After dinner, Maggie, Shawn and I all helped with the clean up and take down while my parents retired to their bedroom.

"Good birthday Bethy?" Shawn asked.

"The best." I smiled.

"How's school going?" Maggie questioned. "Any cute guys?" Maggie was already on her third year of college, Shawn his first.

"School is good, I like all my teachers and my classes are easy, as for boys, none of the boys at school are worth my time."

"Don't worry Bethy. You're still young and beautiful, and you might even meet someone at the festival Friday night." My sister winked. "Now you go on up to bed, we've got this."

I kissed and hugged my siblings good night and made my way back to my bedroom. As I slipped out of the day's outfit and into my cotton sleep shorts and t-shirt, I thought about my performance, I hadn't actually played for a real crowd, just at church and for my family. But playing on an actual stage in front of the whole town had my stomach in knots. I laid in my bed and quickly drifted off into a dreamless sleep.


It was Friday and tonight was the first night of the annual flower festival. I was already excited, Sasha and I had plans to go but we had to get through school first. Picking out my outfit for school was always the hardest, I always wanted to look good but most of the time I just wanted to wear sweats and a hoodie. But today it was relatively easy, I decided on my dark blue jean shorts, cowboy boots, and my new teal colored ruffle tank top.

After getting dressed, I applied some chap stick and mascara, and decided to leave my hair down. I quickly made my way down stairs grabbing a granola bar and said my goodbyes and literally ran to my truck.

I had text Sasha the night before telling her we needed to go shopping to find me the perfect outfit to perform in. And it just so happened that today was a short day at school which meant we got out at 12:30 because at 3 they were closing main street for the flower floats and then the festival would begin.


When I got to school I met up with Sasha in front of my locker. She was wearing her Senoia High School cheer leading uniform and looked absolutely amazing, she's been the captain all four years and she's even riding on one of the floats.

"Hey girl!" she said as she pulled me in for a hug. "You excited for tonight?"

"Yes. No. I don't know. I'm so nervous, what if I choke? Or worse what if I throw up?" I was already freaking myself out.

"You will do fine! Your voice is amazing and who knows you might even find your future husband." She winked causing me to giggle.

"You sound like Maggie. But I don't know if I'll find Mr. Right. I mean you have Bob and Maggie has Glenn." Sasha smiled and draped her arm over my shoulders leading me to the nearest planter to sit on.

"Yes, I do have Bob, but remember it took a lot of dating around to finally meet him and how many boyfriends has Maggie had over the years and how long did it take her to find Glenn?" She sighed. "You never know what'll happen." She squeezed my shoulder.

"I guess you're right, but guys don't exactly line up to talk to me. I've had one boyfriend and I'm not even sure it counts cause Jimmy and I barely even kissed." Just then the bell rang and Sasha and I both stood. "Meet me by my truck and we'll go shopping right after school."

"Kay, see ya!" she called throwing a wave over her shoulder as she walked the opposite direction.

My classes went by fast, everyone told me they were excited for my performance tonight, which gave me the jitters. My music teacher promised extra credit, which I didn't really need but would gladly accept. When I got out to my truck Sasha was waiting for me as promised.

"Hey." I said as I unlocked both doors, climbing in I quickly started it and flipped on the air, waiting a few minutes for it to turn on, Sasha and I made our decent to the nearest clothing store.

"So what are you singing tonight?" Sasha asked.

"Well I've only got time for two songs so I thought I'd start out with a Tom Waits song and then go to Be Good." I said turning into the parking lot.

"Oooh. Good choices!" she squealed as we both hopped out of the truck and walked into the store. " I was thinking you should wear your boots and maybe a dress."

"Good idea." I said as we walked to the dress isle.

"Hey girls! Can I help you with anything?" asked Carol, the owner and a close friend of my mothers. She was beautiful with her short cropped gray hair and shapely figure. Her daughter Sophia was a couple years younger than I so I babysat quite often.

"Hey Carol!" I said giving the older woman a hug. " We're just looking for an outfit for tonight. I'm performing at 6. Are you and Sophia gonna come?"

"Of course! Your momma has been bragging about you singing at the festival for weeks now!" she gushed causing me to blush " You girls are in luck, I just got a new shipment of dresses and there are a few that would complement your skin tone perfectly!" Carol quickly went to the back of the store returning with two dresses, a pale pink high –low and a baby blue dress that stopped at the knee.

"Carol these are perfect but which one should I get?"

"Both. Consider it a birthday gift." She winked. "Y'all better hurry up if you're gonna make it to the float ceremony.