Aurora wasn't sure who was more nervous about this choir concert; her or Ariel. Aurora had been helping Ariel with her solo as often as she could. But, at their last practice Ariel had been so timid that her voice sounded strained and cracked on the high notes. Mrs. Rabbit knew Aurora had been helping Ariel and that's what was making Aurora nervous. Mrs. Rabbit offered Aurora the position of assistant director for the musical next year and Aurora was afraid if the teacher saw that Aurora failed at helping Ariel rehearse for the concert, then she would take back her offer. Who wants an assistant director who can't even help one person with one song?
"This is so boring," Philip whispered to Aurora as they watched the concert.
Aurora looked at him. "I know. I'm sorry. I just really need the moral support."
"What for? You're not singing up there?"
Aurora was about to tell him, yet again, what could be riding on Ariel's solo, but she was interrupted by Mrs. Rabbit speaking into the microphone.
"Good evening, everyone!" Mrs. Rabbit announced in her sultry, but peppy voice. "Thank you all for coming to our show tonight. Before we end this evening, we have one more song for you. A special treat, in fact. Ariel is going to sing her very first solo for all of you."
As Ariel stepped down from the risers, a couple of people started clapping for her. Mrs. Rabbit sat down at the piano and started playing.
Ariel took a deep breath and began to sing:
"There's a hero
If you look inside your heart
You don't have to be afraid
Of what you are
There's an answer
If you reach into your soul
And the sorrow that you know
Will melt away"
She was hitting every note perfectly and was sounding great that Aurora no longer felt nervous. But, then Ariel hesitated at the end of the first verse. She looked so scared; like she'd rather be anywhere in the world but here. For a second, Aurora thought she might actually retreat. But, then Ariel's eyes locked on Eric's and he gave her a reassuring smile. Ariel smiled back and continued singing.
"And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
It's a long road
When you face the world alone
No one reaches out a hand
For you to hold
You can find love
If you search within yourself
And the emptiness you felt
Will disappear
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
Lord knows
Dreams are hard to follow
But don't let anyone
Tear them away
Hold on
There will be tomorrow
In time
You'll find the way
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
That a hero lies in you..."
The instant Ariel finished her song, Aurora and Eric were on their feet and cheering. Behind them, Aurora heard Ariel's father and sisters whistling cheering loudly. Soon, the entire room was clapping for Ariel.
Ariel blushed and gave them a small wave. Mrs. Rabbit joined Ariel at the mic to say good night to everyone. After the concert, Eric and Ariel's father each gave her a bouquet of flowers.
"Oh, God; I was so nervous," Ariel said, holding the flowers against her chest as if they were a shield.
"We could tell," Aquata told her. "I thought you were gonna faint."
"You were great, sis," Alana said.
"Now that it's all over, how do you feel?" Eric asked.
"After the initial fear finally wore off, it was actually a lot of fun," Ariel replied. "Snow White is definitely going to have some competition next year."
XXX
Rapunzel played out the last few measures of the song she had been writing for prom, then jotted some notes down on the sheet music. She replayed the end of the song with the changes and then smiled to herself. It was finally ready. She had been working hard on the song the last couple weeks and she was beginning to think she wouldn't finish in time. But then Wednesday after school inspiration struck. Mrs. Rabbit let her use the drama department's piano to work on it and it paid off.
The sound of clapping from the beside the stage startled Rapunzel. She looked up to see Flynn jump on stage.
"What are you doing here?" Rapunzel asked him.
"Checking on you. It's eight o'clock; you've been in here for five hours."
Rapunzel blushed, although she wasn't sure why. "Has it been that long already? Oh no! Did I miss the choir concert?"
Flynn nodded and sat down beside her. "How's it coming?"
"I think I'm finally done."
Flynn read over the music and frowned.
"What's the matter?" she asked. "Is it bad?"
"This song is written as a duet," Flynn pointed out.
Rapunzel gave Flynn a toothy grin. "Surprise! You're gonna be singing with me."
Flynn's laughter was so loud, it echoed through the auditorium. "That's not happening."
"Hey! You're the one who got me into this; it's only fair that you have to do it, too."
"No way! I don't sing."
"You do now. You ready for our first rehearsal?"
Flynn gave his girlfriend a wary look. "You know what? I just remembered I have a ton of homework to do. I should really get going."
"You don't do homework, Flynn Rider."
"Exactly. I have a whole semester of homework to catch up on before school ends next week."
Rapunzel grabbed his arm before he could slide off the piano bench and make a run for it. "Get back here. This was your idea."
"For you. I'm not a singer."
"Well, this song has to be a duet. So, I guess I'll just have to get another guy sing with me... Ya know, I bet Naveen would do it."
Flynn's face fell. "Naveen?"
Rapunzel nodded. "Yeah, but don't worry; it'll be strictly business. Although, I mean, it is a romantic song and we all know Naveen's reputation..." She shrugged. "I'm sure nothing will happen."
Flynn stared at her for a moment, then ran his hands over his face and groaned. "You're killin' me, Smalls."
Rapunzel tried to remain serious, but she knew her little teasing had worked. "It's your call, Flynn."
"Fine! I'll do it."
Note: The song Ariel sang is Hero by Mariah Carey.
Only eight chapters left...