Chapter 014

(Thursday, September 8, 20**) "University Gymnasium, Music Club Auditions, 1st set of 100 participants 9:00 am to 12:00 pm." I read what was written on the bulletin board. I thought it would only be held at the Music Club but why at the gym? I'm not nervous, but why is it there? My name is on the 1st set, number 28, and quite a bit longer. Each student who auditioned has only 3 minutes to perform on stage so that the 1st set can end quickly. I'm with Therese now, we're going to the gym even though it's only 7:48 am. They said they wanted to sit in the front so they could see me once it was my turn to sing. When we arrived at the gym, there were already a lot of people inside to watch the audition and it was like a big event of the Music Club. They went to the front while I went backstage. When I arrived, many people were waiting and the old members of the Music Club were also there, including Sebastian. Maybe I'll return the jacket and pick he lent me later. He looks busy, and he didn't notice my presence. After a minute, Brother Dim went in our direction with Sister Sheene and Sebastian saw me but he didn't look at me for long. "Everyone, may I have your attention please just for a minute before we start," he said. We all looked at him but he looked worried. 'Only this year that this situation happened and I found out that some of you just joined the Music Club because of a guy," Brother Dim said. Is this what I'm saying, it's good that Brother Dim knows the reason why many students join the Music Club. "The Music Club has been around for more than 20 years and it has given the honor to the university. I don't want to scare you but the judges who will you face will humiliate you all when your performance is not good. Now, you still have a chance to back out. I don't want the club's reputation will be ruined because of all of you," Brother Dim said seriously and the others seemed scared. They immediately stood up with their belongings. Brother Dim was not surprised, he also knew that this would happen. There were only a few of us left, and then Brother Dim sighed in disappointment. The other old members of the Music Club that I met the other day also approached us but I was surprised when Sebastian approached me. They are confused especially me. What will he do? I mean why did he come to me? "Are your fingers okay? Are you able to strum properly?" he asked while looking at me. I couldn't answer right away because of his stare. His voice was like music to my ears, calm and worried about me. "Yes, it's fine.. thank you. I'll return your jacket and pick later," I replied and he nodded. "All right, good luck," he said and he left. Why can't he take a long time to look at me and talk to me? "Yee... Vienna." Sister Sheene teased me when she reached my direction. "Sebastian was unfair, he only comes to you to say good luck," Cedrick said. The other members of the club then laughed. "Good luck to you Vienna, do your best later," Sam said and I just smiled. "We're going to the front, just prepare yourself. You can do that," Gian said as well. And they also left and I just sighed. After 15 minutes, the audition began. Brother Dim gave the opening speech and introduced the judges which is Uncle Francis was one of them. "Vienna.." I turned around, it was my brother with Tine and his teammates whom I also met last week. "What are you doing here? Do you still have practice?" I asked but they just smiled at me. "We told our coach that we want to watch your audition and he agreed," Tine replied. "And I'm your brother, I should support you," my brother said. I just rolled my eyes, such a liar! Of all the contests I joined, it's only now that he supports me. "Your brother even made you a banner." And Laurence showed it to me. This is probably what my brother was doing last night. "By the way Vienna, when is your turn? What's your number?" Ian asked. "28, but we're only over 30 and the others have backed out so maybe I'll sing soon," I replied. "So, we're going to the front, good luck to you Vienna," Joseph said, I just smiled. "Good luck baby sister, do your best later," my brother said, I just nodded. They all left but Tine stays with me here. "Tine, aren't you following my brother?" I asked. "I follow, I just want to join you here," he replied. "No need Tine, I have colleagues with me here. It's okay, don't worry," I said and smiled at him. "Okay, do your best later, and for sure you can pass. You can do that," he said while patting my shoulder. He left and after 20 minutes, my name was called. Many shouted my name, led by Michelle and Therese most of all my brother and his teammates. I looked at the judges, Uncle Francis smiled at me but I just answered with a fake smile. I also prepared my guitar then I started to strum. The shouting and applause got louder. (Song playing: I Like You So Much, You'll Know It by Ysabelle Cuevas) As I sang, I just really looked in Sebastian's direction. I don't know why but he's just looking at me seriously and he's probably the only one who doesn't enjoy what I'm singing. Sebastian is still looking at me seriously, why is that? As I ended the song, everyone applauded. They were still shouting my name but I wasn't happy with Sebastian's reaction. "Please introduce yourself," Dean said, glad I heard him. "Vienna Malvar, 2nd year from College of Political Science," I introduced myself and everyone shouted. Especially my classmates who are here and I just smiled at them. "Wonderful performance Ms. Malvar, keep it up, congratulations." And everyone applauded when Dean said that. After that, I went down the stage. Therese, Michelle, and my brother welcomed me with a warm hug. But suddenly my eye caught Sebastian, he was looking at me but the coldness of his eyes makes me confused. What is happening to him? He didn't treat me like this a while ago, what could have happened? We just watched the other auditions. Other students played drums, sang, guitar, and many more. But I can't focus because I'm still thinking about Sebastian's gaze.