Reunited

Chapter Ten

       The next morning, Josephine and Anne went to the Lyceum. Jo had to join in the choir's general rehearsal, twelve hours before their concert. She gave the front row ticket for her mother to watch the concert.

       Anne wanted to accompany Jo and get a glimpse of the concert flow. They entered the Amphitheatre, only to find no one but cleaning personnel.

       "Guess we're always early, huh?" Jo thought aloud.

       The two climbed up the stage. Anne found the acoustic guitar she and the other presenters used the night before. Jo sat on the piano stool. Together, they came up with an idea to do some improvisations while they waited for the choir to arrive.

       Michael and Joseph were getting ready for their concert. They stuffed their bags with several packs of dried mangoes and distilled bottled water. Joseph thought of bring his sketchpad with him in case he got bored.

       As the boys from the choir arrived at the Amphitheatre, they were surprised to see the cleaning personnel dancing to the music Anne and Jo were making. 

       The two stopped playing their music once they saw the boys have arrived. Mr. Fox and John ascended the stage.

       Josephine and Anne were speechless, knowing that the 'legends' were walking towards them.

       "Good morning, ladies." Mr. Fox greeted them with a smile. "How nice of you to show up early."

       "Good morning, Mr. Fox." Anne smiled back.

       "Now, Miss Uy, I know you are a journalist, but I'm afraid our practise is closed to the public."

       "That's okay, Mr. Fox, I'll be making the article about the interview we had yesterday while you and the choir will be practising." Anne stood up and stored the acoustic guitar to its proper place. She gave Jo a hug before she left the Amphitheatre.

       The boys practised with their blocking to get accustomed to the spacious stage. They vocalised to warm up their larynx in order for their singing to be smooth.

       Mr. Fox had to rearrange the blocking for their last performance. He intended to place Joseph by the grand piano while singing for his solo. Mr. Fox gave some revisions to Jo's piece.

       The choir decided to take their lunch inside the Cafeteria to save money and time. Jo sat on her usual spot in the Cafeteria alone.

       "Hey." Joseph approached Jo. "Can I have this seat?" He was carrying his lunch tray.

       "Sure." Jo made room for Joseph to place his plate on the table. They ate their lunch quietly.

       Joseph could not bear the silence between the two of them. He quickly thought of a topic to start a conversation.

       "You did a wonderful performance last night."

       Jo blushed. "Thanks." She remembered to ask Joseph what happened afterwards. "So, what happened after you left?" She spoke softly.

       "Oh, I rearranged my hair and hid my sunglasses. I told my dad and Mr. Fox about the 'tissue' incident, and they all believed it. Save for Michael, of course."

       Jo laughed. "You had such an 'adventure' yesterday, didn't you?"

       "Yea, but – keep the crying part a secret."

       Anne entered inside the Cafeteria and ran towards Jo and Joseph.

       "Eeeeeeeeeeeee! Hi Jo!" Anne hugged Josephine.