Hit That Note ↑
Chapter 13
Breanna studied the music sheet in her hands for the hundredth time. The song of The Hits. She was sitting beside Nick, Al, and Mag on the couch while Ness was nervously pacing the room, “This opening’s in two days. Two days!”
Brandon returned to the room with six pop cans and handed each person one. Breanna replied to Ness, “We should be worrying about the closing. It’s just a concert, we’ll be fine.” The ‘it’s just a concert’ part was probably a mistake because Ness sat down and stared at the ceiling, probably a more intimidating sight then her quick paced walk around the room. Brandon rolled his eyes, “Who would’ve known you’re such a drama queen.” Ness looked up and gave him a if-you-don’t-shut-up-I-don’t-know-what-I’ll-do-to-you look. Al, who was quiet most of the time, coughed, “If you ask me, we’re totally ready for both the opening and closing.”
Ness got her focus back together and sat up straight, “Right. I know I’m being over-cautious but we’ve got some things to go over. Number one: no one speaks on the way there. This isn’t a joke. It’s a fifteen minute walk so I hope you can keep your mouths closed for that long. Number two: do not be late under any circumstances. Got it? Number three…” Ness went on explaining little details about the concert and where they’re going to meet. Breanna’s eyes were either playing tricks on her or Ness was definitely keeping her eyes on Nick throughout the whole conversation. I wonder if he noticed. And, once again if she wasn’t wrong, Brandon was doing the same thing. Except his target wasn’t Nick, it was Breanna. She felt like shouting out, “Would you tell me what’s going on already or are you waiting for me to ask?” but of course, she didn’t. That would mean giving up in their little “war”. Sooner or later she’ll figure it all out. Right now, there were more important things to think about.
Sunday night arrived. Breanna glanced at her watch and jumped when she heard approaching footsteps. Nine forty-five. It was Sunday night and she was holding Nick’s hand as they stood in a dim, extended hallway beside a large window. The brilliant, full moon lit up the sky in a striking light and she smiled at Mag and Al. Soon Ness and Brandon joined them in the darkness. Breanna ran a hand through her extremely straight hair and noticed their silver outfits shining in the moonlight. She made sure to leave a note on her bed in case Reena chose to take a midnight walk during the night lamely explaining her absence with a ‘sleepover’ in another room.
“Sorry for being late,” Brandon whispered, “You guys need time to warm up when we get there. We should get going.”
He led their way outside through an emergency exit and, for the next twenty minutes, they walked in dead silence. Breanna studied her surroundings as they crossed an empty street filled with small boutiques and souvenir stores. Finally, Brandon entered a small deserted alley and reaching the end, Breanna noticed a rusty subway sign barely hanging on to a nearby pole. He opened an old door and Breanna found herself at a subway station with no one in sight except for them. Brandon reached out to a dusty telephone at a nearby booth and dialled a number.
“Hey, we’re at the station,” Brandon’s deep voice echoed in the deserted area. Breanna raised her eyebrows and glanced nervously at Nick, still not breaking the promise of silence. As soon as Brandon placed the phone back in place, a door swung open from the wall in front of them and music blasted at top volume filled their ears. A girl’s head with rainbow highlights peeked through followed by a waving hand and with no hesitation, The Hits stepped into a massive room filled with thousands of musicians. This is nothing comparing to our first round at the competition, thought Breanna. The sight took her breath away and she felt determination rise up inside. This is where she wanted to be. Although the rule for keeping quiet was broken, Breanna felt speechless.
The girl with strangely coloured hair pulled The Hits through the crowd. Breanna finally noticed a band swinging to an unfamiliar beat on a circular centre stage. Before long, they stopped before a long list on the wall and the unusual female pointed to their names.
“You’re up in…ten minutes,” she gave them a cheesy smile and dissolved in the dancing mass.
Breanna finally glanced around and followed Brandon towards the stage. With no host to guide the program, each band watched the names of the upcoming bands flashing on a large TV screen.
“So what do you think?” Brandon turned to Breanna and gave her a slight smile.
“Are you kidding me! I feel like I’m in a movie. But…there are so many bands just like us. I don’t think we’ll stand out.”
“There aren’t many singers like you around here,” Breanna looked up, ready to laugh at him for teasing, but stopped midway. His was looking at her curiously, his face unreadable and she felt a pang of embarrassment mixed with anger once again. Why is he so unpredictable?
“I’m not kidding,” he said and stepped away when Nick approached.
“What’s up, Brandon?” Nick quickly glanced at Breanna and she was thankful it was dark in the room to cover up her apparent blushing.
“Just telling Breanna she has a beautiful voice,” Brandon’s playful smile was back, “More like convincing her. I’ll see you guys around,” he waved to a nearby teenager and walked off in another direction. The friendly atmosphere got rid of Breanna’s nerves and, when “The Hits” appeared in bright neon letters on the screen, she stepped onto the stage with confidence. Nick took his place behind the drums and the rest of the band joined in.
Breanna quickly adjusted to the new setting and, soon, the room was filled with their original song, her voice echoing through the entire building. Countless heads turned to look as their interest rose in the performers and whispers spread through the crowd.
All of a sudden, the room was filled with darkness as the spotlights went off and the direction of their gaze turned to the main entrance. The mass of people staggered backwards as Breanna felt Nick’s hand wrap around her waist and urgently push her off stage. Abruptly, he pulled her hand and they were running in the other direction from the approaching men.
“What’s going on?” Breanna shrieked against the uproar around her.
“We have to get out of here,” Nick’s urgent voice sent chills down Breanna’s spine, “This concert is illegal. There’s no time, I’m sorry we didn’t tell you. I couldn’t…” Breanna bumped into Nick as he stopped abruptly. A man blocked their way from the entrance sending panic through her mind. The shouts subdued into silence and the room went completely dark, lit with only one light source, the main spotlight, aimed towards the stage.
Breanna’s ears adapted to the sudden stillness. This concert is illegal? Am I the only person in this room who didn’t know? She looked at each blocked exit with rising panic and anger.
It seemed as if the silence was carrying on for hours until it was interrupted by a quiet noise. It grew louder and Breanna realized someone in the audience was clapping. The sound was moving from the crowd closer to the stage and shortly the beam of light revealed two men who caused the commotion. One was a broad-shouldered police officer accompanied by the businessman Breanna had noticed earlier in the evening. Everyone watched the arrivals in silence as the clapping grew louder. Breanna looked at Nick and found a look of confusion.
When the clapping subdued, the mysterious man folded his hands in front of him. He carried a presence of power emphasized by his dark suit which seemed, to Breanna, inappropriate for the event. What is going on?
“Sorry to break up the party. I’m Frederic Waulters,” he began in a deep voice. Everyone listened intently, “Could the lady singing just a while ago come up to the stage right now?”
Nick’s grip on Breanna’s hand stiffened and he looked at her, curious. She let go and slowly walked up on stage. The countless stares were sent her way and she felt self-conscious under the intense gaze of the policeman. For the first time, the stage was the last place she wanted to be on.
With Breanna beside him, Frederic cleared his throat, “What’s with the grim faces?” and loudly chuckled, “For those who are wondering, we are not here to arrest anyone.” A rush of murmurs spread through the audience.
“Carry on with your performances. And you,” he pointed at Breanna, “Follow me.”
Once again, Breanna caught Brandon’s concerned face in the crowd and quietly followed Frederic out into the subway station. After shutting the door behind him, he smiled and stretched out his hand, “Frederic Waulters. Nice to meet you.”
From a few seconds, Breanna hesitated and Frederic’s hand lingered in air. Eventually she shook his hand.
“Breanna.”
“Yes, nice name by the way.”
“Um, thank you.”
“I guess I owe you a brief explanation.” He brushed off a spec of dust which landed on his flawless suit and continued, “Who am I? The director of the Band Academy and a producer who organized this whole event. For years I’ve been searching for someone with an amazing talent...”
“Wait,” Breanna interrupted, “I just heard this concert is illegal. You’re going against the law.”
Frederic looked at her kindly, “You kids are all the same. Always looking for challenges. The reason we spread the news of the concert being illegal was to find teenagers who are willing to break all rules just to reach their goals. Full potentials. And every year I left this evening with disappointment. I even had to fake police arrivals, for goodness sake.” Frederic laughed and fixed his tie, “What do I want from you? I want to sign you on a full contract. Do you have to accept? If getting millions of dollars, fans, and hits isn’t in your league, you can reject my offer. Understood?” He smiled again as Breanna’s jaw dropped.
“You…you…what? Contract? Me?”
“I think you mean, ‘Are you sure I’m up to it?’ With my experience, I know you are. You’ve got what it takes. All you have to do is sign some forms and you’re a star.”
Breanna stared blankly at the strange formal man in front of her and couldn’t believe what she was hearing. This was her dream coming true.
“Come by to my office at the academy when you’re ready. Now,” he glanced at his watch, “I’m running late. Have fun.”
With long strides, followed by policemen, Frederic walked out onto the street.
Chapter 14
Breanna glanced at Nick from the corner of her eye. Once again Hit That Note was rehearsing in their band room. The last note was played and Reena jumped up and down.
“Oh my god, we sound so good!”
“Yeah,” Ryan agreed, “We’d sound better if I wasn’t so exhausted.” He dropped onto one of the bean bags and closed his eyes. Reena and Russ smiled and tiptoed into the hallway. Nick began to pack up and threw Ryan’s bag at him.
“Hey,” Ryan opened his eyes, “Watch it. You need me for our performance.” He sat up and began stretching, “Now, what’s up with you guys?”
“Nothing,” Breanna and Nick answered in unison. Ryan gave them a suspicious look.
“Yo, I know where the two of you were last night. Don’t try to make lame excuses. I know.”
Nick’s shoulders stiffened, ‘How do you know?”
“It’s not the first time,” Ryan’s serious expression turned to a smile, “Relax, why would I tell anyone two of my best friends are sneaking out at night to party?”
Breanna let out a sigh of relief. Nick relaxed and smiled, “Yeah, don’t tell anyone.”
“Sure. Anyways, see you later. Gotta run,” Ryan grabbed his backpack and ran out into the hallway.
“I almost thought he knew,” Breanna laughed nervously as they walked up the stairs.
“Same. I don’t mind him knowing but if it spreads to someone like Reena…”
They climbed the stairs in silence and entered an unfamiliar floor.
“Where are we?” Breanna looked around. The floor was similar to their dormitory level but contained many rich paintings and gold embroidery on the walls. Nick led Breanna down the hall.
“Wow, this is what my future house will look like,” he laughed.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps approaching. In panic, Breanna reached out for the closest door and they stepped inside a room. It contained rich dark oak furniture. With a large bookshelf and a writing desk, the room appeared to be an office.
The door made clicking sounds and Nick jerked Breanna inside a nearby closet. Through a crack, they held their breath and watched the door swing open. Breanna jumped slightly at the sight of the two men who had entered the room. Frederic Waulters followed by Brandon.
“Brandon Waulters, how many times do I have to tell you, shut the door when you leave. Do you not understand how many valuable documents I keep in this room?
“Sorry, dad. I was going to close it later.”
“Later could be too late,” Frederic sat down behind the desk and began sorting out papers, “So how’s school?”
“Uh, it’s great. Nothing new.”
”Don’t give me short answers. Everyday brings something new.”
”Dad…”
“Fine, fine. Teenagers…” He poured water into two glasses and handed one to Brandon. “So you know Breanna?”
Breanna jerked and Nick nudged her to be quiet.
“Yeah, I do,” Brandon looked away and pretended to be interested in one of the paintings on the wall.
“Oh, I see,” Frederic chuckled and put his glass down. He leaned forward on the table and asked, “Could you tell me a bit about her?”
Brandon’s gaze shifted to his father and he answered defensively, “Why are you asking me?”
“I’m planning to sign her on a contract. So shouldn’t I know more about her?”
“You already know everything there is to know about Breanna. You just want to know what I think of her, don’t you?”
“Smart boy.”
“Well, that’s none of your business.”
“Now that’s no way to talk to your father.”
“I know what you’re going to do. The same thing that you did to the rest of them. And I won’t let you. Not this time.”
In the darkness, Nick took Breanna’s hand in reassurance.
“Oh yes you will. You will help me convince her because that’s what a good son would do.” Frederic leaned back and folded his arms in front of him.
“I won’t betray her. I’ve had enough. You sign them up and use them to get money. After you’re done, you get rid of them. I’m sick of it.”
“Brandon, I’ve done it many times before and you’ve helped me out. What makes her so special?”
Brandon narrowed his eyes and looked away, “That’s none of your business either.”
“It is exactly my business. My career lies upon it. I support you, don’t forget that. If it wasn’t for the money, we’d be nothing.”
“If it wasn’t for me, you’d be nothing either. If it wasn’t for you, mom wouldn’t have left us.”
Frederic pursed his lips and his hands shook as he grabbed the side of his chair, “Do not speak of her ever again.” He stood up, “If Breanna doesn’t sign this contract, say goodbye to your career.” With that, he left the room.
Brandon lowered his head into his hands. The clock was ticking loudly on the wall. Nick wrapped his hand around Breanna to keep her from stumbling out of their hiding place. Soon, Brandon rose and walked out, locking the door behind him.
Breanna slid down to the bottom of the closet.
“Oh my god Nick…He lied to me.” Nick sat down beside her, “Brea, get yourself together; we have to get out of here. The door’s locked.”
They rose and walked to the middle of the room.
“There has to be a way out,” Nick glanced at the vent on the ceiling and pointed it out to Breanna. She laughed, “Don’t even think about it.”
Without a warning, Nick and Breanna’s laughter was interrupted at the sound of the turning knob. The door swung open and Brandon stepped inside.
“What..?” Brandon stared at them wide-eyed, “What are you doing here?”
Breanna stumbled towards the door but Brandon shut it abruptly.
“How long were you here? You’re not going anywhere until you answer me.”
Nick stepped forward, “We heard footsteps down the hallway and decided to hide in this room. We were just leaving.”
“Breanna, stay.”
Nick look cautiously at Brandon. Breanna nodded and he left the room as Brandon walked over to his father’s desk.
“How much did you hear?” he raised his tired eyes in her direction. She returned his stare.
“Everything.”
Brandon sighed and lowered himself into the space occupied by his father a while ago.
“Breanna, I tried telling you earlier, many times, but always backed out at the last moment,” he gazed at her intently. She sat down on a satin chair and looked up angrily.
“You didn’t care about the rest of them, did you? By signing that contract, I would be taking away your career, just as you had done.”
At this line, Brandon rose and grabbed Breanna’s shoulders, lifting her from her seat. A shiver ran down her spine.
“I did care. I remember every one of them but I had no choice. It’s my father, he’s threatened to kick me out of the academy and I’ve been foolish enough to follow his instructions. This time, I don’t care. You’re meant to be on stage. I’m asking you to save your career.”
Breanna laughed sarcastically, “You think I’ll fall for it again? How do I know this isn’t a part of your plan? You easily threw away the careers of teenagers and might’ve done the same to me. I don’t trust you anymore.” She fixed her eyes on his and Brandon lowered his hands. There was a moment of silence before he spoke again.
“Just promise me one thing. The concert for The Hits is on the same day as the final competition. When my father asks you to sign those forms, just walk away and sing with Hit That Note.”
“That’s an easy promise to keep,” she mumbled sarcastically and took a step away from him.
“Breanna, I’m sorry for lying to you. I don’t know how to make it up to you.”
“I’m sorry too, Brandon, but I can’t forgive you for following through with your father’s plans. That’s something you can never change,” she broke their gaze and headed towards the door.
Chapter 15
Breanna drained her third bottle of water and threw it in the recycling bin. Reena was stretched across two bean bags tapping drum sticks on her magazine while Russ sorted through old-looking CDs scattered on the floor.
“Beatles, beatles, beatles, where are you?” he muttered to himself before glancing up, “Breanna, where’s Nick?”
“He couldn’t come today,” she shrugged, “Doing some volunteer work for the organization group at the academy.”
Ryan put down his guitar and began packing. The room was a mess after their four hour practice.
“I think we sound great,” Breanna smiled, “Now all we need is one Beatles song and we’re ready. Russ, any luck?
He grinned and jumped up with a CD in hand, “Got it! I’ll skim through it tonight and pick a song for us by tomorrow.”
“Great! Now let’s clean this mess before anyone sees it.”
Nick strolled through a dark hallway thinking of the previous day. He was mostly remembering Breanna’s desperate attempt to stay calm. Every spoken word made her jump and he knew the reason for this was Brandon. But what he didn’t know, and was frantically trying to figure out, was whether this sudden edginess was a source of hatred or care. He detested the latter but couldn’t keep this option out of the way. She did consider him a great friend but maybe there was something more?
Nick’s thoughts were unexpectedly interrupted by an approaching girl who, probably expecting Nick to move out of the way, walked right into him. Both caught off guard ended up on the floor.
As Nick’s eyes regained their focus, he was surprised to see Ness staring back at him, looking less confused. She smiled.
“Oh, Nick! I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you,” she giggled slightly.
“It’s alright. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” He got up and stretched out his hand to help her up. Once they were standing, Ness smiled once again.
“I haven’t seen you look so…distracted before.” She made a statement but her eyes were questioning. He could see her scan his face trying to decipher the reason for his absent-mindedness.
“I’m just worried, that’s all.”
“About?”
“Uh...It’s personal.”
Suddenly Ness’s harsh gaze returned.
“It’s about her, isn’t it?” Nick was taken aback by her tone of voice. She used a pronoun but he knew fully well who she meant. And she was spot on.
“Yeah. But I’m fine.” He didn’t want to say too much.
At that moment, Nick noticed her eyes swell up. It was obvious she was trying to hide this by the way her body turned sideways.
“Ness, are you ok?” He regretted asking. His question made her cry even more. She spoke through tears.
“I’m tired of responsibility. I’m scared about the competition. I want the prize so bad, I’m afraid of losing. But at the same time, I wish I wasn’t in charge. You don’t know how horrible it feels to know I might let anyone down.”
Nick was confused about her stumbling words but his protective instincts kicked in and he reached out his hand. He was meaning to place it on her shoulder to calm her down but she took it as an invitation and gave him a wide embrace.
“I’m sorry, Nick, I didn’t mean to spill,” she was sobbing, “I love you.”
Nick froze and there were two reasons for this. One, he was unsure whether he heard her right. But the words were very clear. Even though she mumbled them in his shoulder, he heard her perfectly. But this reason wasn’t the cause of his suddenly paralyzed hands. At the end of the hallway, with her mouth hanging open, was Breanna.
With effort, Nick took Ness by her shoulders and pulled her away. She was no longer crying and as he walked away, he noticed a slight smile spread across her face.
Chapter 16
It was way past twelve when Nick quietly knocked on Breanna’s room door. He prayed Reena was in deep sleep and was surprised at how fast the door opened. Breanna, fully dressed, was holding on to the knob and it squeaked from the pressure with which she held it.
“What do you want?” she hissed through her teeth.
“I need to talk to you,” Nick whispered cautiously, knowing they were not allowed to be up at this hour.
“You need to talk? I need to sleep. Bye.” She began to close the door slowly, as if hoping he would stop her. Nick smiled and let the door shut. It didn’t take long for her to open the door again and walk out into the hallway.
“I hate you.” She grumbled but followed him as he led their way to their practice room. Once the door was locked, he turned to her.
“I didn’t get a chance to talk to you since yesterday.”
Breanna rolled her eyes and shivered. “And whose fault is that?”
“Look, I’m going to help you whether you want it or not. Got it?” he smiled again.
“I’m not a kid, Nick. I can make a decision on my own.” She rolled her eyes again and sat down on a bean bag. It began to roll away and she readjusted her position to prevent herself from falling. Nick stifled a laugh.
“Yeah. I know you’re not. But I don’t want you to lose everything you ever wanted in one day. The competition and the Bands on Rise concert are both this Sunday. I can’t believe they didn’t even bother to warn us before we joined The Hits. What are we going to do now?”
She looked at him, about to make a remark but then lowered her head and said, “I don’t know. It’s hard. I know I should hate Brandon but I don’t. If I don’t go to that concert and sign their contract, his father will end his career. And who knows where he’ll end up after that?”
Nick sat down beside her, “But if we don’t perform with Hit That Note, not only is your career over, but same goes to the rest of its members.”
Breanna put her chin on her knees and sighed. They sat in silence for a while before she spoke.
“I just don’t understand why Brandon would do something like this, you know? I trusted him and to see him throw our friendship like this…” she stopped and looked away.
“I know,” Nick replied, “But he’s made his choice and you’ve got one in front of you right now.”
Breanna tilted towards Nick, “Helping Brandon would mean taking all of this away from you guys,” she paused, “I’m going to perform at our competition.” She stated her decision
“Brea, you sure about this?”
‘Yeah, but how will we tell The Hits?”
Nick thought for a minute, “We have to tell them at the next meeting. They know we had to make a choice but I don’t think they expect us to turn down the Bands on Rise opportunity.”
“How will they go on without us?”
“Ness can sing. Someone else can handle my part.”
Breanna sighed, “Why did they make the shows at the same time? It makes no sense.”
“Actually, it does. Frederick wants the best of the best. It’s easier to eliminate people this way. Whoever wants it bad would turn down the competition and go with Bands on Rise. And it offers a lot more…”
“But Frederic Waulters uses the winners for his own benefits,” Breanna finished and sighed, “Let’s hope everything works out. One thing for sure, Brandon will hate me. I know I won’t be able to face him after this but I can’t let Hit That Note down.”
Nick leaned in to give Breanna a hug but she dodged him and pursed her lips.
“What?” Nick looked surprised but swiftly understood, “Oh come on Brea, you don’t really think the Ness thing was serious, do you?”
“What do you expect? She seemed to be enjoying herself.”
He laughed, “She didn’t know what she was doing”
“Oh trust me, she did. I just don’t like her.” Breanna looked away, “Uh, Nick, sorry. I promised myself I won’t mention it.”
“You kept your promise, I mentioned it.”
“You know what I mean.”
They laughed simultaneously and suddenly the room became quiet. No sound was made aside from a soft buzz of a TV coming from a nearby room.
Nick cleared his throat, “I wish you’d see me the way Ness does.” He looked at her and she groaned.
“Nick…”
He raised his hands and smiled, “Hey, I didn’t make any promises not to mention this. You knew it was coming.”
“Yeah, I did. And…”
“I know,” Nick replied quickly.
“What?” Breanna looked taken aback, “What do you know?”
“You like Brandon.”
“What?!” Breanna jumped and it was enough to send her off the bean bag. Once flat on the floor, she laughed and stayed there.
“Oh come on, don’t deny it, Brea,” Nick said as he looked over at her. She stared back at him, still positioned on the floor and he continued, “If you didn’t, making a choice wouldn’t have been so hard for you. He didn’t care about your future. Why would you possibly even consider saving his if you didn’t?”
Breanna sat up and stared at Nick for a minute, “No…’
Nick smiled at Breanna’s dumbfounded expression, “You don’t see the look on your face when he’s in the room.”
Breanna removed a strand of hair that fell on her cheek and stared back at Nick, speechless. The muscles in his arms tightened and he frowned.
“You don’t actually believe that,” Breanna whispered.
“Brea, I know.”
She grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it at him- it hit his shoulders and landed beside his loose shoelace.
“Hey, what was that for?” Nick’s grin returned.
‘For noticing more than you should.”
“Well then you have to do better than that. I know you more than you know yourself. That’s what best friends are for, right?”
“Best friends,” Breanna smiled at the words and gave him a tight hug, “Nick, thank you so much for everything. And I’m sorry I can’t be more than that.”
He waved, “That’s enough for me,” he winked, “For now.”
