Page 105 of Follow My Voice
“He’s not on campus!” Perla says, stopping me.
“What? How do you know?” I ask.
“He’s in Charlotte.” She says it as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
“Oh… the talent show. What time does it start?”
“Kang said at seven.”
I look at the time. The talent show starts in three hours. If we leave now, will we make it? Can I make it? I want to talk to him; I want to be there for him. He wasn’t sure about being able to perform and he took the risk; he’s facing his fears. Maybe it’s time I face mine. This can be the beginning of me going out in the world beyond this small town, conquering a road trip.
I look at my friends.
I’m not alone.
“Are we doing this or what?” Ellie asks, excited.
“Doing what?” Diego furrows his eyebrows.
“Rushing to Charlotte to make a romantic gesture,” Ellie explains. “How are you not catching the vibe, Diego?”
“Oh.” Perla beams at me, catching on herself. “Didn’t take you for a romantic, Klara with a K.”
I take a deep breath. I can do this. I can…
“Hey.” Perla holds my hand. “We’ll be with you the whole time, and if at some point you want to come back, we can, all right?”
I nod.
“Let’s go.” Ellie cheers as we head out to the parking lot.
I take another deep breath as I climb into the passenger seat and Diego drives off.
44Love Me
ROMANCE MOVIES HAVElied to us.
How come the main character always makes it to the airport on time? There is nothing romantic about driving in the cold of January and facing Charlotte’s traffic as soon as we come close to the city. Finding parking is also a nightmare. I really don’t think we are going to make it. The sun is gone, and the talent show has already started. I’m crossing my fingers for Kang not to have played yet.
We reach the grass, and the PNC Music Pavilion is right in front of us: The amphitheater looks good, with purple lights and gold streamers hanging from the ceiling. There is a band presenting their set and everyone is cheering for them. There are lots of people here, and I push that realization out of my head because unfamiliar crowded places are still not a favorite for me.
We are working on it,I remind myself.
There is a board on the left side of the stage, and I look at the list of people presenting. When I find Kang’s name, I’m relieved that he still hasn’t played yet. There is another band after this one, and then it’s his turn.
We made it.
We move through the crowd until I’m standing against the wall in the front. I want him to see me. I want him to know I’m showing up for him despite my fears. Perla hugs me from behind and Ellie holds my hand.
It’s his turn. Kang walks on stage, guitar in hand, and stops in front of the microphone. His hair is messy around his face, and he looks a little pale. He’s nervous. No mask. I’m proud of him.
“Hello, I’m Kang, and I’ll be playing an original song I wrote for my brother.” His voice is not steady. He’s super nervous.
“Yes! Go Kang!” I scream as loud as I can.
His eyes fall on me immediately, and even though he seems shocked, his expression relaxes, his shoulders loosen. I nod and mouth“You can do this.”He smiles and focuses back on his guitar. A soft melody brings the whole place into silence, and he begins:
Leaves are falling, orange tints the sky,
