Chapter 74: Proud to have you

"Mira," Jace called out as they exited the studio and spotted Miranda waiting outside. "Jace!" she beamed, waving cheerfully at the others. "You guys should go on without me," Jace said to his bandmates. They nodded and continued ahead, leaving him behind. "Hey," Miranda greeted with a soft smile and a small wave. "Hey, quit the formality," he teased, stepping closer and extending his hand. She grabbed it without hesitation and laced their fingers together. "Nothing much," she said, gently swinging their joined hands. "Just wanted to wish you luck before you go on stage." "Huh, I see," he replied, letting his eyes scan her from head to toe with a thoughtful expression. "What?" she asked, laughing lightly. "Say what's on your mind already." "You're beautiful," he said suddenly, winking at her. She flushed and let out a small gasp. "Gosh," she murmured, covering her face with her free hand. "Oh, please, stop the pretense," Jace chuckled. "No pretense here, boo. I'm totally flattered," she said, dropping her hand and flashing a wide grin. "You're not bad yourself." "Wow, that's a first," he said, raising an eyebrow. "You've never complimented my looks before. Thank you, though that doesn't really do justice to my appearance. I mean, I am the most handsome guy you'll see around here today." "Suit yourself," she said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "It's something you can just admit, you know?" "Nope, not doing that," she said with a teasing smile, popping the "P." "Gosh, you're never going to admit this, are you?" he asked, feigning frustration. "Nope," she said again, sticking her tongue out at him playfully. "Jace!" a voice called from nearby. It was Helena, approaching them as they made their way toward the hall. Her eyes flicked down to their interlocked hands before she quickly looked away. "Can you wait for me?" Jace asked Miranda softly. "Sure," Miranda said, taking a few steps aside to give them space. "Jace, I'm....." "Helena," he interrupted gently, "I'm sorry. I know what happened between us was partially my fault, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel guilty about it. I hope you'll forgive me so we can be good friends." He looked at her, eyes sincere. "Really?" she breathed. "Oh God, thank you so much, Jace!" Without warning, she pulled him into a tight hug. "Am I forgiven?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her briefly. "Yes," she said, stepping back, visibly relieved. "Thanks. I gotta go now." "So... is she your girlfriend?" she asked as he turned to leave. "Well... no," he replied, then walked off, missing the faint smile spreading across Helena's face. Miranda gagged dramatically as he returned to her. "What?" Jace asked, amused by her expression. "Nothing," she said, casting a glance at Helena, who lingered behind. "Let's go," she added quickly, starting ahead. "You don't like her, do you?" he asked, falling in step beside her. "Yes. From day one. She's always acted like a bitch. I wonder what she's planning now." "She's planning nothing this time. She just wanted to apologize." "Apologize for what? It's not like she offended you or something," Miranda said with a raised eyebrow. "We once dated. We ended things a long time ago… before I even got into this school," he admitted, glancing at her. "Huh," she hummed, folding her arms across her chest. "Come on, bestie, don't give me that attitude," he pouted. "What attitude? Gosh, you're so cute," she said, reaching over to ruffle his hair. "Stop! I'm not a kid," he grumbled, leaning away. "So, what are you performing today?" "Wait and see," he said with a mischievous smile. As they neared the hall entrance, he paused. "I need to see my dad before going on stage." "Okay. So, later?" Miranda asked, squeezing his hand. "We'll talk when I get off stage. Gotta go now," he said, raising their entwined hands and pressing a kiss to the back of her palm. "My lady." He winked before stepping into the buzzing auditorium. Inside, the energy was electric. Jace scanned the crowd until his eyes landed on the guest of honor section, there sat his father, Joseph Edmond. Jace hesitated, then pulled out his phone and texted: "I've got a surprise for you." His father's reply came seconds later. "What's that?" "Well, just wait and see," Jace responded, sliding his phone back into his pocket. Backstage, his bandmates were getting ready. Mr. Alfred attached a cheek mic to Jace. "I'm nervous," Dorah admitted, fidgeting. "Chill. Just follow the lead," Ronald reassured her. "Okay, guys," Mr. Alfred said. "How about Dorah leading? Or Jace, are you sure you can do this?" "I'll do it," Ronald volunteered quickly. "Thanks, buddy," Jace said gratefully. Moments later, the emcee called them to the stage. The audience erupted in cheers as the curtain lifted, revealing the Young Stars under a wash of colorful lights. Joseph Edmond stared in disbelief as he saw his son standing center stage. Jace's grandmother and Agnes, seated beside him, could barely contain their pride. Max took his place behind the drums. Jason flashed a sheepish grin from the keyboard. Jace, Dorah, and Ronald each had guitars slung over their shoulders. Jace blinked rapidly, feeling a wave of panic rising. Then his eyes found his father's. Joseph met his gaze and smiled gently, mouthing the words: "You can do it." Jace gave a slow nod, absorbing his father's silent support. [Ronald:] Seems like everybody's got a price I wonder how they sleep at night... As the performance went on, Joseph's emotions overwhelmed him. Watching his son once paralyzed by stage fright stand boldly before a crowd, rapping with confidence, brought tears to his eyes. He rose slowly, gripping the table for balance as his shoulders shook. Cameras turned toward him. The audience murmured, witnessing the raw vulnerability of a father moved beyond words. When the final note faded, Jace dropped his guitar and dashed offstage. Joseph stepped forward just in time to catch his son in a powerful hug. "Thank you, God," Joseph whispered repeatedly, his voice breaking. The crowd erupted in applause. The emotional moment swept through the room like a wave. Even Jace's bandmates joined in, clapping hard and wide-eyed. Mr. Alfred stood backstage, a proud smile etched on his face as he watched father and son finally share the long-overdue moment of pride, healing, and love.