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Laughing, I said, “I can’t believe you chose rap.”
“It’ll be great. You’re going to love it.”
“I’ll love anything you do,” I admitted. I really did enjoy Toby’s music. He had such an outgoing friendly confident personality, something I was a little jealous about. And it came out in his music. He pushed himself with every song, putting something on the line—his heart, his story, his existence. I loved that about him.
No doubt, he’d do it again. He’d put something on the line when he performed. I hadn’t had a chance to hear his song yet, but I definitely looked forward to it.
A rapping Toby.
The afternoon didn’t come fast enough. By the time we were to assemble in the auditorium, I was beginning to feel nervous. Not just for me, but for Toby too. He wasn’t just performing for our class but the whole school. It was a different kind of experience and I wasn’t sure if he had that much experience singing on a stage in front of so many strangers.
We gathered at the back of the stage. There were going to be quite a few performances today, not just from our class, but from other classes, clubs, and students who just wanted to show off their talents.
“Cadence!” Hazel came over with her camera.
“Taking yearbook pictures?” I asked.
“You know it.”
She even took a quick picture of me. I barely had enough time to stick my tongue out at her, hoping to ruin it enough that she wouldn’t use it.
Laughing, she lowered her camera. “That’s going to come back and bite you in the ass.”
“I trust you,” I said simply.
Her smile widened. “From you, that’s a huge compliment. Thank you. I need to get going, but good luck. You’re going to ace it.”
“Thanks.” I waved at her as she took off, weaving through the crowd of other performers.
I glanced around, having trouble finding Toby. Needing something to do, I snuck over to the side of the stage area, looking out at the audience. They were slowly filling in.
I spotted Justin, Bryan, and Paxon fairly quickly. They had somehow managed to claim the front row. So did Micah and Lillian. They were all talking to each other, looking excited.
My eyes were suddenly covered. “Guess who,” Toby said.
I nudged him with my elbow. “Careful not to sneak up on me,” I warned. “Justin brought me to a self-defense class. I know moves now.”
“Really?” Toby raised his eyebrows as he smiled down at me. “I’ll have to ask you to teach me then.”
“I have a feeling you already know,” I said.
He chuckled. “True. Justin made us all take at least one class, but it’s been a couple years. You’ll have to give me a refresher course.”
“All right,” a teacher yelled out, getting all our attention. “It’s time to organize this. Gather up and confirm your slots and that you have everything set. Make sure your soundtrack is in and your props are ready to go.”
The teacher continued to give us instructions and then the concert started. The participants gave it their all on the stage. My stomach slowly tightened more and more as my turn came up.
“You look like you’re ready to take on the world,” Toby said.
“Really, because I feel like I’m about to throw up.”
“Really?” That seemed to surprise him. “You look like it’s just another day as usual.”
I gave him a tight smile. “I’ve had a lot of practice.” I swallowed again and reminded myself to breathe through my nose slowly to fight the nausea. “How are you holding up?” I asked.
Poor Toby was looking a little pale and since we were standing, he was completely incapable of staying still.
“I don’t think I’m going to throw up,” he said. “I know I will.”
