Jade sat there wrapping her hair around her finger. She didn't want to do this, it was something she dreaded.

"If we pull this off, we're set for life!" Her friend howled, waving his arms wildly in the air.

"I don't know." Jade mumbled tucking the lose chunk of hair she had been twirling behind her ear. She wasn't ready to do this.

"Yes, you know. Stop being a turtle and get out of your shell, we'll have it all if we get this done!" Ant cried. "Now, take this and wait for me in the back." He held out a black pole that stood tall enough to reach her chin

.

Jade's stomach knotted and her hands began to shake with fear. Why was Ant always trying to make her do things she clearly said no to? Whatever, when they mess up because of her it would be Anthony's fault.

While walking through the old storage room she saw two big stain glass-window-type bowl of two colors; blue and purple. A thought popped into her head...

If she put these over the lights, it would up there performance.

***

She made her way to the back room where Ant stood waiting for her. Anthony rushed toward her, knitting his eyebrowsin confusion.

"Where were you!?" He hissed quietly.

"Oh well I found - "she cut off for a moment deciding not to tell hum, she'd save it as a surprise, "a good...coping skill! Ya um to help me with being nervous." She held up her hand and did the 5-finger breathing practice Mr. Weller (Jade's 5th grade gym teacher) taught her. Jade closed her eyes and traced her hand: moving her finger up she breathed in, down, she breathed out out. A light kiss brushed the side of her cheek and she opened her eyes.

"Whatever helps you is good with me."Anthony spoke calmly and smiled like the sun.

Jade placed a hand on his muscular arm. "I think im ready." She breathed.

"OK," he started "I think I here them cheering for us."

Her stomach instantly churned with worry and she froze. Ant crawled up the stairs to he stage.

"You coming?" He asked "I mean...you don't have to, I know I'm being a little forceful..."

Jade inhaled and breathed out, "I think I can do this..."

They walked up stairs and onto a rising platform.

A voice boomed over the loudspeakers, "NOW PRESENTING ATHONY CREEDSON AND JADE THRONE!" The square they were standing on started to raise with a clatter. Ant mouthed 'you can do this' before they faced a huge crowd. Thousands apon thousands were gathered in the stadiums seats.

Wow.

Was this everyone that liked her song? The crowd was so big... but Anthony's voice echoed in her head. Jade opened her mouth and sang the first line of her song.

This wasn't to bad after all.

(This is absolute, undescriptive, trash. I'm sorry 🤣)