Please play the video above when you see * below. :3

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| KENZIE |

"Dee, just sit down!" Spencer cried, clearly annoyed.

Cindy stopped in her tracks, sharply turning to him. "You can't blame me for worrying, Spence!"

"You can worry while sitting!"

"That won't do." But she seated beside him nonetheless. They were in the row beside Rachel and me.

He sighed in relief. "You were driving me crazy with all that pacing you did."

Rachel grinned wickedly. "Does it have another meaning, Spence?"

He quickly stood up like he'd been electrified, facing my best friend with a flushed face. "W-what're you talking about, Chel?"

He definitely knew what Rachel meant.

"Look who's talking 'bout sitting down," Cindy murmured, crossing her arms over her chest, but she was also blushing.

Spencer sat down in his seat. "Shut up."

Eunice, who was sitting behind us, yelled, "Gosh, lovebirds, keep your mouths shut! I'm trying to read a book here!"

"Sorry, Grandma Eunice," the lovebirds said in a not-so-apologetic tone.

"What did you two say?" There was a hint of warning in Eunice's voice.

"Nothing," they said in unison again.

Rachel and I chuckled awkwardly. The five of us were inside Cindy's private jet, heading to the San Francisco International Airport, and then to Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall to watch the Elgar Community's Violin Solo Competition.

And, of course, to cheer for Lance Collins and Alice Hamilton.

The two of them and one of Weyral's violin teachers had gone to the venue earlier. The reason why Cindy was worried was because Lance hadn't come with us and that he was currently with her rival.

It'd been a week since Lance had come to my house, and I could still remember what Mrs. Collins had told me: I hope I'm looking at my future daughter-in-law.

I'd only told my friends the filtered version of what had happened last Saturday and Sunday (because whenever they asked Cocky Violinist Freak, he'd just plainly answer, Ask Mackenzie.), even though the girls had been pestering me if there was more to my story.

No way in Hades I was going to tell them the unfiltered version!

"Lady Cindy," Sebastian, Cindy's personal butler, said as he appeared from the pilot room, his voice jerking me out of my thoughts, "we're almost nearing the airport." Then he addressed all of us with a kind smile, "Please wear your seatbelt."

He looked like in his fifties. Spencer had shared with Rachel and me that Sebastian was Cindy's butler ever since she was three years old.

We did what he'd requested, also returning a smile.

"Is the car already prepared outside the airport?" Cindy asked him.

"Yes, Lady Cindy."

She beamed. "Fab-tastic! Thanks so much, Sebastian."

He nodded and went back into the pilot room.

All of a sudden, Cindy said, "I hope Hamilton will not win the contest."

Eunice scoffed without looking at her. "Sorry, Dee, but don't get your hopes up."

"And why're you not agreeing with me?" she demanded, frowning.

"I heard from some of the Cyan Wings that she was practicing her piece every single day, even after their cheerleading practice," she replied. "She might've a chance to win the contest."

Cindy held up her right hand. "Talk to my hand, Nis."

"Say, didn't Lance also practice every day?" Rachel asked.

"Yeah," answered Spencer.

"Which resulted in him to have a fever," I added.

"And," said Eunice teasingly, "resulting in him and you had a romantic time together."

"In your house," said Cindy.

"And in your bedroom," Rachel chimed in, turning to me with a wicked grin.

Dirty-minded people.

Before any of them could say more, I protested, "I told you nothing that kind of thing happened!"

Thankfully, Spencer came to my rescue. "Ladies, give Mackenzie a break, will ya? You've been bugging her for a week about that."

Bless his soul.

"You must be fun at parties," Rachel told him.

He laughed. "Sorry 'bout that, Chel."

I gave him a grateful smile, and he gave me a thumbs-up in return. Staring out the window, I couldn't help feeling excited to watch Lance's performance later.

🎹 🎹 🎹

When we were seated in the fourth row of the seating area in the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, Spencer was looking around, like he was searching for someone.

"What is it, Spence?" Eunice asked.

"Um, just looking for some Eldreezians," he responded. "You know, Gabriel Vole and Jennifer Arnatt's supporters."

I shifted uneasily in my seat.

Thankfully, Rachel was the only one who noticed this; she stole a glance at me, then told Spencer, "There won't be any Eldreezians coming here."

"Why?"

"Eldreez Point has a field trip today," she explained. "The students are obliged to join, except for Gabriel and Jennifer, so it's impossible for them to go here. But that doesn't mean they're not gonna support them anymore. They have other ways, like posting on Twitter and other social media sites to show their support."

"Oh, I see." He scowled a little. "Man, I wish Weyral also had a field trip every year."

When Rachel saw my worried expression, she whispered to me, "I told you last Monday, didn't I? That you shouldn't worry, 'cause E.P. has a field trip today. 'Sides, that person isn't friends with Gabriel and Jennifer."

I just noticed I was holding my breath a moment longer. Exhaling, I smiled a little at my best friend. "Sorry, Chel." I told her this so softly so that the others wouldn't hear me. "This paranoia...it's getting to me."

Rachel squeezed my hand with a smile on her face to comfort me, and I did the same to her.

After a moment Cindy started tapping on her BlackBerry. Since we were seated beside each other, I couldn't help but glance at the screen.

We just arrived @ the symphony hall. Gud luck, Lance! We're rooting for u 🙌, was her text.

"How 'bout Alice?" I teased her after she'd sent the message.

"Meh," was the only thing Cindy said.

"Hey, I see some of Alice's friends and fanboys over there." Eunice gestured to the far right of the seating area. There were four girls that I remembered seeing whenever I was in The Cafeteria, hanging out with Alice. Two of them had asked for my autograph.

Cindy mumbled something vague in response.

A moment passed by when Lance replied, TYSM, friends! Please also root for Alice. I'll really appreciate it. 😊

After Cindy had read the text, she furiously replied LOL nope and then tapped the send button forcefully, I thought the screen would crack.

Spencer, who was sitting beside her, also saw this and cried, "The heck, Dee!"

"There's no way in my entire life I'm gonna support Hamilton," she responded firmly, pocketing her phone.

Shaking his head, Spencer got his phone from his pocket and then started tapping on the screen. I guessed he was going to assure Lance that we'd still support Alice.

"Um, Dee?" I hesitantly said. "Don't you think you're being unfair to Alice?"

"Unfair?" she repeated in a calm voice, and it almost made me want to get away from there. "How I treat Hamilton...she deserves it, Mackenzie, after she..." Cindy faltered.

Had something bad happened between them before? Like, really bad? But I didn't want to ask Cindy this question; maybe she'd think I was prying into her life. Though I must admit their rivalry had been bugging my mind ever since the second day of school--when Cindy and Alice had had their "moment" in The Cafeteria.

"S-sorry, Dee," I apologized. "I didn't mean to--"

"Gosh, no. That's not the reason why I faltered, Mackenzie," she assured me. "It's just that...um..."

"As much as I also wanna know your history with Alice," Rachel said beside me, staring at her, "you don't have to tell us, Dee. Kenzie and I understand. No need to force yourself; things would be harder that way."

Cindy blinked. "H-huh? Seriously, you two, why're you being melodramatic? Our hatred toward each other started when..." she faltered again, anxiously twisting a lock of hair around her fingers. "Ugh! Why can't I say it?"

"Because you're afraid that Mackenzie and Rachel might find it unreasonable," said Eunice, yawning. Beside her, Spencer was trying not to laugh.

Cindy glared at them. "Fine," she said with venom in her voice. "I'll give you the honor to tell them about our history, Nis."

"Oh, gladly." Eunice turned to us with laughter in her eyes. "Their rivalry started in our freshman year," she began. "It was Cindy's turn in the cafeteria line. But then, when she was about to get the last cupcake on the tray, Alice, who was standing behind her, snatched it from her and quickly ate it." She grinned. "Ta-dah! Now you know how their rivalry began."

Rachel gasped, "That was evil!"

"Right, Chel?" Cindy said, almost in tears. "Lance and these two think it's stupid that we fought over a cupcake. I mean, c'mon! No one should snatch a cupcake from a person, especially if it's the last cupcake in The Cafeteria! And she didn't even say sorry; she only said 'oops' mockingly!"

She firmly nodded. "Cupcakes are perfection. Whoever's supposed to get it last should be respected to the max!"

"I then later found out that she was a model for Trench--Prime Parker's number one rival in the fashion industry." Cindy faced me, eyes hopeful while holding my hands in hers. "Mackenzie, please tell me the history of our rivalry isn't absurd."

"It's still preposterous for me," stated Eunice.

"I'm not talking to you, Nis! And besides, Hamilton picks on me almost every single day. I'm just returning the favor."

"Well," I told Cindy eventually, "it still wasn't her turn in the line, so she shouldn't have done that. What she did was wrong. Though I think Alice snatched your cupcake and ate it just to annoy you, Dee."

She smiled without humor. "Oh, she did annoy me all right. And I'm sure it was because she was jealous that Lance and I have been best of friends since childhood."

All of a sudden the lights dimmed, and I noticed the hall was now almost full-packed.

"It's about to start," Eunice said, excitement lacing her voice.

Cindy got a digital camera from her bag. "Too bad Marcus couldn't come with us. The Orchestra has a practice today, so he requested that I should record the competition for him."

After a while the emcee, who was a brown-haired woman wearing a green dress, appeared on the stage, welcoming and telling the audience about the Elgar Community's history as an introduction. All of us were silent, listening to her. Then she said there were supposed to be twenty contestants, but Jennifer Arnatt from Eldreez Point got sick, so she couldn't participate.

"Dang it, Jennifer," Rachel mumbled, sounding worried.

So there were nineteen participants all in all, and all of them were famous teenage violinists? Okay, this was going to be hard. But still, we believed that Lance would make it to the top three, or be the winner, even.

Then the competition finally started without further ado. All of the audience was silent, watching with awe plastered on their faces because of the contestants' performances. I was sure the jury would've a hard time judging them and choosing who the winners would be.

Moments passed by when the emcee introduced Gabriel Vole from Eldreez Point High, also stating the competitions he'd won and the piece he'd play.

"'Wedding March'?" Spencer grinned as Gabriel started playing. We could hear the music loud and clear. "Dang, he did it literally. Salute to this man."

"I know, right?" Rachel agreed, grinning. "That's Gabriel for you. Too bad we didn't get a chance to become classmates while I was studying at Eldreez Point."

Gabriel bowed again when he was done and exited to the left wing of the stage, while the audience was clapping loudly.

The emcee introduced the next contestant, and it was none other than Alice Jessica Hamilton. When she appeared on stage, the four of us could feel the tension Cindy was emanating; she even stopped recording.

"Hashtag harsh," commented Rachel.

She shrugged, nonchalant. "My memory card doesn't have enough space to record her performance." Then her face crinkled in disgust. "Gosh, look at her outfit; she looks like a slut."

Alice was wearing a sparkling, deep V-neck gray dress, which hugged her curves, and her hair was styled in a fancy bun. She looked like she was attending a night out party or a Golden Globe Award. I'll admit her dress was too sexy for a violin contest.

The emcee said that Alice would be playing Bach's "Air on the G String."

Cindy grinned evilly. "Now I'm sure she won't win this competition."

Spencer motioned for her to be quiet, and she crossed her arms, now silently fuming.

Alice positioned her violin under her chin, closing her eyes briefly, and then started playing her piece.

"Is someone playing along with her?" I asked after a few seconds with a confused look on my face, because I was hearing a string that was being plucked while Alice was bowing.

"No," Spencer realized, pointing to Alice, amazed. "She's the only one who's plucking a string while stroking her bow on two strings."

"She's also doing vibrato," Rachel pointed out in awe.

Whoa!

"But that's impossible." Cindy almost exclaimed this. "This is the first time I'm seeing that kind of technique."

"Even Lance can't do that," said Eunice, who was also astonished.

"Not impossible," Spencer disagreed. "Hard, yeah, but definitely not impossible."

When Alice stroked the last note, the round of applause she received was louder than the rest of the contestants before her, along with wolf whistles, and I thought maybe she'd be the winner for this competition.

Cindy was about to say something about Alice's performance when Eunice warned, "Your mouth, Dee."

She gave her an innocent smile. "What're you talking about, Nis? I wasn't planning to say some awesome, colorful wor--"

Someone in front of us shushed her, and Cindy, from the looks of it, was taking all of her willpower not to retaliate. She was clearly having a hard time doing that, though. Then Spencer put his hand on top of hers all of a sudden, causing her to stiffen in her seat.

"Just relax, Dee," he whispered, but I could still hear it. "I know you. After watching Alice's performance, you're scared because of what Lance might be doing right now. I'm sure our best friend's fine."

Exhaling a shaky breath, she faced him and whispered back, "But we also know him, Spence." Worry was evident in her voice, and this was the first time I saw her in this kind of state. "I'm sure while Lance was watching her performance, he became nervous. Maybe he was also thinking about his grandfather."

His grandfather? I thought, curious.

"What if Lance's having a panic attack behind the stage right now? You know he suffers from it sometimes," continued Cindy. "What if--"

"We can't check up on him," Spencer told her sadly. "The backstage is off-limits to the audience." Then he started caressing her hand and said in a soothing voice, "Please, Dee, stop stressing yourself. I don't want to see you worrying, even Lance. Just trust him, all right?"

Cindy didn't say anything back, but I could tell she was giving Spencer a smile--her real smile.

I was itching to say that there were ants surrounding them, but didn't want to ruin the moment, so I just kept my mouth shut. But Cindy's words were haunting me.

What if Lance's having a panic attack behind the stage right now? You know he suffers from it sometimes.

I suddenly stood up from my seat.

Rachel's eyebrows were furrowed at me. "Um, is something wrong, Kenzie?"

"I, er, I'll just go to the restroom. I'll be right back." I started leaving our row while the eleventh contestant was playing on the stage. Thankfully, only my bestie was taking notice of me.

"Oh, okay," Rachel replied, concentrating on the performance again, and I was glad she hadn't noticed I'd been half lying.

After doing what I was supposed to do in the restroom, I started searching for a way to the backstage. I was thankful there weren't people around here--

"Hey, you!" a voice yelled when I almost rounded a corner, making me jump in surprise. "That area's off-limits!"

I'd spoken too soon. Schist, I was busted.

Turning around, I saw that the one who'd stopped me was one of the security guards of the symphony hall. He was walking in my direction. I gulped nervously before replying, "H-hello. Um, I'm actually l-lost."

Bad timing for me to stutter, I thought, annoyed with myself. C'mon, Kenzie. Use your acting skills!

"You shall not pass!" he yelled like he was Gandalf as he blocked my path. But when he looked at me closely, his eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, aren't you Mackenzie Adams?" I guess he was still in his twenties.

"Um, yes," I answered while thinking of a plan so that he'd let me into the backstage.

His eyes brightened. "Whoa! I'm an Adamster! I can't believe I'd get to meet you here, of all places."

"Thank you for your support, sir," I said kindly. "I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome." But he scowled a little. "Anyway, what're you doing here?" He pointed in the direction where I'd been to. "The seating area's that way."

"Actually," I gulped again, "a friend of mine is a contestant in this competition. His name's Lance Collins. And, er, I'm worried about him because..." I now did my best to look composed, "he's prone to panic attacks. I just wanna check up on him--to see if he's all right."

"I thought every school had a guardian for their contestants...?"

"Um, I can't find Weyral's guardian, sadly." I don't know how he looks like, I thought. Or if their guardian is even a guy in the first place. "So can I look for my friend at the backstage, please? I'll be quick, I promise. If you like, I'll give you my autograph and follow you on Twitter."

Grinning, the guard said, "Can I take a picture with you, too? If yes, then this will be our little secret."

I grinned back. "Of course!"

After signing, taking a picture with the kind and understanding guard and following him on Twitter, I thanked him once again, and then followed the direction he'd given me where the backstage was.

Minutes went by when I became lost again. "Great," I mumbled to myself, looking around. "Was it this way or--" Without warning, I bumped into someone as I rounded another corner. Said someone caught my arm before I'd fall to the floor. "Oh, gods!" I exclaimed. "I'm so sorry! Are you all right?"

The guy who I'd bumped into released my arm gently while gazing at me, and I realized it was Gabriel Vole, Eldreez Point's Paganini. "Yeah. You?" he asked with an Irish accent.

"I'm also fine, and I'm very sorry," I apologized again. Thank God he wasn't carrying anything with him, especially his violin!

"Oh, don't worry 'bout it. I'm sorry for not looking ahead, too," he said, grinning. I could tell he was really nice. "Hmm, but you look familiar." He was thinking thoughtfully, then snapped his fingers in realization. "Mackenzie Adams, right? Weyralian?"

"Um, yeah." I smiled in return.

"The famous actress and Bra--" He stopped his sentence, coughing. "I-I'm sorry."

Why did he apologize? But I didn't question him about it and just said, "Your performance was great, Gabriel."

"I'm so happy you enjoyed it! It was fun! By the way, are you looking for Lance and Alice?"

"Just Lance. Do you know where he is?"

"Maybe he's in the Weyral's designated room. He told me he'd go to the recreation room, but when I went there, he wasn't there." I didn't miss the worry that crossed his face for a second. "I hope he's okay. He was perspiring while watching Alice's performance, then he left--"

"Do you know where Weyral's room is?" I hastily asked, almost panicking.

He was shocked by my outburst. "I believe it's room number three. Just continue walking down the hall, and then you'll see the rooms; they're beside the backstage." He paused. "I'm sorry that I can't come with you; I still need to go to the restroom."

"Oh, no. I should be the one who's apologizing, 'cause I'm taking your time--"

"I'm glad to help you, actually," he interrupted me gently. "Please make sure that Lance's doing fine. He's my rival, after all; I don't want anything bad happen to him." Suddenly his face twisted in what seemed like he couldn't hold anything longer. "Gotta go. Bye!" Then he dashed in the direction of the restrooms like it was the end of the world.

I continued walking, and then finally saw the room with the number three sign on top of the door. Standing in front of it, I knocked and called, "Lance?"

But after a few seconds the door was still closed, so I knocked again. "Lance, I know you're in there!"

I was about to turn the handle when the door flew open without warning, causing me to take a step back in surprise.

And there was Cocky Violinist Freak, standing while holding his violin and bow in his hands. Whoa! He looked so professional in a black suit and tie.

"Mackenzie? What are you doing here?" he asked, furrowing his brows in confusion. "You are not even allowed in he--"

I tackled Lance in a hug, cutting him off while hearing the door close behind me. "Thank God you're all right!"

He stood still. "What are you talking about, Mackenzie?" I looked up at him and saw he was still confused. "Of course I am all right. Why would I not be?"

"You didn't have a panic attack, right?"

"Panic...attack? How--" He stopped himself, and I was sure he was connecting the dots. "Oh, I believe you knew about that from Dee and Spence."

"Uh," I gave a nervous chuckle, "the truth is, I overheard them talking about you suffering from a panic attack when you're nervous sometimes. And they were sure while you were watching Alice's performance, you got that feeling. They're worried about you, Lance."

"Ah." His lips were starting to quirk upwards. "And you were worried about me, too."

I couldn't help but blink at what he'd said. "Eh?"

"I mean, why go here if you weren't worried about me?" He was now grinning. "And you are also hugging me. Hmm, it must be 'Hugging Day' today."

I didn't realize I was still hugging him if he hadn't said that, so I quickly took a step back, feeling the temperature of my cheeks rise slightly. "You freak!" I yelled, embarrassed.

He started laughing that stupid nya-ha-ha laugh of his while putting his violin and bow onto the only table in the room.

But after a while, looking down at my blue Vans like they were the most precious things on earth, I admitted, "Of course I was worried..."

Lance stopped his laughing, and I could feel his piercing gaze on me.

"And I didn't know you were prone to panic attacks," I went on.

"Mackenzie, I must be honest with you," he began after a moment, and I couldn't help staring at him. He looked deadly serious. "Whenever I feel nervous, panic sometimes attacks me. So, yes, Spencer and Cindy were right; I did have a panic attack when I realized Alice was using a difficult technique while she was performing. I felt...threatened and anxious." Then his gaze shifted to his violin. "But I am not giving up. I have to win this competition. I should always believe in my abilities."

I smiled at him. "That's the spirit, Cocky Violinist Freak."

He smiled back. But all of a sudden he found it difficult to breathe properly and was stumbling to the floor.

Instinctively, I ran toward him as fast as I could. Lance would've fallen onto the floor if I hadn't caught him in time. "Lance!" I cried, alarmed.

Lance cursed. I noticed the sweat that was forming on his forehead, so I slowly led him to the couch on the side and we sat down. I ran my hand on his back.

Out of nowhere, he embraced me desperately, making me gasp in shock. I couldn't help but hug him back a few seconds later, also telling him some comforting words. Lance was resting his head on my shoulder, panting. His whole body was shaking; he couldn't catch his breath. I could even feel his heart pounding out of his chest.

I was worried for him again. How could a person stop a panic attack? Because I really had no idea. Should I Google it?

"Do not worry," Lance said slowly between short breaths, like he just read my mind. "This will pass in a while."

I nodded, but still looked unsure. Then a moment passed by when his breathing returned to normal, just like what he'd said. Lance leaned away from me, ending the hug. I saw he was still sweating, so I got a handkerchief from my jeans pocket and started wiping the sweat on his face with care. He closed his eyes in content.

"There," I said when I was done with my work, letting out a sigh of relief.

Opening his eyes, Lance said, "I apologize for what happened, Mackenzie. I forgot to tell you that panic also attacks me out of the blue sometimes. It...it really is a terrifying experience."

I shook my head. "No need to apologize. I'm just glad that I was here when you had a second one. I got to help you; you didn't experience it alone."

His expression softened. "Thank you so much, Mackenzie."

I paused. Wait, why was my heart beating so fast? Would I have a panic attack, too? Gods, I hoped not!

"Don't you need to get that checked?" I asked to change the subject.

"There is no need." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Please do not tell anyone that I had panic attacks this day, especially to my parents. I do not want them to worry."

"You sure?" I frowned, disagreeing with him. "Because--"

Lance gave me a pleading look, which made me stop.

Sighing in defeat, I said, "Fine. I'll be quiet about it." I paused. "Well, if you also won't tell Chel, Nis, Dee and Spence that I went here. They don't know about it. I just said I'd go to the restroom."

"You really were worried about me, eh?" he teased.

I slapped him on the arm as my response.

"Don't hurt me, Midgetzie, or else I won't get to perform properly later."

"Lance..." I warned.

He chuckled. "Okay. Fine. How did you get here, anyway?" Then he raised an eyebrow while smirking. "Wait, did 'Oscar Winner Mackenzie Adams' bribe one of the security guards so that she could go to the backstage?"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures." I laughed. "He's an awesome guard, I must say." Then getting up, I told him, "I should head back now. Just take deep breaths and think happy thoughts if you're feeling...you know again. Or call me on my phone."

Lance nodded.

As we got out of the room, we saw Alice heading in our direction. "Lance! I was looking for you!" When her gaze landed on me, however, she looked surprised. "Mackenzie?" She blinked. "Um, not trying to be rude, but what're you doing here?" An expression crossed her face, and I'm sure it was envy.

Oh, my gods! Was she thinking Lance and I had been kissing inside the room?

Before I could explain, Lance told her without his voice wavering, "I asked Mackenzie to come here to bring me a chocolate bar. I felt dizzy all of a sudden, so I needed to eat one. I am sorry I didn't get to finish watching your performance, Alice."

I did my best not to gape at his lie.

The envy she was feeling vanished in an instant, because she let out a sigh of relief, though I think Lance didn't notice it. "Ah. I understand, Lance. Are you feeling fine now?"

"Yes. Thank you." Then he complimented her. "Anyway, what you did was brilliant! I mean, scordatura tuning, pizzicato, vibrato and stroking two strings at the same time...You are exceptional!"

Alice blushed at his remark, tucking a loose hair behind her ear unconsciously. "R-really?"

"I agree with Lance, Alice," I piped in, grinning. "All of us were amazed with what you did!"

"Thanks, Lance, Mackenzie!" She paused. "Wait, even Blaire?"

"Um..." I'm sorry, Dee! "Y-yeah." What I said was true anyway. Cindy just didn't want to admit it.

Alice smirked, then faced Lance. "Oh, right. You better prepare yourself now; it's almost your turn."

"Thank you, Alice. Though I must accompany Mackenzie back to the seating area first," said Lance, and I could tell he was hiding a teasing smile. "She might get lost again."

I resisted the urge to tell Alice about his panic attacks. But how did he even know I'd gotten lost while I'd been on my way here?

Alice nodded. "I'll wait for you at the backstage." She gazed at me. "Bye, Mackenzie."

Smiling, I said back, "Bye, Alice."

She turned on her heel, but not before giving me a look that was unreadable to me.

After a few moments Lance and I stopped in front of the restrooms, then he said, "Mackenzie, I promise I will do my best while I am playing onstage, so that your support wouldn't be for naught."

"Just don't pressure yourself, 'kay? Good luck and have fun!" I said, giving him a comforting smile, and then I was running in the direction of the seating area, not waiting for his response.

"Kenzie," Rachel started as I sat in my seat, gazing at me seriously, "did you drop a gajillion of bombs into the toilet? You took ages in the restroom!"

I almost burst out laughing at her words. "Gods, no. I just...I got lost. This symphony hall is like a maze, you know."

"You should've seen contestant number fifteen, Mackenzie," said Eunice, giggling. "He was amazing and oh-so handsome. Gosh, I wanna ask for his number."

"Not as amazing as Alice, though," Spencer commented, causing Cindy to hit him in the shoulder. "Ow!" He glared at her.

So their sweet moment was over, huh?

A few moments passed by when it was finally Prince Lancelot Dale Collins' turn. He appeared on the stage while the emcee was stating his awards from various music competitions he'd joined. This was the first time I knew he'd won thirty plus awards. No wonder he was famous in the classical music field. The emcee said the piece he'd be playing was Bach's "Andante 2nd Solo Sonata."

We clapped our hands.

Cindy clasped her hands together when he positioned himself. Then, Lance stroked his bow on a string.

*

It was a slightly-slow melody, and I couldn't help closing my eyes, feeling like I was in a forest.

No, I corrected myself; it was the same peaceful forest where I'd first heard Lance playing "Canon in D Major." The brilliance of the sun was shining down on him again.

I found myself relaxing while he was playing. After a while it grew powerful and intimate. It was definitely a hard piece, but Lance was playing it easily. I could feel the passion in his music, and I was sure it was played with...love.

My eyes opened when I heard a loud, thunderous applause. Huh? It was already over?

Lance's performance, no doubt, had been wonderful and perfect. It made me want to listen to it a few more times.

He bowed with a relieved look on his face.

🎹 🎹 🎹

"Now, it's time to announce the winners," the emcee grandly said, opening a white envelope. All of the participants were lined horizontally behind her, looking nervous and excited at the same time.

Even the five of us.

The emcee read the paper in her hand, and then looked at the audience. "Second runner-up is contestant number three--Kendra Ando!"

We clapped as a man beside the emcee gave the Japanese girl a trophy, then shook her hand. Kendra wiped a tear from her eye.

"First runner up is contestant number fifteen--Conrad Miller!"

The curly blond-haired guy, who Eunice had told me was "amazing and oh-so handsome," moved forward, the same guy handing him a trophy and then shaking his hand. Conrad grinned, lifting his chin up with a prideful look on his face as we gave another round of applause.

"And now, the winner of the Elgar Community's Violin Solo Competition this year is..." The emcee paused for dramatic effect.

"Please, please, let it be Lance," mumbled Cindy like she was praying, still clasping her hands together.

Rachel looked conflicted, like she was betting on another contestant to win.

Spencer cracked his knuckles nervously.

"Maybe it's gonna be Alice," Eunice blurted out of nowhere, causing Cindy to narrow her eyes at her.

I whispered, "I hope Lance will wi--"

"Alice Hamilton!" the emcee announced, cutting me off.

Oh.

Then there was another round of applause, but this time it was louder. For a moment, the five of us were frozen in shock. Then I saw disbelief and hurt taking over all of Lance's features after the winner had been declared, but in a blink of an eye he recovered with a grin while clapping his hands.

Cindy, meanwhile, was busy ranting while standing on why Alice had won and not her best friend. Spence, Chel and Nis were doing their best to get her to sit and calm her down, so they hadn't seen his split reaction.

🎹 🎹 🎹

Lance became distant to everyone after the competition had ended. Whenever we talked to him and assured him that his performance had been perfect, he'd only reply a single word, then returned looking at the screen of his phone, reading something. But he wouldn't let us know what he was reading. He wasn't concentrating in the classes I shared with him, and wasn't even eating the chocolate bars we'd given him, making us more worried.

And we all know Lance really loves to eat anything chocolate, no matter what time and day it is.

I was used to see him smiling and joking. But now, he seemed like a person whose soul had been sucked by a Dementor. True, his teasing had been annoying at first. But as time passed by it became endearing.

"He's clearly depressed that he didn't win the stupid competition!" Cindy exclaimed and landed her palms furiously onto the table. The four of us were drinking coffee in The Café located at the Main Pegasus Park. Spencer was with his teammates to practice at the soccer field, so he couldn't be with us at the moment.

We were sitting at the table in the right corner of the café. It was Thursday, and our classes had just ended, but there still weren't many students lounging and eating in here.

Rachel touched a finger to her lips thoughtfully, and I could practically hear the gears whirring in her mind. "Maybe he's still in denial stage 'bout the final results. That's why he still needs an alone time. We can't blame him," she told us a moment later, shrugging. "I mean, he prepared so much for that competition, and then would only find out he wasn't the winner or even included in the runner-ups? Who wouldn't be depressed by that? His reaction is normal."

"Normal?" Cindy echoed, her voice climbing several octaves. "It's been five days, Chel!"

"I still think five days is normal. Let's give Lance two weeks. If he still doesn't come around after that, then we shall take him to a therapist, stat."

"Whatever you say, psychologist," mumbled Cindy, stabbing her strawberry tart with a fork dangerously.

Rachel beamed after taking a sip of her cappuccino. "Really? I could become a psychologist?"

Eunice winked at her. "Of course, Chel."

"I agree with Eunice," I said, nodding with a smile. Rachel was a good-listener, comfortable with all kinds of people, flexible, naturally inquisitive, and empathetic. I believe those traits would make her a successful psychologist in the future. "But, Chel, don't let it go to your head," I joked.

"Killjoy." She glared at me playfully.

I gave her my other slice of blueberry cheesecake, and she accepted it instantly, beaming again.

"Maybe he's worried about his grandfather," Cindy said softly, more to herself.

There it was again, Lance's grandfather. Was he strict? If Lance didn't win a violin contest, would his grandfather punish him?

"What, Dee?" Eunice and Rachel asked at the same time, gazing at her curiously.

"Huh?" Cindy shook her head, laughing nervously. "N-nothing. Just mumbling some unimportant things to myself. Heh."

So I was the only one who'd heard her. Drinking my caf mocha, I kept thinking why Lance was keeping his distance from everyone. Sure, Rachel and Cindy's hunches may be right, but why couldn't I shake the creeping suspicion that there was another reason behind it?

🎹 🎹 🎹

That Friday afternoon, after school, I went to the library to borrow another chemistry book so that I could read more information about intermolecular forces. After asking the librarian where the chemistry section was and going to aisle number twenty-three, I saw Lance in a far corner while he was standing, his back to me. Growing curious, I went in his direction silently.

Kunoichi mode on.

"Hey, Cocky Violinist Freak," I said casually when I reached him, tapping his shoulder.

He jolted when he turned to me while hiding something behind him. "Macken--mmmppff!" I covered his mouth quickly.

"No need to shout my name," I hissed. "We're in a library, remember?"

"Eww," he said after I'd removed my hand from his mouth, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Whatcha doin'?" I asked while wiping my palm on my skirt.

"Nothing," he replied flatly.

"Doesn't seem like it's nothing." I gestured to his back.

He looked at me blankly, his eyes glazed over. "A guy has got to have a secret or two, Midgetzie."

Whoa! That'd been a full sentence! Hmm, I was getting something here.

We had a staring contest a moment longer, but I ended it when I crossed my arms over my chest. "I'll be frank with you today, Lance."

"Huh?"

"You don't have to be so hard on yourself." I stared at him seriously. "We're your friends, Lance. You can share with us your problems, and we'll do our best to help you. We're always willing to listen."

Lance looked perplexed. "What, now?"

I sighed, shaking my head. He was definitely still in denial stage. "Look, you didn't win the contest, but that doesn't mean you failed," I told him. "You did your best and showed the audience that you had the guts to perform, and that you've improved. If you're worried that your grandfather might puni--"

"Hold that thought," he interrupted me, raising a hand, and I realized what I'd said. "My...grandfather?" Lance asked slowly. "Where did you hear about that?"

I became tense at his question. Dam it, mouth! "Er, from Cindy." And I quickly added before he could say anything else, "But it wasn't her fault. I overheard it from her while she was mumbling to herself, lost in her thoughts. That's all I know, I swear. So I thought maybe your grandpa was the reason why you were avoiding the world. Like, you're scared or something like that--"

Lance's lifeless expression suddenly brightened, like flipping a light switch. "Of course!" he jovially said, interrupting my sentence. "That is the reason why I was avoiding the world; it's because of my grandfather!" But then he seemed like he just realized a mistake. "I mean, yes, it is because of my grandfather," he now said solemnly, his face also forlorn.

I raised an eyebrow skeptically. His reaction was definitely baffling.

"By the way, Mackenzie," Lance said. "May I ask you a question?"

I shrugged. "Shoot."

"What do guys do on a date?"

I almost choked on air at his sudden question. "Seriously?" I asked him incredulously after a moment.

"Of course I am serious."

"Sirius Black?"

"No. Answer my question."

"..."

"Please?" Lance added, and he looked desperate.

I was still staring at him like he'd grown hydra heads. "Are you going out on a date?" Then I showed him a teasing smile. "Who's the unlucky girl, Lancelot?"

His face became guarded. "No. Someone asked me what guys do on a date and, unfortunately, I do not know the answer." He showed the thing he'd been hiding behind him, and it was a book entitled Dating Advice for Men by Mike Wenzowsky. My eyes widened. "So that's why I was reading this. But unfortunately again, the language in this book is alien to me; I cannot understand a thing. This book is useless."

Images of my dating moments with Brandon before flashed in my mind, but I quickly shook my head mentally. "Watch my movie The Ring of Truth," I finally told him. "You'll find your answers there."

He wrinkled his nose in disgust. "That is a romance film, correct?"

"Yep." I held up my hands in the air, giving him a derp face. "If you don't want to, then go ask someone else."

"Fine," he said, defeated. "I will tell that friend of mine to watch that idiotic movie of yours."

"Your trash talk inspires me," I deadpanned. "But on a serious note, who's that friend of yours?" I prompted.

"He doesn't even go here."

"Oo-kay," I drawled uncertainly, feeling he was lying to me. And, from the way he was giving me a pointed look right now, Lance was silently implying that I wouldn't tell another living soul on what I'd witnessed, which made me become more doubtful.

He put the book on a table and said, "Well, then. I shall be going now. Thank you for your help, Mackenzie. Good-bye." He passed by me like the colors of the wind, and then he was out of the library.

Our conversation had been mysterious, bizarre, weird and other synonyms you could think of for those words. Lance was acting weirder by the minute, but what was the main reason, really?

Something fishy was definitely going on around him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Chapter not edited]