Friends With You

Seven | Finals

Michelle is smiling at me and I can't stop smiling either. Before coming here, my mom helped us with our make up. She added some red and pink shiny glitters and that's why Michelle looks like this today. Am really excited and too nervous as well.

Our outfits are; red converses, some red dresses and pink hoodies. As planned, Tyler will be in an outfit of similar colors. That's when I remember that Tyler is not here yet and it looks we're gonna be next. Somehow, Michelle convinced the preseters to let us perform lastly. Now that's gonna be a big problem if Tyler doesn't show up.

'So,' Mi finally speaks. 'Tyler's late.'

'Mm, yea. I guess so. But that's understandable considering the crisis with his dad. He's taking a risk for us can you believe it?'

'Um, I wouldn't say us, more like you Kay.' She laughs.

I just laugh as well. Can that be true? Michelle continues playing various notes on the piano. Somehow, seeing her practice is calming my nerves. But Tyler is still not showing up.

I hear the other performers from here at back stage and they sound good. Whether we're going to beat them or not, I don't really care. I just wanna have fun with two special people. Am just gonna perform for my family.

I also realize how great this summer has been. All of this has been an adventure, one day I'll remember this crazy summer and be like, wow!

One of the operators come to the back stage. 'Kayla, Tyler and Michelle, get ready. You're next and you're the last ones.'

I feel my heart pound through my chest. Oh my God, am scared. Michelle is now playing the first song which we're to perform. We're going to start Just live by Takey and Beautiful  Minds by Siosolo. I start humming to the piano keys Michelle plays.

I hear footsteps which are a clear indication of someone running towards this backstage. Then I feel Michelle and myself breathe in relief as we see Tyler.

'Hi guys, sorry am late. You haven't performed right?'

'Yea, all thanks to Michelle. Her clever mouth somehow secured us a last performance.' Then I look at her and smile, that's my bestie.

The operator comes in. 'Kayla, Tyler and Michelle, you're next.' Oh no, we haven't even practiced.

'Come on let's get there,' Tyler says. 'I have been singing all the way here, so that's something.'

Michelle and I laugh. Then we see the previous performers exit the stage which is now ours. Some operators help us set things up, including Michelle's piano on stage. We hold hands before going on.

'Everyone ready?' I ask.

'Yea.' Tyler and Michelle say in unison.

***

I hold the mic on the stage as the curtains open. My eyes wander through the crowd and I finally see my family who cheer for me when I see them, Conor cheers the loudest. Michelle's mom is also there, next to my mom.

Then I close my eyes, breathing in, breathing out to calm myself. And I start singing, letting my emotions fuel my notes.

There some things that go
Some things that stay and things that just gon' let you grow
You think you're scared...

As I sing, I can hear Michelle hit the piano keys perfectly like I expected. Tyler joins in the song...

I know it's gone
But I've been thinking 'bout it when am home
I've been thinking everytime am here alone...