True Beauty

People Like Us

Bo's Pov

Before we know it out next practice day came which would be a big one.

This would signify the last time we would be performing in our normal clothes. After that it'll be in our nice stage outfits.

As a way to counteract this, I wore a smock today.

They're going to be performing in their new outfits now. Brianna is still receiving training at this point and will continue to do it for one more week and then she'll be in front with everyone else. I'm really happy she's having such a great time, to be honest she along with the other girls are having the time of their life while I'm starting to run out of ideas for unicorns!

Thankfully, another day another search for source material so I'm staying sourced!

When I was watching Baylin perform it was like time slowed down so it could see it too, her notes were so elegant and she maintained a calm expression. She recently started closing her eyes while she performs because she probably has everything memorized by now which I couldn't blame her.

Bao as well is nothing more than focused while doing her baton moves. I almost feel like in the Olympic audience watching her move!

Even though we're not really competing, I don't think I have a chance with these girls which I'm fine with! It's all for fun anyway!

Practice again ended rather well today and we went home awaiting Saturday.

Thursday 8:45 (After work)

Bentley's Pov

"Hey Baylin." Bentley smiled, "I know how hard you've been working with the pageant and all. Would you like me to take you out to a nice dinner or something?"

"No, I'm fine.." Baylin said quietly.

"But you really need to rest. You've been staying up all night working on this. I don't want you to tire yourself out."

"I'm fine Bentley. I just...I'm just fine."

"Bay, I know when you're lying to me." I told her calmly.

"I'm sorry Bentley. I just don't want to mess this up, going on stage worries me a little bit."

"Why?"

Baylin blushed hot red.

"I don't want to embarrass myself."

I hugged Baylin tight.

"You're going to do this." I told her. "You're going to do well."

"Really?" She smiled.

"Of course!" I told her.

"Okay, I'll do it! For the kids!" She smiled at me.

"That's the spirit!" I winked.

Giving Baylin a kiss on the cheek, I suggested that I take her for dinner which she decided to accept.

While we walked there, we saw our promotion on the screen which a bunch of people were watching. Feeling embarrassed, Baylin grabbed my hand and ran a little bit to dinner.

Over the meal, she still had a resigned look, like she was hiding something shameful from me.

"Bentley, I'm not sure if I want to do this anymore."

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

"I'm just not enjoying this anymore." She explained.

"Why?"

"It's just that...I don't like being in the crowd, I like being a silent helper. I don't perform on stage, I just do stuff in small crowds. I'm just not made to shine." She explained.

"Baylin, you are a bright star all around us. We see it everyday. Everyone always sees just how talented and mature you are." I said,

I grabbed her hand and rubbed it.

"You are special." I told her. "And I know that you can do this, this is finally your time to shine and be special in front of everyone. I know you got this."

Baylin teared up.

"Thank you." I said, "But I still don't feel ready. Maybe one day, but not now."

I didn't know what the director or others would say to this, but Baylin's feelings come first. If she doesn't feel like she's ready to do this, we have to respect that.

"Okay, I'll call the director after dinner." I smiled.

Baylin had the biggest smile. "Thank you!" She said, "I feel so vindicated!" She cheered.

Smiling at Baylin, our fish dishes finally came. We ate and I paid for the meal and prepared to call the director just as promised.

We walked a little far from the restaurant and sat on a bench while I made the call.

"Hello Bentley, this is the director speaking."

"Hello sir." I said, "I'm calling to let you know that-"

"Oh look mommy, it's her!" A child's voice called out. "Can I go say hello to her?" She asked.

"If she allows it." The mom said.

Walking forward, I could tell that the child was Japanese too and she bowed to me and Baylin.

"I just wanted to say that I saw the commercial." She explained. "I never really got to tell this to you, but I've known about you for a long time. I wanted to send you some fan mail but never got the chance." She said, "I think it's really cool that you're doing this, and I really love that you're Japanese, just like me." She smiled.

"I also play the violin too. I wish I could show it to you."

Baylin instantly teared up, "Aww!" She said in shock.

"Good luck on the pageant." The child said. "I may not be able to see it in person but I'm going to watch it on tv so I can support you in some way or form."

Baylin's tears started flowing and she wiped them as they came out. She walked up the the child and gave her a very warm hug which the child accepted. She whispered to me for the 'thing' and I instantly gave it to her.

"Here." Baylin said, giving the child some tickets "I hope to see you there."

The child smiled too. "You're an angel" She said, hugging again. "Have a nice day!" She beamed.

As she left, she said, "Hi Bentley!" Waving to me and left with her mom who smiled at the both of us.

Baylin stood up again, still tearing up. She put her hand on her chest and said, "Can you reverse the decision?" She asked me.

"Already done." I whispered. "Hello? Sir?" I asked. "It's not important. I'll see you on Saturday!"

"Okay! See you then!" He said,

And then the phone hung up.

Baylin shed tears of joy the entire way home as I walked her back to the house where she fell asleep in a heartbeat. With her reversed decision at the last minute, I made a promise to support her as much as I can

Bay's Pov

Try as I might, I still didn't want to do it deep down, but when I saw that child, and how popular the video is, I just couldn't back out of it, not with all the people rooting for me and especially with children like her who couldn't wait to see me under the spotlight.

I'm going to keep performing and practicing, but for when the day comes, god knows what'll happen then. I'm just going to leave it up in the air for now.