The Opening Act
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Prep Time ……………………………………………….……… 2
“That was amazing…
Chapter 2: The Big Night …………………………………………………. 4
It was Saturday, July 15th, the…
Chapter 3: Show Time …………………………………………………….. 7
“You ready, hon?”…
Chapter 1: Prep Time
“That was amazing, Sammie. You’ll do great. I’ll even be there to make sure,” said my boyfriend, Damian Montorro. He kissed me on the cheek and pushed back a loose strand of blonde hair that fell out of my sloppy bun.
It was a week before the opening act at The Max. That’s where everyone goes to hear local singers/songwriters. This is my first gig (couldn’t you tell?) and I’m super excited. It’s not like I’ll get stage fright or anything because I’m always in talent shows and plays at school, so just cross that off the list.
My four best friends, Jenna, Marley, Charlie and Amber, my mom and my sister Jessie were gonna be there, too. So at least I knew some of the people there in the crowd. But, there was one person I was really depending on. And that was Damian. He was my rock, my anchor, my home plate. I needed him. That’s why I’m really thankful he’s coming to cheer me on. I can already picture him in the front row saying and encouraging the crowd to join in his chant, “Sammie, Sammie, Sammie…” I’m really looking forward to my performance.
I’m a singer/songwriter, and I hope that someday, I’ll be able to become a professional. The song I wrote for opening act was called “Be Worth It”. It has a really good tune. Not all pop and dance, but it has like, a soft pop/rock sound to it. I think everyone’ll like it.
The manager of The Max said I’ll be performing on July 15th, Saturday night at 8. He said a few people in the crowd would be managers, so make tonight good. I’m super hyped.
The only thing I have to worry about is Mom. Mom is the kind of mother that is super embarrassing. I’m talking the level of baby photo albums that all your friends have seen and memorized (thanks, Mom), the old toys and baby clothes all stored in the attic (sorry, Salvation Army/Goodwill), and she also is the mom who is cheering the loudest at soccer games.
So, basically, having Mom there could go either way. Just saying. But, even with all those hovering imperfections my mom has, it’s still pretty great to have her. I mean, at least I know more than anything, Mom loves me. I’m not saying the moms that are workaholics don’t love their children as much, but that they kinda don’t show their children the extent of their love. That leads to the kids who are all sad and lonely or, the opposite, total bad kids who break all the rules, who have weird colored hair and so many piercings, it’s hard to count.
I’m so glad I’m not one of those girls. I’m just a regular honey blonde, blue-eyed, 5’5, acne free, tan, music/nature fanatic, first-class geek. Seems pretty normal and ordinary to me, I guess. I don’t think Mom’s the type to take care of children like the ones I listed above. She may be strong, but not that strong. But, either way, I still love Mom. Though, I’m still kinda worried she’ll go overboard
Chapter 2: The Big Night
It was Saturday, July 15th, the night of my performance. Still, I’m not having stage fright. A good sign that tonight was gonna be great.
“You know, no one goes through big ‘stuff’ like this without a little drama,” says my bestie Charlie.
“Yeah. Thanks. That really boosts my confidence, Charlie.” I said, with sarcasm laced through every word, followed by a sigh.
“Sorry,” she replied, looking sheepish. Amber put her hand on my shoulder, always everyone’s backup.
“You’ll still do great tonight,” she paused to give a meaningful glance at the still sheepish Charlie, “with or without the drama.” I nodded in agreement. “And besides, with Damian here, nothing can go wrong. And before a whole bunch of things pop into your mind to make my statement wrong,” she added quickly, “know that all of us will be here to support you, babe.” She finished.
I hugged her tightly, and motioned for Charlie, Jenna and Marley to join in as well. “Thanks, guys. I’m really glad you’re all here to support me. You know I love you guys.” I told them, getting all sappy on them.
“Yeah, well, you know we love you too, as long as you stop calling us ‘guys’,” said Jenna. We all laughed and walked inside The Max for my show, 3 hours early, and headed for my assigned room to get ready in.
“Ooh, cool. Your very own dressing room. Classy, Samantha,” said Jenna.
We looked around the room that was furnished with a mini-fridge, 1 floor lamp and 2 table lamps, flanking the long sofa, the kind you see in those therapeutic shows, where they try to get you to spill your guts. There was also what looked like a real sheep-skin rug on the floor. I was against animal cruelty. I shuddered at what the sheep had to endure.
“Okay, Sammie, I know that face and before you say anything, we’re keeping the room, and the sofa.” said Marley, already stretching out on the long sofa, after taking off her fake leather cherry red pumps, careful not to mess up the smooth material of the sofa. “You could just, ya know, take it out.” She said simply.
“You always find the simplest conclusions, Marley.” I told her.
“Like my IPhone,” quipped in Charlie.
“Like my garage door,” added Amber.
“Like my math homework,” cheerfully added Jenna. We all laughed at that.
“You mean, like all of our math homeworks,” I revised her statement, still giggling. Jenna nodded.
After things calmed down for a bit and my pitch was perfectundo, Mom came in for a while with some frozen yogurt from our favorite spot. “I’ll just be outside talking on the phone with your Aunt Lindsey.” She said before heading out again.
There was only half an hour before the show and they already had people coming in and sound checks were complete. There was no sign of Damian, but Amber assured he’d be here and that he just might be getting some last minute things done, he is quarterback of the school football team and all.
Then another fear hit me.
“Do you think they’ll like me?” I asked Amber.
“They’ll be idiots if they don’t, for one. Jenna would threaten to torture them all with her singing and lock the doors and windows, for two.” She said, sticking out fingers as she counted, “And third, you’re an amazing singer and they came to hear you, didn’t they?” she said, sounding so brave and sure of herself. Well, she didn’t have a crowd waiting to judge her, now did she. I nodded to myself and went back to scoping out all that could go wrong tonight.
Soon enough, the manager came out and told me it was time to go on. Here we go, I thought as we all shuffled out the door and to the stage.
Chapter 3: Show Time
“You ready, hon?” asked Mom as we left the dressing room. I really needed to get past this lump in my throat, so I had to force the words out.
“Yup. I’m going to be fine.” I managed to get out.
“That’s right, Samantha. You’ll be just-” she abruptly stopped in the middle of her sentence and looked around us at each of our faces.
“What is it, Mom?” I asked, suddenly worried. Then I noticed someone was missing as the biggest lump-in-the-throat ever had possessed me. “Where’s Damian?” I said in a small, but still noticeably freaking out voice.
We all looked around once and no one had an answer. I looked to Amber and a depressed/frustrated look crossed her face. The manager stopped and tur
ned around noticing that we stopped following him. “Is there a problem?” he asked, sounding frustrated himself. I didn’t blame him.
“No, no.” Mom said before I could say anything, and started shoving my to the stage.
“Bu-” but before I could finish the sentence, the announcer’s voice came through the speakers we were standing beside.
“Now introducing, Samantha Burns for the opening act!” the announcer said to the crowd. The crowd cheered. Of course, it was only a courtesy cheer. I wasn't the one they came to hear. I was preparing the crowd for the pros.
I walked on stage after my too eager mom practically shoved me up there and faced the crowd. I looked around eagerly, searching for my boyfriend’s face. Maybe he forgot he was allowed backstage, or they wouldn’t let him in. Then I noticed the announcer looked eagerly at me and so did the crowd.
I walked up to the mic and began, shakily, “Um, tonight, I’ma sing a song, I ma-, uh, wrote, called “Be Worth It”.” I finally managed to get out.
I did one last glance at the crowd of unfamiliar faces. Then I made my decision.
I didn’t need someone to be my rock, my core, my home plate or whatever crap. It was stupid to put all this faith in one guy. I shouldn’t be depending and relying on one guy soo much. And for what? No reason. I mean, he’s a super-cute quarterback, for crying out loud. I mean, we definitely aren’t good for long-distance relationships and we aren’t going to the same college, so why delay the inevitable?
As soon as we see each other again, no matter what his reason for not being here tonight, I’m breaking up with him. And not just because of tonight, but because of every missed birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, you name it. I’m tired of being the responsible one, making all the decisions. It ends.
With my lump gone, I started to sing. I did every note perfect. All my pitches were just right. And it was amazing, exhilarating, even. I loved every second of it. And when it ended, I couldn’t wait to sing again. The crowd cheered and I smiled. Knowing exactly what I wanted to be “when I grew up”.
After everyone congratulated me, I couldn’t help but give Charlie a smooch on the cheek.
“What was that for?” she asked, befuddled.
“You were right. No big thing happens without it’s very own specialized drama.”
“Wow. I never knew you’d ever give me the chance to say this but,” she paused, “told you so!” Mom and my friends all laughed as I fumed and stomped off as they caught up with me still giggling. I knew these guys would always be there for me. They’re my family by choice, and I know just how much they love me being that they can divorce me, without being lazy or spending any money, and are there with me, forever, just because.
The End