Talent

Talent

'Look, its okay, I'm sure you'll do just fine.' Sam said over the deafening throng in the large waiting-room.

'Just pretend everyone is in their underpants-'

'And that's going to help me now?! That advice would of been good six years ago Sam!' I tried to stay confident, but my voice broke on the last few words.

'Look, you can do it, I know you can, five minutes on stage and then you'll be off to Vegas!'
Sam gripped my hand tightly, and I closed my eyes and leaned into his face.

'Number one-two-one-oh!'

Sam retreated,
'You were supposed to kiss me,' I said, with as much sadness as I could muster.
I ached with wanting.

He leaned onto me, his cheek brushing mine, his mouth near my ear.

'I said, Number one-two-one-oh!'

'Your up angel,'

'But-'

'No buts, just go.'

I raised my hand to alert someone I was here, and strode across the room, approaching the red, velvet curtain, still concealed from the crowd.

I felt anxiety buckle inside me, god, how I wanted to walk back out there and into Sam's arms.
I had to do it.

'And now Jane Yates from Western Australia!'

This was my cue.
I walked onto the stage, greeted by shining lights and a cheering crowd.

I held the microphone in my hands as I prepared for the fist question from the judges.

'Hello, Jane, is it?'

The bald, male judge barely stopped for an answer.

'Do you have a job?'

'Uh.... no, Actually I-I I'm preparing for university, I'm still not sure what I will study....'

The three judges absorbed the news and I saw the curves of their mouths widen into a sort of surprised look.

'Well then...' He carried on. 'Show us what you can do.'

Wait... what?
Wasn't he going to ask what I was doing?

The music brought me to my senses, I brought the microphone to my mouth and sang.

When you left me,
my heart froze up.

Only to be thawed by your warmth,
your love,
you.

You left me for that girl,
I feel alone,
now I want you more than before...


There was enormous applause as I raised my one free arm, singing the last sentence...

I only wanted you, only you,
I need you!

I was amazed, the applause was louder than the last round, the crowd was on their feet, for me!
I was out of breath, enthralled!

I smiled delightfully at the judges as they looked at me mouths open, in shock.

'I just have to say, oh my god, oh my god.... oh my god! That's a yes! Definite yes!' Screeched the delighted second judge, a woman, red head, and dresses in a blue, sparkly dress.

'Well Jeanette, I agree with you.' Said the judge on the far left of the bar, 'Truly amazing, its a yes for me!'

The third judge, the bald, male one. Looked at me with a gaze so powerful it filled me with renewed anxiety.
He stood, raised his hands and twirled around slowly,
'YES! YES! YES!'
The crowd soon followed him, standing, applauding and chanting my name.

I held the microphone back to my mouth'

'Thank you, all of you, So much!'

'Your going to Vegas!' Announced the woman.

I skipped off, giddy with myself.

Sam greeted me with open arms, and I accepted his gift.
All I can think of is the words that came from my mouth, and the steadiness and comfort only a simple hug from Sam gives me.

Sam leaned his head on my shoulder, his hair touching my forehead.

'Time for that kiss...'

Sam leaned into me, and kissed me so softly.
This could last forever...