"bestie! Loosen up, I'm gonna call you any second from now" Selena stopped me from walking back and forth on the small space in the storage room. My nerves are about to wrack and my whole body is tensed up like a boiling kettle.
"I'm nervous Selena." My voice tremble as I speak. I settled my hands on my hips and sat on one of the storage box.
"Look at your dripping sweat! Do not be nervous sweetie, just sing like how you do at home" she declared. I wish it would be that easy. I can hear the people's voice from the restaurant and I know there are more people coming. I've never performed in a large crowd before and I don't have the confidence to.
Leo came in peeking at the curtain "Sorry to disturb you ladies but you need to go up Sash" I think my breath hitched upon hearing that.
"okay I'm coming!" Selena cheerfully stood up and turned around once again before exiting the storage "you can do it bestie!"
"That's right Sash! Own the floor." Leo flashed his sweet smile and left too.
Woah. I took a deep breath and picked my white acoustic guitar leaning on the wall. I ran my fingers on my name written on it and hung the strap on my neck.
I stood up and inhaled the little amount of oxygen left on the storage before hearing Selena loudly announced to everyone "But let us take you to a hilt as we listen to the wonderful melody of Sashal!"
The crowd cheers slowly went down as the lights in the resto dimmed. I walked the path to the platform meant for me. As soon as I sat on the velvet cusion of the stool, a bright spotlight flashed on me making me startle. I almost let out a stream of curse words but I restrained myself trying to keep my composure. "ehem-" I cleared my throat but it echoed through the microphone.
Suddenly making me feel that the boom bass beat of my heart is heard too. Thankfully, it's dimly lit so that I won't get distracted by people's faces.
"hi everyone" I shyly greeted.
"okay. I hope you guys will enjoy tonight in one, two, three and" I begun strumming my guitar in the tune of 'My Old Story' by IU.
Selena gave me a heads up that my first song tonight should be in korean since the owners, which is Selena's family are half korean. I chose this song because I got enchanted by it's melody and the lyrics are easy to enunciate.
I managed to finish the song without tearing up or cracking my voice. I did not expect to feel this emotional in this song. I took another deep breath after hearing the crowd clapped and whistled, it eased me a little. I looked at the direction of the kitchen and my friends are cheering for me.
My gaze roamed the tables and tried to find the person that met my eye awhile ago. I was immersed in the song when I saw him looking at me intently. But I can't find him anymore. I guess he understood the lyrics because the emotions in his eyes are absorbing what I meant.
"Oh my gosh bff! You did so well! I'm so proud of you!" Selena caved me into a long and tight hug.
"It's all thanks to you Selena" I said and smiled at her. If it's not because of her offer, I won't be able to pay for our bills in the house. I badly needed a work and this angel referred me to her father. I could not be any more grateful to her helpful hand. Why would they hire an amateur singing girl with no performing experience, right?
"Ofcourse not." She denied.
"It was your heaven sent voice who did all the work. Let's just say that I'm the one who discovered you?" and she giggled on her own ment.
We sat on one of the tables in front and she ordered food and drinks for us. I have not eaten anything yet, afraid to throw up out of nervousness. I think Selena knew it for we were together since the afternoon.
"no drinks for me." I refused as Leo placed two mug beers on the table.
"awwwwe. Why? We need to celebrate bestie!" Selena exclaimed and pouted.
"Dad might smell the alcohol" I explained.
"oh is that so? Then we should sneak you in your window like an international super spy then" she gave me a playful chuckle.
I could not help but be worried with getting caught by dad but I don't want to disappoint my bestfriend. Not when she have helped me through a lot. "Fine! Fine! Kampai!"
I went home after Selena and I had enough to drink. She dropped me outside my house and waved goodbye to her. My cheeks are beet red but I can't help it, my pale skin is sensitive to such heat. Even though it's midnight our street is still bright with the light coming from the store of Miss Hena, a close friend of my dad. In front of her store are the jobless men in our town who drown their problems with alcohol. They were looking at me as I opened our gate but don't get it wrong, I've known them since childhood and they are harmless. I waved at them when they called me.