Starlight

I: Something's Coming

Could it be? Yes, it could.
Something's coming, something good.

- "Something's Coming", West Side Story

_______________

The crowd erupted into a chorus of applause.

Honestly, the turnout was impressive - the bar was full to capacity, stuffed with students, locals, and one or two older-looking people in the back Robbie guessed may have been members of the teaching faculty.

From her spot at the side of the stage, she squinted at the sea of faces. The meager stage lights made it difficult to make out the audience's features, but still, she searched for her date's big blue eyes and mop of blonde hair.

The MC sauntered back to the stage: "Wow! Let's give Zoey another big round of applause!"

As the crowd went wild once again, Robbie couldn't help but roll her eyes just a little. The girl was undoubtedly talented, sure, but it seemed a bit much as Zoey wiped away (definitely imaginary) tears, kissed her hands and threw her arms out to her audience as if it were her opening night on Broadway.

"Now, I know that our talent showcase is usually filled with performances from our musical theatre club, but next up is..." The MC squinted at the running order. "Robbie Franks, with something we haven't had at our monthly showcase before: stand up comedy. Give her a big H.C.C. welcome as she comes to the stage!"

Robbie rose to her feet as the crowd gave her that "big Hatchetfield Community College welcome" the MC had asked for: a smattering of quiet claps and a disinterested-sounding cough.

Her hand shook as she took the mic, and the metallic sound rattled around the room. "Thanks everybody, it's great to be here. Y'know, this is actually my first gig since starting at community college, and ... Uhh..."

Now she had a clearer view of her audience, she searched for him again.

Where was he?

"I... Uhh..." Robbie swayed on the spot, getting a little too close to the mic, which squealed in response. The crowd winced.

He didn't show up.

Of course.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhh..." The crowd started whispering among themselves, and, in the corner of her eye, Robbie spotted Zoey giggling.

Deep breaths, Robbie. Don't think about him. There's probably a reasonable explanation.

"...Sorry, I froze up a little there."

Silence from the crowd.

"Well this is awkward, huh? First gig in Hatchetfield, and I've messed it up before I've even started."

She paused for a pity laugh that never came.

"So my set tonight is about the differences between Hatchetfield and my hometown of Clivesdale..."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Great set!"

Robbie took a slow sip of her beer before swiveling around on her bar stool. Zoey stood there, beaming with an entirely insincere smile.

"Thanks, Zoey, that means a lot. Honestly you were really good, you--"

"Um, that was a joke. You kinda bombed."

"...Oh."

"Especially when you got into that bit about how all the men in Hatchetfield 'suck ass'. That was not cute. Very bitter. Not a good look for you."