Finding Claire

Chapter 33

After fumbling through the entire song for the last time, we called it quits and I went home, rubbing my wrist from playing too much. That's how we ended up spending the rest of the week: practicing our butts off until we could both do our things without messing up or getting mad at each other.

Throughout that entire week of practicing the song and going through everything we learned in the school year, I was too busy to notice something happening around me. For just a minute one day, I heard Mr. Zee say my name and then Nathan's name all in one sentence, but I didn't really pay attention to the rest. I was too busy concentrating on everything that was happening and didn't bother ask why he said that.

I wish I had though.

When the show finally came that last Friday before finals, I couldn't be even happier to get it over with and actually have some me time. No more worrying about playing or messing up and all I had to do now was concentrate on my two finals and wish for the best.

"Alright! Today is the night! Are you all excited?!" Mr. Zee yelled above the noise of the students back stage. We all slowly got quiet and I quickly look around to see all the pairs. As my eyes caught the gaze of the familiar blue ones, I quickly looked away and felt like something was going to happen.

And I didn't like that feeling.

"Ok! So we are minutes away from the show and your parents, friends and family members are out there, ready to hear what you all have been practicing so hard for the past couple of weeks. If you forgot what order you are playing, look behind you as we have posted up the sheet. Don't be nervous! You are all brilliant musicians and singers and I couldn't be more proud!" Mr. Zee ended his speech and we all screamed in cheer. Mr. Bass took his spot up on the chair and then he cleared his throat.

"Just a quick word and then we can get started. I just wanted to say it's been a pleasure knowing all of you. Almost every single person in here will be graduating so this will be the last time you will play for this High School. Keep on playing in the future and don't give up on your dreams! Break a leg out there and let's get ready to rumbleeeee!" All the boys present roared while all the girls just stared at him in confusion. I just laughed and rolled my eyes, moving with the crowd as everyone started to get ready. When I found Hope, I smiled and gave her a hug.

"Are you ready?" I squealed and she gulped. I looked at her and frowned when I saw her pale and sweaty face. "Are you ok?"

"I feel like I'm going to throw up," she gasped as we heard both teachers start the introduction out to the guests. Her breathing picked up and I began to fan my hands out to her, as if that would help give her some air.

"Oh no. Please be ok. Don't throw up.... please don't throw up."

After catching her breath, she looked at me, still pale and nodded. "I'll try...... I'm just so nervous. I've never done something like this."

"Neither have I," I admitted and she looked at me wide eyed. I faintly heard the show starting and I caught the first few lines of the song one of our fellow classmates were doing. Teardrops On My Guitar by Taylor Swift. It didn't sound that half bad with both instruments and single voice.

"Really?" she whispered, getting my attention and I looked at her with a smile.

"Yes. Now where's that funky girl I got to know? She's not shy!" She smiled weakly and rubbed her face.

"I told you I would change and that you wouldn't believe me," she murmured weakly and I rolled my eyes.

As we stood there, awkwardly hearing the crowd cheer and students going group by group up into the stage, I found myself gulping and shuddering. I was sort of glad we were second to last, but then at the same time I was sad. I just wanted to get this over with and just get on with my life. I wasn't planning on staying for the last show, as it was Nathan playing a solo. Call me rude, but I just didn't want to stay. It would bring back too many memories.....

"Alright! Weren't they just amazing? The guitar program has just proved how great it is! Now, it's time for more piano! Here is the next group of young girls, playing...." I drowned out Mr. Zee and took deep breaths. Only two more groups and then we were up and it was over.

Only two more groups..... Only two and you can go.... two....

"Do you want to go with me to the side of the stage and take a peek? Maybe that will help my nerves," Hope whispered besides me and I jumped at her soft voice. I nodded after a bit and we quietly made our way to the left side, staying in the shadows but getting close enough for us to see everything.

"Oh god," I heard her gasp and then I heard a thump. I looked over at her and gasped when I saw her sprawled all over the floor, passed out.

"No!" I cried as I got down to her level. Everyone was surrounding us now and I was about to have a panic attack. "Hope don't you dare leave me alone out there! Wake up!" I slapped her lightly but when that didn't work, I shook her. Both Mr. Zee and Mr. Bass pushed through the students and got down on their knees, fanning their arms out with papers.

"Oh man she's gone. I don't think she's going to wake up in time for her to sing," Mr. Zee sighed and I groaned.

"Are you serious? I can't go out there by myself!!! I'll just look ridiculous playing the piano with no singer! And it's not like anyone else knows the song......" I trailed off as he looked at me with bright eyes. I blinked rapidly and then when he stood up and looked around, I mimicked his actions.

"Nathan! There you are!" he cried and grabbed my hand. I gasped as his plans finally registered my mind and I was planted right in front of a scared Nathan.

"No!" I screeched and took a step back. "I am not playing with him!"

"Like you just said, there is no one else that knows this song. You have to go out there for a grade. There is no other option Claire. Nathan here knows it and he can play with you. You two can sing together as well."

"No!" I whined. "This is not how it's suppose to happen!"

"Hate to break this up, but your group is up next. I'll try and go distract the audience for a while but I don't know if I'll be able to do it for long," Mr. Bass murmured and stood up, walked out to the stage with a big smile and clapped along with the crowd.

"We don't have time for this Claire. I know you don't want to do this, but there is NO OTHER OPTION," Mr. Zee stated and I flinched. I looked down at Hopes unconscious, but peaceful form and groaned.

Why oh why did this have to happen to me? On this night specifically!

"The duet we were suppose to do won't work with what I've been practicing. We haven't done this in forever so it won't work!"

"I still remember it," Nathan spoke for the first time. I sent a glare to him and he shrunk back.

"There! And the song isn't that different. There's just a few different measures added at the beginning and then it's all the same!" Mr. Zee gasped happily as he pulled me up. He parted the crowd of students so we could walk away, but instructed a few to help Hope come back.

Yes. Please come back.

"I can't," I whispered. "I was not suppose to sing. I'm not prepared to do that." I felt someone grab my hand and I looked down at our entwined hands before looking back up.

"I'll be there with you," Nathan murmured. "I won't let you down."

"Umm.... hate to rush the show but there is a show we need to keep on going. Did we solve something?" Mr. Bass murmured as he poked his head through the curtains, blocking us from the crowd.

"Yeahs just give us a minute. I'll go out there and explain the changes," Mr. Zee confirmed and Mr. Bass nodded. Mr. Zee turned to face me and he smiled. "Don't be nervous. You will do great Claire. You are the best student I have had and I am so glad I bothered you enough to make you sign up. You won't regret it."

"I hope not," I mumbled and sighed. I didn't realize I was still holding hands with Nathan until I felt him squeeze mine and I looked down at them.

"Ready?"

I untwined our hands and hugged myself as I watched Mr. Zee enter the stage. "Ready as I'll ever be."