Dreaming Big (Angie Miller)

Boston

Chapter 23: Boston

"Because it was tired!" Burnell yelled at lunch. We all laughed and Paul decided to be funny and fall out of his chair.

We cracked stupid jokes the entire time and laughed until we couldn't breathe before I got the call.

"Sorry guys," I said while getting out of my seat, "Gotta take this." I headed outside.

"Hey Mom." I said into my phone.

"Hi." she sounded shaken up.

"Mom what's wrong?" I asked alertly.

"Well, today at the race, there, uh, well, there was a bomb."

I never felt this type of pain and anger before. It seemed like a hundred knives just stabbed me in the back and my legs felt like twigs.

" WHAT?! Who-Do they know who did it??"

"They have two suspects."

"Mom, I have friends there! Are they all ok?"

"Yes, they're ok."

"Did anyone die?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Three people."

"I want to go home right now."

"I know, Honey. But you have American Idol."

"This is more important than American Idol."

"No, you can't come home. Ang, this is your dream."

"I just can't believe this."

"I know. Just do the best you can on Idol."

"Ok. I love you."

"I love you too. Good luck."

I hung up with tears burning my eyes. I went back inside to retrieve my purse. I grabbed it and ran back out, even though I was leaving my ride.

"Angie!" I heard Devin say. "Ang, what's wrong?"

I ignored him and kept walking. He grabbed my arm and spun me around. "Angie." he said, holding my shoulders so I wouldn't leave. "What happened?"

"In the race in Boston today," I said between sniffles and tears, "There-there was a bomb."

He let go of me and stepped back. He put his arms behind his head and sighed. "Wow." He sat down on the park bench, as did I. I put my head in my hands and sobbed.

I felt his arms wrap around me and I heard the footsteps of the others. I buried my face into Devin to hide from them. I didn't want them to see me like this.

***********************

I couldn't focus in rehearsals. I was stumbling my words, my voice was dry, and every once in a while my eyes got very watery. That was the first time that I didn't want to be there.

This week, I was performing "Halo" and "I'll Stand By You". I decided that "I'll Stand By You" was a perfect song for Boston, and I wanted to do something for them, I just didn't know what.

The 3 hours at rehearsals felt like eons as I stumbled through beats, lyrics, and rhythms. I couldn't even focus on the band, or even singing into the microphone.

The next rehearsals were better, but I didn't feel any better about the situation.

***********************

Before I knew it I was onstage, at the beloved piano, with everyone's eyes on me. I loved that feeling, and I could feel the emotions in the room. I took a moment to soak it all in.

After just seconds I began to play and said, "This is for my home, in Boston."

This song was so strong and so emotional for everyone that night, I never felt more lost in it. I don't remember anything about the audience, their reaction, the judges, nothing.

Just me and the keys.

I was disappointed that the song was over, but the opposite when I looked up to see the judges on their feet. I didn't feel any compassion for myself, just for Boston.

This night was for them.

**********************

SO ITS BEEN SOOOOOOOOOOO LONG!

I'M SO SORRY ABOUT THAT!

I DECIDED THAT I'M NO LONGER GOING TO HAVE THE SONGS IN THE CHAPTER BECAUSE IT TAKES A WHILE AND EVERYONE'S SEEN IT ALREADY.

THANKS TO YOU GUYS THAT ARE STILL READING AFTER ALL THIS TIME!

YOU ROCK!

COMMENT, VOTE AND SHARE!

-Zoe