Canon

Chapter Eight

The music flowed within me, almost like a river.

Well, duh, as the title says: River Flows in You.

Anyways, I just stood there, completely under his power, with my mouth open and looking pretty stupid.

He even recieved a standing ovation! The judges and the crowds clapped and clapped and clapped, and I clapped as well. Miss Higgins was even tearing up!

I didn't even realize he was done until he came up to me and asked, "Are you all right?"

And like the stupid girl that I am, replied with, "That was amazing, Adrian! You deserve first place,"

And now, every contestant was looking at me like I was mad. Even Adrian. And if I was a different person, then maybe I'd be looking at me like I was mad, too.

I mean... THIS IS A COMPETITION! Why on earth would I tell another competitor that he deserved first place?

From the corner of my eye, I saw Chelsea eyeing me with a suspicious look on her face. Which means I have to say something... and fast.

Obviously, I blushed so hard I actually stammered, "But I d-deserve it better... I m-mean... We all deserve it."

Now all of them was looking at me funny. Lizzie began to giggle, followed by Innes who burst out laughing. Carter and Adrian were clutching their stomachs and slapping their thighs. Chaz managed to keep his cool, but he was smiling at me like I was crazy.

Which I probably am.

Can this get any more embarassing? 

Finally, the night is over. The results will be posted tomorrow and a new theme will be given out. 

I let my hair loose, tumbling into fiery, orange strands down my shoulders. I washed off my make-up and looked at myself in the mirror. You, Jazz Roberts, are such a humiliated mess.

As I was packing up to go home, Carter went up to me and said, "Nice job,"

"Yeah, thanks. You did great, too," I told him. I felt my phone vibrate, and I got it. "Just a sec,"

A text message from my Dad, congratulating me. Did he not notice how the notes went sharp because I was thinking of him and Mom? Nope, probably not. 

I was just about to reply when something, wait, make that someone crashed into me and gave me a bear hug.

"JAZZ!" Chelsea came to the backstage carrying the clothes I'd change into, "You were awesome out there, my frie-"

She eyed Carter and shaked hands with him, all of a sudden. I gave her the what-the-hell-look. I mean, hello? Best friend here?

"Hey, I'm Chelsea Jacksons, her best friend," She forgot about me. Ouch. And she even used the reason we were best friends. I should have gotten used to this now but still. Double ouch.

"Nice to meet you," He smiled at her politely and shook her hand, "I'm Carter Sorensen,"

"Yeah, I've heard," Chelsea smiled a flirtatious smile, "You were awesome back there,"

"Thanks," he says gratefully, then checks his phone, "Got to go now. See you girls tomorrow,"

He went away, suede shoes clicking on the pavement and all. Chelsea then got something out of the bag she was holding and handed me a Green Lantern shirt, black hoodie, skinny jeans and a pair of flip-flops.

Exactly my style. 

"He is so dreamy," she drawled, "Here, get into this. I'll wait outside,"

After dressing up, I went backstage to get a glass of water. I had no idea someone was still inside.