Ben's P.O.V:
Pacing around behind the stage in the school hall, I was feeling incredibly nervous. In fact, I was more nervous than I'd ever been in my entire life. What if everyone hated how I sounded? What if I forget the lyrics?
I couldn't shake these thoughts until I saw a familiar blonde from across from me. I couldn't tell if seeing Jenna made me feel better, or even more nervous. All I wanted to do was walk up to her and talk to her.
"Ben, just quickly go over to her. We don't go on for another few minutes. It'll make you feel better" Lloyd interrupted my thoughts.
I nodded in agreement before slowly walking over to her. She hadn't noticed me yet and I wasn't even sure if this was the right thing to do, right before we both had to perform.
Tapping Jenna on the shoulder with my sweaty, nervous hands, I took a deep breathe. She turned around, still smiling, so I figured things were probably okay between the two of us.
"Ben... What a nice surprise" Jenna raised an eyebrow, folding her arms.
"I'm sorry, is this a bad time?" I asked, frowning. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all.
"No, it's fine. I didn't mean to sound so blunt" Jenna laughed quietly, shaking her head. "I'm really happy to talk to you, Ben."
"Oh, right" I nodded, with a small shrug. "So, you ready for the show?"
"Well I'm nervous, that's for sure. Singing up on a stage just feels so natural, though. I'm pretty excited, I'll be singing my own song!" she answered, grinning. "And you?"
Before I could answer Jenna, Fil called out my name and I realised it was our turn to perform. Jenna turned back to her band, listening to them discuss the song.
Without getting to say goodbye, I walked back to the direction of the stage. Mid-way, I turned back and realised she had too. We shared a smile, which was a surprise to me. All I can say is that it was the best confidence boost I could've asked for.
Walking onto the stage, I took the microphone off of the stand before moving it to the back of the stage. The crowd looked bored from the failed magic tricks and improvised dance moves that they previously had to watch, so I was ready to make this show worth everyone's while.
"This is a song I've written about how I've totally ruined something with someone special to me. I think most of you will be able to relate to this in some way" I explained, looking out at everyone.
"When's the next time that I can see you?
Got so much time on my hands but it's slipping through my fingers
How the fuck did I even meet you?
I can only hope that its fate and this all fell into place"
"But I hope that you feel the same
And I hope we can both adjust to the pace of this
Maybe we'll be okay
Maybe you'll stop me from digging my own fucking grave"
I sang along to Head To The Ground and was pleasantly surprised when the crowd cheered at the end. This wasn't too bad. I understand now what Jenna meant by the whole 'feels natural' thing. She was right.
During the performance I occasionally turned to the right to see Jenna bopping her head to the music, though I wasn't sure if she even liked our song - her sad face said otherwise.
