They Are Not Ordinary

CHAPTER 43

ASHTER STARR

Today was the day.

The day I will perform in front of god knows how many people and including my parents. You can imagine how nervous I was. I awoke with butterflies in my stomach and not the good kind. I was dreading it all week and especially last night. I wasn't necessarily nervous about forgetting the script because I already memorized them and I know deep down in my heart I won't forget it. I was mostly nervous having so many people watching me that made my nerves build up. If I f****d up, not only it would be embarrassing but it would ruin all of Leo and the drama team's hard work. On top of that, it would be horrible to drag Leo down with me.

My friends already told me that this is no different from when I play inside the court because tons of people are watching me, they told me that I don't have to be nervous. Well I argued with them that there was a huge difference, in volleyball I don't have to speak and act, and things were always unexpected and I don't care if I am sweaty and all because no one would care. For the play, I have to speak the right words with the right expression and emotion according to the script without f*****g it up because it would ruin all of our efforts and I have to look good in every scene. Not to mention the whole room is going to be packed with the whole school. THE WHOLE SCHOOL. so that is very nerve-wracking.

I breathed put a nervous breath as I got out of my parents' car. They wanted to take me out to eat this morning as a small celebration. I actually protested but my mom really insisted so I can't argue with that. I am not really in the mood but I have no choice. So here we are in a restaurant just hours before the show started.

After we order I sat there all gloomily as I played with my fork. My parents talked among themselves since they realized I wasn't in the mood to talk.

It's not that I wasn't happy they were supporting me and taking me out to breakfast. It's just I really missed Damien a lot and today was marked as one month without him. Not knowing if he is alright or hurt or anything for that matter makes it harder. I know he already gave me a letter to stop waiting for him, but I just can't help it. I can't stop thinking about him and I hated that because it's like I'm waiting for the black crow to turn into white. I'm really hopeless.

Why do I have to think about him this exact day?

Ugh, I'm hopeless...

"Ashter?" I finally heard my mom's voice. I snapped my head up realizing I had zoned out. She looked at me worriedly. "Are you alright sweetheart?"

"Yeah mom, I was just thinking." I waved her off.

"If it's about your play, don't be nervous. I know that you will do amazing" She smiled putting an assuring hand on top of mine. I softly smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, mom," I said. Honestly, I love mom but I don't really want to talk about the show right now.

"Here is your food" I heard the server say as he set out plates down. I was mentally thanking her and I saw my mom was about to ask a million questions.

We chatted along as we ate. I would respond here and there casually. Not wanting to be rude. After all my parents took a day off in their work for this. For me. Which they don't do often. Their lives basically revolve around their work. Although that sounds unhealthy they do love what they do. Even though it does get lonely a lot.

"Alright, you ready to go?" My dad asked looking over at me and my half-eaten plate. I nodded and stood up from my chair.

We drove home to pick some of my essential things. I'm glad I don't have to bring tons of things because my outfit and my makeover were getting taken care of by the makeup team.

"Sweetheart, it's almost time, are you ready?" I heard my mom call from downstairs. I checked the time and it was indeed almost time. I only have 30 minutes to dress up at school before the show starts. I grunted miserably.

"Yea, I'll be right down!" I called back. So after I picked up my things we leave to go to school because we don't have much time since I have to prepare and get dressed at school.

I felt a buzz in my pocket which came from my phone. Signaling I had a message.

Leo: Are you nervous? Because I am. :D

Message delivered.

: Me too, I am super nervous like hell. :/

Message sent.

I ran my hand through my hair as I tapped my fingers through my legs. Trying to get my mind off everything for a while. I soon felt a buzz again causing me to look down at my phone.

Leo: Well regardless of my nervousness I am also excited. I hope you are as well. My family is also here too btw! :)

Message delivered.

: Yes, I am excited too. That's cool my parents are here too. can't wait to meet them.

Message sent.

Of course, I wasn't really excited. I mean I was happy we were performing the play I picked which made it better but my nerves were getting to me. Which is pissing me off since I wasn't someone to let my nerves get the best of me often because I was always confident. But that was before I guess...

By the time we got to school, the parking lot was already packed. Making me mentally groan.

Why did so many people come?

I mentally complained.

My nerves started racking up again and I felt my palms get sweaty. I rubbed them on my legs, getting the sweat off.

After a long time of searching, we finally found a parking spot and parked. We were all relieved since we didn't think we would ever find one. We went out of the car and made out way inside.

When we entered there are two signs that had arrows pointing the opposite way of each other. The one on top says audiences go to the left and on the bottom says performers to the right.

I looked at my parents knowing this is where we parted. My mom of course started getting all emotional.

"Sweetheart, I know you will be absolutely wonderful out there later. Try not to get nervous too much okay? We are so proud of you Ashter" She hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead before she pulled away. My dad gave me a quick motivation talk and finally letting me go once I insisted I had to go.

I followed the signs and finally came to a person holding a clipboard looking around with a big smile on her face. I have never seen that face around before. maybe she is the event organizer. god, I wish I was excited like her.

"Uhh... miss excuse me?" I asked politely, gaining her attention. When she looked at me and nodded so I asked my question. "I was wondering where am I supposed to go?"

"What is your name honey?" She asked, looking at her clipboard.

"Ashter, Ashter Starr"

"Oh right, your changing room is in section C, room 15. your partner is in the B section, room 17" She informed while pointing towards it.

"Okay thank you." I followed the directions she told me and I finally saw room number 15 with my name on it printed on some metal. Damn, I didn't know they would put this much effort. It felt really cool as I had my own dressing room.

I walked in and it wasn't huge, it was quite small but I didn't complain. I was honestly happy I have my own dressing room. It was all that I needed.

I placed my bag on the chair and then my phone started to vibrate. I grabbed it and noticed I had 6 messages from Leo...

Delivered (6) -

Leo: My parents are excited to meet you!

Leo: Well let me warn you, they are weird but they are fun I promise.

Leo: Anyway, I'm feeling a lot nervous than before...

Leo: Finally we are going to perform our play... I can't really believe it.

Leo: I just got here by the way... Are you already here?

Leo: Helloo...? Are you still there...?

I quickly replied before throwing my phone back into my bag. In almost a second I got another buzz but I decided to ignore it since I knew it was just Leo. I wanted to look around first. I couldn't just spend my time texting him.

I looked around there was a medium-size desk on the wall with three mirrors, one in the middle, and connected to it was two on the right and left side.

On the other side of the room, I saw some dresses and on the desk, there are full sets of make-up.

What am I supposed to fix myself? I thought someone is going to take care of it?

My thoughts were answered when there was a knock on the door.

"Ashter? Open up! this is the makeup team"

I opened the door and saw three familiar faces from the drama club which is our seniors. I gave them a small smile and move to the side to let them in. After that, the three of them started to help me. The one was putting make-up on my face, the other one is getting my hair done and lastly the other on waiting for me to finish my make-up so she can dress me.

After 20 minutes my makeover was done, I looked at myself in the mirror and I was absolutely stunned at their make-over. I really looked like Cleopatra, well not the face but at how I was dressed. My hair is drawn back in braids and coiled in a bun at the base of my skull. Over my shoulders, I wear a mantle, covering my gown. And a discreet earring hangs from my earlobe, and around my neck is a string of pearls. It was just like the picture they showed me a month ago, they really made a perfect replication of it.

Damn, I am really impressed by the drama club. They really put all of their efforts. I'm glad I am a part of this.

"Thank you guys, you really are amazing," I told them appreciatively which caused them to smile.

"Welcome Ashter, that really means a lot to us, we are glad you like it," They said "So we are going to leave now we still need to do a make-over for Leo goodbye!"

With that, they left the room. After they left I rummaged through my bag and retrieve the script so I can practice for a bit while waiting for the show to start.

After a few minutes I heard a knock on my door and I froze as I stopped my actions.

"Hello, sorry to interrupt but I just want to inform you that it's 15 minutes until the show begins" A female voice was muffled by the door, said.

"Okay, thank you!" I called back and not a second after I heard the footsteps disappearing.

I sighed as my nervousness was getting back again geez. I put everything away gently and out of a sudden, I felt another presence in the room.

"You look absolutely stunning" I know that voice... I closed my eyes maybe I was just hallucinating.

I turned around and jumped, dropping my things. My whole face was shocked as I saw him standing there.

"Damien" I gasped...