SWNOVELS Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Emery wore white flats. Her long dress fell over the top of her shoes.
One could not see what condition her legs and feet were in, but her posture as she walked let everyone know that she was disabled.
A path opened up naturally in the crowd.
Emery did not pay attention to anyone. She supported herself with her cane as she walked down the steps of the stage and out the hallway door.
“Alexandra,” Martha said to Alexandra. “Hurry and go comfort Ms. Walters. She doesn’t have a single good friend. If you kiss up to her, she might give you a nice treat.”
“What did you eat this morning?” Alexandra spat out. “Everything that comes out of your mouth is nasty.”
Alexandra ignored the other girls in the assembly hall and chased after Emery.
Emery had not gone far.
When Alexandra came out, she saw Emery sitting alone on a bench under a tree. Emery was dabbing at her tears.
Alexandra hesitated. She felt a bit guilty. She wondered if something she said earlier had also brought trouble to Emery.
Alexandra walked toward Emery and pulled out a pack of tissues from her bag. Alexandra took a tissue out and offered it to Emery.
Emery raised her teary eyes, When Emery saw that it was the stranger who had spoken up for her in the assembly hall, Emery accepted the tissue.
Alexandra bit her lips and sat down on the bench.
Neither of the girls spoke because Emery was still crying-
Alexandra understood that Emery had to feel horrible inside after getting humiliated like that.
Alexandra knew that comforting words were useless sometimes, so she just sat beside Emery without saying anything.
When Emery finished using the tissue, Alexandra promptly handed Emery another one.
Piano music floated out of the assembly hall’s window again. Alexandra listened for a while. She felt that the melody was not as beautiful as Emery’s playing.
After a short while, Emery spoke up from Alexandra’s side. “Thank you, Alexandra.”
Alexandra was a bit surprised. She thought that Emery would ignore her and leave after she stopped crying.
Alexandra quickly waved her hand. “No need, no need. I was attracted by your piano playing. It was beautiful. Those people love putting down others to make themselves feel better. Don’t take their words personally.”
Emery chuckled wryly and sniffled. “What they said was correct. I have indeed lost to Kelly. She has always been first place, and I have been second place in every piano competition since middle school. After all these years, this still has not changed.”
Alexandra could tell that there was no jealousy in Emery’s voice. There was only sadness.
“You play piano because you like it, right?” Alexandra asked. “It’s not for rankings. If only the first–place winner could play piano, then no one in Highclere City except Veronica would be qualified to play piano, right?”
Emery was surprised by Alexandra’s joke, but she soon chuckled. Everyone in Highclere knew who Veronica Doherty was.
Alexandra saw Emery laugh, so Alexandra laughed as well. “Right? The most important thing is that you like it. Who cares. what others think?”
A different kind of light lit up in Emery’s eyes. She took a deep breath. “You are right, Alex. Liking it is the most important thing.”
“That’s the way to go. Alexandra extended a lollipop to Emery. “Here, let me reward you with candy.”
Emery laughed even more brightly this time. She accepted the lollipop and thanked Alexandra.
While the two girls ate their lollipops on the bench, Emery said to Alexandra, “But I really do want to perform at Freshmen. Night. I want to prove to my family that I can play well and unleash my talents and value.”
Alexandra did not understand what Freshmen Night had to do with value. There are many stages,” she said. “Why do you have to obsess over Freshmen Night?”
“You do not get it, Alexandra.” Emery’s eyes started to darken. “My family has objected to me playing the piano since my leg was injured.”
“Why do they object?”
“I do not know. It is probably because they are worried that I am unable to face the public’s stares, but they do not understand me. For me, playing piano is my only passion right now.” Emery’s tone sounded like she was very disappointed
and let downL
Alexandra gazed at Emery and said comfortingly, “If you love it, then keep playing. I will be your most loyal audience
member.
Emery’s heart swelled with warmth. Ever since the accident a few years ago, her personality changed drastically. She had become more depressed and sensitive. Her friends had gradually drifted away from her.
Alexandra was a girl who had stood up for Emery, even though they had just met. Alexandra helped give Emery a kind of warm comfort again.
“Thank
you,
Alexandra,” Emery said from the bottom of her heart. “I will keep playing piano, even if it is just for you.”
“No problem” Alexandra said with a laugh as she waved the lollipop in her hand.
–
“From now on,” Emery said, suddenly growing serious, “we will be friends. Are you willing to be my friend?”
Alexandra smiled. “We are friends already, aren’t we?”
Emery was surprised for a moment and smiled. “My name is Emery Walters. I am 20 years old, and I am a student in the Piano Department at the University of Highclere. What about you?”
“My name is Alexandra Doherty,” Alexandra said. “What a coincidence. I am also 20 years old. As for my major… I will tell you in a few days.”
Emery probably did not understand what Alexandra meant. Emery was confused for a moment. She then asked, “When is your birthday?”
“December 24th, Christmas Eve,” Alexandra said.
An expression of surprise appeared in Emery’s eyes before she said, “You have the same birthday as Jesus.”
“Who is Jesus?” Alexandra asked in confusion.
Emery laughed. “You are older than me,” Emery said. “My birthday is close to yours though. My birthday is December 29th.”
“Really?” Alexandra exclaimed immediately in pleasant surprise. “We are only a few days apart. That means we can celebrate our birthdays together.”
“Sure. How about we celebrate it together this year?” Emery’s bad mood had been swept away completely by Alexandra’s
appearance.
“That would be great.”
Alexandra was very happy because she finally made a friend after coming to Highclere City.
Before they separated, they added each other on WhatsApp.
Emery was still messaging Alexandra on WhatsApp on the way home after she was picked up by her driver.
Meanwhile, Alexandra was strolling around on the street. She did not want to go back to the Ranford family’s residence so early and face her mother–in–law, Caroline, and Mrs. Josephine.
The driver was sitting in the front. He heard Emery’s soft chuckles travel over from the backseat a few times.
The driver was stunned. In his memory, he had not seen Emery so happy in a long time.
However, Emery’s expression grew gloomier as soon as she got out of the car. It was like there was a spell over the house that instantly took her happiness away.
As soon as Emery entered the house, her mother, Cecilia Walters, set down her embroidery. Cecilia stood up and said with a smile, “Honey, you are home.”
“Yes,” Emery replied without emotion. She gave her jacket and bag to the maid..
Seemingly not wanting to speak further, Emery started going up the stairs with the support of her cane.
Cecilia followed Emery. “You must be tired after a day at school, right?” Cecilia asked placatingly. “Your dad’s friend brought some desserts over from abroad. Would you like to try some?”
“No need. You can eat them.”
Cecilia noticed that Emery was still cold and distant, so she stopped nagging her.
At that moment, Carson walked out of his study. It seemed that he was planning on going out. When he saw Emery
downstairs, he walked down while greeting. “Emery, you’re back.”