My Silent Words

Chapter 28 - Change and compete

Alexander's POV

Once entered the school venue where the competition was being held, the students in formal attires (mostly checkered long sleeves pulled up until their elbows for males and mostly dresses for ladies) came into view.

The contest haven't started yet so the students still have a little time preparing their performance for the upcoming event in the next 10 minutes or so.

“I'm gonna find us a seat, okay?” he asks looking at the main venue where we the actual performance should be held. I nod at him smiling before he went off.

While I was waiting, I heard my name being called by someone, from somewhere not far from where I stood.

“Hey, Alex!” I turn around to see the owner of the voice.

Roman

I waved him back with a smile.

I wonder what he wants

He came closer to me from where I stood until we're just 2 meters apart.

“What are you doing here? Aren't you the one playing for our grade level?” he asks and I shook my head no.

“Oh, that's bad. Y'know, if you were the one on that stage, you'd be rocking that piano and surely, you'd win us a trophy.” he says.

I chuckled a bit and then shrugged my shoulders at him. As he was about to open his mouth and say something, a voice not far from us flew over our ears catching our full attention.

“Hey, Alex! I found us a seat not far from the–” he stopped when he saw Roman in front of me. I can sense the change of mood he was showing by his facial expressions.

“Roman, what are you doing here?” He said a bit calm but at the same time, anger.

“Oh, you know. Just watching how the contest will run out. And hey, I heard you were playing for our level.” Roman replied.

“Well everything's doing great as you can see” he says pointing to the main venue. “Now, I might as well tell you to get the hell outta here because you know nothing about this event.” He continued holding me in the arm. “C'mon, Alex, Let's go.” He said finally pulling me away from Roman.

“Bye! Have a good time! I'll be just in the back seat watching the event!” Roman shouted from afar with a wave.

“That asshole.” Isaiah said through gritted teeth. And he finally stops to a seat not far from the stage. We sat down and waited for the contest to start.

“Alex, listen.” Isaiah mutters leaning in close to me. I gave him half of my attention because the rest was focused on the decorations and lightings of the stage. “I don't know what Roman is up to but you gotta stay away from him.” I turned to him and raised my eyebrows in confusion.

Why would he do that? We're friends now remember?

I slowly gave him a nod in which he nods back in return.

Is he right? Is Roman planning something bad? I don't think so because we have settled this the other day and I made friends with him. So, I don't think he'll break that. But what if he's right? What if Roman is really planning something bad and won't change his perspective before?

My thoughts were brought back to reality when the sound of the microphone and hearing the voice of the emcee flew through the large speakers around the venue.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. Let us now witness the powers and strength of our fellow Hardvardians through the material of instruments and the skill of music. I am now declaring to you that this event is finally open. And I am proud to finally announce to you this. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!” He ends and followed by sounds of applause from the audiences and participants.

Once they stopped clapping, the emcee continued. “Before we start with the actual competition, I would like to make some reminders and announcements.
First, the competition will be held in two categories. The Guitar and the Piano category. Each year level must have one representative from the guitar category and one from the Piano category.” Hearing the announcement made me confused. I look at Isaiah and saw him have the same expression as mine.

“Wait, one representative from each year level? Would that mean we still need one more participant?” Isaiah asked in a confused tone. I nod in response as I hear gossips from the other participants about the announcement.

I guess we're not the only one as confused I thought

“Calm down, calm down everyone. Now I know it's been a shock to all. I was shocked also upon hearing the decision of one of the judges. But here's the next twist.” he stops “This paper I'm holding now is a paper from one of the judges.” He stops and looks at his little cardboard paper emcee's always use to read the winners.

“From the judges. Good day Hardvardians! I know you've all been waiting for this event to come and now, you are now dressed in your semi formal attire ready to compete with one another through your talent in guitars and the Piano. Now since we've been doing the same practice for over seven years, I was thinking we'd change the setting for a bit. So we, the judges decided to make two categories for this contest and have two competitors from each level to compete with your respective category. Now, since that there's been a change of instrumental flaw, there's also a change in the participants as well. Before we changed the setting, we settled that the participant should be at least 2 years in service of the school. For now, since that was a shock hearing the announcement, we will allow you to choose your participant. Either new or old student. But, if chosen a new student to compete, he/she must be in a skilled level of the Piano or guitar. Now I want you to remember this, play with he heart. That's all, Thank you.” He finished with a sweet sound of his voice.

“You hear that, Alex? I can't believe it. You can play!” Isaiah exclaimed. I smiled at him and grabbed my notebook and wrote something.

Yeah, I know. I heard that. But what about our guitar player? Who will it be?

I showed him the response and he sighed.

“Fair point. But I can try.” he replied.

I mouthed and Are-you-serious? And received a nod back in return.

“I'll try not to mess up. Besides I've been working on this song for months now. I'm sure I mastered it on the guitar. I'll nail this one. Trust me.” He says and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

“How about you? What are you going to play?” He asks me. I just shrug.

To be honest, I really don't know what song I'm going to play for the competition. The announcement was such a surprise that I couldn't even got enough time to think of a piece to play.

“Well, I know you're a skilled player and I know you wouldn't make a mistake on that song choice of yours. For me, you're the best pianist in this school I know, Alex and I know that whatever song you choose, you'll always end up clean and not making any mistakes.” I slightly blush at his compliment. I whispered a small thanks only to be whispered by a "you're welcome" back.

“Alright! I guess everyone has found their participants. LET THE BATTLES BEGIN!” The emcee shouted sending everyone shivers and fear about their performance.

Alright, Alex. This is it. Don't blow it. YOU. CAN. DO. THIS.