Chapter 25: Black eyed boy
~That which is dead doesn't always stay dead... - Richelle Mead, Spirit bound~
"I'm sure you're group will win," Rosalie encouraged me without a trace of doubt in her clear voice.
"I hope so but I have to admit, they're pretty amazing." I agreed nervously.
It was November 22nd, St Martin choir group was going to have one final rehearsal and they would be competing with the other crazily talented catholic schools today evening. But my group was also talented and they surely had the voice and power to win.
Maggie came outside of my walk-in closet and smiled grimly at me. "I had chosen an outfit and laid it on the bed for you."
"We'll be outside. Call us when you're dressed." Charlotte said before they all left outside, softly closing the door behind them.
I glanced at the window and winced when I saw a thin layer of snow covering the road. The temperature wasn't exactly freezing but it was cold anyway. I suddenly felt a deep longing to visit a beach and enjoy the sun.
"It's not very cold here," Mom had teased during her call yesterday night. "You can still visit me and have fun at the Florida beach."
But it wasn't the cold that disturbed me today, there was something else. The snow was probably a warning. Something bad was going to happen today or maybe tomorrow. I hoped it was not the negative result of the competition.
I turned away from the window and strode towards my bed to keep myself distracted. I did not like the direction my thoughts went. Too dangerous and it had me constantly on the edge.
The dress Maggie had chosen for me consisted of a tight white top with the sleeves ending just above my shoulder blades and had a black lacy bow on the left breast that reached till the hem. And a short black pencil skirt I had bought yesterday on a shopping trip paired with 5 inch white peep toe heels.
After putting on the outfit along with my favorite Dior crystal studded wrist watch and my lucky charm crystal bracelet, I combed my hair into radiant curves around my face and added light pink lipstick. On the way, I quickly shrugged through my new black H&M blazer that could be worn on both sides.
As I came out, all my three best friends stood up and took me to Charlotte's yellow Skoda. I had left my Lexus for a wash and full scan in the repair store with a heavy heart. I did not want my baby to be damaged by the mechanics.
"You make a good manager," Charlotte giggled. "A hot manager."
Maggie nodded, her red curls bouncing. "This costume suits you very well."
"Thanks," I fidgeted anxiously in my seat. It seemed even flattery
"Don't worry, Bella. We'll be there in the audience to cheer your group." Rosalie smiled at me through the mirror. As usual, she was driving.
"I hope so." I repeated my earlier words.
Soon, Rosalie stopped the engine in front of the large menacing iron gate of the auditorium where the competition was taking place. Many colorful students twirled around the building in activity, some were practicing near the beautiful small fountain in high scales.
I got out and my friends followed me out with grins on their faces.
"We'll be in the audience." Rosalie leaned forward and gave me an encouraging hug followed by the others.
"Everthing's going to change, you know." Maggie whispered in my ear. I smiled, assuming she was talking about competition.
They left with one final smile.
I easily spotted St Martin's choir group on the opposite of the fountain, talking in low voices. All were dressed in casuals; jeans and t-shirts.
"Hey guys," I greeted when I reached them.
"Hey Bella!" They said in unison. "We were just waiting for you."
"Well, since I'm here, can we go inside?" I asked, shifting my leather folder from one side to the other.
After they nodded, we walked inside and a tall monkey suit wearing man directed us to the backstage with passes. It was surely going to be the best competition of the year among the catholic schools in Ransleigh.
"Bella," Edward appeared next to me and gave me my favorite smile. But I didn't smile since I spotted the lousy Kate next to him and instead nodded at them.
He frowned but didn't say anything as we entered our assigned room. Before getting dressed, they assembled in front of me for a speech.
"I'm your age too so I don't really have any inspirational speech," I smiled widely. "I just want you guys to go out there and do your best. God will do the rest. And no matter what happens, God will always love you."
They cheered and went to the closet to try on their dresses. Ever since I started spending time with Edward, he gave me small talks about God and got me really hooked in the stories from the Bible. It wasn't like I read it every day but still managed to give it a glance once in a while.
"A chapter a day keeps the Satan away." Edward always repeated to me.
I secretly wondered if that thought was his favorite. But I didn't dare ask since he got sensitive, thinking I will pull a joke on him.
Angela came to me after she got dressed and asked if I liked it. She had on a pale satin red robe with white shirt and skirt inside. Another boy came out and showed his pale red robe with white shirt and pants inside. The uniform was classic and the colors weren't loud.
Edward came out later and the uniform rather looked sexy on him than holy. I imagined him on the stage, first as he removed his robe then began stripping the rest of his clothes with graceful moments.
I blushed and he raised an eyebrow at me, a smug grin appearing on his angel face. I was jittery when I saw him purposely avoiding Kate and was unable to hide my smile when I saw her face crumple in rejection. God, can't she take a hint?
Everyone had one final rehearsal without music before they continued getting ready.
"Lookin' gorgeous, Bella." Jasper said breezily as he walked past me and I shot him a saucy grin. Sister Annette came inside the room to wish everyone.
"We need an extra robe, mine's torn." Jessica complained to her.
"It must be in the other closet. I'll go and get it." I volunteered getting up from my seat in front of the mirror where I was helping a girl to comb her hair.
"Thanks, Bella." Sister Annette smiled warmly at me before she turned back to her students.
It was difficult to find the closet and when I finally found it, it was quite small and was dimly lit. I closed the door behind me, careful to keep it slightly ajar before I went in search of an extra red robe. I found the other school's robes but not St Martin's.
I finally spotted a red material near the last rack and took a step forward, picking it up without tearing or dirtying it on the way. Suddenly I heard the inevitable noise behind me.
A door being bolted.
I whirled around in surprise and when I tried the door, it wouldn't open. Was it some rival who did this as a prank or out of jealousy? I tried it again and banged my hand against it.
"Hello? Will someone please open the door?"
Then as if this wasn't worse, I heard the voice of a man as he started speaking.
"Oh no!" The competition had begun.
I screamed for help again and continuously knocked, but since the auditorium was filled with music and the closet was in the far end of the corridor, no one heard me. I cursed loudly when I realized that my cell was in the pocket of my blazer which I had left behind in the dressing room.
My pulse quickened dramatically when I heard a footstep behind me. At first I was too frightened to think logically. I again beat upon the door with my fists, but the heavy oak panels would not give away.
"Help! Help!" I wailed, frightened.
Exhausted by my useless efforts, I sank down on the floor. Outside, fresh beautiful music started. I didn't know how much I was going to miss. I reasoned with myself that someone would surely come looking for me. They all knew I was here.
I was terrified that if I made a sound the thing out there would get me. I strained my ears but could hear nothing but the growing music outside.
"Don't be frightened," A husky seductive voice rang through the room. "It won't be for long."
I looked around frantically because I knew the voice all too well. Too familiar and recognizable. Though he was dead for the past four months, there was no doubt that it was his voice. The voice that I had missed so much.
Ethan. And something moved in the shadows.
My scream froze in my throat and it was one of those nightmares where you try so hard to scream but nothing comes out of your mouth. Helplessly, I stared as the shape in the darkness moved out of the shadows and toward me.
"Edward, what are you doin - "
Then my ear piercing scream escaped and filled the deadly silence.
The person standing before me was Ethan. Not Edward.
And he'd been almost invisible because he was wearing black: black boots, black jeans, black sweater, and a black suede jacket. He was smiling faintly as he stared at me.
And his eyes were...they were not green. Instead they were a pitch black. His full eyes were black as the night. I had seen those exact eyes on Alice one time during our theraphy session. I had even convinced myself that I was hallucinating.
"Soon," He whispered a promise.
Suddenly, as soon as he spoke that word, the door behind me shook and burst open. My muscles tensed as I whirled around and almost cried out in relief when I saw a worried Edward. My Edward. Not Ethan.
"Bella, love? What's wrong?" Edward hugged me confused as I ran to him and held him for dear life. I craned my neck back and saw that no one was in the room. Ethan had disappeared.
"How did you find me?" I asked in a low voice. My voice sounded shaky and terrified.
"You were gone for so long and when I came looking, I heard you scream. The door was bolted outside, Bella." He explained, smoothly running his hand through my hair. "Tell me, what's wrong?"
"Can I tell you after the program?" I sniffed as I looked up at him. His green eyes smiled down at me.
"Of course, I was just worried about you." He agreed softly before he softened the furrow of my eyebrows.
I nodded. "Let's go. I found the robe."
When we entered the dressing room, Jessica gleefully thanked me as she took the robe from my frozen hands. Sister Annette frowned as she accessed my face. I quickly rearranged my features into a smile and pulled on my blazer, patting my cell.
We had a small prayer before we all assembled behind the stage. I tried not to think about what just happened. It was easy to be ignorant than to be observant. I distracted myself by asking Jessica about the other group who stood opposite to us. They had bright green robes on.
"They're definitely from Holy Trinity School. I heard they're always obnoxious about the dress they wear and the songs they sing." Jessica whispered to me and the rest of our group.
"Why is she coming here?" Angela frowned.
The girl who had been selected from another elite school to teach Holy Trinity School just like me was walking toward us.
"You must be Bella Swan from Newport Academy," She spoke in a musical voice. "I'm Bree from Bedford High. I'm teaching Holy Trinity group."
"Nice to meet you." I shook her hands. She was an attractive reddish - blonde. She had on a tan cotton suit that made her look smart.
"How's your group?" Bree inquired, peeking at them.
"They're very good. How's yours?" I smiled proudly at my new friends.
"Well, you're 'bout to see." Bree clapped her hands in delight when the host announced her group's school name.
They were the best since I had started listening to the other groups. Their high scales were done by girls and boys maintained a low rhythm and tone. It was enjoyable but I knew my team would be better.
We had originally chosen 'Stronger' by Kelly Clarkson but changed when Sister Annette informed us that only God songs were allowed to be sung for the competition. I hoped my choice would be considered nice by the judges.
Then soon, St Martin's choir group was called to the stage. I smiled encouragingly at them and Edward winked at me before they slipped onto the stage. I had a very good view of them from the backstage and Bree remained behind me.
Edward began the piano introduction and Jasper continued by playing his guitar. Lee, who was playing the keyboard, started the music beautifully. And everyone began singing correctly on time, right on the beat.
I had chosen this song which didn't talk only about God but also about the colors in the world.
"Color the world with gladness!
Color the world with joy.
Color the world with a rainbow of love,
Color the world with song.
Let the colors of music fill the nations
Reaching to the ends of the world.
Come let us sing and make music for our Lord.
Come let us sing with all our heart!
Color the world with gladness!
Color the world with joy.
Color the world with a rainbow of love,
Color the world with song..."
As they continued singing, Bree leaned toward me and interrupted my wonder - filled thoughts.
"Do you know the agenda after your group finishes their song?" She questioned with a sly smile.
"No, what's up?" I leaned against the velvet curtains.
"All the selected students have to sing on the stage. No one knows since it's a surprise. My dad is the stage manager and he told me about it." Bree explained, patting her hair.
"Oh God, I haven't practiced another song!" I cried in desperation.
Before she could say anything, applauds broke from the audience just as Edward and the others emerged from the stage. I gave them a high five and congratulated them inspite of my growing fear.
Then the judges announced the exact agenda Bree told me.
"Don't worry, Bella, I'm sure you'll be the best." Edward couldn't hug me in front of everyone so instead gave me a dazzling smile before he followed his friends out. Sister Annette told me the same before she left too.
I was going to hyperventilate. I knew that was going to happen.
"Will all the called students come to the stage, please?"
I reluctantly followed Bree to the bright stage and didn't dare face the audience. If I saw my friends there, I would die of embarrassment and shame. And as if all the things that had happened today weren't enough, I was told to sing first. Not sure, I began to sing the first song that came to my mind. Another student played the piano.
"Deep calls to deep,
And my soul finds no resting place but him.
He is my God,
The yearnings of my soul his touch can still.
And each rare moment, that I've felt his presence.
I shall remember, and forever cherish.
Deep calls to deep,
And at his feast I am a welcome guest.
He gives me food,
The hunger of my soul is laid to rest.
And each rare moment, that I've felt his presence.
I shall remember, and forever cherish.
Deep calls to deep,
For he created me to be his own.
He understands, the joy and pain of life,
He too has known.
And each rare moment, that I've felt his presence.
I shall remember, and forever cherish."
I finished my song and finally made eye contact with the audience but was unable to see them because of the too bright spotlight above that blacked out everything else around me. After everyone finished singing, we went to the back stage again.
Edward was before me in a second. "I'm so proud of you."
Then without a warning, he pulled me forward and kissed me fully on the mouth. I froze but began to respond when I decided that nothing else mattered and I wanted everyone to know that I was with Edward. A gasp broke us apart and we saw Kate with her mouth hanging open, her robe thrown hurriedly over her shoulder.
"Is she the reason that you wouldn't be with me?" Kate cried in disgust. "I'm better than her!"
Edward had his arm tightly wrapped around my waist. "Your opinion doesn't matter to me."
"You're going to regret this," She said threateningly. To our astonishment, a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Please, drama queen, leave the lovebirds alone." The curtain parted and Rosalie strolled inside, her face stern.
I was going to puke. I knew it as soon as I saw Charlotte come in too. Kate pretended to gag before she burst out of the room. Then a silence followed in which I looked anywhere but at my friends.
"I know you guys hate me now," I began shakily. "But if you just give us a cha - "
"We know, Bella." Charlotte said calmly. "We knew it before itself."
"What?" I asked confused as Edward's hand tightened around my waist.
"At the ice rink, do you remember a girl who came to you and asked if Edward was your prince charming?" She inquired.
"Oh," I didn't need any more explanation.
But Rosalie continued. "We both were the ones who sent that kid to you. We followed you from my house and saw you meeting Edward. And after your little display during the ice skating, we knew you both were together."
Charlotte added softly. "And don't be afraid of us, Bella. If your heart wants Edward then we don't mind. We want our friend to be happy. But we're just hurt you didn't tell us."
"We're sorry; we both were going to tell you soon." Edward apologized, his emerald green eyes showing how sorry he really was.
They nodded and smiled at us.
"Maggie, does she..." I trailed off biting my bottom lip.
"Maggie doesn't know," Charlotte said curtly. "And there's no reason she should know. I and Rose would appreciate if you didn't her."
"Okay," I swallowed.
Rosalie winked. "I'm glad it's out. Now come on, let's see who the winner is."
St Martin's group along with me and my friends were shocked when we were placed second. Holy Trinity came at first. But we all were glad that we had made this far. The judges congratulated us and told me that I could see them if I wanted to pursue my career as a singer.
And when I turned and went back to my car, I couldn't feel much happier.
Edward, my destiny was by my side along with the singing career, my future, in front of me. Both of them were bright and shining. And one thing was very clear.
Ethan was alive and he wasn't human.
Hey guys,
So Ethan is alive after all or...is Bella just hallucinating? People can imagine a lot when they are in depression. So stay tuned for the next exciting chapter!
- BellaEdwardJacobLove