ONE HEART

Chapter10 And It Begins!

Tessa looked straight at Mariah. What is she doing? Tessa asked herself as she struggled to get up off the floor. By the time she had, Mariah was gone. Tessa opened the door and looked up and down the corridor. There was no sign of Mariah anywhere. Tessa looked at her watch. I'd better head towards the back of the stage.  She told herself. The concert would be beginning soon. Until she performed she would keep an eye open for Mariah. Why had she run off? Tessa had all these questions running through her head. All of a sudden she spotted the guy Mariah had come into the auditorium with, in the wings. She went over to find out who he was. Excuse me said Tessa tapping him on the shoulder. Hi said Kevin. Hi, I'm. I know who you are, butted in Kevin. You're Tessa Shelton. You were singing when Mariah and I came into the auditorium yesterday while you were practicing. You were amazing. Well thank you, but I don't know who you are. Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you didn't know. I'm Mariah's friend Kevin. Hi Kevin, pleased to meet you. Tessa held out her hand. I'm a hugger, he said and pulled her in for one. Do you happen to know where Mariah might be? 

Err, well after we had to check all the classrooms, for anyone who might have wandered off. Mariah was sent out front to greet people when they come in and give them a program at the same time. Oh okay, said Tessa a little disappointed. I guess I will try and catch her after the show. We're about to start soon said Tessa. I'll tell her you'll be looking for her said Kevin. No! Said Tessa a little too aggressive. I will go and find her afterward myself. Don't worry. Tessa was a little embarrassed. No problem at all said, Kevin. Have a great evening, and I'm sure you will blow everyone's minds with your performance. No pressure said Tessa trying to smile. Are you singing the same song you were practicing yesterday? asked Kevin. Yes, I am said, Tessa. Awesome, break a leg then said Kevin as he left. Of course, afterward, he went straight to Mariah and told her what Tessa had said. What sort of friend would he be if he didn't tell her? Especially when he knows Mariah misses Tessa a lot. Oh wow! Said, Mariah. Did she say all that? Yes, she did said, Kevin. She was also trying to figure out, if I was your boyfriend or not. Mariah started to laugh.

You gained all that from talking to her for five minutes? said Mariah. Yes said Kevin. I'm a little more intuitive than you. That is true said Mariah reluctantly. I'm guessing my secret is still safe with you? Don't worry, I promised the day you told me, that I would keep my mouth shut. That's what best friends do for each other. That's why I have only told you said, Mariah. I'm still so confused. But when I see her. All I want to do is kiss her. I've never felt this way before, about anyone. Do you like guys too then? asked Kevin Is that why you are confused? Yes, I like guys Kevin. But what I don't know is, am I just saying that to mask the obvious? Am I holding back, because I'm too scared to go the other way? Well, I did tell you to talk to Tessa a long time ago now. You miss your best friend and I think she misses you too. You need to have a conversation! said Kevin abruptly. Maybe, now you know what I've told you, and the way Tessa is thinking, Tonight might be a good night to have that talk. Oh, I don't know about that said Mariah a bit taken aback by what Kevin was hinting at. I don't think I would have the courage to tell her how I'm feeling. And more importantly, ask her if she feels the same way as I do. "Mariah," said Kevin sighing. 

Can you please grow a pair? And try and make the effort to talk to her. Because if you don't, you're going to spend the rest of your life wondering if Tessa was the one for you. I for one, don't want to listen to you doing that. Okay, okay. I will try and talk to her after the concert if I can. For god sake! Shouted Kevin getting frustrated with her. You live next door to one another! Just go around and knock on the door. Are you getting angry with me Kevin? said Mariah sternly. Yes said Kevin bluntly. You have been on about Tessa for years. I don't think you even know when you're talking about her anymore. You like her Mariah, a lot. You can't hide that fact. Because yesterday in the auditorium, I saw it with my own eyes. When you sat down to watch her sing. You were smitten, with her. You couldn't stop staring at her. She was brilliant, wasn't she? Yes, she was, and I can't wait to hear the full effect tonight. Me neither said Mariah smiling. I just have to make sure, I'm in the auditorium when she starts. Don't worry I will make sure you are said, Kevin. Tessa was sitting in a room behind the stage, she was doing some more of the breathing exercises her parents had taught her to do. When there was a light knock on the door. She opened it to find her parents standing there.