The day of the talent show arrives, and hope ignites within me, stronger than ever that maybe I could be together with Theo. It’s a strange thing about hope—no matter how dim itgets, it never truly goes out. It flickers constantly until it’s set ablaze again. There is only one thing left to do. Get dressed.
By the time I reach the auditorium, the crowd is already gathering. I sneak in through the back, choosing a seat in the last row, near the wall. It’s less noticeable, and if things get overwhelming, I can easily slip away.
As the hum of excitement fills the room, I text Stephanie to let her know I’m here.
Anticipation bubbles within me like a foaming bath. What is it that Theo wants me to see?
My eyes scan the room, but he’s nowhere to be found.
Chapter 20
“There you are!” Stephanie’s voice dispels my anxious thoughts as she slides into the empty seat beside me, Ian trailing behind her. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
My hands fidget with the crumpled corner of Theo’s letter in my pocket. “Sorry. I wanted a good view of the entire room.”
Ian settles into the chair on my other side, the plastic creaking under his weight. “So, have you decided to perform after all?” he asks.
“No way.” He must be out of his mind if he thinks I’ll go out there. I’d probably throw up backstage and be a laughingstock for the remainder of high school.
Ian’s face falls in clear disappointment, but just the thought of performing coats my skin with cold sweat. He should know better than to expect my participation.
“Theo asked me to come,” I explain, my eyes sweeping across the auditorium once more. “Said he has something to show me.”
Stephanie’s eyebrows shoot up so fast they nearly disappear beneath her bangs. “Wait—Theo? I thought you guys weren’t talking.”
“That was before he wrote me a letter.”
Stephanie grabs my arm. “Tell me everything.”
I take a deep breath, and recount everything that’s happened since the Pearsons moved out. Then I show Stephanie the letter.
“What do you think he wants you to show you?” she asks, her eyes darting toward the stage where a string quartet is setting up.
“I don’t know.” I crane my neck again. “I don’t see him anywhere.”
Ian checks his watch and winces. “I have to go in the back to help make sure everything runs smoothly. They will kill me if the sound system acts up again.”
“Break a leg,” Stephanie says.
“You’ll be okay?” Ian asks, his gaze fixed on me.
I nod. “Go. We’re fine here.”
As Ian runs down the side aisle, Stephanie turns to me, eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You never told me about this letter. How long have you been holding out on me?”
“Since yesterday.” I sink lower in my seat as the lights dim. “I wanted to process it first. You know how I get.”
“Overthinking everything until your brain explodes?” She bumps my shoulder with hers.
“Something like that.”
The principal approaches the microphone, feedback screeching before his voice booms through the auditorium as he introduces the first performers.
I don’t know what Theo wants me to see—or if he’ll even show up—but for now, I get to enjoy the show.
Student after student takes the stage, dazzling us with their talents. There’s everything from soulful singing and impressive guitar solos to energetic dance routines and even a decent ventriloquist act—he’s no Jeff Dunham, but with practice, he might get there. Although I would never go up there myself, the skills displayed are quite inspiring.
My favorite so far is the hula hoop dancer. She’s this bubbly blond with pink streaks in her hair who moves like Shakira reborn, doing tricks with that hoop I didn’t think were humanly possible. The crowd loves her, and for good reason. Her routine is mesmerizing, all fluid motion and effortless rhythm.
