Broken Guitar Strings

Chapter 43

(LAY'S POV)

It's already six o' five, where's Allie? I know that she went to help that tall boy, but she said that she would be back five minutes ago. I filled my mom in and considered going to look for Allie, but my mom said that that would just waste more time because there are multiple ways to reach the suite. What if we take different routes?

And so, I've already showered and gathered up my dance bag. We're all ready; now we just have to wait for Allie. I reach for the door knob, but then the door opens and Allie bursts in. "I'm so sorry," she says. I ask her about the boy's condition, and she says that his knee is slightly dislocated. Oh no. Those other people are so cruel and mean. To knock someone out of the competition just so they could win?!

"However," she says as she puts stuff into her sling bag, "he said that he had an 'idea' when I left. He actually still may be competing." That's crazy. "Are we staying here tonight?"

"Yes," my mother said. "Tonight's our last night here and our flight leaves at three am tomorrow morning." Oi.

"Everyone ready?" She says. Allie and I both nod. Then she says, "Let's go!"

                                                                               ♪♪♪

The atmosphere immediately changed from normal and relaxed to competitive and tense once we entered the huge building. There were people walking around in dresses and costumes of many different colors and shades. There were people selling food and offering to do makeup as well as hair. It's not just the senior age division of people ages 16 through 19, it was all the other age divisions from mini to adult, as well as synchronized dancing, jazz, and tap.

As we walked through, a lot of people gave me looks, both girls and guys. I know that look. I've received looks that convey similar meaning and singing contests and guitar competitions too, but this is the biggest and farthest I've ever gone. The looks are more intense. And the other people will be more talented, I remind myself.

But I'm also very talented, remembering what Allie said to me last night.

Last night.

I can't dwell on these things now; I have things to do. I quickly change into my performance uniform, which is black with green accents. After I slightly gel my hair up and applying just a little bit of eyeliner, I'm ready. No one has seen my routine or my clothing yet; I will finally be able to reveal what I've worked so hard on. I slip my dance shoes on, and Allie says, "Lay, you look so handsome." I blush; it's fortunate that my mother was buying breakfast for us. Well, it's not like she didn't know already. I look at the huge clock in the main area, and it says "6:35 AM." Phew, I thought we were going to be late. Maybe I'm overreacting. Allie says, "You should go stretch and keep those muscles loose." I nod and grab my phone and headphones. Then she says, "Do you need help timing your stretches and stuff?" I really didn't need help stretching, but I said yes anyways. I need her presence to help strengthen me. And boost my confidence. When was I nervous like this?