Chapter 54 - 54: Final Rehearsal Before The Wedding
"Alright everyone, that's it for today. Thank you very much and see you all next week." Felix said as he dismissed the class early. He was eager to hear his four students play as the wedding was already on Sunday.
The students, except for Leonard, Kylo and Serena's friends, left in an orderly manner.
"Charlton, Geoffrey, Emily and Serena, please come forward as I give you instructions for the event." Felix began as the four moved to the front.
"On the day itself, there will also be a group of musicians playing as the guests fill the church. Now, when it's the bride's entourage turn to enter, Geoffrey and Emily, the two of you will play Pachelbel's up to when the bride's parents wait at the middle of the aisle for their daughter to enter." He instructed as he looked at the two and received their nods.
Then he continued, "After that, you two will leave for Serena and Charlton to take over. So, Serena, you need to be alert as there's only one piano in the church. So, the timing is very crucial. Now, when the doors of the church start to open, I want you and Charlton to start playing the music. AHHHH I'm getting the goose bumps just thinking about it." He said while closing his eyes, as if savoring the event in his imagination.
Serena and Charlton looked at each other and smiled. It was exactly what they had in mind.
"By the way, the location of you singing is at the side of the altar. Although not obtrusive, people can still see you. I hope that that is alright with you all." Felix reminded.
The four nodded in understanding. Well, that was one of the main purposes why Felix requested this favor from them. For people to see that they are playing at that event.
"Alright, so now, we can start our final rehearsal for the event. Now, Geoffrey Emily, please take your positions. Serena, Charlton, stand on the side. Again, Serena, please be prepared to take over, you won't have enough time. Emily, you need to leave after you play, but don't make it look hasty. Also, you too Serena, try not to make your change in positions look very rushed. Once you are seated, you must start playing immediately. I understand that the piano goes first before the cello."
Geoffrey stood beside the piano as Emily sat on the stool in front of it. Charlton and Serena stood at the sides behind the two where Felix pointed them too.
When they were all in their positions, Kylo started cheering. "Go guys! Make us proud!"
Geoffrey hearing Kylo's cheer smirked a little. Emily who was not close to them just closed her eyes in concentration. Charlton gave him the thumbs up, and Serena, who was still annoyed with him, recalling what happened last time, just rolled her eyes.
The girls also cheered, calling Serena's name. They are so not going to cheer for Emily in anyway, but to not make it obvious, they also did not call the name of the boys.
Then the music started playing. This time, Geoffrey and Emily were perfectly in tune. Felix nodded his head along, appreciating the music. When the music ended, Emily stood up slowly to give way to Serena who was approaching from behind. Geoffrey too left the stage to give way to Charlton who sat on a chair beside the Piano. The transition was perfect and so were their music. After they played, everyone started clapping their hands.
"Perfect! I believe that the four of you are more than prepared for Sunday. By the way, Serena, Charlton, I believe that the two of you are joining the reception to sing the song. What's the title of the song Serena? So that I will get to announce it at the wedding." Felix asked.
"It's can't help falling in love, Sir." Serena answered.
"What a strange title. Are you sure you do not want to change it? for example dedicating the song to someone special, like Beethoven's Fur Elise? Or include your name in the title?"
Serena laughed, "No sir, I think the title is good enough."
"Okay, that's up to you. Anyway, I will ask you two to play the song after dinner, before the couple share their first dance. Is that alright?"
Obviously, the placement of their performance was after dinner so that the guests can see them through out the wedding. If it were earlier, then Felix was afraid that the two would not stay for long after playing.
"That's alright Sir. I think that's a good timing." Serena agreed.
Charlton also nodded his head.
"Since that is settled, can the two of you also show us how you will be performing the song?" Felix requested.
Serena blushed. If they do what they did last time, even Geoffrey who seemed aloof would surely catch on.
Charlton understanding her concern shook hi head. "We'll leave that as a surprise, Sir Felix."
Felix laughed, "alright, I am sure whatever you planned would be delightful!"
Serena nodded her head along as she stood up from the piano.
"Now, for the schedule and venue, the wedding will be at 3:30 in the afternoon at St. Mary's Church. I expect all of you will be there by 3 at the latest. I understand that you prefer to have your own arrangements to get there?"
"Yes, sir" the four of them voiced their agreement.
"Good. Charlton and Serena, the attire for the event is formal. It will be held at the Ritz hotel, while for the schedule, cocktail hour starts at 5:30 while the reception itself will begin at 6 in the evening. Dinner will be served by 6:30, and I believe that you will be performing by 8. The whole event will end by 10. I understand that that would already a little late, so you may leave by 8:30. However, if you wish to join the festivities, I can send a notice to your dormitories and give the two of you an excuse slip for getting back late. What do you think?"
How can Charlton let the chance slip away? But he must pretend not to be affected. So, he said, "I think that the event is ending a little late and we have classes the next day, so we might leave early. However, just to be on the safe side, please do give us the slip sir."
"Alright then. Since everything is settled, I will see the four of you on Sunday." Felix said as he picked up his belongings. Then he turned to leave.
--
"Serena, congratulations for placing 3rd on the preliminary exam. I'm so proud of you." Leonard, who didn't have the chance to congratulate her earlier, said.
"You should be! Serena not only placed third, she also made history! She is the first woman who made it in the top 10 for the freshmen's preliminary exam, and she was also offered to be our female representative, which she accepted." Gizel, who walked to the front along with the Via and Milly when Felix left, chimed in. Then as an after-thought, she looked at Emily and added "Oh, Emily also made it to 9th place. Though a little further down, you must congratulate her too." she continued aloud, emphasizing on the ninth place just so that she can rub it on Emily's face.
Emily, who was still in the room, felt her face flush. She doesn't understand why the girls were antagonizing her. It's not like she did anything to them, other than looking at them irritably, as their air headedness did annoy her. As she felt her tears prick her eyes, she quickly left the room when she finished putting her books in her bag.
Geoffrey who saw that Emily didn't do anything to the girls to deserve the sarcastic remark raised his brow and spoke as if in retaliation "Some people just love riding on other people's coattails, not even looking at themselves in the mirror. Anyway, congratulations Ms. Maxwell," he addressed Serena as he looked at her and continued "I hope that you'll endeavor to do well while being careful of riding too high in the saddle as the fall might be too painful. I would also advice you to be more discerning with the company you choose."
Gizel turned red with humiliation but could not talk back. That was the crown prince. She doesn't understand why he is speaking for Emily but how could he say those words to Serena?
Charlton and Leonard were both insulted on Serena's behalf. Both were about to voice their protest, but Serena beat them up to it.
"Thank you." Serena said as she smiled graciously. If he thought that she would take that lying down like a doormat, then he was sorely mistaken. "I will continue to work hard as not to fall off the saddle like you said, though I should say the same to you, for yours seem to be much higher. Also, thank you for the unsolicited advice but, I rather like the company I keep, so if you'll excuse me." She finished without taking off the smile on her face. Then, she turned away from him to talk to Leonard.
Geoffrey felt incensed but chose not to reply. He understood that he was at fault as what he said was uncalled for. However, he could not take his words back. Wanting to leave, he looked at Charlton who was not looking at him, and then at Kylo who just smiled awkwardly. He didn't turn to look at Leonard for he was sure he just angered his friend. Thus, he moved to collect his things and left the classroom.
--
TBC