COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 38

THE AUDITION

The whispers and lascivious comments of the girls sitting next to me intensify, making my blood boil more and more. Not to mention the guys in front muttering something, probably bothered by Nick's effect on the girls.
I stare at him in disarray as he swaggers at the center of the stage and moves his rebellious tuft, which escapes the force of the gel, behind an ear. Once he has placed the pen on the piano, he collects the signed documents and deliver them, showing his usual but perfect mocking smile.
He had told me several times and I didn't want to believe it. But how could I believe him? Who would ever believe it?! I've known my best friend for centuries but who thought he would do such a thing? I'll even correct myself, a MADNESS like that!
No, it's a joke. It's a trap set up perfectly by my parents to control me. Or maybe he missed me so much and he came to see me. Or he wanted to surprise me for my birthday but it can't be true, it's crazy. He didn't really do it! He has a an insured place well over two years in the most prestigious school of arts, music and entertainment in the world, I don't want to believe that he is giving up everything to be with me here in London. This school is also one of the most well-known in the world, but before my choice Nick never thought to leave his beloved city, his mother, his father's grave, his company's headquarters. He can't do that, he's got too much going on, he can't run like I'm doing. God, his mother will kill him if she doesn't kill me first! I'm sure she thought I betrayed her, that I took away the only joy she had in this life. Your father's associates and employees in the Manhattan office then?! Even worse, I will certainly be the one who has "the heir to the throne" removed forever from his future duties as CEO of Cold Enterprises. All of this will amount to another gigantic scandal in his family and in all of New York will not talk about anything else for at least a year. His mother will hate me for life, the paparazzi will never leave us alone, Nick will lead the company into the abyss and especially he won't be able to visit his father at the cemetery every weekend, as he usually does. Unbeknownst to me, I'm ruining everything, even only after a few days later.

<< Damn it, Em, I know he's totally hot but control yourself ! >> Amy whispers as she leans forward and with quick gestures collects the sheet music that I dropped.
I open my mouth looking for words but nothing comes out, absolute nothingness. My eyes don't move from him, he's shaking hands with what I think is the head of the jury. Other gentlemen appear from behind the curtain, causing sighs all over the room.
<< Sorry for the late but there was a lot of traffic on the way from the airport to here, I couldn't get there in time. >> he says, joining one hand to the other and bending them forward as a sign of apology.
His voice on the phone is nothing compared to what's rumbling all over the theater. It's only been a short while, but it's like I haven't felt it this good since forever.
<< Oh yes, your'e from New York, isn't it? Now I recognize you, you're Mr. Cold! >> the judge exclaims smiling, pointing a finger at Nick's face.
What's wrong with him? He looks like he has a divine apparition! Well, he's got a point there...
<< Is he also from New York? What is happening this year, an invasion of Americans? >> Amy whispers laughing.
What an embarrassing scene. Strange that she hasn't noticed who she is yet, with all the magazines she reads!
I'll shrug my shoulders and pretend I don't know anything, she'll find out soon enough.
<< Yes, it's me. >>
The gentleman laughs with a warm smile and then gives a short round of applause to him and the crowd in front of his eyes, also aiming at our side.
<< I'm glad to have among us a star like you, Mr. Cold. A pianist so talented I haven't seen him in such a long time! I was years ago at your opening performance for the evening dedicated to the orchestra of your city, it was sensational. You have a gift, let me tell you! The Juilliard School also spoke very highly of you, they were very sorry when you retired, please be seated. The hearings will begin in a few minutes. >>
<< JUILLIARD SCHOOL?! >> Amy exclaims surprised out loud.
The three rows ahead turn upside down at us, and the squeaky looks as if it arrived on stage as Nick and the rest of the staff turns to the audience in search of the unknown voice.
I hold her mouth real quick before the distaster happens and he finds out where I am.
I hide my whole face by pulling up the hem of my cardigan. When she seems to have calmed down, I let her breathe, and I intimate her to remain silent, holding my index finger to the mouth.
<< Amy what's wrong with you?! Do you want to be expelled from the audition? >>
<< I'm sorry I couldn't help myself, I mean he just said Juilliard School! If it wasn't for my mom moving in with her new husband, I'd have applied there, too. How could you refuse their offer? What is he doing here?! >>
Believe me, that's what I'm asking myself.
<< Sorry, what a fool I am! You too were almost accepted there. I shouldn't have said it, I keep making these embarrassments! >> she whispers, covering her face with her arm.
Actually, it's not very helpful to hear those words right now, Amy. Also because I'm already having a nervous breakdown.
<< Don't worry, you already know the reasons and I don't regret it, or at least I'll find out after the test. >> I lie as I slide further and further down into the chair. I absolutely have to get away from Nick who's looking for my face.
<< Sit wherever you like, Mr. Cold. >>
The last thing I need right now is to be distracted by her eyes staring at me all the time.
The chair next to Amy is free.
Don't do this to me, no. Avoid this disaster, now or never. Think fast!
<< Amanda fast, put this briefcase over that chair. >> I mumble in a panic, almost throwing it all at here.
<< What? Why would I do that? >> I whisper confused.
<< Trust me, cover it also with my coat. >>
He's getting closer, a few meters before a catastrophe.
<< What do you say, what's going on?! >> she exclaims quietly.
<< Just do it! >> I swear, raising my voice a little more.
Amy covers the chair in the blink of an eye and throws all my stuff in the chair causing a not indifferent din, since those who sit on our side complain snorting.
The woman stops at the center, checking every seat.
<< Sorry, the stands in front are occupied. You can sit on the opposite side. >> she says, turning on herself towards the other direction and, after looking at almost every row, he finally follows her.
Danger escaped, for now. I realize I'm breathing again when I release out a long sigh of relief.
<< All right, now you have to tell me what's going on with you! >> Amy insists.
<< Nothing. >> I murmur, grumbling.
<<Nothing?! Ever since that guy came through that door you've been acting weird and already you're weird since the beginning, sorry if I'm telling you! >>
I've only just met her, but I already love her frankness, she reminds me a lot of Deborah. I kind of feel like I'm closer to her. While with Adam I feel like I'm with Marcus, even though my new friend is more grumpy than he is. They're both exceptional people, but I still don't feel ready to talk to them about my weird relationship with Nick.
Just as I'm about to shoot the umpteenth lie, we hear two girls muttering and pointing discreetly next to me.
<< I knew it, I recognized it right away. She's the Hamilton heiress, she's his girlfriend. >> one girl whispers in the other's ear.
God, we've hit rock bottom. I'm even the girlfriend now!
I don't have to respond, I don't have to meddle and I don't have to get angry. I don't want any trouble right away. Amanda looks at them doubtful, even though I already see the wheels inside her mind moving, she's understanding everything.
<< You're right, they always photograph them together, it must be his bitch. The Harpers always get the best. >> the second replies.
All right, that's enough.
<< You're the bitch! Why don't you just mind your own business and study something in the meantime? I recommend it, since I heard you girls singing earlier and you didn't seem good enough. You could also retire, you would avoid a disappointing performance! >> Amy anticipates me and unburdens in an outburst of anger, putting them back in their place.
<< Awesome. >> I confess, desperately holding back a laugh.
<< Yeah, I can't stand people who talk too much behind the back, I've already put up with too much crap like that, but you already know that. >> she murmurs with a diabolical smile.
<< Thank you for defending me but there was no need, I can defend myself. >>
<< Oh I'm sure, you're a spicy girl and a badass! I just wanted to make a mess, consider it a way to unload the anxiety! >> she chuckles.
The squeaking of the chairs that rise from the ground to make room for the jury in their position in front of the stage distracts us from the conversation, or at least distracts only me.
<< Anyway, you have a lot to tell me. I envy you, I'd like to have fun with a musical genius and a future New York billionaire who will soon own real estate, luxury restaurants and charities all over the world. You're my new idol, know it! >> Amy continues.
I snort, rolling my eyes.
<< It's not what you think, we're just
friends. >> I mumble.
<< Yeah of course, we'll talk about it later. >> I replies amused.
<< Welcome to the last admission exams in June, we're ready to begin. We'll call candidates in alphabetical order based on last names. >> the head of the jury says loudly in the microphone.
<< Hey! >> Amy exclaims, shaking my trembling hands with hers.
<< We're the best, we'll be fine. >>
I smile at her to reassure her.
<< Good luck to all! >> the gentleman wishes us, concluding the speech and starting the exam.