COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 19

KARMA IS A BITCH

Sing? Now? Why?!
Whose idea was that?!
Memories come up in my mind...

' It would be great if you could sing at the ceremony!
' Sure Sir...I can't wait! '

Shit, with all the mess of these days I totally forgot.
What do I do now?! I haven't prepared any song, I haven't tried with the band!
Thank you so much principal, for the 'great' idea.
I think it's better not to reveal that I'm not going to Juilliard School.
<< Emma? >> my mother shakes my arm.
I don't answer, I stand still, staring into space.
<< Emma! They're calling you, go! >>
I turn to look at the crowd, everyone is staring at me.
Nick waits for my reaction, he says nothing.
I don't know what to do. Run away or stay?
<< Miss Hamilton, please join me on stage! >> exclaims the principal for the millionth time.
If I run away it could be bad, if I stay it could be worse because I haven't prepared any song for today.
Ugh! Why me?!
"Prove that you're stronger!"
Fuck, I'll do it.
I go up on stage and freeze in front of the microphone.
Too many people, I can't do it.
I search the look of Paul and of my parents, they smile at me.
Leo has tears in his eyes , what a news!
Of all people, I can definitely see Nick's smile. Despite everything, he's always here with me, supporting me.
But that doesn't change the fact that just talking to him now irritates me.
Don't you dare smile at me. In response I stare at him making a bad grin. Now I will look like the happiness in person.
Emma, stop. Concentrate.
The band by my side awaits my instructions, the guitarist looks at me badly.
I know, I didn't warn you, don't add yourself in this now, I'm already nervous on my own!
I ignore his look and think about what to sing. Let's see, what song can perfectly represent what I have been through in this last period?
Mmh...
Yes, I got it! This is the perfect one that I could be found, the lyrics is amazing , how to end a crap relationship.
Take this.
<< Do you know Tears of Clean Bandit? >> I whisper to the band. Some of them nod and signal me to start.
<< All right, let's get started then. >>
Okay, stay calm, just think about what you do best, it's your chance, prove yourself and have fun.
Oh I will, for sure!
I start singing and the band immediately follows my voice and everything turns into a beautiful melody.
What a wonderful feeling!
I hear whatever word I'm singing right now and I'm sure everyone else has noticed.
My classmates figured it out, they know I'm talking about Leo, I can tell by the way they look at each other.
I also see Aria laughing in Sasha's face.
I already like that girl.
I focus again on the lyrics and the exhibition. Today I feel even more intoned than usual.
It seems made on purpose!
Whenever I intone " I'll get over you" I pay attention to turning my gaze exclusively to Leo, but he knows it, he feels guilty.
He stops his ears to not hear the truth.
Because he knows that sooner or later I will forget him, that he will never have my heart again, he will never be able to destroy me. Halfway through the song Leo can't stand it anymore and he runs away, followed by Sasha who tries to reach him.
I'm sorry, honey.
Karma is a bitch.
I taste my revenge, and at the end of the performance I get everyone's applause and a standing ovation.

Once off the stage I'm surrounded by a group of people, complimenting my voice and wishing me a prosperous future.
I automatically thank any person who comes in front of me and I quickly look for a way out. Too much attention for today.
Once I ran away from the crowd, I get hugged by Paul and my parents.
<< Am I wrong or that song was meant for someone in particular? >> my father whispers to me in my ear.
I answer him by giving him a wink.
<< The best revenge ever! You were amazing darling, as always >> mom tells me, wrapping me in another her hugs.
<< Remember us when you'll become famous! >> Paul tells me jokingly
I laugh and I mess up all his hair.
My mom yells at me for ruining my little brother's perfect hair.
Paul instead doesn't stop thanking me and makes a big mouth to my mother in response. My parents run after him leaving me here alone.
My family is the best, there's no doubt.
I feel lips pressing in my cheeks.
<< You were great, as always. > Nick whispers in my ear.
I have the shivers all over my body and I feel my legs give out. What is happening to me? Since when have I'm reacting like this to his presence?
No wait, keep your distance.
Remember what he told you.
"As if nothing had happened."
I step away from him .
<< Thanks. >> I respond coldly.
and after a few seconds he regains the ability to speak.
<<Em, I wanted to tell you that...>>
<< How strange! I thought you had nothing more to say to me! >> I interrupt him.
<< Come on, don't be a bitch now. >> he replies annoyed.
<< Me? A bitch? I'm not the one who avoided you for two fucking days! >>
<< I didn't know how to react to that kiss! I don't...>>
<< You don't know what's gotten into you, I already know. >> I interrupt him again.
I can't stand his voice anymore, I don't want him to repeat the same things as before. It hurts too much.
<< Em, you know that I love you, you're my best friend. >>
<< Too bad you haven't proved it these days. You wanted to be near me instead for a kiss, which meant nothing to you, you disappeared and left me alone. And now look at the situation we are in! >>
I'm tired of this. I tried to solve it in every way, but now it seems impossible.
<< Wait, that kiss meant something to you? >> exclaims while gazing.
Shit, shit, shit.
Somebody save me.
<< Hamilton! I'm going to the party organized by the basketball team, the whole school will be there, come with me? >> Aria says behind my back.
You're my savior.
I look at her confused
<< You? At a party? >>
How strange!
<< Today I'll make an exception. We have to celebrate, come on! >> she replies.
<< Emma no, we need to talk! >> says Nick pulling me by the arm.
No, you made me wait for days and now it's your turn.
<< You know what Aria?! >>
I don't take my eyes off Nick. I'm challenging him and I like it.
<< I'll be very happy to come!
Let's go. >>

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