Backstage: Third Time's the Charm

Scarlett Dunn

Scarlett Dunn
Grade 12
Music Program

What about your brother?" Julie asked. "You haven't mentioned him in a while."

"We aren't on speaking terms. He punched Kit and tried to ruin my performance."

"Oh, I'm sorry Scarlett."

"He's just—"

"Behind you," she finished.

Her attempt at humor on a day like today irritated me. "Funny," I said flatly.

"I'm not joking."

I turned back, realizing Curtis was standing behind me. An innocent if not meek look danced across his face, but it didn't fool me. "Can we talk, Scar?"

"Fine," I said stiffly. I turned away from Julie and followed Curtis around the corner into the music hallway so we were out of ear shot.

How could he show up like this, on the day of Miles' memorial? It'd been hard enough to console Alya. I still couldn't believe she'd sang without completely losing it. But this was too much, and Curtis was the last person I wanted to see.

"What are you doing here?" The words left my mouth like bees intending to sting.

Their barbs were obviously noticeable, and Curtis flinched. "I'm sorry about your friend."

I waited silently.

"I heard you sing. It, uh, it sounded, uh, great," Curtis fumbled once he realized I still had nothing to say. His eyes had darted around the room until now. They landed on the brick wall behind me, rather than looking at me.

Curtis's mouth moved, but I didn't hear his words. I could only arch his hazy, out-of-focus eyes that refused to look at me.

"What do you expect me to say, Curtis?" I interrupted him. My heart-rate quickened, sending trembling blood through my veins. "Even if you hadn't assaulted my sister, you still tried to ruin my performance! We're family. We're supposed to support each other, even when we're fighting."

"I know, Scar." Curtis's voice took on a slow, calming lilt that only managed to infuriate me more.

"No, you don't! My whole life, all I wanted was to find out about my biological family. Now that I have, I wish I'd never gone looking. I wish I hadn't met you!"

Curtis took a step back, face looking like I'd just punched him. He pressed one hand flat against the stomach of his black and navy striped shirt.

"Okay," he said slowly. Curtis turned and walked away without saying anymore.

I let out a long quaking sigh.

"Scarlett?" Bianca stood at the intersection of the music and dance hallways. "Was that Curtis? Are you okay?"

She walked to my side and placed a hand on my shoulder. The phone in her other hand buzzed, and she glanced down at it distractedly. I knew Bianca cared, but they way she'd rushed her words indicated she'd been looking for me so she could tell me something.

"What is it?"

Bianca blinked, all long lashes and black eyeliner. "Clive just called me."

My producer? "About what?" I asked. I'd followed all the rules. At least, I thought I had.

"He wants you to go on tour this summer. And he wants to talk about reupping your contract once it's over in September. He wants to sign you for three years."

I pulled away from Bianca. "This isn't the time, Bianca. We should find Alya."

"I'll talk to her. Maybe you need a minute by yourself after..." Bianca gestured to the doors at the end of the hall, the same ones Curtis had exited only a few minutes earlier.

I walked out to the outer courtyard in front of the school. Sitting down on one of the benches, I rested my elbows against my knees. Did I really want to sign the new contract? I didn't want to leave my family, especially Kit. And I was worried about Jax. Miles was his best friend. I wanted to be there for everyone.

"Scarlett? Bianca told me she saw you come this way." Aidan sat next to me, loosening his black tie.

"My label wants me to go on tour this summer."

"Scarlett..."

"I know it's inappropriate. I just, I don't want to leave everyone. Not after Miles's death." I tested my head in my hands. Tears started trickling down my face.

Aidan's hand crept slowly up my back, patting it encouragingly. "Then tell them that."

"I'm contractually obligated!" I hated the whiny pitch that crept into my voice, making me sound like an entitled brat. "I just can't handle this right now."

"Talk to Bianca, Scar." Aidan brushed away a few tears from my face. "She can work something out with the label. Your mental and emotional health come first."

I nodded. Aidan wrapped his arms around me as I continued to weep.

Wow this one was sadder than Julie's chapter. One more sad chapter before I get started on a new storyline! Will Scarlett go on tour and sign a new contract? Can Beckett and Vanessa rebuild their relationship? Is Sasharly truly over? Stay tuned! All these questions will be answered before the end of the book!