Along Came a Poor Man

Majority out of ten was a beginner. Maybe, that’s the secret why it felt great. There was this tall girl and small boy, high-pitched and low-pitched, trained performer and 1st time performer, short hair to long, dark complexion to fair, to say everything will just cover a lot of space. We must have a very skilled coach to handle the extremes.
Two weeks before the contest week, we were already excused. First days were tough because we got to have that catchy moves and fill the 8-minute time limit. The voice has no problem. We didn’t practice much for it. We GOT it. I thought everything was okay.
One time, we failed to meet the standards and so, we were in the middle of riot when they thought of switching contestants. We didn’t want that. We worked harder and harder until, they asked us to stay. We worked harder but the humor was always there. We practiced more but more often caught fooling around. But we were in that scorching hot stage as the contest approach. We even didn’t bother to pay those costly clothes my mother at first, didn’t like. But then, she was so supportive so she agreed.
Then, there it was, the contest proper. I am so nervous because it was also a first time for me. True, I get to perform but not in a contest outside the school. We waited. Ours was the last part of the program until the time came we positioned ourselves at the stage.
We had a lot of mistakes but it didn’t matter. We can already see the crowd watching attentively and reacting actively with each stunt. I saw the judge smile at us and I even heard their positive conversation. Audience was just so surprised because it was so different from the preceding performances. They were too busy to see the errors. Then, we saw our coach smiled and put her thumbs up.
The next performances were also mixed up. Perhaps different schools had different impression of the name. It was really not famous, not even my mother knew it. After that, we get to change our clothes and watch the rest.
Hours passed and there was not a single clue of our contest. We were in the assembly area and waited. When it came, all our fingers were crossed. We were hoping, hoping a lot. When we heard of the runner-ups, it made us hope more and we got nervous more. Then, when the champ was announced, I can’t help but jump when our school’s name was mentioned. I was so happy. Every one of us was. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
Two weeks after was a judgment day. I already had an idea that I’m one of those to be removed so I told myself I won’t cry. But it can’t be helped. Well, after that, I’m through with it. I just can’t avoid those echoing questions because many were shocked about it. For me, I wanted our school to win so whatever I can help, even if I’m there or not, I will. I did my part. Maybe, it wasn’t enough.