Right Now

Chapter 44

It was the night of the Winter Recital. I had talked it out with Dr. Pomfret and she said she would allow me to sing by myself, adding that I wouldn't be thought of for Rolling Stone because I failed to have a partner. Which sucked.

I was wearing my prom dress from junior year, seeing it was the only formal dress I had with me. It was an emerald green with a dark silver belt and an A symetrical neckline. Über cute, Julia would say.

In fact, Julia called me the night before to tell me how she and the boys were doing some work in Manhattan, seeing as the concert was next week. Julia offered to come and cheer me on which I gladly excepted.

I arrived at the Lincoln Center with my head held high, even though I knew my dream of being in Rolling Stone was crushed.

It took me a minute to just process everything that has happened to me this past 8 months or so. Everything just happened so fast and I can't believe where I was compared to now.

I pushed through the double doors, one hand lifting my dress up slightly to climb the stairs effectively. More of my fellow classmates were already warming up. I spotted Ariel and Tyler singing in the corner and I walked over to them.

T Pose was dressed in a black suit with a dark pink tie, which corresponded to Ariel's dark rose colored dress with a high bejeweled neckline and an open back.

"Hey guys! You sound and look great." I interuppted their jam session to hug them each.

"Oh, honey, I know we do." Ariel winked at me.

"Belly, you look gorgeous!" Tyler took my hand and spun me around.

"Careful now, what would Lauren say?" I playfully teased.

He had a dreamy eyed look, "You should see her, she's doing a ballet piece for the intermission. She's gonna be incredible"

I cooed, "You guys are the cutest."

I heard a stage manager shout directions.

"Thats our cue, kiddos" Ariel grabbed my hand and led me backstage.

-*-

We all took turns performing. I was towards the end of the program so I just got to enjoy everyone else.

I even saw Julia sneak in during the 2nd Act! I was so excited to see her afterwards.

Tyler and Ariel had just performed and they were beyond amazing. I think I clapped the loudest.

Next thing I knew, it was my turn.

"And now, Isabella Ramierez performing Falling Slowly."

I walk out on the stage and take a seat at the piano.

"WAIT!"

All eyes went towards the double doors to find Niall Horan.

You've got to be kidding me.

"Dr. Pomfret, you've got to let Belly be in Rolling Stone. She's so talented and she need this to jump start her career." Niall looked out of breath and exasperated.

Dr Pomfret addressed Niall. "I'm very sorry young man, but this assignment calls for a duet. If Ms. Ramirez does not have a singing partner, then she will not be thought of when selecting the winners."

Niall raced toward the stage. "I'll do it, I'll sing with her. If you get me a guitar, I can sing with her."

I, in the meantime, sat silently with my jaw slacked at what was occuring around me.

Niall was now about 5 feet away from me onstage. I struggled to look at him.

I hesitantly looked up at him and spoke while he was getting a microphone and a guitar.

"Don't do this. I've tried so hard to get over you now just. Please. Go away." I shut my eyes to stop myself from crying.

"Belly, don't think about me or us or the stupid brunette boy. Think about you and your career. You are the best singer I've ever met, now lets show Rolling Stone what you've got!"

I sighed and looked back to the piano. Hesitantly, I started playing.

It made me think of the first time I ever sang with Niall.

***FLASHBACK***

"Niall come here!" I called from the piano room of the One Direction mansion.

He ran in looking exasperated and out of breath "Are you alright? What's wrong?"

I chuckled, "Nothing. I just wanted to tell you how awesome this music room is!"

He chuckled in return, picking up a guitar. "You know, it wasn't really fair to just drop a bomb on us on the plane! Why didn't you tell me you could sing?"

I smiled. "I just kept it to myself. Only my mom and Julia know, really."

He looked at me. "Can we?"

"Can we what?"

"Lets....du et." He laughes. "Get it? Duet?"

I roll my eyes in amusement.

I start to play a familiar tune.

(PLAY FALLING SLOWLY FROM THE MUSICAL ONCE NOW)

**I don't know you

But I want you

All the more for that

Words fall through me

And always fool me

And I can't react

And games that never amount

To more than they're meant

Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home

We've still got time

Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice

You'll make it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me

And I can't go back

Moods that take me and erase me

And I'm painted black

You have suffered enough

And warred with yourself

It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home

We've still got time

Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice

You've made it now

Falling slowly sing your melody

I'll sing along**

As the song ends, I notice no one but Niall. Our eyes just bear into each others. Our proximity close. I finally break out of the trance to notice a standing ovation from the crowd. As well as a sad Dylan, guitar in hand, walking out the double doors.

I get off the stage and run after him.

"Dylan wait!"

The double doors slam behind me.

"What do you want, Belly?" His demeanor was different then usual.

"Before you say anything, I asked him to leave, I asked him to hitch hike the hell outta here. I wanted you to be the one singing this with me. In fact, I'm gonna go back inside and invite the Rolling Stone people to the practice room so we can do it for them. You and me- " I'm interuppted in my monolouge to be pulled into a Dylan hug.

"I missed you."

Sobbing, I hug him back harder, "I missed you. So much."

He chuckles and spins me around in a circle as I squeal.

I hear the doors open behind us. "Hey, get your filthy american hands off of my Belly!"

Oh brother.

(YEAH FIGHT SCENE!)