Page 74 of Knox Academy Omnibus
They all slowly chipped away at my walls and let themselves in. I feel like I belong, no longer hiding behind my brother and Smalls. No longer the little sister, contrary to what Kalen says.
The day of the showcase rolls around and the school thrums with excitement. I’ve noticed that when one person here succeeds, the entire school celebrates, but it also marks the start of parents’ weekend. Everyone, except the Knox brothers and I, is buzzing for that. I guess it’s just the same old for them, whereas for me it’s a reminder that I still can’t see my family back home.
I peek around the big red curtains where the crowd has gathered. Hundreds of students and parents sit eagerly awaitingevery performance from the musicians, actors, performers and demonstrators.
Elsie has been pacing around like a crazy person in her ridiculous outfit.
“Are you okay?” Slate asks, pressing a kiss to my cheek.
“I have pit stains. I didn’t know there would be so many people.”
“I would tell you to picture them all naked, but I know Kalen would enjoy that too much.”
We both laugh.
“What if I’m shit?”
“I would have told you. Now just kiss me good luck; my solo opens the night.”
Our kiss is short and sweet. Nerves pool in the pit of my stomach. What if I ruin this for him? I can’t do that. I won’t.
Everyone takes their places out of sight. I stand off the side of the stage as the MC talks about all the talent of the evening and introduces Slate. The crowd goes insane and I don’t blame them; not only is he fit (Kalen would be proud of my use of the language), but he’s damn talented too.
Slate walks out onto the stage and the stage crew runs out a stool and adjusts the mic for him.
“How’re you doing, you alright?” he says into the mic. When the audience goes nuts, he visibly relaxes. “For the very few of you who don’t know me, I’m Slate Knox, a third-year music major. First up, I have my solo dedicated to a very special person. She knows who she is. Enjoy.”
He takes his seat and strums his guitar. I always presumed his solo was ‘Dancing On My Own’. I’ve never heard him play much else besides our song.
I instantly know the song, it’s one of my favourites; ‘Creep’ by Radiohead. His voice is husky and raw in all the right places for this song, but high enough to pull off an amazing chorus. Heputs his entire soul into the song. I feel it deep into my soul and instantly know I’m at home here, safe for the first time in a long time.
My eyes never stray from his face, and when his eyes open he looks to the side, singing the lyrics about being a creep and a weirdo right to me. I smile at him.
I have never had anyone sing a song to me before unless you count one of my brother’s drunk mates singing ‘Nuts on Your Chin’ by Eazy E to me. Which really doesn’t hold the same appeal.
When the MC takes the stage and Slate starts walking towards me, I realise that the song is over.
Slate exits the stage on the opposite side, the way everyone has to after they perform. I want to run to him but Elsie is up next. I really don’t understand her abstract piece on the pressure of teenage girls today, but I still clap and whistle like crazy when she’s done.
All my friends are super talented, it somewhat makes me feel insignificant compared to them.
I get caught up in watching a few other performances. A hip hop dance number that was fantastic is the cue that I have to go and get ready.
Slate, being the privileged Knox son he is, has his own dressing room backstage. When I get there he isn’t there, but Sawyer is.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
“I wanted to wish you luck. We all did. But I have teacher privileges and can sneak backstage.”
“Thank you.”
“I wish I wasn’t your teacher, so badly right now. You make me crazy.”
“You’ll find you were probably crazy to begin with.” His smile is infectious. Cautiously, I step into his arms.
“You’re right. I probably was,” he says, lifting my chin.
“Just know, I’m always here for you. Even if it’s just to have a whinge about my brothers. Now go break a leg or whatever.”
