Page 94 of Off The Rush
“Hey, Alec,” Luka calls out as we exit the car. “We’ll be sitting a few rows back with the rest of the team. You got this, man.”
“Thanks, Luka. I appreciate it. Don’t forget to save a spot for Coach too,” I reply, feeling a surge of gratitude for my friends.
Entering the recital hall, I make my way to the front row where the dean is already seated. She beams at me, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she pats the empty seat beside her.
“Ah, Mr. Campbell! So glad you could make it. I’m delighted to have you here,” she says warmly.
I take my seat and smile back. “Thank you, Dean Thompson. Emma’s incredibly talented, and I’m proud to be here supporting her.”
I lay it on thick even though this lady is not my favorite. She should never have given Emma a caveat for her chance to perform tonight.
As the lights dim and the recital begins, I take advantage of the brief moments between performances to sing Emma’s praises to the dean. I tell her about Emma’s dedication to her craft, her passion for music, and the hours she spends perfecting her voice.
“Emma has such an amazing gift,” I say earnestly. “I can’t wait for you to hear her tonight. She’s truly one of a kind.”
The dean nods, her eyes shining with interest. “I’m very much looking forward to her performance, Mr. Campbell.”
As the anticipation builds, I can’t help but feel a knot forming in my stomach. I want Emma’s performance to be perfect.
At last, Emma steps onto the stage. Her eyes shimmer with determination. My heart swells with pride and affection as she takes a deep breath and starts singing.
Her voice fills the auditorium, pure and powerful, every note resonating with raw emotion. The crowd is enraptured by her performance, hanging onto each word as it spills from her lips. I can see the confidence radiating from her, and I can’t help but beam with pride.
“Wow,” Dean Thompson murmurs beside me, clearly awestruck. “You were right, Mr. Campbell. She truly is exceptional.”
“Isn’t she?” I can’t help the pride that seeps into my voice. “She never ceases to amaze me.”
Just as Emma reaches the climax of her song, a projector flickers to life behind her, casting an unexpected light on the stage. For a split second, I’m confused – this wasn’t part of the plan.
“Is that supposed to be happening?” Dean Thompson asks, her brow furrowed in concern.
“I…I don’t know,” I admit, my stomach knotting with worry.
My heart pounds in my chest as images of Emma with JD, Luka, and me individually flash across the curtain behind her. The pictures are out of context, making it look like she’s cheating on me with my roommates. My blood boils with anger at this cruel attempt to tarnish her moment in the spotlight.
But Emma doesn’t notice. She just keeps singing.
“Is this…?” The dean starts, her voice filled with pity as she looks at me. I don’t need her sympathy; what I need is to fix this for Emma.
Refusing to let this sabotage ruin everything we’ve built together, I take a deep breath and turn to Dean Thompson. “It isn’t what it looks like,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Emma isn’t cheating on me with JD and Luka. We’re all in a relationship together.”
“Excuse me?” she asks, eyebrows raised in surprise.
“Whoever did this is trying to shame our beautiful, loving relationship, and that’s going to make the university look terrible,” I explain, my voice gaining confidence. “We love and support each other, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
The dean considers my words for a moment before nodding solemnly. “You’re right, Mr. Campbell,” she agrees, standing up and looking unimpressed at the malicious display.
My attention shifts to Luka and JD, who are talking animatedly and gesturing toward the rest of the hockey team. It’s clear that they’re explaining everything to our friends so they don’t come down on Emma.
The final note of Emma’s song resonates through the auditorium and I can’t help but beam as I stand up, clapping my hands loudly for her. Luka and JD join me, their applause are just as enthusiastic.
She was incredible and I’m not letting this display ruin the moment.
“Emma! You were amazing!” JD shouts, his deep voice booming in the sudden quiet of the room.
For a brief moment, our cheers are the only sound in the auditorium. But then, one by one, the rest of the hockey team rises to their feet, applauding and whistling for Emma.
Emma looks confused before walking off the stage.
