Love's Unending Thorn

01

Chapter One

Jade had always been a shy and introverted girl, but there was one thing that she loved more than anything else in the world: singing. Ever since she was a little girl, she had loved to sing, and as she got older, she had discovered that she had a natural talent for it. Her voice was sweet and clear, with a purity that could move people to tears.

It was the eighth grade, and Jade was preparing for the 90th anniversary of her school. Her music teacher had chosen her to perform a solo at the event, and Jade was thrilled. She had chosen a song by Taylor Swift, one of her favorite artists. The song was called "You Belong With Me," and it spoke to Jade in a way that no other song ever had.

As Jade rehearsed for the performance, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nerves. She had never performed in front of such a large audience before, and the thought of singing in front of her peers made her stomach churn. But at the same time, she was determined to give it her all. She knew that this was her chance to shine, and she wasn't going to let it slip away.

One day, after school, Jade was practicing her song in the music room when she heard a familiar voice. "Wow, Jade, you sound amazing!" It was Ryan Grey, her best friend since childhood.

Jade turned around and smiled. "Thanks, Ryan," she said. "I'm just trying to get ready for the anniversary performance."

Ryan nodded. "I know you'll be great. You always are."

Jade felt her heart flutter in her chest. Ryan had always been supportive of her singing, but there was something about the way he looked at her that made her feel like maybe there was something more there.

"Do you want to hear me sing the whole song?" Jade asked, feeling a little bold.

Ryan grinned. "Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Jade took a deep breath and began to sing. As she sang, she closed her eyes and let the music take over. She poured her heart and soul into the song, her voice rising and falling with the emotion of the lyrics.

When she finished, Ryan was clapping. "Jade, that was incredible!" he said. "You're going to knock everyone's socks off at the anniversary."

Jade blushed. "Thanks, Ryan. I really appreciate your support."

Ryan smiled at her. "Anytime, Jade. You know I'm your biggest fan."

As the day of the performance approached, Jade's nerves grew stronger. She knew that she had to give it her all, but the thought of singing in front of her peers made her feel like she was under a microscope. She couldn't help but wonder what Ryan thought of her performance, whether he saw her as just a friend or something more.

The day of the performance arrived, and Jade woke up early, her heart pounding with anticipation. She got dressed in her best outfit, a simple white dress that her mother had bought for her. She put on a little makeup, just enough to enhance her natural beauty, and brushed her hair until it shone.

As she made her way to the school auditorium, Jade could feel her nerves getting the better of her. But as soon as she stepped onto the stage, everything else faded away. The lights dimmed, and the audience fell silent as she began to sing.

Jade poured her heart and soul into the song, her voice rising and falling with the emotion of the lyrics. She closed her eyes, feeling the music wash over her, and for a moment, she was lost in her own world.

But then, as she opened her eyes, she saw him. Ryan Grey, her best friend since childhood, was sitting in the front row, holding hands with a girl from their class. Jade's heart sank as she realized that the person she had been singing her heart out to was someone who could never love her back.

As the song ended, Jade felt a lump form in her throat. She curtsied, her eyes downcast, and made her way offstage. She tried to smile as she passed Ryan and his girlfriend, but her heart felt heavy.

Later that day, Jade found herself alone in the music room, crying into her hands. "Why can't he see me the way I see him?" she whispered to herself.

But then, she heard a knock at the door. It was her music teacher. "Jade, you were amazing today," she said, beaming with pride. "I could see the emotion in your eyes, and it was truly beautiful."

Jade smiled weakly, still feeling the sting of rejection. "Thanks, Mrs. Smith."

Mrs. Smith looked at her intently. "Jade, I know that this might not mean much coming from an old lady like me, but I want you to know that you are special. You have a gift, and you should never let anyone make you feel like you are anything less than amazing."

Jade felt a sense of warmth spread through her chest. Mrs. Smith had always been like a second mother to her, and her words of encouragement meant more than anything else in the world.

"Thank you," she said, feeling a little more hopeful.

As she wiped away her tears, Jade realized that she still had her music. She still had her dreams, and no one could take that away from her. She knew that she had to keep singing, no matter what happened.

Looking back on that day in the seventh grade, Jade knew that it had been a turning point in her life. It had been the moment when she had realized that sometimes, things didn't go according to plan. But it had also been the moment when she had realized that she had the strength to keep going, no matter what life threw at her.

As the years went by, Jade continued to sing. She performed in school plays, joined the choir, and even started writing her own songs. And while her feelings for Ryan never went away entirely, she began to realize that there was more to life than just one person.

Looking back on that day, Jade knew that it had been a painful experience, but it had also helped her to grow and to become the person she was today. She closed her eyes, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges and obstacles, but she was ready for them. She had her music, her family, and her friends, and that was all she needed to face whatever lay ahead.