Pell Hugo ascended the stage and began playing and it did not take long for everyone to realize that he was but a beginner. What he played was nothing short of a cacophony, he was out of rhythm, tempo, beat, and every other quality of a minimally decent performance that one could think of.It was so bad that one could not even make out what piece he was playing. Keiro could only stare at the scene. For a minute she thought he was faking it, but soon realized that he was trying hard in vain.
So when senior Hugo said he was not good enough to perform on stage she should have known that he was not just being modest. If only he had told her that he was a beginner. She had a good feeling that Pell Hugo, whoever's son he might be, had only recently started learning the piano.
As for Moncee, he sat in his seat motionless. He could hear the remarks his guests made in whispers. He felt his own father's eyes on him. He felt humiliated and angry.
Keiro got up from her seat and whispered to Shimlee, "If Moncee asks for me, tell him that I got transferred."
She made her way quickly out of the hall where they had gathered. She almost ran for her life. This time, she wouldn't be able to pull out of it alive.
In between her running, she bumped into Roju.
Roju: "What's wrong?" He asked seeing her pale face.
Keiro: "Nothing..Have you got a time machine or something?"
Roju: "Yes. Why?"
Keiro: "YES?" Keiro rolled her eyes. "Did you just say you have a time machine, How...When....did you make it?" To think Roju actually had something like that, it was possible, but when did he make it behind her back?
Roju: "I made it last winter, but I forgot it at home."
Keiro: "Is that so?" He was saying it like some kid who forgot his homework at home.
But she had no time to address this issue right now. She turned around to see Moncee coming after her.
She ran around the school, made a full round, and ran right into the President.
Moncee: "I don't have time for your lame crap." He said boiling with rage.
Keiro: "Let me explain..."
Moncee: "You do not have to, it's my fault. I trusted you blindly. I thought we were going good, but you were plotting all the time. You played me well Jan Keiro." He said smiling. The look in his eyes made Keiro flinch. It was a mixture of anger and pain.
Keiro: "I really did not know he was that bad..."
Moncee laughed.
Moncee: "My dear Keiro, ever since I met you, I have noticed your unique ability. You can tell a lie without batting an eyelid. And to think I fell for that trick..."
Keiro gulped. She tried to calm him down.
Keiro: "But the other programs are going well, I'm sure they would overlook that one part..."
Moncee: "Do me a favor and don't show your face in front of me again." He walked away but then turning back said, "I'll pay you back with interest. Look forward to it!"
Keiro watched him go back to the party. She felt bitter and sad. So this was how one felt when one was misunderstood. She had also misunderstood Moncee many times. Given their history, it was natural for him to think she had plotted the whole thing.
It was around seven at night, Keiro slowly made her way to the ghost club, she should do some thinking and sort things out...Her mind was so preoccupied that it was only when she came close to the ghost club that she heard it. The music of the piano ghost....it was coming from their club room. But that was strange...did they shift the piano to the ghost club...why on earth would they do that? Keiro peeped inside...It was dark and the music kept playing in repeat...and she saw a figure rising in the darkness of the room.