24 Lillian Lane

EVE

I am frozen. I cannot lift my arms to play. I know my eyes probably look blank, but inside? I am petrified.

Why? I don't know. I've played plenty of solos before. I know this piece by heart. I'm just trying my best to get into this university. No pressure, right? What's wrong with me?

Oh God. The scout is staring at me. She's probably wondering what's the matter. There's no hope of me getting this scholarship. I hope Jack enjoys his life at Clarington. But I have to play something, or I'll look even more stupid. Play a note, Eve. Any note. Or walk offstage.

I'm still standing here. I can just see my parents' confused faces through the shadows. I panic. I need to breathe. Just breathe, Eve!

I take a breath in my nose, and when I exhale, I feel a hand on my shoulder.

I turn around. Jack is standing there, illuminated by the light so he looks like a dream. We look into each other's eyes.

"Eve. Listen to me. Just play." Jack puts his other hand on my other shoulder.

"I can't," I stutter.

"Why?" Jack asks.

I realize that I don't even know why. "I just can't."

Jack takes a breath, and I do the same. "Hold on."

He runs offstage. I just stand awkwardly, blinking, until he returns. He's carrying his violin.

"Ok. Now we play. Just like on the roof. Remember?"

I nod.

"Close your eyes. That's what I always do."

I close my eyes.

And I start to play. I hear Jack's melody fitting right into mine like it's meant to be there. It is. We play, and I imagine the notes curling out from our instruments, intertwining with each other, and floating out over the audience. This thought calms me, and suddenly we are on the roof again, just Jack and I.

I feel like I could fly. All too soon, it ends. I lower my trumpet. I open my eyes, and the first thing I see is Jack. We drop our instruments as applause erupts around the room.

I have tears in my eyes, and I don't hesitate to let them fall. I look at Jack, and open my arms. He moves forward, and we grab each other. I am smothered in a gigantic hug, and there's no place I'd rather be. I lean my head onto Jack's shoulder and squeeze.

Eventually we break apart and head backstage. Jack is crying too.

"I can't believe we just did that," I say.

"I know!" Jack says, wiping his eyes. "But, you know, that that means neither of us are going to go to Clarington."

I nod, dejected. "I'd rather be here with you anyway."

Jack smiles. "Me too."

A high pitched screeching noise fills the room, and we both cover our ears.

"Sorry!" A high feminine voice rings out. It's the scout from Clarington. "Ok. Well, let's give a round of applause to everyone who performed today! Weren't they all amazing?"

The audience claps enthusiastically.

"But I'm sure you all know that I'm not here to compliment you. I'm here from Clarington University and today I have one all-inclusive music scholarship to give away to a worthy student!"

The audience claps again. Jack and I glance at each other. It really hits me right now that my entire future could be ruined.

Well, not really. I have plenty of other interests I could pursue if I wanted to. What really bothers me is Jack. He's not that great at school, and this might have been the only opportunity he had to go to university. Did he just give up his entire academic future for me? It's flattering, but I can't let him do that.

I know. I'll save up. I'll buy him his tuition. I'm so thankful that he saved me there that I'll do it. I don't know how. I don't even have a part time job. But I'll find a way, because it's the least I can do.

Before I can even begin to think about the logistics, the Clarington lady clears her throat.

"This year, there has been incredible talent shown, and it was a very hard decision to make."

Are contest announcers required by law to say that? Seems like it.

"The winning piece showed impeccable musicianship, and well thought out composition. I am pleased to announce this year's winners of the Clarington Emerging Composer Scholarship...."

Jack and I look at each other incredulously, Winners?

"...Eve Morley and Jack Anderson!"

The audience roars. We stumble out onstage. I feel dazed. How is this even possible? We make our way to the scout.

"Eve and Jack have created wonderful music here this afternoon. The amount of emotion in their pieces was remarkable, and I'm sure we all felt it as listeners. Now, I know it's unconventional to award the scholarship to two recipients, but I have made a phone call with Professor MacDold, the head of the music faculty, and after reviewing the audio footage, he has agreed to accept you both. Congratulations Jack and Eve!"

We both shake her hand, and accept our envelope with the certificate. The lights come up and the audience rises, murmuring with each other and moving towards the doors.

My head is spinning. They changed the rules of the contest for us? Also, I can't believe that I'm actually going to Clarington! That's been my dream since forever! Before I can even wrap my head around it, Jack pulls me in and we kiss.

This day has been crazy. This week has been crazy. I try to remember myself way back on Wednesday: crying over a dead frog, hating Jack with a burning passion, and worrying about my incomplete composition. I've come so far.

I only break apart from Jack when I hear a familiar voice.

"Hey! Lovebirds! Break it up!" Bridget says, clapping her hands. I blush.

"Bridget! I can't believe you came!" I say.

"Have I ever missed one of your band show thingys?" she replies, raising her eyebrows. Ok. Bad change of subject.

"Michael!" Jack says, slapping his buddy on the back. "I didn't know you were going to be here?"

Michael nods. "Yeah, Bridget texted me. She said I should go with her."

I nudge Bridget. "Like a date?"

Bridget slaps my arm away playfully. "No..." she says unconvincingly.

We all walk out to the cafeteria, where refreshments are set up. We laugh and talk and even arrange to meet up tomorrow at our favourite diner. It feels so normal being in this group.

Then I see my parents.