Chapter 184:
As soon as Vicky finished her performance, Abram showered her with praise. “Bravo! Excellent performance!” he exclaimed, his admiration evident. Vicky, his favorite apprentice, swelled with pride. She couldn't help glancing at the silent Elyse and stifling a laugh. She'd already made it clear Elyse was no match for her. Yet, there was Elyse, outshone at the selection. It was almost comical—like watching a clown compete with a star.
As Abram, Merlin, and the others chatted, they beckoned Cody for his opinion. Soon, the Celestial Sounds Symphony's concertmaster for the upcoming domestic tour was chosen. “Congratulations, Vicky! You’ve earned the prestigious title of concertmaster,” Abram announced proudly, his eyes subtly conveying his apprentice's triumph over Merlin's. Merlin, sensing the provocation, remained stoic, applauding with the others.
Thunderous applause erupted, a celebratory cacophony as Vicky basked in the adulation. She had always excelled, her talent surpassing the others. Her selection as concertmaster was unsurprising.
Elyse descended the stage, a heavy silence surrounding her, her heart heavy with defeat. The winners' stage felt impossibly distant. Richie and Darren approached, perhaps to offer comfort, but she silently refused, shaking her head before leaving.
Concern etched Richie's face. "What should we do?" he said anxiously. "I want to talk to her." He knew Cody had wanted to mentor Elyse, but suspected his feelings might have changed. Despite this, Cody remained silent about his true intentions regarding the concertmaster selection. As the sole keeper of a secret, Richie felt increasingly uneasy.
Darren placed a comforting hand on Richie's shoulder and shook his head. Grace interjected, "Let her be. The sting of failure is sharp, but she must find her own strength. Otherwise, she'll never rise again." Richie felt more uneasy. He wanted to defend Elyse, insisting she hadn't truly failed; she was Cody's apprentice, and this setback wouldn't define her. Abram's booming voice interrupted. "Well done! You deserve to be my apprentice. No one your age can match you." They looked to see Vicky standing confidently before instructors, her demeanor oozing arrogance. Perhaps noticing their scrutiny, she lifted her chin slightly, a hint of smugness in her eyes.
Bart, noticing Vicky's demeanor, frowned. "Victory is commendable, but there's a fine line between confidence and arrogance." Darren conceded, "Vicky's record is flawless. She truly stands out." Grace, displeased, interjected, "If only you could overcome your stage fright, Darren. Then perhaps you'd surpass her one day." Darren, caught off guard, could only look helpless.
Meanwhile, Vicky, the new concertmaster, sought Cody's acknowledgment. However, he was gone. Turning to Abram, she tugged his sleeve. "Mr. Ellsworth, where's Mr. Tucker? Wasn't he here to scout for an apprentice? I won. Why isn't he here?" Abram, puzzled by Cody's absence, questioned nearby teachers, but found no clues.
Scanning the room, he mused aloud, "That's odd. Where could he have gone?" Vicky's anxiety grew; she remembered Cody conversing with Darren, Grace, and Bart—none of whom had been selected. She remembered his feedback, both constructive and praising. She felt confused. She knew she was exceptional, so why hadn't Cody publicly chosen her as his apprentice?
Vicky scanned the room anxiously, unaware Cody had followed Elyse out to the garden. Elyse found solace among the flowers, her sighs breaking the silence.
"It's just a setback," Cody's voice interrupted as he approached, hands clasped behind his back. Startled, Elyse rose, eyes wide. "Mr. Tucker, what brings you here?" she asked uncertainly.
Cody regarded her unease neutrally. "Was this your first time on stage?" Elyse nodded slowly. "Yes. I've performed before, but always unnoticed. Today was my debut as a concertmaster. Even though it wasn't public, I felt uneasy," she whispered. "Being in such a prominent position made me uncomfortable."
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