Becoming Janie

I'm So Proud Of You (:

It was the Saturday of the second practice for the singing competition and I was nervous but, what else is knew ?

I took a deep breath while listening to the song Parachute by Train. Mrs Powers was letting Troy and I listen to the song through a couple of times before we attempted to sing it since we were a little off tune. I knew that by we she meant me but was just to polite to single me out. Troy didn't seem to mind , according to him he really loved this song so could listen to it for ever and not get sick of it. That's how I felt about the song too.

Troy and I went to our corner and I concentrated hard on ditching my nerves by telling myself soothing things in my head such as 'I could do it' and 'I would be fine' Troy knew what I was doing and smiled to himself.

"You're already getting better just by telling yourself that." He beamed at me. I smiled at him grateful for his support. He really was an awesome boyfriend. I knew that even if I sucked at the competition - which I probably would- it wouldn't matter to him because like Ruby had said he would be proud of me just for trying. I was also really really really glad I hadn't just dumped him because guys like Troy didn't come along very often and I would be an idiot to ever get rid of him.

"I'll open up and be your parachute." I sang , my voice was still very squeaky and off key but I wasn't as pitchy as I had been so I was getting the tiniest bit better. Troy seemed to notice too and grinned at me in response.

I did some more deep breathing before singing another time through.

"I'll open up and be your parachute." I had gotten better again and I grinned triumphantly to myself and Troy gave me a high five. While I was happy about my improvement I still wanted to keep a level head because I could still fall flat on show day. I hoped not but it was a risk I had signed up for.

"Troy and Janie are you ready ?" Mrs Powers called. I looked over at her , she was sitting in the middle of the circle and the rest of the class had joined her. I blushed knowing that they had probably all just heard me singing.

"Yes !" Troy answered for both of us grabbing my hand and dragging me back to the circle. I didn't bother sitting down because I knew it was our turn straight away so we would just have to get back up again.

Mrs Powers flicked the music on and Troy started off.

"I want to take you with me

To life with no more yesterdays

We can start again awake and so excited

And chase the way we always push , we always pull."

It was my turn.

"I'll open up and be your parachute and I'll never let you down"

I looked over at Eliott, I still had a wee way to go but he hadn't winced at my singing this time so that was a positive sign.

"So open up and be my human angel

And we'll only hit the ground, running."

I knew I had done better but the competition was only a week away and I still needed to improve more than I had. I hoped I could pull it off.

Mrs Powers grinned and clapped her hands "much better."

The rest of the class joined in and I blushed as Troy grabbed my hand and pulled me into a bow.

I smiled at my effort , even though I wasn't perfect I was still proud of myself.

Troy and I sat down and listened to the others take their practice turns. Glee Club had flown by and all too soon it was time to go.

"Janie , Troy , can I talk to you a minute before you go ?" Mrs Powers called out.

We walked over to her. "Yes Mrs Powers ?" Troy asked.

"I just wanted to congratulate the two of you." She smiled. "You have improved quite a bit Janie and you both work well as a team."

"Thank you." We both smiled at her.

"Janie ?" Mrs Powers asked.

"Yes ?"

"What do you think ? Will you continue for next weeks show ?"

I smiled to myself. When she had told me I was going to be doing a duet I had known I was going to let them down because I had thought that I would not want to carry on to the performance show. However , now that I was here at the end of my practice sessions I found myself wanting to perform live , even if I didn't improve as much as I needed to and even if I fell flat on my face in front of a packed out auditorium next week I was proud of myself for getting this far and I knew I would regret it if I didn't continue.

"I'd love to !" I beamed at her.

I tried  not to laugh at her and Troy's reactions. They both looked shocked at my enthusiasm and then surprised that I had said yes and then happy that I was doing the show.

"That's great Janie !" Mrs Powers cried. Troy nodded behind her grinning letting me know he agreed with what I was doing.

We left Glee Club soon after and Troy stopped me once we got outside.

"Jane , I just want you to know that I'm really proud of what you're doing, I know this is a big step  for you and you're not entirely comfortable but you're doing it anyway and I admire that."

I grinned. "Thanks Troy." I meant it too, his words really meant a lot to me.

We continued to walk down the street holding hands , we had decided as a special treat to ourselves that we would get some lunch at a nice restaurant near by.

I don't really know what I was thinking about but all of a sudden I stopped in my tracks.

"What ? What's wrong ?" Troy asked worriedly.

"I've got it !" I cried excitedly.

"Got what ?" Troy asked in confusion.

"I know what to do to make me improve enough for the competition next week !"