Chapter 22
The System’s robotic voice buzzed in Edith’s head, and her smile instantly vanished. She had a sinking feeling about what this new mission might involve.
System: A top lady knows how to shine. Please deliver a flawless performance at next week’s gala.]
Edith rubbed her temple. Just as she’d thought–the System wasn’t about to let her off the hook.
The students nearby stared at her clouded expression, and something about it sent chills down their spines. This new girl gives off a seriously intense vibe, way more intimidating than our homeroom teacher, they thought.
“Fine, I’ll do it.” Edith gave in. “Sign me up for piano.”
A sly smile crept across Hallie’s lips. In a soft, sweet voice, she said, “Just one week until the performance. Don’t forget to practice in the music hall at noon.”
With that, she and Noreen locked eyes, both of them barely hiding their wicked satisfaction.
Edith noticed, but her own smile held a hint of mockery. She wasn’t that helpless girl anymore. Whatever they threw at her, she’d hit back–hard. And this time, it was Hallie walking right into her trap.
After lunch, Edith headed for the music hall. Before she stepped in, she heard the piano teacher, Kerrie Clark, speaking inside.
“Big shots are coming to next week’s event, so this performance has to be perfect.” Kerrie’s voice was serious. “We’ve only got a week to nail it–bring it. Hallie from Class One is playing Für Elise, and you’ll be dancing.”
A student raised their hand. “Ms. Clark, Class One said they switched pianists. Now it’s Edith.”
Kerrie’s frown deepened. She’d picked this piece a month back and been practicing with Hallie for weeks. Why the last- minute switch? And how come no one told me?‘ she thought, her tone edging sharp. “Edith? Where is she?”
Edith stepped inside. “I’m Edith. Class One picked me to play.”
rie sized her up, eyes lingering on her hands–slender, but rough with calluses. Hands like that didn’t make pretty music. snapped at a nearby student, “Go get Hallie. She’s the only one playing.”
The student took off for Class One.
Edith spoke up, calm. “Why not hear me play first before deciding, Ms. Clark?”
Kerrie raised an eyebrow. “What piano grade have you passed?”
Level three, Edith replied.
Kerrie went quiet, thinking, ‘A three–year–old could muddle through Level Three in a year. This girl thinks a certificate’s some kind of free ticket to the stage?‘ She didn’t even bother asking more.
Right then, Hallie walked in, looking frail. I’m sorry, Ms. Clark. I’m not feeling well, so I can’t perform. But Edith’s been amazing at piano since she was little. She’s not worse than me, really. A little practice, and she’ll make you proud.”
Kerrie noticed how pale Hallie was, and with all the gossip going around school, she couldn’t help wondering if Hallie had
leukemia.
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2:10pm UDD
Chapica 92
If thats the case, making Halle perform would be totally cruel Hut letting a level three kid go up there would for just a disaster Kerrie thought, already feeling a headache coming on
“Als Clark Hallie said softly, how about this Ell play the first part white Edutcrakes the second We’ll do it as a duet?
Edah smiled She could practically see the schicine unfolding in Hallie’s head
Halle was sure of her piano skills she’d start the piece, let the audience get swept up met this food to Edil, who was only at Level Wah Hallie’s talent outshining hers, Edithewould turn into the schand’s figgest jobs
Eduh didn’t care about looking silly, but Hallie did she lived for her prano glory I Edul beat her in the show, and ning worse than a slap–ev
I like that plan Edith said, sindling Please hit me with your best pointers, Ms Clack Ell work my hardest
Hallie sinirked to herself. What a fool–she really took the bair With only a Level & piano skill, she dares to perform on stage She’ll get booed off before the second verse
“Ms Clark, you have to trust her, Hallie said, her voice full of sincerity Tll cheer her on and work hard with her
Kerrie adored Halle. She came from a great family background, was incredidy attractive, and had already passed her piano’s highest level exam at such a young age. Most importantly, she was consistently the top student in her class and excelled in every subject
Meeting Hallie’s pleading stare, Ketric caved Fine. You two will play it together Hallic, play the whole piece and record it Send it to Edith so she can practice along
Okay Hallic nodded and took a seat at the piano.
She was wearing a white dress with a beige knit sweater over it. As she sat down by the piano, her aura instantly elevated, and the music hall tell silent
Then, music flowed effortlessly from her fingertips. Her piano skills were impeccable, each note resonating with grace and brilliance.
Kerrie nodded repeatedly. Für Elise was a Level 3 piece, but Hallic, with her advanced skills, played it with such precision
d emotional depth that it transcended the original composition. It was pure magic to listen to
the last note faded, the students sat in a stunned silence, still caught in the music’s spell
as is the first time I’ve heard Hallie play That was absolutely mind–blowing!”
Her fingers flew over the keys. No wonder they call her a piano prodigy”
She swept all the state–level piano competitions when she was just fifteen. Next month, she’s heading to the National Piano Competition”
‘She’s definitely taking first place‘
Hallie smiled modestly, though deep down, this was exactly her moment of triumph She reveled in being the center of attention–all eyes on her, faces full of envy and awe
She glanced at Eduth, who was studying the sheet music, and smirked to herself, Fur Elise’s score is tricky bitch could memorize it in a week Even if she did, her performance would be a total disaster
no way balith the
Excellent performance, Hallie Kerrie said, sending the recording to the class group. If you’re not feeling well, head back to class Everyone che will continue practicing for another thirty minutes”
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8:19 pm DD
pm;
Chapter 22
Hallie nodded sweetly, turned, and left the music hall.
“Edith, go over the score first. Once you’re ready, give it a try. Kerrie clapped her hands. “The rest of you, come with me. Let’s run through some simple dance steps.”
The group of seven or eight students moved, rehearsing a scene for their drama performance nearby
Edith sat at the piano, poring over the sheet music. She flipped through it once, and the notes seared into her memory. Then she pulled up Hallie’s performance video, zeroing in on her hands. The fingering was complex–hard to catch unless you stared closely.
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