Wednesday arrives, and I feel a mix of excitement and dread as I make my way to the community center. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything, but my nerves churn like a storm inside me.
When I arrive, the building buzzes with energy. Laughter and music spill out from the open doors, and I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what lies ahead. Mia said I could just come to observe, but a part of me yearns to jump right in and immerse myself in the world I've only watched from the sidelines.
I step inside, the sound of a guitar strumming filling the air. A group of young people congregates in the corner, their enthusiasm palpable. Mia spots me immediately, waving me over with a grin. "You made it!" she exclaims, her excitement infectious.
"Yeah, I guess I did," I reply, trying to muster my own enthusiasm.
"Let me introduce you to everyone!" she says, leading me toward the group. "This is Aaron, our lead guitarist," she gestures to a tall guy with messy dark hair and an easy smile. He nods in my direction, and I feel a warm welcome radiating from him.
"And this is Leo," Mia continues, pointing to a guy sitting with a keyboard, deep in conversation with another member. He looks up, and our eyes meet. He has a kind face, his green eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Nice to meet you," Leo says, his voice warm and inviting. "You're here to try out, right?"
"Uh, I'm not sure about that," I admit, feeling a wave of insecurity wash over me. "I just came to watch."
Mia nudges me playfully. "Don't let her fool you. She's an amazing writer and has a beautiful voice! She just needs to be pushed a little."
Aaron raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Why not give it a shot? We all started somewhere, and you'll never know if you don't try."
Their encouragement is both comforting and terrifying. I can feel the flutter of nerves in my stomach as I contemplate stepping into the spotlight.
Just then, Mia claps her hands together, gathering everyone's attention. "Alright, let's get started! We'll warm up with some songs, and then we can work on new pieces. Lila, you're welcome to join us anytime."
As they begin to play, I feel the music wrap around me, lifting my spirits. I stand back, observing the camaraderie among the group. Their laughter and easy interactions ignite a longing within me-a desire for connection and acceptance.
After the rehearsal, I find myself chatting with Leo while Mia talks to Aaron. "So, you're new here," he says, leaning casually against the wall. "What do you play?"
"I don't play anything," I reply, my cheeks warming. "I write songs but have never performed."
He nods, a look of understanding in his eyes. "I get that. It can be daunting, but you should really give it a go. Everyone here is super supportive."
"I hope so," I say, glancing around at the lively group. "I just don't want to mess up."
"You won't. Just be yourself. And if you ever need a sounding board for your lyrics, I'm happy to help." His offer feels genuine, and for the first time, I feel like I might belong somewhere.
As the night unfolds, I realize that this is the beginning of something new. I can feel the weight of my family's expectations beginning to lift, replaced by the excitement of pursuing my passion.
YOU ARE READING
HEART'S IN THE SHADOWS
FantasyLila has always been the forgotten child, overshadowed by her parents' attention toward her half-siblings and younger brother. Despite her love and dedication, she is treated as little more than a servant in her own home-unseen, unheard, and unloved...
