Ordinarily, Extraordinary

Chapter One: A Tale of Two Personalities

                                                                         DECEMBER

 I look out at the stage, mentally preparing myself, getting my adrenaline rushing.

 This was always my favorite part. Feeling the energy of all those people rushing through my veins. Not that I've ever tried it, but I guess this is what heroine feels like. It's like I could feel every person in the room. I could feel them pumping from my heart and throughout the rest of my body, giving me life and energy. I love the connection I have with my fans. It's like they're not even fans, it's like they're apart of me. And I'm apart of them. We're one singular energy. I love that. 

Right before I hear the announcer call me to stage, I feel two dainty hands grip on my shoulders...

This would normally be a very sweet, endearing and loving gesture. But that would only be the case if the persons hands did NOT belong to my best friend Natalya.

When she grips on my shoulders, she begins to violently shake me, in the midst of her laughing and jumping due to excitement. I can't do anything but laugh right along with her. This was a really big deal for not just me, but for both of us. She'd never been to New York City, and this was my first show in the garden. Madison Square Garden. 

For as long as I can remember, it's always been my dream to sell out this stadium. And here I was. I wasn't just the opening act. I wasn't just the person who stalls the audience while the main performance was doing their vocal warmups, back stage. This was MY show. I sold out MSG. People filled this one, HUGE space to see me. To connect with me. To share this moment with me. It all just felt so surreal. These were my people. The people who understood and constantly reminded me that I wasn't alone. That I wasn't some extraordinary, untouchable, God. They reminded me that I'm still an ordinary girl, who goes through teenage things and feels teenage feelings. They keep me young. They keep me human.

I turn around and look Natalya in the eyes. I was about two seconds from crying when she pulled me back to reality, like only Natalya, herself, could.

"Bitch, if you don't get your ass on that stage! They're here to see YOU. They love you, Ave.  You got this. Now, lace up those sneakers, hike up your bra, and do your thing! This is your moment."

I smiled at her knowing that as much as I loved my fans, none of them could ever compare to my best friend. She was by far my biggest inspiration. I did this for both of us.

I hugged her tightly and of course, she squeezed back with all her strength. For a whopping 5 ft and 2 inches, the bitch had a LOT of fuckin strength. After we finally separated she did a final run down to make sure I was ready to go.

"Lucky Shoelaces?"

"Check", I replied looking down at my Black and Red Air One Jordan's, that were laced with the black ribbon laces.

"In-Ear Monitors working?"

"Yep, I can hear everyone"

"Alright", she smiled brightly, before adding,  "and of course one last thing,"

Before I could properly figure out what she meant, she suddenly reached out and yanked on my wig.

When it didn't budge, she yanked one more time.

"Jesus, Talya! It's secured, I promise." I explained as I adjusted my snapback into its original position. I couldn't help but be grateful for my best friend. She knows how important this is. Lord knows, I cant be jumping around on stage and have my wig come off. My life would be RUINED. My personal life, that is.