ONE HEART

Chapter 9 Things Are Changing.

Mariah was studying hard in her bedroom. They have end-of-school-year exams to do before they break up for the summer. When they went back to school in August, she realized it would be her last year at high school, and during the summer she would have to start picking colleges and universities she would like to attend. I have to get good grades in these exams first, she told herself. She'd also got roped into helping with the end-of-year concert at school. She would be in front of house mainly. Helping people to their seats selling programs etc. She had to go to the auditorium after she had finished her exam today. So that they could all get told, what their roles were going to be. Also, they would have to sit through some of the show, while they were there. I've not really got time for that said Mariah to one of her friends. I need to get home so that I can revise more. "Mariah," said her friend Kevin. You are the brainiest person I know. You don't need to revise more. I know that Kevin, but I need to get good grades so that I can pick the best colleges and universities to go to said Mariah sternly. I don't think you will have any problems there said, Kevin. 

They will be fighting over you, to get you to go to them. I hope you are right said Maria smiling at him. I will be, you'll see said Kevin cheerfully. Come on, let's get to the auditorium. Tessa was waiting her turn to do a practice run of her singing and playing her song. Yes, you heard right. Her song! She hadn't told her mom that she was starting to write songs, as well as sing. When they introduce Tessa, it will be a total surprise to her parents because her music teacher will tell the audience that she's singing her own song and playing along on her guitar. Maybe I should tell Mom and Dad before they come? Tessa thought to herself, just before someone called her name to go onto the stage and do the run-through. Her friend Lola was the show's stage manager and wished her luck as she went on. First, she just had to sit there, while the lighting crew did their thing, and lit her accordingly. Okay Tessa, shouted Lola from the wings. You can go ahead and do a mic check before you start you're practice. Thanks said Tessa feeling very nervous all of a sudden. 

Right, remember what Mom and Dad taught me. Breathe in and out very slowly, pick a spot in the auditorium, and sing to it. Tessa started to sing, How Could A Lie Fell So True to the spot she had picked when the doors opened, and in stepped Kevin, who Tessa didn't know, but behind him was Mariah. Tessa locked eyes with her straight away. They had seen one another around school, but never talked to one another after Mariah found Tessa in her bed! Mariah couldn't move. No matter what Kevin was saying to her. Tessa's voice was magical. It was as if Mariah was under her spell. Tessa watched Mariah find a seat and sit down, while she continued singing. The house lights were still on at this point. Tessa was wondering who the boy could be. Was he Mariah's boyfriend? She thought as she came to the end of her song. Everyone in the auditorium and backstage started to clap when Tessa came to the end of her song. Lola was the loudest. That was amazing she screamed. Tessa saw Mariah was clapping too. Which pleased Tessa immensely. Do I need to change anything? Tessa asked her teacher afterwards. No not at all he said Cheerfully. Tessa was full of herself when she got home. She told her Mom it had gone really well, and that she hadn't had to change anything. She also told her, that she had used the breathing techniques and it had helped with her nerves.

Awe, that's great, I'm so pleased you could control your anxiety. Me too said Tessa I feel much more confident about the performance now. How did the focus in one spot go? Did you use that too? Err, yeah I used it. I focused on a door at the back of the auditorium. It was okay until Mariah walked in, with a boy I didn't know. I went a bit wobbly then. But I pulled it back together and just sang straight at Mariah. I don't even know why she was there. Oh okay said Gwen. Do you want me to ask Sharon? You could do said Tessa. At least then I know she's going to be there, and it won't be as much of a shock. I'll phone her later and find out for you. You go and rest that voice for tomorrow, go and do the warm-down exercises I told you to do. Okay, Mom, and thank you. Tessa headed out to the studio, where her dad was. She told him everything too, and then her dad helped her do the warm-down exercises. He made sure she did them properly. Remember you're voice is like an instrument, just like your guitar. You have to treat them well to get the best results. Okay, Dad, Mom has told me all this already. I'm sure she has said Blake but I'm just repeating it so that it sinks in. If you want to do this as a living. I'm thinking about it said Tessa. If I can conquer my stage fright in the next year, before I leave school that would make things easier. So that I feel more comfortable in front of a crowd.