They Don't Know About Us

Chapter 21

Well it's been a little bit since I've updated 'cause I've been swamped with school and such and ahhh Valentines Day! Haha don't think I've forgotten about this book though!!!

I'm brainstorming nonstop for you guys on here and there's a lot to look forward to!!!

COURT'S DRESS IS TO THE RIGHT!!! >>>>>>>

My heart thumps against my chest and I wonder how much longer it will be until it leaps from my body and runs away to Mexico while I am then forced to become a vampire. Weird, I know but this is what I think when I'm panicking and I'm panicking really bad right now.

"Calm." Emily coos but I'm not comforted at all. Her body bounces with excitement as she pears around the vast and open backstage area. People bustle by us, talking in walky talkies or simply warming up their vocal chords  but either way it doesn't matter. I don't hear them. I can't think of them right now when I'm about to go on stage.

It's not the onstage part that scares me, it's what John just told me that makes me want to crawl up in my closet and dream that somehow it's carrying me to Narnia. Remember John? That little annoying instructor of mine? 

Well anyway, he just told me one of the solo singers is sick so we need to find a replacement. Fast. And for some crazy reason John believes I'd be the best person to sling on the decorative gown and play the part of Disney princess.

Emily seems to think it'll be fun. She's not the one having to get up and sing for the first time in forever in front of next year's freshmen though. Trust me, I've already tried talking her into taking my place and no luck...I even acted out the reaping from her favorite book and tried to be Rue just so she would take my spot. 

No volunteer and a lot of laughs later I gave up and it was decided that I no one else would do it.

"Just calm down..You have 6 peices in front of your singing debut but you've gotta pull it together you're playing piano next." Em sets her hands on either of my shoulders and looks me dead in the eyes and I nod furiously, even though my mind's barely comprehending her words.

I reach down to wipe my sweaty palms on my dress but it sends me into another fit of panic. The fabric glimmers in the soft lighting and is cool against my bair skin and I don't want to mess up its perfection. Instead I run them on a dark curtain and supress giggles as some of the crew give me looks.

Emily smiles crookedly at me, standing on her tiptoes to give me a peck on the top of my head before shoving me on stage and heading off to find Eleanor in the crowd.

Don't worry though the lights are off and no one can see my bemused face as I find my way to the piano and settle into the hard bench. I can see the audience and a dark shadow of a person by the mike but that's it. Their hand reaches out to signal and I rest my hands on the keys.

The lights come on immediatly after I start and I have to do my best not to blink continouesly as the glare off the keys threatens to blind me. Lauren joins in perfect pitch too and the crowd goes silent upon hearing the beauty of her voice.

She was my favorite to play with here since we seemed to always understand eachothers composing and such. Her foot taps loudly and dramaticly as I start to up the tempo to Jar of Hearts.

The first time I heard the song I thought it was alright but didn't get why John wanted me to play it until he explained Lauren and me got to edit it completely. It's faster now, in certain places at least, and allows me a solo while she shows off just how much air her lungs could hold.

My minds whirling and we glance at eachother in unison, smiling almost as we pull it all together for the close. 

When her voice trails off and my last note stops ringing the audience jumps from their seats in applause. She comes to me as I stand and we hold hands and bow. Her hand is warm in mine and it feels good knowing she likes my success and I hers.