Chapter 100 The final act

Chapter 100 The final act

I was the Final Act!!!

That information has my heart pumping so fast that I thought it might give out at any moment. People always save the best for last, what if I wasn't good enough, what if…

“Confidence comes after you've taken the first step.” I recited my mantra.

I went back into the hall and peeked at the crowd from the curtains. There were a lot of people there, mostly parents though. The showcase was about to begin.

“Good evening esteemed parents and guests. It is with great honour that I'm standing here today before you all......."

I stopped listening halfway.

I stopped peeking and went back stage. A lot of people were moving about making last minute preparations. A lot of people were staring at me like I was from another planet.

I couldn't blame them though since I was wearing an over sized potato sack, nude shoes, make up and eye shadow with electric blue and silver with a pair of antenna on my head.

Don't worry it's all part of the act.

I stayed for a while and watched some acts. There was tap dancing, ballet, Acapella, beat boxing, drawing and paintings. A whole lot of dazzling acts.

My roommate was next. I wished her luck before she went on. She unveiled her sculpture and the audience were amazed. From the calligraphy of the writing to the bold colours. I don't know what she did but it looked like glass and there was a way she swirled the colours that it was just so beautiful.

That's some talent right there.

I left again through the backdoor. I have been squeezing my stress ball non stop. I just wish I could hear some words of affirmation from Maya or Klaus or anybody at this point. I couldn't help but pace around.

“Hey Tessa” I spun around fast only to see Jay. Wow! Wishes do come true.

“Hey Jay, it's been a while.” I haven't seen him since, well Charlotte's party. He still looks pretty much the same and his eyes were still as enchanting.

“Yh I guess. I was told to tell you that you'll be on in twenty minutes.” he said as he sat on the bench I somehow didn't notice.

I took in a deep breath.

“Scared?” he asked.

“No, no I'm just a little nervous. This would be my first impression on the school and I really want it to be a good one.” I said as I finally decided to sit with him.

“Don’t worry, you've got this. Believe in yourself.” he said, got up then left.

Deep breaths, I've got this, I can do this.

I went back inside and just in time too.

“You’re next” someone whispered to me.

I can do this.

“Lets give a round of applause for James Harrison and his beautiful display of his talents on the harp. ”

“Up next give a round of applause for Theresa Marlowe.”

I walked up on to the stage. The lights were blinding I could barely see the crowd.

Deep breaths.

And soon I was acting and singing and dancing like never before.

My act is a musical on the blue Morpho butterfly. I plan to capture every detail from the caterpillar to the chrysalis and finally to when it's become a full grown butterfly.

I wore the potato sack to illustrate the early stages of the butterfly.

And soon I was reach the climax when the butterfly is about to emerge. Then I tore the sack and revealed the dress I was wearing underneath. Of course it was also inspired by the butterfly.

For a second, the room holds it's breath.

The dress a fitted strapless bodice with a deep sapphire satin, sculpted close to the body and scattered with thousands of iridescent, scale like sequins that shift from electric blue to violet with every movement I make.

Over it, sheet organza layers edged with delicate silver veining that traces the pattern of real butter fly wings across my torso.

Shorter at the front in the knees so I can move but from my back , two curved panel of weightless chiffon sweep out and down into a soft, floating train, mimicking open wings caught mid-flight

As move, the ombré hem fades from cobalt to a pale blue and the whole gown catches the light like it's alive.

Shimmering, changing, glowing, a dress that looks as fragile as a butterfly.

I walked to the front of the stage and ended my performance with my left hand in the air.

Silence.

Then everyone slowly stood up. One person claps, then another joins and soon the crowd was in uproar.

This is the biggest standing ovation in my life. My eyes adjusted to the light then I could see the crowd clearly. I saw my mum, dad, Maya…

MAYA!!!!

How come I blinked twice to be sure. She was hear along with Ethan and Charlotte. I didn't think they'll make it, but where was Klaus?.

I took a bow then went backstage. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes. I did it. I really did.

“Such a wonderful performance from miss marlowe. I know she was supposed to be the final Act… but we have a last minute act from Nicholas Hayes.”

Nicholas Hayes? It can't be. But it was there he was showing forth all the pictures he's taken with my dad.

But…but I thought, didn't he say he was going to one of the best school of Arts.

Of course, Monroe School of Arts IS the best arts school I could ever think of. I get to go to school with him. I couldn't be any more happier.

There was a huge frame in the center. I walked a bit closer to have a better look. It was the picture we took at the creek the day we went camping.

At this point I was a crying mess. He looks so happy as he talked about his pictures and how much photography meant to him. He took a bow and walked off stage with lots of cheering from the crowd.

He walked towards me. “Surprised cupcake? We get to go to school together.”

I couldn't help it I lunged towards him and hugged him tightly. His hand circled my waist as he hugged me back.

“By the way your performance was awesome and you looked so beautiful.” he said

“Thank you, I'm really glad you're here.”

At some point Maya and the others arived backstage and joined in on our hug.

“I’m grateful that you all could make it.” I said as soon as we broke up the hug.

“Of course, I wouldn't miss my best friend debut for the world.”

I looked at her, that's when I noticed a pair of brown eyes brown eyes like Jay's. Apparently jay had a younger brother that just got into Yale. He and Maya met there and have been seeing each other. I'm so happy for her.

My parents came to congratulate me and my dad called me his shining star.

Well then, I guess this is just the beginning.