Serena did not hear exactly what the words of the man who shouted was, however, she did have an idea. If Edward was correct, then the audience were indeed expecting for a new song that instance. Honestly, she did not have to do anything. She was not part of this project and well, it would actually be enjoyable to see Emily fail after all her pride and arrogance. At the very least, this will surely put her in her place. 

However, she had to think of the children and the morale of the people for their recording later. So, she can't help but get worried. 

Leonard looked at her in askance as she was the only person who can decide if she wanted to help the two out. 

Geoffrey seeing her a bit worried said, "Serena, it's your song, you don't have to think of the others. If you want to help them, then despite the stature of secrecy you told everyone about, no one will complain or blame you."

Edward understanding what they were asking her shook his head. "If Serena were to showcase the new song now, we can not guarantee if we can still proceed with its release. We're not sure if the censures would allow it, so it's better to just release it once so they can do nothing more about it."

Kylo was looking at what was happening outside from the side stage. Worried for Charlton he tried to call their attention.

Leonard saw Kylo beckoning them to come over. "Kylo's calling us, perhaps we should go see what's happening outside."

--

The group walked to where Kylo was. From where they were standing, Serena can see Charlton sitting with his cello. He was in the middle of the stage while Emily was in panic sitting in front of the piano not knowing what to do.

He looked really pitiful especially when she was sure that the audience were murmuring not so pleasant things. She felt partially guilty because it was her announcement that put him in this predicament. But again, she reminded herself that she should not get herself involved.

She did not know if she interpreted his actions correctly, but he turned to the right to look at others, then he turned to the left and saw them. It was as if he was searching for something, or maybe he was asking for help. Then he faced the audience again. She wondered what he will do next. Despite knowing that they were over, and he was not her responsibility, she could not help but worry. 

Then, a man suddenly shouted "what's next!?" and she was pulled out of her reverie.

Before she can process what she was doing, she was already walking towards where he was. When she realized what she was doing, she can only put on a resolute face. In the end, she could not bear to leave him be. She can only make the excuse that she's doing this for everyone else.

--

Standing at the middle of the stage, Serena grabbed the mic which was placed in front of Charlton.

"Good afternoon everyone. Please settle. I apologize for the delay. I was experiencing some stage fright because I did not expect that there will be a lot of you coming here today." She explained.

Hearing her words, everyone started laughing in joy. 

"it's okay Serena! We forgive you!" a man suddenly yelled out.

"Yes, Serena! We love you!" Yelled another.

And just like that, the problem was solved, and everyone settled. 

Charlton looked at her worriedly, what was she doing? Will she sing the song they statured in secrecy? He could not allow her to take the blame for him. He wanted to stop her. However, before he can say anything, she started addressing the audience again.

"By the way, would you all please give a warm applause for Charlton and Emily who just finished their performance? I don't think I heard you loud enough earlier."

Then the people started cheering loudly. She now had complete control over them.

Emily took that opportunity to leave the stage, her face red in shame. 

Meanwhile, Charlton did not want to leave the stage just yet. He tried searching her eyes, and when their eyes met, she gave him a sad smile, and mouthed the words "don't worry."

Charlton wanted to protest. He was ready to take responsibility. She did not have to do this. However, she already pretended to ignore him. Looking to the left, he saw Edward signaling him to leave the stage and let Serena be. He did not want to, but what else could he do? Cause a scene? Left with no choice, he walked towards where the others were.

He was forced to stand at the sideline and watch what Serena will do. He felt ashamed that it was she who still came to his rescue. 

--

Serena was now left alone on the stage. She was feeling nervous, but at that moment there was only one song running in her head. In fact, it has been there since Charlton said those words to her during the spring ball. She now understood that it was truly for the best that they separate. 

She was an engaged woman to his very own cousin no less. From the very start, it was her who pursued him, without considering what he might feel. She knew that if not because of her approaching first, he would never even try, consider, nor even think about any possibility to be with her. So, she let go of all her anger and forgave him.

However, deep inside, she felt empty, lost, and alone in this world without him. She could not understand why there was this pull, like there was something gravitating her to him. She has no answer why she loves him this much, but she just does. 

"Before I start singing this song, I wish to say that I dedicate this to all the people who felt like they have been left behind by someone they love at one point in their life. But somehow, they are not losing hope and are still waiting for them to come back even though they know how slim the chances are."

The audience and the children behind the stage digested her words. Even though she has not started singing yet, tears started to form in their eyes. They all felt like Serena wrote this song for them.

Charlton who was standing where Serena was standing earlier had a clear view of her as she sat in front of the piano. He felt his chest tightening. He knew who those words were really addressed to.

Serena walked in front of the piano and placed the mic on the stand in front of her. "The title of this song is against all odds" at the back of her mind, she still had to apologize to Phil Collins. It was one of his best songs, and she just owned it today. Hopefully, she can do it justice.

Then, she started playing the melody using the piano. She was not that great with it, but the melody was there. Then, she started singing.

How can I just let you walk away?

Just let you leave without a trace

When I stand here taking every breath, with you, ooh

You're the only one who really knew me at all

How can you just walk away from me?

When all I can do is watch you leave

'Cos we've shared the laughter and the pain and even shared the tears

You're the only one who really knew me at all

So take a look at me now, oh there's just an empty space

And there's nothin' left here to remind me

Just the memory of your face

Ooh, take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space

And you coming back to me is against the odds

And that's what I've got to face

I wish, I could just make you turn around

Turn around and see me cry

There's so much I need to say to you so many reasons why

You're the only one who really knew me at all

So take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space

And there's nothin' left here to remind me, just the memory of your face

Now take a look at me now, 'cos there's just an empty space

But to wait for you, is all I can do and that's what I've got to face

Take a good look at me now, 'cos I'll still be standin' here

And you coming back to me is against all odds

It's the chance I've gotta take

Take a look at me now….

When the song ended, silence reigned. Everyone was busy wiping the tears leaking from their eyes. Then, one person stood up and started clapping, not long after the rest followed. Till finally, everyone was on their feet while deafening applause filled the whole opera house.

--

TBC

please leave some comment and review. It would be nice to have more of them. Give me some love and let me know that you're still with me. Hehe... thank you!

PS if you want to listen to the song while looking at photos, stephanie made an MV on how she invisioned the characters. Thanks to her really for doing it for free and just to show some love. You may search serena charlton against all odds in youtube.