Do It
Charlie wasn’t one to showcase herself in the spotlight. But as she stood behind the curtains, her stomach grumbled with constant uneasiness.
“You will do amazing,” Her teacher assured, smiling warmly. He pointed to her paper.
“Just follow your lines.”
“Thanks, Mr. Taylor.” Charlie said as she struggled with a smile. She looked down at her paper. She was the lead in the school play. Now, she would never think to try out for a play normally. She tried out to be a side character and support her best friend. Well, ex best friend now. Kar had been boiling with jealousy ever since Charlie got the lead role. Charlie took in the backstage scenery. Just as she suspected, Kar was whispering to her posse.
I can’t do this! Charlie thought, eyebrows furrowing. It was only about five more minutes until she made her first appearance to the whole audience… a very big audience.
Knees shaking, she found her legs dragging her towards Kar.
“Kar. Y-you have to be Lady Bea, b-because I can’t and I don’t want to.” Charlie stammered. She shoved Lady Bea’s costume into Kar’s arms and walked away, without letting her get a word in. Charlie sat down in front of one of the many big mirrors that the other girls were using to fix their hair and makeup.
I feel helpless -- useless. She would never be able to come out of her shell and shine as bright as she knew she could. A tear almost escaped her eye, but she composed herself. Crying in public would be humiliating.
“You know what? I would take this costume without any hesitation. Except... you deserve to be Lady Bea way more than me. Your audition was amazing and I am jealous of you for it,” A soft voice echoed behind her. Charlie looked up into the mirror and saw Kar, smiling with sincerity.
“Take it. Good luck, Char.” Kar gave Charlie back her costume. A wave of overwhelming happiness and reassurement swept over Charlie. The least she could do was be Lady Bea for her best friend.
Without saying anything back, Charlie slipped the long, elegant dress on. The lace itched her neck, but Charlie did not care. She didn’t take the role from anyone. She earned it, and she also earned the right to celebrate.
“Lady Bea! You’re on!” Mr. Taylor announced.
Kar clapped and cheered excitedly. Charlie smiled, and this time it was a real smile. She will never hold herself back again.
The play went spectacularly and although Charlie might have stammered or had a voice crack during the songs sometimes, she felt accomplished. She took a chance, and that was all that mattered.
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