I stayed backstage until the rest of the performers went. Then it was time for the awards.

My studio was put in a section of the stage and was told to sit. I sat down as instructed and bounced my thigh on the floor. My hands start shaking. Shit, I didn't take my meds. I was in a rush that it didn't even cross my mind. There was no way I was going to have a panic attack. Not in front of all these people.

I laced my fingers together, begging them to stop shaking. Defeated, I shoved them under my legs. I reminded myself to breath in big gulps of air. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I look up to see Todrick. I was confused. Dance teachers weren't allowed on the stage. He sat down next to me and gestures to hold his hand. I take out my hand from its current place under my legs and lace it with his. I mouth a thank you to him.

The awards were starting. They started with group dances, then trios, then duos, then they went through the age groups for solos.

I patiently wait there. I see girls and guys going up to receive their award. All kinds of emotions run across their faces. Sad. Excited. Angry. Proud. Disappointed. I didn't know what was going to happen.

"Now awards for 15 to 19 division. In fifth place, number 97 Victoria Williams."

A small applause rang. A short blonde haired girl rose and went center stage to receive her small trophy.  You could tell she was faking her smile. You could tell she was fighting back tears of disappointment. My heart beats a little bit faster.

"In fourth place, number 111 Amber Martin."

A pretty tall red head rose and like the other girl, went center stage to receive her award. I could read her face. She had no expression whatsoever. My heart beating faster.

"In third place, number 129 Dominic Sandervol."

A tallish boy stood up and followed suit. I remember him from other competitions. He was an amazing hip hopper. He seemed more happy than you should be getting third. I guess he was just grateful for a trophy. My heart beats even faster.

"In second place, number 133 Faith Winston!"

There was a big applause. I look over to Faith who is hesitantly standing up. Shock was written over her small freckled face. She plasters on the most fake smile I have ever seen and receives her award. I couldn't help but smile. I feel Todrick's squeeze my hand. My heart is racing.

"Time for first place. Drum roll please. In first place, and the highest overall score of this competition, number......136 Rachel Vaughn!"

A huge uproar waves through the audience. I heard my name being said but I didn't move. I looked at Todrick.

"Go up there!" He yelled over the applause.

I stood up and there was even more applause. Walking to center stage, I still couldn't register what was going on. I bow down my head while they place a medal around my neck. Then they give me my massive trophy. It was almost up to my shoulders. (Rachel is 5'8 btw) I look out into the still cheering audience. That's when I hear,

"YASSSS! SLAY QUEEN!"

I follow the sound and see Mitch and Scott jumping up and down in the way back of the auditorium . I wave to them a blow them a kiss.

I can't believe they stayed.

I turn to my right and congratulate Faith. I lean over to give a hug because I believe in sportsmanship, and she closes in the space. Making sure to stomp on my toe before letting go.

Balloons and confetti showered over the whole place. When it settled down a bit. I found Todrick and gave him my trophy.

"I have to go do something and I didn't want to break the trophy. Hold it for me and meet me in the front of the building ." I say.

I turn and run off stage and through the backstage doors. I run down the hallway to the front of the building. I scour the area and I meet Scott's eyes. I run to him and he starts running towards me followed by Mitch.

We reach each other and Scott and I clash into a hug. He picks me up slightly off the ground and puts me down. Mitch then breaks our hug and hugs me. We sway back and forth a bit before he pulls away.

"You did amazing! You slayed that dance!" Mitch exclaims.

"You looked so beautiful up there. You literally made us cry!" Scott said after Mitch.

"Thank you so much. I didn't know you guys stayed. I thought you were just dropping me off.

"Are you kidding me! Of course we stayed we didn't want to miss it! Mitch yells.

We all laugh and have a group hug. Someone taps me on the shoulder. I look over and there was Anthony with a bouquet of roses. I hug him and he moves the flowers before I crushed them in our embrace.

"You did so good! I knew you were going to be amazing." He says when we pull away.

"You're always right." I say smiling.

I look over and see Todrick walking in my direction. Trophy in hand. He finally makes his way over to us and hands me back my trophy.

"Mitch, Scott, this is my dance teacher Todrick Hall. Todrick this is Mitch and Scott." I introduce them.

"Nice to meet you." Mitch and Scott say together.

"Same to you guys. I think I've heard about y'all. You're members of Pentatonix right?" Todrick asks raising an eyebrow.

"Yes we are." Did you choreograph Rachel's dance?" Scott asks.

"Yes I did." Todrick says proudly.

"Oh my gosh it was so beautiful." Mitch exclaims.

"Well I just made up the moves. Rachel is the one making them beautiful." Todrick says giving me a side hug.

"We're having a pool party to celebrate. I hope you can join." Mitch says.

I raise my eyebrows up to Todrick. He's never seen any of his students out of the dance studio. But I'm apparently an exception.

"Ok." He says.

"Yay! I'll text you the address." I exclaim before we depart.

Scott picks up my trophy. And I grab Anthony's hand.

"Damn this is heavy. What is this thing made out of?" Scott says hauling the trophy out of the building and into the trunk.

We all laugh. I still can't believe I won. As we drive back home I go over the events today in my head. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. But I just keep smiling. Nothing can ruin today.