Phil had decided that it was good practice for me if I try singing in front of our neighbors. I agreed, reluctantly. II just DIDN'T like singing in front of people, period. Here I was, shivering in the bathroom, getting "ready". What if I mess up again? Then everybody in the neighborhood will…laugh. They won't think of me the same way again.
I rubbed my eyes to get rid of any tears that were evidence that I was a nervous wreck, but being careful not to smear mascara everywhere. "Okay, Keel. Breathe…you'll do fine." No you won't. That voice inside my head was taunting me. I bit my lip. "Come on, Keely. Get a grip. Don't cry…don't be a baby." I sniffled and attempted to get a hold of myself. Soon, I figured I was ready and I came out. I peeked out of the "Club Diffy" curtains and looked at the people. Were there more people that I remembered? It sure seemed like it.
I closed them back and felt a foot tall again. Phil came up to me, looking as handsome as ever clad in that black jacket I loved.
"Too many people…" I mumbled.
Phil tried to comfort me. "Come on, they're all your friends, your neighbors. They want you to succeed." I felt a bit better. Pim's irritated voice rang through the room a second later.
"Could we PLEASE get this over with?" The fear returned.
He smiled at me nervously. "Well, most of them do. Look, all you need is a little confidence. One good performance, and you're off to the races!" He grabbed my hands and I felt lightheaded at his touch. (AN: Well, at least I think that's what they did! LOL! Let's not ruin the perfect Pheely moment!) "Ready?"
I grinned. "Ready." Phil left to introduce me and I tried to shake my worries away. Phil believed in me, and I felt that was all that mattered.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Club Diffy is pleased to present, the pride of Pickford, Miss Keely Teslow!" He ran off to the side where he waved a flashlight in my direction as if it were a spotlight. People were clapping. At least that was a positive thing.
I stepped out cautiously, and soon felt the audience's eyes bore into me. I couldn't do it.
"T-too many people." I said dumbly. I looked over to Phil, who put down the flashlight and ran to my side.
"Um, ladies and gentlemen, I just remembered that the fire marshal said we were a little overcrowded tonight. If we could have some volunteers too…"
"I'm outskys." That was Pim, of course. She got up and left immediately. Most of the people got up and left too. A small part of me was relieved. I stepped back up to the microphone, seeing if I could sing this time.
Seeing Mrs. Diffy's expectant facial expression, I felt pressured. The only thing I could say was, "Too many people." Once again, I stepped back from the microphone and let Phil take over. Well, that was embarrassing. I felt like crying.
"Uh, mom? Dad?" Mrs. Diffy seemed to understand.
"But it's my house!" Mr. Diffy complained.
"Come on, sweetheart. This is for Keely." She took his hand and dragged him out.
"Good night." Phil stepped back. In a few moments, everybody except Phil was gone. The weight was immediately lifted off my shoulders. I sang, feeling the passion within the song.
"Oh my gosh! That felt awesome!" I exclaimed as soon as I finished. "And I owe it all to you, Phil."
"Keely, I'm the only one here. I don't know if you've gotten over your stage fright."
"I just realized something amazing! I'm totally comfortable singing to you." Wait, did I just say that out loud?
"Yeah, but the problem is at the finals, it's not gonna be only me." True.
"But as long as I just focus on you, I'll be able to bring home the trophy!" I screeched. This would work, right?