Camp Rock by Lucy Ruggles Page A

on,” he said, letting his smile finally show. “Now, go out there and steal their hearts.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
    A ll the adrenaline that had been pumping through Mitchie’s veins seemed to vanish as she walked to the center of the stage and saw all the people. The campers, their parents, Shane, and even the press were looking—and waiting. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Caitlyn start the music. But when Mitchie opened her mouth to sing, she couldn’t do it.
    Caitlyn immediately restarted the song. Mitchie took a deep breath and finally started to sing—very quietly.
    â€œLouder,” Caitlyn whispered.
    But Mitchie was so nervous, it was all she could do to remember the lyrics. She looked into the crowd, finding her mother and father. She started to sing louder. Then she spotted Shane, and her voice picked up until it was full-throated and strong.
    Closing her eyes, Mitchie sang her song loud and clear. She sang what she had trouble saying—that she was so much more than meets the eye, and that she had found her dream and there was no way she would let it go ever again.
    From his spot in the back of the theater, Shane’s eyes grew wide. He couldn’t believe it. “Hey, that’s the song,” he said.
    â€œSo that must be the girl,” observed Nate.
    Shane stared at Mitchie up on the stage, so confident and talented, so true. This was Mitchie’s moment. Mesmerized, along with the rest of the audience, Shane began to make his way toward the stage. When he got close enough, he smiled at Mitchie. She returned the smile while continuing to sing.
    Grabbing a mike from Brown, Shane ran up the stage stairs and joined Mitchie in the lyrics he now knew by heart. He looked into her brown eyes as they sang to each other. In that moment, all the lies and all the pretending were forgiven.
    When they finished, they dropped their mikes but not their gazes. For a silent moment, Mitchie and Shane looked at each other as if for the first time. Then they were engulfed by roaring applause so loud it shook the stage. And while every glow stick in the audience was up and swinging, Mitchie and Shane continued to look into each other’s eyes—oblivious to anyone but each other.
    T he crowd was antsy as they eagerly anticipated the announcement of the Final Jam winner.
    Shane stood onstage with Brown and Dee but couldn’t take his eyes off Mitchie, who waited eagerly in the wings with Caitlyn.
    A young camper handed a sealed envelope to Brown and then rushed offstage. “Okay, everyone,” Brown announced, “this is it. The winner of Final Jam this year is …”
    Brown ripped open the envelope. He was as eager as the campers to hear who had won. As he read, a grin crossed his face. “Margaret Dupree!” he said proudly.
    Peggy clutched at her chest as if to say, “Who, me?” Her face went from a look of shock to joy. The crowd applauded wildly.
    â€œYou won! You won!” Mitchie screamed, jumping up and down.
    â€œYou gotta go! You gotta go!” Ella said, pushing her friend onto the stage.
    Peggy didn’t need to be told twice. She ran to the stage, and Brown handed her a huge Camp Rock trophy and an envelope.
    â€œWay to go!” Brown grinned. “You just got yourself a chance to record with Shane Gray.”
    The crowd cheered.
    â€œCongratulations, Peggy,” said a smiling Shane. “You deserve it. You were amazing. I can’t wait to record with you.”
    Shane and Peggy hugged and posed for the
flashbulbs going off all around them.
    Back in the wings, Mitchie couldn’t stop smiling. “We did it,” she said, throwing an arm around Caitlyn.
    â€œYou did it,” Caitlyn corrected.
    Mitchie’s eyes widened as she let out an “I can’t believe it!” scream. She had done it. She’d stood on her own two feet and sang her heart out to a huge audience. And they’d liked it!