Soul Song

Chapter 9

The two weeks while Allie was gone, were rough. It was pretty hard on me trying to keep up with all the nimrods that she normally takes care of but, I have to admit, it was kind of fun. I still can't wait until she gets back tomorrow. I went to church this morning and she was still on our prayer list. We have two columns, one is the name, the other column is the condition. Hers still said "in hospital". Gosh, it's been like that forever. Finally, on Wednesday, when I come for the night service, it should say "in recovery". One thing still worries me though, even with her coming back; they never found out what was in those tumors. What if it comes back because they didn't know enough to prevent it? What if she actually never sings again after this surgery?

Friday, when Hunter and I walked into chorus class, there were two visitors standing in the room, one of which I recognized. Mrs. Laurel's cousin, Jonathan, and someone I didn't know. They pulled the two of us aside.

"Nice to meet you Hunter. Already know Ace. Good to know the miscreant at least has friends."

I never have liked Jonathan. He's always been such a jerk to Allie. Even though he treats John like gold, John doesn't even like him. The man beside him gives him a less than kind glance and begins to talk to us.

"Grace, Hunter, it's wonderful to see you. Considering you are both two of Allison's closest friends, you no doubt know that she was chosen to compete in the upcoming singing competition being judged by various famous music groups, yes?"

Hunter nods, as well as I, but neither of us say anything. I decide to take over the speaking part. I try to sound as professional as possible, this guy seems to be pretty high in the ranks.

"Yes, she told us. We celebrated this... victory as a group. She's not here at the moment though if you're here to talk to her about the competition too but I'm sure one of us can relay any message, especially considering how important this is to her."

Feeling as though I sounded pretty good, I sat up tall, trying to put myself on the same level as this guy but still feeling a little under him considering he was in a suit and I was wearing a Star Wars shirt and a pair of old jeans which he seemed to notice as he took in Hunter, then me.

"Yes, I realize she's not here. I heard about her surgery and called her doctor here to gather more information. She was estimated to be one of the top contestants so we definitely didn't want her to miss it. From what I've been told, there's a good chance that she will not be able to sing for a very long time, if ever again, after this surgery. They are afraid there was too much damage done to the vocal cords."

Jonathan nods along beside him, obviously not even unhappy in slightest about any of it.

"Yeah, the tumors did their job, while they were in there. Destruction is their duty, they did it well. I hate to say it but, she won't make it to the competition."

He didn't hate saying it at all, in fact, he looked like he enjoyed saying it. I can't stand that guy. This business man beside him begins to speak again, giving him another sideways glance. From what I can tell, he thinks of Jonathan the same way we all do.

"Well, getting on with matters, we can't just have an empty spot in the competition, we need a replacement. She is the primary competitor but, seeing as she is not fit to compete, the responsibility falls on you, Grace. You were the second choice and the designated replacement if anything happened. Seeing as something most definitely has happened, you are now officially in the competition."

"Well thank you, but I couldn't possibly replace-"

"Wait, so why am I here?"

Hunter interrupts me, but he has a good question.