||NOAH||
We are almost nearing the finale of the band section, the conductor waving his stick around at the intense climactic sounds. My attention was divided between the band presentation, my choir mates, and Brad. From where I was sat, it was hard to distinguish if he was bored or still paying attention and entertained. But I do notice that he would occasionally talk to Andrea beside him. I've practiced hard for my part, but I could still feel my legs vibrating with anxiety. What's bothering me, even more, is that I saw Damian and Thiago around these parts, and maybe even Ari when I walked up here, that doesn't help my sinking feelings. "How are ya doing pal?" Felix said at the seat behind me, placing his hand on my shoulder.
"Umm, okay?" I said, not even sounding positively sure.
"You look constipated as fuck," he said, looking downwards at me. I followed his eyes and noticed that I was involuntarily fiddling with my thumbs.
"Well, have you ever had a solo before?" I looked at him, arms crossed.
"Yeah, during freshmen grade," he grinned.
I raised my brows, "really? How was it?" I asked surprised.
"Okay, but my parents said I looked constipated as fuck throughout," he laughs a little bit as he gives a little punch to my shoulder. Ow.
"Let me tell you a trick of mine. If you're getting the feeling of stage fright, take a deep breath, and look at someone, someone who comforts you. Imagine that person as your only viewer."
I look at him, giving thought into his advice, "thanks," I said with gratitude.
"Just don't look like you need to take a shit. My parents took a video of me that time, and let me tell you, I looked horrible," Felix shuddered.
-
We waited at the backstage and listened to Mr. Gil preparing for our entrance. "I would like to thank you all for coming tonight..." his voice projected through the speakers. The people clapping their hands as they wait for us. All of us choir members lined up in at their designated assembles. I looked at the others worriedly, we aren't even starting the song with my solo yet; two songs before my part. James, who is right next to my side, noticed how contorted I looked and came up to me, giving me a hug, "it's okay," he says.
Ethan joined in, "listen, you... have an amazing voice. You have nothing to fear. You've practiced hard, and it's time to show your talent," his eyes sparkled as I stared at them, his mouth curving upwards.
I looked at both of them, and nodded appreciatively "Thank you."
"And now, please welcome Wolverine's mixed choir," Mr. Gil's announcement ends and we all began marching out to the open view. The people clapped as we all stood in our position. My eyes, blared by the blinding lights above us, looking around as it was a little bit harder to identify people. As my eyes began to adjust, my vision progressively became clearer. "Our first song for tonight will be 'can't help falling in love with you' with a solo section by Annabel Lene," Mr. Gil nodded, eyeing her on the soprano section and watched as she came up to the front near the microphone. People gave her a small round. I observed as she exhaled and relaxed her body, from what I can see she has her feet planted sturdily on the floor but were still visibly shaking slightly.
Then, she turned around, we both met our eyes together. Time looked like it had slowed down while she kept her gaze at me for a few seconds with a smile.
Her legs stopped shaking.
The piano begins playing its delicate melody and she returns her direction back to the front. We all get into a ready position and put our focus on Mr. Gil who raised the conducting stick. And with the signal, she starts.
"Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Oh, shall I stay, would it be a sin
Oh, if I can't help falling in love with you?.."
Everyone fell quiet, tranced by her angelic voice. We added in our background vocals, giving her an atmospheric backup. My eyes wavered along the people watching, they all looked very impressed especially Brad. The spotlights were more focused on her as if she was divine.
"Oh, take my hand, take my whole life too
I can't help falling in love with you
Oh, for I can't help falling in love with you..."
-
Everyone's supportive howls, wolf-whistles, and claps filled the entire room as Annabel takes her bow with grace. Those from the band group chanted her name like a famous celebrity and so did us choir members. I watched as she returned to her spot. "You're astounding," I waved at her. Her gentle smile forms as she tucks her hair behind the back of her ear. She was about to reply when the girls were praising her, giving her no time to finish her words. I chuckled lightly and saw that Mr. Gil was about to move on to the next piece.
-
As we neared the end of this song, I could feel myself ready to collapse. I tried my hardest not to faint, but I couldn't help the feeling of falling face-first onto the floor. The song finished and everyone clapped.
It's my turn.
Mr. Gil says his speech, "Once more, I would like to thank you all for coming. It's been amazing working with talented people. With different voices, personalities, and more. Our last song for tonight will be sung with a solo part by Noah Kellen," the cheer roared again once more as I stood forward from my position. Each step caused my footing to be a little bit disoriented. It felt like the air was pushing me down. I reached the mic and held it with my hands. Scouting the area where Brad said he would be and saw him looking at me with a huge grin. My eyes then continued to look around, then my mouth tightened when I saw Damien on the far left. He looked unidentifiable at first because he wore a gray hoodie. I can't believe he's here. He has his arms crossed and he looks either unamused or the opposite with that scowl he has.
Suddenly, the piano started playing without me getting prepared and I stood frozen in spot. The people looked confused as they watched me miss my signal. My mouth gaped in silence and I felt myself shaking horribly. The piano stops.
Oh no.
In the corner of my eye, Mr. Gil gave me a patient look, "it's okay," he whispered as he made a breathing motion. I gave him a nervous nod and followed, closing my eyes. I recalled what Felix taught me. Look at someone, look at someone who comforts me. I opened my eyes.
I looked at Brad, and my legs stopped shaking...