City Of Dreams

Twenty-One

I curl up on the seat in front of my mirror.

The same mirror dozens of other girls looked into as they went through the same experience.

More or less.

The same mirror the queen of Wicked herself sat in front of.

I took a deep breath, calming the annoying voice muttering around my head.

"This is going to be a disaster."

I look up as a group opens my door.

They hand me dozens of flowers, the strong scent threatening to knock everyone over.

I smile and thank them.

Addie trails in after them with her dog.

"Move it. Best friend coming through."

I roll my eyes and pet Usher.

Darren eyes the creature.

"Is that a dog?"

She nods.

"Oak got one. So I get one."

I pretend I didn't hear the last part and start to fix the little bit of pale white skin that was starting to show through the green.

"The Wicked Witch....not too far off. Huh, Charlotte?"

I ignore her and turn back to my friends.

A few more file in.

Lin and Oak step in, causing both Addie and I to tense up.

"Just wanted to say good luck."

Lin said awkwardly, looking at his shoes and turning back around.

I shook my head and faced the mirror again, my legs curling up again.

"You can't do this. This is the Gershwin Theater. And you're just...Charlotte. This isn't going to work. Just leave. Lauren will get what she wanted...Addie. And you'll get what you want...all of it to go away."

For a millisecond, I considered it.

I mentally slapped myself.

No.

This is my dream.

Mine.

And I got this part.

But also didn't at the same time.

I can do this.

"Can you?"

I shake my head.

Addie sits in my chair next to me and hugs my neck.

"You're gonna do fine. You're Charlotte remember?"

I nod slowly.

"That I am, Addison. That I am."

______________________

After my partner, Joy, and I finish Popular, I dart off the stage and behind the curtain.

I stare at the audience, unable to wipe the goofy smile off my face.

Joy giggles and hugs me from behind.

"We did it, Charlotte!"

She laughed.

My smile faded and my blood ran cold when I saw a familiar face in the audience.

"Oh come on! This is getting ridiculous!"