Solo

Chapter Twenty-One: Talent Show

Anxiety swept over me as I sat in the front row of the auditorium. I glanced around at my mom and my grandparents, still in shock that my grandmother actually came. It put more pressure on me. For some weird reason, I wanted to impress her.

I scanned the crowd and saw Casey. She gave me two thumbs up. She sat with Jack and the rest of our group. I kept looking for the face that would calm me. Yes! There he was. We locked eyes and Lucas flashed his brilliant smile. I felt a sense of peace. That is, until the lights dimmed.

Mrs. Peterson walked on stage, welcoming everyone. Then she announced the first act. I wondered if the student next to me could hear my heart thumping. I almost wished I was first so I could get it over with. Unfortunately, I was last on the program. Of course, that was because I'd signed up late. I tried to concentrate on the performances so I wouldn't hurl.

Katie Bell and Allen Rogers sang a duet. It was a little awkward because they'd broken up with each other a week prior. However, neither one of them had wanted to back out of the show.

I started to get more nervous when a group of guys who called themselves a "dance crew" performed their routine. It was actually entertaining with a mix of old school rap and some of today's hip hop. The music was almost as good as Quinton's mixes. Their movements were rough, like they'd improvised, but they showed phenomenal potential. I was impressed.

Amy Jo Slone performed her comedy act. The laughter from the crowd seemed distant because I was too distracted to pay attention. In fact, I barely noticed the next few acts. I was busy mentally preparing for the alterations I'd made.

I planned on removing the sling and wrap for my performance, which scared me. I didn't know if my arm would hurt, and I knew my mom would be furious. Of course, Lucas would be siding with my mom and ready to contribute to her lecture. But the biggest thing that scared me was the new tumbling sequence. I wasn't sure if I could stick it the way I did in the meadow. I'd stumbled once during my rehearsal the day before.

I kept glancing back at my friends sitting five rows behind me. Oh, how I wished I was sitting next to Lucas or Casey. They could have distracted me until it was my turn.

I took a deep breath when Sasha and her girls were announced. All the guys hooted and hollered at the halter bra tops and skin tight black shorts. It took me back to the flag football game. In fact, half the girls on stage had been in the game. I actually hoped the team did well, other than Sasha. I wanted her to fall flat on her ass. One can only hope—right?

Sasha and Rachel took their positions in the middle of the formation. I hadn't expected their routine to come together so well. The lighting effects with the music made it work. As a whole it was awesome. But if you looked at each girl individually, you could see her stiff movements. The applause roared. I had to clap too; it was entertaining.

A gut wrenching pain hit my stomach. Any second and I would spew my dinner all over. I casually stood and headed back stage to get ready. There were two acts before mine. I paced and took deep breaths before taking off my tracksuit that concealed my costume. The only thing I had to do was put my tutu on. I sat on the floor stretching my back and legs. Now that I was safely hidden behind the curtains, I removed the bandage. I moved my arm back and forth and slowly rotated it. It didn't hurt, but I could tell the muscles weren't strong. I rubbed my arm, praying that I wouldn't regret this.

My nerves were starting to get the best of me, so I concentrated on the background lighting I had chosen. It was familiar and I knew it would take me back to the place I felt most comfortable—staring at the sunset in Lucas' arms.

The act before me took center stage and started their performance. I peeked around the curtain to see Sasha sitting in the front row. I prayed I did well. After tonight I would have to deal with the outcome. She wore a smug expression which, surprisingly, created a reaction I didn't expect. My nerves eased and determination took over. It was as if someone had wiped the tension from my body, leaving me with a sense of peace. I recalled Mom's words "do it for you." I envisioned Lucas and his encouraging smile. I saw my peaceful meadow.