The Brightest Stars

Skyler

Lights. Camera. Dance.

It's Saturday night and the crowd is the loudest ever. The last two nights have been quite tiring, but I've never thought that I would love the uproarious applause and the adrenaline that runs through your veins every time you step on that stage.

Now we get ready one last time as I step in the theater classroom. I can see the dim lights on the stage and the curtains closed for the moment to arrive. All around me, people run around and yell out things to each other.

The first person I find among the dark chaos is AJ. He's warming up as he stretches his arms and legs. He has his neat pile of outfits he must change out depending on the dance he comes out in. We are the only clean ones around here as people make a mess out of this small room. I can only imagine the bathrooms and the changing rooms.

"Hey," I say to my brother. "Ready for one more night?"

He gives me his small smile and nods. "Nervous?"

"No," I say with a playful smile. "I think I've got the hang of this whole performing stuff."

AJ does a small scoff. "You better after performing our Shakespearean plays at the local UC and performing for two nights!"

I give him a clap and giggle. "First one up! Good luck because Mom is out there tonight!"

"Don't remind me!"

I laugh as I watch Kristen pass by with Annabelle. They seem to be having a hyped conversation about something. I walk up to them and they give me wide smiles. "Hey kiddo," my sister says. "Ready?"

"Yup! What are you two so happy about?"

"Belle finally confessed her love to Max," my sister says as she quickly puts on eyeliner.

I give Annabelle a wide smile and give her a gentle pat on her arm. "Wow, Annabelle! That's huge! You two finally said the L word!"

"When you say it like that, it sounds weird," Annabelle says with a small chuckle. She starts stretching her arms as they announce the ten minute count. "Hey!" I look to where her eyes shine brightly at Max. He comes over and gives her a tender kiss. "You look great for our last night."

She plays with the buttons of his shirt and he playfully smiles at her. "Let's make it one we can remember." With one last kiss on her cheek, he walks off to talk with Xander. Luna's standing with him as she helps him with his tie. Her eyes find me and smiles.

After saying one last thing to Xander and giving him a quick kiss, she walks over to us. "Ladies! We're looking great tonight! Where's our host?!"

"Oh! Luna! I'm glad I found you." Julia gives us a big smile before frantically looking back at Luna. "I know you have the same lipstick as me. The red one? Do you happen to have it with you? It's because someone stole mine just this second!" Worry crosses her blue eyes as she sighs.

Luna looks through her purse until she excitedly takes out a popping red lipstick and smiles widely. "You know it, lady! Debate is just like dance if you ask me. The more attention they have on your face--"

"The more they listen and you get your point across," Annabelle says.

"Everyone in their positions! We are starting in one minute!" A few excited squeals go across the room and even across the stage as Resolme says this. "Max! Julia! Get ready to step out now!"

The sound of an uproarious cheer comes on as the large auditorium turns pitch black and the only light is the small lamp inside the room and the spotlight reflecting underneath the curtains.