' and continues, "Now, the judges and I will deliberate and get back to you soon." She then motions for the Judges to head up the steps to exit the auditorium and Mrs King walks down the stage steps and follows them out, leaving the crowd in excited chatter.

Backstage, Mim is slumped on the floor, leaning against a flight case and taking deep breaths. She's staring at her shoes spread out in front of her when another pair of sneakers stop next to her and she looks up.

"Rory?" Mim questions with uncertainty and a feeling of déjà vu.

"Hey Mim," Rory says as he squats down next to Mim, "I just wanted to say that your song was great and that I'm sorry for not saying something about Jason's album earlier." Rory admits shyly and Mim looks at him with confusion

"I've been friends with Jason since we were in diapers. His songs, though good, were always missing something and then he comes out with this album, that's just so unlike his usual stuff. I didn't think much about it until today. I'm sorry you're caught in all this. Whatever happens today, I'll talk to him and get him to come out with the truth." Rory says earnestly.

"Um. Wow. Thanks Rory. It means a lot. Thank you." Mim replies and before Rory can say anything else someone else stands a little behind him and clears their throat.

"Is there a problem here?" Katelyn asks defensively, causing Rory to whip his head around to look at her.

"No, no. I was just about to leave anyway." Rory quickly says as he stands and looks back down at Mim, "I'll see you around Mim." he adds before turning away and walking to find Jason.

Mim gets up and stands in front of Katelyn, who still has a frown on her face as she looks towards where Rory walked off to, and slips her arms over her shoulders to link them behind her neck.