part 1.

She stood by the window, her two hazel brown eyes fixed on something far out in the distance. Her dark coloured hair curled softly around her long, slender neck. The blood red dress she had on seemed too outstanding against her porcelein milky white skin. In her left hand, she held a purple coloured book - her diary, and in her right, a white rose.
She laid both the rose and the diary down on the ledge of the window beside a letter, then she turned and put on her sweater, grabbed her hair up in a ponytail and walked towards the room exit. Her hand reached the doorknob but she didn't turn it. She looked back and stared once again out of the window, as if anticipating somebody's presence. But there was no one there. Something in her eyes died and she left the room, leaving only the sweet scent of roses hanging in the air.


five years ago.

A car honked at her impatiently. She hurriedly scrambled out of its way and stepped onto the pavement. Her pace was fast, her eyes staring at the ground as she walked. Nobody seemed to notice her existence, a girl of 17 years wearing an oversized coat and big ugly boots. Her face hidden under a cap, she walked on remembering the chores at home that were to be done before her mother came home. There's not going to be time. She told herself, quickening her already fast pace. Freezing in the cold weather, she rubbed her hands against each other and her feet dragging the heavy boots over the slippery pavement. Then she fell hard on the pavement.
Feeling embarassed, she immediately struggled to get up but found that she couldn't. Her left leg hurt and blood was crawling their way through an open wound. All around her, people walked by, their eyes fixed on her as they muttered words of disapproval. She knew it all too well, nobody was going to stop and help her. She was just one of those poor kids that didn't deserve anybody's help. Seeing that she couldn't sit here forever, she tried to stand up again but fell back down, the pain from her left leg was too much for her to handle. A silent scream escaped her lips.
"Need my help?" A young male voice asked. She looked up straight into a face of a handsome young boy and their eyes met for a spilt second. Then suddenly she drew back, as if she had done something improper. The boy laughed.
"Come on, you can't sit here forever. Take my hand." He held up his hand, motioning her to take it. She looked at his hand for a while then took hold of it hesitantly. He pulled her up and held her by the shoulders until she stabilised on her feet. Then their eyes met again and this time she didn't pull away from him.
"David." She whispered, a sound barely audible.
"Isabella." He replied, his eyes not leaving hers.
No other words were exchanged, all thoughts and feelings were expressed through their gaze.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Thank you for your help."
"I didn't do anything. "
She took a step backwards, realizing how close they were to each other but unable to balance on her left leg, she stumbled and fell. He caught her by the waist and pulled her into a tight embrace. Warmth radiated from his body and for the first time in her life, she didn't feel cold. At all.
Staring into her eyes, he bent his head down. His lip touched hers gently, his tongue slowly exploring the cavern of her mouth. Then he pulled her back into his arms, their lips still locked together. They stayed that way for a long time, caring nothing about how passerbys were looking at them. They were happy.

part 2.

Winter passed and spring came, flowers blossomed and trees grew new leaves, fresh and green. A couple holding hands walked down along the row of shops, stopping and staring at every shop they passed by.
They could not be more mis-matched. Decked in designer clothings, the boy looked every bit a rich man's son while the girl was dressed in an oversized jumper - its colour faded from what might have been a vibrant pink before - and her hair hung limply down her back.
Yet they seemed happy together, holding hands, smiling at each other, stealing short kisses at every chance they get. It didn't seem to matter to either of them how people were looking, or the fact that someone from their family might see them.
Then they came to a cafe and went in laughing happily.
"One cappuccino thank you." The boy told the waiter and turned back to the girl. His clear blue-green eyes looked into her hazel brown ones as he thought of the quarrel with his parents that very morning. He knew he could not hide this anymore. He had to tell her.
"Isabella?" He called out to her.
'Hmm?"
"Are you going to be free tonight?" He asked. Isabella smiled.
" Why?" She asked, a grin trying to escape from the corner of her lips.
" I- " He paused, trying to find the correct words. "I-I thought maybe we could, ah, have dinner together tonight."
Isabella started to giggle.
"With my parents." Then her smile frozed and faded away. She searched for a clue that might give the boy away, that he was joking but she found nothing. He seemed serious.
"Are you feeling alright?" He asked, noticing the far-away look in her eyes.
"David." She muttered after a few seconds.
"Thank god you're talking. I thought for a minute you were dead or-"
"I can't do this." She cut him off. David paused for a second.
" What do you mean?" He asked her cautiously.
"I can't meet your parents." She replied softly.
"Why can't you?" He asked her, his tone demanding. "Are you hiding something from me?" Isabella turned her head away slightly, not wanting to talk anymore about the topic. David sighed and turned her head back to face his.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to speak like that. But why Isabella? Why can't you meet my parents?" He asked again, making sure this time his tone were softer. Isabella shook her head and tears coursed down her cheeks.
"No." She began. "I'm not good enough for you David. Your parents will never allow us to be together." And she put her hands to her face, her shoulders bobbing up and down to the rhythm of her sobs. David took her hand in his and wiped off her tears with his right hand.
"I decide if we are to be together. It's my life and my parents cannot decide it for me." He said firmly. Isabella shook her head and began to cry again.
"Hush, don't cry." He comforted her. "We'll find a way, together. Then we can be together forever."
Isabella stopped crying. "You sure?" She asked doubtfully.
"I'm sure." He said.
"How sure?"
"As sure as my love for you."
Isabella smiled, and moved in closer to his face.
"I love you too." She mouthed.

part 3.

She was dressed splendidly, her hair curled elegantly down her shoulder, her neck and ears adorned with precious gems and on her was the most beautiful evening gown she had ever seen. Clutching at her dress, she stared at the innocuous teak door in front of her. With its intricate carvings and ornate brass knocker, it was such an ordinary door yet it frightened her. She didn’t dare to open it, she didn’t want to know what would happen if she walked through it. Her feet started to carry her back the way she came but suddenly she thought of him. She had promised him they would go through this together. She couldn’t go back now. Breathing in deeply, she pushed opened the door.

The white light blinded her. She raised her arm instinctively to shade herself. Soon the surroundings started to appear clearer to her. Classical music floated to her ears and aromas of delicacies tickled her nose. She was stuck to the ground, shocked.

Aware of people staring at her, her face turned crimson red and her hands gripped her dress tightly. Then a hand grabbed hold of hers. She turned around sharply and there he was, smiling at her with that mischievous smile. He led her away from the entrance, from the crowd.

“I thought you said we were having dinner with your family?” She asked, gesturing to the huge crowd gathered in the living room. His eyebrows lifted up.

“’This’ is my family, lis.” He replied, all the while his eyes searching through the sea of people, as if looking for a particular person. Following him, they walked all the way to the far end of the living room.

“Mother!” He shouted and a lady dressed in a slim black dress turned towards them. Even with the age, the lady looked gorgeous. Her hair coiffed into an elegant bun on top of her head, looking calm while holding a cup of wine with diamonds draped across her wrist, it was hard not to admit her beauty. She stared at Elisabeth for a split second and then smiled sweetly; almost a little too sweet. She floated over to Elisabeth.

“And who might this lovely lady be, David?” She asked, her tone shrill. Elisabeth smiled nervously.

“My… My name is Elisabeth… Elisabeth Tane, Mrs Ducham.” She fingered the hem of her gown. “I… I am… er… David’s erm, ah-”

“Mother, she’s my girlfriend.” David cut her off and grabbed Elisabeth’s hand as if to prove to his mother how much he loved her.

“Hmmm.”was all his mother said. Glancing at Elisabeth’s outfit, she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “So, Miss Tane, could I have the honor of having you sing a song for all of us?” Elisabeth’s eyes widened in shock. She looked over to David whose face clearly showed no understanding as well.

“Sing? Don’t we have a professional singer to do that?” David asked. His mother did not respond, she merely flashed Elisabeth a cold smile. Then Elisabeth understood her intentions; she wasn’t welcome here. Despair washed over her. David turned from his mother to Elisabeth then back to his mother.
“Mother, this is ab-”

“I’ll do it.” Elisabeth interrupted. “I’ll gladly do it…. Sing… for your party.” And David’s mother smiled as though she had triumphed.

“That’s very kind of you Miss Tane. The stage’s this way.” And she led Elisabeth to a platform with a grand piano awaiting on it. Standing there, Elisabeth looked over to David while his mother made the announcement. Sending out her last plea to him to help her, she was desperate but he only stood there staring at her, as helpless as a kitten.

“What song would you like to sing?” David’s mother’s voice boomed over the speakers. This is it. She told herself. She opened her mouth to make her choice.

“Think of me.” She said softly.

part 4.

She looked at the audience, each looking back at her with curiosity. Who’s that girl? Why is she here? Elisabeth could almost hear all of their thoughts. They did not know who she is. If they knew, she would not be standing here. She stole a glance at him, hoping to find him furious about the entire situation. But he was just sitting there, his body slack against the chair; one leg over the other and on his face, there was nothing, as if he didn’t care at all. Her heart fell. How could he? She thought, resisting the tears that were forming in her eyes.
“Are you ready?” His mother’s voice rang out again. Elisabeth steadied herself and nodded to the pianist.
The melody came flowing.
She opened her mouth.
The audience’s jaws dropped. Elisabeth could see them clearly. Their eyes no longer contained curiosity but amazement, and interest. Elisabeth could feel the power flowing out of her mouth, a connection being formed between the audience and her. Her hands were no longer clenched, her body no longer tense. She let the power run free and she enjoyed it. As the song finished, she took a bow and left the stage. The audience erupted. Elisabeth smiled and took small strides to his mother, seated in the middle of the hall.
“Thank you, Miss…Tane.” She said, her face carefully masked by a smile that did not reach anybody’s heart. Elisabeth saw through her disguise, she could see her humiliation, and fury. Gracefully and also mockingly, Elisabeth curtsied.
“It was my pleasure Mrs Ducham.” She replied meekly. Then David coughed.
“Ahem. Mother? Can Elisabeth and I take my leave now?” He asked.
“Yes. Of course.” His mother’s lips curved a few millimeters upwards. Elisabeth said her goodbyes gracefully and left, with David leading the way.

“Oh my god! You were brilliant up there lis! I couldn’t believe it was you!” David exclaimed as he led her towards a beautifully lit pavilion. As she sat down on the seat, she shrugged of his hand.
“What?” He questioned. “Are you feeling okay darling?”
Elisabeth looked away painfully. Her hands clasped together tightly, she asked softly, “Why did you not do anything?”
“I did not do anything?” He snapped. “Did you not see how I tried to persuade mother?”
Elisabeth remained silent.
“What now Elisabeth? You think I let you go through all this alone don’t you? You just don’t believe me!” David shouted and turned away, crossing his arms.

After a few minutes, Elisabeth muttered, “No.” David turned around sharply.
“What? No you don’t believe me? No you didn’t think I left you all alone? No what??” He shouted at her.
“Stop it David.” She replied softly. David grabbed hold of her shoulder and forced her to look into his eyes.
“You do love me right??” You love me! YOU-LOVE-ME!” He screamed at her, his grip tightening around her shoulder, his fingers cutting into her flesh. Elisabeth let out a whimper.
"David. Please….” She begged, her voice cracking. Her shoulder under David’s strong grip was starting to hurt, a lot.
“David……” She pleaded. “Please….” And she broke into tears, her whole body shaking. David let go of her, as if suddenly awakened from a trance. His gaze fell upon Elisabeth crying miserably. He held Elisabeth close to him and rocked her gently like a baby. He looked up at the moon, its moonlight cast upon them, as if mocking his behaviour. He kissed Elisabeth’s forehead gently.
“I’m sorry.” And he cried.

part 5.

“Elisabeth! Elisabeth!”
Elisabeth could feel someone beating her in her stomach.

“OUCH!” She opened her eyes and saw a pair of big brown puppy eyes looking at her. She pushed him away.

“Trevor!” She shouted. “What’s the matter with you?” Trevor giggled, and held out a piece of beige coloured paper to her. Elisabeth eyed the piece of paper suspiciously.

“If it’s another one of your tricks…….” She warned him. Trevor smiled childishly, his hand still outstretched with the paper in it.

“Mama say you have got a…” he stopped and pondered for a while before continuing. “LETT-TAR.” And he giggled. “Mama say I get one cookay if I got it right.” Elisabeth ignored him and snatched the paper from his hands.

“So am I right?” He asked again. Elisabeth looked at him; his eyes shining with excitement and a rush of affection surged through her. “Am I? Am I?”

“Yeah yeah, go get your stupid cookie.” Elisabeth watched her brother happily bouncing out of her room. Then her gaze fell upon the piece of paper in her hands. She unfolded it and her attention was drawn to the phoenix crest on the top of the page. Beside the crest was,“EXCALIBUR SINGING ACADEMY FOR THE GIFTED.?!?!” She could feel the adrenaline in her. With trembling hands, she read on.

Dear Miss Tane,

You have been invited to an audition at Excalibur Singing Academy for the Gifted. You were specifically handpicked from millions all over the world and you will be joining some other thousand rare unpolished gems to be auditioned.

At Excalibur Singing Academy for the Gifted, we expect nothing but the best. Therefore, the audition is a crucial aspect that we cannot miss out. There are different categories and levels. You may choose the category you wish to audition for. Below are the dress code and rules you should abide by during your audition.

Dress code:

For Male: Blazer. (optional)
Collared Shirt.
Tie. (Acceptable colours include, black, brown, red and navy blue.)
Black Shoes and Socks.

For Female: Dress. (No tight fitting, cleavage spilling or short dresses are allowed.)
Court Shoes. (No higher than 2 inches.)

Rules:

No form of any electronics allowed IN the audition theatre.
No accessories should be worn IN the audition theatre.
Neatness and Etiquette will be part of the judging.

Your audition will be on, 29 October 2006 at 9a.m sharp. Please remember the rules and dress code. I, as Chairman of the Excalibur Singing Academy for the Gifted and the staff/members greatly anticipate your presence in our academy. For further information, you can log on to our website, http://excalibursingingacademy.com.

Thank you, and all the best for your audition.

Regards,
Chairman Of
Excalibur Singing Academy for the Gifted

Elisabeth could not believe it. She was invited to an audition, and not just any audition. It was to an audition by the Excalibur Singing Academy for the Gifted – the most prestigious school in L.A. She reread the letter again, making sure there was no mistake – that it hadn’t been sent to the wrong person.
No, it was her alright.

“Awesome!!!” she screamed and started jumping on her bed. From outside the room, Trevor shook his head as he watched his sister jumping up and down on her bed.

“Crazy beth.”