Pacing the back wings of the stage, Delilah was starting to fear that she would wear a grove into the old wood floors as she waited her turn to take the spotlight. She could feel her palms sweating each time she moved her fingers. Her stomach was doing backflips making her keep an eye on where the backstage bathroom was. And worst of all, she felt like she had completely forgotten the piece she was going to play!

”Get a grip Deiliah!” She screamed through gritted teeth. The girl could count on one hand the number of times she had EVER been nervous before publicly performing. It wasn’t like her! She had been performing for years and in front of crowds much larger than this! What was the problem?

The answer looked back at her with awestruck eyes that made Delilah’s heart stop. Coming around the corner, her ruby eyes could look out on the crowd and there, in the front row with her parents, was the one person she wanted to perform well for.

Hannah was back to hear her perform for the first time since leaving town for treatment.

Her performance tonight would be dedicated to her ‘sister’ and though she would not name Hannah on stage, she had to be perfect for the girl. This was her personal gift to the woman who made her smile and knew her better than anyone else. She had found and reworked Disney songs that they used to watch as children into a short performance. Now could she do it…

”Now, please welcome to the stage a young talent of the school.”

Delilah took a deep breath as she made sure her dress fell perfect. Eyes looked out from the wings and she sighed. For Hannah. She thought as her feet carried her into the light and the applause from the crowd.

Coming up to the grand piano, Delilah gave her customary bow to the audience and spoke into the microphone left there for the singer’s use. ”I know you all have come to here tonight to hear the next generation play their version of the classics.” Delilah paused and inhaled slowly. ”I am also aware that in the program, it states I am to preform Chopin’s Nocturne 20. However, I hope you all may forgive me if I decide to change this.”

She stopped as she heard whispers in the crowd. Delilah could feel the glare on her teacher’s face. There would be a punishment after this. Oh well.

”I would like to instead play something a little more light hearted and dedicate it to my sister. If you know the words, please feel free to sing. In fact, I encourage it.” Giving another bow to the crowd, Delilah moved to take her seat in front of the piano. Closing her eyes, her fingers found the ivories and begun their dance.

The Broadway Hit “For Good” from Wicked filled the arena.


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