Page 1 of The Comeback

Chapter 1

Abby

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I drop my eyelids closed, blocking out the classroom as the music weaves an intricate dance around me. Each note evokes a specific emotion and the infinite number of ways you can piece them together to form a song never fails to amaze me. My lips spread in a wide smile, and I tap a steady rhythm along with the beat.

“Alright class. What did that song make you feel?”

Lauren’s hand shoots up, and the bitter little knot in my chest tightens. I hate this effect she has on me.

“Yes, Miss Holland?”

“Love. It’s such a beautiful love song.” She flashes a set of white teeth framed by flawless skin that literally requires no filter. The simpering look she levels at the unworthy asshat next to her is triggering .

Professor Whitman nods. “Anything more? What kind of love? Passionate, family, friendship, tragic? Can you expand on that at all?”

Lauren’s smile falters for a moment. “True love?”

I sense the laugh about to burst out, so I slap a hand over my mouth to contain it. Epic fail. Dozens of heads swivel around at my snort. Oops. Dax’s smirk is all now-you’re-in-for-it.

“Did you have something to add, Miss McCloud?” I wince as my teacher’s eyes swing over to me, penetrating to the very depths of my soul as if he can see the anger clawing at my insides. I shove the uncomfortable feelings down and focus on the music.

“The song starts out hopeful. Young love maybe. Maybe they thought it was true love, but it takes a turn. The rhythm speeds up, growing more turbulent as their passion intensifies. Wild and free as the notes push back and forth, neither side giving way. Until they combust in an explosion and burn out.” I throw my hands up, demonstrating the explosion. “Very Romeo and Juliet. Burning hot and fast before ending in disaster.” Seems like an accurate depiction of most love stories in my experience. My attention strays over to Connor with his bright blue eyes and the beautiful mouth that broke me with its lies and unfulfilled promises.

Lauren shoots me a dirty glare, but it’s not her approval I’m looking for. Whitman smiles and nods at me with enthusiasm. “Excellent assessment.”

Dax’s bony elbow digs into my rib, and I groan a little louder than necessary. I give my best friend a playful shove.

The prof plays a couple more songs for us before announcing our assignment for the week.

A dull rustling around the room drowns out his words as the students gather up their bags, getting ready to flee.

“One more announcement before you head out. I’m sure you’re all aware of the Hastings Memorial Songwriting Competition?”

It’s almost comical how fast silence descends. My back goes rigid, and my ears perk up. Everyone in the music department knows about the Hastings. It’s the reason half of us chose the college. They have a fantastic music program here, but so do lots of other schools. Lakeview, however, is the only one that hosts the Hastings Competition. Every Hastings winner has gone on to do great things in the highly competitive industry.

“There’s a new twist this year. The school has partnered with Luminous Lux Records.” He pauses for dramatic effect, enjoying the power he has over us poor students frothing at the mouth for him to finish. “The winners of the Hastings will also earn a paid summer apprenticeship at Luminous Lux. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, so partner up and get started. The sign-up form is available online now until the end of the month. Choose wisely. The judges won’t accept any changes or substitutions after September 30.”

The buzz of sound in the room is ten times louder than usual.

I shove up from my seat, ignoring the notebooks and pens cascading to the floor.

I grab Dax’s arm. “Did you hear that, Dax? Luminous Lux? This is freaking amazing!”

“I know, right? Let’s hit All Capps to sign up and make a game plan.”

I whirl around, clapping my hands. “Yes, let’s go.” My foot catches on a loose gel pen that clattered to the floor, and I flail my arms like a chicken to regain my balance.

“Whoa there, Abs, maybe pick up your mess. We’re not going to be competing at all if you take a nosedive, clock your head on the desk, and slip into a coma for the next six months.”

Right. I need to get my shit together for sure. Pink gel pen can’t be the cause of death listed in my obituary. Maybe black. I shove all the pens and notebooks into my backpack and straighten up.

The class has mostly cleared out by the time we push through the doors. Blood rushes to my head, leaving me lightheaded and unsteady on my feet at the sight of her. Lauren’s unmistakable long, blond hair slides in a smooth curtain down her back as she leans into him, doing indecent things. His hands wrap around her waist and for a moment, I imagine it’s me. It used to be me. Until it wasn’t. Until he cheated on me with her.

My best friend’s voice drops to a rough whisper as he tugs me along beside him. “C’mon, Abby, he’s not worth your time.”

Easy for him to say. He didn’t have his heart ripped out and crushed by a lying, cheating asshole like Connor. My fists clench and tears burn at the back of my eyes, but I walk away. I won’t let them see me cry. Never again.

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