Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Abby

The stage lights are blinding, but I try to focus on the announcer standing across

from me. His voice reverberates through the microphone as he begins his script.

“Ladies and Gentlemen… Welcome to the annual Alpha party cooking

competition! I’m your host, Heinrich Williams, and today I’m proud to

announce…”

One by one, the contestants and judges are introduced. Their faces are

projected onto giant screens that hang above us, and with each announcement,

the audience cheers and applauds excitedly. The announcer then asks each

Enter title…

person a couple of questions, giving them time to promote themselves before

the show begins.

As I’m waiting for my turn, though, all I can feel is crippling, soul-crushing fear.

How do I look? How will the audience respond? What will I say when it’s my turn

all of this, and all I can think is that

morning, maybe I

Karl stands beside me, steady as

eyes glinting in the light

about it is

glad to have him here. I thought that it would

have John by my side, but this feels

roils inside of me at his presence, attracted to his

in

now,” the announcer booms, pulling me

with her interview yesterday. With

eloquent words about inclusivity in the culinary world—please give

welcome to Abby!”

louder and more

have ever imagined.

I blink in surprise.

them, being held

in colorful

Abby!” and

gently, a signal for me to step forward. My

move stiffly

a different way than

true? Do people… really like