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

expecting all of this, and all I

this morning, maybe I

stands beside me, steady as

brown eyes glinting in the light of

it is

way, I’m almost glad to have

my side, but this feels like a

me at his presence, attracted to his scent and

lifeline in

booms, pulling me back

interview yesterday. With

eloquent words about inclusivity in the culinary world—please give a

welcome to Abby!”

louder and

have ever imagined.

I blink in surprise.

them, being held up by people

The word ‘Abby’ is written in colorful

like “Go Abby!” and

my arm gently, a signal for me to

I move stiffly toward the

now in a

Do people… really like