Charlton bowed his head as he walked back to his seat after he played the cello. He was afraid that his eyes would betray what his heart desires.
When he saw Serena about to fall the stairs earlier, God only knows how terrified he was that he was afraid his heart might lurch out of his ribcage. Thankfully, someone caught her. But when he saw Geoffrey with his arm wrapped around her waist, he wanted to do nothing more that to rip her away from him, so much so, that he felt his hands tremble. When Leonard left, he quickly excused himself from the conversation to follow.
As he approached them, he saw how Geoffrey's eyes lingered on Serena as she dipped into a curtsey. He was immediately assaulted by feelings which he knows he has no right to have. He could hear his ears ringing but can only clench his jaw to hide his frustration.
However, when he reached her, heard her address him and saw her remove Leonard's coat, his anger suddenly escaped him only to be replaced by a violent onslaught of shock and shame laced with a bit of triumph.
Fortunately, Serena chuckled before he could utter something stupid in response. At the same time, he was annoyed with himself for being too much of a coward to stand up for her after Geoffrey's remark.
Despite telling himself that he should know better, he could not help himself from turning back towards her to apologize and answer her question. Seeing her blushing face, he smiled, eyes twinkling and dimple showing.
Not long after his performance, Serena volunteered to play her own song. He was surprised but knew that she had it in her. She was bold and daring he realized. Traits which he used to scoff at in a woman, but now finds endlessly alluring.
When he saw her sat in front of the piano, started playing, eyes full of concentration, he could not, for the life of him, tear his eyes away. Then she started to sing. Each word she sang tickled his heart, that from the start up to the end of her song, he could not, try as he might, stop the upward tilt of his lips.
He could only close his eyes in defeat. The heart wants what it want. And so, he swore to himself that if she were to knock on his door one more time, he will put everything on the line.
--
As Emily finished playing the piano, Geoffrey was convinced that she was everything he has ever wanted. Beautiful, graceful, and humble. A real flower one can't help but want to protect. If not for his engagement, he would proudly proclaim to the world that this girl was his.
On the other hand, Geoffrey was surprised when Serena volunteered herself to perform. Her attention seeking behavior instigating his ire. Almost all the people present knew that she was his intended, and there she was, acting shamelessly, not even regarding her position.
Yet, no matter how much he looked down on her conduct, when she started to play, he could not deny that her beauty and performance were soul-stirring. Unknowingly, Serena struck a chord in him, but he put it off as just appreciation for the song she sang.
--
"Bravo! Ms. Serena! Bravo! Where have you been hiding all this time? All my life, I have never heard a song as beautiful as yours! I have been enraptured by your sheer brilliance. From now on, you shall be my muse! You are not simply a prodigy; you are a musical genius! I can not praise you enough! I believe that your song will lead to a new era in the music industry!" Felix can't help but gush, as if suddenly he was not their teacher but her die-hard fan.
Serena couldn't stop herself from wanting to laugh, so she covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. 'How can I not laugh in this scenario? I just plagiarized and this is the result. I've never been praised this much my whole life.'
Felix stopped his gushing, seeing her expression. "Don't laugh, I am being serious. I have never been wrong with my ears. If you were to let me guide you and polish this song more, I can guarantee your name being written in history."
"I'm not laughing Sir, it's just that I'm so happy that my song has been recognized. I never thought that I would be receiving this much praise. Thank you very much." Serena explained after composing herself.
"No my dear, thank YOU. You have inspired me beyond words. Alright, please be seated and do not leave the class just yet after I dismiss your classmates."
"Yes, sir"
Serena moved back her seat. Unfortunately, she was not able to bask on Charlton's reaction much. While playing, she was too busy in concentrating on the piano keys to ensure that she doesn't press the wrong ones to look elsewhere. After playing, she was only able to catch a glimpse of his reaction. However, it was definitely worth it. Although he was not looking at her she did not fail to see his red face, curved eyes , and slightly tilted lips.
'If that song did not lead straight to his heart, I don't know what will.' Serena thought.
--
"You got girls writing songs for you now? I must say that I am envious! Stop that smile, it gives me the chills." Kylo whispered to Charlton teasingly. Although he was sitting beside Geoffrey, he just can't hold back from making a comment.
Charlton can only cover his mouth with his right palm. He can't stop his lips from raising.
"Hey Leonard, you didn't mention how talented your sister was." Kylo said, noticing Leonard being silent after being one of the people who made the loudest applause.
Leonard just looked at him smugly. As if saying, 'do you even need to ask? That is already a given.'
--
"Wow, you just made our instructor worship the grounds you walk on! Haha!" Gizel said laughingly as Serena sat back on her seat. "But seriously, that was splendid!"
"That was really beautiful. I can't agree more." Via commended.
"True that! I can already imagine you playing that song on my wedding. Promise me you'll play it for me when the time comes." Milly gushed.
Serena can't help herself from laughing with what Milly said. In her previous life, it has been one of the most overrated wedding songs. Seems like it will soon spiral to that too.
--
TBC