Page 79 of I'll Be the One

Just then, I get a text.

REBECCA NGUYEN:Clarissa and I are on our way to the theater! So, so excited to see you perform!

I smile and reply back with several heart emojis.

Every final contestant received two guest tickets to give to family or friends. Dad’s in Seattle again for a business trip, and I didn’t even bother asking Mom. My school friends were an easy choice.

It was a risky decision, but in the end, I switched my song choice to a girl-power anthem by Ailee, my favorite Korean singer. People call Ailee the Korean Beyoncé (she was definitely the Korean Beyoncéyearsbefore anyone calledmethat), because of her fierceness and unbelievable vocal skills. She’s exactly who I want to channel in my last performance of the competition.

Luckily, the dance that goes along with the song is pretty easy while still being really flashy. In other words, it’s perfect for the plan that my friends and I have been working on for most of Thanksgiving break.

When we get to the concert venue, it’s exactly like Henrysaid. This is the only performance of the competition that’s going to be broadcast live on TV, so things are ten times crazier than they usually are. Backstage, people are so busy running around to get ready that no one even gives us a second look. Henry gets a few glances, but they’re fleeting at most. Most people ignore him, too.

The stage manager does a double take and glares at my friends when she sees that I’m not alone, but she doesn’t shoo them away. Instead, sounding very frazzled, she says to me, “You’re due to be onstage in two hours. Go to the dressing room for hair and makeup.”

“I’ll see you guys later,” I say, waving at my friends.

“Good luck!” Lana winks and gives me an enthusiastic wave.

I take one last look at my friends before I hop into the dressing room. The three of them are on their phones with their backs against the walls, just chilling. Since they’re staying still and minding their own business, everyone soon forgets that they’re even there.

I’m so nervous that I barely register all the pulling and pushing as the hair and makeup ladies get me ready for the stage. Professional hair and makeup are apparently a perk that the remaining contestants and I get as members of the final five.

Since I’m trying to channel strong women like Beyoncé and Ailee, I ask for fierce eyeliner and bold, red lipstick, both things Mom always said I should avoid. I also change into a gold-sequined dress that hugs my curves and screams “Queen!” It not only makes me look and feel good but also catches theeye in a way that would be Mom’s worst nightmare.

This whole night, in fact, is probably going to be her worst nightmare. But it’s going to be for her own good. I really hope she watches the show tonight.

When I return backstage, Lana and Tiffany whistle.

“Wow, Skye!” Lana cries out. She takes my hand and twirls me around. “Look at those sequins! And those curves! You’re glowing, baby!”

Henry stays quiet, and I’m almost hurt by his lack of a response when I notice that his mouth is slightly open. He’sactuallygaping at me, like guys do in the movies. He doesn’t even blink, so I’m getting a little concerned when he snaps out of it and finally says, “You look amazing, Skye. I mean, you always look amazing, but... wow.”

Tiffany gives Henry a playful shove. “Stop drooling and get out of the way, lover boy.”

Henry lets Lana and Tiffany pass, but when I come near him, he gently grabs my arms and pulls me into a hug. And then we’re kissing, not full-blown making out, but enough to leave me breathless.

“You’re gonna get glitter all over you!” I exclaim when we finally stop.

He smirks. “Do I look like I care? That kiss was totally worth it.”

I laugh. “Priorities, I guess.”

“Exactly. Good luck tonight, Skye. And no matter what the outcome is... I’m so proud of you. I have no doubt that you’regoing to wow everyone. They arenotready for you.”

“Aw, thanks.”

I give him a peck on the cheek, and he blushes.

Henry then gives me some space so I can warm up before going onstage. Time seems to pass way too quickly, and in almost no time at all, the stage manager hisses, “Skye! Go onstage in five... four...”

I glance over at Henry, and he gives me a reassuring smile. I prepare to walk onstage, with Lana and Tiffany standing slightly behind me. They still look like they’re busy on their phones, and not like they’re about to come onstage with me.

Which, of course, isexactlywhat they’re about to do.

“Three... two... one. Go!”

When I go onstage, I’m overwhelmed by a loud rush of noise and light. The competition committee really stepped up the game with this last round, and it looks like they have five times more lights than they usually do. They also hired a live band.

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