Christmas Pageant Panic

December 2010

6 years old

"Okay guys, here are your antlers," Chandler said to Erica and Jack, giving them a set of headpiece antlers that lit up with Christmas lights.

Erica happily snatched hers and stuck them on top of her head.

"Daddy, the antlers match my dress!" Erica twirled around to show off her red dress her mother bought for her at the mall. It was decorated with sparkly jewels and lit up when she spun.

"It certainly does princess," Chandler smiled and kissed her and Jack's foreheads.

"Mommy and I will be towards the front row with Uncle Ross and Aunt Rachel, so if you're nervous just look for us and we'll give you a big thumbs up, okay?"

Jack and Erica nodded, their antlers nodding with them.

"Okay," Chandler smiled. "Sing your hearts out my little reindeer."

"Bye Daddy," the twins said when Chandler left.

Erica's face went from a big grin to a look of panic.

Jack picked up on her expression and was immediately concerned.

"Erica, what's wrong?"

Erica started to look around in panic.

"Where's Mrs. Peterson?"

"Why do you need the teacher?"

"Because I have a really bad stomach ache," Erica whined.

"Oh," Jack blankly said. "What if I just get Daddy?"

Erica sniffled and clung onto her stomach. "Okay, I guess you can go get-"

"Okay my angles it's time to get to your spots!" Mrs. Peterson yelled over the sound of children. "The show is starting now!"

Erica started to shake her head. "No, no it can't start now."

Mrs. Peterson's eyes locked onto Erica's and she started making her way over to her.

"There's my star soloist!" she clapped her hands together. "Are you ready to lead us in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer?"

Erica shook her head and started to tremble.

"Stage fright?" the teacher said soothingly.

"But I'm not even scared!" Erica whined. "My stomach just hurts."

"A whole lot!" Jack butted in.

"Oh dear," the teacher said. "Do you think you can make it through this first part sweetie? You're the only student that knows how to sing this part."

Erica looked at Jack, who smiled reassuringly, and started to feel a little better.

"I think I can do it now," Erica said.

"That's the spirit!" the teacher said. "Now let's get to your places kids!"

Erica had to go the opposite way from Jack, so the twins hugged each other and wished each other good luck before heading their separate ways.

"Do great Eri," Jack winked.

"Thanks Jacky. You too," she whispered.

Once Erica was positioned in front of the microphone at center stage, her stomach was starting to bother her again. She started to whimper, and turned around to find her brother and cousin Emma. She scanned the sea of kids until she found them huddled together towards the front. They smiled and waved, but Erica didn't wave back. Her hands were wrapped around her midsection.

"Ladies and Gentleman, it is with great pleasure that I announce to you Westchester Elementary's finest Christmas reindeer singing in our third annual Christmas pageant showcase!"

When the curtain started to roll up, all Erica could see was the flashing of all of the parent's cameras and spotlights that hung from the ceiling. She tried looking for her parents, but she couldn't see them near the front. Suddenly the music started, and Erica was struggling to sing.

"Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer…Had a very shiny nose."

"Like a light bulb!" the chorus of kids sang behind her.

"And if you ever saw it…" Erica continued. But she didn't get to finish. Every bite of breakfast and lunch she had that day was now splattered onto the stage right in front of her. Behind her she could hear the kids laughing and saying 'ew' back and forth with one another. Erica didn't cry though, because as soon as she was done throwing up she felt the best she had all day.

Smiling, she dusted off her dress, wiped her mouth with her hand, and stepped up to the microphone. After her eyes adjusted to the lights, she saw her parents get up from their seats and come to the stage with worried looks on their faces. Erica was about to start singing again once they approached her.

"Honey come down from there. You're not feeling well," Monica said.

Erica thought about it for a second and agreed to come down from the stage with the help of her dad.

"Can we still watch Jack's part?" Erica asked while her dad carried her towards the bathrooms. "Please?"

"Of course we can princess," Chandler said, "Let's just clean you up first, okay?"

Erica nodded and didn't dare look back at the audience. She was starting to feel the embarrassment flood over her when she saw the janitor come onto the stage with a mop and a bucket of water in his hands.

I really didn't know how to end this one. The next one will be a little longer (and better)