CHAPTER NOTES: okay, so yeah, i hope you enjoy this chapter! thank you guys for reviewing and your continuous support, and honestly you guys are the best! alright, i'll let you guys read...

After Chemistry ended, it was time for the class that I was looking forward to the most.

Music.

I have never taken music class, but I have taken choir. I was always in the back, but that was when I was elementary. I still play piano, and write music in my Song Book, but the hardest thing was to find a piano. All the moving made it tough to keep one, so I would just rent one or use my old keyboard that I had stored in my never ending closet. The last time I used a piano was my grandpa's baby grand when I was third grade, way before I started moving around, before shit got permanently complicated. But I made it my sole mission to get my hands on any keyboard possible since then, because nothing compared to the sound of the keys moving and creating music.

"Up to D212, now. You any good at instruments?" Trish asks, walking with me toward the D building.

"I play piano and guitar," I answer, trying to sound modest.

"Whoa, really? That is so cool! I can't even play the kazoo properly and they put me in there." She groans.

"Don't worry, they probably don't even care about that. Maybe they'll just concentrate on the history of it and stuff." I say.

I really hope I'm wrong. I want to be able to actually play on a real piano, not on someone else's used keyboard. There are sounds that come off a piano that you just can't mirror on a keyboard.

"Yeah, I don't think so..." She says as we step in.

Woah. This room looked so much smaller from the outside...

Yet so much better than what I expected.

Tubas, saxophones, violins, cellos, guitars, bass guitars, drums, bugles, piccolos, flutes, and so many more other instruments were all lined up against the walls, which meant the size of the room was much bigger than it looked now.

"Oh my god, I'm in heaven." I blurt out, walking around the classroom and touching each instrument.

"You must really love music." Trish says, following me with a questioning smile.

"You have no idea." I sigh, admiring the many guitars in their stands.

"What do you play?"

I turn around quickly to see our new teacher behind her desk near the chalkboard up front, looking up at me curiously. I was so absorbed in the abundant amount of instruments that I didn't even realize she was there.

In fact, to her left was the most beautiful piano I had ever seen.

"I...I play piano and g-guitar..." I answer, taken back by her question.

"I can always tell when somebody plays an instrument." She laughs, standing and walking towards us.

She was a little taller than me, and looked to be about middle aged, with graying honey hair and contradictory youthful freckles.

"They treat the instruments like they're gifts from..."

"Heaven?" Trish smiles, nudging my side.

"Exactly." she chuckles, laying her hand on Trish's shoulder.

She seemed like one of those cool moms that are just naturally easy going.

"Well, you two can take your seats anywhere, looks like the rest of our class is coming along." She smiles, gesturing to the rest of our new class.

She heads back to her desk as we get settled in the far left of the classroom.

"She seems cool." Trish says, sitting to my right.

"I know right?" I answer, taking out my binder and pen.

The rest of the class all swarmed in quickly, and last but not least, Princess walks in like he owns the place.

But then I see his face as he looks at the abundant instruments around the class in awe.

Weird, he was looking at the instruments like...

like I just did.

"Find a seat anywhere, and we can all begin." the teacher says brightly.

After everyone gets settled, she steps up to the chalkboard swiftly and begins writing her name.

"I am Ms. Tabitha, your new Music Teacher. This year, I am going to make sure each and every one of you are able to play at least one instrument and also have the ability to play a few songs as well." She announces proudly as she sets the chalk down and turns back to us.

This elicits a few groans from the class, which annoyed me like hell.

"Come on, guys, music is a gift, and you're all lucky enough to learn how to harness it." She points out.

"Now, today I am going to analyze the musical ability of this class. So, when I call out your name, grab an instrument, come to the front of the class, and play your best. The more experience you show, the less work you will be assigned throughout this year." She continues, gesturing to the massive amount of instruments she had.

Almost everyone groaned in unison, but this time I groaned with them all.

I couldn't breathe. I had to perform? Up in front of everyone? The biggest fear I ever had and I had to face it in class? With Blondie breathing a few feet away from me?

"Ally, are you alright?" Trish asks, staring at my face.

"I can't perform. Especially in front of people, Trish!" I whisper squeak, desperately trying to keep from having a stroke.

I thought this teacher was supposed to be cool! So much for first impressions.

"What's wrong, Ally Cat? Little stage fright got your tongue?" Austin smirks, leaning behind me.

Where in the fuck did he come from? I swear he was just two rows in front of me a second ago.

"You know, the last time I saw you go up in front of a crowd like this, we were in our Christmas Recital. Too bad a certain Dawson playing Mary threw up all over Baby Jesus and the Three Kings as she tried to sing her part in 'Silent Night.'" Austin provokes.

He did not just bring that up.

That night was the entire reason I never ever wanted to go up on a stage again. The reason why I never acted in a play ever again. The reason why I forced myself to stay backstage.

I shudder from the memory, and try to keep from re enacting that certain scene all over Trish.

"Back off, Moon," Trish warns, sitting up and leaning over me protectively.

I smile gratefully to her, and try to turn back to Blondie.

"Take her advice and back off." I demand, barely missing Austin's face with my hand.

"Whatever you say, babe. Payback is just around the corner." He says, pulling out his phone.

"What're you...?" I question, trying to reach for his phone.

Fucking princess pulled back too fast for me though.

"Let's just say that when you choke, more than just the class will see it." Austin threatens, tucking his phone back into his pocket and walking back to his chair.

"Oh, god, Trish! He's going to film me!" I panic, trying to keep my voice down as Ms. Tabitha announces the first name.

"I wish we could do something." Trish soothes, rubbing my shoulder.

"Emmalina Alvarez." Ms. Tabitha calls up.

I switch my attention to the front of the class, where a short girl with shorter hair and a thin frame steps up with a flute.

Holy shit, she can play the flute?

"Begin." Ms. Tabitha nods.

Emmalina took a look around at us, and back at her flute.

"Do something simple, like Happy Birthday." Ms. Tabitha says, trying to calm her obvious nerves.

She smiled back thankfully and tooted out the notes to Happy Birthday.

As she played the last note, the class clapped for her.

I smile weakly, to Trish, who looked a lot more relieved than I did at the moment.

"It's going to be fine, Ally. She doesn't care as long as you do it." Trish comforts, resting a hand on my shoulder.

"I-it's not that, though, Trish." I sulk, sighing in my seat.

"What is it?" She asks.

"Just being up there with all these eyes on me? People watching my every move, judging the smallest details? I can't handle that, Trish!" I whisper whine, trying to crouch myself inward.

"Ally, you're going to be fine. Don't worry about these people. They don't matter unless you let them matter." Trish soothes.

"But Trish-"

"No but's Dawson. Breathe through it and throw away that timidness." Trish demands this time, punching my arm playfully.

I take a deep breath and try to concentrate on Trish's words.

Trish was right. Even if I am about to die from the inside over this fear, I shouldn't let them see it. They're opinions shouldn't matter, because honestly, I didn't know half of them.

I try to work out the frazzled thoughts in my head, slowly detangling them from each other.

"Veronica Carter?" Ms. Tabitha calls next.

I might be up next, this class was pretty small. I try to get my breathing regular, but it's no use, especially after Veronica fumbles with the drums and nearly knocks herself in the forehead. All she really played was the beat to the National Anthem.

Oh god, what am I supposed to do? Should I just play 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' and avoid collapsing up there? Or should I actually show my talent and protect myself from the obvious onslaught of classwork?

"Ally Dawson?" Ms. Tabitha calls.

HOLY SHIT IT'S MY TURN ALREADY? I hastily stand up and smooth my shirt, tugging desperately at my ends.

I looked around at the class, but just as I get out of my row and head towards Ms. Tabitha, Ken Doll turns his head towards me and winks, adding in his signature 'you're fucked' smirk to boot.

That was the last fucking straw.

I square my jaw and glare at the fucker, and for the first time, all I could see was red.

The only reason I'm having this huge fucking conniption is smirking in my face, trying to psyche me the fuck out.

Why was he always in my way?

Hell fucking no. I'm definitely not letting him win this one.

I rush over to the piano and sit down, barely looking at Ms. Tabitha.

"Alright, Ally, begin as soon as you're comfortable." Ms. Tabitha soothes, probably sensing my anger and discomfort.

I look around at my classmates, and I could spot the oh so conspicuous camera phone aimed in my direction.

You want something to film, Blondie? I'll give you a show you'll never forget.

"I'll be performing my favorite Demi Lovato song, 'Every time You Lie.'" I announce to the class.

"Okay, Ms. Dawson, you may proceed." Ms. Tabitha says, a smile in her voice.

I take a deep breath and look down at the piano keys.

Concentrate, Ally. It's just the piano and you now.

I slowly start playing the beginning of the song, letting the melody flow through me.

I could taste the silence from the classroom.

I look up from the keys as the melody flows in to the first verse, and locking my gaze on those stupid hazel eyes staring at me in shock.

I keep his gaze as I hit the first note of the verse, aiming this entire fucking song to him.

You told me on a Sunday that it wasn't gonna work

I try to cry myself to sleep 'cause it was supposed to hurt

We sat next to the fire, as the flame was burning out

I knew what you were thinking before you'd say it aloud

I sing the first verse with the most sarcasm and anger I can conjure into the melody.

Don't say you're sorry, 'cause I'm not even breaking

You're not worth the time that this is taking

I flash the biggest smirk I can to him, finally feeling the power that I needed to use from this song.

I release him from my gaze and concentrate on the keys before I can start laughing at the look on his poor face.

I knew better than to let you break my heart

This soul you'll never see again won't be showing scars

You still love her, I can see it in your eyes,

The truth is all that I can hear every time you lie

I sing, pouring myself into the truth of the lyrics. I haven't felt as liberated as I was feeling right now.

Now, it was time to tear his gaze to shreds. I stare directly at him as the next verse comes up.

I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face

And a long list of gentlemen, happy to take your place

Less TRASHier, much CLASSier, than who you proved to be

How long's it gonna take before you see that she's no me? Woah!

I basically exclaim the lyrics at his face, and I can feel myself almost standing up.

I can't release my gaze from him anymore now, not even as I sing the chorus again.

I knew BETTER than to let you BREAK my HEART

This soul you'll never see again WON'T BE SHOWING SCARS

You still LOVE HER, I can see it in your EYES,

The TRUTH IS ALL THAT I CAN HEAR EVERYTIME YOU LIE...!

At night... Awake... I will be sleeping til morning breaks

That's the PRICE YOU PAY... FOR YOUR...MISTAKES...

goodbye to dreaming...

I pause, closing my eyes and catching my breath, moving my hands away from the keys..

and I take one last look back at Blondie, who hasn't moved the entire time.

so don't say you're sorry, 'cause I'm not gonna listen...

I don't continue until Blondie drops his gaze.

Then, I move my hands back to the keys and finish the song off.

I knew better than to let you break my heart

this soul you'll never see again won't be showing scars

you still love her, I can see it in your eyes

The truth is all that I can hear everytime you lie

I play through the keys, timing my echos.

Don't say you're sorry... Don't say you're sorry...

The truth is all that I can hear,everytime you lie

I sit back down, totally unaware that I had gotten completely up. I try to catch my breath, my adrenaline rushing and my heart racing.

I look at Ms. Tabitha and the rest of the class, expressly avoiding looking at Blondie.

"Well done Ms. Dawson!" Ms Tabitha claps, the first to break the silence.

Soon, the rest of the class joins in, clapping and whispering at the same time.

I blush, trying to cover my face and run over to my desk.

"That was amazing Ally! I can't believe you had stage fright! How can you be so afraid to go up there with a voice and talent like that?" Trish exclaims, hugging me.

"I don't know what got in to me, I just... exploded." I try to explain, hugging her back.

"Well explode more often, you practically called out Austin and shamed him in front of everyone." Trish laughs.

I smile weakly and try to sink back into my chair, the whispers getting louder and louder around me.

I could already feel everyone's gazes boring into me.

"Alright, class, settle down, settle down...again, wonderful job, Ms. Dawson! Now, I guess since that was more of a performance, I think it would be best to ask anyone who wishes to really perform as well come up first by volunteering. Any takers?" Ms. Tabitha announces, looking around the classroom.

I look around as well, but so was everyone else.

All except...

"I'll go next." Austin says aloud, looking straight back at me and then turning back to Ms. Tabitha.

Oh god.

It's his move, isn't it?

END NOTES: Alright, I am so very very sorry that this took me forever to write. I've been busy with school drama and self issues but I have finally come back to writing this story thanks to an ever so lovely user who messaged me when I had absolutely given up on this story.

So this chapter is dedicated to Bolero127, thank you so so much, without your Private Message I wouldn't have even gone back to writing again.

Please comment, review, rate, idk just let me know what you think of this chapter! This time I promise I will update ASAP.

Thank you thank you thank you guys!

Oh, and btw, the song is again by Demi Lovato, Everytime You Lie, from her Don't Forget Album. It's an amazing song and you guys should honestly check it out and listen to it while you read this because it really describes Ally's feelings toward Austin.