Unexpected

50. Helen

Two weeks later

Today is performance night. Finally. Tonight every student who plays an instrument or sings will perform.

We are in a theater, ready behind the scenes. I peeked out and there is a whole crowd watching us.

My mom and dad are here, plus Grace, Michael and Evan. And Harry.

Miss Williams did not allow him to perform with us because there was no time left, but having him in the audience is beautiful. This is enough.

The song came out perfectly in the end, and Miss Williams didn't dare complain even once. Maybe she realized she was exaggerating.

Jade and I are back as before, and that fills that empty space inside of me.

"Girl, are you ready?" Miss Williams tells us.

"Yes, even if I'm a little nervous," I tell her, laughing.

Jade rubs her hands. "I'm trembling, I could pee in my pants at any moment!" she exclaims, and I burst out laughing.

We are the last to perform, which is agonizing.

I'm dressed in black and Jade in white, to contrast with the piano, tied hair and light makeup.

We are ready.

The show begins and the crowd cheers. The former perform and go backstage with tears in their eyes.

"Jade..." I say, my legs shaking.

"Helen...help!"

"Let's calm down, then it our turn," I tell her, take a deep breath together and release it slowly.

"We can do it."

"Now, Helen Scott and Jade Miller at the piano!" the presenter announces.

It is the moment.

We go up on stage, Jade sits at the piano and I place myself in front of the microphone. I clear my throat before walking over to the microphone and Jade starts playing.

The spotlight is on us, and I don't hazard a glance at the audience. I keep my eyes on the sky.

This is for you, Cole, for you.

As I sing the beautiful words of this song, I feel tears come to my eyes but I try not to cry.

Meanwhile the song ends and I feel out of breath, a layer of sweat all over my body.

Jade and I bow as the crowd applauds, and I finally look down. Mom and Dad are moved, Harry too, and I see him mime with his lips, "I love you!"

I smile, addressing only him. I love him to death.

• • •

"Helen!" my mother exclaims as soon as she sees me. "You made us cry!"

"Thanks, Mom," I hug her.

My father joins us and whispers, "I love you."

"Love you too."

Then he breaks away from the hug and says, "I'll give him another chance," he glances at Harry, who's looking at us, "but only because I see you happy."

A huge smile appears on my face. "Thanks."

Then I run to Harry. As soon as he sees me he lifts me up and turns me around in the air. "You've been amazing!" he says, puts me down and kisses me passionately, drawing me to him.

Our friends around us whistle. "Stop making out in front of everyone!"

Harry doesn't care, keeps kissing me and shows them the middle finger, sending them to hell.

"I love you," he whispers to me.

I can't help but smile. "I love you too."

"So much?"

"A lot," I confirm.

"Say bye to your parents, say you'll see you later," he tells me.

I shake my head. "You have to say hello too."

"But your father hates me!"

"He told me that he gives you another chance, don't waste it."

We walk towards my parents, hand in hand.

"Hello, Mrs. Scott," Harry says politely.

My mother looks at him badly, jokingly. "Julia, please."

"Keep calling me Mr. Scott, thank you," my father tells him, but with a smile on his face.

"Mom, dad, can we meet later?" I ask, and Harry starts pulling me away.

My father raises an eyebrow. "What do you have to do?" He knows exactly what I have to do.

"I'd like to steal your daughter for a while, afterwards she'll be all yours," Harry tells him.

My father shakes his head. "Go, go!"

• • •

We've just arrived in front of Harry's house, and he walks around the car to open the door for me.

I start to get out of the car, but suddenly I feel a cramp in my lower abdomen and I fall back on the seat. "Ah..."

Harry frowns and holds out his hand to me. "What's wrong?" he asks me, his tone worried.

I shake my head and get out of the car. "I don't know, menstruation maybe."

"Oh. Well, let's hurry up then!" and he loads me on his shoulder.

We arrive in his room and he traps me between him and the door. He kisses me, explores my mouth with his tongue.

With one hand he reaches the zip of my dress and lowers it. The strapless dress immediately falls to my feet, leaving my breasts uncovered.

Harry plants a hand on one of my breasts and pinches my nipple, but as soon as he does I stiffen, feeling a pain I've never felt before.

He notices that I am stiff and he asks me, "What's going on?"

I swallow the saliva. "It hurt, I don't know why."

"Even if I do this?" he squeezes my breast, but without pinching my nipple.

I nod. "Mh-hm, a little less, but it hurts."

"How come?" he asks me.

"I think my period is coming."

He kisses me gently. "I won't touch you there, okay?"

"Okay."

She lifts me off my buttocks, the heels slide off my feet, and he makes me lie down on the bed.

Suddenly I feel tired, like I've made a huge effort, but I don't stop Harry.

He puts on the condom, places himself between my legs and starts moving in and out of me.

I moan, but softly, and Harry gasps and groans.

He kisses my lips and my neck, but he doesn't speak.

After about five minutes, my legs start shaking and I come. Seconds later Harry explodes in the condom.

My eyes close on their own.

Harry hugs me, kisses me on the cheek and says, "Are you okay?"

"I'm very tired," I tell him in a sleepy voice.

"You have to meet your parents later."

"If they call, say I'm asleep and I'll see them tomorrow." I sigh. "I can't do it now."

"Okay, baby. Just rest."