COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 19

KARMA IS A BITCH

Sing? Now? Why? Whose brilliant idea was this?!
Memories flash back into my mind...
"It would be amazing if you sang at the ceremony, Emma!"
"Of course, Principal, I’d love to!"
​Shit. With all the chaos of the past few days, I completely forgot. What do I do now? I haven't prepared a song, I haven't rehearsed with the band! Thank you so much, Principal, for the "fantastic" idea. Better not mention that I won’t actually be attending Juilliard.
​"Emma?" My mother shakes my arm.
I don't answer; I’m just standing there, staring into space.
"Emma! They’re calling you, go!"
I turn to look at the crowd. Everyone is staring. Nick is waiting for my reaction; he doesn't say a word. I don’t know what to do. Do I run or stay?
"Miss Hamilton, please, join me on stage!" the principal exclaims for the millionth time.
If I run, it’s another embarrassment. If I stay, I’ll embarrass myself anyway because I have nothing prepared. Ugh! Why is this all happening to me?!
"Prove you’re stronger!" Paul’s words echo in my head.
Fuck it. I’m doing it.
​I walk onto the stage and freeze in front of the microphone. Too many people. I can’t do this. I look for Paul and my parents; they’re smiling at me. Leo has tears in his eyes—no surprise there. But among everyone, I notice Nick’s smile. Despite everything, he’s still here, supporting me. But that doesn’t change the fact that even talking to him irritates me right now. Don’t you dare smile at me. In response, I glare at him with a scowl.
​The band beside me is waiting for instructions. The guitarist gives me a dirty look. I know, I know, I didn't give you a heads-up, don't you start too! I ignore him and think about what to sing. Let’s see... what song perfectly represents what I’ve been through lately?
Mmh... Yes! This is it.
I couldn't have found a better one. The lyrics are perfect—the ideal way to close out a trash relationship. Take this.
"Do you guys know Tears by Clean Bandit?" I whisper to the band.
Some of them nod and signal me to start.
"Alright, let’s go."
Stay calm, Emma. Just think about what you do best. This is your moment. Show them who you are and have fun.
Oh, I will. Believe me.
​I start to sing, and the band follows my lead instantly. Everything transforms into a beautiful melody. It’s an incredible feeling. I feel every single word I’m singing, and I’m sure the others can tell. My classmates have figured it out; they know I’m talking about Leo. I catch a glimpse of Aria laughing in Sasha’s face. I really like that girl.
​I focus back on the lyrics and the performance. Today, I feel more in tune than ever. Every time I sing "I'll get over you," I make sure to direct my gaze exclusively at Leo. He knows. He feels guilty. He covers his ears to block out the pure truth. He knows that sooner or later, I will forget him, that he’ll never have my heart again. He can't destroy me anymore.
Halfway through the song, Leo can’t take it anymore and runs off, followed by Sasha trying to catch up.
Sorry, sweetheart. Karma is a bitch.
I savor my revenge, and by the end of the performance, I get a standing ovation.
​Once I step off the stage, I’m surrounded by people congratulating me. I thank everyone automatically while quickly looking for an exit. Too much attention for one day.
Once I escape the crowd, I’m tackled by a hug from Paul and my parents.
"Am I wrong, or was that song aimed at someone in particular?" my father whispers in my ear. I reply with a wink.
"The best revenge ever! You were incredible, honey!" Mom says, wrapping me in another hug.
"Remember us when you’re famous!" Paul jokes.
I laugh and mess up his hair. Mom screams at me for ruining his "perfect hairstyle," while Paul just sticks his tongue out at her. My parents chase after him, leaving me alone.
​Then, I feel lips pressing against my cheek. I recognize them immediately.
"You were great, as always," Nick whispers.
Chills run down my spine, and my legs feel like they’re going to give way. What is happening to me? Since when do I react like this to him? No, wait. Keep your distance. Remember what he said. "As if nothing happened."
I pull away from him abruptly. "Thanks a lot," I reply coldly.
He looks down, and after a few seconds, he finds his voice. "Em, I wanted to tell you that..."
"Oh, how strange! I thought you had nothing left to say to me!" I interrupt.
"Come on, don't be a bitch now, please."
"Me? The bitch? I’m not the one who avoided you for two damn days!"
"I didn't know how to react to that kiss! I didn't—"
"You don't know what came over you. I already know," I interrupt again. I can’t stand his voice; I don’t want him to repeat the same things. It hurts too much.
"Em, you know I love you. You’re my best friend."
"Too bad you didn't show it lately. You got scared over a kiss that 'meant nothing' to you, and you disappeared, leaving me alone. Look at the situation we’re in now!"
I’m tired of this. I’ve tried to fix it, but it seems impossible.
"Wait... did that kiss mean something to you?" he asks, his eyes wide.
​Shit, shit, shit. Someone save me.
"Hamilton! I’m heading to the basketball team’s party. The whole school will be there. Want to come with?"
Aria is standing behind me. My savior. I look at her, confused. "You? At a party?"
"I’m making an exception today. We have to celebrate, come on!"
"Emma, no, we need to talk!" Nick says, grabbing my arm.
No. You made me wait for days. Now it’s your turn.
"You know what, Aria?" I don't take my eyes off Nick’s. I’m challenging him, and I’m loving it. "I’d love to go. Let’s go."