The Magic Within: Shadows of Two Worlds

Chapter 28 ~ Ella

     During lunch on Monday, Jamie and I invited Jake to dinner on Tuesday. "We really need more time together. Just the three of us," Jamie said. Jake and I nodded. "Definitely." Jake replied. Jeff looked annoyed, but he didn't say anything. During Psychology and the Good Life, we had time to talk to our partners about the journals again. When I sat down, Christopher smiled. "I'm ready for the journal entries you wrote about how annoying Thomas is. I blushed, thinking about what I had actually written about Thomas." I glanced down and murmured, "it's still private stuff...not complaining about Thomas." He smiled at me again. "It's still about Thomas, isn't it?" I gaped. "You are quite observant Christopher." He chuckled. "True, but you made it pretty obvious on Friday. Also, call me Chris. We're friends." I grinned. "I'm glad we are...Chris. Anyway, I still think writing journal entries is helpful. It relieves stress and is a good outlet for feelings." Chris nodded. "I agree." The rest of the period flew by. I walked into the Orchestra room, looking forward to seeing Thomas despite myself. Once we were all seated with our instruments ready, Director White started talking to us. "I am assigning you all partners today. You will have to work with someone in another section. A percussionist might have to work with a woodwind, for example. Other than that, the partners are random. I will give each group three songs. You will have three weeks; one to learn to play each song together. You also must each write a paragraph about how different your two parts are for every song." People were whispering excitedly. He grappled a list off his desk. "The partners are completely random. Clark and Amanda, Jamie and Sophie, Derek and Grew, Christopher and Fred, Hayden and Lilly..." I listened intently as he listed names. My face paled when I heard my name. "Thomas and Ella." Jamie turned around in her seat and smirked at me.Thomas turned around me and gave a thumbs up. I rolled my eyes. This is going to be fun, I sent. I sense sarcasm, Jamie returned. Darn right. I could see her fighting back a smile. After Director White finished telling us our partners, he had us move to sit next to them. Thomas came over. "Nice to see you, Bella." I wanted to retort, but I gave in. "Hello Thomas." He smiled at me. "Do you dread working with me for three weeks?" I shook my head. "Could have been worse. Poor Chris got stuck with Fred. That guy is a jackass," I said. Thomas pretended to wipe his brow. "Phew. I'm glad you would rather work with me than Fraudulent Fred." I tilted my head. "Fraudulent?" Thomas look at me seriously. "Fred cheats like there's no tomorrow. Homework, tests, girls..." I shushed him. "You are being so loud!" He was about to say something, but Director White came up to us with our music. "I have a feeling you two will be a great match," he said. I blushed, even though he was only talking about the project. He handed us each a checklist. "As you can see, there is the title of each song. Underneath, are the requirements. Along with learning to play it together and writing the paragraph, each song has a special requirement. The first is to write at least another 20 measures for both of your parts. It can't be exactly repeated. This should be added at the end. When you play the song for me, you will take a break to tell me that you are about to start the part you wrote. For the second song, you have to work together to write a short story. Whatever story you think the song tells. Finally, you have to find someone to sing the song with you. Director Garcia, the choir director, will come to watch everyone perform. Any questions?" We both shook our heads. "Know any good singers?" Thomas asked me. "I'm in Choir... so yes." He looked relieved. "Good 'cause I don't. Who's the best? That isn't in Orchestra?" I considered for a moment "Jaylin. We better get to her before anyone else does. Coincidentally, several Choir members are meeting up for dinner tonight. We are going to perform then eat. Fun fact, Jake is our pianist. I can ask Jaylin then." Thomas nodded. "Cool."

~~~

     I walked into the fancy restaurant I was singing at. I had spent hours obsessing over my appearance. I had showered then blow dried and curled my hair. Jamie and I went to the store to find an outfit. I put on five different dresses before deciding on a short, low cut lavender dress. Jamie insisted on matching stilettos. When we got back to our dorm, I painted my nails white. I put on foundation, blush, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lipstick. Jamie helped me with all of this. She also came with me. When we walked into the restaurant, I almost tripped in my stilettos. Why? Because Thomas greeted me at the door. "You look stunning, Ella." I gaped. "What are you doing here?" I demanded. "I asked Lilly what restaurant you were going to. I want to hear you sing." I sighed. "Okay..." Jaylin walked over. "You look great! Thomas already asked me to sing for you guys. I agreed." I smiled. "Thank you." I walked over to where the Choir was preparing to sing. Several people complimented me. Lilly ran forward and gave me a hug. "I talked to Director White. He said even people in Orchestra could sing for the third song, so would you do that?" She asked shyly. I grinned. "I would love to." Soon, we were invited onto the stage. I was suddenly nervous. I hadn't told Jamie or Thomas, but I had a solo. In junior high and high school I had always been too nervous to audition. As soon as school started, we got music for this event. When auditions came up I decided to try. I figured failure is a good way to learn. I did not think I would actually get the solo. Not only did I have to sing a solo in front of all of those people, I had to sing a solo in a romantic song in front of Thomas. I took a deep breath as we all stepped onto the platform in the center of the restaurant. A waitress came up to the microphone. "Hello everyone! If I could have your attention please, tonight we have the Yale University Choir singing for us." Slowly, the room became quiet. We sang our first two songs, which didn't have any solos. There was deafening applause. I walked up to the microphone. "Good evening. I am Ella Glynn, the soloist for our next song. Please enjoy 'All of Me' by John Legend." There was more applause. The pianist started playing. Unfortunately, Jake hadn't been able to make it. "What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in, and you kicking me out. You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down..." After that line, a man at the bar wolf whistled and yelled, "What are you talking about, sweetheart? I'd love for you to be on top of me." I blushed, but didn't otherwise react. Soon, the rest of the choir joined in. 'Cause all of me loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me. I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I'm winning. 'Cause I give you all of me.And you give me all of you, oh-oh." I continued by myself. "How many times do I have to tell you? Even when you're crying, you're beautiful too. The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood. You're my downfall, you're my muse. My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues. I can't stop singing, it's ringing in my head for you. My head's under water. But I'm breathing fine. You're crazy and I'm out of my mind." The choir joined me for the rest of the song. "'Cause all of me loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me. I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I'm winning. 'Cause I give you all of me. And you give me all of you, oh-oh. Give me all of you, oh. Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts. Risking it all, though it's hard. 'Cause all of me loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me. I'll give my all to you. You're my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I'm winning.'Cause I give you all of me. And you give me all of you. I give you all of me. And you give me all of you, oh-oh." We all bowed slightly. Once again, the applause was thunderous. The waitress came back. "Congratulations! You were a big hit. I will try to convince my boss to let you come again." We all smiled. I felt lightheaded as I walked down the stairs of the platform. Jamie and Thomas were waiting there. I made a spur of the moment decision. I jumped from the last few steps. Thomas caught me and twirled me around. "That was amazing. You were amazing. There is no darn way Jaylin is better than you." I blushed like mad. "Thanks." Our faces were really close together. My breathing was shallow. I leaned in. Before I could change my mind, I pressed my lips to his.