As soon as I leave the stage, I don't make contact with anyone and I am imprisoned in one of the back rooms where they keep boxes and old paintings.
This is so humiliating it was supposed to be my day, I crouch down in a corner and just cover my face, why a lump has risen in my throat and the urge to cry flooded me now I won't be able to look Noah in the face ever again.
Max comes in, runs to me, and hugs me spontaneously without thinking, his warmth is comforting, and I know he hears my weak cry.
"Shhh shhh shhh don't cry," he whispered as he hugged me and caressed my head, bringing me comfort and relief.
At that moment Noah enters, but Emily is not next to him.
Max notices and lets go of me and goes to his brother, I can only see him dragging him by the hand avoiding him to meet me, they both leave and the girls come in to ask me if I'm ok.
Caroline is upset, cursing, and swearing.
