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stanley578 · 2 years

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Journeys with Balan - Chapter 6: I Am Who I Am

Two weeks have passed since Balan gave an ecstatic performance on stage. I've been very busy rehearsing at a magical dance studio, doing my absolute best with the moves that I learned from several artists and some that I came up with for my solo number. It was a real struggle to memorize all the moves but thankfully, Balan's encouragement motivated me to keep going. For our duo dance number, we discussed various ideas on what kind of choreography we wanted to have. We disagreed on some ideas from time to time, which inevitably happens when working with someone on something grand and fantastic. Eventually, we came up with ideas that worked for both of us. It was four o'clock in the afternoon and we just finished rehearsing.

"Just remember what I told you, Peyton. Take deep breaths and pretend no one is watching you", Balan reminded as he took off his top hat and wiped his head with a towel.

"Balan, the theater is almost always empty", I countered as I drank water from a bottle.

"That's exactly the point. Now, if in the actual performance you make any mistakes, commit this old saying to memory: The show must go on", he stated, putting his hat back on.

"I'll keep that in mind", I concurred whilst nodding my head.

"Nothing comes across as perfect, especially in the art of theatre. You just have to carry on and have fun with it", he advised whilst placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Can't argue with that", I furthered.

"By the way, You look lovely dancing in high heels. They make you look fierce", he complimented with a wink and a flirtatious grin.

"Thanks! I learned it from someone who has a magnificent fashion sense", I replied whilst blushing.

"And who might that be?", he teasingly asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"It's you, silly! Who else?", I answered with a chuckle whilst placing my hand on his cheek.

"Haha, I'm just kidding. At any rate, that's so sweet of you to say, darling", he said as he blushed in return.

"Speaking of sweet, shall we go out and unwind for dessert?", I suggested.

"Why, sure!", he happily exclaimed as we exited the studio.

Balan and I were at an ice cream parlour, enjoying our choice of desserts. He ate a red velvet cheesecake parfait with blueberries, raspberries, and whipped cream while I ate ube gelato topped with pinipig, corn flakes, and grated white cheddar cheese. We tried each other's desserts and we liked how amazing they tasted.

"So Peyton. Do you still feel nervous about your highly-awaited performance tonight?", Balan queried.

"Eh... a bit, but I'm quite excited. Two weeks of rehearsing are enough to gain the confidence that I need and conquer my stage fright", I responded.

"That's great to hear! Considering that your singing has also improved over time, I know in my heart that you will do well", he affirmed.

"You know what? You're right! I may be able to pull off a performance that's going to be as cool as yours", I agreed as I intertwined my own hands.

"That's the spirit, dear!", he exclaimed whilst clenching his fists.

"Hell to the motherfucking yes!", I avidly stated whilst clapping my hands.

"Listen. About the argument that we had back then. I just want to apologize for the times when I interfered. I know that you want this performance to be stellar but I got carried away that I ended up hurting you. I'm deeply sorry", he explained with a feeling of regret.

"You had good intentions, Balan. I totally understand that it's your duty to help others. I fully placed my trust in you and all I'm asking is for you to trust me. It's water under the bridge. I forgive you", I reassured with a smile, placing my hand on top of his and rubbing my thumb gently.

"Thank you, dear", he expressed with a sense of relief as we shared a hug.

"Now, let's finish our desserts and get some R&R at the isle", I said.

"Alright", he replied.

Back at the Isle of Tims, I was playing with Tori and a bunch of colourful Tims while Balan was chilling in mid-air. Tori was on top of my head while two Tims were on my lap, hopping and chirping adorably, and another two were resting beside me.

"You furballs seem to be always hungry. Can't get enough of these irresistible snacks, huh", I remarked as I fed the two Tims with Drops that they munched and crunched on.

"Hmmm, I wonder what this tastes like", I curiously thought to myself whilst holding a yellow Drop.

I licked it and felt disappointed that it didn't have a flavour. As I bit into it, the texture turned out to be as hard as glass. Not wanting to chip my teeth, I stopped biting and lifted my hand up to give it to Tori. I wore a smile as I pet each Tim which made them emit the cutest of coos. I looked up at the sky to appreciate the beautiful sunset. It led me to remember the day I took a walk in the park before encountering Tori and settling down at the theatre.

"Are you having fun, dear?", Balan enquired as he approached me.

"I certainly am", I answered.

"It's almost nighttime. Let's head to the bedroom to get you prepared", he said as he reached out his hand.

"Okay", I complied as I put Tori down and he helped me get up.

"Farewell, little ones! We'll see you soon", he bade them.

"Bye, Tori and co!", I bade as well.

"Timu timu timu!", Tori and the Tims chirped at us and they hopped away.

"Who knew their beaks are strong enough to break down Drops", I reflected as we held hands and walked.

"Why, yes! Only they can digest their favourite treat, which isn't fit for human consumption", he clarified.

"That explains why it has no flavour", I realized.

"You took a bite, didn't you?", he teasingly asked whilst gently nudging my elbow.

"I did, but don't worry. I didn't swallow it whole", I reassured.

"Curiosity can get the best of anyone", he stated.

"You're not wrong on that", I replied.

"I remember some inhabitants who tried to eat Drops. They ended up choking the moment they swallowed it", he recalled.

"Oh dear!", I worriedly expressed.

"But thanks to yours truly, I gave them the Heimlich maneuver that saved their lives", he continued.

"I'm glad they're alright", I responded and let out an allaying sigh.

"Mmhmm. Time and time again, I remind inhabitants that Drops are consumed by Tims and Tims only", he elucidated.

"I appreciate you telling me that", I said.

Once we arrived at the bedroom, Balan opened the door for me to enter, but he remained outside which left me confused.

"Umm, Balan, aren't you coming in?", I queried.

"Yes sweetheart, but I was thinking. While you make the necessary preparations, would it be alright if I go ahead and sit on the front-row seat of the auditorium?", Balan proposed.

"Oh, okay. Not a problem with that", I replied, trying my best not to display a hint of nervousness.

"I'll be waiting for you whenever you're ready. Best of luck to you, darling!", he greeted me as he placed his hand on my cheek.

"Thank you, love. I'll see you later", I greeted him back and we shared a kiss.

As soon as Balan closed the door, my heart began to beat constantly. I placed my hand on my chest, feeling my anxiety kicking in once again. In a state of panic, I walked towards the bed and sat down, panting relentlessly. Not allowing nervousness and my inner demons to get the better of me, I took deep breaths and meditated with my eyes closed. I continued for several minutes until all I could hear was the sound of my breathing.

"Okay, Peyton. Calm down. Remember what Balan told you. Pretend no one's watching and the show must go on. You got this!", I asserted myself.

I opened my eyes, stood up, and opened the wardrobe to decide what outfit I should wear. After minutes of pondering, I took off all of my clothes and wore a red T-shirt with a star design, a hot pink hoodie, sky blue silk gloves, light grey thigh-length shorts, white socks, and 3-inch black high-heeled shoes with intricate floral designs.

I looked at myself in the mirror and did different poses to see if the outfit was suitable. I nodded my head afterwards, feeling satisfied and determined, and with no turning back, I exited the bedroom to go downstairs and entered the backstage area. It was a little dark the moment I walked in and hearing echoes of my footsteps sent shivers down my spine. Good thing I was wearing a hoodie as the temperature was quite chilly. Looking around, I noticed several pieces of equipment that were properly organized.

Suddenly, the drapes opened by themselves, and the spotlights projected on the center. The moment they shined near me, I knew that was the cue for my entrance. I took one more deep breath and strutted fiercely to the stage, making my way towards a modern microphone. As I looked at the audience seats, I saw Balan sitting in front with his legs crossed, grinning with joyful eyes wide open at the sight of my outfit. He gazed down, blushing as he adored the design of my heels.

"Good evening, Balan. Thank you so much for patiently waiting and I hope you enjoy this performance tonight", I introduced with a smile.

"WOOHOO! Go, Peyton! I believe in you!", Balan cheered whilst clapping his hands with his arms up.

"Alright. On with the show", I clearly uttered.

Once the music began playing, I sang the following songs: Amar Pelos Dois by Salvador Sobral, Just Say Yes by Snow Patrol, If My Heart Was a House by Owl City, As I Try Not to Fall Apart by White Lies, and Tout l'Univers by Gjon's Tears.

As I sang whilst holding the microphone, I occasionally moved around the stage by walking slowly and did a little dance depending on the mood of each song. I looked at Balan at certain moments, making him feel awestruck and touched by my way of connecting with him.

Afterwards, I put the microphone back on its stand and took a few steps back to watch it disappear. My solo number was next and I danced to the following songs: Time by Jack Garratt, Church Girl by Laura Mvula, and The Upside by Lindsey Stirling featuring Elle King.

I was having the time of my life and the flashing party lights and staging brought life to the music that I was grooving to. With Balan out of his seat, he got himself prepared for our duo dance number and immediately entered the stage. The next songs that we danced to were the following: Lullaby by Sigala and Paloma Faith, LUCID by Rina Sawayama, and Sister Ray by Foxes.

We incorporated our choreography with a combination of sassy elements and graceful styles that not only bring out the best in us but also allowed me to spread my wings and become the person that I truly am. Dancing with the most enchanting maestro was an amazing dream that finally came true. It initially felt like a surreal experience but the more I performed with Balan on stage, the happier I truly was. Once our performance came to a conclusion, lots of confetti started falling from above and the stage lit up entirely.

"Peyton, words can't express how incredibly proud I am of you. This was out of this world!", Balan highly praised as tears of joy welled up in his eyes.

"Thank you so much, Balan! Just as I said last time, this is my way of giving back to you", I sincerely expressed as I began to shed tears as well.

"I am deeply flattered", he admitted as we shared a warm and tight embrace.

Balan and I laughed as he lifted me up and twirled me around to celebrate the success of tonight's performance. He put me down gently and we locked lips one more time.

"Well done, dear! You did it!", Balan exclaimed as he couldn't stop grinning.

"No, Balan. We did it! None of this would be possible if it weren't for your never-ending support", I countered as I smiled back at him.

"Shall we celebrate with a nice hot bath?", he suggested.

"Sounds lovely! Followed by a classy dinner?", I proposed.

"You read my mind", he replied with a wink whilst giving a thumbs up.

With that, Balan snapped his finger to make the stage completely spotless and we exited the stage by strutting confidently. It was an incredible evening like no other and I'm so glad that all the hard work paid off. From here on out, I learned to further love and accept myself for who I am. Whenever I feel like wanting to perform again, I could always go to the stage to make beautiful memories with the love of my life.

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