Stage Fright

Chapter 4

"Good luck Jennifer!" My mom and sister said as I left my house. Unfortunately, they couldn't come to watch me because we can't afford the tickets, but each cast member would get a video copy, so they could still see.

I was extremely nervous. This was going to be my first play, and a chance to do what I love.

I had to walk to the school, where the play was at. When I entered the school, I saw hundreds of people, making me even more nervous than I already was.

I went backstage where everyone was.

"Show starts in 10 minutes," one of our teachers, Mr. Alfio warned us. I did a touch up on my makeup that one of my classmates lent me. After, I practiced my lines until Mr. Alfio called out "1 minute. Get in your places!"

I quickly went to the side of the stage and waited for our principal, Mr. Bowman, to finish the introduction until I was supposed to enter the stage.

When he finished, the lights dimmed and the stage lights came on. This was it, I thought. My moment to shine.

I entered the stage, confidently, with my sky blue dress and my two braids. That's when the play started.

I went to 'Toto', who was actually a stuffed dog, and began talking to it.

***

Then, I had my first song that I was singing solo. If my grandma were here, she probably would of said something like "You don't sing because your happy; You're happy because you sing". I miss her poetic words and positive attitude. I know if she was here, that she'd be proud.

The song did involve doing a few dance moves, but I think I nailed it.

***

When the play finished, Mr. Bowman thanked everyone for coming as people started leaving. Many people congratulated me as I left. I bumped into Matty as I was exiting.

"Good job," he said. " You were great during the play."

"You were fantastic, too," I replied. "Well. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"You too," Matty said. Leaning in to me, he suddenly pecks me on the cheek, and I stand there, shocked. He waved goodbye as he joined a group of people holding gifts to congratulate him with. I wish the same happened to me.

When I got home, the 'Congratulations' banner was up again, but this time I saw Juliet and my mom sitting on our dusty couch. That didn't feel like the warm welcome I thought they would bring.

I went to my room to get changed and wash my makeup off. When I came back, Juliet and my mom were gone. I went to the kitchen to check if were there.

When I looked behind the kitchen counter, they jumped up yelling "Surprise!"

I was so startled that I jumped back into our fridge, opening the door as I fell face-first into the kitchen floor which was last swept a couple months ago. Juliet started laughing as my mom helped me up.

"Thanks, mom," I said, standing up. When Juliet got herself under control, she gave me a rose.

"We picked it out of a garden," she said, as I took the flower.

"Let's eat," my mom said, as she put turkey on the table.

"My favourite," I said as I put some cut up turkey on my plate and began to eat.

"So.... How was the play?" my mom asked me, as they loaded me with questions. There were so many to answer, so I just sat there.

"The play went well," I answered.

"Well," Juliet began. "We got the DVD player working and set up Marley and Me if you want to watch it."

"I'd love to," I replied, happily. The three of us got a spot on the couch began watching the movie. Juliet stayed close to me most of the time. Maybe we were getting closer as sisters. Hopefully nothing will ruin this bond.

"Oh! Mom, I forgot that Mr. Bowman gave all main cast members their share of the ticket cost," I said, and handed my mom the envelope.

She opens it and gasps. "There's a hundred dollars in here!"