Annalise

Chapter 8: The Bloody Cake

"Alright children! Gather up!" My music teacher simpered, clasping her hands together and oozing with glowing excitement.

I sprinted to the circle forming around Mrs. Fluent, weaving between two students so I can be upfront.

"As most of you already know, Jemstone University is coming here, Bellton high, to scout out a few talented kids!" She enthusiastically announced.

"That's great!" I squealed, breaking into a huge blinding smile.

"This is awesome," Alice squeaked, grabbing my right arm and shaking it wildly.

"I know, but I heard they haven't accepted anyone in their own city for 25 years!" I cried, feeling completely discouraged.

"Ah! But that streak will end in 3 months and 3 days from now when they select a few students to attended there," she points out, lifting my spirits and easily bringing up my hope.

"How many is a few students? Is it like 5 students or maybe 6?" A kid who had thick lenses on his glasses questioned.

"Jemstone only told me that they were scouting talent here, unfortunately nothing else," she commented.

"They're going to tell you more information as time goes by, right?" I frowned lightly but my little smile stood intact.

"Of course, honey. With time, everything will be known."

***

"Jemstone is my dream college. If we both want to attend we have to practice much more, competition is through the roof!" I informed, placing my bag into my locker.

"Competition? What competition do you have? Your voice is beyond excellent, you can easily hit high notes without your voice cracking and making you sound like a dying hyena," Alice asserts without hesitation.

"First, I do have cracks," I matter of factly added, closing my locker door and clicking the lock in place.

"Sometimes, but it makes you sou-"

"Second, your voice is much better because your tone is so unique and uniqueness separates you from the others, it makes you memorable," I chirped, emphasizing my last three words.

"Do not underestimate yourself by comparing yourself with others. It's our differences that make us unique and beautiful," She grinned, a small twinkle shining in her green eyes.

I snuck a glance at her as I slid my phone into my black Micheal Kors wallet, a far away look stretched across her face as she gaze out to the distance of kids hurrying to the cafeteria.

"Did you really just use a quote to respond back to me?" I chuckled, brushing my wavy brunette hair away from my face.

"Apparently so," she laughed slightly, pushing both eyebrows up and giving me a grinch like smile.

"You're so weird," I playfully teased her, as we took some steps down the hallway.

"You're so weird," she mimicked me, widening her eyes and exaggeratedly puffing out her bottom lip.

I rolled my eyes and puckered up my lips, in the process I snapped my fingers.

"Please stop," Alice begged, second hand embarrassment emitting off her.