A Simple Melody

A Simple Melody ♫ Chapter Forty - Staggering Conclusions

          “So technically all the auditioned people will be there.”

          “Yeah.”

          So much for avoiding her.

          “Alright, I’ll see you later then.” I said casually, doing my best not to do anything that will possibly raise suspicion. I punched his arm lightly before leaving with a grin. It’s the most unsuspicious action I could take.

          “Hey there, classmate.” Sebastian nudged as I walked pass his locker. Yeah, he does that every time when we’re about to have classes together. “Dude, did you finish your homework?”

          “We had homework?” I stared wide-eyed.

          “Did we not?” he replied. “Oh well, if we did then that makes the two of us.”

          Don’t you just love theory, with all the notes and time signatures, dynamics and whatnot? The truth is I’d do whatever I can to demolish it. Music would’ve been much easier if everyone just did it by ear and not off manuscripts. Well, at least that’s what I think.

          I wonder what inspired Beethoven.

*        *        *

The long-awaited bell rang, sending students running out of their classrooms for break. In our case, we were just scrambling to get to the hall with anxious faces. Okay, so we weren’t exactly freaking out, at least not physically, but we were wearing rather nervous faces though.

          “I don’t know why we’re nervous. I’m pretty sure the judges liked us very much.” Mitch said, obviously trying to keep the atmosphere from sinking.

          “Well, we wouldn’t know how the other forty-three contestants were after us.” Train muttered.

          “Way to boost the confidence.” Mitch laughed humourlessly.

          We waited in line for our turn to get into the hall. Apparently they even have to make sure if you’re on the list to be able to hear the results. I doubt that there’s any secretive issue in here that can’t be open to everyone, so what’s up with the list?

          The staff member crossed off our names before gesturing for us to proceed. When we stepped in it was all dark apart from the blazing lights shining down from the stage. It almost feels as if we’re in for something more serious, like American Idol or The Voice or something. Whatever it is, the setting sure made it more dramatic, and scary, if I might add.

          I was momentarily lost in my thoughts. What if we didn’t get in after all? What if the judges were just lying about us being the best? What if the other forty-three contestants broke our record without our knowledge? Then again, what if we made it through, anyway?

          The lights dimmed a little when the door was shut tight. I shuddered slightly at the darkness but regained my composure. I exchanged glances with the guys. None of us said a word ever since we were in this poor-lit room, and it was good because no words were needed.

          “Welcome students and contestants of the International Talent competition.” A suited man took the stage. I averted my eyes and scanned the crowd. The five judges were present, except they were down stage and held a very serious look. “As we all know, on Saturday all of you here have joined the audition in the running for the competition. The judges had a hard time choosing in between different talents like music, dancing, and even very unique and extraordinary talents that the world must see, however, the standards are high…”

          I gulped and shifted uncomfortably. Just get to the point.

          “…and throughout the audition the judges realized…”

          Why couldn’t the judges speak for themself? I glanced at them again before steering my attention to the stage.

          “…and we must say that we are not pleased.”

          “What?” I said out loud, thankfully not loud enough to disrupt. I looked at Train hoping to find some answers from him.

          “Someone cheated during the audition.” He whispered. “The judges have disqualified the contestant.”

          “There, among the forty-nine contestants and groups here, the judges have handpicked some of their favourites.” The suited man said before gesturing for one of the judges to take over.

          “Here is the chosen twenty auditions that stood out the most and will be in the running for the International Talent competition.” The judge said after clearing his throat.

          “Number one, Kelly Fion…”

          The names were called out one by one and I swear my heartbeat couldn’t beat any faster than this. The anxiety was threatening, and it became worse when more names were called, but none that we were familiar with.

          “…eleven, Callum Swan…”

          The numbers continued up the scale, with our chances decreasing more and more. I started breaking into cold sweat and my stomach began to churn. I didn’t dare to see how the other guys were coping, knowing that seeing them might increase the stress.

          I breathed loudly in my ears and locked eyes with Gigi. She was shooting me daggers again, but this time the look on her face was different. Her name wasn’t called yet, and I’d sure hope it never will be, but she showed no sign of concern, instead she held a steady posture with a relaxed expression. She even had the guts to yawn. Something’s not right…

          “Number Nineteen, Sam and Sarah Caxton...”

          Nineteen. We’re at nineteen. Twenty is the number of contestants that they chose. There’s only one spot left. We’re not called yet, and neither is Gigi.

          It’s either one of us, or we both fail, which I greatly doubt.

          She even had the guts to yawn.

          “Something’s not right.” I said aloud, loud enough for only us to hear. I could feel the guys raising curious and nervous eyebrows, but I refused to make any other eye contact besides Gigi’s. She knew it all.

          “…Gigi Price.”

          She knew that she would be in.

          I felt dead inside. This scenario is all too familiar to me. Losing again, failing again, and to the same contestants…ending with the same conclusion.

          Gigi knew that her name would be called. I could see right through her completely. That cocky smile, that piercing glare, the unblinking eyes…she knew that we were not the chosen twenty.

          I refused to move a muscle. How did she know?

          I twitched slightly, knowing that this entire thing was arranged by the devil herself, Gigi Price.