June 24, Monday.
5:10 PM

"Good evening ladies and gentleman, I thank you all for being here today." The principal pauses to clear his throat, and he proceeds to his opening remark.

As of now, I was sipping water from a wine glass to calm my nerves. The event has started and by every minute someone would enter and take their seat, listening attentively to the principal's every word.

Men in spiffy suits, women all dolled up, garnering glances and stares as their heels clicked till they took their seat. It makes me so nervous to the point that my stomach is churning. But hey, Prof did a good job with getting people to come to the event.

"Jees. You and Theo are seriously shaking. Are you two alright?" Sylvie pulls me out of my thoughts as she grabs my cold hands and gives both me and Theo concerned looks.

"Not really..." I admit.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Toootally fine!" Theo says sarcastically with a somewhat deranged laugh. Well he's in a worst condition than I am apparently.

"Just breathe you two. Breathe." Sylvie tells us.

"I could be at home playing games right now!" Theo pushes his chair back and attempts to get up, but prof grabs his wrist and pulls him back down. "It's just a speech Theo. All you have to do is read what's written on the paper." Prof tells him, giving him a serious look.

"If only it was that easy."

"And before we get to anything else, we eat. It's hard to listen on an empty stomach right?" I turn my attention back to the stage. The principal let out a hefty laugh, then he placed the mic back onto it's stand and left the stage. The crowd clapped half-heartedly and waiters began making their way to each table with food and drinks.

As the waiters made their way to our table, I looked at the food being served with delight. Is this rich people food?

They served well cooked steak, creamy mashed potatoes, some vegetables on the side and finally a plate of salad. While another waiter came over and poured ice tea into our glasses.

"Eat up! But don't eat too much. Or you three might end up having to use the comfort room before you guys give your speeches." Prof tells us as he takes his fork and knife and begins cutting his steak. "Oh, and dessert will be served afterwards too."

"Dessert!" Theo's eyes light up. "What kind of dessert?"

"If I recall correctly, It was Creme brulee." Prof answers him, and Theo begins eating his steak happily. "And again, I remind you three not to eat too much."

"Yes professor." The three of us answer him blandly in unison.

•••

"I'm stuffed..." Theo remarks as he slumps into his seat, rubbing his stomach. Just after finishing up his 5th creme brulee. Prof on the other hand, was looking at Theo disapprovingly. "I won't be very happy if I hear you saying you need to use the restroom just before your speech, Theo."

"I won't professor, I promise."

"Pfft. Promise." Sylvie snorts. "Promises are made to be broken!"

"Promises are made to be kept. People just make their decisions prematurely." I answer.

"Heh." Sylvie pouts.

"Alright, you three prepare." Prof pushes his chair back, gets up and heads elsewhere. Probably to fix himself.

"I'm tempted to get up and leave." I tell the two, once prof was now out of my sight.

"I am too." Theo says after me.

"There is no backing out now!" Sylvie puts her hands on her hips.

"Well that's easy for you to say. You aren't afraid of crowds!" I tell Sylvie, slightly furrowing my brows.

"If you can't handle this kind of situation, how will you survive the adult world?!"

"I'll get by! Somehow..."

"I'll just live in my parents basement and play games for the rest of my life." Theo says with pride.

"And do you think your parents will allow that?" Sylvie raises her brow. "You're hopeless." And she sighs, taking out her speech.

How I wish I had her confidence.

I rub my palms together and take deep breaths in an attempt to calm myself. Telling myself that i'll be fine and it's just a speech.

I just can't help but to feel nervous though!

Seeing all these people.

"Hey." I feel a cold hand touch my shoulder, making me jolt in my seat.

"Theo?"

"You're shaking. Are you alright?"

"Ah... Haha..." I chuckle awkwardly. "D-don't worry. I just get this way when in these kinds of situations."

Goodness Theo. What's with the sudden kindess? It reminds me of Dread. Ugh, reminds me. I haven't even informed him that I wouldn't get to go online today.

"I do too. But we can't let our fears get the best of us." Theo smiles brightly.

"Wonderful evening everyone! Enjoyed your food? Well now we shall proceed to the good part!" Prof's voice echoes throughout the area, grabbing everyones attention just before I could respond to Theo.

If Theo and Sylvie can do it, so can I.

"Symphony high is a school with wonderful students..." And from that point, all I could hear was 'bla bla bla' And the sound of my heart thumping, beating faster after every passing second. So I leaned my head down on the table and closed my eyes.

"You'll be alright." I hear Sylvie's voice, as a soft and warmer hand rubs my back comfortingly.

"Yeah, thanks Sylvie."

"If you make it through, maybe I'll try one of those disgusting carbonated drinks." Theo says.

"Oh you better. And they are not disgusting!"

"Carbonated drinks? Juice is better Lydia!" Sylvie joins in the war of 'Your fave drink sucks'

"Juice is boring." I sit up then smirk at Syvlie.

"At least it's healthy!"

"Heh."

"And now three of the academy's top students will be giving a speech." Those words made its way to my ears and swirled around my brain.

At that very moment, my heart dropped.

The audience once again began clapping half heartedly and Syvlie proceeded to the stage, taking the mic from prof with a smile on her face.

She spoke very confidently. Though she still looked at the speech written on the paper, she was still able to maintain eye contact with the audience. And of course, she smiled as she spoke, and kept a good posture. I am humbled by her confidence.

"If only it was that easy." Theo says, watching Sylvie very closely.

"We'll do just fine."

We'll do just fine...

•••

"That is all I have to say, thank you." Sylvie bowed then looked over at me.   I gulped and stood up, Took my speech out then slowly walked over to the stage, taking the mic from Sylvie as she stepped down. "Goodluck Lydia." She tells me in a low voice.

"Thanks."

"Good evening ladies and gents!" I paused to clear my voice. "Symphony high is truly an amazing school. To me, it is my second home. And it always will be. I have began studying at symphony high ever since middle school and not once have I regretted it." Breathe.

I could feel myself shaking as I read the speech. The words felt like they were running away from the paper, but I must push through. I must.

"As a 3rd year high school student, My time at Symphony high will soon come to an end, it truly saddens me. And I'm hoping that the future students to enroll at Symphony high will love it just as much as I did. There are plenty reasons to enroll your children at Symphony high, and I shall give you all some reasons why." I pause once again to take another deep breath. It's alright. I'm doing just fine!

"At Symphony high, bullying is not an issue. I, and the majority of my fellow students always do our best to make sure that each student feels cared about, and not out of place. The teachers too are wonderful people. They do their best to make sure no student is left out, and that everyone understands the lesson. They ensure that every question is answered and elaborated clearly. Next, We have the events. Our school has a wide range of events that not only bring happy memories to the students, but also teach the students in creative ways, Making the most out of everything.

These are only a few reasons why you should enroll your children at Symphony high. I'd like to give even more, but the given time is not enough! Joke intended. Anywho, thank you for listening ladies and gents, have a good evening!" I exhale heavily, and rush down the stage, forgetting to bow or even wave at the very least. I did it! A giddy smile made its way up to my face. Achievement!

"Good job Lydia!" Prof tells me.

"Thanks prof. Theo, it's your turn now. Good luck!" I pat Theo's back and hand him the mic. Then I noticed his every movement was extremely stiff, his usually rosy cheeks were colorless, and his skin as pale as a ghost. Oh goodness he's pale. Will he be okay?