My stomach churned.
The bright sunlight hit me, and I stumbled,
nearly falling in front of everyone.
As my vision blurred, I dimly saw Jake look
my way, his expression changing.
His hand, which had been resting casually on
the armrest, clenched, like he was about to
get up.
8.
But then, he relaxed his hand.
The intense emotion that had flashed across
his face faded, like it had never been there.
hould foll
く
ز
Before I could fall, my teacher, quick as
always, reached out and grabbed me.
She knew all about my family.
She recognized Darcy, too, and muttered a
curse under her breath.
Her tone was sharp.
“What’s she doing here?”
I steadied myself, trying to stay calm.
“She’s with Jake, I guess.”
My teacher immediately understood.
“That was her at the airport yesterday?”
<
“That was her at the airport yesterday?”
I nodded.
My teacher looked even more annoyed.
“What are the odds? Jake’s doing this to get
to you, isn’t he?”
I quietly disagreed.
“I doubt it.”
Not only had Jake and I broken up, but he
wouldn’t waste his time trying to provoke me
now.
Besides, he didn’t know my family situation.
く
I had a feeling Darcy was going to make my
life difficult.
Sure enough, that afternoon, I was practicing
my violin in the trailer.
Mr. Jones showed up with Darcy, looking
sheepish.
As they walked in, Jake was standing in the
doorway, watching me with a smirk.
He even seemed to be enjoying my
predicament.
Mr. Jones cleared his throat, looking
uncomfortable.
“Listen, Tori…”
<
“Ms. Darcy here said she talked to you about
this already.
She wants to take over your part as the
violinist in the church scene, is that right?”
Darcy didn’t wait for my response.
She smiled and said, “I’ll play the piano
instead.
A piano performance in a church will be more
atmospheric, right?”
I cut her off.
“She never told me anything about switching
roles.”
く
Mr. Jones looked even more awkward.
Jake’s voice, laced with ice, cut through from
the doorway.
“She’s telling you now.”