Page 110 of Off The Rush
“Dean Thompson is expecting you,” she says, gesturing towards the waiting area. “Please have a seat while she finishes up.”
“Thank you,” I reply, forcing a smile as I take a seat. My fingers fidget with the hem of my shirt, the fabric soft and worn from countless washes. I focus on the sound of my breathing, trying to calm myself down.
I can’t help imagining all the worst-case scenarios. Is she going to kick me out of the program? Or maybe out of the university?
On the other hand, maybe she’s caught Rachel and expelled her.
“Emma?” I hear Dean Thompson’s voice coming from the doorway, pulling me back to reality. It’s time to face whatever consequences await me.
“Emma, please come in,” Dean Thompson beckons, her voice steady and authoritative. I stand up and take a deep breath as I step into her office.
To my surprise, there’s another woman seated across from the dean. She appears younger, maybe in her early thirties, with chestnut hair cascading down her shoulders. Her eyes meet mine, and she gives me a soft, reassuring smile that eases some of my tension.
“Take a seat, Emma,” the dean instructs, pointing to the chair next to the young woman.
“Thank you,” I murmur, sitting down and trying to keep my nerves at bay by focusing on the feel of the plush leather beneath me.
“Emma, this is Lila Harper,” Dean Thompson says, gesturing toward the woman beside me. “She has an opportunity she’d like to discuss with you.”
“Hi, Emma,” Lila greets me warmly, extending her hand for a friendly shake. “I run the Crescendo Vocal Academy, a prestigious summer program for talented singers. I’ve heard so much about your remarkable voice and dedication to music, and I’d like to invite you to join us for the upcoming session.”
My jaw drops as I process her words. Crescendo Vocal Academy is a dream I never thought could become a reality – it’s the kind of place where careers are launched and stars are born. And now, someone wants me to be a part of it?
“Are you serious?” I ask, disbelief coloring my voice.
“Absolutely,” Lila confirms, her expression genuine. “I think you have incredible potential, Emma, and we would be honored to help you develop your talents further.”
I’m stunned, both by the offer and the praise. I glance at Dean Thompson, who nods approvingly, her stern demeanor momentarily softened.
“Of course, you’ll need to think about it,” Lila continues, “but I wanted to extend the invitation personally. We hope you’ll consider it.”
“Thank you,” I manage to choke out, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. How is it that just moments ago, I was dreading this meeting, and now I’m being handed the opportunity of a lifetime?
“Take your time making a decision,” Lila says with another kind smile. “And if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
She hands me a packet of information about the program and the dean nods at us.
“Thank you so much,” I repeat, my mind racing with excitement and disbelief. This is beyond anything I could have imagined.
“Miss Delaney, you may go now,” Dean Thompson says, dismissing me with a wave of her hand.
“Thank you, Dean Thompson,” I reply before turning to leave.
“May I walk you out, Emma?” Lila asks, holding the door open for me.
“Of course,” I say, feeling a little more at ease in her presence.
As we walk down the hallway together, Lila speaks up. “I saw your performance at the Spring Showcase, you know.”
I cringe at the mention of it, the memory of that disastrous night flooding back. The embarrassment I felt when my relationship was exposed still makes my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“Please, don’t be ashamed,” Lila says gently, as if reading my thoughts. “You were amazing on stage, and I truly believe you have a bright future ahead of you. That’s why I want to help you.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, touched by her kindness.
“Emma, listen to me,” Lila says, stopping and placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I’m going to put some pressure on the dean to make sure the responsible party is held accountable for what they did. What happened to you wasn’t fair, and it shouldn’t define you or your talent.”
“Really?” I ask, my eyes widening in surprise. “You would do that for me?”
