Canon

Chapter Fourteen

I was stupefied. Like a thousand of Harry Potter's spells hit me.

Before I had a chance to react, the speaker's announced:

"That was a wonderful performance from Charles Loughlin. Now, may we hear the performance of Adrian Mason! Round of applause!"  

"Guess I've got to go," he shrugged and left us.  

I couldn't process anything in my head.  

"Katrina as in... the one who gave us these charm bracelets?" Chelsea couldn't believe it either.

"How?" Innes asked, "She's too young, isn't she?"

"Yeah..." Carter nodded and thought hard.  

Lizzie didn't say anything. Instead, she went to Innes and buried her face in his chest, tears streaming down her face.

"Hey, Liz," he said sadly. "Everything's going to be all right,"

Then I realized he wasn't only talking about Katrina. He's talking about them. He has his own darkness inside him.  

"Let's go back," I finally manage to say, "We need to see Adrian's performance,"  

Everyone nodded and followed.

I strapped on my wedges and tried to keep myself from crying. It seemed to be working, but deep inside I was breaking.  

When we arrived there, we were greeted by mournful music.

I recognized this piece. It was Into The Dark by Sebastian Larsson.

No one said anything. Not even Miss Higgins. His back was toward us and I couldn't see his face, but I know he's crying.  

I can see from the look of the judges. The way the crowd was silent. The way some people's mouth were hanging open. The way Adrian shaked.  

Finally, his turn is over and he walks towards us. His face is a bit wet and red. I was right.  

"That had nothing to do with the theme," he told Miss Higgins, "I just played it for my sister,"  

Miss Higgins simply nodded. Then Adrian turned to look at me.

"I'll be going ahead. Please visit Katrina if you can. She misses you already,"

He started walking away but abruptly stopped. He then held me close and kissed me on the forehead, "Good luck, Jazz,"   That's when I broke into tears. I watched him walk out the door, his head hung low.  

I fidgeted nervously, wishing the competition would go by faster.

Well, since I go with everybody, I needed them to finish first right?

I tried my best to see the competition through. After all, I came last during the first competition, so I'd be the last to perform.    

Lizzie played a sad piece on her harp. I think it's called Eternal Snow.   After playing, she came right up to me and told me, "I think that the snow falls forever. It's always cold, always dark. I have to learn to let go of the foolish hope that there will ever be sunshine and warmth again. That's it, isn't it? Letting go,"  

I was stunned to silence. I didn't even speak when she spoke again.

"I have to let go of the foolish hope that Innes and I would ever have the chance to be together," and then she walked off, probably to change into casual clothes.  

What? Lizzie was giving up on Innes that easily? I wanted to chase after to her.

To tell her no, you've got to be strong for him. But I had no idea what they're going through.