DISCLAIMER: I do not own or claim to own any songs and/or musical pieces.
That night was open mic night, and Ms Tutweiller decided she'd go, just for something to do on a Friday night. She hadn't assigned that much homework and hoped to see some of her less than social students there. The event was set up in the ballroom, so she managed to grab a good seat.
As she waited, several students passed by, including Zack, Cody and London. London explained that Bailey had gotten sick and couldn't make it. Soon after, the lights dimmed and Mr. Moseby stepped into the spotlight.
"Welcome to the S.S. Tipton's open mic night!" He said happily. "Our first performer is one of our very own Seven Seas High students. Miss Willemijn Goetz!" The curtain raised, Revealing Will sitting behind a keyboard.
"This song is called 'Breathe No More'." She started the piano off lightly, her fingers dancing on the keys. Ms Tutweiller was surprised that she could play so well at such a young age. She was knocked out of breath as Will started to sing.
"I've been looking in the mirror for so long
That I've come to believe my soul's on the other side
All the little pieces falling shatter
Shards of me, too sharp to put back together
Too small to matter…"
Ms Tutweiller sat back in her chair, dumbfounded at the teen's powerful voice. By the time she came back to reality, the song had ended and the audience had erupted with applause. Willemijn smiled and walked off the stage. Immediately, Ms Tutweiller left the ballroom and went straight to the backstage area, determined to find the young woman.
By the time she had reached the backstage hall, Will was sitting outside, leaning against the wall. She appeared to be talking with someone, but Ms Tutweiller couldn't see anyone in the corridor. As she approached, she managed to catch a few words.
"…No, because she'll think I'm a loon! Now SHH!" She hissed. Those words only confused the teacher more.
"Who will think you're a loon?" Will snapped her head in the teacher's direction, dark hair flying in all directions.
"Ms Tutweiller! Um, I was just…thinking out loud." She explained quickly, clearly lying. "What are you doing here?" She asked defensively.
"I came to talk to you. About two things, really.' She was suddenly nervous under the dead gaze of the taller girl.
"The first?" Will encouraged, smiling and fidgeting with something in her hands.
"Your curfew is at nine o'clock. Thought you should know." She stated. "Also, your singing was amazing, it blew me away." She gushed, smiling broadly.
"Thanks." Will blushed, but paused, looking puzzled. "Okay, so why are you really here? Is it my vision? No, I haven't been blind all my life. Yes, that's why I'm on the boat. And yes, it is a surgery that could make me blind forever." She listed off, though her tone was light until the end.
"Actually," Ms Tutweiller corrected. "I heard a story about you today, and I wanted to make sure that it was a rumor."
"Okay, shoot. But come-" She turned around, pointing towards the main deck. "-this way. The lights in this hall are distracting." Ms Tutweiller followed the taller girl out onto the wooden deck. She sat beside her at the drink bar.
"This afternoon, I was informed that you lost your parents and half of your memory in an accident, is that true?" Will flinched, closing her eyes.
"If I say yes?" She didn't like to talk about the accident because it brought back terrible memories that she wished she didn't have.
"Well…" Ms Tutweiller put her hand on Will's lower arm. "Do you want to talk about it?" Tears welled in the brunette's eyes, threatening to spill over.
"We-we were so close." Several tears ran down her cheeks. "My mom had all her bags packed, and we were on our way to the airport when a plane came down." Ms Tutweiller's breath hitched as she enveloped the girl in a tight hug.
"It wasn't your fault." She cooed, attempting to soothe Will.
"But it was!" She argued. "She wasn't paying attention, because I was fighting with dad. Like I always did. And she didn't see it. She had seen it, they would be alive!" The sobs wracked her lanky body, making them both shake. "I'm sorry. I'm ruining your evening." She pulled away, wiping at her tears.
"It's fine." She assured with a smile. They both got up and headed to the railing, leaning over it slightly. A comfortable silence fell over them.