Page 138 of Disharmony

Conor spins around from the front seat. “When it’s almost time, Cookie will speak to you through the earpiece. You’re gonna get out of the car and head over to the steps. No one will be able to stop you or stand in your way. We’ll make sure of that.”

I nod, shakily looking down at the microphone.

Everything feels so much more real now I’m here.

“You’re going to be making Camp Harmony history, Ash,” Leila says.

“No,” I reply, “we are going to make Camp Harmony history. We’re not just doing it for us, but for Riley.”

“She’d be right behind us,” Leila says as her eyes mist over. “Her moment was stolen from her, but she would want you to have yours.”

“We better get going.” Conor checks his watch. “They’re on the final checks.”

Leila nods in determination. She pulls me into a tight hug and whispers, “Thank you.”

* * *

The Lionhearts are making introductions. Zach Royal’s voice booms through camp, followed by a chorus of clapping. I imagine the camera’s zooming in on his perfect face, and the judges laugh along to his heavily scripted jokes.

“As you all know, this is where we started out, and we couldn’t be any more pleased to be here this evening! Now folks, we have an extra special final show from Camp Harmony this year,” Zach says. “We’re joined by the judges from Popstarz.”

An excited murmur ripples through the audience at the perfect time. I picture the judges with Jacqueline offering their dazzling white smiles and waving at the cameras.

“The judges will be picking one lucky camper to go straight to the live shows of the next series of Popstarz, starting this September!”

Clapping and cheering breaks out. When they die down, Zach continues talking, but I don’t listen. My hands are sweating, and I triple-check that my mascara hasn’t smudged down my face.

“I present to you the final show!”

When Zach leaves the stage, the lights will cut. After attending so many rehearsals, I almost feel like I’m out there with the other performers as the music starts. Tiffany will sweep into the center, fanning her arms around, before breaking into the first line.

Cookie’s voice crackles down the earpiece.

“Ash?” she says. “Get ready, it’s almost time!”

I grasp the door handle as Tiffany launches into the first verse.

It’s not too late to back out.

I could stay here and hide away, but I think of my mom.

I didn’t just come to Camp Harmony for me, but for her too.

“Okay,” Cookie says, “start heading over.”

I won’t let Mom down.

I turn the handle and get out, focusing on putting one foot in front of another as Tiffany builds to the chorus. I see Cookie waiting for me at the back of the stage and beckons me closer. She opens the door to let me pass, and I glide through. I’m not sure whether the floaty feeling is caused by the remnants of the drugs from last night or the pure adrenaline making its way through my system.

Cookie takes my arm and leads me to the wings. As we pass, campers’ heads turn. Their faces are shocked, but no one makes an effort to intervene.

When the chorus hits, Tiffany carries the perfect note. She thinks she will be the artist everyone is talking about, and anger grips me. Tiffany has a celebrity mom and enough money to buy half of Meadow Springs, but I’m not gonna let that psycho bitch take a moment I’ve worked my entire life for.

“Are you ready?” Cookie whispers. She nudges me gently in the ribs. “Ash? I said, are you ready?”

I grasp the mic harder. “Yes.”

Cookie nods behind her to Leila and the twins.

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