Second chapter, anyone? It's shorter than the last one, I know.

Woah.. I didn't expect SOSCaren to review. Hi, Caren! =D

Dares Are Officially Stupid

By SOSNoel

Chapter 2

'Guilt'

The reflection in the mirror looked like a porcelain doll, did it not? There was a pale face, elegantly framed by a few strands of hair that did not stay up in the bun. A golden clip on the base of the bun was decorated with a fabric lilac. The lips were lightly painted red; this made the face look even whiter. The girl in the mirror had put on a lavender colored dress with gold stitching; Victorian was in, although we certainly live in Japan.

I swirled around before sighing. How can I be happy? I snapped at Kura and left her there. The second tiny droplets started forming in my eyes, I reached for my handkerchief and dabbed them away. It was not the time to shed tears. Today, I should be proud. I am the first junior to participate in this event.

It's not like I had the power to leave, anyways. Mother had taken time out of her busy schedule to come to my performance; lately, she hasn't been able to spend some time with me. Our choir coach would also be very upset. Who knows what lengths she went through in order for me to be the first performance? I've already gone through the nerve-wrecking interview and many weeks of practicing and perfecting.

The corset was killing me. How did those women survive with these things on tightly? I felt like it would be impossible to reach for my messenger bag. Inside of the bag were the song sheets for what I was to be singing. It was called "No One Knows Who I Am" from some show called 'Jekyll and Hyde'. It was a slow, pretty piece, just the kind I enjoy to sing.

Picking out the sheets, I traced over the lyrics. In my opinion, the song was very depressing. It reminded me of Sakura, in a way. No one else seemed to care about her lately, now that I think about it. She's probably been having a very hard time. This made me more guilty. I had probably worsened the pain. What was I to do? I was frustrated, and she would barely talk to me whenever I visited! Where was my happy-go-lucky cousin?

"Get ready on stage, Miss Daidouji. It is time for the show to begin." I nodded to Miss Kunichi, who looked very proud. How could she not? If I did well, it brought honor to our school and choir. There was no doubt that she was very pleased with my accomplishment.

I rushed to the stairs leading to the stage. Remembering that I forgot to do warm-ups, I momentarily frowned. It has been long since I haven't done at least one warm-up before singing in front of a large audience. Hearing the announcement that I was first, I took a deep breath and walked to center stage.

"Look at me,
And tell me who I am.
Why I am
What I am.

Call me a fool,
And it's true I am.
I don't know
Who I am.

It's such a shame,
I'm such a sham.
No one knows
Who I am.

Am I the face of the future?
Am I the face of the past?
Am I the one who must finish

Last?

Look at me,
And tell me who I am,
Why I am?
What I am?

Will I survive?
Who will give a damn?
If no one knows
Who I am?

Nobody knows
Not even you
No one knows who I am..."

The audience applauded, and I curtsied in response. Lifting my dress up a bit to make movement easier, I lightly stepped off the stage. Mother and Miss Kunichi came to me and praised my performance. The show's director soon followed and soon went into deep discussion with Miss Kunichi about the possibilities about including me more in future shows. Mother hugged me, and all seemed right for now. I forgot about Kura and glowed in happiness. That night, the spotlight was all on me.

See, I'm not entirely heartless! My characters can feel guilt!

It's kind of annoying when people read and not review. I sit there wondering. Do more people like it? Do they hate it? Am I a terrible writer?

Review to show you care?