Page 134 of Crescendo

“So, without further ado, please give it up for our winner:Across the Riverby Ella Hendrickson.”

Tears sprung into my eyes as my brain slammed to a stop. People were cheering. My friends were descending on me, hugging me, congratulating me. My piece was playing in the room around us. And my eyes landed on Rosie across the room as Hannah pulled me into a hug. She was gripping her chest as she swayed to the music, crying openly at it.

I’d done that? I’d made someone cry with my music?

I’dwon.

Eliza gripped me in a hug. “You’re going to the Royal Albert Hall!”

“What?” I gasped.

Everyone laughed and someone—probably Dodge—was drumming a celebratory pattern on my back.

“The Royal Albert Hall, baby!” he yelled, laughing.

I turned and Clara claimed me, Bansi throwing himself around the both of us, yelling about how he’d never been happier in his life. I didn’t think that was true, but I also thought he lived every day of his life this happy, so maybe, by default, he was right.

Lorna said a few more words I couldn’t fully register before dismissing us, and I saw Adam rising from his seat at the front of the room and heading my way, a huge grin plastered across his face.

He shuffled through the row in front of us, stopping in front of me. “You know, I hate to say it, but Lydia is seldomwrong about a person. If she says they’re talented, the woman’s always right.”

I laughed, at a loss for anything else to do. “Did I win just because she thought I should?”

“No. Not at all.” He leaned in slightly. “You won because you’re a hell of a composer, Ella, and your piece was incredible. I’m hoping this isn’t the last we hear from you.”

My stomach jolted. Something that had been slowly sweeping in over the last few days hit me with surprising force. The only working life I’d known left little time for anything, but definitely not for composing. I’d have to immediately check if I could book the night of the performance off—the performance ofmypiece… It probably wouldn’t be an issue, I’d already mentioned it because I’d wanted to attend either way, but now, Ihadto be there.

The Royal Albert Hall.

How did that happen?

I loved my job. Medicine had been my dream for so long. But music… The idea of leaving it behind again ached.

“I can’t believe it,” I muttered, truly unsure what came next. “I don’t even know what to do with myself.”

Adam laughed. “Text Lydia. She’s probably staring at the phone, waiting for your message.”

“Uh, she better be sleeping, actually.”

“Well,” Dodge called, “text her anyway, and then come with us, because we’re celebrating. Party at Ella’s place?”

My chest constricted. Not there. Not without Lydia.

“Oh, I, um—”

“Nah,” Eliza said, cutting in as she and Clara shared a look. “She’s not hosting her own party.”

“Party at our place,” Hannah said, smiling as she slipped an arm around Eliza’s waist.

I shot the two of them and Clara grateful smiles. “Sounds good.”

“Oh, I’ve got so much food,” Bansi cheered. “You’re going to love it.” And he ran off to start inviting the rest of his friends to the party.

Clara laughed and looked at Hannah. “I hope you know how many people you’ve just invited to your place.”

Eliza shrugged. “Won’t be the first time we’ve been in a cramped space with a musical crowd.”

The look she and Hannah shared was magical.

---