Skinny

The Talent Show & The Lunch Date

Chapter Forty-Two:

I stood in my ocean blue dress that fell off my shoulders and accentuated my chest. It was floor length and gorgeous. I wasn't sure that I had needed to buy a new dress, but my mother had insisted and so we found it, the only one left, in my size. It was meant to be, I guess.

I had my hair mostly pinned up in curls and the rest fell over one shoulder loosely. I was super nervous and the auditorium was packed with parents and friends from other schools. I waited with Mia and Gabe, who had pulled away from Kali long enough to offer his piano skills for the night.

"Hey, beautiful," I turned to face Jaxon, as I tried not to hyperventilate. He held out a box and I looked down at it and then back at him in confusion. "It's for good luck. I want you to wear it."

He opened it and inside was a beautiful silver rose necklace. It wasn't very big, no bigger than a dime, but I loved it all the same because Jaxon had given it to me. I turned around and let him put the necklace on me. His fingers seemed to linger on my skin for longer than necessary, but I decided I was over-thinking things. Besides I was far too nervous to shun any form of comfort from a friend.

I turned to face him with a smile on my made up face. I wasn't horrible looking or anything though. He bent down and kissed me. It was short and sweet, more of a friendly kiss, but completely unexpected.

"Thank you," I mumbled still dazed by his kiss. Someone motioned for me to go on stage before I had a chance to question it any further. I pulled my hair out from under my necklace and fixed it in place over my shoulder and then walked out onto the now quiet stage. I took a deep breath as I tried to see the audience past the bright lights but I was thankful that I couldn't see them.

Gabriel began to play the piano and then Mia started in on her part on the violin. Then I began to sing 'Bound to You' by Christina Aguilera.

I imagined the guy who would be deserving enough to be on the receiving end of these words. He would be someone I would constantly think about and depend on fully. I would trust him with my life and he would hold my heart. I would be his and he would be mine. He would take my breath away every time he smiled at me and I would love spending time with him. He would be my best friend and my confidant. I wouldn't be able to imagine my life without him in it. I would do anything for him and I would hope he felt the same. I just couldn't seem to think of that being any guy that I knew. The Argonaut boys and the twins were like my brothers and Conner probably saw me as a little sister. Zane wasn't sure of his own feelings about anything and Henry was with Jaxon. There was always Marco and then Skylar, but there was no way I was get caught up in that mess.

I stopped singing and looked at the stunned crowd, who began to clap in applause. I bowed to them and signalled my accompaniment, Mia and Gabe, who also bowed and then we walked off the stage. It took another 30 minutes before they finally decided on the winner and the three runner ups. A group of tap dancers came in fourth and an A Capella group came in third. They were really good and it was sad that they only came in third, with their very cool singing style. The first runner up was a very talented guitarist who also sang some song in Spanish, it was quiet beautiful. Before I knew it, it was time to announce the first place winner.

"And in first place.... we have," then the dramatic opening of the envelope, "Raven Garcia singing Bound to You." Mia screamed right next to me and I walked onto the stage to claim my little trophy and prize. I smiled at the crowd and waved as everyone applauded for me, yet again. I couldn't get over the thrill and so I soaked it up while I could. I never know when I'll be on the stage again, so I might as well.

I walked out of the auditorium to a thrilled mother and father. I smiled at them and handed over my trophy. The prize was a gift card to Starbucks and I was more than pleased to have won it. My first prize, ever.