"You ready?" Daniel elbowed my side.
I nodd, almost sick with dizziness. I'm never nervous on competitions. This was different, like a severe case of déjà vu. I had visited the band room, out of a strong whim. Nothing. I returned in time for my turn.
I have always hated the odd formalities at the beginning of these competitions. "Amelia Hoffman."
The judges nodd and scribble on their notes in front of them, not even looking at me.
"You can go on ahead, Amy."
'Amy.' 'There's always a creepy judge.'
My stomach turned. As I walked on stage, I couldn't stop thinking that, for whatever reason, that my déjà vu was not from a vision. I felt as if I had already lived today. I dismissed the thought, stubborn on the thought it was the remnant feeling of the vision I had the night before. However irrational my actions were, I had a reason for doing so. I had a competition I wanted to win, and I could still remember how it felt when it all fell apart. My hopes, dreams, and goals, shattered by.... By.....I somehow drift back to reality to catch myself before the climax of the last piece. I could feel their astonishment, their peace, and their joy. It fueled me to play even more beautifully. I will never be able to describe how it feels to be into the music you're performing. It's like listening to your favorite song, the one that gives you goosebumps and makes your heart throb, and being able to play it, sing it, with your own raw, unfiltered emotions. Whatever you felt, the audience can't understand, but they feel it as they listen.
I feel like I dwelled too much on the matter.
"Beautifully played, Miss Hoffman." They applauded.
I continue with the propper ending etiquette, stand, bow, and preceed to the exit.
"Just a second, Miss Hoffman." The older, odd one, paused to collect his thoughts. "How long have you been playing?"
"Ten years." I replied mechanically.
He mouthed an 'oh'. "And, do you really like it?" He seemed already sure of the answer.
I nodded simply, and continued outside before he had the chance to form his next question.
The door barely opened before I was engulfed in Daniel's arms, "Woah! Hi!"
"You were great!" He beamed, and made sure I could see the light in his eyes. "First place guaranteed!"
"Oh whatever, Mr. I-played-so-well-angels-were-summoned-from-Heaven-to-sing-along!"
He laughed and after rolling my eyes, I joined him.
"She's right Daniel." A remaining choir girl tried to gush, "you were really good. You're the one who's ganna win first place." She twirled her hair around her finger and tried to approach us.
Call me whatever you want, but I hated when girls would approach Daniel, trying to flirt in a way that included attacking or belittling my existence.
I rolled my eyes but met Daniel's eyes, "see, you got a fan club."
"Thanks, but I really wouldnt be here without Amy."
"Oh, yes you would." She beamed, coating her jab at me with faked sincerity.
"Hey, Danny, I'm going to get some fresh air." I mimicked her voice almost too well, and left through the open doors behind them.
"hey! You know how much I hate that name!" He jogged behind me to catch up. "Don't leave me with one of them," he wrapped his arm around me and whispered, "they scare me."
