Broken Hearted [Book 3]

Chapter 54 - Since I Fell For You

“The day has come, Marley Rose.” Rachel told me that morning by my locker, playing with my hair like I was a little kid. “You are auditioning for NYADA. Today.” Rachel grinned, clapping her hands together excitedly.

I grinned and nodded, tucking some hair behind my ear. “I know.” I said quietly. “This defines your future.” Rachel nodded.

“Yeah,” Angie agreed, running up behind me. “Hey, dude, I’m unable to see you sing this afternoon, so good luck.” She grinned, giving me a quick hug and shuffling in between Rachel and I. “What are you singing?” Angie asked, raising her eyebrows. “I was just about to ask that.” Rachel said, showing her superstar smile.

“Um, I was thinking Since I Fell For You...” I murmured, shutting my locker with my back and walking down the hall. “Oh, my God! Yes!” Rachel screeched, holding her hands up. She coughed and shook her head, turning professional again. “That sounds like an excellent choice, Marley.”

“Never heard it...” Angie said, shaking her head and looking at the ground as she walked. “Well, you should listen to it. It’s by the amazingly, talented Barbra.” Rachel said, shaking her head dramatically and moving her hands like she was making a rainbow.

“You remind me of Barbra,” Angie said, looking at Rachel. Rachel pursed her lips and raised her eyebrows, a light blush covering her cheeks. “Talent wise.” Angie added, playing with her books in her hands. “Oh, thank you, Angie. That’s a real complement.”

“What’s a real complement?” Ryder shouted, running up behind us and sliding his hands around my waist, making me jump slightly. “I-“ Angie began, but Ryder shrugged the subject off.

“Hey, Marley,” Ryder chimed, kissing my cheek from behind. “Hi, babe,” I whispered, looking over my shoulder at him. “Today is your day to shine.” Ryder whispered, taking his hands from my waist and spinning me around, kissing my nose lightly. I giggled and blushed, tilting my head down.

“Are you nervous?” Rachel asked. I looked over my shoulder to look at her and nodded. “Yeah.” I mumbled, biting my lip. “Don’t be nervous. You’re almost as good as me.” Rachel smiled and touched my shoulder lightly before walking down the hallway.

“Almost as good as her?” Ryder said, raising his eyebrows. “Pfft, you’re better.”

***

That afternoon, I was standing backstage by myself and fixing up my dress- Rachel had lent it to me for today; it was blue with leather shoulder pads and designs all over it, made of leather (the leather was fake, of course).

Rachel suddenly came barging in with an instyler in her hands and a smile on her face, as always. “Sit. We’re going to do your hair!” Rachel chimed, taking some of my hair in her hands and playing with it while the instyler warmed up.

What if I didn’t get into NYADA? What if I wasn’t good enough? What if I sucked? What if I choke? This isn’t my dream... why am I doing this? Maybe so I have something to fall back on... but what if I am so bad that I don’t have this to fall back on?

“Done.” Rachel said, taking her instyler out of the plug. “I’ll be back in about... 5.” She grinned and walked out, leaving me alone backstage. My hair was now flipped out and it looked so silky... silkier than ever.

“Hey, Marley,” Ryder shouted. I spun around and saw Ryder walking towards me, a bundle of roses in his hand. “Hi, Ryder,” I said, walking forward and giving him a peck on the lips. “For my fiancé.” He winked. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” I mumbled, staring at the roses as I began to shake- what if I wasn’t good enough to do this? “What’s wrong?” Ryder asked, immediately noticing I was getting all shaky and scared. “What if I’m not good enough, Ryder? What if this isn’t the right choice for me?” I asked quickly, looking into his eyes.

“Hey, hey, Marley,” Ryder said, holding my face lightly. “You’re amazing. There is no way this could go wrong, because you are amazing. You’re the most talented person ever... and as long as you believe in yourself, nothing will ever go wrong.” Ryder whispered, giving me a quick kiss.

I nodded and took a deep breath, trying to convince myself that I was going to do well... but I couldn’t help but think that this wasn’t going to turn out good.

Ryder grabbed my left hand tightly and touched the ring, looking into my eyes. “This ring,” Ryder began, running his fingers over the jewels. “This ring means something; it’s me saying to you that I will love you for ever and ever... and I’ll support you and tell you the truth. And the truth is; you’re amazing.” Ryder smiled and kissed me lightly, nodding his head.

I smiled and touched his hair lightly. “Hello, Carmen Tibeadux.” I heard Rachel saying. I frowned and handed Ryder back the roses, walking to the side of the curtain and peeking out at the audience, where Rachel and the so-called Carmen Tibeadux were sitting, Rachel making conversation with the woman.

“Okay, Rachel.” She nodded, looking over at her with a displeased look. “Marley Rose.” She called out through the microphone. I looked back at Ryder and her nodded, urging me to go on. I smiled and walked on, brushing through my hair.

“Hi, I’m Marley Rose and I will be singing Since I Fell For You by Barbra Streisand.” I grinned. Carmen nodded and looked down at her paper. I nodded back at the band and took a deep breath, looking at Ryder one more time.

Marley:

When you just give love

And never get love

You'd better let love depart

I looked over at Ryder one more time and smiled brightly at him. He nodded and gave me his signature thumbs up and mouthing ‘I love you’ to me.

I know it's so

And yet I know

I can't get you out of my heart

You may leave my happy home

I looked up at Rachel and Carmen- Rachel mouthing the words and looking pleased with herself, whereas Carmen looked... bored and her mouth remained in a straight line.

You took my love and now you're gone

Since I fell for you

Love brings such misery and pain

I guess it'll never be the same

Since I fell for you

Well, it's too bad

And it's too sad

But I'm in love with you

I smiled and looked at Ryder again, watching him tap his foot to the slow beat of the song and swaying slightly, giving me a heart-warming smile. I smiled and ran a hand through my hair slightly, trying to look like Rachel as I sung... but  Rachel is better than me and there is no way I can compare to her.

You love me

You love me then you snub me

But what can I do?

I'm still

I'm still

I'm still in love with you

I guess I'll never see the light

I get the blues most every night

Since I fell for you

Since I fell for you...

I took a deep breath and looked up at Carmen. She smiled only slightly. “Was that to anyone in particular?” She asked, raising her eyebrows. “Yes, ma’m. My fi- boyfriend.” I nodded. “Very good job.” Carmen said... and then she stood up and simply walked away, leaving me confused about whether I did well or not.

“She never gives clues.” Rachel laughed loudly. I nodded and looked to Ryder with a frown. He smiled and shook his head, telling me not to worry... but I couldn’t help but do that.

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Song: Since I Fell For You by Barbra Streisand