Notice Me

The day of the performance came faster than I thought it would. Just two weeks ago, I was preparing for this and then the next thing I know is that I'm already preparing myself for tonight and that I am an Artisan and weeks from now I'll be engaged. Things are happening so fast and they're not in my control.

Jo is the one fixing my hair again. This time she's straightening it and putting hairspray in front making me look like I just came out from the shower. I just did my make-up while she did my hair. I am now wearing my Sapphire dress from the wedding.

"I can't believe you're wearing this again." She smiled weirdly at me. "But it does speak you so to say." She said to me with a gentle smile.

I want to wear it because Aaron said that I look pretty on it. I want to impress him once more since they're all watching tonight. I breathed deeply. This is the last time I'll be able to do it anyway. Better do it than regret it someday.

"I'm quite proud of you. You're not late this time. Unlike during other competitions." How could I? Timothy woke me up really early.

We went to the holding area and waited for our turn. I'm really excited to play right now. I've never felt this rush in my body before since my first performance.

"Miss Valoria?" the organizer called.

"That's me," I said.

"Your turn please." He guided me on the stage. I breathed deeply and tried to focus on the sound coming from the Commander and the rest of the people and to the piano I'm about to play. I'm not sure why but something seems lacking. I looked at the audience to see two empty seats beside Timothy.

Stif said there's an emergency in the health facility. Aaron drove back with her to help. I heard the Commander messaged me through my mind.

Unlike Aaron, he's telepathy didn't affect me as much. I don't understand because Aaron said that it was normal to feel strange when you're talking telepathically with someone. He is strange but not with the Commander or with other artisans. I must have fallen for him immediately after I met him that day. Stupid heart. You don't get to choose, remember?

I sat down on the stool and landed my fingers on the keys. I started playing the notes trying to do them solemnly but suddenly, I couldn't feel the music. I seem so focused on the keys that I can't hear the music I'm playing. Am I playing it right? This piece shouldn't be played strongly but I can't control my hands. My mind didn't join the melody. It didn't dance together with the sound. What am I doing? Then my finger slipped a key. I stopped. I can't hear anything but my heart. Throbbing. It wants to cry really loud. I'm disappointed.

Are you alright, dear? The Commander's voice is in my head again. Barrier.

I stood up and went out of the stage. Stif. I said it will be fine. What's happening to me? I shouldn't be feeling this way. Aaron just met me a few weeks ago. They knew each other longer than me.

"Sapphire, are you alright?" Jo wiped something from my face. I didn't realize that I was crying already.

"I'm sorry, I can't make it to the finals." I walked out of the holding area and went back to the dressing room where I continued to cry.

Jo might have finished her performance since she came running to where I am and comforted me.

"Sapphire, what happened?" I felt her warm hand on my bare back.

"I don't know."

"Impossible. You can tell me anything. Everything."

"I don't know. I just feel really hurt right now and I don't even understand why," I cried.

She's cradling my head between her arms and chest making me more comfortable and passing her warmth to me. "It's alright. Whatever is hurting you right now, it will pass soon."

I hope so.

---

I stayed in my room the whole day. I didn't stay at the HQ, just having the idea that I might see Aaron in the hallway hurts me. I can't even think of Stif , just the thought of her hurts already. I didn't even let Aaron follow me to the dorm. I don't want to see any part of him right now. Why am I feeling this way? I mean, I don't even know the guy. I don't know any of them!

My phone beeped beside me.

[Are you alright?] Jo.

[Just a little headache but I'm fine.] I replied.

[Tell me if you need anything.]

[Thanks.] I dropped my phone on my side when it started ringing. Can people leave me alone even for just one day?

I looked at the caller ID. Just seeing the name on the screen made me feel all the feelings I've been pushing back. I ignored the caller instead.

Come on, Sapphire. The Commander said there was an emergency. Of course, Stifneeded to help. Aaron needed to drive her there. Of course, he needs to go. Ugh Sapphire, don't act like a jerk. Aaron saved you from Henry. Stif bought you a grand piano. The Commander is taking care of you. Shunning them like this because of your selfish feelings is not right. Not at all. My phone stopped ringing and then a beep came after. I read the text.

[Why aren't you answering the calls? And why did you shut off your telepathy?] Aaron.

[Sorry. Not feeling well.] I reasoned.

He didn't reply after. I thought I could finally rest when another beep came after a few minutes. I checked who messaged me this time. All of my emotions from Aaron immediately switch up to fear. I immediately rose from my bed after reading the text. I fixed myself and went outside. What are they doing here?