Chapter 28: Chapter 28
The crowd screamed as I finished the song. There were boisterous cheers and endless loud clapping. I put my hand above my head to cover the strong effect from the spotlight. I could see people were no longer seated. I realized I just earned a standing ovation. There were roses and other flowers thrown towards me.
I was on top of the world.
Mila and Ember ran towards me when I entered the backstage. My eyes widened as they crushed me with their hugs.
"You're so fucking amazing. I made the right choice to invite you." Ember exclaimed. The two then let me go while having a huge grin on their faces. "You should've joined the contest. I think you would've won."
"I doubt it." I answered. "Everyone was amazing in their own way but they're more amazing than me. That's for sure."
"Oh, please. You literally blew everyone's minds. I mean, who would've thought right?" Mila stated with her arms crossed on her chest. Ember nodded.
I wanted to ask where Remi was but he suddenly appeared as soon as I thought of him.
"Rems-" My eyes widened when I saw who he was with. Mila took notice of my reaction and followed my line of sight. She too was speechless with her eyes wide.
"Who's that?" I heard Ember asking beside me but no one dared to answer. Remi shook his head while mouthing I'm sorry. His head then bowed down in shame.
I walked towards him. He did the same, meeting me halfway.
"Dad." I almost whimpered.
I was utterly scared. Scared of his reaction or what he might do. What's worse, I was scared because he was calm right now but his eyes weren't. I could see the swirls of rage and it was all directed to me.
"Dad-"
"Silence!" His voice boomed. His fury that he's been keeping in bay was now released. "You lied to me, Kyree." My head was down in shame. "You lied to me. What's more is that I found you out there knowing full well that I forbid you in doing so. I told you to let that go. You have disappointed me."
My hand reached out to him. "D-dad, I'm-I'm sorry. Please-" He swatted it away.
"I do not own such a disobedient child who lies pathetically to her own family and betrayed my trust. I don't ever want to see your face again, Kyree. Don't even think about stepping inside our house. You are no longer welcome. You are no longer my daughter." He then walked out.
I froze. I couldn't move from my spot. My heart was stabbed with a knife- a double edged one so sharp. Tears were almost spilling from my eyes, my throat hurts for holding it back. My eyes moved. I saw him.
"Are you happy now?" My voice was calm yet edgy. "I asked you, 'sweetheart'." I repeated with mockery. He didn't answer either way. He was just staring at me. His face was blank but I know there are emotions in his eyes. I just don't know it. "You wanted this, right? Always playing my emotions, always playing me. I guess now you finally don't have a reason to mock me. I'm glad cause I'm sick and tired of it." I walked out making sure to bump his shoulder hard.
Out of all fucking coincidences, he had to be there when my father- well, ex-father humiliated me. That's what he wants too, right? He never failed to play my emotions, always mocking me. Do I look like a goddamn joke to him? I tried so hard to achieve my dream. All I want is to be happy. No one gets it. Only Mila and Remi get it.
"Kai!" They both caught up to me as I just reached outside. Mila immediately hugged me.
"I'm sorry." Remi, still in shame, apologized. "I honestly didn't know he was here, Kai. I swear. I just went outside for a bit. Finn called me. Your father saw me. He asked me to lead him where you were. You know I would've lied for you but he easily finds out when I lie. I'm really really sorry." I let go of Mila.
"It's fine. I don't blame you so I forgive you." I forced a smile on my face. "I guess now we got our answer. But knowing he said things like that to me hurts more." I almost sobbed but I held myself back. It's not worth it. It's not. Think about it, Kyree. You won't have to hide who you are. I don't have to make an effort with deception.
The two gave me a sympathetic look before Remi pulled me into a warmest hug. I circled my arms around him. He kissed my forehead.
---
My fingers danced side to side on the keys of the keyboard, spacing out at the biggest problem I now had. There were other instruments placed on the stage but here I am playing the keyboard instead that only reminds me of what transpired last night.
We were supposed to play tonight like every other Fridays and Sundays and sometimes Saturdays when Andrei doesn't feel like hiring a DJ. Clubbing though was more than appreciated especially with depressed teenagers, the broken hearted or just people who seek for one night stands. But there are people who come for music and listen to us. Sadly though, because of what happened with Dustin, Deon and I, our band took a break. Dustin thinks that it's better we cool ourselves down although he was probably aiming that to himself.
The only salvation I got- I can't even run to it for comfort. When I woke up earlier, I didn't notice it was already afternoon. Mila didn't wake me up but when I did, she cooked lunch for me. I could tell she made it more delicious and special. She's really just the best. We talked but we never mentioned what happened last night. She just told me that I'm always welcome to stay here even her parents said so. Sometimes it feels like both Mila's and Remi's parents were more like a family to me than my own. When I finished my brunch, I told her I'm going to Diatonic.
I sighed, still playing a certain song halfheartedly.
Just close your eyes, the sun is going down
You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now
Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound~
"You're making my heart crumble, Kai." Andrei interrupted me from his bar. He was doing inventory with his liquors.
We were the only ones here in his club and some of his staff were also here too. The club will open in a few hours.
I rolled my eyes and faced him. "I’m trying to have a pity party here. Why don't you just sit back and relax and enjoy the show?" My voice was raspy. There was an ache in my throat. On top of that, my head kinda hurts. Well when you cried yourself to sleep last night, you would feel the same the next day.
Andrei shook his head with a small smile. "You guys will be okay. This isn't the first time you guys fought."
"I just hope that's the only problem I have right now." I murmured. I continued to play randomly and the certain song that I was supposed to play last night crossed my mind. I didn't know why I changed it suddenly but there was something about Avril's song that I was attracted to.
I decided to play it instead.
You're giving me a million reasons to let you go
You're giving me a million reasons to quit the show
You're givin' me a million reasons
Give me a million reasons
Givin' me a million reasons
About a million reasons~
This is exactly why this is my first song choice. The lyrics just hit me.
If I had a highway, I would run for the hills
If you could find a dry way, I'd forever be still
But you're giving me a million reasons
Give me a million reasons
Givin' me a million reasons
About a million reasons~
My heart hurts as I continue to play.
I bow down to pray
I try to make the worst seem better
Lord, show me the way
To cut through all his worn out leather
I've got a hundred million reasons to walk away
But baby, I just need one good one to stay~
My voice faded as my finger brushed the last note. Loud clapping made my head whirl around swiftly to the source. Andrei wasn't the only audience I expected to have