Backstage: Third Time's the Charm

Alya Kendrick

Alya Kendrick
Grade 11
Music Program

As Scarlett and Bianca walked offstage, I reminded myself to congratulate them later. Bianca's performance was spectacular and since her singing/acting career had stalled, she needed all the encouragement she could get.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Principal Durani leading Scarlett and Bianca down the corridor, in the direction of his office. I hoped nothing had happened. I'd have to ask Bianca later.

Mr. Parks stepped up on stage and announced the next performer: Miles.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. His mother really had prevented us from being together. Mr. Parks had warned both of us after Miles returned to school that if he caught us together he would have to report it to Mrs. Lennox.

Sometimes, Miles would text me on Jax's phone during lunch. But it wasn't the same. I missed him.

Miles walked on stage and sat down on a stool, his guitar cradled in his lap.

"Swimming deep in the dark," he began. "Building castles of sand. Crumbling from wind it cannot withstand."

I recognized the tune immediately. It was the same song we'd written after his first kidney transplant. But Miles had changed the lyrics and music to be darker and more angst-filled.

"It's a different world now, but everything's all right." Miles caught my eye.

I smiled at him. It made sense now why he wanted to work with Jax. This had been his plan from the beginning, to surprise me. Tears filled my eyes.

Miles finished the song. Everyone began to clap. I stood and cheered. Even though he'd changed it, the song was still beautiful.

A strange look crossed Miles's face as he stood. Mr. Parks moved on stage again to announce the next performer. Miles wobbled a little, moving closer to the edge of the stage. Mr. Parks watched him in confusion, when Miles tumbled off the stage and landed with a sickening thud and twang of guitar strings.

I slid out of my seat and started running down the aisle. Nearby, members of the audience started murmuring and a few people started screaming.

"We're going to take a short intermission," Mr. Parks said. He jumped from the stage and checked on Miles.

"Miles!" I tumbled to my knees.

His face was abnormally pale. I touched his cheek. "Miles?"

"Alya, move aside," Mr. Parks said gently as Mrs. Lennox ran up to us.

"What's happened?"

"I'm calling nine-one-one," Mr. Parks said.

"Is he going to be okay?" I asked.

Mrs. Lennox cradled Miles's head in her arms.

Mr. Parks touched my shoulder. "I'm sure he'll be fine."

"It's just too much excitement." Mrs. Lennox glared at me.

************

Once again, I waited in the ER as the doctors ran tests on Miles. I wouldn't let Mrs. Lennox convince me to leave this time. She sat across from me, arms crossed, and scowled.

My mother arrived, her flats clicking against the sterilized floor.

"Alya, are you all right?"

"I'm fine, mom."

"Mrs. Lennox." She turned.

Miles's mom drew her lips into a thin line. "Mrs. Kendrick."

"I'm so sorry to hear about Miles. I know this must be hard on you."