rhythms of rebellion

Chapter 6

My alarm went off and I sprung out of bed and got ready.

The contest was all I thought about the whole school day.

Me, Krystal, and Ophelia talked about it at lunch to make sure we were absolutely ready, since we weren't gonna meet after school, as I had to help with lawn work.

We went home and got our stuff done until 7:30pm rolled around, and it was time for the contest.

Krystal brought me my guitar, as my parents weren't allowed to see it yet since it'd spoil the "surprise."

Non-participating students and families of the contestants got seated in the gym while we lined up backstage.
I was as nervous as I'd ever been.

We were act number 4 and went on stage about 8:15.
We got into our positions and I looked at my parents in the audience. I expected them to look displeased, but they were smiling.

I grabbed the microphone and spoke, "Hello, I'm Bianca. This is Krystal, and this is Ophelia, and we're Rhythms of Rebellion! And this is 'Dead Man's Party' by Oingo Boingo."
I counted down from 3 and we started playing.
I gave it my all.
I tried the hardest I'd ever tried.
I sang and strummed that guitar like my life depended on it.

And just like that, it was over.
We bowed to the audience and the curtains closed.
My heart was pounding.

Everyone else did their performances and it was time to reveal the winners.
All the contestants were once again lined up backstage while our principal stood on stage about to announce the winners.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for attending the contest tonight, I'm so glad you all could come. Let's reveal the winners, shall we? In third place, we have... Margo LaFayette, with 'Zombie.' Congratulations, Margo. In second place, we have... Veronica Rogers, with 'Pet Semetary.' Congratulations, Veronica. And now, make your bets on what act you think will be in first place. In first place, winner of the annual Halloween contest, drum roll, please. We have... Rhythms of Rebellion with 'Dead Man's Party.' Congratulations, Bianca, Krystal, and Ophelia. Let's give our winners a big round of applause."

There we stood, in the middle of the stage, feeling like crowned royalty.
I couldn't believe we'd actually won.

We eventually went off stage to find our parents.
I found mine, who I assumed would be mad at me for playing and singing music they prohibited.

"We are so proud of you, Bianca." my dad said.
"Yes, we are. Even though though you sang that type of music, I'll let it slide just this once, because you did an amazing job, and tell your friends they were great, too." my mom said.
"Thanks, I'm glad you guys enjoyed it." I replied.

All that worrying for nothing.