GuiTara

🎵~15

🎶The greats weren't great because at birth they could paint. The greats were great because they could paint a lot ~ Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

●Tara Afua Henrie●

A week later

"Ok! Turn the stage lights on!"

In a split second, purple rays of light bounced off the polished wood and sequined satin fabric hanging above the stage. Those three wooden arches Pam wanted had been fixed as a background design, polished in lacquer, and had several fairy lights surrounding them. Occupying the wooden platform was a brand-new drum kit on the left, a guitar and an amp on the right, and a metallic microphone in the middle.

Pulling out my phone, I took a quick picture and sent it to Shaun with the caption: Stage is ready! Hope to see you soon!🥳

"Tara!" Areli barrelled towards me. "What in the world are you doing out here? You're supposed to be getting your final touches for hair and makeup. Come on, come on."

Without giving me much of a choice, Areli pulled me toward the backstage partitioning.

It was a sea of activities. People were running here and there to get everything set. I would've felt a rush of anxiety if I wasn't doing everything I could to tune out the panic.

"Here." Areli pushed me into a chair. "Hey, Maggi! Come work your magic."

And she totally did. I wasn't really a make-up fan, but I liked the decent artwork on my face. It was just enough to heighten my features and the right amount to match my melanin skin.

Deciding against my regular ponytail, I let my braids hang loose and watched the stylist carefully weave a purple strip into a single braid on the left. Happy with my appearance, I pulled on my black suede jacket and stood up. "Thanks, Maggi. You're a miracle worker."

Areli grinned. "Now, let's get you back out there. The show's about to start, and everyone's eager to see you. Oh, don't forget your mask."

"Of course." Picking up the mask, I delicately slipped it on, making sure not to ruin my make-up in the process.

As I made my way back to the stage, the excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable. It was a full house, thanks to Roberto and Zazu's intense marketing strategy. The audience murmured with anticipation, and the purple lights cast a magical glow over the entire venue. This was it. This was the big break Originally Afro-Mex needed to get back on its feet. It sent a mix of nerves and exhilaration coursing through my veins as I swung my guitar over my torso. I gripped the fingerboard, saying a silent prayer to my dad.

My first performance on stage. Please help me through this, Papa.

"Damas y caballeros, welcome to the first edition of the Originally Afro-Mex Night of Music!" Pam yelled into the microphone, and the audience released a loud set of cheers and applause. "My name is Pamela Martinez, the owner and executive chef of this fabulous establishment," she continued. "I'm beyond grateful to see you all here. As you all know, Originally Afro-Mex has been through some very unfortunate ups and downs these past few weeks. Nonetheless, we're back stronger and better than ever! And to celebrate that,  we have a very special treat for you all. Please welcome to the stage, for her very first live performance, the incredibly talented GuiTara!"

No turning back now. 

The applause grew even louder, and my heart pounded in my chest as I stepped forward. The microphone in front of me seemed to shimmer under the purple lights, and for a moment, I was aware of every pair of eyes in the room focused on me.