Chapter 1~ The Living Gift
Chin on the chin-rest, left hand holding the neck, right hand sliding the bow. Millicent slowly begins to play Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1. On stage all alone, spotlight preventing her from seeing the crowd beyond the first two rows. Her palms begin to sweat from the heat from the light and her anxiety. I must get this right, I only have one chance to make a good impression. Ignoring her nervous feelings creeping through her muscles, she plays magnificently, but it should be expected from a prodigy.
As her piece come to an end, a thunderous applause arises from the now visible crowd. She exhales deeply and smiles towards the crowd as she strides proudly across the stage. Behind the deep maroon curtain, her instructor for more than 10 years, greets her with a bouquet of roses and a tear in her eye. "Mademoiselle, Bravissimo!" She whispers as she puts a small frail arm around her shoulder. "Thank you madame, and I really mean it." They smile and make their way to their seats next to Millicent's parents and younger sister.
When they sit, everybody around her tries to congratulate them, but she hushes them, not wanting to be rude to the other performers. Madame had always praised her on being a 'good sport' and her etiquette.
After the show, her family praises her and gives her dozens upon dozens of roses. Most of them from friends that could not stay long after the show. Most of them never stayed to actually congratulate her in person anyway so she was used to it. Getting into the car, she rests her head against the cool glass window, watching as the streetlights zoom past. Her younger sister begins to play with her dress, Laci loves the color and the way it flows. "When I'm older, I'm going to wear dresses like this all the time." She says cheerfully. "And you'll look like a beautiful princess." Laci giggles and Millicent smiles warmly.
When they arrive home, everybody gives their last words of praise and head to bed. Millicent goes to her room, removes the massive masquerade dress, washes off the makeup, and lays in bed. Thinking over the performance, what she messed up, how she could improve. She breaks out her leather-bound journal and begins to write. Thinking and writing for what felt like an eternity, she eventually falls asleep.
Dear Journal,4/22/2012
Today's performance went extremely well! I missed a few notes though... I'll just keep practicing! I wish that some of my friends would actually tell me what they think instead of the generic "you did awesome" or "I wish i could play as well as you!". Sometimes it makes me feel as if they don't really care... Well its not like they're good friends anyway.... I think I'm going to try to make new friends, it's probably for the best. Sometimes I feel more alone with them, than being by myself.
Millicent Rosse~
Waking up to the smell of coffee, she gets up and gets ready for school. She slips on a pair of light grey skinny jeans, black leather boots, and a black tri-force tee. Heading to her makeup table, she applies a bare-minimum or plum eyeliner and black mascara. Millicent then begins to brush out her long curly black hair that cascades a little longer than halfway down her back. She stairs at herself in the mirror, her cream colored skin contrasting from the darkness of her hair. Her eyes,light blue with grey flecks.
Millicent gracefully marches down the stairs, her mother pouring her cup of coffee greats her. "Good morning." she says as she smiles. "Morning mom." They continue with casual morning chit-chat. "Are you ready? It's about time to go." She nods and they both head towards the garage. Her mom drives smoothly for the 10 minutes it takes to get to Sentral High School.
When they arrive, They say their quick goodbyes. She begins to walk towards the doors when somebody calls her. "Mill! Mill over here!" looking over she sees Arielle. Behind her is the usual group, Kassandra, Mila, Alanna, and Corey. They all smile and wave for her to come over. Walking over, she hears Mila talking about some thing that has her beaming. "Did you see him?" Mila asks her. "See who?" Her eyes widen in disbelief."Who? The new kid! Look over by the tree." Millicent looks toward the tree and there he is.
