Page 4 of Off The Rush
“Ah, Emma,” he greets, a hint of surprise in his voice. “What can I do for you?”
“Um,” I begin, trying to gather my thoughts and ignore the pounding in my chest. “I was just wondering if there’s any news about my audition for the Spring Showcase? I know it got interrupted and everything, but…”
“Ah, yes,” Professor Martin sighs, his expression turning serious. “Unfortunately, the Dean has chosen the students for the Spring Showcase and without your full performance, you didn’t make it. I tried, I’m sorry Emma.”
“Really?” I ask, my heart sinking.
“Unfortunately, yes,” he confirms, his eyes filled with sympathy. “However, you still have a spot in the program and you can try again next year. I know it’s not the Spring Showcase you were hoping for, but it is something.”
We both know next year is too late. You get noticed as a junior.
“Thank you, Professor,” I manage to say, trying to mask my disappointment. “I appreciate you trying.”
“Of course, Emma,” he replies, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I believe in your talent, and I’ll continue to advocate for you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my coffee order.”
“Sure,” I mumble, stepping aside to let him continue. As he turns away, I can’t help but feel defeated. I worked so hard for this opportunity and a hockey player took it all away.
Taking a deep breath, I make my way back to Tessa, who is watching me intently for any signs of good news.
“Em? Did he say anything?” she asked, her hazel eyes filled with concern.
“He said I wasn’t chosen since my audition was interrupted,” I explain, taking my seat once more.
“Emma, I’m so sorry,” Tessa murmurs, reaching out to take my hand again.
“Thanks,” I sigh, trying to force a smile. “It’s not the end of the world, I guess. I just… I really wanted this.”
“I know, Em,” Tessa says softly, giving my hand another squeeze.
The door to the coffee shop swings open, and in walks the dean herself. She’s a tall, elegant woman with graying hair pulled back into a tight bun. Her posture is impeccable, and she seems to glide across the room as she makes her way over to Professor Martin.
“Is that…?” Tessa whispered, her eyes widening in surprise. I nod, feeling my anxiety spike at the sight of the woman who holds my fate in her hands.
“Should I go talk to her? I know what Professor Martin said but she’ll feel bad having to tell me to my face. This is partially her fault, after all, she left!” I ask, twirling a strand of my long hair around my finger nervously. Tessa considers me for a moment before offering a supportive smile.
“Go for it, Em,” she encourages me. “You’ve got nothing to lose.”
Taking a deep breath, I stand up and approach the dean just as she sits down at Professor Martin’s table. Swallowing hard, I forced myself to maintain eye contact as I speak. “Excuse me, Dean Anderson? I’m Emma Delaney, and I wanted to speak with you about my audition for the Spring Showcase.”
The dean raises an eyebrow, her sharp gaze assessing me for a moment before she replies, “Ah, yes. Your audition was interrupted, wasn’t it? By Alec Campbell, the hockey player.”
“Exactly, ma’am,” I confirm, trying to keep my voice steady. “I was wondering if there is any chance I could still be considered for the Spring Showcase?”
“Emma,” the dean begins thoughtfully, “I must admit, your audition was quite memorable, but not necessarily for your singing. You see, I can’t seem to recall your performance itself. But, I do remember thinking how nice it would be if Alec were to attend the showcase. He’s quite popular, you know.”
My heart sinks as I listen to her words. That’s all she cares about? It seems like my audition has been overshadowed by Alec’s unexpected appearance. This is so unprofessional!
Desperation claws at me, and before I can think better of it, the words tumble out of my mouth.
“Actually, Dean Anderson,” I blurt, “Alec and I are dating. So, if I were in the Spring Showcase, he’d definitely come to see me perform.”
Both the Dean and Professor Martin look taken aback by my sudden announcement. I can feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment, but there is no taking it back now. To my surprise, the dean’s expression softens, and she smiles at me.
“Well, in that case,” she says slowly, “I think we can make room for you in the Spring Showcase, Emma. We want some of the popularity from the hockey team to bleed into our music program and this could be a great first step.”
“Thank you so much, Dean Anderson!” I exclaim, relief washing over me as I fight back tears of gratitude. She nods, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Sure, sure,” she replies. “Now, do make sure Alec is there, won’t you? I will save him a spot in the front row.”
