Page 1 of Off The Rush
Chapter 1
“Late, late, late!” I mutter to myself as I race across the campus, my breath hitching with each step. I managed to lose track of time during my study session at the library, and now I am desperately trying to make it to my reserved practice room with enough time to actually practice before the next person shows up.
The cool autumn breeze whips through my hair as I sprint past the towering oak trees that cover the grounds of Eastwood University.
I have a clear shot to the building, I can see the doors so I pick up my pace. Without warning, someone backs up right into my path. I collide head-on with what feels like a brick wall. The impact sends me stumbling backward, hot coffee splashing all over my jeans and sweater from the cup he’s holding. The dark liquid soaks through the fabric, scalding my skin.
“Damn it! It’s so hot! Shit!” I snap, looking up at the guy who just ruined my clothes and potentially my practice session. He is undeniably handsome, with smooth black skin, black hair, and warm brown eyes that seem to hold a hint of amusement. But there is no time to dwell on his good looks; I am already running late and now I’m covered in his coffee.
“Hey, I’m sorry -” he starts, but I don’t wait for him to finish his apology. I can’t afford to waste any more time.
“I’m late,” I huff, brushing past him and continuing my mad dash toward the music building. My heart hammers in my chest, frustration and embarrassment simmering just below the surface. I have no idea who this guy is, but he just made my already stressful day that much worse.
As I finally reach the practice room door, still covered in coffee and fuming over the encounter, I can’t help but wonder if fate is somehow trying to test me. Regardless, there is no time to waste – I take a deep breath, push open the door, and charge into the room.
“Seriously, Tessa, you won’t believe what just happened!” I exclaim as I burst into the practice room. Tessa looks up from her phone, startled by my sudden entrance and disheveled appearance.
“Emma, what happened to you?” she asks with concern, taking in my coffee-stained clothes and flustered expression.
“Ugh, some guy ran into me and spilled his coffee all over me!” I fume, throwing my bag onto a nearby chair and attempting to wipe off the worst of the stains with a tissue. “I mean, look at me! I’m a mess!”
“Aw, Em, I’m sorry,” Tessa sympathizes. “But hey, at least you made it here somewhat on time, right?”
“True,” I relent, focusing on the task at hand. “Okay, let’s get this practice started. I need to make the most of the time I have left.”
Two hours later, the sound of my voice resonates through the small room as I pour my heart into each note. My long, brown hair swings around my face with every movement. I have been tirelessly preparing for my upcoming audition for the Spring Showcase. As a junior, I can’t afford to mess this audition up. My entire music future is based around this showcase.
I belt out the next note, my voice powerful and filled with emotion. As the last note fades away, I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. This is what I live for – the thrill of performing, the feeling of my voice filling every inch of space around me. And now, I have a chance to prove myself on a bigger stage than ever before
“Emma, that was incredible!” comes the enthusiastic voice of my best friend, Tessa Harrington, from the corner of the room. She looks up from where she is sketching on her notepad, her artistic talent shining through in her detailed drawings. Studying fashion design at the same university, Tessa knows how important this audition is for me and has been supporting me every step of the way. She insists she gets her best work done when I’m singing so I let her sit in on my practice sessions.
“Thanks, Tessa,” I reply, my cheeks flushing slightly from the praise. “I just hope it’s good enough.”
“Good enough?” she scoffs. “With a voice like yours, you’re going to blow them away! Trust me, there’s no way they won’t give you a spot in the showcase.”
Her words bring a smile to my face, and I can’t help but feel a surge of confidence. Maybe she is right – maybe I do have what it takes to get a spot in the Spring Showcase. But I know I can’t let myself get too comfortable. There is still so much work to be done, and I am determined to give it my all.
“Alright,” I say, taking a deep breath and turning back to face the mirror. “Let’s do it one more time, from the top.”
The next morning, as I sit at the edge of my bed, still half-asleep and wrapped in a cozy blanket, Tessa bursts into my room with her usual exuberance and two coffees. She is already dressed and ready to face the day, her long red hair pulled back into a high ponytail.
“Emma, today’s the day!” she proclaims excitedly, clapping her hands together. “Audition day!
The sun casts a warm glow across our cozy apartment as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, mingling with the scent of Tessa’s favorite lavender candles. I wrap my hands around the warm mug, feeling the familiar tingles of nerves.
“Hey, Tess,” I begin hesitantly, staring into the swirling abyss of my coffee. “I am really nervous about the audition.”
“Of course you are, Em,” she replies softly, her hazel eyes filled with warmth and understanding. “Everyone gets nervous, but you are incredible and you’ve been practicing every day for weeks. You’re ready and there’s no way you won’t kill it!”
“Okay,” I murmured, overcome with gratitude.
“Now finish your coffee, superstar,” she replies with a grin, her red hair catching the last rays of sunlight.
I laugh and clink my mug against hers, marveling at how lucky I am to have someone like Tessa by my side.
“Are you ready to knock ‘em dead?” She asks.
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm, even as the butterflies in my stomach flutter wildly. “I think so,” I reply hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper.
