Unexpected (Avi Kaplan)

Behind These Hazel Eyes

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. The constant and annoying sound of my alarm clock woke me up, and I reached over, slamming my hand down on the snooze button. The last thing I wanted to do was to go to school. I didn't want to face Dean or Kalyn and I certainly wasn't ready to perform at the talent show. Dean and Kalyn. The mere thought made me want to cry my eyes out. Just remember not to let anyone get to you sweetie. Anyone that hurts you doesn't deserve you. I heard a voice come through my thoughts just as I was about to slip back into dreamland.

Opening my eyes, I looked at the time before sitting up. "I'm not gonna lie. I thought you left me forever, mama," I murmured softly before getting up and rushing to my bathroom to shower. There was no way in hell I was letting them ruin my day. Once I got out the shower, I wrapped a towel around myself and began looking through my closet for something to wear. I knew I wanted something to impress, but that wasn't overbearing. Something that was just enough to show just how good I was doing, whether it be true or not.

Pulling out a pair of black high-waisted jean shorts with a row of spikes going up each side, I slipped them on before continuing to look for a top. Finding my best-fitting black tank top and a green and black flannel. Once I was dressed, I sat down at my vanity, taking my time to dry my hair and curl my naturally straight locks. Taking a quick glance at the clock, I did my makeup, making sure it was noticeable but not too over the top, and slipped on my green vans. Standing up and tying the flannel around my hips, I made sure I had my phone since the talent show was going to take up all day, so I didn't need my booms for once.

Looking through my CDs, I found one with a small smirk and slipped it carefully into my purse. Heading out to my car without breakfast, I got in and started my car, grabbing the disk and putting it into the player. I began singing to the music, knowing that I would need as much practice as I could get. Swinging through Starbucks to get a regular iced coffee, I continued my way to the college. Finding a parking space that was relatively close to the entrance, I got out, grabbing the disk and let out a deep breath as I locked the vehicle and headed inside, going straight to the auditorium.

Fortunately, I was one of the last performers to arrive and took my seat without a word, taking a small sip of my coffee as my eyes scanned the room for the two people I didn't want to see. Sure enough, I caught both pairs of eyes and gave them a deadly glare before focusing my attention on the school's principal.

"Good morning and welcome to the fourteenth annual UCLA Talent Show! Most of you probably know how this works, but for those who don't, let me elaborate. There is no winner, first of all. This talent show is simply that. A show of talents. These men and women behind me have a gift that needs to be shown, and who knows, there may or may not be a scout somewhere in the audience. No pressure," Mr. Rodriguez said jokingly, but there was something that told me he wasn't joking at all.

"All that aside, we've got a very special treat for all of you. Because of the money we were able to raise, we were able to get these five ladies and gentlemen to come perform for you and watch the show. Without further ado, Pentatonix!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm that was obviously trying to match the deafening cheers of the students.

I watched in utter shock, having forgotten completely that they were supposed to be there. I instantly began regretting the decision I had made only half an hour before to change the song I planned on doing. No backing out now. I had something to say, and I was going to get it out. I watched as they spoke, mainly the tall blonde, though it went in one ear and out the other. At least they all seemed happy to be there, or nice people in general.

After only a couple minutes of speaking, I watched the lights dim and heard the familiar beginning of Can't Sleep Love, a song I'd had stuck in my head for weeks after I first heard it. I silently sang along as I watched my schoolmates start getting up and dancing to the song, causing me to laugh a bit.

Once the song ended, each of the members thanked them and immediately found their seats with a smile. I had to admit that I was a bit more upbeat than I had be minutes beforehand. Mr. Rodriguez stood back up and smiled, trying to keep the students hyped up. "Alright alright, great right! I'm sorry but none of you can match that," he said with a laugh. Thanks for the encouragement. "First up we have Mary Stewart. The stage is all yours," he said as she redhead made her way and took the microphone with a smile. The moment the first chords of the song started, I stood up, thankful for the shield the curtains provided and walked out the back way, careful not to draw any attention to myself. Making my way up to the sound guy, I wrote my name on the disk and told him to play that instead when I went to go perform.

Quickly returning to my seat, I stared down at my hands, listening for my name. Finally looking up, I allowed my eyes to move over the portion of the crowd I could see. I caught sight of all five members of Pentatonix, causing my heart to start pounding in my chest. Almost too soon, my name was called, and I stood up, running my fingers through my hair before making my way onto the stage. I took the mic from the principal and faced the crowd, taking a deep breath as my eyes immediately found my ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend. Quickly adverting my gaze, they landed on a green pair of eyes that stared back at me with a look she wasn't used to, being my entertaining and weird self. It was boredom.

Huh. You'd think that loving music as much as he did, Avi Kaplan would show a bit more enthusiasm. Shrugging it off, I looked up to the sound booth and gave a slight nod. Only moments later the music started the distinct sound of a snare ringing out. Behind These Hazel Eyes began playing, and immediately, I was pleased with my choice to change the song I wanted to do.

Seems like just yesterday

You were a part of me

I used to stand so tall

I used to be so strong

As I began singing, I easily relaxed, allowing all of her emotions to pour out of me through the words of the song. I had to admit that I was nervous about the few time I had the chance to belt out a note, though once they arrived, it almost seemed like it wasn't a problem. The song ended too soon and I stood in silence, a single tear falling from my eyes. Wiping it away quickly, I watched almost everyone clap, even a few people whistling. Almost.

Unableto help myself, I found herself glancing back over to those same green eyesthat had stared at me with undeniable boredom, only to see there was no change.Looking to Dean, it was obvious he knew I had chosen the song because of him.With a simple shake of my head, I disappeared backstage, taking my seat onceagain as I watched the rest of the show, a small smile on my face as I thoughtabout one thing. I'm free.2