Valentina Finds Her Voice | A Blushington Book

Chapter 18

I stood in front of the mirror marveling at my mother's handiwork. My dress was a total and complete dream. It was a cream and french blue chiffon and tulle masterpiece. The neckline fell slightly off my shoulders into a v, wrapped around my bodice and flowed to the floor in long swishing layers. And the vintage applique mom added to the waist was stunning.

I never wanted to take it off. Mom and dad called to say they'd arrived and I went down to meet them. I took the elevator to the second floor and then walked down the stairs to the main hall so I could make a grand entrance.

For those 30 seconds I was a princess. Mom and dad were grinning ear to ear and I noticed a few of the girls staring and giving me a thumbs up as well.

Dad gallantly offered me one arm and mom his other. And off we went towards the theater. When we arrived they found a seat near the middle and I went backstage. Each girl was humming, tuning and reciting lines.

Cassie's piece was going to be amazing and I hugged her while she warmed up. The gifted six were closing the show as an ensemble. I was a total ball of nerves and energy.

I still could not believe I was the opening act, but I'd made myself a promise to do it my way this time. I wouldn't worry about what the dean might like or what anyone else would expect. And then it was time. We heard the crowd become still, the curtains lifted, the opening address was made and then I heard my name called.

I prepared no set, no accompaniment. It was just me, the microphone and one spotlight. And then I opened my mouth and just let go.

Somewhere during the performance I was watching myself, it was like an out of body experience. I sang with such passion I was shaking. And when I returned to my body, the audience was on their feet. I smiled at mom and dad and then saw dean Simulson cheering and smiling as well.

I was floating. I took my bow and the next act took the stage. Cassie was jumping up and down, the gifted six were all smiling and clapping. Everyone was congratulating me and telling me how moved they were.

I was electric; the energy from everyone was coursing through my veins. I was filled with pride because for the first time I'd done something with no expectations, not looking for any adulations; only for the joy of doing it and it was magnificent.

I guess it's true you should just be yourself. I did it and now I knew from experience how amazing it could be.

The rest of the revue went off without a hitch, I stayed backstage and helped where I could. Cassie's piece was brilliant and her aunt on stage with her was wonderful. The gifted six closed the show and brought down the house.

After the revue ended all of us were backstage congratulating each other when we heard dean Simulson.

"Now, that was a revue," he said with a smile, "you girls exceeded all of my expectations."

We were beaming. He went down the list personally praising us individually on jobs well done.

And when he turned to me he said, "Valentina, that was the performance of a coloratura contralto. You have improved greatly since you first arrived and I am looking forward to training you in your second year. I'm glad you did not disappoint."

And with that he left to usher the visitors to the ballroom to celebrate, and we all followed quickly.

The ballroom was transformed into what can only be described as a floral art gallery. The tex twins and the art department had really outdone themselves. Each wall was completely covered in flowers and on top were large scale, framed pieces of art.

Each round table had a miniature version of the room as its centerpiece. We found Grace and Isla and congratulated them on how amazing everything looked and they showed us their individual pieces.

Mom and dad found us and told us how spectacular everything was. We all hit the buffet, danced and enjoyed the night.

Cassie introduced me to Harrison and I met Lincoln and Darcy too. It really was an enchanted night. I watched mom and dad on the dance floor and the girls and their guys dancing. I smiled about the great way things turned out and went out on the balcony for some fresh air.

I was admiring the stars and swaying to the band when I heard someone.

"There you are," a deep male voice said behind me.

I turned and stared up into a pair of hazel eyes as green as my own. I hoped that my mouth wasn't open because I couldn't say anything I just froze.

"I saw you in the revue and thought you were definitely someone I'd like to introduce myself to, he continued, I'm Khari and I attend Bloomington."

He smiled, revealing a perfectly, gleaming set of teeth, and because apparently I'd swallowed my tongue or something I just stood there like a deer in headlights. Thankfully I snapped out it long enough to at least state my name.

"I'm Valentina," I managed, "nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," he said.

He asked if I wanted to sit and talk and that's exactly what we did for the rest of the evening. I looked over his shoulder and saw Cassie giving me a thumbs up and goofy grin before returning to her date.

Blushington had turned out to be many things for me. I'd found my voice, perservered through many trials and made amazing friends and memories. But tonight it also might become the place we tell people that we met.

Then End

I hope you enjoyed it! Blushington book two "Zoe Heals" is coming soon!

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