And I sing. I don't just screech like other people do, but I actually let the sad notes that carry the weight of my life flow out like water.

You know you taunt me and break me through,

You know you pound me and make me feel pain.

But don't you worry now, I'm close to crushing now.

So close to the cracks, that cover my heart.

I am ready for the chorus, and words pour out of mouth like a dam that is finally unplugged.

But don't you know that whatever you do,

I will never bow down to your rules.

I am flyin', flyin', and knowin' that I

I hit the high note on 'I' perfectly, and my own voice stuns me. Everyone else sitting there is invisible. I haven't felt this way since my father was alive.

My father.

… I'm not alone.

It's over. The lyrics means so much to me in a way that it never could. The leftover feelings of nervousness, any traces of stage fright is gone. Right now, it's just me, myself, and my lyrics.

I hadn't realize that tears were leaking out of my eyes, leading a thin salty trail down my cheek.

I wipe my face roughly with the back of my hand, and return hastily to my seat.

"Woah." Tori breaks the silence. "That- That was something else." She chuckles nervously, but I think I see something like awe on her face.

"Was that original?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Well, I think you just earned yourself the last performance slot in the upcoming prom."

Everyone wants to perform at prom. It's like an actual concert, the only time we have an actual stage, actual microphones, huge sound system, an amazing backup band, and the lights. Oh, the lights. Shining bright and big, igniting your future, showing you its path, to be onstage.

But that wasn't what I focused on. All I could hear was the word 'prom'. Mom would never let me go. She thinks I'd make a fool of myself in front of all the other pretty girls that go. I would be the dove in the ravens, except this time, I'm the ugly raven in a crowd of doves.

I find myself panicking.

" , I don't have to perform, I'm sure there's someone else you can get that's better, or even prettier, someone who can give out stage presence-"

Tori snaps out of her stupor, and asks the class instead: "Should Tris perform for us at our prom?"

A chorus of enthusiastic "yes" greets her. Obviously, I think, nothing from the populars. But when I looked up, I see Four slack-jawed, with his crystal dark blue orbs aimed right at me. What does he want now?

He just nods, agreeing with the rest of the class, but his gaze never falters, and his eyes is covered with a sheen of liquid. Four, is crying.

The great Four, handsome, tall, brooding, player of the school, never once seen to cry, not even shed a single tear at his worst basketball game, is crying.

I just raise my eyebrow at him. He understands the song. So? Whatever. That is not my business, nor do I care.

Tori turns back to me, with a look that says 'you better.' So I nod very, very cautiously,

The rest of the class was uneventful. I became the wallflower again. Yet during that entire class, I could feel Four's stare burning a hole at the back of my head. Stare all he wants, but there's no way he can have a chance in getting into my pants. None at all.

As I rush out of the classroom, Four runs up to me.

"Never knew you could sing like that, considering you came from a pigsty."

"Shut the eff up, Four. You don't know me. And you were the one who couldn't shut your trap and who couldn't countain his baby tears. Aww, do you need a tissue?"

That shut him up, real good.

I just turned and sashayed away from him, towards Christina.

"What do you think you are doing, fraternizing with the enemy. You know he's danger, and you know he's just trying to get in your pants like he's done with all the other pathetic excuse of human beings. Cough, more like sluts." Christina exclaims angrily.

"I know, I know Chrissy. I told him to shut up about my singing. Oh, and I forget to tell you: I'm performing at prom." I told her nonchalantly. I didn't tell

Her face goes from angry to overjoyed.

"That's awesome Tris! It's finally your time to shine in front of everyone, to show off that set of killer vocals you've got." She jumps up and down, while hugging me close.

It's time like these where I really, really like Christina as my friend.

By the time I get home, I'm worn out from the days' rumors about me and my singing. All I could hear were the whispers of people, commenting ugly things. I'm used to it.

My mom steps out.

"Hi baby, how's school?"

Fake. She never asks me about school. She must know about the singing rumor. She won't allow me to go.

"It was fine, Mom."

Fake. The voice in my head warns me.

"Ok, well, I heard from you brother that you were going to be performing at prom, upon request of your teacher. Is that true?"

Oh crap. Screw my brother. Screw Four for telling him. It was definitely Four. He had to find a way to get me back.

"Mom, you know I don't plan on singing." Lies "My teacher probably had a spur of thought, and had to blurt it out." Maybe "I won't go."

"Good girl." Mom seems to visibly relax at my words.

I take the opportunity to rush up stairs. Not before my mom telling me to make dinner for myself because she has night shift and that Caleb is going to another party, because he's so popular, and smart, and blah, blah, blah, blah.

Does she ever shut up?