Thixophobia

Chapter 5

The junior college boys were sitting together, hooting and enjoying the performances. "Here comes the next artist (the announcement), the most popular babe in college... Yes you are right it's..... "
"Amanda...Amanda...Amanda.." (audience shout-out)
Eric was wondering who is this 'Amanda' and he asked his friends "Who's this Amanda?"
"Dude! She's not to be told about, just watch her and you'll know who she is."
"Hmm... Okay! Let's watch her then."

"Ronn... Ronn... Ronn... " somebody came running hastily.
"Not now... What do you want? Go away."
replied Ronn while his eyes were stuck on the stage.
"Ronn, Ms. Kelly is calling you, she needs your help."
Ronn immediately turned his head "What! Now!"
"Yeah!"
Ronn stood up... Eric held his hand "May I accompany? I will get a chance to add to Ms. Kelly's good books."
"Nnnnooo, Eeeeric! I'll manage. You enjoy the show. Anyway this is your first event at college. Yeah?"
"If you say so." Eric sat back, but he was still thinking about getting along with Ronn. He thought to himself why not go there, if he offered a random help, Ms. Kelly would be impressed. He wondered if a performer needed help. He just stood up and moved towards the exit gate which opened in the corridor leading back stage.

Just as he was about to exit. The announcement was made for Hazel's performance. Eric stopped.
Mr. Matthews looked around in excitement gesturing everyone to welcome her with claps. The lights dimmed. The beauty stood in the focus light. Eric was pulled by something and led him to isle. The music was played and everyone was mesmerised by the beautifully dancing, Beauty.
Eric was amazed to see how that uneasy girl had calm moves and postures.
As she posed with the lowering music everyone applauded aloud. Mr. Matthews happily stood up clapping "that's my daughter... "
As for Eric who stood stock still... He put his hand on the shoulder of someone near him in the audience (a senior) "Man, she's just too good." said Eric.
"Hey new boy! Just go back to your place"
"Ohhh! I'm sorry." Eric replied.

He soon recalled that he was going behind Ronn. He ran to the exit where he met Hazel on the way. He paused.
"Aaa.... Hazel! You were awesome...and...amazing...and... Beautiful! (he paused looking into her eyes)"
"What are you doing here?"
"Oh! Where can I find Ms. Kelly?"
"Straight and then left."
"Right, thanks."
"No, it's left."
"Yeah! I mean I got it. Good luck for the results." and he ran straight.
Hazel shouted "Hey! By the way...." (he was gone) "Thanks" she said in a declining voice.

On the stage
"So we come to the end of all performances and the judges are finalizing the results. Meanwhile, any student wants to showcase any talent can come up here. "
After sometime
"Here I have the results! And first let me call the two finalists...
(noise in the audience)
Yes, and it is Amanda and Hazel. The undoubted finalists."
Hazel and Amanda walked on the stage and congratulated each other and at the same time wished good luck for the final result.

"I would like to call upon our Chief Guest to announce the result and award the winners"
Mrs. Matthews was very nervous, she was praying for Hazel, twitching her eyes. But Mr. Matthews was not anxious, rather he was confident that Hazel would win.
"And the winner is... Hazel Matthews"
Happy Hazel looked at her parents in the front row, who were jumping in excitement. She blew them kisses and walked to the Chief Guest to receive her award. She carefully held the Trophy. Mrs. Matthews had tears in her eyes. It was long that she saw Hazel smile.
"And the runner-up is of course... Amanda."

It is the first time Amanda didn't win. Since she joined the college she always won this event. But with Hazel completing her schooling and coming to Junior College this trend was disturbed. Hazel was definitely a tough competition. After all, she was the winner in school throughout.

Eric bashed in the room on the left. Ms. Kelly and Ronn were alarmed. (zip up sound)
"What the hell are you doing here?" said Ronn.
"Well... I just thought I could help... Ms. Kelly. Do you need my help?"
Ronn pushes him out "Just go. I'll let you know if I need help."
"Okay! Relax! I am leaving. But why are you not wearing your shirt?"
"So that I don't mess it while working. Now please, leave."

Friends, happy to have you here again. Thanks for all the appreciation. I will soon be coming with Chapter 6...
What Was Ronn doing there?
Was there something fishy going on between Ronn and Ms. Kelly?
To get the answers...
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