Never Knew I Needed

Chapter 4- Fireworks

Leilah

Fireworks.

I've always loved watching them burst in the dark, night sky. With each thundering "boom" my heart mimicked the same sound in my chest. And I loved it. As I looked up in the sky and saw the fireworks forming different shapes, sizes, and beautiful colors I felt inspired. They made me believe I had this magic inside of me; an unstoppable power that made me feel like I could do anything. I have always been that girl with extraordinary- and sometimes unrealistic- dreams. Unfortunately, my parents didn't believe in my dreams

So, there I was on a warm summer night, watching fireworks that was put on for the community to celebrate the fourth. I came to the Red, White, BOOM with my friends to distract myself from the conversation I had with my parents about getting signed a record label that my friend, Kyla's, cousin founded. My dad told me not get my hopes up. How encouraging. As usual, my best-friend, Haley, lifted my spirits by encouraging me not to worry and that my parents would come around. I sure hoped so.

"Hey, Lai!" She jumped in front me, pulling me out of my thoughts. Haley always referred to me by my nickname. "What are you doing sitting here alone? I just talked to Lucas Fairland, and he really wants your number." She said suggestively and wiggled her dark brown eyebrows. I looked passed her and Lucas was in fact staring at me with a knowing smile. He was expecting me to stand up, walk over to him and fall into his arms while telling him how great he is. Too bad he didn't know me well enough to know I wasn't one of his fans. He was really cute and had a great smile, but he constantly had girls at his fingertips, thinking he was Leonardo DiCaprio or something. And I was definitely not going to get in a catfight with some chick over a guy. Another reason I wouldn't go over there was because I'm not exactly good at talking to guys, especially ones who I know are into me. I would start to feel nervous for no reason. Instead of having to confront Lucas about turning down his offer, I simply smiled at him, then turned back to Haley.

"Thanks for the heads-up, Hays, but I came here to watch fireworks with my girls. You can tell him that." I told her and she giggled at me shaking her head. Haley had tried to pair me with a guy at school for years and she failed every time. I appreciated her efforts and I know she was looking out for me; I just wasn't ready. Haley Swanson has been my best friend since eighth grade, and we were approaching our last year of high school before we would go on our separate paths for college. Or, in my case, to possibly start a singing career. We knew almost everything about each other, and I could trust her with everything. She was like the sister I never had. We both joined drill team back in freshmen year and we made a crazy but absolutely amazing group of friends while on the team. However, drill team eventually got cut for our senior year because not enough girls would join, and no one would volunteer as a coach when our previous coach left the school. We were all sad when it ended, yet I was thankful that we all had a strong bond.

"I understand you don't want Lucas; he's a player. But I thought I'd just tell you in case you wanted to know." She shrugged. "Hey, what's on your mind?" She asked with worry on her face. 

"It's nothing. Really. Just enjoying the fireworks."

"Okay..." She said suspiciously. Suddenly she gasped then started smiling at me crazily when Cardi B's "I Like It" started playing on someone's stereo. I shook my head and laughed. She loved this song.

"Oh my gosh, Hays, what in the..." I could barely get the words out because I was laughing so hard. She threw her arms up and did the "raise the roof" dance and began dancing like a drunk girl. People were staring and some recorded Haley on Snapchat. I'm sure other people assumed that Haley probably downed about three beers, and couldn't handle the effects of it, but Haley didn't drink. She was just being her wild self. She then started to do the Millie Rock, and everyone began cheering at her great dancing.