Chapter 22

Olivia closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and sang, but not for herself. The theme of the song is slow and melodic.

(Olivia)

I can't presume

To know what you think

I can't assume

How you feel.

I can’t begin to think

What you might have gone through

But do know that

I am here 

Always for you.

Zack comes forward towards the stage, joining Olivia, which makes her open her eyes.

(Zack) 

Let people say 

Whatever they want

If you want 

Fight back 

Or don’t retaliate at all

Even Stella comes to stand beside Zack and allows the words to flow out of her mouth.

(Stella)

Because I am not going to stand still

And not react at all

Stella was playing the synthesizer, and Zack was playing the drums.

Come forward 

Or don’t move at all 

Cause I will walk towards you

And move forward with you.

Take hold of my hand 

Clasp onto it tightly 

Don’t let it go 

Cause I won’t let you go 

Never let you go

Just be with me 

Just be around us 

Because your presence is just not enough

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

You being with us 

Means everything to us 

You are the world to us

(Olivia)

Your memories will be forever us 

Embraced in our heart 

Remembered by us 

Cherished by all

(Zack)

Go where ever you want 

A sky, moon, or mars 

Be who you want 

A sun, light, or star

(All)

Just know that 

You will always be 

A shining star to us

A brightening light to us

Cause you are not just a friend 

As our friendship has no real end

(Stella)

I never knew it was you 

Who kept us all together 

Now that you are gone 

It’s only you who bought us back all together

(All)

Just know that

You will always be 

A shining star to us 

A brightening light to us

Cause you are not just a friend 

As our friendship has no real end.

During the song, these three were going through a lot of memories.

James 

The one who was mutual among them. The one who was a constant support to three of them. Someone to whom this song is dedicated. The one who formed this band. Their band.

Blue Effron.

The people in the auditorium were impressed by them after the song ended. Nobody believed they had it in them. Jenna was stunned and enraged when her plan backfired on her. Sia and Mason’s jaws dropped, but they were delighted to see their friend on stage.

Caleb had never expected Olivia to be able to sing, let alone so well. He was even taken aback when he saw Zack and Stella upstairs. Zack and Stella never hinted that they were talented singers, let alone members of a band.

“You guys never mentioned to me that Olivia was part of a band. In fact, I had no idea this school used to have two bands.” Caleb said to his two best friends.

“No, there has always been one band that belongs to Jenna. I knew Olivia had a good voice, but I did not know she was this good.” Sia informed him.

“But what I don’t understand is when the band was formed.” Mason inquired, confused.

“Perhaps that summer?” Sia responded with a question.

“Quite possible,” Mason replied, still thinking.

“Which summer?” Caleb asked them out of the blue, which caused Mason and Sia to exchange glances while silently discussing how to answer back to him.

“Well, there was one summer when neither of us was here... We were both on vacation with our families, and maybe that’s when their band formed.” Mason decided to put an end to Caleb’s curiosity.

“How in the world did you guys not know about it? Were you not her best friend?” Caleb interrogated them.

“Well, let’s just say a lot happened back then, and Olivia may have forgotten to tell us.” Caleb detected trepidation in his voice. There was something they were both keeping hidden from them.

Caleb looked for Olivia but couldn’t find her.

“Where is Olivia?” Suddenly, he asked.

“What do you mean? She might be on stage or something.” Mason told him.

Three of them were looking for their friend but couldn’t find her.

Olivia couldn’t stay here after such an overwhelming feeling, so she ran from the stage but was stopped by Principal Rodricks. Stella and Zack were also walking behind her.

“I have always known you had it in you.” Their principal told them with pride. “I met James at the grocery store when your band was first formed, and he told me that he had finally formed a band with good people and that they would bring the trophy to the school. But, sadly, that never happened.

“Winning this competition was his dream,” Stella murmured slowly.

“So why don’t you guys do it?” He stated, which caused three of them to look at their principal.

“James would have wanted you to win this competition, kids. I knew we had no chance with Jenna, but I am still hoping we do. But after today’s performance, I am confident that we will be holding the trophy in our hands.

“We couldn’t do it. Without James, no way.” Olivia bolted from the auditorium, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Stella and Zack were frantically looking around because they couldn’t catch up with her. Then Stella had a run-in with Caleb.

“Are you okay, Stella?” Caleb inquired.

“Yeah, have you seen Olivia?” She asked him in a panic.

“No, in fact, we have been looking for her as well.

“God, we need to find her. She was shaken up. I can’t seem to find her anywhere. If she’s not here, she might have left the school grounds.” She began to ramble.

“Stella, take it easy! You guys continue your search here. There’s a chance she’s somewhere around here, and I will find her outside. If you find her, please text me, and I will do the same.

Caleb informed her and left the school searching for her, but not before texting Sia and Mason.

He was driving around and followed his instincts for the first time, which led him to the park. He was still in a daze the entire time he was searching for Olivia. He had no idea Olivia could sing. And something in the song told him that it was written for a specific person. Olivia, Stella, and Zack all displayed some form of emotion.

When he arrived at the park, he noticed the shadow of a tiny figure sitting on the swing. He approached the figure by driving closer to the park and saw that it was none other than Olivia. He texted Stella and Mason to let them know he had found her and would take her home.

He parked the car and sat beside Olivia on the swing.

“I had no idea you could sing.” He said.

“Neither did I. I have always been a bathroom singer.” Olivia chuckled at the thought.

She recalls how James discovered her singing loudly in the shower. She was enraged at him for mocking her by referring to her as a bathroom singer.

“I hadn't heard your voice until today.

“That's because I haven't sung in four years.” She responded to him.

“Even Stella and Zack were excellent.” Caleb attempted to strike up a small conversation with her.

“They are. Stella is incredible. You should listen to her solo. Her voice will captivate you.” She responded with a small smile but didn't dare to look him in the eyes. If she does, she will crumble once more.

“Come on, let's get you home.” Caleb stood up and extended his hand to her.

“I am sorry. I should not have left without informing you guys. Because of me, you had to leave the party as well.” She said in a small voice.

“Livy, the party was almost over. Your performance was today's finale. It made everyone's night.” He told her honesty was clearly shown in his voice.

His words were causing her to cry once more. She stood up, shakily holding his hands. But before she could keep her feet ahead of her to walk to Caleb, she tugged his hand towards herself.

“Caleb, could you please hug me? I am sorry if I sound desperate; I really need someone to hold me. I just need people to care about me today. Can you please pretend to care for a change?” Olivia whispered.

Instead of responding, Caleb moved forward and wrapped his arms around her. Olivia grabbed his jacket and sobbed. He was relieved to have Olivia in his arms. There was something special about this young lady. She was so frail, yet she always put on a brave face for everyone. They were in the same position for a few moments. Olivia was the one who pulled herself together and separated herself from Caleb.

He took her hand in his and led her to the car. Olivia ran into her room as soon as they arrived home and said a quick thank you and Goodnight. Her behaviour in the park made her feel embarrassed.

Before going to bed, she checked her phone, which was full of messages from classmates and friends—giving her friends a prompt reply. Finally, she drowsily drifted off to sleep.

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