Chapter 14

A week had passed since that day. Since my life turned upside down. At this point, I wasn't sure what to think about the situation I was stuck in. It was like my old life—the one before I met Jake Lee and his chaotic world—was slowly slipping from my mind, becoming less real by the day.

I'd been staying with the Lees the entire time. At first, I kept telling myself it was temporary, that I'd leave the next morning. But every time I tried, Mrs. Lee would say something that made it impossible to go through with it. She had this way of making me feel guilty, like I'd be a terrible person if I just up and left. And, somehow, I kept coming back.

Now, it was a Friday afternoon, and Mrs. Lee was in the principal's office discussing my behavior. Right. That was still a thing. I had almost forgotten. I paced back and forth outside the office doors, my arms crossed as I tried to push away the gnawing uncertainty in my chest.

"Oh, hey, princess."

The familiar voice pulled me from my thoughts, making me stop in my tracks. I turned, slightly startled, before rolling my eyes.

Chris.

"You? Here after school hours?" I asked, my tone laced with amusement. "Now that's shocking."

He smirked, stopping in front of me with a lazy confidence, one hand slipping into his pocket. "Talent show starts soon." He ran his other hand through his hair. "Gotta support my boy."

My eyes widened slightly. Crap. The talent show. How did I forget about that? That explained why Jake left in such a rush this morning. We hadn't talked much since the amusement park—just the usual bickering here & there. I guess that was a low moment for both of us.

"Oh, yeah..." I said, trailing off as if I'd totally known about it this whole time. "Jake's performing, right?"

Chris gave me a knowing look. "Yeah. Heard he's been practicing all morning."

That made sense. Jake had been anxious about it, even if he'd never admit it.

"He'll probably do great." I replied, making an effort to sound casual.

Chris's smirk widened. "Look at you, princess." He glanced down at me, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Supporting your enemy."

I narrowed my eyes. Enemy? We weren't exactly enemies. We just had...a complicated dynamic.

"So what?" I shot back, irritation creeping into my voice. "I'd support my left toe for being prettier than the other one!"

Chris blinked. He tilted his head slightly, clearly trying to process whatever nonsense had just come out of my mouth. Honestly, even I wasn't sure what I had just said. I just didn't Want him to tease me for secretly supporting Jake.

"What?" He asked, his expression somewhere between amused and confused.

I waved it off. "Never mind."

But he stepped closer, eyes twinkling with mischief as he  smiled slyly. "You just... randomly started talking about toes, princess."

I huffed, turning away, hating that he was catching onto my slip-up. "You can't prove anything."

I had to focus.

The talent show was happening soon, and I still hadn't wrapped my head around the fact that I was actually participating. It was part of the punishment I received after defending my mother from those bullies on my first day here—a punishment that, in hindsight, felt more like a setup. The principal clearly needed more people to sign up, and I had been conveniently volunteered into it.

Chris hovered over my shoulder, leaning in to glance at my side. "No, princess, you definitely said—"

"Chris?"

A voice cut him off, smooth and familiar.

We both looked up at the same time, turning in sync as Mrs. Lee approached with her usual effortless elegance.

Behind her, the principal stepped out of his office, looking thoroughly defeated. His jaw was tight, irritation radiating off him in waves as he shot a glare in my direction before stomping off the opposite way.

What did she say to him?

"If it isn't my favorite mom." Chris greeted with a grin, giving her a playful, exaggerated bow. "It's been a while, gorgeous."

I almost gagged. Was he seriously flirting with Jake's mom? Then again, it was Chris. This is probably just how he was.

Mrs. Lee giggled, lightly smacking his arm. "You never come over anymore!"

Chris leaned back against the wall, an amused expression on his face. "What can I say? I'm a busy man."

Mrs. Lee rolled her eyes in a teasing way before turning to me and motioning toward him. "This guy. Thinks he's too cool for us!"

Chris pushed off the wall, flashing a charming smile. "You know I'm not too cool for your cooking."

Mrs. Lee laughed, clearly flattered. "Oh, you smooth talker!" Then she glanced at both of us, adjusting her purse over her shoulder as her expression shifts to something lighter. "I have to go pick up Eslie for the talent show."

She waved as she brushed past, still exuding that natural grace. "I'll see you both later!"

I took a sudden step forward, holding out my hand. "Wait—"

She paused and turned back, her eyes warm yet sharp as she clutched the straps of her purse. "I handled your situation. Do not worry."

The way she said it made me freeze. It wasn't just reassuring—it carried an edge. Not directed at me, but at him. The principal. I nearly shivered at the thought.

She walked away, her heels clicking against the floor, each step deliberate.

Chris shook his head, watching her go. "Looks like the principal felt her wrath."

"Huh?" I turned to him, catching the uneasy smirk on his face. Like he knows the wrath of Mrs. Lee all too well.

He glanced at me. "She once had a little chat with the principal as my guardian about me skipping too many classes."

I raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Chris stepped closer, lowering his head slightly so we were almost at eye level. His voice dropped as he said, "Let's just say, princess..." He trailed off, the words hanging between us. "Mrs. Lee has a special charm for being angry in such an elegant way."

A flicker of surprise crossed my face. "What's that supposed to mean?" I can't really imagine Mrs Lee angry, let alone showing her wrath.

He straightened, slipping both hands into his pockets. "Don't concern yourself too much with it, princess."

Then, with a lazy smirk, he brushed past me. "I'll see you in the theatre room."

I watched Chris walk away, his usual smug confidence lingering in the air. I guess he had a point—Mrs. Lee definitely had her own way of handling things, and maybe I was better off not knowing the details.

Taking a deep breath, I pressed a hand against the center of my chest, trying to calm my sudden nerves.

Focus.

I had my own problem to deal with: What the hell am I going to do for the talent show?

As I started walking, my mind ran through a hundred different possibilities, none of which felt remotely doable. I wasn't exactly bursting with hidden talents. Then, as I passed a glass window, something caught my eye—a poster for the talent show.

It was attached to the same window I had first seen Jake that day, practicing.

Suddenly, it was like a switch flipped in my brain. I could almost see a light bulb pop up above my head through my slight reflection.

"I got it!"

I had meant to say it in my head. Definitely meant to say it in my head.

Instead, I practically shouted it, spinning around and jumping in excitement.

"I got what I'm doing for the talent show!"

Then silence.

I hadn't even realized it wasn't in my head until I take in my surroundings.

I froze mid-celebration, making direct eye contact with a small group of girls who had stopped in their tracks. They stared at me like I had just declared world domination in the middle of the hallway.

For a few painfully awkward seconds, none of us moved. Then, without a word, they turned and walked away.

Slowly, I leaned against the wall, casually scratching my head and gazing up at the ceiling like I definitely hadn't just embarrassed myself.

"She's kinda weird..." one of them whispered.

I narrowed my eyes. "I can hear you." I mumbled under my breath, watching them go with a clenched fist and a very slightly murderous glare.

I should charge at them.

But I wouldn't.

Because I had something more important to focus on now.

I had the perfect idea for the talent show.

.

.

.

After that, I bolted straight to the theater room and rushed backstage. My eyes scanned the area—Jake wasn't here yet.

Perfect.

Wasting no time, I hurried over to the announcement guy and then to the other contestants, trying to switch the performance order. My goal? Make Jake go last and squeeze myself in right before him. I gave them my reasoning, though I wasn't sure how convincing I actually sounded.

"Okay!" one girl agreed without hesitation.

"Anything for Jake!" another practically sang.

"If it's for Jake, then totally!" I kept hearing variations of the same thing.

I sighed. Of course. Jake was so popular that people were willing to give up their spots for him—and going last was usually the dream. I could've asked them to name their firstborn child after him, and they probably would've agreed.

Once I finished rearranging everything, a sudden wave of squeals erupted from the side. I glanced up.

Jake had arrived.

He walked in, setting his guitar case down with a controlled expression, but I could see through it. No one else would probably notice, but to me? He looked like a nervous wreck. His fingers fidgeted with his tie as he sat down at a table, pulling out a notebook and flipping through it with a pencil in hand.

I had put myself right before Jake on the lineup because I knew it would help him. Depending on how the audience reacted to my act, it should ease some of the pressure off of him.

I couldn't believe I was actually helping this cold-blooded jerk.

Soon, the talent show began. The acts were exactly what you'd expect—some dance groups, a few jugglers, a handful of singers who were... enthusiastic but definitely off-key. The usual you'd see in your average talent show.

I stifled a yawn as I watched from backstage. Talent shows weren't really my thing, and this one wasn't doing much to change that.

Peeking out from behind the curtain, I scanned the crowd. My gaze quickly landed on familiar faces—Mrs. Lee, Mr. Lee, Eslie, and Chris all sitting together. They really came to support Jake.

I almost laughed at how bored Chris looked. His long legs stretched as far as they could in the tight seating, and he leaned back with his arms crossed, tilting his head up like he was fighting to keep his eyes open.

"Next up, we have Juno!" the announcer suddenly said.

I tensed. Here we go.

"Performing... uh..." He glanced down at his sheet, then back up at the audience with a nervous chuckle. "She didn't specify."

The crowd murmured in mild confusion.

Well, it was a last-minute decision, I thought, straightening up and smoothing out my clothes.

I stole a glance back at Jake, who was now standing, gripping his guitar. His brows furrowed in confusion. He had no idea I was performing, and from the look on his face, he was completely caught off guard.

Grinning, I threw him a wink before turning on my heel and striding onto the stage.

I stop right at the center of the stage, standing tall, my eyes sweeping over the audience. In the middle row, I can see Mr. and Mrs. Lee, along with Eslie, all staring at me, shocked. Mrs. Lee and Eslie break into smiles, leaning forward in their seats. Chris, though, leans up and forward, his expression screaming, "Well, this just got interesting."

I bite back the urge to roll my eyes at his reaction. Instead, I shift my focus, looking over the rest of the crowd before giving a small bow.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot the announcer backstage, and I give him a pointed look, narrowing my eyes as I silently mouth, "The mic."

He shakes his head vigorously, mouthing back, "Come get it."

I stand there, unmoving. Nope, I'm not going anywhere.

The audience, confused, starts whispering among themselves, watching as I stand there, silently communicating with this other student through exaggerated gestures. Finally, the announcer gives in, realizing this little standoff isn't going anywhere. He jogs out, bending low as though the audience can't see him already. His nervous laugh fills the air as he approaches me, holding the mic out like it's the holy grail.

I take it from him with a smile, and he awkwardly jogs back to backstage, still bent in that ridiculous pose.

I look back at the crowd, lifting the mic to my lips as I take a deep breath, soaking in the silence.

I pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts.

"Now I will..."

I stop, my eyes scanning the middle of the crowd, before I let out a quiet sigh, closing my eyes for just a second. When I open them again, I focus on the same spot.

"...Do the act of disappearing."

I bow once more and stand tall, turning to walk calm & composed towards backstage while my expression stays neutral. I hand the mic back to the announcer as I pass him.

He looks at me, clearly bewildered, blinking in confusion.

"That was—"

Before he can finish, he darts back to the stage to keep things moving, but not before holding the mic up to his mouth and throwing a confused look my way. "That was it?"

The audience, just as confused as he is, remains eerily silent. They have no idea what just happened. Technically speaking, the principle didn't tell me what I can and cannot do for the talent show.

The announcer clears his throat, regaining his composure, though there's a slight quiver in his voice.

"Now for our final act..." he trails off, still a little rattled.

He points a trembling arm toward the side curtains that lead backstage. "Jake Lee will perform a song for you all."

The announcer bows quickly and hurries offstage, shooting me one last, exasperated glare as he goes.

Instantly, the crowd erupts into cheers, practically shaking the walls as if Jake were about to perform his very own concert. I glance back at him, watching as he steps forward, his eyes searching mine. This is the moment I'd been waiting for—the reason I did what I did.

He meets my gaze, a confused frown on his face, shaking his head as if I'm some kind of weirdo. "You didn't have to do that." he says, his voice soft but direct, just before the noise of the crowd swells again.

His words hit me like a wave. My heart skips a beat as I process the unspoken sentiment behind them—he understood what I was doing. Despite the cold exterior he tried so hard to project, he knew. I thought I'd just be the oddball, the one who everyone would dismiss, but he saw through it. And yet... he didn't seem angry. Not at all.

My chest tightens as I watch him walk onto the stage, the loud cheers fading in the distance, replaced by the thudding of my heart. It's hard to focus on anything else, but somehow, I manage to take a deep breath. He's something else, isn't he?

Jake positions himself on the chair placed center stage, the mic stand pulled close as he secures his guitar across his lap. The strap settles against his shoulder, and he looks over at me for just a second. A small grin tugs at the corners of his lips, before he turns back to face the audience. I feel my cheeks flush involuntarily, my heartbeat picking up once more.

"I'll be singing a song I wrote." he announces into the mic, his tone steady, neutral, like nothing could faze him. It's almost as if I never saw him nervous at all. My plan seems to have worked.

"It's called..." he trails off for a moment, eyes flicking to his guitar as his fingers move to adjust the strings, getting in sync with the rhythm. He looks back up at the crowd, the mic steady on its stand. "A Song for Tomorrow."

For a brief moment, a pressure builds in my chest, and my heart races in a way I can't quite put into words. He's going to sing this song... and it's his. All his. My hands almost tremble, and I can't tear my gaze away from him. He's sharing something with us—something personal—and I'm here for it. This one song will give me a fleeting glimpse into his thoughts, a brief look into his mind...and I get to see it at first hand.

He begins playing, the intro filling the space with soft strumming that slowly builds. I count the seconds in my head—ten, maybe fifteen—before his voice flows into the mic.

The moment he starts singing, I freeze. The air leaves my lungs, and for a quick moment, everything around me disappears. His voice, so raw and beautiful, wraps around the room like a blanket. I can't tear my eyes away as I listen to his voice, his song—his effortless delivery of such a heartfelt melody. It's as if his voice and the lyrics are speaking directly to me, like he's poured every unspoken word into this one song. Every note resonates with me, with all the unspoken things I didn't know I needed to hear.

A single tear escapes my eye, the weight of the song pulling at my chest, and before I even realize it, another follows. I wipe it away quickly, but they keep coming, each one a testament to how deeply this song is affecting me. I don't try to hide my emotions; I let them flow, even as I try to maintain a straight face. This song... it feels like bittersweet hope. Like the things we hold onto, the things we've lost, and everything we want for the future.

It's perfect. His guitar strums sync effortlessly with the emotion in his voice.

That's truly it...

This is the one reason I need. It feels as though I was brought to the past for something far beyond what I can even comprehend.

I'll do everything in my power to make sure he's here, in the future, alive.

No matter what it takes, no matter how difficult the journey ahead is, I will make sure he has a future. I will make sure that he gets to choose his own path in life, to have a reason to smile, to live beyond all the pain he's been carrying.

I'm here to save Jake.

I'll make sure Jake has a lot of tomorrows.

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