Second Prize Short Story 2003
The Performance
by Natasha G., India/Alabama, Age 14

Wearing a green salwar kameez, and her hair in a tight bun, 16 year-old Lila slowly walked down the stairs.

"Oh, look how beautiful she looks in traditional clothes." Mrs.Rao said, nudging her husband a bit too hard.

Lila rolled her eyes."Yes, yes of course," Mr.Rao grunted.

Today was the day Lila had been waiting for a long time even though she wouldn't admit it. Today was her first debut sitar performance.

"Come on Mom, We are going to be late!" Lila said. She remembered her sitar instructor, Mrs.Prashad, saying, "Now remember to be there precisely at 4 o' clock."

"Oh, pish-posh, you know Mrs. Prashad won't start without you," Mrs.Rao laughingly replied.

During the trip down there, Lila thought about the lousy excuse she had made when her friend, Danielle, had asked her if she wanted to hang out. "Ummm....I can't because I have 4 tests on Monday that I have to study for," she had said. Her mother had always told her to be proud of her culture, but this was much easier said then done.

Pulling into the parking lot of the Arts Center she recited all the notes she was going to play. "Hi, Lila, let's get ready for the performance." Mrs.Prakash said almost immediately when Lila walked in.

Slowly the curtains rose. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to present today one of my very accomplished students, Miss Lila Rao. This is Lila's debut performance," Mrs. Prakash said at the microphone.

With that Lila struck her first chord, she closed her eyes and the music became entrancing. Finishing her first piece Lila looked up. To her utter surprise, sitting in the first row was her best friend Danielle. "Oh no," Lila thought. "This can't be happening." She nervously started her next piece. Her eyes stayed on her friend. She missed a note, then another, and another. She missed a whole measure and stopped.

The crowd held their breath. Lila heard a solitary clap. It was Danielle. Then a few people joined in and soon the whole audience was clapping. Lila felt her face glow and started up the song again.

After the performance she was greeted by a crowd of people. "Great job Lila!" Mrs.Prakash said.

She spotted her mother and her friend in the distance. "How did you know?" Lila asked Danielle.

"Your mother called, and I couldn't miss this for anything. You were awesome," Danielle said, handing Lila a bouquet of flowers.

"Thanks," Lila said looking at her mother and friend, "To both of you."

Natasha on life between cultures: The hardest thing about balancing two cultures would probably have to be adjusting to new things around you, while still mantaining your heritage.The best thing would be knowing so much about two cultures and gaining experiences from both.