Page 57 of The Sins of Noelle

But why… She'd won fair and square. Ann Marie had been the one tostealfrom her, and even that had not been enough for her to win.

Her mood soured considerably when she realized that Ann Marie's parents must have tried to influence the jury in some way.

Slowly, she turned back to the mirror, mulling over what she'd found out while pretending to apply some more make-up.

If she hadn't blown everyone away with her improvisation, she would have likely lost.

The realization was startling, and it only served to make her angrier.

Yes, she could admit that Ann Marie was a good pianist. But Noelle had always beenbetter.

Her hands balled into fists at the injustice of it all. And she could never prove either.

The girls eventually left for their performance, and though Noelle initially watched each act on the screen, she quickly lost interest. It was only going to distract her more from her own focus, and the last thing she needed right now was to compare herself to other people. Instead, she continued to mentally go over her piece while putting on her dress and getting ready for the big moment.

Looking into the mirror, she took herself in, unable to believe it washer.

Though she'd tried the dress on before, it had never looked so…elegant. She felt as if she could conquer the world, let alone that one room of spectators. Confidence flowed through her veins and with a few words of encouragement, she was ready to go.

She'd worked too hard for this moment not to take advantage of it. She'd worked her entire life to be seen as her own person—not a freak. To an extent, she'd managed that through music. And that night she was going to give everyone a deeper insight intoNoelle—what made her tick and what made her everything she was.

Finally, she was ready to reveal it all to the world.

If at the competition it had been an improvised and impromptu performance, now it was a purposeful succession of notes that gave everyone a glimpse into her soul.

She was excited.She was terrified.But she knew this was the only way she could leave her mark on her audience. By being her authentic self and playing about her life experience.

Deep in her thought, Noelle barely realized someone was knocking at the door. Startled, she turned, her eyes widened as she took in Miss Allison, her piano teacher, and a few of her classmates holding a cake.

"We wanted to cheer you on before you went on stage," Miss Allison said, a bright smile on her face.

Noelle's lips twitched and she couldn't help herself from returning the smile.

"Thank you so much," she said as she welcomed everyone inside.

There were five other students, some that she knew, but others she didn't. But she was certain none were on the piano track. She assumed Miss Allison had done her best to get a group of people to show support even though it was clear no one from the piano department had wanted to come.

Noelle didn't mind it, though, and she appreciated the gesture.

"Fifteen more minutes before the big moment," Miss Allison said as she placed the cake on the table. "Do you think you can eat a bit of cake, or should we leave this for later?"

"Maybe later?" Noelle added sheepishly. She was so anxious that she couldn't even bring herself to take a sip of water.

"Fair," the teacher chuckled. "You're probably overwhelmed right now."

Noelle nodded. Overwhelmed was putting it mildly. She was doing her best not to visibly shake in front of everyone.

"You have nothing to worry about. You will be spectacular as always," she praised gently. Suddenly, a few other students joined in to tell her the same.

"I've never heard anyone play like you before. I know you'll do well," one student added, and Miss Allison nodded.

"I've been teaching the piano for almost three, and I've never seen anyone play the way you do, Noelle. You deserve to be on that stage. You know that, don't you?"

Noelle blushed at her words.

"Thank you, that means a lot to me."

"You're usually quiet and too humble for your talent. But I want you to grasp on this chance and show them what you're capable of—what we all know you're capable of."

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