I step on to the field, my gold costume shining under the fluorescent lights. My heart is pounding, adrenaline rushing through my veins. My lipsticked smile shows no fear, my graceful strut to my designated yard line full of confidence. The marching band and color guard take their places on the football field. I glow in the tangle of matte maroon marching uniforms and gray T-shirts of the color guard. 

I feel the eyes of hundreds drawn to my bright colors. The baton in my right hand is held at a tight angle, my left arm pointed at the dark sky as if to say, "I'm ready." The field is my stage, the crowd my audience. All the blood, sweat, and tears have led me to this moment. My moment. This is my time to show everyone what I'm made of.

The music starts and my body melts into the rhythm. The crowd cheers, and I convince myself it was for me. They love me. I am the star, the feature twirler.