Harp's Song by Cassie Shine Page A

I’m about to see. I trust her, I really do, but I am so used to being a plain Jane that I’m not sure what to expect. Emma turns me to face the mirror and I open my eyes at her command. She has really outdone herself this time. The emerald tank top shimmers and complements the natural copper tints in my hair. She’s rimmed my eyes giving them a soft, smoky effect that make my ordinary hazel eyes sparkle with gold flecks. I soak in how she’s taken me from plain to pretty while at the same time fighting the hateful words I’ve heard over and over again from my mom. I remind myself that I’m stronger now, so I don’t let her hatefulness seep into my pores and ruin my night.
    “Emma … I love it, thank you!” I say rushing to give her a hug.
    “I know I know, I’m a genius! Now, let’s go show off my handiwork.”
    When we get to Josh’s, I can hear the music before we even walk through the front door. Emma leads the way through the living room and into the kitchen where I am immediately wrapped in a pair of strong arms as Connor pulls me into his chest.
    “I’m so glad you are here,” he says softly into my ear. I smile at his warmth before turning around to face him.
    “Holy crap, you look unbelievable,” he says with a twinkle in his eye and his signature crooked smile.
    “Yeah, Emma really outdid herself, huh?”
    “Yeah, she did, but whether you’re dressed like this or dressed in jeans and tennis shoes, you are always beautiful to me.”
    “Nice job, sweet talker,” I say giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
    “Come on,” he says pulling me into his side.
    We join some of the guys on the team outside, and soon everyone is joking around and laughing. I’m having a much better time than I did the last time I was at a party, and it’s a huge relief. When Connor leaves to go to the bathroom, I walk over to Ethan, “Hey Ethan.”
    “Hey Harp, you look great.”
    “Um … thanks. Listen, I just want to say that I’m sorry if you got in trouble with Coach the other day after the fight.”
    “Harp, it’s ok. I knew what I was risking when I got involved,” smiling, he continues, “Connor is my best friend and I love him like a brother.”
    “Speak of the devil,” I say as I see Connor walking toward us with a smile on his face.
    The party is a lot of fun, and beyond not being able to shake the huge smile from my face, I feel like things are finally in the right place for me.

Today is the District Music Competition. It’s the day I’ve been preparing for since January. I live for the adrenaline rush that flows through my body right before a performance. We’ve already performed our orchestra pieces and now I’m getting ready for my solo performance. Connor just left to sit with his mom after he gave me a hug and kiss as a good-luck wish. He has such a calming presence and I love that they are here supporting me.
    I take a deep breath and walk into the room. I get myself situated and acknowledge the cue from the judge giving me the go ahead. You have to start your performance within a minute of their cue, so I take another deep breath and exhale—calming the adrenaline rushing through my veins.
    There are different stages of adrenaline. When I was backstage it made me feel anxious and nervous, almost shaky. But now that I’m center stage and ready to perform the piece I spent thousands of hours perfecting, the adrenaline has changed. It feels stronger somehow and lifts me to a different level and a different place.
    As soon as I exhale, I close my eyes and start my piece. I always do that to help me tune everyone out and then a few bars in, I open them and instead of seeing people in this large room, I see music notes and feel them come together in the most joyous way.
    A few minutes later, the piece is over. The adrenaline has shifted again leaving me feeling euphoric. I blink my eyes to snap myself back to reality. Everyone is clapping politely with the exception of Connor and