''What you will do is step out on stage and stand in position one. The music play then you'll begin to do the choreography. Do you understand? Do you,'' the same lady, who I learned was named Claire, questioned. I nodded not wanting to show my nervousness with words. Claire scoffed then shook her head. ''Look here kids, this is suppose to be the best VidCon so far. Don't fuck it up! I f you do you'll never be invited back. You're the opening act. You have to shove your quiet personality aside to hype things up,'' she said sternly. My anxiety started to kick in from her pressure of perfection. She grabbed my hands and shook her head.'' That's nervous shit must come to a halt! Time to go out there,'' Claire urged with a small shove before walking away. I took a deep breathe then stepped on stage.
The stage was dark but my outfit glowed enough to show my tall, slim figure. I punched my arms down diagonally and put my legs shoulder width apart. The EDM music blasted through the speakers. I began to hit every move on beat. The glowing lights lit up around the the room. I continued to dance as I looked at the crowd through my mask. I noticed a smiling face along with a bobbing head. Derek smiled and gave me two thumbs up. Two boys stood to his left. One had light, caramel skin while the other was Nick.Nick smirked at me then turned to his friends to whisper something. The three of them laughed, creating a nervousness inside of me. Were they laughing at my dancing? Was I that bad of a dancer they had to make fun of me while I perform? In attempt to focus on the music and the rest of the dance, I continued to scan the crowd. I saw a guy with dark skin next to my brother, Kendrick, who looked at me displeased. The music suddenly shut off and I ran off stage. I leaned against the wall with complete fear. The air in the room felt non-existent and I started to feel warm tears travel down my cheeks. I turned back to the stage to see five boys on stage jumping. One of the boys was Rudan. He noticed my gaze and jumped a bit to the side of the stage. Rudan whispered something to Claire. Claire shot me an angry expression. She stomped her way over to me.
''What is going on?! Stop all of the damn crying because you have meetings, pictures to take, and two more performances''
My tears fell heavily as Claire ranted. Her rudeness and reminders were only making things worse! I couldn't handle the fact that so many people were watching. Another thing I couldn't handle was that Nick and Derek laughed at me. Claire snapped in my face. My eyes landed on the finger that pointed to the back door. I looked down and made my way toward the exit. The outside air blew past me as the sun beamed down on my face.
''Are you okay?''
I peeked up to see the boy who danced next to my brother. He had blonde on the end of his dreads, was about my complexion and a little shorter than me. ''I just need to go back to my hotel room. Everything is a little overwhelming.'' The guy gave me a sad look.''What's your name sweetheart,'' he asked very concerned. I wiped my tears then replied with,''Nisha. I'm a dancer on YouNow.'' He nodded a stuck his hand out with a grin. ''Hi! I'm Zo!'' I shook his hand weakly.''How long have you been dancing on YouNow?'' I put a quick two up. Zo looked at me in amazement. ''Why haven't I heard of you yet?''''I don't really get noticed by other broadcasters or watch other broadcasts.'' Zo nodded to show he was listening. ''Well it was nice to meet you. And girl quit crying! Things will be fine.''He waved goodbye and left into the building.
With a better mood at hand, I made my way to the front of the building. I peered up to see Nick and his two friends snapping photos with a few supporters. He looked up at me then smiled. A few supporters noticed his smile. They began to crowd me.''Hi! I've seen you on YouNow a few times. Can I get a photo,'' one girl asked. I nodded with a big smile. She pushed down on my shoulders so I could reach her height. She snapped a quick couple of photos then walked away.''Will you danced for us,'' another girl asked. I bit my lip then nodded. I felt all their eyes on me, especially Nick's.''Do you want me to give you a beat,'' he offered. I shrugged carelessly. Nick cupped his mouth and started to beatbox. I got the the rhythm in a couple of seconds and began to do whatever felt natural. After thirty seconds he stopped then clapped, leading the supporters to give a few small cheers.
We finished taking pictures and everyone left. Nick turned to me. ''When are you going back on stage?" "Not until three o'clock." Nick checked the time on his phone. "Sneak out to lunch with me?" He threw his hand out expecting me to take it. I looked over my shoulder at the venue. "My brother will wonder where I am and freak out," I said lowly. I felt like a child telling Nick that. "It's around eleven thirty and I won't back here later than one," Nick urged. My eyes landed on his pleading eyes. I put my fear aside and took Nick's hand. He smiled widely at me. The two of us walked with our fingers looped together. "Don't be scared Nisha. One simple hour with me won't do you any harm. I'm a normal guy you know. And you've been out to lunch with a guy right?"
I didn't want to lie to Nick and say that I have. At the same time I didn't want to seem so lame."No I've never really hung out with someone outside of my family,'' I whispered in embarrassment.
Nick gave me me a confused look."A date? Any friends?"
I shook my head." I don't have any friends. Haven't dated anyone either." My words cane up like vomit and I couldn't shut up. Honestly I have never talked to anyone this much." Why aren't you friends with any other broadcasters? Don't you go on tours," he wondered out loud. I shook my head, satisfied that my mouth had finally shut. Nick squeezed my hand a little and smiled brightly. "I got you talking now. Don't get quiet on me again." I gripped the end of my shirt with my free hand. How do I explain to Nick my friendless life? Will he think I'm freak? Or will Nick feel sorry and pity me?
"I'm home schooled. Also I don't really leave my house often. The most I've done is social media but I've never really spoken to anyone through it."
Nick nodded as if he understood." Well if you don't mind me asking, can I be your first real friend? Can this also be your first real date?"
My eyes shot to the ground. "Nick I'm uncomfortable. Please take me back to the venue.". His face saddened. Nick did a small gulp. " I am so sorry. We can go back if that's what you really want." The minute he finished speaking I turned and quickly walked away. " Wait up," Nick called after me.
