Chapter Five: Holiday Talent Show
573 Words
Julia stared at the stage from the back of the auditorium, clutching her notebook like it was a life raft. The annual Brookfield High Holiday Talent Show had always been her personal nightmare. Last year, she had tripped over a microphone cord and knocked over half the props. This year, she promised herself she would survive without disaster.
“Don’t worry,” a familiar voice said at her side. Julia looked up to see Liam, grinning like he owned the place. “I’ve got your back. No falling, no slipping, no chaos.”
Julia snorted. “That’s exactly what I said last year, and look how that turned out.”
“You’re exaggerating,” he teased. “Besides, this year you’ve got something extra.” He nodded at her sweater, and Julia felt the charm pulsing warmly in her pocket
She laughed nervously. “I don’t know if it’s the charm or you, but it’s… comforting”
The show began, and students performed dances, skits, and songs. Julia’s turn came sooner than she expected. Her legs felt like jelly as she stepped onto the stage, notebook in hand. She opened it, only for a gust of wind from the open backstage door to send a pile of papers fluttering across the floor
“Oh no,” Julia whispered, heart sinking
“Here,” Liam said from the side of the stage, scooping up a stack before it scattered. “Don’t worry. You’ve got this”
Julia’s fingers brushed the charm in her pocket. Warmth spread through her hand, calming her racing heart. She took a deep breath and began her performance.
As she spoke, small mishaps happened—a microphone tilted, a prop wobbled—but each time, the charm seemed to nudge things back into place. She realized she was actually… surviving. And more than that, she was enjoying herself
From the wings, Liam watched her with a proud smile, clapping along to her words and gestures. When she caught his eye, Julia felt a little spark in her chest, a mix of nervousness and excitement
By the end of her performance, the audience erupted in applause. Julia bowed, cheeks burning, and practically ran off the stage, only to bump into Liam waiting with a grin
“You did amazing,” he said, brushing imaginary snow from her shoulder. “See? No disasters”
“Maybe I’m… lucky,” Julia admitted, holding the charm in her hand and feeling its warmth. “Or maybe it’s just you”
Liam’s grin softened. “Maybe it’s both”
They walked through the decorated auditorium together, dodging glittery streamers and stray gift wrap, and Julia realized she hadn’t felt this happy in a long time. Between the warmth of the charm, the festive lights, and Liam by her side, the chaos of the holidays didn’t seem so bad anymore
As they stepped outside into the crisp evening air, snowflakes clinging to their scarves, Julia felt a flicker of magic. The charm pulsed once, gently, as if approving of her courage, her laughter, and the little sparks between her and Liam
For the first time that December, Julia wasn’t worried about falling, spilling, or failing. She was too busy feeling alive, hopeful, and maybe even… in love
And as Liam held the door open for her on the walk home, she couldn’t help but think that this might just be the best holiday she’d ever had
- Writer
