Looking at the other contestants didn't make me feel too anxious. Watching them play on the other hand? Yeah, that was a lot more nerve-wracking. Somehow I'd forgotten I was going against each states' top pianist. And their skills definitely showed in their pieces. There was no way I could compare to them. With each contestant, I sank lower and lower in my seat. Why had I got so cocky? I was going to look like such an ass what I came in last place.

Then the girl who said Paul was handsome played and I snapped back up. Why was I sulking? I couldn't sulk. I couldn't give up until I played. Paul was the prize here. I had to give it my best. For him and for myself. And for Elliot.

When they finally called my name, I felt like a robot. I stiffly rose from my seat and made my way up to the stage. When I came to a stop in front of the judges, I froze like a deer in headlights. They looked so intimidating. Stern faces, glasses on the bridge of the nose. Suit and tie. That type of intimidating.

"H-hi," I started, then cleared my throat. I had to be more confident. "I'm Allie Heywood and I will be performing Hungarian Rhapsody no. 2 by Franz Liszt."

"Miss Heywood, you are the one who recomposed Canon in C?" one of the judges questioned, peering at me behind the frames of his glasses.

"Yes, I did."

"Will you be recomposing for us today?" he asked, sounding pleased.

He actually wanted me to recompose for him? Did he like it that much? Did I leave such an impression? Maybe I really did have a chance at winning this. "Um, only a little so that it fits in the four minute time slot," I said with a laugh.

"Maybe in the future we will see you recompose more," he replied with a smile. "Please proceed."

        With my heart in my throat, I sat down at the piano. Don't mess up, don't mess up, I chanted in my head. My hands were already sweating. I had to calm down. I turned back to the audience, my eyes searching frantically. Was Paul here? Was he able to make it? My parents waved at me. Jeremy waved at me. Then I saw Paul's parents. But no Paul.

        I took a deep breath. It would be fine. Paul didn't have to be here. I could do this on my own. I just needed to calm down and my hands needed to stop shaking. I could do it...

        Just as I was about to start, I heard someone hiss quietly from the other side of the stage. I whipped my head around and saw Paul, who gave a me a little wave from behind the curtain. There was a rush of instant relief when my eyes laid eyes on him. He waved his cast-encrusted arm. "Good luck!" he mouthed. Then he mouthed the word sea. I nodded, understanding immediately.

        A judge cleared his throat and I felt myself blush. I needed to begin. I touched the keys and felt exhilaration run through me. They were smooth and cool, even after so many people playing them. I closed my eyes for a moment, remembering the piano by the sea. Remembering Paul playing it and then standing beside me. It as just me and him, going through the piece.

        I began playing.

        The room was deathly silent. I played each note with as much emotion as I could muster. I wondered if this was how Liszt felt when he played in front of an audience. Right now though, my audience was the sea, and the man I loved. I wasn't playing for anyone but us.

        Then as quickly as it started, it was over. I hit the last note and I opened my eyes, not realizing they had been shut the entire time. I hadn't even looked at the sheet music once! I felt a little sense of panic within me. Had the judges noticed? Did I play it correctly? I was ninety-nine percent sure I knew it by heart, but one off note could keep me from the top. My eyes darted to the judges table, where one of them had leaned over to whisper something in the other's ear.

        My heart sunk.

        I'd messed up.

        Forcing myself to my feet, I did a little curtsey, trying not to cry.

        So when the room exploded into applause, I became paralyzed. Jeremy looked like he was standing on his seat and hollering, clapping his hands high above his head. Next to him, my mom was crying. How typical.

        I glanced at Paul who was gazing at me with such a proud look on his face, I felt myself blushing again. Forcing myself to move, I shakily climbed back down the stage, tripping on the last stair and causing one of the judges to chuckle. Embarrassed, I hurried back to my seat and sat down.

        The guy going after me gave me a dumbfounded look. "How am I supposed to compete with that?"

        His words made me smile. "Good luck," I responded.

        He let out a doubtful laugh. "I can't top that. That was next level. Congratulations."

        "It wasn't just me," I said and earned a confused look.

        As he climbed onstage, I looked for Paul again, but couldn't find him. I really wanted to leave my seat and hunt him down, but it was against the regulations as well as rude to the other contestants. So I waited patiently for the rest of them to play their pieces.

        It wasn't hard to watch them. though -there was something beautiful about each and every person who touched the keys. All pianists were like magic. I loved watching them play as much as I loved just listening to the piano. But soon the last competitor played and we were released for the next half hour and the judges deliberated.

         "That was amazing, Allie," my mom said as soon as I met up with them, pulling me into a hug. "It was really beautiful."

        "Thanks," I mumbled into her shoulder.

        "How'd it feel to play on that stage?" my dad asked.

        "Uhh, nerve-wracking. But pretty cool."

        Jeremy ruffled my hair. "You did a great job. You're definitely going to win. The judges loved you!"

        I scratched the back of my head, smiling nervously. "You think so? I feel like I'm going to be sick. I don't think I'll last until the winner is announced..." There was food all over the place, but just smelling it made me nauseous. I just wanted the winner to be announced.

        "Hey Allie Cat," a voice said into my ear and a pair of arms wrapped around my waist.

        "Paul!" I cried, turning around in his arms. I went to kiss him; before I remembered my parents were standing behind us, staring us down. So instead, I gave him a hard squeeze.

        "For you," he said and let me go, handing me a bouquet of flowers.

        It was a beautiful arrangement of red and white roses. I grinned at him. "Thank you. How are you feeling?"

        He swung his wrist a little. "It's sore, but nothing unbearable. How are you feeling?"

        "Like I'm going to be sick."

        "Ah yes, the performance feeling. I still sometimes get like that before I perform."

        I gave him a skeptical look. "Really? But you're amazing."

        "I still can get nervous."

        "I'm more nervous about who's going to win," I responded, shuffling my feet.

        Paul smiled down at me, squeezing my shoulder. "You're going to win. I know you are."

        And while a large part of me really believed I'd win too, there was still that little speck of doubt. "Ahh, I just want this to be over with!"

        My dad chuckled. "Relax."

        I shot him a dirty look. "Easier said than done."

        "Chris, could you take our picture together?" Paul asked, retrieving his cell phone from his pocket. I looked at him, a little surprised. "I'd like to have a picture to remember this moment by. If you don't mind, Allie."

        "Uh, no." I wanted a picture with Paul too. A little excited, I ushered my dad to take Paul's cell phone. "Dad, come on."

        "We need a picture as a family too, after," my mom added.

        I nodded. "Alright, me and Paul first."

        "Paul and I," my dad corrected.

        I yanked Paul beside me, putting an arm around his waist. "Just take the picture, Dad."

        Paul put his arm over my shoulder, pressing the side of his body into mine. My dad counted to three and snapped a picture. "One more," Paul said. And this time on three, he quickly kissed my cheek.

        "I'm going to delete that one," my dad said darkly while Paul laughed.

        Paul easily snatched his phone back from my dad. "Don't think so. Allie, go stand next to him so I can take a family picture."

        Less excited for this one and more interested in seeing how our picture came out, I tromped over to them. Jeremy tried to stand beside me and my dad elbowed him out of the way. "Jeremy, you're not part of the family."

        "That's cruel!" Jeremy cried.

        "Chris, let him a take a picture with us. He is family," my mom said, pulling Jeremy beside her.

        Jeremy stuck his tongue out at my dad, who rolled his eyes. "Fine."

        "I know you love me, Topher," Jeremy said.

        "Just take the picture."

        "Be careful of your wrist," my mom said as Paul raised the camera with his good hand.

        Paul laughed and snapped a few pictures. "I'm fine. I'll send these to Allie to send to you."

        I stared at the cast on his wrist, feeling nervous again. I was getting tired of my emotions switching so fast. But still, it worried me. Even if Paul was acting like everything was all fine and dandy. It would be meaningless if I won Nationals and Paul ended up not being able to play with me.

        I shook my head. No. It wouldn't be meaningless. If I won this, it would be a great accomplishment. My career would be set. I needed to focus on one thing at a time and at the moment; it needed to be on the judges' decision. After that could come the whole thing with Paul.

        "You look a little pale," Paul said, putting a hand on my cheek. "Let me go get you some soda."

        "You don't need to," I said quickly.

        "I think the sugar will help you a little," he replied and walked away before I could say anything else.

        My mom smiled at me. "He really cares about you, huh?"

        I found myself cringing. Man, I did not want to have this talk. "Uh, yeah. Can we not talk about our relationship though?"

        "Yeah," my dad agreed.

        "Why? It's nice to see you've found someone that cares about you so much. You two remind me of your father and myself. I guess student teacher relationships really do run in the family," she said, laughing. "Grandma is going to love this."

        "No, you can't tell grandma!"

        "Why not?" my mom pouted.

        "Because she'll be all I-told-you-so and I don't want to hear anything about hers or your creepy teacher relationships," I told her, making a face.

        My dad narrowed his eyes at me. "What do you mean creepy?"

        "You dated your student. Grandpa dated his student. That's just... gross."

        "A lot happened!" my dad defended. "And you're dating your teacher!"

        "Substitute," I corrected him. "And he's also our family friend. I'm not dropping to your level."

        Jeremy burst out laughing and clapped me on the shoulder. "I love you, Allie Cat. You're just like your father."

        "Gross!"

        My mom was blushing and staring at the floor. "I-it wasn't that bad..."

        I gave her a straight stare, trying my best not to smile. It was so fun to tease my parents. "Mhm."

        "All contestants please report back to the auditorium," the overhead system announced.

        The jovial feeling evaporated and my breath caught in my throat. This was it. I looked around wildly. Where was Paul? Was he going to go back in with us? My mom started pushing me back to my seat and I started to protest, but then Paul appeared out of nowhere, handing me a cup of soda.

        I swallowed it down eagerly to help my dry throat. Then the bubbles hit me and I felt them go up my nose and my eyes started watering.

        "Don't cry yet," my dad scolded me.

        "I'm not, that just hurt," I gasped, pushing the soda away from me and into his hand. "Oh God, I might pass out. This is it. I'm not going to win, I shouldn't get my hopes up..."

Paul immediately snatched up my hand in his and gripped it hard. "Come on, Allie. Have more faith in yourself. You've made it this far. I know you've got this."

        I nodded mutely. It was time...

        As I sat back down in my seat, I could tell everyone else was feeling as jittery as I was. I gripped my knees to keep my hands from shaking. The announcer began speaking but I was barely paying attention to him. All I cared about were the results. I didn't want to hear about the splendid candidates. I didn't want to hear about how practice makes you better. I didn't want to hear compliments offered to everyone. I just wanted to know who won.

        I needed to know who won.

        "Without further ado, we would like to announce the top three contestants."

        My head snapped up.

        "In third place we have Irina Keavens, from California..." the announcer continued talking but I zoned out, watching the blonde haired girl climb the steps to the stage to retrieve her prize and certificate.

        One place down. Would I be okay with second place? It was better than nothing. I wanted first place but if it had to be that I didn't win, second would be fine.

        "In second place we have Brandon Burdeau, from Maine."

        I didn't get second place. The feeling of needing to throw up returned. I took more deep breaths. It was good that I didn't win second place. It meant I could've won first place. It wasn't over yet. There was still hope.

        "And finally, we are going to announce our first place winner."

        "I'm going to pass out," the guy next to me said.

        I looked over at him and we shared a wonderful moment of two contestants, both wanting the top prize, and both about to puke.

        "Good luck, again," I managed to say and force out a smile.

        The room exploded into applause. My head whipped back to the stage, where the judges were looking around in the crowd. Had they announced who had one? I'd missed it? I fell back into my seat. If I'd won, I would've noticed my name being said. I hadn't won. I hadn't even placed top three. I'd let everyone down.

        I blinked furiously. I couldn't cry.

        "Hey!" the guy next to me called, jabbing me in the shoulder. "Are you okay? What are you doing?"

Sulking, was what I wanted to say. But then he was telling me to hurry and get on stage.

        "W-what?" I croaked.

        "They just called you up! God, you won and you're not even paying attention?" he snorted. "You must really be a professional."

        My eyes shot back to the stage, where the judges were now waving at me to come up.

        At.

       Me.

        "Holy shit," I said, pushing myself out of my seat. My legs felt like jello. "Holy shit," I kept repeating. I felt like I was in a dream as I made my way up on stage. I don't even know how I made it up the stairs. I could barely hear the cheering from the audience. I'd won?

        The judges were shaking my hand and congratulating me. My eyes were wide and I thought I was smiling, but I wasn't really sure. I felt pretty numb. Probably in shock, I told myself.

        I got handed my certificate and an envelope and another bouquet of flowers. They weren't as pretty as the one Paul got me. I stared out into the crowd as the microphone was shoved into my face. What was I suppose to say? My gaze zeroed in on Paul who was hollering at the top of his lungs, unable to clap due to his cast. I burst out into laughter. And then into tears.

        "Sorry," I spoke into the microphone. "No... thank you. I don't know what to say. I'm speechless."

        Oh man, I was making a complete ass of myself.

        "Is this where I say 'pinch me I must be dreaming'?"

        That got a laugh out of the audience.

        "Um, thank you again." Should I have planned a speech? Did they expect one? I probably looked like such a dick.

        Before I had to make a fool of myself for any longer, I was gestured to get off the stage. Doing so gladly, I walked down the stairs and back to my seat. All the other contestants were congratulating me. When I saw the tears of some of their faces, I wiped the tears off my own face. I shouldn't have been the one crying. I hugged one of the girls, wishing her the best of luck in the future.

"I'll come to one of your performances," she promised me.

        "What's your name?"

        "Hazel."

        "I'll see you there," I responded with a smile.

        After I returned to my seat, the announcer went on to make some final remarks. I was too elated to pay much attention. I'd just won Nationals. That meant I was going to be Paul's partner and we were going to travel the world together and I'd just won ten grand. I was going to take Paul and Elliot and Aspen out to the best dinner.

        I blinked. But Elliot wasn't around anymore. He'd left. The thought made my heart wrench. Because of my performance, I'd temporarily forgotten he'd left for France. I couldn't take him out to eat... I couldn't see him anymore.

I fumbled in my purse for my phone. Had he already landed? How long was a flight to France? Did his phone work on the plane? He hadn't given me a number for overseas...

I won, I typed out and hit send.

Thank you, I added after a moment.

        Suddenly everyone was leaving their seats. I realized I must've missed the ending speech. Standing, I tried passing through the swarm of contestants and parents, trying to find Paul and my family. After getting elbowed a few times in the side a few times, I decided it was best to separate from the crowd. Seeing my chance, I tried to squeeze through a couple of plus-sized gentlemen, but one didn't notice me, kicking my shoe as he backed into me.

        My heel slipped out from underneath me and I sucked in a quick gasp of air as I lost my balance. Just before I fell over completely, a pair of arms shot out to catch me.

        "You okay?" Paul asked, grimacing as he helped me stand back up.

        "Oh god! Your wrist!" I responded, jerking myself out of his grasp. "I'm sorry, that was so stupid of me, it's these heels-"

        "Oh, be quiet and kiss me," he interrupted me, putting his hand on my cheek and placing his lips against mine.

        I smiled into him, pushing my body against his. "So brave," I commented when he pulled away.

        He blushed faintly. "No reason to hide it anymore. You won. Congratulations."

        "Thank you... thanks for having faith in me."

        "Always will, Allie Cat."

        "Now we get to tour together."

        His smile faltered slightly. "Yes, I hope so."

        His words caused my elation to fall. "What..."

        "We have to wait and see what the doctor's say, but don't let that spoil the mood," he said, shaking his head. "This is a life-changing moment for you. Let's celebrate."

        "If you're not going on tour, I'm not-"

        "I probably wouldn't let you," he responded nonchalantly.

        I raised an eyebrow. What was this? Paul being protective?

        He smirked at me. "Heh, just kidding."

        "Gross, don't smirk," I said, pushing on his shoulder.

        "That reminds me, I got you a present." He stuck his hand into his coat pocket and hesitated. "Um, I saw it and I thought it would suit you but now I'm thinking it might actually be pretty lame..."

        I rolled my eyes at him. "I'd like whatever you get me."

        Staring determinedly at the ground, he held out a small black box to me. "Here."

        I stared down at the box. Jewelry? He'd bought me some type of jewelry? Curious, I whipped it open. Inside was a beautiful glass figurine of a piano. The attention to detail was incredible. Every note was carved out into it. I stared at in awe. I switched my gaze to Paul, who was looking kind of nervous, rocking on the balls of his feet.

        "I love it," I said immediately. "Can I touch it?"

        "It's yours, you can touch it," he responded with a soft laugh. "It also plays music."

        Biting back my smile, I carefully took the little piano out of its box. It was cool to the touch. I found the little crank to wind up the music and twisted it. I almost laughed at the song that played out of it. Chopin's Nocturne is G Minor. "How did you get this?" I asked him, gently setting it back into the velvet box.

        "I customized it online," he said. "I thought it'd be a good keepsake."

        "You thought right," I responded, wrapping my arms around him and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I love it, thank you."

        "You're welcome."

        "I love you."

        He smiled at me. "I love you too. Now let's go find your parents because I'm sure they want to congratulate you too."

        My mom was the first one to leap at me when I finally got to my family. She was still crying as she clung to me hard. "I'm so proud! You worked so hard!"

        My dad chuckled at my mom. "Holly, let her breathe."

        "Yeah, don't kill me before I get to bask in this glory," I choked out.

        She let me go and wiped her tears. "Sorry, sorry. I'm excited."

        "I am too," I said with a grin. "I'm ten grand richer."

        "That's all you took out of this experience?" my dad asked with a raised eyebrow.

        "That scholarship is good too," Paul added.

        "How much is it worth? I forgot." Sliding open the envelope, I pulled out the check for the scholarship and my jaw nearly dropped. "What?!"

        Paul laughed at my reaction. "You didn't know?"

        "I was more interested in the ten grand!" The scholarship was for $60,000 dollars! That was a full year at NYU! Or more if I got enough scholarships! Or enough for all four years if I went to a state school! "I'm going to college!"

        "Weren't you planning on going anyway?" my dad questioned.

        "Yes, but now I won't have debt! This is awesome!"

        "You deserve it, Allie," my mom told me, hugging me again. "Congratulations!"

        Jeremy wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "So you're taking your favorite uncle out for a nice dinner, right?"

        I squirmed out from under his hand. "Ew, you're not my uncle."

        "Why aren't you more like Holly ? You had to get your father's traits," he sighed.

        My dad gazed at me proudly. "Atta girl."

        "You guys are all gross. Let's get out of here. I don't want to be in these heels anymore," I said, wondering how many blisters me feet could've gotten over the course of the past few hours.

        "Yeah, I'm starving," Jeremy agreed. "Let's go get dinner."

        "Oh, you're offering to buy?" my dad said. "Perfect."

        "What? No way! You and Allie eat way too much!"

        "Since when!" I responded, giving Jeremy a dirty look.

        He backed down a little. "I... my poor wallet."

        "I want steak," I announced as I led the group outside of the building.

        "You can have anything you want tonight," Paul said, grabbing my hand again. I liked how natural it was.

        "Anything?" I said suggestively.

        His cheeks pinked. "Food wise!"

        "Hmm."

        "One step at a time," he muttered to me. "Wait until your birthday."

        I nodded. Soon it would be my birthday and the last day of classes. Then I'd graduate. And then I'd be on tour with Paul.

        I could nearly burst with excitement. I was so lucky. So, so lucky.

        And for once, it seemed life couldn't get any better.

_____________

Ahh guys!!! This is it!! Only one or two chapters left!! Thank you for sticking around!!!! I love you!!!! (and don't worry, we'll get to hear from Elliot once before the end!!!)