Danger // J.N

Chapter 46

Anna's POV.

The sound of the drums, trumpets, trombones, saxophones, clarinets, and flutes all flow together in sync, creating a beautiful melody for the last day of school ceremony.

I walk down the hall, entering the cafeteria. I hear the band playing from the auditorium. My black converse gently tap against the floor. I cross my arms, pushing strands of hair out of my face.

I turn right and push open the doors of the auditorium. I enter the auditorium, seeing a couple teachers and principal all gathered on stage, along with the band.

I take a deep breath as I walk down the aisle, making my way to the front row.

"Anna!" Brittaney and Jade yell. I look to my left and see them waving their hands in the air. I crack a smile. I walk over and sit next to them.

"Where have you been?" They ask in unison. I bite my lip. "I was just walking around, making sure my lockers cleaned out and stuff," I say. Brittaney nods. Jade turns around.

"They're starting with the awards soon," Jade says. I nod. I turn my body and look around for Jace. I see Corey, Sean, Jace, and some other kid sitting up on the side seats. My lips part as I see him anxiously biting his nails, while staring at the floor.

The music from the band dies down, and the principal walks towards the microphone.

"Students of Integrated Performing Arts Academy, please listen!"

Almost everyone turns to him and puts their focus on him.

"We have a lot of awards to get through, so we'll begin immediately!"

Jade looks at me. "I bet you're up for an award," She nudges my arm. I smile. "Probably not," I shake my head.

"We'll start with the musical category," The principal says. Jade looks at me. I roll my eyes and giggle.

"These students have shown skill level in choir, band, or orchestra."

I bite my lip. I listen to the people he names off, all students that are in my choir or music theory class.

"The next round of students have been awarded $1,000 scholarships to the school of their choice. These five students have been chosen because they proved an amount of interest in music and have showed an enormous amount of talent and skill behind their musical performances," He explains.

Brittaney and Jade look at me. "This better be you, Anna," Brittaney says. I shake my head. "It can't be."

The principal announces a couple students. I gulp as I see my classmates stand up from their spots and walk up on stage.

"Savannah Carson," He calls. My eyes widen. I turn to Jade and Brittaney. They look at me and smile. I crack a slight smile. I stand up out of my seat, and walk out to the aisle. I walk up the steps and walk on stage. The principal hands me the check and certificate of achievement. I gulp as I feel complete joy run through my body. I stand next to the other students, and I look out at the others sitting in the audience. I look up to the left and see Jace, Corey, and Sean all clapping. My focus lies on Jace, who seems incredibly proud. He smiles big, clapping his hands together. I smile, feeling so much happiness. I haven't felt happiness in so long, it seems as if it's new to me.

Jace's POV.

I watch Anna stand on stage, holding her certificate and check. She smiles so big and so proud.

She deserves it.

She deserves it more than anyone.

Music has always meant something to her, I know it has. She pushes it away when she's depressed. Which instead she should bring it closer to her, and cherish what talent she has.

Because I know she has it.

I let the words of the principal go in and out my ears, while I watch Anna and how gracefully she walks down the steps and back to her seat.

I snap out of my thoughts. I crack my knuckles and take a deep breath.

Although Anna and I haven't spoken since the breakup, and we trade awkward looks at each other, none of that can change my feelings for her. I'll always care about her, and love her.

"The next category will be the theatre classes," The principal speaks.

Sean and Corey look at me. "You think you'll win?" Sean asks. I purse my lips and shake my head. "Never in a million years, bud."

I look down and kick my leg up on my knee. I lean back in the chair.

"For outstanding performance, Jace Norman!"

I look up and at the stage. Almost everyone in here is clapping. I quickly stand up, unsure of what to do. I look at Corey and Sean, and they point to the stage. "Go!" Corey shouts. I crack a smile. I walk down the steps, and turn to the aisle. I walk down the aisle and step onto the stage. The principal hands me my certificate. I turn and look at Anna. She claps her hands together, smiling big and proud. She looks straight at me and says something. I read her lips, saying "I'm proud of you."

After the ceremony, everyone stands up and leaves the auditorium. The bell rings, automatically signaling that school is officially out.

Sean, Corey, and I, all leave the auditorium. We walk out of the school together. We walk down the steps and turn right, to stand by the brick wall we always stand at.

"Are you still in shock from that?" Corey points.

I nod. "Yeah, I mean, I only participated in one play. How could anyone see any talent from that?" I ask.

"You're talented!" Sean says. "It's not hard to see," He says.

I purse my lips again and nod. I look up as I see Anna hugging Brittaney on the steps.

"Call me!" Brittaney says. Anna nods. She turns around and her smile instantly fades away. She sighs as she walks down the steps. She has her bag hanging from one shoulder. She wears a grey t-shirt dress with a red, white, and black plaid flannel. Her hair is pulled back in a messy pony tail.

"You should talk to her," Corey says, softly. I bite my lip, deciding if I should.

She walks past us. I turn around and walk up to her. "Anna!" I shout. She jerks her head up and turns around. She looks me straight in the eyes. I walk closer.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

She gulps. She pushes strands of hair out of her face. "Not really, are you?" She asks.

I scan every feature on her face. "Am I ever okay?" I ask, smirking. She cracks a slight grin. She looks down.

"I'm really proud of you, Jace. But I-uh-need to get going. I work in a couple hours. It takes a while to get to the pool," She says as she looks up and nods her head.

I part my lips as I watch her stare at me. She gulps again. I lean in to hug her, but she's quick to turn away. She walks into the parking lot, towards her car.

I watch her walk away.

I've done that far too many times.

You'd think I'd learn my lesson, never let someone you love walk away.

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A/N: hi! so I'm working on the last chapter, chapter 50. There will be an epilogue! But I'm really struggling to come up with ideas for a sequel. I never finish sequels, and I already have a new fanfic plotted out. I'd like to know your opinions! Should I have a sequel? Or just move onto a new fanfic?