"So what are going to do, now?" Candy asked, gently stroking my hair as we sat outside in my backyard, gazing at the stars.

I took in a deep breath, slowly letting out and letting my lips etch into a smile. "I have no clue."

It was true. Now that I was actually out of the Hunt, for good, I had no idea what I'd do.

"Don't worry. No matter what happens, I have your back," he said, leaning down to peck my lips.

I smiled. "I know. But still you could've laid off Jared a bit," I said, cringing at what happened after.

Candy had gone bonkers when he heard what had happened. Apparently no one could shut up about it and soon the news reached my lovely boyfriend.

Let's just say Nate had to stop him from sending Jared to hospital since he pretty much was supporting a bruised jaw, a black eye and a few black-blue bruises on the side. And that was just five minutes into the fight.

And as for Shelley, Candy was utterly furious at two facts. One, what she did to sabotage me and second, that's she was still in the competition.

Actually three facts. The third one being that he couldn't bulldoze the 'bitch' with a bulldozer and then run her over by a tractor.

So, he relied on public humiliation to get back at her. He actually just wanted to confront her in person but as usual, Shelley just couldn't bear the lack of attention especially when she claimed that Aaron was there to beg her to get back together.

Well that sure did attract attention, but it proved to be the opposite of what Shelley was aiming for.

"Shelley? I need to talk to you, alone," Aaron said, going to Shelley, who was standing near her locker, bitching about me, saying how unworthy I was to be in her presence.

Cue the roll of eyes.

I had tried to stop Candy but had given me a cold, hard state that made me back off. I knew that look perfectly. He couldn't be stopped.

"Aaron! Oh my god, I knew you'd leave that good-for-nothing bitch and come back to me," she screamed, attracting the attention of the people in the hallways.

Immediately their phones were out.

Once Shelley saw that she was being filmed by the students, she stepped in the front.

"I told you all, didn't I? Aary and I are meant to be. It was high time he left that wannabe and came back. So baby, tell them that it's official," she cooed and clutched his arm.

My eyes narrowed at her hands that were moving up and down my boyfriend's arms.

"It's official," he told everyone and murmurs began.

Shelley smiled and stood on her tippy toes to lean in for a kiss but before she could do that, Aaron snatched his arm away and stepped back, giving her a disgusted look but quickly morphed it into a loving one.

"Hold on Shelley. First I have something for you," he said and gestured to Nate to bring in a wrapped box that had a huge tag, that read 'For You'.

Shelley squealed and lifted the box, showing it to the whole student body.

"Look! My Sweety bought me a gift!"

I rolled my eyes as she went to almost each and every person with a camera.

"Won't you open it?" Aaron asked, sweetly and she gushed.

She tore apart the wrapping like a wild animal, to reveal a box. She opened the box but before that, Aaron spoke.

"You didn't let me complete my sentence earlier. It's official that we will never be together," Candy said and immediately backed away and after that, it was like everything happened in slow motion.

She opened the lid and icky black spiders jumped out, landing in her and in her hair. Her expression changed and morphed into one of utter disgust and terror.

And then she shrieked. Worse than a banshee.

"My hair! My HAIR!" She shrieked and jumped up and down comically.

The whole mass of students fell down in laughter. I don't know how it happened but suddenly, out of the crowd came a pastry towards Shelley, hitting her right on the head.

"This is for drowning me with orange juice, bitch!"

That was followed by a whole lot of food items. People kept on shouting the reasons for hitting as food, along with a lot more slimy stuff was thrown at her.

After she resembled a half snowman and half weirdly bearded cave woman, did I realise how much the people actually hated her.

"Where did you think our parents went?" I asked, gazing up at Candy's face which had a serene smile on it.

He looked down at me, an amused expression drowning his serene smile. "Probably went to Church to book our wedding," he laughed.

I hit him on his torso, my face red. "Shut up!"

Our parents had gone for dinner, not telling us where they went. They were pretty excited when we told them that we were dating. Actually excited would be a understatement for our moms.

"What? You don't want me as your husband?" He teased, playfully.

"Ask me that question after five years and then I'll tell you," I replied with a secret smile and his expression morphed into a curious one.

"What does that mean?"

I smirked. "You'll know."

"But Muffin I-," he started but was cut off when my phone started ringing.

I dug in my pockets for my phone and looked at the screen to see that Sam was calling.

I was about to pick it up but Candy interrupted. "Don't pick up. Please?"

"But what if she's in an emergency?"

"What if she's just calling to talk to you about girly things?" He countered.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm picking up," I told him and lifted my head from his lap, sitting up straight. I slid the green icon on the phone and put it to my ear.

"Hello?" Sam spoke into the phone.

"It's me," I answered, cheekily.

She laughed but answered. "I was wondering if after all these hours we could meet?"

I cracked up and she followed.

"So, why'd you call?" I asked once I sobered up.

It was as if suddenly she remembered it since she gave an ear-drum bursting scream.

"Give me a warning before dong that, woman!" I said, rubbing my ear furiously.

"Sorry but you need to come to school tomorrow. It's really, really important!" She said, excitement oozing out of her every word.

"Okay but atleast tell me the reason for your transformation into a banshee!"

"Just come and see or hear it for yourself," she said and immediately hung up.

I looked at the phone in confusion and shrugged. I guess I'll have to go see it for myself.

***

"Do you realise that it's kind of our first day as a couple in school where we are not ignoring each other?" Candy asked me as we stayed in his car, our fingers intwined together.

"Yeah," I answered as I gazed outside. Students were coming out and going in while chattering. Some stood by the trees, some were lying down on the grass.

"Ready?" He asked, squeezing my hand.

"Honestly? No, not really," I answered, sighing.

"Hey, you know we can go back if you want. I'll go with you," he said, making me look at him.

I smiled. "You know what? Until I have you, I don't have anything to fear," I answered and let go of our hands.

"Let's go!" I said and jumped out of the car.

Candy shook his head in amusement and got out too. But as soon as he did that, he grabbed my hand back and pulled me close.

"You'll always have me," he whispered and pulled me into a soft kiss.

I was blushing by the time we separated. "Let's just go!"

He chuckled. "You're too cute."

****

It had been an hour into school and I was yet to see my banshee of a best friend.

Since classes were off, I was sitting with the drama department, helping out with the making of props.

"Thanks Alyssa, we really needed an extra hand with all this," Kylie, the head of the department, smiled gratefully.

I waved it off. "No worries Kylie. I had nothing to do, anyways," I rolled her and I saw a tinge of sympathy in her eyes.

I averted my eyes quickly. It was the look many students have me today and I didn't know why.

It wasn't as if I had been chucked out of the competition. Initially yes, but then I quit myself.

Today I had gotten many stares and glares. I was still figuring out whether they were because of what transpired yesterday or because Candy was literally escorting me everywhere, occasionally pecking me on the lips.

"Attention students! The names for the final round of various categories are here with me," our principal announced. "Starting with Craft and Art..."

I momentarily kept the banner o was painting, aside and turned towards the speaker.

"Hey!" A voice startled me as someone sat down beside me.

I looked beside me and saw Nate sitting, Indian style, facing me.

"Hey," I smiled. "How are you feeling now? I heard you were really ill," I asked.

"Ah. I'm okay. Now tell me, are you alright?" He asked, staring at me with soft eyes.

I paused. Was I okay?

I looked up at him. I gave him a small smile. "I'll answer that but first you have to tell me something."

"Shoot."

"For how long am I stuck with you?" I asked, looking at him.

He seemed confused at first but then he grinned at me. "Oh. You mean how long ami going to be sticking to you for? Well, unfortunately for you, I am going to be glued up by your side like super glue until you find a way to get rid of me."

"Yes," I answered, "I'm more than okay."

He smiled at me. "Good. Wouldn't want it any other way."

No matter what happened yesterday, I knew I had all I needed with me. I had friends that were more than what I could ask for.

There were going to be plenty of other opportunities for me to show my talent so I was perfectly content for.

"Hey. Now let's listen to the names of the qualifying participants," Nate shushed me and we both sat quietly as the principal announced the names.

I whooped when I heard both Sam and Candy's names being announced.

"Why aren't you selected?" I asked Nate, who was cheering with me.

"Oh that? Actually they kind of disqualified me since I didn't participate in the previous round," he shrugged.

"B-But you were sick. You couldn't have part-"

"It's okay Allie. It's not like I was dying to win this thing anyways. Soccer is just my hobby. Not my passion so I'm okay with not participating," he reassured me.

I didn't bother him much on the topic. I was alright as long as he wasn't sad about it.

"....now coming to the singing category. We have Nelly Thompson, Shelley Montez and Tamie Sanchez for the finalists. Give it up for all of the qualifiers, people!"

I slowly clapped for everyone. Nate eyed me carefully to see my reaction but I just laughed at him.

I wasn't lying when I said I was okay.

"Listen, I a-"

"Just one more announcement. I'd request Miss Alyssa Bent to come to the Principal's office."

I looked wide-eyed at Nate who, surprisingly was trying to stifle a smile.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You know something that I don't," I stated, rather that asking.

It was obvious from his sneaky expression.

"Just go. You don't want to keep the principal waiting now, do you?"

I kept my eyes narrowed but agreed to it. I quickly got up and realised that everyone was staring at me.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I scurried off to the office. Everyone had their eyes on my as I passed the hallways.

It was as if the principal was calling me to announce a death penalty for me. But again, if it was that, Nate wouldn't be smiling like that.

Once I reached the wooden doors that had a plate that read 'OFFICE' on it, I took a deep breath before knocking.

"Come in," a gruff voice that belonged to our principal, reached me.

I slowly opened the door and stepped inside the spacious room.

I had never been to his office before so I was temporarily awed by how beautifully it was made.

Cream walls and the red plush couch on the side gave a stark contrast. There was a dark brown study desk in the middle which had two sofas for the guests to sit in.

On the side, there was a coffee and a tea making machine.

"You may have a seat Miss Bent," Principal Stevenson said, not looking up from the paper work he was doing.

I hesitantly sat down in one of the soft sofas and waited for him to speak. I don't know why but I had nervous jitters crawling up my spine.

After a very awkward pause, he looked up. "So, Miss Bent, what are you planning to pursue after high school?"

"Pardon, sir?"

"Miss Bent, I heard about the fiasco that happened yesterday and I feel really bad that a talent is going waste. I was just going through your academic performance an I'm quite impressed by it," he said, giving me somewhat proud look.

"Er, Thank you sir, but I'm not sure where this is going," I said, confused.

"Miss Bent, I'd like to know what you aim to pursue in the future," she asked.

"Well, uh I would love to make my career in singing or any related field," I replied, a bit unsure.

"You seen to be hesitating, Miss Bent," he said, looking at me through his glasses.

"Uh, I hadn't given it much thought, sir," I replied, a bit sheepishly.

"Well, that's okay. I want you to sing something for me," he said and I gave him a dumbfounded look.

He wanted me to sing now?

"What is the matter, Miss Bent?"

"Uh, sir, I don't have my guitar or any intrude my for that matter," I replied.

"It's okay. Just sing without music," he said and relaxed in his chair, waiting for me to start.

I wracked my brain for a song. Which song do I even sing?

I realised that I'd been staring at the pen holder, blankly when I straightened up. Immediately an idea came to me.

Cups by Anna Kendrick was perfect. It felt as if I was transported into the scene of Pitch Perfect where Anna Kendrick aka Becca goes to audition.

"Sir, may I borrow the pen holder?" I asked and he seemed surprised.

"I don't understand why you need that but sure," he replied, confused.

I almost snorted. Only if he'd watched Pitch Perfect.

I picked up the cup and began the rhythm. I had been obsessed with this beat when the song was released and had finally mastered it after so much practise.

"I've got my ticket for the long way 'round

Two bottle whiskey for the way

And I sure would like some sweet company

And I'm leaving tomorrow. What d'you say?

When I'm gone, when I'm gone

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

You're gonna miss me by my hair

You're gonna miss me everywhere, oh

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone," I sang.

I, honestly felt really awkward singing this song in front of him but I really had no choice.

I kept on singing and halfway through, I forgot the awkwardness and enjoyed the melody and the beats of the song. I closed my eyes, a slow smile spreading across my face like every time I sang.

Once I was done, I didn't open my eyes. I relaxed for a moment but my yes jerked open when I heard claps.

Not of one pair of hands, but two.

A man, dressed in a proper tailored suit stood there, giving me an impressed look. "You sure do have a lot of potential," he complimented.

I blushed and averted my eyes to the ground.

"Mr. Rodriguez here, is the owner of a very renowned record label and he is in search of young and raw talent. He was there yesterday when the fiasco took place," Mr. Stevenson informed me and my eyes widened like saucers.

He saw me laugh like a maniac? Oh god please let the ground swallow me.

"And I must say, Miss Bent, I really admire your fighting spirit," Mr. Rodriguez said and my head snapped up.

"R-Really?"

"Yes. And that is why I'm here to offer you a proposal. I'd like to train you for professional singing after you graduate from high school. You can choose to go to any college of your choice and choose whichever course you want and side by side, I will help you train, with your consent, of course," he said and my jaw dropped to the floor.

I was being offered a professional training right after high school. Along with that, I could pursue any other course like a normal student.

Mr. Rodriguez smiled at my gaping self.

"So, what do you say?"

(Please read the whole A/N)

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