The Glass Princess: True To Yourself

Chapter 7 Bright Lights, Old Cameras and Springing into action

Chapter 7 Bright Lights, Old Cameras and Springing into action

Time passed and I found myself sitting on a cute picnic blanket with Naomi, Dakota, my mum and aunt. My dad was of course not here. Dakota was beaming with excitement to inform me that she will be playing a big role in a school play. "The play is gonna have adventure and like... cool stuff" Dakota yelled out happily. "That's great to hear Dakota" mum replied happily giving a little clap. "We actually wanted to see if Emily wanted to help record the play? The school is low on staff still, so no one would be able to handle the recording" My aunt mentions while looking over at me. Naomi, who already had one arm around me turned her face to me happily. "Oh really? That'd be cool! I'm happy to try" I reply happily. I was kinda nervous at the idea of going into my old primary school again... but this felt important. "Thanks Emily, I know you are busy but Dakota seemed confident you'd wanna do it" My aunt explained while looking over at Dakota. "This way you get to be in a school play too!" Dakota yelled out in excitement. Everyone giggled a little at the enthusiasm and I gave Dakota a smile back. "Then, I'll help with the play!" I exclaimed with a little more confidence than I actually felt but Dakota seemed really happy. I could use my phone for this? Camcorder is low on memory so probs a good substitute? Even if in a small way.... I get to be a girl this time. In high school I played as girl characters in drama but primary school? I never got to..... My fingers trembled at the memory but decided to not think about it as best I can.

"My acting caterer will get uh.. Bigger!" Dakota yelled out. While not what she meant, a caterer of food would be wonderful for a future star.

"So you'll not be too overwhelmed Emily?" My mum asked with a slight smile with a hint of concern. I will admit that my grades haven't been great...... but by admit I mean keep to myself, at least for now. I've talked about it with Naomi briefly but some kinda weight in my chest prevents me from telling family when I'm struggling. Academics in particular has always been tricky. I did really well in high school but... I barely let myself relax. I simply nodded with a smile. "How is university going?" Mum asks still with a look of concern but for the first time it... felt like she just wanted to know. It was nice, like a weight went away to some extent. Her past air of judgement faded away in a way? "Fairly well, classes are a bit tricky but me and Naomi are going to an LGBT club next week so hoping we can make more friends" I explained happily. "WHOA THERE IS A CLUB" Dakota yells out loudly. "Yeah, lots of lgbt university students hang out and make friends basically" Naomi explained with a smile. During her explanation she held my hand tighter. I look over to her smiling gently. "I'm personally excited to see what kinda friends me and Emily will be hanging out with during our degrees" Naomi explains to Dakota despite her eyes being focused on mine. Wind gently flew by along with some occasional falling leaves. Naomi's hair gently waved along with the wind. I felt another layer of relief, more of my previous weight being sent off into the sky with the wind. No longer weighing me down as much. I look over to Dakota. She has her usual big smile but now seated on the picnic blanket again fidgeting with an empty plate still covered in small leftover crumbs of the cake. "You'll get to meet my friends too!" Dakota yells out happily. "I'm excited to meet them" I reply. "Then once we record the school play, you and your friends will become mega ultra famous!!!" I rather dramatically explain with an over the top arm gesture. Naomi copies the gesture with her free hand leading to both of us giggling for a bit. Out of habit I look over to mum, prepping myself to hold back on further energetic dramatic talking. However I suddenly notice an approving smile. To say I was shocked was an understatement.

I heavily breathed out in relief and smiled brightly. Look at everyone giving approving looks. I was just... a little emotional when this happened. This moment. My actions were no longer discouraged... I think things will be okay