"And that's the end," Beatrice said after portraying the character she chose.
There were only three of them left in the classroom that afternoon, and Harmony watched Beatrice perform the whole piece twice, asking her to do it again after the first time without giving any feedback. This time, she remained silent as she looked at Beatrice.
"How is it?" Beatrice asked after hearing nothing from her despite the play being over.
Kathrine was also nervous. She knew just how important this was to Beatrice, especially for her future.
"What are you scared of?" Harmony asked this time.
"Huh?" Beatrice was confused; even Kathrine looked at her in confusion.
"Calm down, Beatrice," Harmony continued with her usual tone.
Beatrice was once again stunned. Harmony had never called any of them by name. She spoke and communicated, but it was never her who spoke first, making calling names unnecessary.
"Take a deep breath and calm down," Harmony repeated.
"I… am, though," Beatrice replied, but even she was suddenly not believing herself.
"You are not just nervous; you are also in fear of something as if you are running away from something through this."
This was the reason she thought they were the same. Both were running—two different races, but they were alike. There was something they needed to do, and running was all they could do.
Beatrice stiffened at her words.
"I…"
"I guess you must be exhausted and nervous. Why don't we call it a day for now? Then you can try again once you have rested enough?" Kathrine suggested.
Beatrice weakly nodded her head.
"I'm sorry. I took up too much of your time," she then said to Harmony.
Harmony shook her head, "It is fine. You go and rest."
Kathrine and Beatrice started walking out of the classroom.
"Beatrice," Harmony once again called out.
Beatrice looked back.
"Calm down. Don't overthink."
Beatrice smiled before bidding her goodbye.
Harmony checked her phone. She had been receiving messages since moments ago.
'Why are you not answering? Don't forget about the weekend. Do not be late this time.'
'There is also the thing next week. Make sure to do it right this time.'
'Messages are a hassle; be glad for what you are doing now. If it was just me, I would not have allowed any of this.'
'What are you doing?'
'Where is your reply?'
Harmony sighed before typing.
'I will be there on time. I am also prepared.'
She looked outside the window where she could see Kathrine and Beatrice walking together.
"Do not fear. You are already running hard, be calm and keep going," she couldn't help but say while watching Beatrice.
"Are you alright?" Kathrine asked Beatrice as they stepped out of the school.
Beatrice nodded, "I am. I was just taken aback by her words. How scarily observant she is."
"And this is the very first time she has encouraged one of us," Kathrine pointed out.
Beatrice giggled, but her eyes remained uncertain.
"She is right, Bea. Calm down. If you are too nervous or in fear that you won't be accepted, then the more you won't be able to show your talent."
Beatrice smiled, "Is it really mine?"
Kathrine opened her lips but could not say anything. She had been trying her best to encourage Beatrice that this was her talent, but as the only person who truly knew her, she could no longer do so.
Her encouragement would only sound empty to Beatrice. No matter how much she insisted that it was not what Beatrice thought it was, Beatrice would only smile, but her feelings did not improve.
'What can I do for you?' she thought.
She could only hold Beatrice's hand as they walked back together, with a somber atmosphere.
The next day, Kathrine had another study session outside of school after class. Beatrice urged her to go because she needed it in preparation for her university as well. She gave her a firm hug before leaving.
Beatrice smiled at how her best friend acted.
'I'm sorry. I know you are also having difficulties right now with my current situation. I really appreciate your concern and encouraging words. The problem simply lies on me,' she could only apologize inwardly while watching Kathrine walk away.
Then she went to Harmony, who was listening to something in her headset.
"Can you watch me again?"
Harmony was actually waiting for her since she had been looking at her all throughout the day with the eyes of someone wanting to say something. She nodded her head in response, and once there were just the two of them, Beatrice performed in front of her again.
She looked at Harmony when she was done, feeling nervous all over again.
"It doesn't matter if you are nervous, but if you keep showing fear, then your performance will be nothing but a show without the needed elements."
Harmony went straight to the point. Asking her was no longer an option since it was a personal matter that Beatrice needed to overcome.
Beatrice bit her lower lip.
"If you are in conflict, then there is no point for you to show me your performance. I will point out the same thing over and over again," she added.
Seeing her still in conflict, Harmony got up with her bag.
"I have something I need to do. Once you get to sort out your feelings, then come to me again. I will watch you perform as many times as you want."
This was the best encouragement she could give her.
Beatrice slowly nodded her head, "Thank you. And I'm sorry for taking up your time. I'd stay for a bit longer."
Harmony simply nodded her head and left her behind, no longer saying anything.
Beatrice sighed heavily in time for a call to come in. Looking at the caller, her emotions went haywire.
"Hello, Da—"
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I can't stay any longer. I'm leaving. Take care of yourself."
"Wha—Dad—"
*TOOT TOOT TOOT*
Her eyes widened upon hearing the end-of-call tone. She tried calling again but ended up with the tone of someone being blocked.
She stared at her phone blankly. When the door to the classroom opened again.
"Oh, you're still here?"
She looked up, not knowing what to show on her face.