The Choosing Game

Talent Show

Two days, two freaking day! That is all i have left, all my procrastination has led me to just two days . Everybody was sorted out except for me, and i still wasn't freaking out as much as i should be. I guess it’s because everyone else is doing it on my behalf.

"I have heard you playing the piano once you know, and you are amazing at it" Emily said.

So, an intervention was held on my behalf by Emily, Anna, Jason, Luke, Eric and Alex. HA! The whole thing seemed like a joke to me. i knew i was going to loose so whats the point? Emily practiced her classical ballet dance day and night and she was amazing at it. To be completely honest it kind of intimidated me.

"Nah, i heard Amy is doing that"i said nonchalantly.

"But i bet you are better" Anna chipped in, trying to convince me.

"Fat chance" i said with a loud snort.

"How about you kick box? i have spared with you and you aren't that bad" Luke chimed in trying to mock me.

I chucked the pillow i was holding at him “not that bad?! You wish! I kicked your ass” i said smirking.

"Come on, Lilly be serious. You don't have time. are you trying to get eliminated?” Anna whined. God these people can be so annoying. If i was trying to get eliminated, i would not be at this godforsaken intervention right now.

“You are a ballerina that plays four instruments, you can play and dance in a one man band for all we care but for the love of God, choose one!” Eric said shaking my shoulders playfully.

Alex lounged on his chair, saying nothing. He only looked at us talking. I guess it is because he has spoken a thousand times to me about it and now he has decide to let them do the talking, which is a pretty wise choice if you ask me.

“She could kick Ruby’s ass again” Jason said out of nowhere “for the talent show i mean. The crowd would love it. Nothing says queen more than a fighter” he clarified.

Anna giggled at that. “Sure enough nothing says queen like a short and talentless aggressive blond” i said rolling my eyes and he raised his hands up in surrender.

“You are impossible!” Emily said, sounding frustrated. “You can out do any of these girls in a heartbeat yet you sit here doubting everything we all know” she added.

I chortled sarcastically at her “you are one of ‘those girls’ and frankly i know i can never be as good a dancer as you are so what is the point?” I asked seriously.

“Why do you have to be so difficult?” She asked with an exasperated sigh, even she knew i was telling the truth.

"Guys don't worry, i will figure something out."I said trying to be positive even though i knew i was screwed.

................................................

The day of the talent show was finally here and i felt like i was going to choke on my own nerves and die. I finally figured what i wanted to do and got a last minute coach yesterday, so we spent all day practicing and this morning too.

The show starts at seven in the evening and it was already five o'clock, i made my way back to my room to start getting ready. I had to pick a dress and shoes to take with me to the dressing room i was assigned to, and guess what? i still have nothing in mind.

If mom was here she would have smacked me in the head already. She did call me earlier to say she hoped i was prepared and she would be watching on tv. I lied straight through my teeth and said that everything was under control but i knew i was domed.

I entered my room and i saw something out of place, that didn't belong there. It was beautiful. It was a blue knee length dress with butterfly embroidery all over it. i moved closer to it with caution not quite believing my eyes. i put my hand out and felt the silky fabric and the intricate design. There was a note attached to it, i pulled it off and unfolded the card. The fine calligraphy and the musky scent on the card gave it away.,

My dear procrastinating, indecisive lady, the moment i laid eyes on this beautiful masterpiece, i thought of your exquisitely beautiful face and those sparkling sapphire eyes that i can't seem to get out of my mind. I have all the faith in the world that you are going to steal the heart of the crowd just as you did mine.

Yours' truly Alexaviar.

I think my heart is going to explode in my chest. Oh my.. I stood there for some minutes dazed. I finally gathered myself and started packing, i brought out a pair silver Manolo blahnik shoes, some jewelry to go with it, got the dress off the hanger, placed it carefully in a little trolley box and heed to the show.

I got to the dressing room assigned to me and met with my makeup artist Joey who was even more excited about the beautiful blue dress than i was, he reminded me so much of Carlos. I found out that i was scheduled to go last, since i entered my talent last. Frankly it made me nervous and relieved at the same time.

My coach was a thirty eight year old violinist named Ronny. she came into my dressing room and spoke to me for a bit before i stated getting ready.

Joey stood in front of me pondering over what to do with me “so pretty.” He mused loudly, he gave me this soft look that popped my facial features more and a lovely pull up hairdo so it doesn’t get tangled in the violin.

The show started, i put on a robe and came backstage to watch the other girls on the screen. Amy went on first, she got a worthy introduction by the master of ceremony, she played the piano beautifully it made me thank God i didn't choose the same thing. she had a loud applause from a satisfied audience.

Emily was up next. I wished her good luck as she made her way to the stage. She was wearing a black swan dress with her hair in a tight bun, she looked really pretty. She went out there after her glowing introduction and danced like a true swan. At the end of her performance she had a standing ovation, it was tremendous.

Ruby played the Cello and Sasha did some acrobatic dance i didn't quite understand.

it was now my turn and to say i was nervous would be an understatement. i got dressed and went to face the music.

Alex's POV:

The talent show is today and I feel so nervous for Lilly. God that girl can be so unserious at times. I talked to her for a whole week about choosing a talent but never took anything i said seriously. I wasn’t sure if she was trying to get eliminated or not.

I spoke to her best friend Shopia about it, i expressed my worry but she calmed me down a bit. “That girl is the biggest procrastinator you will ever meet but i will tell you one thing, she hates the thought of being looked down on and she is a perfectionist. She would never let the whole of Arindele and the world think she is not good enough even if it is what she has been saying since the beginning of time”

That put my heart a bit at ease. When Anna and Emily told me they were putting together an intervention for, i only laughed. I was only in attendance but i did not speak a word. I knew she would do what she felt she was best at despite our suggestions.

I saw this beautiful dress at a designer’s auction with Anna, the dress reminded me of her gorgeous eyes and I decided to express my feelings through the gift. I kept it simple hoping it did not freak her out. She was easily spoked by such things and i was careful about that.

The show finally started. I have to say my mother really outdid herself. The placed was packed with guest and dignitaries. My seat with reserved in the front row with my family and some important people. I really hope they like Lilly, i was really holding my breath.

Amy was the first that went on and the crowd seemed pleased by her piano performance even though they were more taken by Emily's classical dance moves. It was beautiful and gracious. Ruby played the cello really well and Sasha did some sort of acrobatics.

Sasha’s performance was strange, to say the least but her father who was seated right beside mine seemed so proud. The man is under the notion that his daughter will be queen soon, i did not know how he would take it after she gets eliminated. Sasha is my childhood friend and i liked who she was then but who is now is a shell of her parent’s expectations and is not in the criteria for being queen. I just hoped she and her parents do not take it very personal when she gets sent home.

Last but not the least, Lilliana was about to go on.

The MC gave her a glowing introduction, “up next, kings and queens, princes and princess, ladies and lords we have Lady Lilliana Marie Jackson. Daughter of the Duke Barnard Jackson and the Duchess Claire Jackson of Elma. Lady Lilliana is from a long lineage of true nobles dating back to the 1800’s. She is a medical student with a first class in anatomy, has several notable charities in Elma..” he went on and on and i was on the edge of my seat waiting for her to come out and do something, anything.

Finally, she came out with a violin in her hand and she was wearing my gift. I felt a smile creep onto my face as i saw her. I felt Luke nudge me but i ignored him. Wow! She looked exquisite. So that was what she finally settled for, a violin? She must be great at it hearing how much of a perfectionist she is.

She came to the microphone and stood. She positioned the violin in the crock of her neck and took a deep breath. I could tell she was nervous even though she's trying really hard to mask it.

She started playing a soft melody on the strings of her instrument swaying softly from side to side. Then most angelic voice started singing..

"Come up to meet you

Tell you I'm sorry

You Don't know how lovely you are..

I had to find you

Tell you I need you

Tell you I set you apart "

My heart stopped and the kicked started it self as I listened to the innocent yet meaningful words of the song. I was not sure if it was even real or it was only a figment of my imagination but whatever the case is i didn't want her to ever stop singing. I had no idea she had this much talent.

"Nobody said it was easy

It's such shame for us to part

Nobody said it was easy

No one ever said it would be this hard

Oh, take me back to start.."

As she finished that final note, the crowd stood up and applauded her louder than they have since the show started.

I was still in a trance and I never wanted to ever come out of it. As she took a bow and walked off the stage I confirmed something that I had a suspicion that..,

I AM IN LOVE WITH LILLIANA MARIE JACKSON