The Wait (A Lucaya Fanfiction)

Chapter Thirty: The Showcase

Maya POV

"Mom! Come here please!"

"Yes, what's wrong?" My mom jogged to my room in a nervous panic.

"Zip me up please.."

She let out a deep sigh and walked over to me standing in front of the mirror.

I fiddled with a bobby pin on the side of my head which was pulling back some pieces of curly hair. I double checked the one on the other side.

"All done." She looked at my reflection in the mirror and smoothed her hands down the fabric of my long, gold dress. "You look beautiful Maya. I'm so proud of you."

I turned around, "Please stop before I cry and ruin my makeup."

We both shared a laugh and she straightened my teardrop earrings.

"You ready baby girl?"

"Not at all.."

"Don't be nervous Maya. You're an incredibly talented artist. I have no idea where you get it from because i couldn't draw a straight line if my life depended on it. But you, you have something to say to these people. and you have the most beautiful way of saying it."

"Thank you Mom."

"Well, then" She was already wiping tears from her proud eyes, "Let's go, Artist Maya."

When we arrived at the school I was surprised at how many people actually showed up. It looked like a real gallery opening.

There were some kids there who I've seen around school, but never really paid much mind to. My art class friends were there. Some faculty and staff, and some adults who were not much other than strangers to me.

And then, in the corner, were the best people in the world; my friends and the Matthews.

My mom followed along behind me as Mr. Jackson walked up to me, "Maya! Welcome! I hope it all suits your fancy.."

"Yes, Mr. Jackson, it's all very beautiful." I looked around, my art was hung throughout the main hall walls, light by their own personal light. There was about 20 of the 38 pieces I had completed from the past three years. Mostly, my free time art, some of which were class assignments. After every five works, there was a small, black leather bench. In the center of the round room there was a refreshments table with snacks and simple finger foods. At the door there hung a black banner embossed with the words 'Maya Hart' big enough to see from New Jersey. Light music played in the back ground. "Where in the world did the Abigail Adams High School Art program find funding from all of this?"

Mr. Jackson laughed, "They didn't. Your investors did Maya. There are lots of people here tonight who believe in what you make, in what you have to say. They want you to be able to scream it as loud as you can. Speaking of!"

Mr. Jackson waved me to follow him over to the DJ's booth. The DJ handed him a mic. The music stopped and the microphone buzzed.

"Um, Hello everyone! Thank You for coming to the showcasing of Maya Hart. Maya is one of my most poetic students, and she has made me feel very lucky to teach her and give her a voice to say what she longs to say."

I scanned the room and my eyes locked with Riley's. "Hi peaches." She mouthed.

"And now, some words from the artist herself, Maya Hart."

A wave of applause came from the audience as Mr. Jackson handed me the microphone.

"Thank you everyone who came tonight. This is a very special moment for me and I feel highly honored that you all came to support me and my art. I have never been good with words. I sill am not good with words actually. Expressing my emotions has always been tough for me. There's such a loud voice in me and I never knew how to let that voice out. That was until, a night in a library. Everything shone so bright outside. The stars, the skyline, the people. There was another thing in that library that burned so passionately. I felt it burn a hole in my soul. And I just drew. Granted I was supposed to be taking notes but nonetheless, the art comes to you, you don't go to it. Sorry Mr. Matthews. Ever since that day I knew I needed to say what I had always wanted to say. And there, in that library I found my voice. Hopefully, you all can take something away from my voice. Learn something. Maybe you'll find your voice. And when you do, don't be afraid to let it speak. Thank you."

The entire room lit up with clapping. It took me a second but then, it hit me.

This was for me. It was all for me.

I smiled, most likely like an idiot, I was incredibly happy.

Your art matters Maya.

A/N:

Hello! I am incredibly sorry that I haven't updated in a while. Back to school madness is driving me wild. Bleh. But, it is that time of the year so I apologize ahead of time if my writing becomes more and more scarce. I will be trying my hardest to write, write, write!