Between Two Worlds

CHAPTER 3 - Bridging the Gap

I was walking on air by the time the open mic night had drawn to a close. As I stepped off the stage, still quivering with adrenaline, Jess and Ethan rushed over, their faces radiant with enthusiasm.

"Mia, that was amazing!" Jess exclaimed, nearly losing her voice in the remaining applause that swirled around us. "You really got into your groove up there!

"Seriously, you have a gift for fetching the audience," Ethan said, grinning from ear to ear. "I felt the emotion of the song. What was that about?"

"Thanks, guys," I said, basking in the moment still. "It was about letting go while holding on to memories. You know, like the struggle of letting go and embracing new beginnings."

Jess nodded thoughtfully. "I understand that. It's like, we have all our past with us without holding us down. Sometimes the little things remind us of the good times that keep us moving."

"Yeah," I replied, feeling grateful for them to understand. "It's just a balance. I've been learning to appreciate my past without getting stuck in it.".

But still, Ethan leaned in, curiosity getting the better of him now. "So, what do you have next, do you guys have any other songs, or can be performing again?"

"Yeah," I said, my heart racing, "definitely write some more. There's something very free about this music and so much light may come out from this song. I just want to keep expressing myself.".

Then Jess clapped her hands together. "You should so write a song about our crazy adventures! Like the time when we almost got lost hiking and ended up at that weird diner instead?"

We laughed, the day flashing vividly in my mind. "Oh, that was such a hilarious detour! I think we ate the most questionable food ever, but it made for one unforgettable day.".

Or what about the beach trip? When we tried to build that sandcastle and it collapsed within five minutes? That was epic!"

"We were such whizidos with our sandcastle-building skills," I chuckled, envisioning the sea of sandy disaster. "But yeah, those moments are worth capturing in a song.".

She matured in a snap. "Mia, I just want you to know how proud I am of you for putting yourself out there. It takes a lot of courage to share your music and emotions."

"Thanks, Jess. That really means a lot coming from you," I said, feeling warmth spread through my body. "I've been trying to be more bold and move out of my comfort zone, and your support really helps."

Ethan nodded his head, his voice sincere as he said, "We are here for you, Mia. Whether it is music, school, or whatever life throws at you, we've got your back. You are not alone in this."

"Yeah," Jess added with a grin. "We're your cheering squad. Just like you were for me during my design showcase!

I nodded, feeling a rise of gratitude towards my friends. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world," I said. "I really feel lucky to have you guys in my life."

The rest of the night was spent chatting with other performers, laughing and swapping stories. It felt real, something not exactly experienced when I spent all that time alone musing over Ava.

We found a quiet corner, taking us away from the crowd. Jess leaned back against the wall, keeping her expressions thoughtful in my mind. "Mia, can I ask you something personal?" she asked softly.
"Of course. What's up?" I asked, still mildly curious.
"I hope I'm not intruding, but have you talked to Ava since you moved? I know you two had a close connection," she ventured softly.

As Ava's name came up, I let out a sigh, a swirl of different feelings coursing through me. "Not really. My focus has been here lately, but I still think about her so much. It's complicated."

Ethan inserted his thoughts. "Do you think you'll reach out to her? I mean it might be good to have a word or just check in.".

"I want to," I confessed, "but I'm not sure how she'd react. I don't want to make things more complicated than they already are."

Jess nodded sympathetically. "It's hard. But sometimes, just hearing from someone can make things clear. You might find that she's feeling the same way, you know?"

"True," Ethan said. "And you've grown so much since you left. Maybe talking to her could be a way to share your journey with her, too."

Their words made me ponder on the idea and how it kind of clicked to me. "You're right. I guess it could help me find closure or even just reconnect as friends.".

She smiled and looked encouragingly. "If you do decide to reach out, just be honest about how you feel. She might surprise you."

"Yeah, I'll think about it," I replied, and a spark of hope lit up in me. "Thanks for pushing me to consider it.".

The night began to wind down, and I was grateful for these friendships I was building and the support that Jess and Ethan provided. They were right; it didn't mean Ava was behind, but rather, she could be honored by reaching out towards the new life I was creating.

And in the days that followed, the urge to get in touch with Ava lingered, floating in and out of my mind like a refrain I couldn't shake from my head. Perhaps it was time to take the plunge, to reach out across those two quite disparate worlds to see where that may lead.