Hey guys, thanks for staying with me. After this chapter, things are going to go a little fast. New characters, saying goodbye to old characters- etc. etc. *grins*

Nekura Ookami: Thank you for your concern! ^.^

Guest: I'm so glad you love my story! More updates to come

MillicentBistndr: I' glad you like it. This is the only story of mine that I actually like so don't worry. I'm not done with it yet.

S/o to LunaShenHamato2k12 for the favorite. Means a lot.

Just a heads up, I've been thinking about deleting my other story. It's not going to go anywhere and I'm not sure if there are people who read my first story and are now reading this one. I'm just letting you guys know ahead of time.

Enjoy.

Song used in this chapter - Cancer ~ My Chemical Romace

Talent Show

~Lilly's POV~

I took a deep breath, thinking to myself, why did I agree to do this? If I wasn't comfortable, which I wasn't, I could have just backed out from this thing long ago so why didn't I? Maybe I actually want to do this. Maybe I actually want to embarrass myself in front of everyone. Too late to back down now! My mom, Christine, April...Casey... They all came down here to see me sing. So I have to go through with this. I ain't no bitch.

Okay maybe a little bitch...

I'm surprised my mom actually remembered the fact that I told her I was in the talent show. She's never heard me sing but now she is. Everyone is.

If I had to guess I'd say maybe the whole freshman class is here. Not the whole school. Maybe some seniors, juniors, sophomores are too cool to come to this stupid thing, and a ton of parents. The school theater was big but it wasn't full of people, there was still some empty seats sprinkled around.

I wasn't aiming for first place, I kept reminding myself. I wasn't even aiming for a place. I also thought it was crappy to even crown someone the winner in a talent show. Basically shitting on everyone else's talent. But...high school, I guess. But nevertheless, I just wanted to get this shit over with.

I took another deep breath and began to exercise my voice.

My hair was tied back in a tight pony tail, my make up was almost too good. I should win just by going out on stage if I'm being honest. I was wearing the nicest jeans I had and the pretty cute dress shirt. Smoky brown eye shadow, blinding highlight, red lips- I look fucking good. That gave me a little confidence boost.

This song wasn't really something to 'wow' anyone. The song wasn't really vocally challenging. So I didn't really have to warm up my voice- but it meant something to me. It reminded me of my dad. So, I want to try and do as best as I could. Aim high but soar higher. I just wanted to do good. Not win. Just do good.

I felt a hand pat my shoulder, "Hey," when I turned I noticed it was that girl that I helped in that bathroom.

I blinked, "Piper, right?"

She nodded, "I just wanted to say...break a leg."

I stared at her in confusion, that was actually a nice thing. "You too..." I said softly before she smiled and walked away. Hmm... She's not as evil as I thought... Unless she actually wanted me to break a leg. Wait a second... Nah, I have hope that she's a good person. Let's not ruin that.

"Lilly," I heard my name but knew who was saying it so I decided to ignore it. "Lilly, hey!"

I rolled my eyes, looking over a David who was dressed up in his outfit. He was preforming a solo. A dance solo. When everyone found out that I was singing, my dancing friends all freaked out. Like I said, no one knew I could sing. "What?"

"Break a leg." Oh fuck you too, pal.

"Yeah." I mumbled.

"I know we haven't been cool since we broke up. But I don't want any bad blood." Okay Taylor Swift. "I wanna be cool." Well you're not so keep dreaming.

"That all depends on how you act, David. Not me. I've always been cool."

David nodded, "You're right," he gave my shoulder a pat before smiling. "Good luck."

I didn't say anything, I just stood there staring at the stage from behind the opening of the curtains. The only hard part is starting, but once you're in the middle there's nothing like performing. Dancing taught me that. The rush of it is addicting and it will have you crawling back. And I always seem to.

I make myself out to be this shy, lonely girl. But on stage, it's almost like I'm bulletproof. Nothing can hurt me. I'm a star.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the principal started as he walked onto the stage. "If you could kindly all take a seat, the show is about to start."

There are about twelve, maybe ten people, in this show. Each one of us has a number, and apparently, April put me as the fifth person on the list. David is apparently last, Piper is right before me. All I have to do is keep breathing and be patient. Let's just get this over with.

The audience suddenly got silent, "Welcome to the fifth annual talent show. Every year we get to see just how talented each one of our students truly are. Whether it be through song, dance, magic, or academic studies, each one of our students is extraordinary in their own ordinary way." Oh barf, can this guy be any more of a cliché. I sighed, knowing that my mother is probably thinking the same thing.

"There are specific rules. Each act must be no longer than five minutes, and no less than a minute and a half. Each student, if their act includes a song, must be school appropriate." Yada yada yada... first act is our cheerleaders. Second act is a magic show. Third act comedy. Then Piper. I know the order just get on with it so I don't have to die because of my nerves. "Our judges tonight will be," oh my god.

I sighed, finding a random chair to sit and calm my nerves in. Go over the words Lilly. Distract yourself. Okay...

I shut my eyes and hum the song, the words flowing in my mind. I know this song like the back of my hand. But you can never be too sure.

My whole body was shaking with excitement and nerves. I was terrified but also pretty happy that I was doing this. April kissed my cheek and wished me luck before I went backstage. Didn't calm me down. When I saw my mom come in, that made my nervousness worse for some reason. Casey...never told me anything. I think he's still pissed at me for making him keep his mouth about Raph and I.

I smiled... Thinking about Raph not only calms me a bit, but it also gets me even more excited. April said she was going to video tape my performance for the guys but I know she was doing it because of him. I was fine with that. I wish he was here though, to actually hear and see me live but...can't have what you want all the times.

I also thought of Ian. Haven't talked to him in a while. I hope he was okay. I hope that he was packing so he could come home.

Then I thought of my dad. I know he's okay. I know he's happy wherever he is because I know he sees me and my mom. I'm not sure if there is a God or a heaven, I've never been religious, but I'd like to think my dad is still looking at me. He's still smiling at me. I'd like to think that way.

I heard the applause and opened my eyes, I wasn't relaxed but I wasn't as nervous as before. I saw the first group go on and come off just as fast. The second act was almost faster than the cheerleaders. Cute little magic show...bunch of tricks everyone has probably already seen before but still cute.

Piper stood in front of me, nervously pacing back and forth as the third guy took the stage. She suddenly turned to me, "You're singing, right? How are you calm?"

I shrugged, "Well..." I wasn't clam which confused me as to why she thought I was. I sighed, "Why are you singing?"

"What?" She snapped.

"Why are you singing? Why are you in the talent show?" I asked again, standing up from the seat. "What's your reason?"

"I mean," she twirled her hair. "I sing great. I guess I want to win. Plus..." she giggled. "There's kind of this guy I'm trying to impress."

I fought the urge to roll my eyes, "Then that's why you're nervous. Because you think that way. And maybe, in the back of your mind, you're thinking 'what if I sing flat' or 'what if I don't win' or 'what if he thinks I suck'." I shook my head. "Just...relax. Do it for yourself."

"Is that why you're in the talent show? For yourself?" She crossed her arms over her chest.

There was a small applause before the third act got off the stage. I saw the fear in her eyes grow. "I'm here because my best friend signed me up." I shrugged. "I don't really care if I win."

"And now," our principal's voice boomed. "Our last year's winner, singing Sunday Morning, Miss Piper Adams."

Piper took a deep breath, "Okay..." she nodded before whispering, "Okay..."

I watched her nervous demeanor vanish as she walked out on to that stage and received a huge applause. See, the stage changes you and I could already see it's spell being casted onto her as she opened her mouth and began singing. Her singing was just like April said, average. But by the way her friends were cheering, it didn't matter. I knew she was going to win this year.

I swayed to the rhythm of her choice of song. If I were her I would have added a couple dance moves in there just so when the parts came up where she didn't really have anything to sing, she could just grove. The audience was clapping to the beat, cheering when she...tired to hit those high notes. She'd shake her head when her voice would crack which gave her away- bad thing to do. But she finished off strong and her friends all stood up for her. Of course she's going to win. Good for her.

She skipped off stage, once she got off she let out a breath of relief and rolled her eyes. "Jesus, why was that so hard?!"

"You did great." I chuckled. Suddenly, she threw her arms around my shoulders and pulled me in for a tight awkward hug. "Um..." I mumbled uncomfortably.

She laughed, "Thank you so much. Even though I did such a horrible job."

"What are you talking about? You were amazing..."

She shook her head, "My voice cracked. I was flat a couple times but you know what... I'm not worried. I wasn't trying to win. And I'm happy I did it." She smiled. "Thank you so much."

I shook my head, "You did it all. It was all you."

The principal suddenly came on stage, "That's why she's the winner ladies and gentlemen. Piper Adams."

I took one deep breath, "Fuck... My turn..."

She gave me a pat on the shoulder, "Go get'em." She comforted.

"And now, our next singer for this evening. Lillian Aguilar s-"

"THATS MY DAUGHTER!"

My eyes widened before I covered my face in embarrassment. "Oh god..." I finally know the reason why I was so nervous when I saw my mother here. I heard laughter throughout the theater. "Fucking mother..." I sighed.

The principal laughed, "That's the kind of encouragement from a parent I love to see." He chuckled, before continuing. "Lillian Aguilar will be singing 'Cancer', and its for her dad."

I walked out on stage and received little applause, probably because the title sounded like I was wishing for my dad to get cancer. When I got to the mic, my ears were ringing with the deafening sound of my heart beat. I chuckled when my mom yelled out "BEAUTIFUL!" Jesus...

I took a deep breath, and reminded myself to just look straight. Feel the song Lillian... Make. Them. Cry.

The track began.

"Turn away

If you could get me a drink

Of water 'cause my lips are chapped and faded

Call my aunt Marie

Help her gather all my things

And bury me in all my favorite colors

My sisters and my brothers

Still

I will not kiss you

'Cause the hardest part of this is leaving you."

I heard my mom cheer me on, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Now turn away

'Cause I'm awful just to see

'Cause all my hair's abandoned all my body

Oh, my agony

Know that I will never marry

Baby, I'm just soggy from the chemo

But counting down the days to go

It just ain't living

And I just hope you know

That if you say (if you say)

Goodbye today (goodbye today)

I'd ask you to be true (cause I'd ask you to be true)"

I suddenly felt an overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry my eyes out. I wanted to cry. My eyes were filled with tears. But I wasn't sad. I wasn't even close to be sad. In fact, I was still nervous. But I kept going.

"'Cause the hardest part of this is leaving you

'Cause the hardest part of this is leaving you"

The last part was a little shaky, my voice was trembling with so much emotion. But when I heard my mom and Christine both yell out and soon, a loud applause followed, my worries vanished. I laughed when I saw April, my mom, Christine and even Casey giving me a standing ovation. Those are the only people I care about. As long as they're cheering, I'm happy.

I gave a small bow before walking off stage. Piper greeted me with another big hug- what is it with her and hugs? "I didn't know you could sing like that." Well, yeah because you don't know me. "You were great."

I smiled, "Thanks."

"I think you're going to win this year."

I shook my head, "Doubt it."

"Are you kidding?" She laughed. "That crowd is louder for you than they were for me."

I didn't hear the crowd. I didn't really care about the crowd. I did the one thing I thought I'd never do and I feel like a new person. I feel amazing... This adrenaline is just as addicting as any drug out there. I wish I could live with that kind of rush but for now, I'm just glad I did what I said I wouldn't do.

Thanks April...

"Well, ladies and gentlemen that was all our contestants this year. I know I'm not the only one who thinks this year was probably the most talented year we've ever had." He chuckled a little before continuing. "Heavy competition."

David's dance part got a standing ovation, both Piper and I shrugged- we both knew he would win because he's dating the principals step daughter. But despite his advantages, I can't deny that his dance solo was pretty good. It was sad themed and him being good at ballet made it even better and sadder than I thought. I bet he made it about being cheated on by me. To which I say...oh please...

"But it's time to crown the winner. The winner of tonight's talent show will receive a 100 dollar gift card to a place of his or her liking. The two runner ups will receive, 75 dollar and 50 dollar gift cards. Now, this crowning is not to say that every other talent we've seen is not...enough."

I sighed, man this guy talks too much. We already know the system is rigged so why bother explaining that everyone is a winner at heart. Just because it's a cliché, doesn't make it true.

"Alright... In third place we have..." he held up the slip of paper to his face then stared back at the audience in almost shock. "Piper Adams."

Piper looked at me in a sort of disbelief before walking out on stage. Damn... Picked the boyfriend over the best friend. Shady Lindsay, real shady. I think Piper knew exactly that when she took the gift card from his hand and shot a quick confused stare at Lindsay, who was in the front row clapping sorta lazily.

"And in second place we have," the principal said, directing Piper to stand beside him. "Lillian A-" he didn't even get to finish the name before my mother and Christine's voices boomed throughout the crowd. "-guilar."

I felt myself freeze. My name? I won second place? Me? If anything I thought I would win third place not second. I walked out on stage and was greeted by a decent applause. I mean, my mom was the main one that I heard. The principal handed me the gift card and whispered "Congratulations" in my ear.

I didn't expect to win, I didn't expect even be recognized. So my shock and awe is all real. I wasn't faking. I was truly shocked. I smiled nervously at the crowd, waving at my mother and April when she waved at me. I felt my face become extremely hot and I started sweating almost immediately. The principal placed his hands on my shoulders before moving me over to where Piper was. She did not look happy.

"I swear," she growled. "If who I think is gonna win, does in fact win, I'm gonna lose my shit."

I blinked, "Why?"

"Because then..." she suddenly stopped. "Never mind." She said, avoiding my confused stare.

Lindsay's mom is sleeping with the principal who is one of the judges. Lindsay tells her mother who she wants to win and that's who wins. At least, that's how I think it goes. Maybe that's why Piper is the two year in a row winner. Because of Lindsay. Nah... Can't be... Lindsay and Piper are super close. Piper would have won if Lindsay had any influence on this stupid thing. I mean, Piper should have won. And also, I wouldn't have been able to enter, let alone get second place. Lindsay would have probably told me herself that I got last place.

"And now, this year's winner is..." Wait a minute... If Lindsay did have any influence on this talent show, who won? "David Miller!"

Piper gasped, "I knew it! That bitch." She snapped.

I pressed my fingers to my mouth to stifle my snicker. Like I said, I wasn't aiming to win and I'm also not surprised that David won. He's with the principals step daughter! Of course he was going to win!

David is a horrible actor. He knew he was going to win and everyone could totally tell. I'm not going to lie, when they handed him that 100 dollar gift card and when our eyes locked for a moment, it pissed me off. Not because he was happy, but because I could tell he wanted me to know just how happy he truly was. He was trying to get to me and it worked.

I heard a loud squeak in the audience and turned to find Lindsay jumping from her seat and clapping frantically.

When she stood up, someone behind her stood up, then another, then another, and so on and so on. I looked over at my mom, April, Casey, and Christine who all stood up only to walk out of the theatre. That was the only thing that made me smile, causing me to clap slowly at them, not at David. When I looked back at David, who seemed a little distraught at the fact people already left, and smiled at him. Congrats... You don't deserve it.

"Second place!?" Raph yelled. "What type of bullshit-"

"Raphael!" Master Splinter interrupted.

"Sorry sensei..."

I smiled, giving him a pat on the arm. "You can't win everything." I shrugged. "And I wasn't trying to win anything."

"Okay, but still..."

I told my mom that I was going to go with April to celebrate and she let me, but not before grabbing the gift card out of my hand. So April, Casey and I all came down here and gave the guys the news. Everyone was happy that I actually won something... Except Raph.

Mikey wrapped his arms around my waist, "You know what? You won first place in my eyes." He hummed.

"Thank you, Mikey." I chuckled, giving him a pat on the head.

"Who won first?" Leo asked.

I sighed, opening my mouth to answer but...

"David! Could you believe it!? That thing is rigged!" April snapped, throwing herself onto the couch. "All he did was prance around the stage and cry."

"He didn't cry," I chuckled, then shrugged. "It was a good dance."

"Good? Define good." April scoffed.

Casey snorted at April's stubbornness. "You did good Lil'."

I blinked at his kindness. "Thank you, Casey." After a while of silence I laughed, "Best part though was when David won, and you guys stood up only to walk out soon after that."

April smiled, "It was your mom's idea."

"She's freaking cool. And your aunt. Your family seems fun." Casey laughed. "She said, 'Screw this guy, I'm leaving' and we all followed."

April snickered, "Your aunt was so close to booing but your mom stopped her."

I shrugged, "I'm just happy I got recognized. Like at least I wasn't last place. Or third."

Master Splinter placed a hand on my shoulder, "A positive outlook on things like these is healthy for the mind. And always keep in mind that even if they do not view you as number one, that doesn't mean that your friends and family think the same."

I nodded, "Oh I know. I wasn't really interested in winning anything. I only did it because of April."

"Aren't you glad you have me as a friend?" April mused, looking back at me with a big smug smile.

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah yeah..." I really was glad.

April pulled out her phone and held it up in the air, "I recorded everything! Who wants to see Lilly sing?"

"I do!" Everyone yelped.

I groaned, "I'm not gonna watch." I stomped over to the kitchen just to save myself the embarrassment. The adrenaline of being on stage was finally calming down, and all I could really think about was eating. My stomach was growling and all these guys had was pizza with disgusting toppings. I don't know why I even bother looking in this fridge. All I'm going to find is disappointment.

I sighed, "Ever heard of just plain pepperoni?" I heard someone clear their throat right from behind me, and jumped, hitting my head in the process. "Ow..." I whined, rubbing my head. I turned around, "Dick."

Casey chuckled, "Watch your head."

I sighed, "What do you want?"

Casey held his hands up in surrender, "Chill, just came to congratulate you."

"In private? Too embarrassed to be kind to me in front of everybody?" I teased.

Casey shrugged, "Something like that."

I rolled my eyes. Masculinity so fragile. "Funny..."

"I have a question." He began, catching my attention. "Before you sang, the song was apparently for your dad. When you started singing, the words were kind of sad...then your mom..." he rubbed his head nervously. "She started crying..."

I straightened, my mother was crying? "What's your question?"

He sighed, "I don't know how to ask this..."

"Just do it."

"Where's your dad?"

I smiled, "Where do you think?"

"Am I wrong when I say I think he...passed?"

"No. You're not wrong. My dad died when I was around 5."

He nodded, "Sorry..."

"For what?"

He shrugged, "I didn't realize you-"

"It happened more than ten years ago. Why would you be apologizing?" I asked.

"I mean I gave you a rough time without knowing-"

I laughed, "Awe Casey..." I shook my head. "Don't worry, Case. I don't know your back story and I was kind of a bitch."

"Kind of?" He joked.

I smiled amusingly, "A little. We don't know each other because we're always each other's throats. We're too busy trying to hurt each other." Right behind Casey, I saw Raph slowly walking behind him. When Casey looked away from me, I motioned for Raph to wait.

"Yeah, look. I don't hate you. I hope you know that. It's just..."

"I know. I don't hate you either. I'm not the biggest fan but..." I shrugged. "Look, we can just tolerate each other. We don't have to apologize or anything, we can just move on."

"And about..." his voice suddenly became very soft. "That thing with you and Raph..."

"What about it?" Raph finally said, causing Casey to jump a little. "You gonna snitch?"

Goddamnit Raph.

Casey rolled his eyes, "No. Why were you so quiet? Eavesdropping? Afraid I might try something?"

Oh no no no. We can't have this argument right here, right now! It's way too dangerous! If anyone hears we're all in trouble.

"Yeah right... You wouldn't even dare." Raph pushed passed Casey to walk over to me.

I sighed, placing a hand on my forehead. "Men..."

Casey scoffed, "Whatever." He said before walking away.

I smacked Raph's shoulder, cursing at him in Spanish.

Raph winced before glaring at me, "I hate it when you talk like that. You know I don't understand one word you say."

"Then learn!" I spat, walking away from him. He yanked my arm back to him. "Ow, what!"

"Wait," he said.

I glared angrily at him, "What?"

"Kiss me." He order softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouths. "I haven't talked to you all day, now you come here looking fine as hell and expect me not to kiss you."

I felt my cheeks warm up and my heart fluttered in my chest, "You're an idiot." He pulled me into his chest. "No, we're in the kitchen."

"Just a quick one."

"No. Stop."

"C'mon, just a little one." He insisted, leaning close to me. I attempted to pull away from him but his arm was tightly wrapped around my waist. "How do you say 'little' in Spanish?"

I rolled my eyes, "Estupido."

He blinked, "Really?"

"No!" I couldn't help but laugh. Soon after I gave him a little kiss. "Now let go."

"One more."

"Raph," I groaned. Only reason why I didn't want to kiss him was because then he gets all pushy and always wants more. "You're a freaking cheese ball."

"Fuck yeah I am. Give me," he said before kissing me again. I cupped his cheek, my thumb caressing it softly. I pulled away for a moment but he just followed.

I groaned, finally pulling away. "Boy, calm down." I prided his arms away from my waist and began to walk away. "Tease..."

"Me? You!" He came from behind me, poking my ribs. "You're lucky I can't do anything." He whispered in my ear before quickly grabbing my butt, squeezing it and then walking away from me.

I stopped in shock for a moment before I pointed at him. "Don't tempt me." I growled playfully.

He held his hands up in surrender, sitting beside Leo as he watched the video April was showing everybody. I just smiled softly at the crowd and shook my head. What a cute family I have.