The Truth in the Stars

Part 11: Talent Show

I really needed that luck, I thought to myself as I watched the second performance. The first talent had just been Anna Kendrick's cup song, the classic talent show performance. I figured I would see that performance two more times. The second group was a few of the students from the school band. They had a lot of musical experience. The group consisted of two girls and four boys playing Sweet Caroline. They even got the audience to sing along with them.

I wouldn't get to get to play until after two o'clock, since I was one of the last entries. As a participant I got to sit in the middle, front seats. They had all the students participating in the first hour getting ready in the back.

I'm glad I signed up for the competition, because I can't imagine sitting here for almost six hours and never getting to do anything. I have watched it in past years, but usually it only runs until lunch. This year the new freshmen were more than happy to sign up, resulting in a much bigger group.

As soon as the second performance ended, a cheerleader walked on stage from the right wing.

"Hi, my name is Isabella, and my talent is gymnastics," she stated before going into a gymnastic routine.

I realized at this moment I hadn't actually thought of an introduction. I ran through possible ideas and decided that my talent description would be music.

By the time lunch came around, over fifty students had gone. I had a study hall before lunch, because there were too many students to fill one lunch. I walked toward Eddie. Before I made it to him Fiona intercepted me.

"Are you nervous?" she asked. "I mean, some of those kids were pretty good."

"Yeah, I'm plenty nervous. I'm not trying to win though. I just need to make it, so I don't look like a fool," I stated hoping that would comfort me.

"Nah, as long as your singing is pretty good you stand a pretty good chance. Don't forget, you're not competing with the groups. They have their own category."

"Thanks, Fiona!" I smiled as she walked toward the rest of her friend group.

I ignored her friends snarky comments that they threw at me.

"Hey, Eddie. What do you think about the show so far?" I asked.

"I'm just waiting for yours. I slept for the entire first half," he joked.

"Promise you won't fall asleep for mine. It shouldn't be to boring!" I said sarcastically.

I wouldn't get to go until the second hour of the afternoon. I went through the hand position for each chord as I sat in lunch. Even after lunch I was still nervous. Knowing I couldn't be any more prepared, I just hoped for the best.

The next hour flew by quickly. The freshmen in this group didn't do too well and suffered from some mistakes. The last group of students, including me, walked to the back of the stage. I was the fifth performance of group. I could tell the students in the audience were tired of the show. Anyone, who went now stood absolutely no chance of winning.

After the fourth student of this hour, I stood up and pulled the chair I was sitting on, onstage.

"Hello, my name is Mark Murray. I'll be playing the song Mercy by Shawn Mendes," I began.

I set my guitar on my lap, and pulled the microphone down to where I could use it. I took a deep breath, remembering how Mrs. Jackson taught me.

I began the song with my guitar and began humming. When I hit the first verse chord I began singing.

"You've got. A hold of me," I sang.

The only people who were paying attention right now were the teachers and the kids with musical experience. When I hit the chorus I caught the majority of the audience. I even woke up a few of the sleeping students!

"Please have mercy on me!"

By the time I finished, there wasn't a single student who wasn't listening to it or wasn't paying attention. When I stopped there was a short pause, and then the sound of applause sounded the auditorium that hadn't been heard since the beginning.

I was shocked. I knew there was other groups after me so I pulled my chair and guitar off the stage. I could feel my hands and legs shaking from excitement, nervousness, and stress. I realized I had made an impact on the audience. I wouldn't realize it until later, but I had accomplished my dream of sharing music with others.

I sat on my chair offstage, as the other participants came over to congratulate me. I shook their hands shakily, and hoped they wouldn't notice how badly I was shaking. This was just the beginning.