Rip opened the show, welcoming everyone and introducing the first act, a kid with wild multi-coloured hair who did a stand-up routine that had the audience roaring. He was followed by a magic act. Then some younger kids who needed to be herded into a group but once they were in order they pulled off a spectacular choir performance. From her spot, she sees just behind the curtain to stage left. She kept catching glimpses of the other performers taking peeks at the persons on stage. She saw Jax and Wally half climbing on Ray and Nate to see the stage more entertaining than the kid currently juggling. More than once Sara appeared in the wings, eagerly taking in the performances. It seemed every time she did, she'd glance in Ava's direction. Ava dismissed the idea, knowing she had to be looking at Laurel, who was right next to her.
At one point, when Kara and Barry on stage, in the middle of killing their routine when Laurel nudged Ava. Ava looked at her, confused. Laurel pointed to the side of the stage. Following the direction, Ava saw Sara standing in the wings. She pointed at Ava and mimicked playing the violin. Ava felt like a stone dropped into her stomach. She shook her head no. Sara frowned and clasped her hands together.
Gideon leaned over, "Sara's up next and they're the last performance for the night. But there's still time if you want to,"
"I can't. I don't have anything prepared,"
Gideon gave her a look. They both knew she had a dozen or so pieces she could play off the top of her head. But Gideon, mercifully simply nodded, "Alright,"
There was a pit in Ava's stomach. She wanted to laugh at the fact she'd entertained the idea that she could perform tonight. Everyone else had been practising for weeks, giving it their all. She couldn't share that stage with them and half-ass a performance. It would be an insult to them. Even the youngest kids who'd performed tonight had been practising. She felt like a sham.
Kara and Barry finished their performance, nailing the big ending that had given them trouble when they were practising. Rip saw them off and then introduced the Legends to the stage. They strutted out onto the stage to a round of applause. Nate blew a few kisses into the crowd and Zari pushed him into place when she thought he was taking too long.
Ava had seen this cerography several times at this point, but there was still something about seeing it on stage with the spotlights on the Legends. They really were an impressive group. They made their movements look effortless, but the fact that Ava knew how many hours went into them made her all the more awestruck by their grace.
Wally and Sara especially seemed to be glowing in the centre of the stage. Their energy was radiating into the crowd. When they pulled off their flips, Barry watching from the side of the stage whooped and jumped into the air. He also stumbled as he landed and fell. It was hard to say if he was visible to the crowd, but Kara and another kid grabbed his feet and pulled back.
Gideon and Laurel stood on either side of her as the dance finished, clapping. Laurel whistled calling out, "Yeah Sara!"
Ava followed their lead, standing up to clap as the rest of the crowd did.
Rip came back onto the stage, "Let's give it up one more time for our Legends," He said into the mic.
The Legends took each other's hands, bowing together.
"And let's give another astounding round of applause for all our performers tonight," He held out his hands, beckoning the kids from backstage. They flooded out onto the stage. Jax, Kara and Barry barrelled into Ray and Nate, putting their arms around one another.
"These kids are all so talented. We're blessed to be able to help nurture their talents Star City Glades' Youth and Performance Center. We want to thank you all for coming this evening to share this night with us. We here at the center strive to do our best so these lovely people right here," He says looking at the kids on the stage with him, "can do their best. And we couldn't do that without the backing of you, their family, friends and community. Please, remember any bit of support that you can give will help us. Our donation boxes are by the doors, so please, every little bit helps. I want to thank you all for being here with us. Have a good evening," He gave a short bow and promptly got stamped in hugs from kids on stage, the Legends among them.
Gideon vanished moments after Rip closed the show, probably to help serve the refreshments. Ava didn't even get the chance to ask if she wanted help. She was left standing there with Laurel. She cleared her throat, trying to break the awkward tension, "Do you want to do get one of those snack plates?"
"In a moment," Laurel said, "I want to wait for Sara,"
"Right," Ava dragged her foot, debating if she should go on her own, or if she should wait too.
Before she could make a decision someone approached them, giving a small smile to Laurel. Ava didn't miss the way Laurel froze for a second.
"Laur, how have you been?" He asked.
"I've been good. How are you?"
"Good. Good. The new place treating you alright?"
"Yeah," She nodded.
Ava really wished she wasn't in earshot for this conversation, whatever it was. She pulled her out, pretending to check on her notifications.
"Dad!" It was Sara's voice that broke the tension and she appeared, hugging the man tightly. Both Laurel and the man, who Ava now knew was Sara's dad relaxed in Sara presence.
"Hey, babygirl,"
"You made it!"
"Yeah. I'm sorry I could catch the whole show. I got permission to slip away for a half an hour. You looked great baby,"
A faint blush appeared on Sara's cheeks, "Thanks dad,'
He kissed her forehead, "I'm so proud of you,"
Sara smiled with pride as she pulled away. Her attention turned Laurel. "What did you think?"
"Are the Legends ever not perfectly in sync?" She teased.
"All the time," Sara laughed, hugging her next, "We just pull it together when it really counts,"
"You always shine when you dance Sara,"
"Oh!" Sara noticed Ava trying to edge away just then, "Aves, hold up for a moment. Come meet my dad,"
"I- uh," Ava gestured vaguely over her shoulder but Sara grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, "Dad. Ava. Ava this is my dad, Detective Quinten Lance,"
He held his hand, "So you're Ava," He said with a smile, "Your name is pretty famous in my house,"
Ava tried not to think too much about the fact Sara's dad and sister had heard about her before.
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Lance,"
"Uh, Mr. Lance makes me sound old. You can call me Quinten,"
"Dad, I'm sorry to break this news to you, but you're old," Sara nudged him.
"What are you talking about? Your forties are the new twenty-five,"
A radio on his hip crackled and Sara's face fell. "Already?"
"Sorry, babygirl. You're staying at Amaya's tonight, right?"
"Right,"
"Don't stay too late at this party,"
"I won't,"
"And please don't let have to hear about this party over the dispatch,"
"Something happens two times and suddenly you're getting warned about it all the time,"
"It was four," Quinten said, "And I just want you to be safe,"
"I know dad," Sara teased easily, "Now, get out of here. Or how else are you going to stop the party later when someone calls about a noise complaint,"
He gave a deadpan laugh, "That's not funny," He looked at Laurel, hesitating for a second, "It was good to see you, honey,"
"You to daddy," She said.
"That wasn't so bad, was it," Sara said to her sister.
Laurel exhaled softly, "No, I guess not,"
Barry approached them, greeting Laurel warmly, "Hey Laur, long time, no see,"
"Yeah. Hey Barry,"
"How's Oliver doing? Talk to him recently?"
"Not Oliver, but I did see Thea last week. She says he's doing alright,"
"We really need to drag them out to one of these things,"
Laurel and Sara laughed, "Oliver here? That's good,"
"Honestly he's more likely to show his face before Tommy would," Laurel said.
"That's true," Sara mused.
"So," Barry clapped his hands, "We're making moves to head to Leonard's and Mick's how are you guys getting there?"
"Ray and Amaya are driving,"
"And there's space for everyone with you. Because there's room for one with Alex and Mick's got some space,"
"Actually, could Nora ride with you?" Sara asked, "It might be less awkward if she went people who didn't know her as well,"
"Yeah, sure. Alex's car is all girls, so that will be good. I think,"
"Thanks, Allen," Sara looked to Laurel, "Last chance to change your mind,"
"I'll make it to the next one," Laurel said as she held her arms open. Sara hugged her tightly.
"Thanks for coming tonight,"
"Anytime babe," Laurel said, kissing her forehead, "And listen to dad, don't stay out too late,"
Sara rolled her eyes, "Are we never going to live down the time dad busted one of our parties?"
"No," Laurel laughed.
"It was a pretty bad night," Barry said.
"It was a great night," Sara argued, "Until half of us ended up in a holding cell. And it was all Oliver's fault anyway,"
Barry chuckled, "Mick punching your dad's partner didn't help things,"
"Come on Allen," Leonard walked past, clapping Barry on the back, "You and Iris are riding with me. Your nerd friends are with Mick. See you there Sara," he added with a wink to her.
Sara looked at Laurel again. Laurel nudged her, "Go on. Go have fun,"
"Love you,"
"Love you too,"
Sara's attention returned to Ava, "Ready for the best party of your life?"
"Umm, no?"
"Too bad,"
Nardragon~ until the next page.