"What the hell are you wearing?" Ember screeched.
It's the day of the festival and Mila and I had the best day of our life wandering around trying different games on every stalls, different food to devour. The two of us had so much fun. Remi on the other hand had a jealous look on his face when we visited him. He couldn't come with us because he was the frat leader and they have their own activity to get busy with. They have one of the biggest areas and activities considering they were one of the people who are responsible for the festival.
Ember asked for my presence at 6pm today and I tell you she was not happy at all. It was just an intermission. It's not like I'm actually entering the contest but she was pretty upset that I made no effort with my outfit.
I shrugged. "At least I'm wearing clothes. Do you want me not to wear anything?" Mila giggled beside me.
Ember glared, not happy with my sarcasm. "You're going to change and we'll do your make up."
"Ooohh, I like that." Mila clapped her hands excitedly. I rolled my eyes.
Ember gave me some of the costumes stored for the performing arts students. It's a white dress that reminded me of the one I wore at the charity ball. Mila was now doing my makeup while Ember was busy doing her work backstage.
"Do you think dad won't be suspicious?" I asked with my eyes closed. She was putting color on my eyes.
"He won't. I mean it is the university's festival. It's just that we're not participating in business related projects for our class- like we said." That was actually our reason why I couldn't go to the dinner. When we realized it was the festival, it was already easier to make an alibi.
"You know he's one of the sponsors of this school."
I can feel her eyes rolling despite my eyes closed. "Well, that's the more reason he's going to believe us so chill, babe. You don't want to ruin this night. You're going to shine to people who still don't know how much of a great singer you are. And you don't know how long I've waited to brag about you with my friends."
I laugh. "I didn't know you feel that way."
"Of course I do. I know it's hard for you to always hide who you really are. Remi and I know what you've been through just so you could live your dream. I mean we did help you." She gave me a full smile when I opened my eyes. "I guess I just mean that I want you to be you tonight. I know you're used to screaming on stage in front of everyone but like I said just be you tonight. It's our final year, Kai, the least you could do is give it your all."
Her words remind me of Avery. My heart swelled knowing that there are people who're there to support me.
"Thank you. I love you, Mila. You and Remi." We then hugged.
"Have you talked to Deon?" I looked at myself in the mirror. Mila did a really great job with my make up. It wasn't bold. It was just simple, enhancing and highlighting my features. She styled my hair in loose curls letting it down freely. I love it. She really knows my preference.
I sighed. "We haven't talked." I took a long pause while Mila was staring at me with eyebrows furrowed. She was waiting for me to explain. "I'm kinda still mad with what he did."
She crossed her arms and leaned against the dresser. "I have a question."
I eyed her in disbelief. "Since when do you ask permission for that?"
"Because, Kai, we never really talked about your love story."
"Which is nonexistent." I continued.
"And now it's not. Deon likes you- loves you even according to his confession and you're freaking oblivious of it. I swear you're just so frustrating sometimes." She rolled her eyes. "But really, what do you feel about his confession- or should I ask what do you feel about him?"
I mused. "I honestly don't know. His confession took me off guard, Mils. We were so close. He was warm and gentle towards me but I didn't feel that there's "love" to it." I air quoted.
"I just said you're oblivious. You've been too busy hiding that sometimes you ignore people's feelings."
I frowned. "I don't."
"Okay. Then what do you feel about Keelan?"
---
"Good luck. Break a leg. Just enjoy the song." Ember breathed.
We're already standing near the stage where the people have their entrance. I'll be the next one to perform after the current contestant.
"Why are you the one nervous?" Mila frowned and eyed her in disbelief and amusement. I just laughed.
"It's because I told everyone how good she is." She exclaimed.
"I'm kinda offended that you're nervous for me." I teased.
"Well, duhh, because you gave us a hard time to convince you to join. If it wasn't for your boyf-"
"Hey guys!" Rems managed to cut off Ember's scolding to me. He was running towards us. There were beads of sweat visible to his forehead. He kissed Mila on the cheek and then to mine.
"Eww, you stink!" Mila and I screamed together. Rems and Ember laughed.
"Oh wow, Kai, you look like an angel." He complimented with a dumbfounded look. "I see you removed your glasses as well. Showing your beautiful face, huh." I rolled my eyes.
Mila smirked proudly with her work. "I know right. She's already a masterpiece herself so my work was easier."
"Why don't you remove the heels? I think you would look better barefoot. You know, to really give that angel look." Ember suggested thoughtfully.
Remi and Mila both nodded. "I agree."
I kicked off the heels, feeling quite disappointed with my miniature height. Remi patted my head like a kid. I glared at him. He quickly retracted his hand.
"It's your turn. Come on." Ember called.
"Do your best? I mean you're already the best." Remi's way of wishing me luck. I just laughed while Mila giggled as she shook her head. He just kissed my cheek again and put his thumbs up. Mila did the same.
I sat on the bench stool making myself comfortable and my mind free. I have to admit. Four years of performing in a band made me used to tension until I couldn't feel it anymore. It felt like the stage was for me. The familiarity is always there and instead of being nervous in front of the crowd, it made me happy, free and excited. I love singing. I love performing.
My fingers settled on the black and white keys. The spotlight on me made the crowd invisible.
I inhaled deeply.
Shot guns and roses~
I frowned. Maybe it was a bad idea to change the song yesterday.
Make a deadly potion
Heartbreak explosions
In reckless motion
Teddy bears and "I'm sorry" letters
Don't seem to make things better
Don't bury me alive
Sweet talkin' alibi~
My fingers continued to glide over the plain-colored keys. I was losing myself in the music- the usual thing that always happens to me whenever I play or sing.
But I can't stop the rush
And I can't give you up
No I, know you're no good for me
You're no good for me~
I thought of what I really feel.
I fell in love with the devil
And now I'm in trouble
I fell in love with the devil
I'm underneath his spell
Someone send me an angel
To lend me a halo
I fell in love with the devil
Please, save me from this hell~
Maybe I did fall in love with the devil