This story has only one chapter left to go! And it's gonna be a massive one! I am hoping I can get it posted by New Year's, but I make no promises at the moment.
Once you have read this chapter, make sure you go vote on the poll on my profile. One story is in the clear lead right now while there is a tie for second. The poll ends when the moment I publish the last chapter of this story. If you want me to work on a certain story, go vote!
Enjoy!
The drive home from the hospital was a solemn one. Just like on the drive up, no word was spoken. In the backseat, Ben laid down as he rested his head on Mal's lap, muffling his sobs into her stomach. Mal allowed him to do so, running her fingers through his hair as she kissed his forehead every now and then to comfort him.
When they returned to their home, Ben felt like a ghost. He couldn't comprehend what he was doing or the surroundings around him. But the longer he sat on the couch, staring off into space, the angrier and more frustrated he became until he couldn't stand it anymore.
Jumping up from the couch, the family of three stared at him in both surprise and confusion. "What's wrong?" Mal wondered.
"I need to go to the school," Ben insisted determinedly.
"At this time of night?" Maleficent questioned. "Whatever for?"
"I need a safe place to scream," Ben claimed before turning to the father of the family. "Will you drive me?"
"I supposed it's better than you going alone," Hades noted. Standing from the love seat as he stretched his sore muscles from all the driving he did, he announced, "Let's go."
Thanking his girlfriend's father for driving him, Ben jumped out of the vehicle and headed toward the locker-room entrance like before. Unlocking the door, Ben made sure it was closed tight before he proceeded any further into the school.
As he walked through the familiar prison, Ben placed his earbuds into his ear as he listened to his solo song once more. Entering the Tourney field, the teen could still imagine himself playing the piano at the beginning melody until someone shreds the electric guitar.
Maybe he could talk Fairy G, Coach Gaston, and Principal Yen Sid into allowing it . . .
Leaving the field behind him, Ben practically slammed the doors open as he let music fuel his energy. "What do I do now, without you," he sang softly. "I want my own thing. So bad, I'm gonna scream!"
Storming down a particular hallway, Ben turned to go down a similar section. "I'm kicking down the walls . . ." Ben trailed off a moment, as he jumped against and off the wall before strolling to the lockers, punching them as he enunciated, "I'm punchin', crushin'. I'm gonna,"—he turned around, pushing himself off as he continued—"fight to find myself. Me, and no one else."
At the end of the hallway, Ben paused the music, wanting to try something. On a count of three, he attempted a turn he's seen a couple seniors do when bored at practice. On the first try, he was too unsteady. Second time, he was better, but he wasn't going as fast as he wanted—more like needed. Third try, he finally got it right, so Ben added the lyrics as he turned. "I'm searchin', searchin', can't find a . . ."
Ben trailed off once more when he stopped his turn, unsure of what he wanted to say. Turning the music back on, he sang, "It's like nothing works, without you."
The teen kept going like this for a while, running through the school as new lyrics came to him along with a few dance moves. At one point, he made his way through the cafeteria, stepping on top of the table like he was addressing an enormous crowd.
But then it got to the guitar solo.
As soon as it came on, Ben had a wonderful idea. Pausing the music, he jogged to the bottom of the cafeteria steps. Turning back the song to the start of the instrumental solo, Ben pressed 'play'—
Then ran as fast as he could to the theater.
By the time the solo ended, Ben had just made it to the backstage. Maybe, if planned well enough, he could do a dance without the others getting in the way.
Continuing on, Ben unplugged his earbuds, turned his phone up as loud as it could, and slid it a good distance onto the stage as the music played once more.
On a count of three, Ben ran onto the stage, singing as loud and as powerful as he could. "I can't choose, so confused. What's it all mean? I want my own dream. So bad, I'm gonna scream! Oh!" Taking a deep breath, he yelled to let out all of his anger and frustration.
Allowing himself a moment to catch his breath, Ben turned his head toward the audience—
Surprised to see someone sitting out there.
"Fairy Godmother?" Ben greeted in confusion, sitting at the edge of the stage to rest for a few moments. "What are you doing here?"
Rising from her seat, Fairy Godmother slowly approached the teen, who happened to notice the dried tears on her cheeks. "The same reason as you," she revealed. "I wanted a safe place to mourn, where I knew I wouldn't be disturbed. Your grandfather and I used to be old friends. He's the reason I can see the world the way he and Miss Fae does, and why I prefer my students call me 'Fairy Godmother' instead of 'Ms. Paxson'. How are you feeling, Dear?"
Ben thought about it for a moment. "Better," he admitted. "The last thing he was Mal singing to him. He probably thought she was an angel."
"Or perhaps a fairy, since her last name is 'Fae'." Fairy Godmother gestured to the stage. "You looked comfortable up there, like it is what you are meant to do."
"I have an idea for what I want to do for my solo," Ben claimed. "I don't have all the words yet, but I know how I want to perform it. I think the lyrics will come to me."
"I have no doubts that you will be doing your absolute best," Fairy Godmother encouraged, "that's why I submitted an application in your name to Disney University."
Ben gawked at her. "That was you?"
"You are a natural when Miss Fae is with you," Fairy Godmother complimented through her explanation. "I submitted one for her as well. That way, if you two were to win the scholarship, you'd be going to the same college together. If I overstepped, I apologize."
"You didn't," Ben reassured quickly. "I hadn't thought about applying to the same college as her." He paused in thought. "Maybe I should apply to Moors University."
"Rumor has it, they are creating a special scholarship in honor of your grandfather since he taught there for so many years," Fairy Godmother informed. "There will only be two available slots. I'm sure you and Miss Fae will win it easily."
Ben thought about it for a few moments. It would be amazing to win the scholarship in his grandfather's name with Mal. He could just imagine attending classes and living on campus together. But for now . . .
"If there is enough time," Ben prompted cautiously, "could I sing a song in dedication to Grandpa Maurice. I know it really wouldn't fit into the show—"
"The musical is about all the seniors' experiences throughout their final year of high school, good or bad," Fairy Godmother reminded reassuringly. "I had to remind Miss Facilier of that when she worried about her solo during free period today. She pulled some inspiration from her . . . troubles, during the summer regarding her family, Mr. Hook, and running away."
Ben stared at the teacher in surprise. "I had no idea that happened."
"It was the start of summer and Mr. Facilier was trying to gain custody of her," Fairy Godmother revealed. "The judge denied it and thought it was best that Miss Facilier had no visitation with her father and sister. In retaliation, she ran away from home with Mr. Hook, until they were caught and served probation. I am only telling you this because your grandfather had mentioned to me what you wanted to ask Miss Fae during the show, which I am all for."
Keeping that approval in the back of his mind, Ben wondered, "Did you submit an application for Uma too?"
"Miss Facilier has much more potential than she realizes," Fairy Godmother insisted. "Not everyone is gifted enough to know how to play eleven instruments or sing various keys and styles like she can. She has a voice that no one can forget. It's going to be a tough competition between all of you. Although Miss Rose dropped out due to her pregnancy, there are still five people vying for only two openings."
Like a light bulb, Ben announced, "I think I have an idea how a Uma can showcase her talents, but it will disqualify me from the Disney scholarship."
Fairy Godmother raised a curious eyebrow. "How?"
As Fairy Godmother had been informed, the next day, Moors University announced the new scholarship in honor of the retired professor. With it being such a short notice, the application were due by the end of the week and winner would be announced the following week.
When that time came, Mal went running through the hallway in search of her boyfriend, since she had been called to the office early in the morning for a letter that had been sent to her. Within a few minutes, she found him about to walk into their home-room.
"Ben!" She shouted, forcing him to stop in his strides. "I did it!"
Ben gave her a confused look, until realization hit him. "You won the scholarship!" He exclaimed, hugging her happily. "Congratulations! I'm so proud of you!"
Pulling away with a smile, Mal informed, "Since I ranked first, they are paying for the first two years that I attend on top of other scholarship money I've already been approved for and they're letting me stay on campus for a week so I can tour the place! It will be the same week as the musical, but I know I can make it back in time for the show."
"I'm not worried," Ben reassured. "And don't stress about coming back in a rush. You deserve every moment that you get to stay there."
Mal's smile grew a little wider. "I'm glad you say that because . . ." She trailed off a moment as she pulled out an envelope from her backpack. "This came in for you."
Raising a cautious eyebrow, Ben gingerly took the package, opening the somewhat thick envelope. Reading the first couple lines of the official document, Ben stared at his beloved, completely awestruck by the outcome. "I won."
