Free Color Blind by Diana Gardin

had
mistaken one song for another. It was how dress rehearsals went, but I’m still
extremely nervous for the show tonight. “Mamma Mia!” is my baby, and I need it
to grow and flourish.
    As I stand backstage, reviewing musical
cues with the band director, Mrs. Bartos walks up behind me and gives my
shoulders a squeeze.
    “I just finished going over the routine
for “Dancing Queen” again, just to make sure they’ve got it,” she says.
    I nod, chewing on my bottom lip. Mrs.
Bartos smiles reassuringly.
    “They’re going to be great, Camryn,” she says.
“Now, do we need to rehearse your introduction?”
    I’m going to be introduced as the lead
choreographer during intermission.
    “No,” I answer. “I’ve definitely got that
covered. If I ever have to give a Tony award acceptance speech, I’m going to
have one written out years ahead of time!”
    Mrs. Bartos laughs. “Okay then,” she says.
“I’ll see you when the curtain opens!” She walks away, her heels clicking on
the black marley floor of the stage.
    As I watch her go, a strong, steady arm
encircles my waist.
    “Do you have time for one more question?”
Luka whispers in my ear.
    I rest my head comfortably back against
his chest and a bouquet of pink roses appears in front of me. “These are for
you.”
    “Luka!” I exclaim. “That was so sweet.
You didn’t have to—“
    “I find myself having to do anything that
puts that smile on your face,” he interrupts me. “I can’t help myself.”
    Luka and I had been out together twice in
the past week, and were getting closer all the time. We still hadn’t had “the
talk” about whether or not we were an exclusive couple, but I think the rumor
mill around school states that we are.
    How do I feel about it? I really like
spending time with Luka. He’s sweet, thoughtful, and oh-so-nice to look at.
There really isn’t much more to ask for. But that jet-ski ride and picnic with
Cooper…I can’t get it out of my head. Cooper and I haven’t hung out since then.
I’ve been focusing on the musical…and Luka. However, I still see Cooper every
day in English Lit and around school. At lunch he started sitting with a group
of musicians that are known for playing gigs around the city, and I miss his
presence at our table. But I guess he feels out of place with me sitting next
to Luka every day. I wonder if he’s given up any idea of something happening
between us.
    The thought makes my heart clench, and
I’m not sure why. If I wanted to be with Cooper, I would. But Luka’s presence
has dominated my time since we met. It disappoints me that Cooper gave up so
easily, though. I can’t deny it.
    “Well thank you,” I say to Luka. “I’m
lucky to have such a thoughtful and handsome guy looking out for me.”
    “There was one other thing I wanted to
give you before your first show,” he says. His voice has dropped an octave and
he’s giving me a coy smile. “For luck.”
    Luka leans down, and as his soft lips
approach mine, I close my eyes and will my anxiety about our first kiss away.
    His lips meet mine, and it’s warm and cozy.
I snuggle into his arms as they wrap around me, and fog clouds my head as Luka
sighs against my mouth. He tastes like butterscotch candy, and his skin is
softer than I expected a boy’s to be. When the kiss ends, Luka lingers close to
my face, breathing deeply.
    I brace my hands on his chest, my
thoughts spinning. I look up at him, to find his eyes boring into mine.
    “Luka—“ I begin.
    His finger covers my lips. “Let’s let
that marinate, okay? Good luck tonight. I’ll be in the audience, and I’d like
to give you a ride after the show’s over if that’s alright.”
    Looking into his beautiful brown eyes, I can’t
refuse him. I nod.
    After Luka leaves, the remaining hour
before the show passes in a blink, and suddenly the house lights blink in the
auditorium, and the first strains of “I Have a Dream” are wafting through the
room. I take my place