Pentatonix At Disney

Chapter 8

I was sitting talking with Kirstin when Scott walked up behind me and whispered: "It's time"

I nodded then turned back to Kirstin.

Me: Hey Kirstin. I'm needed by a cast member.

Kirstin smiled before turning to talk to Mitch. I stood up and walked with Scott behind the stage.

Scott: You ready?

I hesitated as the nerves came back. Scott sensed it and moved before placing his arm around me. His blue eyes were soft with comfort.

Scott: Remember Kailyn. You won't feel nervous if you just start singing. You told me yourself that you might forget the nerves when you start to sing.

I just wrapped my arms around him. He hugged me back as if he was relieved that I was alive.

Me: Thank you for everything.

He just simply smiled and held me close before releasing me. He looked me in the eyes and blue eyes met brown eyes for a few heartbeats before he ducked his head.

Scott: Let's do this.

I nodded again and then took a deep breath. Kacy handed Scott a microphone then handed me one. Scott shot me a smile before turning and walking up onto the stage. My brown eyes sparkled with admiration as I watched him take up a relaxed position. His voice was calm and straight. Nothing too stern, but also serious enough to get everyone's attention.

Scott: May I have everyone's attention, please. Before I hand over the stage to someone else there is something that I would like to say. We are here today to celebrate the life of Kirstin Maldonado. I am beyond grateful that she is here with us on this special day. She is the strongest person I have ever known. Even though she was in pain, she pushed through. There were times in the past few months that I thought I was going to lose you or you passed away and I didn't get a chance to say goodbye. But even when the hope was lost, you pulled through and you are here today. You are a ray of sunshine when the storm clouds gather overhead. When the day may seem lost or just downright terrible, you swing in and drive the gloomy clouds away with your amazing smile and personality. Kirstin, you mean the world to me and I will never ever leave you. I will never choose the rights words to say so all I can say is "Thank You"

He paused and smiled knowing that he just brought his song called "Thank You" in at the perfect time. His blue eyes shifted to me, who was waiting just out of sight.

Scott: Without further ado, please give the warmest welcome to Kailyn Hale.

He smiled at me as I walked up on stage. He leaned over as he passed me: "You got this. You'll do great."

I returned his smile and then took my position. I took a deep breath and my brown eyes scanned the crowd and I actually found it easier to smile and not feel nervous. My love for Kirstin overtook my nerves about singing in front of people.

Me: Before I do anything else, I have a few words. I haven't known Pentatonix for very long, but am increasingly grateful for their friendship. Back in January, I had the incredible opportunity to help them. I was overjoyed at getting to help the world-famous acapella group. After an incident happened, I thought I would never see Kirstin ever again. I laid awake several nights wondering if Kirstin was alive or did she pass. I was beyond excited when we got reunited in EPCOT on Monday. Kirstin, I love you and I am so excited that I have you as my friend. You mean everything to me especially now that I get to spend this special day with you. I would like to thank a few people for making this day possible. Malone Zahler; Scott Hoying; Mitch Grassi; Kacy Harper; Jonathan Humphry; and Jeffory Murphy, thank you for your hard work and help. Now with the help of Scott Hoying, I am going to sing several special songs for our Queen Kirstie.

I sang all the songs that I had practiced with Scott and not one single time did I feel nervous. I noticed that Pentatonix had permanent smiles on their faces. As I got done, I asked Kirstin to join me on the stage. When she got on the stage, my brown eyes scanned the crowd and my gaze stopped at an empty spot, where Kirstin, Scott, Mitch, Kevin, and Matt were during the performance. Now Kirstin was beside me and the boys were supposed to be at the same spot. I looked around with fear rising inside me. Kirstin thankfully didn't catch my fear.

Me: Kirstin, where are the boys?

Kirstin: I don't know, Kailyn.

I continued to look around and now my voice was shaky as I called out to them. There was no answer from anyone or from them. At that moment, Scott rushed up the stairs and grabbed onto me. His eyes were filled with concern and understanding. His voice was incredibly calm and gentle.

Scott: Kailyn, it's okay. I'm sorry that it took longer than expected.

He paused then leaned to whisper: "We ran into Jessica as we were passing through Norway.

I just nodded and took a shaky deep breath. Scott pulled me into a hug and held me close to calm my nerves. I tore away from him and with tears welling in my eyes, I ran to Test Track. Kirstin moved to the edge of the stage trying to see where I went. A look of sheer terror passed across her face. Scott was confused at why she looked so scared. Surely I would be okay.

Kirstin: Kailyn!

She turned and looked at Scott. Her brown eyes were unfocused with fear.

Kirstin: Scott we need to find her before Jessica does.

Scott's blue eyes darkened at the thought of Jessica. He didn't say anything for a few heartbeats as he thought of what Jessica would do if she found me. Just like Kirstin his eyes filled with terror as he knew exactly what Jessica would do. He turned his head to look at Mitch, who shared the same exact fear. If Jessica found me, she would kill me. Scott whipped around to face Kirstin. He had to force his voice to sound serious, to help Kirstin.

Scott: Kirstin, go to Test Track.

Kirstin wasn't convinced that I was going to be at Test Track and therefore her eyes clouded even more with confusion.

Kirstin: What if she's not there? Jessica could find her. Oh, Scott, what will we do if we're too late?

Scott opened his mouth to comfort his troubled friend, but he couldn't find the words. He himself was troubled just as much as Kirstin. The words that Kirstin spoke pierced his heart. Scott's blue eyes filled with terror as he pictured Jessica strolling into Test Track to find the vulnerable Kailyn. Jessica would, without any hesitation, draw something to kill the innocent person. Once again, Scott had to force his voice to sound calm even though he barely succeeded.

Scott: We won't be. After you find her at Test Track, meet me and Mitch in Norway.

Kirstin just simply nodded before she took off running towards Test Track. She cautiously checked every area, except the start of the ride. When she finally checked there, she heard me crying. Her heart seemed to stop beating in fear, as she feared that Jessica had injured me in some way. But when she came to the ride vehicle that I was in, she got in beside me. Without saying a word, she pulled me close and I just leaned into her. My voice was shaky and raspy from crying.

Me: I'm so, so sorry.

Kirstin's eyes clouded again with confusion but were still soft with a motherly love. Her motherly instincts were probably kicking in at this moment. She remained silent for a heartbeat as she continued to rub my back.

Kirstin: For what?

Me: I'm sorry I ruined your birthday. It didn't go as I had planned. When I called you that was only to get you here. I never intended that my ankle would lose feeling or that I would almost go unconscious because I couldn't breathe.

Kirstin started to hum softly and it took me a few moments to recognize what song it was. It was the original "It's Different Now"

Kirstin: You didn't ruin anything. I understand why you called me. But why did your ankle do that?

Me: Probably from Wednesday. Now I believe that we should meet Scott in Norway.

Kirstin: Alright Kailyn.

She helped me to get out of the ride vehicle and I glanced around as if I was fearful about Jessica. It didn't take us long to exit Test Track. I take the lead and guide Kirstin to World Showcase.