We all went to the center of the village, where Unther usually makes his announcements. “Ready?” I whispered. Anne nodded. “Alright, Eloise, you’re on.” Eloise sighed as if she was hoping we would decide not to do this at the last minute. She walked to the very center, looking nervous. She looked back at us, we gave her thumbs ups. I heard her say, “Here goes nothing.” Then she sang. I haven’t heard her sing in a long time. She was really good. People walking around stopping, then gathered around to watch. People poked their heads out of their huts to see what was happening, the saw Eloise, and came out to watch.
Eloise faltered, but kept going. My mom and Anne’s parents came to watch. My dad and Marcus came down the path. Almost everyone was here, perfect. Anne and I crept into the crowd, to say hi to our parents, but also so they could see we were here.
“Hi, mom!” I whispered.
“She’s so good! Wow! I’m glad you are friends again. Oh hello, Anne!” My mom continued watching, as if mesmerized.
“Time for the signal?” Anne whispered. I nodded.
Anne started to chant, “Eloise! Eloise! Eloise!” People around joined in. Soon everyone was chanting, “Eloise! Eloise!” Eloise heard as it got louder and knew it was time. She leaped across the stage, pretending to fall and hurt herself. Everyone gasped.
“Ow, ow! My leg!” Eloise yelled. The doctors watching quickly ran up. Eloise showed her leg, which had a scar from her calf to her knee, from when she was seven, when she cut her leg on a tree root. It wasn’t that bad, it just looked bad. And only me, Anne, and Eloise knew about it. Everyone was focused on Eloise, so Anne and I ran away, into the forest.