Canon

Chapter Nine

Everyone looked at me with a pity, I almost wanted to scream, "I don't need your pity!", the way they do it in movies.

Almost.

Maybe it's because I know I'm in last place already, that I shouldn't act so inappropriate.

Or maybe it's just sheer embarrassment.

Well... I know I shouldn't be surprised already. Heck, I even dreamed about it. Besides, no one else messed up that bad. Only I did.

The way I let anger take control of me during last night's performance was completely unprofessional. But hey, I swear it wasn't my fault. It's like my hands were in sudden control of themselves and I couldn't control them anymore and... and... OK, there is no excuse for that.

But still... I'm still in a bad mood.

And then there's that thing with Chelsea. The way her eyes burned with anger the moment she saw Adrian and me together.

I thought Chelsea had already gotten over him? And besides, Adrian and I were just walking together. It's not like we were kissing or hugging each other. Then I remembered that Chelsea was this overly dramatic, overly jealous and overly unpredictable friend that even I can't understand sometimes.

Sometimes I wish I did though.

Behind me, I heard someone whistle. I thought it was one of those mean people who couldn't do anything else in their lives except to make other people's lives miserable. But I was wrong.

It was Chaz. The good looking senior who always manages to look good. Or whatever.

He won first place, followed by Adrian, then Lizzie, then Innes, then Carter, then me. Good old stupid me.

But he had to be so damn humble about it, I can't even hate him for it.

"Um..." Chaz was definitely unsure of how to talk to me, "Better luck next time?"

"Thanks," I looked down, "Congratulations,"

Even shy, freshman Lizzie beat me. I guess I do suck that much.

I wonder where Adrian is. He got second place. He deserved first. But then again, Chaz was awesome too. Where is Adrian anyway ?

Then the speakers blared again:

"Participants of the Music Competition, please proceed to the MDO for a very important announcement. I repeat, please proceed to the MDO. Thank you and have a nice day,"

"We should get going," Chaz told me. 

I took one look at him, and saw immediately that he deserved that first place after all. But Adrian, oh Adrian, is still more handsome than he is. 

Wait, what on earth am I thinking?

"Sure," I said. Then somewhere in the crowd, I saw Chelsea talking to another girl. "Chelsea!"

She looked at my direction, glared and turned away. I have to say I heard my heart breaking just a little bit. Or maybe that was just me punching the nearest locker then regretting it almost immediately.

"You all right?" Chaz asked me.

"Yep, no problem," I muttered. "Fine, just fine,"

What was her problem? She told me she was over him already, right?

I followed Chaz absentmindedly, until we reached the MDO. Some senior girls were staring at Chaz, then glared at me. Great, more problems.

Chaz opened the door open for me,I noticed every contestant was there, except for Adrian.

We were the last ones to arrive, and as an unspoken rule in every high school community, you have to stare at the late-comers as if they have just murdered someone.

"So, now that we're all gathered here-" Miss Higgins started. All here? Was she blind or something? Didn't she realize that Adrian wasn't here?

"Where's Adrian?" I asked to no one in  particular. Unfortunately, no one seemed to know either.

"He's currently preparing the villa," Miss Higgins answered, her tone irritated, "Like I said-"

"Wait," I interrupted once more, "Villa for what?"

"Ms. Roberts, I'd really appreciate it if you'd let me finish," she answers again, "A villa for our weekend trip. We're going to practice over at Adrian's villa for the second part of the competition. All of you will be given the theme when we get there,"

"When do we leave?" Innes asked enthusiastically, "Now?"

"Of course not, boy," Miss Higgins croaked a laugh, "We leave this Friday morning. You have a whole evening to pack your stuff. We'll just stay there for three days and three nights anyways,"

Lizzie was holding my hand and smiling. I know that feeling. It's your first year at school, and hey, you already get to go to cool places? Sweet.

Chaz, Carter and Innes were high-fiving each other, and discussing what they'd do the moment they get there.

"What? What basketball?" Miss Higgins scolded the three of them, "All of you will be practicing! I don't care how nice that boy's villa is, or how great the facility is, but you're going to practice! Do I make myself clear?"

We all just looked at each other. I knew what they were thinking: "Sweet! We'd be going somewhere real chic,"

But I bet nobody knows what I'm thinking:" Adrian, just how many more surprises do you have in store for me?"

To Be Continued.