It’s Just Nerves

I run a hand through my freshly cut hair. They were all going to be watching me. I could see it out of the corner of my eye, feel it in my stomach. My fingers tugged my cuffs a little farther out from under my jacket sleeves. I adjusted my ring again, on my middle finger, on my left hand, the ring I only took off when I showered pretty much.

Suddenly Bowen is at my side and he gently slaps my hands away. “Stop fidgeting." he chides and gives me a warm smile. I stare at him for a moment and then give a jerky nod and look out onto the stage again. The other teenager was about halfway finished with his piece. One Kylar Gold. He was good. Fuck it, he was incredible.

Bowen takes hold of my chin and pulls my attention back. "Isaac, babe," he murmurs leaning his forehead against mine. "You'll be fine. You're perfect."

I press against our point of contact, desperate for the way it grounded me. "You'll love me even if I screw up?" I ask, attempting to lighten the mood although my voice comes out with a slight quiver, betraying my rampaging emotions. I could feel my legs trembling in my pressed slacks.

Bo, wonderful, beautiful Bo presses a quick kiss to my lips. "Nothing you do could make me stop." He carefully hands me my violin and bow and stepped away.

"...Please welcome to the stage, Issac Elas!" I stride out on the waxed floor. I scan the audience, give the judges a formal bow and put my instrument under my chin. I exhale, close my eyes, and put fingers to stings. God help me, I thought.