Race To Taylar

3. Talent Show Troubles

***Julian POV***

Its been almost a week since Taylar told me we couldn't be friends. I tried talking to her but she just walk past me like she couldn't see or hear me. She didn't reply to my texts or answer my calls. I had to know what was up.

I walked into school and headed to the cafeteria. Sitting at their usual table were Taylar and Heather. A dark guy I'd never seen before sat with them. He looked older than all of us though. What is she dating a college boy?

I sat at my table with a couple dudes from the jock clique and they immediately started in about the guy with Taylar. Nobody seemed to know him. He didn't look a bit similar to someone I was sure I'd seen before as he stared at me all hard. I just couldn't figure out who.

***Taylar POV***

I could feel Julian staring our way. My uncle JJ had come to eat breakfast with Heather and I. He wanted to confront William but William was hardly ever in class. My uncle assured me I could be friends with whoever I wanted to. But I knew that. I wasn't scared for me. I was scared for Julian. William and his brothers could really hurt him.

I snuck a peek over my shoulder to see JJ was staring at Julian. He looked my way and smiled. I quickly turned back around. I couldn't give him any hope of there being a friend of mine. He was too nice to be subjected to my problems. I smiled to my uncle as I tapped his arm.

"Don't stare at him like that," he whispered.

He looked at me as he asked, "What you like him? I mean its not a problem. Look at your mom. But you know y'all gotta be careful. People scared of Brian. That's why the leave your mom alone. But who's gone be scared of model boy? And-"

I held up my hand to cut him off.

"I don't like him. He's just nice. He's not gone hurt me. But your stares might hurt him."

He resumed eating his breakfast fruit as he asked, "So have you decided what to sing for your lil talent show? Gen & Brian already done said they coming to support you in this crowd of haters."

I looked at my food as I softly said, "I was thinking 'Piece by Piece' by Kelly Clarkson. You know it?"

He smirked and nodded then looked to his watch and stood. He walked around to me and kissed my head before walking out as the first bell rang.

Later after school***

***Julian POV***

I was headed to the back of the school when I turned down the hall next to the auditorium. I heard muffled voices inside and peeked in the side door. Standing on stage was Taylar and Mrs. Tilly, the chorus teacher.

"Taylar it's an emotional song," she said with a hint of annoyance on her voice. "Open up! You don't wanna look like a fool being stoic on stage. Try again."

Taylar looked up at the ceiling as Mrs. Tilly walked over to the radio. She pressed play and an instrumental began to play. Shortly after Taylar opened her mouth and her eyes landed on me. Nothing came out. Mrs. Tilly hit stop and looked my way.

"That's enough practice for today," she said to Taylar. "I'll see you at school before the talent show. Practice. Be safe."

With that she left and Taylar got her CD then headed for the door behind me. I stepped in her path and she like looked at her feet.

"Talk to me," I pleaded as I stood my ground in front of her.

"I have to go get my daughter," she blurted before rushing past me.

Daughter?! She was only like seventeen or eighteen! Daughter? How old? Is that why she's avoiding me? She thinks I'll judge her?

I shrugged my bookbag back onto my shoulder and grabbed a program for the talent show then set out to find Mrs. Tilly.

***Taylar POV***

I can't believe he almost caught me. I rushed out to my Jeep and floored it all the way home. I needed Riley's help. She was the only one I felt comfortable opening up to. And I needed her piano skills. When I got home Mama's car was gone meaning she and Daddy had run an errand. I rushed inside and saw Riley on the couch watching a movie with Lily.

"Help me," I called out by way of a greeting.

Riley was only twelve. But she was a master on the piano, organ and drums. She quickly stood and followed me to the music room, holding Lily. She placed Lily in Baby's dog bed and handed her a teething cookie to chew on as we worked. I stood in the center of the room and my hands were shaking.

"Calm down," Riley called as she sat behind the piano in the corner. "Uncle JJ said you wanted to do that Kelly Clarkson song. I can play that. But we don't have long to practice before Mama and Daddy get back. So we need to hurry with a run through."

I nodded and took a deep breath as she prepared to play. She looked up at me and I nodded. Signalling her to play. I looked to Lily then to our parents giant photo on the far war. Tears filled my eyes and I took another deep breath. Riley continued playing waiting for me to open my mouth. And finally I did. And I started to sing...

***Julian POV***

I found Mrs. Tilly in her classroom playing her violin. I walked over as I asked, "What song is Taylar Daughtry singing?"

She looked up at me and put her instrument down as she dug through her purse. She pulled out a list and said, "Piece by Piece. That's if she can get over being a bottled up bundle of emotionless talent."

I looked to the clock. "Do you know her address? I wanna play for her?"

She looked at me confused.

"I play piano," I explained. "I think I could really be some help."

She smiled and nodded as she said, "I don't know the address of the top of my head. But the Daughtry Ranch is where she lives. Its on the other side of the main square. Up in the hills. You can't miss it. It says Daughtry Ranch on an iron arch across the entrance."

I nodded and grabbed the sheet music she was handing me then rushed out to my car. I had to get Taylar to talk to me somehow. What better way than working together?

Lily pictured!

Comment and Vote please!