Harp's Song by Cassie Shine Page B

Catherine, who are standing, clapping and cheering. I smile and nod to the judge before exiting from the stage to pack up my cello and wait for the judge’s results—which could take up to two hours. This is the worst part. I’m zipping the case around my cello when Connor grabs me from behind and twirls me around.
    “That was amazing. Your best performance yet.”
    “You’re supposed to say that because you’re my boyfriend, but thank you.”
    He bends down to my ear and leans in, “You should really learn how to take a compliment because you were unbelievable out there. I’m so proud of you.”
    I blush and do the only thing I can think of to thank him. I pull his face to mine with both of my hands and kiss him. It’s a frantic kiss, an outward show of the adrenaline still flowing through me and I don’t want to stop, but I need to breathe so I pull away from him.
    “Was that your version of thank you?” he asks his eyes darkened with lust.
    “Mmmhmm.”
    “Well, you can thank me that way any time.” he chuckles.
    He’s picking up my cello when I turn toward the exit and stiffen.
    “Come on,” he says, “let’s get something to eat while we wait for the results.”
    I can’t move. I mean literally can’t move. I don’t believe my eyes. Standing in front of me is my mother. What the hell is she doing here? We haven’t spoken since I stood up to her after the bathtub incident. In fact, I’ve barely seen her.
    “Mom?”
    Connor is facing her now too, and pulls me into his side, “What do you want?”
    The contempt dripping from his voice makes me wince.
    She looks to Connor and back at me and opens her mouth, but before she says anything, I interrupt her and nod toward the door, “Outside.”
    It’s the only word I can get out, but whatever she wants to say to me, she’s going to have to do it outside because even though the backstage area is large, I’m feeling suffocated and need fresh air.
    She nods and turns toward the exit.
    Connor carries my cello and I walk ahead of him following my mom. Once we are outside, Catherine walks over to us and I introduce her to my mom.
    “Nice to meet you Anne. Were you able to see Harp perform today?” Catherine asks politely.
    “Um, yeah, I did,” my mom answers looking between Catherine and me.
    “She was wonderful, don’t you think?” Catherine says proudly.
    My mom looks down and shuts her eyes before looking back up at me, “She was beyond wonderful, she was … inspiring,” she says as tears well in her eyes. She’s shifting her weight between her feet obviously nervous to talk to her own daughter.
    “Catherine, Connor, could you give us a few minutes, please?” I ask. I have no idea where I summon the courage to speak so confidently, but I’m on guard and need to stay that way.
    “I’m not going anywhere,” Connor says to me and then turns to my mom, “Whatever you have to say to her, you can say in front of me.”
    “Connor, this is not your business. Let’s leave them to talk for a few minutes.” Catherine says, “Harp, we’ll be in the Student Union if you want to join us when you’re done here.”
    If looks could kill, Connor’s at least wound my mom, because he’s shooting daggers at her from his eyes. I appreciate his protectiveness. I never had a doting parent try to protect me from things, so the concept is new to me.
    He turns to me and gives me a hug, “If you need anything text me, and I’ll come get you. I won’t be far, ok?”
    I hug him back and shake my head.
    Once Connor and Catherine leave, I face my mom with disbelief.
    “What are you doing here? What do you want?”
    She stands there shuffling her feet looking between the ground and me. If she doesn’t answer me soon, I’m leaving her here. Dealing with her is the absolute last thing I want to do today. Today is my day and I will not let her ruin it.
    “I don’t have all day mom. Either tell me what you are doing here or leave.”
    She’s looking