Page 77 of Free to Fall

“Shut up,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

The stage manager gave us a five-second countdown before the camera lights came on and we walked out to thunderous applause. Kelly was radiant, Mark was charming as always. We gave them both hugs and kisses before going towards the stools to the right of them.

“We are so excited to welcome the stars ofThe Coven—Egypt Armstrong, Serenity Bradshaw, and Averi St. Claire!” Kelly beamed, gesturing to us. We waved to the crowd and took our seats.

Mark leaned forward. “Ladies… final season. How does it feel?”

“Bittersweet,” Serenity said first. “This show gave us so much. It brought us closer, made us stronger. But we’re also excited for what’s next.”

“But you three were friends before the show right?” Mark asked and we all nodded.

“Yeah.” Averi said. “We all went to Tisch together and were roommates in college.”

Kelly turned to me. “Egypt, you started out as a music student at Tisch. Did you ever think acting would be part of your path?”

“Not at all,” I said, smiling. “None of us did actually. We all were in the same Drama class but Averi and I were in school for music and Serenity for dance. Serenity was on Bird of a Feather first, playing the young Dailie Chevalier and when it got announced that they were doing a spin off, after so many auditions with other girls, things weren’t gelling well.”

“Yeah, I mean there were some great women there but none of it felt geniuine. So, I suggested to Egypt and Averi that maybe they could audition. I mean, I knew we all already had a good chemistry so I figured why not. Plus, people have been telling us for years that we look alike and could be related. I think we look believable as a trio of sisters right?” We looked into the audience as they clapped and nodded in agreement.

“I joinedThe Covenas a side hustle. It was just something to hold me down while I worked on music. I never expected it to blow up like it did… or to fall in love with it. Playing Frankie Chevalier has been a gift, seriously.”

Averi added, “We grew up on this set. Went from ramen noodles to press tours and People’s Choice Awards.”

We laughed, but I could feel the emotion rising in all of us. Kelly caught it too. “What’s something people wouldn’t know about your bond behind the scenes?”

Serenity answered that one. “We’ve cried in each other’s arms, celebrated birthdays, mourned losses… we’re more than castmates. We’re chosen family, always and forever.”

The audience aww’d, and I felt the familiar sting behind my eyes. Serenity reached for my hand, and Averi reached for my other.

Later that night, the crowd cheered as we walked onto Kimmel’s stage, all dolled up in sleek black fits. Kimmel gave us each hugs before launching into his usual sarcastic charm.

“So, I’ve got three witches on stage. Should I be worried?”

“Depends,” Averi said with a sly smirk. “You been misbehaving?” The crowd laughed. I loved seeing Averi in her element.

We talked about the show's finale, our favorite spells we performed, the infamous blooper reel no one was ever supposed to see, and our plans post-Coven.

“And Egypt,” Kimmel turned to me. “Your music career is taking off—‘Ctrl+Alt+Del’ is climbing the charts. What’s next?”

“I’m working on the album,” I said, proud. “It’s calledUncovered.It’s very personal. I’m pouring everything I’ve been through into it and the best part is my bestie is helping me write music for it and producing it.” I turned to Averi and beamed with a quick wink.

“After what she did for Royal’s album, I’m not surprised she’s joining you for yours as well. But, a little birdie told me you sing as well Averi, any chance we’ll get an album from you too?”

“No chance in hell.” Averi said with a smile that made the audience laugh. “I prefer to be behind the scene. Although, my husband keeps trying to get me on one of his new tracks. Maybe a few diamonds will convince me.” That got another laugh.

After the show, we exited through the back, arm in arm, riding the wave of emotion, memory, and gratitude that this farewell tour was drumming up in each of us. And though the stage lights dimmed, the bond we had built—the magic we made together—was the one thing that would never fade.

The energyinside 30 Rock was electric. It pulsed through the walls, up my spine, and straight to my chest. I’d performed in front of thousands, but this was different.SNLwas a rite of passage. A legacy. And now it was ours. I was so glad that Nas, Creed and Royal had come to New York to support us on this night especially. I felt like we all needed them, to be our peace during a chaotic time.

We were backstage, barely holding in our adrenaline. Lights hot, energy thick, that familiar buzz of live television humming through the air. My nerves were doing the absolute most, but I kept it cool, because this was the moment. The momentwehad dreamed about since Tisch.

Serenity and Averi were both beaming, and we looked like we belonged—three Black women, co-hosting Saturday Night Live, about to kill the stage. And as if that wasn’t enough? I was performing too.

“Y’all ready to show the world what legends look like?” Averi grinned, fixing the mic pack on the back of her skirt.

“You already know,” I smirked. The stage manager gave us the cue. We stepped out to applause, and I took my place between Serenity and Averi under the spotlight. “What’s up, New York!” I grinned, voice steady, heart pounding.

Serenity leaned in, “Y’all! We are hostingSaturday Night Live!”

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