The guitar twanged out, leaving me to tap out the final beats, ending with just my voice on a low G. The room fell silent. I was too afraid to open my eyes and see them all sitting there, disgust on their faces. I shouldn't have ever thought I had any skill as a drummer, much less a singer-songwriter. Now the cool kids in school would know I sucked. Then one set of hands started clapping. I opened my right eye just a little, staring into the bright stage lights. I couldn't see anyone other than Triniti, Troy, and Rick. In a moment, the crowd erupted in crazed applause and screaming. Triniti turned around and squealed, "They love you! Oh my God, Raven, they love you!" Even though Triniti was hot and totally full of herself, it never stopped her from being happy for anyone else. Her blinding white smile shone brighter than the blue lights beating on me. A butterfly flittered in my heart, its wings beating into my soul until I wasn't sure I'd be able to breathe again.
