Friday morning was, in the simplest term, hectic. Paul had to be at the hospital for 9AM and I had to be at the music hall by 12PM to sign in and go through a rehearsal. The whole morning I was spacing out and freaking out, my nerves getting the best of me. Example A: I'd made Paul's favorite breakfast before realizing he wasn't supposed to eat before going into surgery. I felt terrible after it because his stomach was rumbling all the way to the hospital.

"I'm so sorry," I kept apologizing, giving him the best puppy-dog eyes I could muster.

"That bacon smelled soooo good," he groaned.

"You're making me feel bad!"

He laughed, putting a hand on my thigh and squeezing it. "I'm just teasing you. You'll just have to make me breakfast another day to make up for it."

"Deal," I said, putting my hand on top of his.

We met his parents at the hospital, as they were going to stay with him for the duration of the surgery. They gave us privacy to say goodbye though. I held his hand tightly.

"I'll be fine," he promised me, offering me a reassuring smile.

"I'm scared," I admitted.

He didn't ask of what. I didn't really know what I meant either. Maybe lots of things. "Look for me in the audience tonight," he replied, kissing my shaking hand. "I'll try my hardest to be there. And if I can't make it, you're going to kick butt. You're ready for this. Don't let anyone else become my partner, okay?"

I nodded. "Don't let anyone replace you."

"Don't worry, I won't." He let go of my hand, tilting my chin up so he could kiss my lips softly. "Good luck, Allie Cat."

I swallowed hard. Crap. I was going to cry. Paul wiped a tear from my eye with a chuckle. "Come on, I'll be fine! It's not open-heart surgery. Get out of here— you're going to be late. Boston's pretty far away."

Not trusting myself to speak, I just nodded.

"I'll see you in a bit, okay?" he continued. "I love you."

"Love you too," I whispered, kissing him again.

"If you get nervous tonight, try to remember playing that piano by the sea. Remember how that felt? Imagine you're there with only me and the ocean to watch you. You've got this."

I sent him off with a smile. I was scared right now, but I knew he'd be okay. If I could just win this competition, everything would fall into place. I believed in Paul, and I believed in myself.

After leaving the hospital, I drove straight to my parents' house. They were on the way, so we were going to take one car up. Jeremy had decided last minute to tag along and I'd wished I'd brought headphones because he babbled almost the entire two-hour trip up to Boston. Although I didn't want to admit it, listening to him helped calmed my nerves.

"And then— the look on your mom's face was great— I went back to go get her and she opened the door and she was in her underwear and she must've thought I'd died when Shawn shot me because the look on her face was priceless," he babbled, a big dumb grin on his face.

I raised an eyebrow as my mom's face darkened. "She saved our lives," my dad commented, glancing in the rear-view mirror.

"Yeah, by losing her pants."

"Are you guys all delusional?" I inquired, actually feeling a little worried about them.

My dad hit his hand on the steering wheel. "It happened! Why don't you ever believe me?"

"Uhhh who'd believe their dad was a high school biology teacher ex-gang member?" I responded with a skeptical look. "Try for something a little more credible."

This sent Jeremy into a fit of giggles while my mom just sighed. The more I heard about these stories, the more I was inclined to believe it, but at the same time... I didn't think I wanted to.

The jittery feeling was back the minute we pulled up to the massive music hall the competition was being held in. It was at least seven stories tall and the design was classy and historic.

"Have fun, we'll see you in a bit," my mom said as I climbed out of the car.

They didn't have to be around for rehearsal, so I was going in alone. I was in a sort of daze as I entered the building. There were signs to direct the contestants, so I didn't get lost. The interior was just as amazing as the exterior. The floors were made of a dark marble and the ceilings were high. I wish I could've appreciated it more, but my mind was preoccupied with Paul and my piece. I kept playing the melody over and over again in my head.

I assumed all the people filing in around me were the other contestants. Some were dressed up nicely while others were dressed like me— a pair of jeans and a shirt. My dress was in the car. I didn't want to get it dirty wearing it around before the competition, so I'd decided to change into it later.

As much as I wanted to scope out the others, I kept my eyes on the floor. There was no need to check anyone out and make myself more nervous than I already was. I had to get through rehearsal, make sure Paul was okay, and get through the competition. I ended up repeating that like a mantra through my head. Get through rehearsal, check on Paul, get through the competition.

While we were waiting, everyone was chatting amongst themselves. I stayed to myself, wishing I'd brought my phone in. Was Paul out of surgery? Did it go okay? I was dying to know.

"I'll die if I win and get to tour with Paul Russet," someone commented and my ears perked up.

"Yessss, he's so cute," another girl agreed. "Ugh, that face. And he plays so beautifully."

"Just imagine getting to spend a whole summer with him?"

I clenched my hands. No one was spending the summer with him but me. I wanted to speak up. I wanted to say something. But I knew I couldn't. No one could know Paul and I were dating. Even though he wasn't judging the competition anymore, it still wouldn't be good. I had to keep it to myself.

When we finally got to enter the auditorium where we'd be playing, I almost gasped. I'd never seen such a wide stage before. And placed right in the middle of it was a beautiful grand piano. I could see the sleek black shine from where I was in the way back of the room. I wanted to touch the keys so badly.

Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to touch the piano. We rehearsed being called up and where to sit and where to go and what to do. We were reminded of the etiquette and where the fire escape was. I was barely paying attention. My fingers were aching to touch the piano. I was aching to play it.

At around 3 o'clock we were let out. I nearly sprinted back to the parking lot where my parents were waiting. There was three hours before the competition began, so we were going to go eat lunch somewhere downtown. As soon as I slid into the car I started digging for my cell phone. I hadn't brought it in because I didn't want to be distracted by it.

I had a text from Paul.

Doing A-okay :) Hope you're doing well!

I fell back into my seat, feeling immensely relaxed.

"How'd it go?" my mom asked me.

"I'll be fine," I told her. I would be. Even though I hadn't been feeling too confident the past few weeks, it was different now. There was too much riding on this. And with all the support from my friends and family, I didn't think anything was impossible anymore.

I decided to text Paul back.

Can I call you?

His response came back quickly.

No service ):

I frowned. Well, iMessage it had to be.

That sucks. Will you be out soon?

I hope so! I want to see you play.

I want you here too.

"Are you texting Paul?" my dad asked, peeking through the rear-view mirror.

"Uh-huh," I responded distractedly.

My mom turned around in her seat and patted my knee. "He'll be fine. He's just like his mom— he's got an incredible will. I'm sure he'll be able to make it tonight."

"I hope so..."

"Don't worry, I'm here, you can use me as a replacement," Jeremy offered, slinging an arm around my shoulders.

"Gross," my dad commented coldly.

Jeremy chuckled and retracted his arm back. "Kidding, kidding. Although my presence does increase the odds in your favor."

"Sure," I responded, rolling my eyes. "I just want it to be five. I just want to get this over and done with."

We ended up eating at Hard Rock Café, which was a pretty neat place and was pretty close to the music hall. I got a burger, but mainly picked at my side of fries. I didn't feel too hungry. I was getting more nervous by the second. I don't know how I'd managed to keep so calm earlier — especially with Paul still in surgery. But now it was crazy. I could feel my hands trembling slightly. I had to calm down.

My phone buzzed and I immediately reached for it, wondering if it was Paul. "Hello?"

"Where are you?" It was Elliot.

"In Boston, why?"

"Where?"

"At the Hard Rock café," I told him, a little confused.

"When will you be back at the music hall?" he asked, sounding a little impatient.

I glanced around the table. Everyone was finished eating but me. "Maybe in half an hour? Why? Where are you?"

"I'll meet you there."

"What?"

"See you."

"Elliot—" He hung up before I could even finish his name. Puzzled, I put my phone back into my pocket. "Elliot says he's waiting for me at the hall. Is it alright to head back?"

My mom nodded. "Why don't you get changed here while we get the bill? Who knows how many girls will be trying to change in the bathroom when you get there."

"Smart," I said, grabbing the keys from my dad and grabbing my dress and shoes out of the car. I also grabbed my makeup, deciding to put some more on.

After I was changed and ready, I headed back to the table. Jeremy winked at me and I pretended to throw up. My mom gushed over how beautiful I looked and I think my dad was a little speechless. It wasn't often I wore dresses. A little embarrassed, I marched out of the restaurant with them in tow.

What I wasn't expecting when we were headed back, was traffic. As soon as we managed to leave the parking lot of the café, we got stuck in traffic. I swallowed nervously after we'd barely made any distance in five minutes. "Are we going to be late?"

"We should've expected the traffic," my dad muttered, glancing in the mirrors. Cars surrounded every side of us.

I checked the time. There was only forty minutes before I had to be back the music hall. Less than that if Elliot wanted to meet up with me. And if he drove all the way here, I definitely wanted to see what was up. I stared at the window, tapping my fingers on my leg, trying to compose myself.

Twenty minutes later, we were still a little ways from the hall. My palms were beginning to get sweaty and my dad was swearing under his breath. Jeremy was trying to be funny, but I could tell he was a little worried as well. Elliot texted me, saying he was in front of the building.

When it hit 4:45PM I started to freak out. We were so close to the hall, but still stuck in traffic. "We're going to be late! Oh god! Will they let me in?"

"We're going to make it," my dad said, slamming on the gas pedal.

"Chris!" my mom cried as he cut off some guy and sped down the breakdown lane. "You're going to get pulled over!

"Nothing new to me."

"Go Topher Go!" Jeremy cried.

I swayed with the momentum of the car and I wondered if my dad ever street raced before. Because if he told me that, I'd definitely believe him. We made it to the hall with seven minutes to spare. My dad dropped me off in the front of the building because the parking lot was packed.

"We'll see you in there, good luck!" my mom cried as I hurried out of the car.

I waved to them and headed up the stairs to the main entrance. My heart was going crazy and I felt a little breathless. It was almost time. There were quite a few people before me, but I'd be on that stage playing soon enough.

I came to an abrupt stop when someone yanked on my elbow. "Allie!"

I pivoted, coming face-to-face with Elliot. He was dressed nicely, a black dress shirt with the elbows rolled up to the sleeves matched with a dark pair of jeans. He had a bouquet in his free hand, which he stuffed in my hands. There was a sense of urgency about him.

"Elliot? What's wrong?" I asked, eyes wide. "I really have to go in—"

"Just wait a second," he said roughly. Then he dropped his head back and let out a sigh. "No, that came out wrong."

I frowned at him. "What's up?"

"Listen, I was going to wait until after you won to tell you this, but something came up and I'm leaving tonight."

"Leaving?" I echoed.

"I love you."

"What—"

"Shut up and hear me out," he cut me off, holding my shoulders and making me keep eye contact with him.

My mind was whirling and my face felt hot. What? Elliot loved me?

"A few weeks ago I got an offer to go study music abroad in France in one of their top music schools. I would work directly under their top skilled pianists. I accepted the offer right away."

"What—"

"I'll be gone for a year," he continued, not letting me get a word out. His eyes were stormy, his jaw clenched. "And while I'm there I am going to study hard and practice hard and when I come back to the states, I'll be joining you and Mr. Russ— Paul in the top ranks. You better be up there, Allie."

I stared at him, completely stunned. It was hard to take in all at once. Elliot loved me? Like was in love with me? And he was going to study abroad? "You're leaving tonight?"

He nodded. "In a little bit."

"What..." I couldn't believe it. It was so hard to process. He really was leaving?"What about graduation?" I asked. He wasn't going to graduate with us?

"I might be back for it, but I'll probably just have them mail the diploma," he responded with a shrug. "The school's been working with me."

The crowd outside was beginning to thin out. I knew I only had a few minutes to get in the door. If he really was leaving, I had to address the other thing he'd said. "Elliot, you know how I feel—"

"I'm not saying it to change your feelings," he interjected, finally letting go of me and shoving his hands in his pockets. "I'm saying it just so you know how I feel about you. I don't like a lot of people, but I like you. Thank you for being my best friend and for caring about me when it seemed like no one else did."

"Oh... thank you, Elliot," I responded, feeling my cheeks warm up again. "Thank you for being my friend, too. And I love you too, just... in a different way." But there was a small part of me that wished I could return his feelings. Elliot, the boy who scared away more people than he befriended, loved me. It felt like the biggest compliment.

He smirked at me. "Don't give me that expression. A year is a long time. Who knows what will happen? Maybe when I come back I can sweep you away."

"Eh?"

In one quick motion, he stooped down and kissed me on my cheek. "You should get in there. See ya later, Alligator."

"Wait, Elliot—"

He stepped away from me and backed up a few steps. "You better win tonight, Allie. We have to meet each other at the top. You better be waiting for me up there when I get back. Don't let me get ahead of you."

"Elliot," I tried again. Was this the last time I was going to see him?

He waved. "Good luck. You'll knock them dead in that dress so it should be easy to win after that."

"Damn it," I cursed, running after him. He looked surprised when I crashed into him, giving him a bone-crushing hug. "You idiot! You can't just drop that on someone! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I didn't know I was leaving today," he responded, sounding honest. "I'm sorry."

I hugged him tighter. "I'm going to miss you."

He put his arms around me. "...I'll miss you too. You have to go though. You'll be late."

Pulling back, I blinked furiously. "This is really goodbye?"

"Don't get sappy."

I grimaced a bit. "Make sure you get a good international plan so we can keep in touch."

He rolled his eyes. "I'll think about it."

I smiled a little. "Bye, Elliot."

"Go show those losers who they're up against," he responded, smiling back at me.

A lump formed in my throat. I wouldn't see that smile in a long time. But I couldn't let him get the lead on me in some fancy college in France. Tonight I was taking first place.

I turned my back on him and hurried up the steps and into the building. I swallowed hard as joined the other contestants. In a little over two and a half hours, one of us would be titled winner of Nationals.

And that person was going to be me.

____________________

I wrote a whole bunch of shit and Wattpad freaked out and deleted it so I'm not even going to bother to fix it....

Main points are as follows:

A) Many of you guessed Elliot was leaving! You were correct! But fear not, he will be back :) Comment to support him ;)

B) Remember to follow me on Instagram or Twitter! I put it in the external link! OR it's @JordanLynde_

C) Let's try to get this higher on the What's Hot List before it ends! Please vote as well as comment :)

D) I'm going to be participating in the Summer Wattpad Block Party! I'll keep you guys updated- it's this cool online thing where a bunch of authors do different stuff and there's giveaways and what not! I might do a bonus chapter or an interview or both or other things! Let me know what you wanna see! You can comment here or message me or tweet at me, whatever!