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.