Page 4 of The Night the Stars Went Dark

“You’ve got this.” He grinned as we walked outside together. My dress shoes clacked on the sidewalk as we made our way over to the garage where my dad stored his car. We didn’t use it much, but there were times that he needed to travel for work. Sometimes orchestras needed a fill in and he’d have to drive to meet them.

“Do you think they’ll like me?” I stared down at my music bag. It swung between us as we walked.

“They are going to love you,” he assured. My plaid skirt swished around my knees, and I tugged at the blouse my mom insisted I wear.

The drive was long, and I fell asleep at one point, but Dad woke me just as we were approaching the city. “We’ll celebrate later once they let you in.” He patted my knee that was bouncing with nervous excitement.

“Ice cream?” I questioned.

“Ice cream, cake, candy… whatever you want.” He smiled. “They have a candy store here that you’d like.” He pulled into a garage and took a ticket from the attendant. We drove up several levels looking for a spot before he parked.

“Whatever I want?” I pressed my lips together. “Could we see Carnegie Hall?”

“If there isn’t a performance today. We’ll try.”

I danced with excitement. This was a dream of mine, and even if it never came true, just being in the building was enough.

“This way.” He held out his hand and led me down to the street. We walked several blocks until we saw a sign informing us that auditions were being held inside. The giant glass doors on the concrete building made it look like a castle. I stared up in complete awe as Dad opened the door and led us inside. “This way,” he repeated as he tugged my hand. I stumbled slightly and watched as other people pointed and whispered.

Dad nodded at some of them and smiled as we stopped in front of a table where three gentlemen were sitting.

“Name?” The one in the middle smiled.

“Yes.” Dad nodded at me. “Aspen Vaughn. I’m her father…”

The man held up his hand to cut him off. “We know who you are, Julian.” Dad smiled softly and guided me to the side. “You’ll wait in there until you’re called.” He directed us to somewhat of a holding space.

“I’m nervous,” I whispered as I looked around. Most of the boys and girls looked much older than me. I heard one girl telling her mom that she didn’t think she’d get in becauseshe was only twelve. I swallowed as I bounced my knees. What chance did I have if she thought she wouldn’t get in?

“Aspen?” A woman wearing a black dress stood at the door, waiting. She had a kind smile, and it eased my nerves slightly.

“You’ve got this, Penny,” Dad whispered as he squeezed my shoulder gently.

I walked slowly towards the lady, and looked back at my dad as we disappeared through the door. “We’re going down the hall and to the left.” She pointed. I followed her, and when she opened the door, there was a piano in the middle of the stage. My shoes clicked as I walked over to the bench and took a seat. I placed my music on the stand and took a deep breath. As I held my hands over the keys, I closed my eyes and whispered, “You got this.”

The lights made it difficult to see who was watching, but it didn’t matter. I knew that this moment was going to define my future. I needed to play like I’d never played before, and hope that it was good enough. I slowly released a breath and lowered my fingers to the keys. They moved as if they remembered every note. The music came with ease, and as I approached the end, I swelled with pride. I’d done it. I was flawless.

As the last note echoed through the auditorium, I stood and took a bow. I clutched the music in my hand and made my way to the front of the stage. I could see the outlines of the gentlemen sitting in the seats. They were whispering among themselves and nodding. I didn’t want to interrupt, so I waited for them to notice me.

“You’re Julian Vaughn’s little girl, right?” one of the men called out.

“Yes, sir.” I rocked on my feet.

“Did he teach you to play that? It sounds like his style.” I bit my lip as I nodded.

“I have others prepared if you need to hear something else,” I offered. I was bracing for them to tell me I was too young, didn’t have enough experience, or just needed more practice.

“That was fine.” They began whispering again, and I knew that in that moment, I wasn’t getting in this year.

“We’ll see you in two weeks, Miss Vaughn. Welcome to the Juilliard Conservatory Summer Program.”

“I did it?” I squeaked.

“You did it.” The one on the right chuckled. “Come back with that much passion. We need more students like you.”

“I will.” I grinned as I ran off stage and down the hallway. I needed to tell my dad.

I burst into the waiting area and Dad’s head snapped up. “I did it.” I squealed as I rushed towards him. Just as I reached him, he stood and I jumped into his arms. “I’m in.” I grinned as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

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