Wednesday Story

Although the reflection in the mirror told her she looked okay, Allie's hands still trembled. Why had she agreed to do this? Would anyone believe that what she did was an actual talent? She turned around and glanced at the door. Yes, she could walk through it. The talent show was about to start and she needed to get to the gym. Her props were all ready, layed out for her. All she needed to do was go.

She studied the whiteboard, markers, and physics textbook in the corner. She'd been over the equations time and time again, and she was certain her theorem was correct. Still, Allie couldn't shake the thought that a college talent show didn't usually qualify as a "peer review."

With a tremble she turned toward the door leaving the markers and stuff behind in a heap. The talent show was about to begin. She returned to the mirror one more time and touched her face. The burns from the house fire greatly disfigured her and her hair had grown back some to create a cute bob. Was she crazy? People were going to laugh and vote her as the world's ugliest speaker. Did she have the courage to face her peers with a face touched by fire?

Her friend, April, came in and touched her arm. "You can do this," she said. "Do not be afraid."

It was easy for April. April was a beauty pageant runner-up with a great voice and personality. "Let's go. It's time." Trembling, she followed April to the door. Outside, she could hear the MC say "And our first contestant..."

It was time. Now or never. Might as well be now. She'd go out there, do her thing, and wow them all, despite the scars on her face. April was right. She could do this.