Do or Die | A Slipknot story

chapter twelve

"Good luck!" Tom yelled from his car window as I pulled open the door to the school auditorium. He had offered to drive me to my choir performance, and I gladly accepted. For some odd reason, Stephanie couldn't drive me here.

"Thanks" I smiled and waved as he drove off to find a  parking spot I assume. My feet carried me into the auditorium where I found a few of the other choir members already dressed in the uniform. Most people arrived in it, but I preferred to change in the schools bathroom. So, after I greeted the other early members, I grabbed my bag and ran out the back and into the actual school where a bathroom was.

I locked myself in a stall and changed into the black and white choir uniform. We had to wear black dressy pants and a white dressy shirt. After that, I mentally prepared myself for my upcoming solo.

"Hey Alex" a voice greeted from the entryway of the ladies room. My head snapped in the direction of the sound, instantly causing me to fully turn with a smirk on my face once I saw who it was.

"Why hello there, Maddie" I bowed dramatically. She giggled at the gesture before walking over and embracing me in a hug.

"I've missed you this whole year" she said.

"Ah, me too. The there musketeers aren't three anymore" I pouted, referring to her, Tom, and myself.

Maddie had been a friend of mine since I came here. She had to escort me about the school, making sure I knew where everything was on my first day. Her and Tom are siblings, so us three kinda bonded, and here we are.

"You excited?"

"Nervous" I shrugged. She shook her head.

"Don't be. You're amazing and you'll be fine" she smiled. I grinned and hugged her once more before we made our way to the stage where we could warm up.

I stood on the top riser in the very middle. Next to me was Maddie, and of course, we had to goof around since we never got to see one another because we are in different choir classes. Sure, we got called out a few times through warm ups, but when we actually started, we were pretty serious.

The whole show went pretty smoothly, but each song closer to my solo, I began to grow more nervous. My anxiety kicked in, causing my hands to get really sweaty and my face to go red. When my choir director gave me the signal to go to front stage, it felt like I was walking out of quicksand to get there. But, before I knew it, I stood in front of a microphone, preparing myself to sing when the music started.

My eyes locked onto Tom, who sat in the back, smiling at me in reassurance. Honestly, I would be lying if I said that didn't calm me down a bit.

So, when I finally began to sing, my nerves went away as the words flew from my mouth.

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true.
May you always do for others,
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars,
And climb on every rung.
And may you stay
Forever young.
And may you stay,
Forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true.
May you always know the truth
And see the light surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand up right and be strong.
And may you stay
Forever young.
And may you stay,
Forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift.
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds have change in shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung.
And may you stay
Forever young.
And may you stay,
Forever young.

I finished, proudly enveloping the clapping and cheers like a warm hug.

I turned and made my way back up the my spot on the riser, and Maddie quietly whispered to me,

"Told ya you would be fine"

I turned and smiled to her, hugging her, making sure it wasn't too noticeable.

We sang about two more songs before our director dismissed everyone to leave. Everyone scattered over to their parents, but I ran past everyone to the back where I could change once more. Tom met me and Maddie halfway, giving both of us a hug, also telling me,

"Told you"

I thanked him, saying goodbye to the siblings before continuing to the bathroom where I changed back into my black shorts and purple tee shirt. I stuffed the clothes back into my bag before slinging it over my shoulder and setting off to find Stephanie.

She didn't appear to still be in the auditorium, so I exited the building, and walked around the outside still trying to find her.

She wouldn't miss it, would she? Certainly not. At least, I would hope not.

Within another few minutes, I decided if she was here I would've found her by now. I didn't see her car, and I didn't see her, so that only meant one thing.

She didn't show.

Of course, my break free moment where I overcame my anxiety and sang in front of a big group of people, nobody was there for me.

"Why does this happen to m-" I spoke aloud, tilting my head to the sky although I was interrupted. My back was facing the source of a familiar voice.

"That was great" an almost emotional sounding voice said from behind me. I turned confused to see my dad standing, smiling at me with teary eyes. My mouth fell open in shock before a grin replaced it.

I ran to him, immediately jumping into the offered hug, laughing at the fact he came.

"You're back so early?" I questioned, fighting back my happy tears.

He pulled out of the hug. "Wasn't gonna let the last two days of tour stop me from seeing my daughter perform. You're amazing"

"Thanks, dad"

We ended up driving home to a full house, where Stephanie explained she left after my performance to make dinner for us. I was still a bit sad she didn't stick around, but I decided to let it go.

That night, I fell asleep happy, for once. My dad was back, everyone was back, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

a/n - almost done moving into my new house!!

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