‘Didn’t I tell you she’d win?’ Cisco sported a smug expression as he playfully teased his wife. Yuyu simply shook her head at him, a smile playing at her lips.
Noelle blushed, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red as she looked down.
Never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined she would, indeed, win after her piece had been stolen. She couldn’t even remember most of what had happened on the stage.
It was like she’d lost herself to the music.
For the first time in her life, she’d truly been one with the music.
‘We saw the recording,’ Yuyu commented, taking Noelle’s hands in her own and giving them a comforting squeeze. ‘You were spectacular. Truly, I felt the emotion and I wasn’t even there.’
They were celebrating at a restaurant in the city, and Noelle felt a little flustered at being invited to such a fancy establishment.
Though her family was rich, she’d never felt it. Her mother had always been the one in charge of her budget, and she could get a little stingy with money, especially when it came to all the items Noelle wanted but Elena disapproved of.
It had only been after her twelfth birthday that Cisco had intervened, personally handing Noelle an allowance—a sum that increased yearly as her needs increased, too.
Noelle bought only strict necessities, but the rest of the money she saved up, knowing she would at one point need it. As such, she’d never been used to riches, or the finer things in life.
Yes, their house was big, they had guards and servants. But to her it was all the same.
More than anything, because she’d always been seen as a pest—and a delinquent one at that—she’d never been out with her mother or her friends. And as Noelle had no friends of her own…well, she just never went out.
She tried to keep to a minimum the way she kept looking around in awe, the entire place was more luxurious than what she was used to. Then there was the food. Noelle didn’t think she’d ever eaten finer food in her life.
‘Thank you,’ Noelle murmured in a soft voice.
She hadn’t anticipated the response to her improvisation would be so intense.
Even her mother, who usually had something to criticize, had been dead quiet as she’d taken one look at Noelle and given her a sharp nod before leaving.
Her mother, quiet? That in itself was unheard of.
But though her performance had been received extremely well, Noelle couldn’t help but feel self-conscious about it. In her mind, she’d shown too much to the world and she wished she could bury her head in the sand every time she encountered someone who’d heard her play.
Then there had been her meeting with Ann Marie after she’d finished her performance.
‘So you’re a rat and a thief, now?’ Noelle had asked, regarding the girl with pity in her eyes.
‘Can you prove it?’ Ann Marie had raised her chin up high, meeting Noelle’s gaze head on.
Noelle had to agree that for their enmity, the girl had never backed down from an argument.
‘Maybe I can’t,’ Noelle had shrugged. ‘But does it matter now? I won and you…’ she’d taken a step closer. ‘You lost,’ she’d whispered in her ear.
Ann Marie had stiffened at the words, and for a moment Noelle had thought she was going to hit her. She wouldn’t put it past Ann Marie to resort to violence if she didn’t get what she wanted. She’d shown signs of it before but the conflict had always been interrupted by a teacher before it could escalate.
Looking in her eyes, however, Noelle had noticed the pure seeds of hatred.
Ann Marie wasn’t just jealous of her. She detested her.
Somehow, the vehemence of that emotion had given Noelle pause, a shiver going down her back.
Noelle may be snappy herself, and she certainly never took something without giving back with equal measure. It was just how she was built.
Hit me once and I’ll hit you twice.
She didn’t attack unprovoked. But once she was provoked, however, she tended to go for the jugular, biting and rarely letting go. And as someone who recognized herself as troubled, Noelle sensed something eerily similar in Ann Marie. There was something lurking beneath her polished façade, and Noelle didn’t like it one bit.
‘I feel sorry for you, Annie,’ she’d sported her signature smile as she’d looked the girl up and down with pity in her gaze. ‘You might have been a good player on your own. But like this… You’ll never be on my level,’ Noelle smirked. ‘I’ll play at Carnegie Hall and you…’ she’d paused at the girl’s murderous expression. ‘You’ll probably beg mommy and daddy for spare parts, isn’t that right?’
‘You’re dead, Noelle,’ Ann Marie spat, taking a step forward just as her hand had shot out, going for Noelle’s hair. She’d barely moved out of the way, catching her wrist. But she hadn’t noticed the other hand, and she’d felt the sting of a slap. ‘Enjoy your win for now. I promise it won’t last for much longer.’
Ann Marie had given her one last look of disgust before she’d walked away.
Noelle shook herself. It didn’t do well to dwell on unpleasant memories. And Ann Marie was becoming increasingly nastier. The rat prank, which Noelle was sure had been her work, then the theft and her parting words?
She was convinced there was something wrong with the girl—something morbidly wrong.
Otherwise how could she steal her piece and perform it in front of everyone so shamelessly? How could she look Noelle in the eye and not react at the accusation, merely inquiring on whether it could be proven?
Unfortunately for Noelle, they were bound to cross paths again and again until graduation. She just hoped nothing of this nature would occur again.
‘I want to take you shopping tomorrow,’ Yuyu suddenly said, shaking Noelle from her reverie.
‘Shopping?’ she squeaked, her eyes widening.
‘For the concert. We’ll get you the prettiest dress,’ Yuyu intoned excitedly.
Unlike the school competition, the actual concert did not require all performers to wear the same thing. While there was still a dress code, as was the case with every concert of that caliber, Noelle could have more input.
Yuyu seemed more excited at the prospect of shopping than her, so Noelle merely nodded. She wouldn’t mind spending more time with Yuyu as she loved her company.
‘Then it’s set. You can have your girls’ day and Val and I will have a guys’ day,’ Cisco winked and everyone laughed.
It was a known fact what a guys’ day implied for Cisco and Val—ignoring each other while focusing on their own games. In silence.
Noelle couldn’t help but giggle at the mental image. But if it worked for them, then why not?
The dinner went better than she could have imagined. Cisco and Yuyu listened to her thoughts and never belittled her for her opinions. She wasn’t very talkative, but slowly she found herself opening herself more.
It was even better the following weekend when Noelle and Yuyu finally found the time for their girls’ day.
Yuyu was so happy at the prospect of shopping that Noelle couldn’t find the heart to tell her she wasn’t very keen on it. Especially when Yuyu listed an entire itinerary she’d prepared for the two of them.
They started off with brunch before they went to a department store in search of the perfect dress.
‘Isn’t this place expensive?’ Noelle asked when Yuyu dragged her inside yet another store. This one’s name, however, even Noelle could recognize and she was aware it was a luxurious brand.
‘You need the best. Don’t argue with me,’ Yuyu pouted, and Noelle found herself smiling.
‘Ok, have it your way,’ she sighed, yet her expression was one of pure happiness.
She supposed other girls did this with their mothers, yet she’d never had that before. As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she was even more determined to enjoy herself.
They walked into the showroom, and Yuyu pinpointed a few dresses that would suit Noelle’s shape.
‘You’re small,’ Yuyu apprised her carefully, ‘but not so small here,’ she winked playfully at Noelle as she pointed to her breasts.
Immediately, Noelle flushed and looked away.
She wasn’t used to people pointing out that part of her body. She knew her body had changed a lot as she’d gone through puberty, and her breasts had seemingly overdeveloped. But she’d always tried to mask that by wearing loose shirts, or anything that would cover the cleavage area.
‘Don’t go shy on me, now,’ Yuyu chuckled. ‘You look gorgeous, dear. A lot of women would kill for that shape.’
‘Even pocket sized?’ Noelle felt the need to ask in a dry tone.
Yuyu stilled, a smile playing at her lips.
‘Pocket sized,’ she repeated before laughing. ‘I like that. And I bet boys like it too,’ she added suggestively.
Once more, Noelle found herself reddening from head to toe. She supposed it was due to the fact that she’d never had anyone talk to her about that before.
‘Boys don’t usually like me,’ she replied in a small voice, causing Yuyu’s brows to lift in question.
Clearing her throat, Noelle continued.
‘They think I’m intimidating,’ she mumbled. ‘Not that I want them to like me,’ she had to clarify. ‘I don’t like them either.’
Yuyu merely smiled at her gauche attempts at explaining herself.
‘If you do, you know you can talk to me, right? I never had anyone to tell me about those things either, so I learned everything on my own,’ she told her in a soft tone, holding on to her hand and assuring Noelle of her support through touch.
It was something Noelle had noticed about Yuyu before. She was a very tactile person, and she always touched her to convey her feelings. Noelle found she didn’t mind it. Especially as she could feel the warmth radiating from Yuyu and transferring into her.
‘What did you have to learn?’ Noelle blinked, surprised to see Yuyu herself blush at the question.
‘Romantic stuff. Emotional and physical,’ she quickly added when she saw Noelle’s confusion. Though her cheeks were becoming redder and redder, Yuyu continued. ‘I had no experience with men before Cisco. Not that your brother had any either,’ she added with a giggle. ‘But it made for a few…interesting situations. A lot of misunderstandings,’ she smiled fondly as she remembered. ‘So if you need any help don’t hesitate to ask me. Maybe I can offer some of my tried and tested wisdom.’
Noelle blinked. She didn’t know whether Yuyu was offering to give her sex tips, or maybe something else. Whatever it was, she didn’t think she wanted to know. It was already more than embarrassing to think of Cisco and Yuyu like…that.
‘Thank you,’ she murmured, her eyes going right and left as she looked for an opportunity to change the subject. And she spotted it in the form of the most beautiful dress she’d ever seen.
Though it wasn’t entirely black, as she would have liked, the interwoven white piece added to the shape of the gown and Noelle knew somehow she’d found her dress.
‘That. I want that,’ she declared.
‘Heavens, that’s wonderful. Try it on! I can’t wait to see how it looks on you,’ Yuyu exclaimed as she waved over a sales assistant and asked for Noelle’s size.
Not a few minutes after and Noelle found herself in the changing room. The dress fit like a glove. The entire upper part of the gown was a creamy white shade that slowly turned into black from her waist down. The cut was absolutely stunning on Noelle’s body shape as it emphasized her small waist and curved hips.
‘It’s perfect, Noelle,’ Yuyu declared in awe when she saw her. ‘You just need a pair of shoes to complete the look and you’ll be absolutely stunning. So much so I’m afraid people might forget to listen to you play,’ Yuyu joked, and Noelle cracked a smile.
She’d never thought herself particularly beautiful. But in that dress she felt beautiful.
After paying for the dress, they checked a few more stores, finding a complementary pair of shoes before going for ice cream and calling it a day.
‘Thank you so much for this, Yuyu,’ Noelle told her sister-in-law as they got back to Cisco’s home. ‘I had the best time today,’ she told her honestly.
‘I’m so glad to hear that,’ Yuyu replied, stepping forward to give her a big hug. ‘You’re going to be spectacular. I just know it,’ she whispered in her hair.
For the first time, Noelle thought so too.
Everything was going well. Her relationship with music had improved considerably, almost as if by tapping to a hidden part within herself she’d unleashed her true potential. Temporarily living with Cisco and Yuyu before the concert made things even better because there was no more added stress of Elena criticizing her every move.
And though Noelle was bursting with happiness, she should have known that good things never last—at least not for her.
As the day of the concert quickly approached, Noelle practiced nonstop to make sure she would give her best on the stage. Though her performance was short, and just one of tens of others for the day, she had to make her time count.
After a few meetings with the musical director at Carnegie Hall, her piece had been approved and she’d joined the stage rehearsals.
Noelle hadn’t known what to expect, but she’d thought she would be able to interact with other musicians. As most of them were older, more experienced and concerned only with their own performance, she’d found it hard to connect with anyone. She’d get at most a few minutes of small talk, and though she tried more than ever before to be more open and social, she didn’t manage much.
That was the only drawback of the entire experience. But she resolved to not let that stop her from enjoying herself. After all, she had the chance to perform on one of the biggest stages in the world.
With that in mind, she applied herself even more, so when the big day arrived, she was more than prepared.
That didn’t mean that her anxiety wasn’t at an all high peak.
‘We’ll be right in the front row,’ Yuyu assured her as they reached the venue. ‘And your teacher and classmates will be backstage. Everyone is cheering you on.’
Noelle nodded, the urge to bring her fingers to her lips and bite her nails overwhelming.
‘Thank you,’ she gave Yuyu a tremulous smile, turning back and heading to the dressing room.
A bodyguard was by her side, carrying her dress and shoes.
‘Mr. DeVille asked me to stay by your side,’ he said as they reached the dressing room. ‘I will be outside the door.’
Noelle nodded absentmindedly. The last thing she wanted to worry about was the safety of the venue. Given the fact that it was a public event, anyone could purchase a ticket and attend. She was aware her family had some…shady dealings, and as such had made many enemies. But she’d never given it much thought before.
From a young age she’d been shadowed by bodyguards that it had become second-nature to have them around.
Entering the small room she’d been allocated, she took a seat in front of a mirror. There were a couple other girls inside, both chatting animatedly.
Noelle gave them a shy smile as she opened her make-up pouch and proceeded to add some finishing touches to her face.
Her performance was in an hour, but she didn’t want to dress too soon for fear she might stain the dress with make-up, particularly foundation. She loved the gown too much, and considering her penchant to forget to mind her clothes, she didn’t want to take any chances.
‘Noelle DeVille?’ One of the girls frowned as she read her name on the dress cover.
‘Yes,’ she attempted to smile.
‘Odd. I thought Pierce was going to perform.’
‘Pierce?’ Noelle frowned at hearing Ann Marie’s last name.
‘That’s right. Everyone was so sure Pierce was going to perform today.’
Noelle blinked, unsure why they would have thought that.
‘I won the competition,’ she clarified.
The girls seemed confused, and as they started speaking to Noelle, it soon became clear to her that, for some reason, Ann Marie should have won. Maybe it had been arranged, or maybe highly expected. Suddenly, it dawned on Noelle why everyone had been so cold and aloof to her.
They thought she’d stolen the chance from Ann Marie.
But why… She’d won fair and square. Ann Marie had been the one to steal from her, and even that had not been enough for her to win.
Her mood soured considerably when she realized that Ann Marie’s parents must have tried to influence the jury in some way.
Slowly, she turned back to the mirror, mulling over what she’d found out while pretending to apply some more make-up.
If she hadn’t blown everyone away with her improvisation, she would have likely lost.
The realization was startling, and it only served to make her angrier.
Yes, she could admit that Ann Marie was a good pianist. But Noelle had always been better.
Her hands balled into fists at the injustice of it all. And she could never prove either.
The girls eventually left for their performance, and though Noelle initially watched each act on the screen, she quickly lost interest. It was only going to distract her more from her own focus, and the last thing she needed right now was to compare herself to other people. Instead, she continued to mentally go over her piece while putting on her dress and getting ready for the big moment.
Looking into the mirror, she took herself in, unable to believe it was her.
Though she’d tried the dress on before, it had never looked so…elegant. She felt as if she could conquer the world, let alone that one room of spectators. Confidence flowed through her veins and with a few words of encouragement, she was ready to go.
She’d worked too hard for this moment not to take advantage of it. She’d worked her entire life to be seen as her own person—not a freak. To an extent, she’d managed that through music. And that night she was going to give everyone a deeper insight into Noelle—what made her tick and what made her everything she was.
Finally, she was ready to reveal it all to the world.
If at the competition it had been an improvised and impromptu performance, now it was a purposeful succession of notes that gave everyone a glimpse into her soul.
She was excited. She was terrified. But she knew this was the only way she could leave her mark on her audience. By being her authentic self and playing about her life experience.
Deep in her thought, Noelle barely realized someone was knocking at the door. Startled, she turned, her eyes widened as she took in Miss Allison, her piano teacher, and a few of her classmates holding a cake.
‘We wanted to cheer you on before you went on stage,’ Miss Allison said, a bright smile on her face.
Noelle’s lips twitched and she couldn’t help herself from returning the smile.
‘Thank you so much,’ she said as she welcomed everyone inside.
There were five other students, some that she knew, but others she didn’t. But she was certain none were on the piano track. She assumed Miss Allison had done her best to get a group of people to show support even though it was clear no one from the piano department had wanted to come.
Noelle didn’t mind it, though, and she appreciated the gesture.
‘Fifteen more minutes before the big moment,’ Miss Allison said as she placed the cake on the table. ‘Do you think you can eat a bit of cake, or should we leave this for later?’
‘Maybe later?’ Noelle added sheepishly. She was so anxious that she couldn’t even bring herself to take a sip of water.
‘Fair,’ the teacher chuckled. ‘You’re probably overwhelmed right now.’
Noelle nodded. Overwhelmed was putting it mildly. She was doing her best not to visibly shake in front of everyone.
‘You have nothing to worry about. You will be spectacular as always,’ she praised gently. Suddenly, a few other students joined in to tell her the same.
‘I’ve never heard anyone play like you before. I know you’ll do well,’ one student added, and Miss Allison nodded.
‘I’ve been teaching the piano for almost three, and I’ve never seen anyone play the way you do, Noelle. You deserve to be on that stage. You know that, don’t you?’
Noelle blushed at her words.
‘Thank you, that means a lot to me.’
‘You’re usually quiet and too humble for your talent. But I want you to grasp on this chance and show them what you’re capable of—what we all know you’re capable of.’
Noelle’s eyes widened at her teacher’s words, and she belatedly found herself nodding.
Everyone was so nice to her that she had a hard time getting used to it.
‘I will,’ she declared proudly.
And she would. She would take this chance and show everyone that she was worthy of being on such a big stage. She’d reworked her winning piece and Noelle thought she’d improved it, making it more emotional and immersive for an audience.
She chatted for a while with them and she couldn’t help the warmth that enveloped her. She realized people didn’t hate her—some actually appreciated her and her talent.
Suddenly, though, there was another knock at the door.
Everyone turned, eyes wide as they saw Ann Marie walk inside—the last person anyone would have expected.
She looked timid. Ann Marie was never timid.
Noelle frowned as she saw her advance into the room.
‘I came to wish Noelle good luck,’ she said in a soft voice. One that Noelle knew was not Ann Marie’s default.
Just what was she playing at?
But the more she talked, the more everyone relaxed, seemingly buying her words.
‘Ann Marie, it’s so good to see you!’ Miss Allison exclaimed, going to her and hugging her. ‘This is what I was talking about guys. Camaraderie. You must support each other in your journey,’ she continued with her speech.
Noelle, on her part, did not believe for one moment that it was a good thing that Ann Marie had come to wish her luck. At least not after everything that had happened and what she’d just heard from the other performers.
Ann Marie was set to win the competition—probably had bribed some of the judges too.
And as she looked at her, all smiled and shy countenance, Noelle knew her appearance could mean nothing good.
‘Go on. There are just a few more minutes before Noelle’s performance is set to start. You can give her your gift in person,’ Miss Allison suggested.
It was at that point that Noelle noticed the nicely wrapped present Ann Marie was holding in her hands.
‘For me?’ Noelle blinked, taken aback by the turn of events.
‘Of course, silly. It’s such a great opportunity to be on the stage tonight. I wanted you to have this,’ she said as she tore at the packing to reveal a hair pin accompanied by a small white feather.
Noelle was so shocked by the fact that Ann Marie had brought her a gift that she was rooted to the spot, allowing the girl to march forward and place the pin in her hair.
‘Why are you here?’ Noelle whispered when Ann Marie was barely a breath away from her.
‘Why do you think?’ she asked in a blank voice. ‘I’m here to see the end,’ she replied ambiguously.
‘I won’t thank you for the pin. Not after you stole from me,’ Noelle gritted her teeth. Still, she kept her voice low, not wanting her teacher or her classmate to become aware of the conflict going on between the two of them.
‘I didn’t ask you, did I?’ Ann Marie slowly smiled. Her lips stretched across her face, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. Like it was painted on her face, it was as fake as the rest of her.
Noelle frowned. No matter how much she tried to study Ann Marie, she couldn’t read her. There was just this awful sensation as she looked at her—something akin to a thousand needles pricking at her skin.
‘Why the hell are you here?’ Noelle demanded, sick of her theatrics. ‘Because I know for sure you’re not here to congratulate me. So what’s your game?’
The first thought that went through Noelle’s mind was that Ann Marie wanted to sabotage her performance.
But how?
Deep down she knew something was wrong, yet she couldn’t pinpoint what.
‘So paranoid, Noelle,’ she gave a dry chuckle.
A loud sound announced the end of the first act and the beginning of the five minute intermission.
Everyone heard it.
Miss Allison’s expression turned soft as she looked at Noelle, giving her a quiet nod.
Noelle turned to grab her manuscript paper, preparing to go backstage. Yet as she moved, it was to find herself fitted against a blunt object.
Ann Marie’s eyes were glassy as a sick smile tugged at her lips.
‘Not so fast,’ she drawled slowly.
The people behind didn’t seem to realize what was happening. Not until Miss Allison turned to look at Noelle expectantly but finding her unmoving.
‘Noelle?’
She didn’t answer.
Eyes fixed to Ann Marie, she looked the girl straight in the eye, not showing any type of fear.
‘Don’t tell me you’re going to kill me now?’ Noelle asked, a lopsided smile on her face.
Miss Allison moved, coming towards her before suddenly drawing to a halt, her eyes wide.
‘Ann Marie… Is that…’
Ann Marie moved the gun higher, settling it against Noelle’s temples.
‘It’s all your fault,’ she spat at Noelle, her gaze full of malice. ‘If it weren’t for you, it would be me here. Me performing!’
Noelle didn’t dare move an inch. Though she was about to faint at the sight of the gun, she didn’t want to show any weakness.
‘Ann Marie, please don’t. We can talk about this. Right Noelle?’ Miss Allison continued, putting one foot in front of the other.
‘Don’t!’ Ann Marie yelled. ‘Don’t move or I’ll blow her brains.’
Noelle stared unflinchingly at the deranged girl in front of her. Though she was afraid that Ann Marie would pull the trigger any moment, she also couldn’t help but feel pity for her and what had brought her to this state.
But she also knew that pitying Ann Marie would only worsen things, as would trying to talk to her as Miss Allison was doing.
‘Do it,’ Noelle suddenly said, lifting her hand and placing it over Ann Marie’s. ‘Do it,’ she repeated, staring into the girl’s eyes and the insanity she witnessed there. ‘Kill me. But that’s not going to give you a spot in the performance.’
‘Noelle, shut up,’ Miss Allison snapped. ‘You’re not helping.’
‘On the contrary,’ Noelle responded as she saw the slight twitch in Ann Marie’s lip. ‘This is exactly what Ann Marie needs to hear. That she’s a failure. That she couldn’t even win with a stolen piece.’
There was a gasp in the room, Noelle couldn’t be sure whom it belonged to. But she just continued.
‘You didn’t know? Tell them, Ann Marie. Tell them how you stole your second piece from me. Or you’re too much of a coward for that?’
‘Shut the fuck up,’ the girl finally snapped, bringing the butt of the gun against Noelle’s head with enough force to make her wince in pain.
Yet Noelle didn’t move. She might hurt, but she was still alive. And as long as she lived, she would fight.
‘Kill me. If you have the guts to do it,’ Noelle dared again.
Miss Allison was freaking out, as were the other students.
Ann Marie gritted her teeth as she brought the gun against Noelle’s head again, this time settling the barrel under her jaw.
‘Because of you, I lost everything,’ she whispered in a broken voice, and Noelle noticed the tears swimming in her eyes before they fell down her cheeks. She was so close, she could see every little detail of her facial expressions. ‘Because of you…’ she sniffled. ‘Everyone hates me. Even my own parents,’ she croaked, evident pain in her voice. ‘Even my dad…’ she trailed off.
Noelle blinked at the sudden confession. Yet as much as she wanted to feel sorry for Ann Marie, she couldn’t. Certainly not with the barrel of a gun digging into her chin.
Taking advantage of that moment, Noelle leaned in. The gun stayed in place, as did Ann Marie’s continuous threats.
Noelle’s mouth was on the same level with Ann Marie’s as she started speaking, telling the girl what she thought of her and her attempt and urging her to go on. She told her things she would one day be ashamed of, but she topped them off with two words.
‘Do it.’
Ann Marie was trembling from head to toe. Noelle would have felt similarly if she didn’t know her life was at stake and every little word brought her closer to death or…to living.
And she wanted to live.
She might hate her life right now. She might hate herself. But there was one glimmer of hope that still existed—one that told her better days were to come. And she wanted to be there for it.
So she did it.
She told Ann Marie once again.
‘Kill me.’
‘Noelle!’ Miss Allison yelled. The other students were also talking. Yet she only saw Ann Marie’s sorrowful expression.
A few more words and everything happened in a quick succession.
Noelle drew back, a smug smile on her face as she watched a terrified Ann Marie make the decision of her life.
The door suddenly burst open, Noelle’s bodyguard taking his stance.
There were words spoken, shouted, screamed. Yet she didn’t pay them any mind.
Her eyes were solely on Ann Marie.
Make your choice—she told her with her gaze.
The sound of a gunshot reverberated in the air, closely followed by a second one.
Noelle kept herself still, her eyes wide open as blood, bone, and brain matter splattered all over her face and gown, the viscous substance sticking to her skin. For a moment, she saw her own death flash before her eyes. Lifting her blood-stained hands, she moved them around, clenching her fists in an attempt to convince herself that she was still alive.
And once glance at the floor told her the reality.
She was still alive. Ann Marie was not.
The girl was on the ground, her brains blown out by her own gun, blood leaking out of her back from the bodyguard’s gun.
Everyone in the room was frozen in shock.
Miss Allison said something, but Noelle’s ears were still reeling from the gunshot sound. Like a zombie, she barely forced herself to move.
‘Someone call 991,’ a voice said, while another asked for the cops.
All Noelle knew was that she was still alive. And when her name was announced on the stage, she didn’t linger to bemoan someone who’d almost killed her—someone who’d chosen her own fate. No, this was her moment, as it had been from the beginning.
Ann Marie would not ruin it. Not even from the dead.
Stepping over the dead body, Noelle’s cheeks twitched as she arranged her features into a plastic smile. People were staring at her, and at the way blood clung to her skin and hair, but she didn’t care.
She still had something to do.
Miss Allison tried to stop her, asking her to stop and wait for the police and paramedics. Noelle gave her no mind as she continued to smile.
‘The show must go on,’ she murmured as she went straight for the stage, bypassing all attempts to stop her. She ignored the strange looks or the whispered words all around.
She simply stepped on to the stage and played.
For the audience, it was just a performance.
For Noelle, it was the end.
Just…the end.
