Fate

Chapter Ninety-Nine

Chapter Ninety-Nine

She was right. She was so right and she'd always been right. I couldn't do this I'd only make a fool of myself. This was a mistake. I should leave right now. My body seemed to move on my own as I planned to exit the gym and head home. There'd be no shame for me if I gave up as it would be better than being embarrassed. I was sorry for everyone that I lied to about doing this. How could I?

'If you leave everyone will be mad at you.' I heard Zayn's voice say

Okay since when did my conscious start sounding like his voice? He wasn't even here so I shouldn't care what he thought. I shouldn't care what anyone thought when they weren't here. This was about me and no one else. I shouldn't care who'd be mad at me and they wouldn't be. I knew they wouldn't be so I could leave. I was listening to Melinda and I was going to let her win but I couldn't help it. I didn't want to be a freak show and be laughed at once again.

I'd stood nervously listening to all the other performances and hearing all that talent. I realized a few things right off the bat. These were people who were made to be on the stage performing for others. They were comfortable being here in the spotlight because this was what they were supposed to be. This wasn't me and I was a fool for ever thinking I'd be able to do something like this.

"Ariel."

I turned around in surprise to see both Mom and Kaylin standing there watching me. She'd come, they'd both come. The last we'd seen each other I'd left upset and not given either of them a chance to explain. I'd left angry and never heard them out and I should have. Yet they were still here to be there for me. Still together like the best friends they were. My legs moved as I walked over to embrace mom for a long moment. I never wanted to let her go as I buried my head in her shoulder and she wrapped her arms around me. I loved her so much.

"Mom I'm sorry."

"No baby I'm sorry. Don't you worry. This is about you today. this is your day and we're here for you."

"That's right, make us proud kiddo," Kaylin smiled.

"You're both here," I said on the verge of tears again.

"We love you so of course, we are."

"I don't think I can do this," I admitted.

"On that note, I think I'm going to let mother and daughter have a talk with each other," Kaylin said putting her hands on our shoulders as she passed.

"Honey why not?" Mom frowned looking at me.

"I'm afraid."

"It's okay to be afraid but you can do this. I know you can I believe in you."

"I don't believe in myself."

"It's okay to have doubts even though you shouldn't because you have a beautiful voice," she chuckled moving my hair from my face.

"I don't know if I can overcome the stage fright."

"I came here to see my daughter sing the song she wrote. The one we wrote together. No matter what happens up there you know I'm going to be proud of you regardless. You know that so do your best. I know you're going to get up there and you're going to do great. I promise you."

"Abby?" the music teacher called.

I wasn't sure who she was talking to at first until I realized she was talking to me. Abby really? Mom and I both shared a look with each other communicating the same thing. Finally, we both turned to her as she approached. "Abby?"

"It's Ariel," Mom and I both stated dully.

"Oh yes, Ariel anyway you're the last to go on and I have a favor to ask."