Page 72 of Off The Rush
The last notes fade away, and I exhale a sigh of relief. It wasn’t my best performance by any means, but it was good enough to pass the class project. The applause from our classmates fills my ears, and I offer a small smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. I can feel Rachel’s eyes on me, but I refuse to meet her gaze.
“Thank you, Emma and Kenny,” Professor Martin says, smiling politely. “Next up, we have…”
Their words become a blur as I return to my seat, my mind spinning from the tension of our performance. I zone out, barely registering the other duets taking the stage. Their performances are merely background noise to my racing thoughts.
My fingers fidget in my lap, picking at the fabric of my jeans. I replay our duet in my head, critiquing every note and movement. I know it could have been better, but considering the circumstances, I’m just glad it’s over.
As the class comes to an end, I pack up my things, eager to leave the room and put this whole ordeal behind me. But even as I walk out the door, I can’t shake off the unease that lingers in the pit of my stomach.
I step out into the hallway, my heart thudding in my chest as I try to catch my breath. The relief that our performance is finally over mingles with the lingering anxiety from Kenny’s unwanted touches.
“Emma,” a cold voice calls behind me, sending a shiver down my spine. I turn around and find Rachel standing there, her dark eyes narrowed and lips pressed into a thin line. “That was… disappointing. You should be dropped from the Spring Showcase for that performance.”
Gathering my confidence, I stand taller and retort, “My Spring Showcase piece is a solo. The duet was the problem, not me.”
Rachel smirks, clearly unfazed by my defiance. “Well, you better hope no one else feels the same way. I’m next on the list if someone drops out.” She leans in closer, whispering menacingly, “And speaking of dropping out, I think it’s time we discuss your little secret.”
My heart skips a beat, and I force myself to maintain a neutral expression. “What secret?”
“I know about your… disgusting relationship,” she hisses. “You’re dating all three of those hockey players – Alec, Luka, and JD.”
The blood drains from my face, and I feel my knees weaken. How could she possibly know?
In a shaky voice, I ask, “What do you want?”
“Simple,” Rachel smirks. “Quit the show, or everyone will know about your little love quadrangle. Can you imagine the scandal? What would that do to them and their hockey careers? No one will want you either.”
Panic rises within me. Their spots on the college team, their NHL prospects, even Alec’s standing with his coach – all of it could be jeopardized. This can’t get out.
“Think about it, Emma,” Rachel says before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving me to face the weight of her threat alone.
As I lean against the wall for support, my mind races with possibilities. What should I do? Is there any way out of this mess without sacrificing everything we’ve built together? And can I bear the thought of losing them all for good?
My heart still pounding, I sprint down the sidewalk toward the guys’ place. My anxiety is at an all-time high, and I need to talk to them – to JD, Alec, and Luka – about what just happened with Rachel.
I reach their house, taking the stairs two at a time before reaching their door. My breath comes in short gasps as I knock urgently, my fingers tapping against the wood in a frantic rhythm.
The door swings open to reveal JD, his eyes wide with surprise. “Emma, what are you doing here?”
“Can I come in?” I ask breathlessly, not bothering with pleasantries.
“Of course,” he says, stepping aside to let me in. As soon as I cross the threshold, he pulls me into a warm, passionate kiss. It’s meant to be comforting, but my body remains tense, and I can’t fully enjoy the moment.
JD pulls back, his brow furrowed in concern. “Hey, what’s wrong? You’re really stiff.”
“Are Alec and Luka here?” I ask, glancing around the room nervously.
“No, they’re out right now. What’s going on, Emma?”
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the panic rising in my chest. “Rachel… she knows. About us – all of us. And she’s threatening to tell everyone if I don’t drop out of the Spring Showcase.”
JD’s eyes darken with anger, but his voice remains steady. “You can’t give up your spot, Emma. That showcase means everything to you.”
“But if it gets out–” I start, my voice cracking.
“Look,” he interrupts gently, placing his hands on my shoulders, “it’s going to come out eventually. We’re not going to let you throw away your future just to protect ours. None of us would ever want that.”
“But–” I protest, tears welling up in my eyes.
