“Tell me about it!”Mrs.G said.Then she laughed.“I’ve never seen such a talented bunch of students.That said, we have decided on our winners.We’ve scored every performance for visual style, raw talent, originality, and, of course, stage presence.”
Mr.Holland took the mic after Mrs.G handed it to him.“I wanted to thank everyone for participating this year.Performing is difficult to do in front of an audience.I’d like a round of applause before we announce the winners.”
Mr.Holland’s call got a more vigorous response than the principal’s earlier plea.Even Ry was clapping.After all, Mr.Holland was hot and chill for a teacher.
He handed it back to Ms.Valerie.“And thank you to the generous sponsors of the grand prize this year: Palm Estates Realty, Downtown Hardware and Company, and the Brooks Endowment for the Arts.”
“Yes,” Mrs.G.said.“Please take the programs home to your parents and tell them about the show today.”
After announcing the winners for best dance, best spoken word, best scene/monologue, and best novelty act, they announced the winner for the music category: the jazz band.Each winner walked up and received their award and stood for a few pictures.A bitter taste filled Ry's mouth, a knot forming in his chest.
“And now, the moment you’ve all been patiently waiting for,” Mr.Holland said.“Hit it!”The principal gave a good drumroll.It was awful but funny at the same time.All three teachers drew together, Mr.Holland still holding the mic.Ry sat up, leaning toward the stage.Had they done so well?
“This year’s grand prize winner of the Eagle Talent Show, along with a scholarship of $1000, is—” another dramatic pause.Ry remembered being annoyed at the theatrics last year.But now he held his breath.In a way, the presentation hyped him up more.
“Astro Calamitas!”the three teachers said together.“Congratulations to our winners!Come on up.”
The words echoed in his head.He blinked against the lights, and the heat of the room was close and oppressive.Had he misheard?Yet, his body understood before his mind could catch up, pushing him to his feet.Then Brand and Alex rose, following Ry.Lon stood last and had to hurry.
The teachers and Principal Kincaid smiled at them as they approached.The principal held the trophy and handed it to Ry when he got up on stage.
“Again, congratulations on such a fine show, boys,” the principal said.“You performed fantastically today.”
A flood of heat pulsed through him.He shook hands with each of the judges, flushed.After a moment, the principal positioned them for the pictures, the band’s excitement palpable as they continued to shift from side to side.The photographer for the school newspaper and one for the Portland Mercury took a few pictures.
After the photos and a brief interview with both newspapers, Ry finally came back to himself after they moved off to the side of the auditorium.
“We won,” Ry said.“Yeah!”
“We did,” Lon said, his grin wide.“That scholarship money will help.”
“Indeed,” Brand said.“We rocked!”
“Fuck yeah,” Alex said, smirking.“Well, my job here is done.We are cool now.”
“Or you are super nerdy now,” Ry countered, half-punching Alex in the chest.“Nerd.”
Alex smiled and pulled Ry in for a kiss.“Well, we did it.Next stop, the world!”
“I think Portland might be an easier target,” Brand pointed out, grinning ear-to-ear.
Ry grabbed them in a hug.Did the win mean that they’d need to keep practicing and playing?If it meant having shows like today, Ry was all for it.
As if to answer his thoughts, Lon said, “So, we still wanna play, right?”
“Hell yeah,” Ry said, laughing.“We’ve gotta get a show at a proper venue next.”
“I concur,” Brand said, showing off his SAT vocabulary.
“I’m down,” Alex added.“As long as your mom keeps cooking for us, you know.Gotta eat.”
“You guys are the best.”Lon cheered.“I needed that with all that’s going on.Thank you.”
The rest of the school day went by in a blur, and Ry had never been so popular.Other students he’d barely talked to came up to him and congratulated him on the win.A few choir girls giggled and told him he had a wonderful voice.And the choral teacher said he’d sung well.
After that experience, he craved being on stage again.
CHAPTER 5: PRESENT
