49. Margo
Chapter 49
Margo
I looked around the audience as there was no sign of Liam.
I felt my heart hurt at the fact that maybe… he had left me again.
I desperately searched the stands, hoping to catch a glimpse of his familiar face, but the more I sought, the more my hope dwindled.
My eyes locked on to the keys of the piano tighter, my knuckles white with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. He had promised to watch me.
I had finally found time in my schedule to play in a large crowd. I watched as Adrianna, Verina, Juliette and the guys except Liam beamed at me.
The piano’s first notes filled the air, and I began to play, my fingers danced over the keys with a practiced grace. Each note was a piece of my heart laid bare, a melody of longing and hope.
As the music enveloped me, I could almost forget the emptiness in the stands, the missing face that meant so much.
Time seemed to stretch and contract in the oddest of ways. One moment, I was acutely aware of every second that passed without Liam’s presence; the next, I was lost in the music and allowed it to pull me into a world where only the melody and I existed.
But reality’s grip was relentless, and my eyes would steal glances towards the audience. The faces of Adrianna, Verina, and Juliette offered some comfort, but it passed. The vacant spot where Liam should have stood, gnawed at my spirit.
My fingers faltered slightly, a discordant note slipping through. Panic surged, but I gathered myself, pushing through the anxiety. I had to finish this performance, if not for myself, then for all those who believed in me.
And then, a movement caught my eye. My heart skipped a beat as I saw a figure at the edge of the room. The figure moved closer; my pulse quickened.
It was Liam. He was here.
A small smile playing on his lips. Relief washed over me, and I felt a surge of happiness.
The crowd dispersed as I stayed and stood in front of everyone. Liam walked closer and my breath hitched as he took another step towards my direction.
He finally closed the gap between us.
“I didn’t think you’d come,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the cheers of our friends that stayed behind.
Liam smiled, “I know that it hasn’t been easy giving me space and not knowing where the hell I’ve gone the past week.” He voiced as I nodded.
“I was worried,” I confessed, “But seeing you now, it’s like the missing piece has finally clicked into place.”
Liam’s expression softened as he reached out, his hand warm and reassuring on my shoulder. “I’m here now,” he said gently, “I never really left, but yes I did… just know this time I have a really good reason.”
We stood there, enveloped in a silent understanding, until the voices of our friends broke through our bubble. Adrianna, Verina, and Juliette approached us, their faces lit with curiosity and relief.
Adrianna raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on her lips. “So, are you two ready to rejoin the land of the living, or do you need a few more moments?”
Liam laughed, the tension draining from my body. “We need a few more moments.” He replied, glancing at Grayson, who nodded in agreement.