Up in the Stars

Zenith

When she arrived to her history class for her last exam, it was like nothing had happened at all.

The immortals had worried over her, she could feel their eyes on her constantly as she hid in the library.

They tried to start conversations, tried to draw her out of the shell she had become.

Dante had baked her favorite desserts; Theodore had tried to entice her with a game of chess.

Each time she had shaken her head, feeling her own heartbreak as she saw the desperation in their eyes.

She was a ghost, haunting the halls of the estate.

"Are you excited, Enid?" Theodore's question startled her from her memories.

They were in the car, nearing the campus.

"Yes, I am. We are last, right?" She asked and Alexander nodded.

"Saved the best for last." Dante winked and her heart seared in her chest.

The parking lot in front of the school's auditorium was packed, glamorously dressed people migrating toward the large hall.

Stepping inside the historic building, she felt as though a friend had become a stranger.

Although she had practiced within these walls all semester, it was like an entirely new realm with the rows filled with an audience.

Alexander's hand pressed against her lower back and she turned toward him.

"We've got to head backstage." He whispered in her ear.

Theodore stepped forward and handed her the cello case he had been carrying for her.

"Break a leg, sweet girl. We have front row seats, so we'll be just a few feet away." His smile bright with pride.

"But don't actually break a leg, although then I could carry you everywhere..." Dante trailed off playfully.

The two stepped forward and wrapped her into a hug.

It was practically the first time they had touched her all week.

Her eyes burned as she sunk into their embrace, her throat tight.

Regret threatening to choke her.

It writhed inside her, withering her heart.

She tried to swallow it down.

"I love you." The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Desperation overriding her sense.

Their ribs contracted in surprise and they gripped her tighter.

Theodore's face lit up in the smile that was just for her.

Dante practically gaped at her, his eyes shiny with unshed tears and relief.

"Oh, darling, we love you. We'll see you after the show." Theodore's voice low with emotion.

Her heart shrunk again.

Enid managed to nod shakily, turning to follow Alexander.

She only glanced back once, watching as their tall silhouettes disappeared in the crowd.

Backstage was aflutter with performers.

Dancers in ornate costumes stretching, singers warming up with vocal exercises.

She and Alexander settled into two seats in a corner and she began to tune her cello.

Nerves trembling in her fingers as she listened to the soft roar of the crowd behind the curtains.