A singing contest? At the community building? A $100 prize for first place?! 

Bea gawked at the poster, her sky blue eyes flying enthusiastically over the words. 

"Bridget! Look at this!" 

Bridget walked by, not even glancing at the poster. Her short, dark hair tumbled into her eyes, her wallet chain jingled on her hip, and an impatient sigh issued from her lips. 

"Bea, I already know what you're going to say. Believe me," she said, turning her head to look at her overall clad friend as she fell into step beside her, "I've thought about it. I really have. I don't want to disappoint you, but you know me, I lock up. I ruined our chances of winning at the talent show at school last year. I just can't."

The two friends had formed a small band last year, called "Bluebird and Blackbird". Bea sang lead vocals and Bridget provided guitar and backup vocals. Bea's voice was absolutely beautiful, and she sang often in her church's choir. Her only problem was she hated to sing alone. 

Bridget had offered to be backup vocals and guitar, not knowing at the time that stage fright would soon grip her performance. For the last few months, Bea had tried to convince Bridget to enter a competition of some kind with her, but to no avail. 

"Bridget, please?" pleaded Bea, her big eyes looking imploringly at her friend. "I know you can do this, you're so good at singing and playing your guitar. Just think, you could get fifty dollars too! You could buy those new combat boots you wanted!" 

Bridget looked at Bea and the pleading expression painted on her face. 

"What if I ruin it again?"

"If you're playing guitar, nothing could be ruined."  Bridget sighed, smiling in spite of herself. 

"Alright, I'll do it."

The deadline to enter was the next week. The form was filled, signed and dropped into the entry box. Hours worth of music filled the two girl's houses, melodies blending together. The song chosen for the competition was "Birds Set Free" by Sia, symbolizing their love for music. 

Quickly the date was approaching. Outfits were picked, re-picked and argued over, guitars were tuned and vocal warm-ups continued to be heard. 

The night had arrived. With numbers pinned to their outfits, Bea and Bridget waited, hearts full of adrenaline as one by one singers and musicians were called onto the stage. Seats were full of people from all around town. Lights glared up at each vocalist as they made their musical case about why they should take the prize. 

Suddenly, their number was called. Shaking slightly, the two girls stepped onto the stage. Polite applause rang through the room. As it died, Bridget hit the first beautiful note. Bea opened her mouth and out poured the song, emotion-filled and heavenly. 

As the song's last key rang out, the audience cheered loudly, whistling their approval. In a few minutes, the award was given to the Bluebird and Blackbird.