The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0433

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The next day was the dress rehearsal for the performance event. All of the candidates, Nicholas, Julian, Elva, and I were in our costumes in the ballroom at the base of the stage, chatting and getting ready. Everyone’s spirits seemed to be high.

In our costumes, we made for a colorful bunch. Many of the choices were vibrant and bombastic. We’d surely catch a lot of strange looks if we had been anywhere other than on a theater stage. I wondered if every show was like this. I’d always been so busy and watchful of money, that I’d never been to a show.

I’d successfully managed to bottle most of my hurt, especially with Elva around.

Many times today, Nicholas tried to get me alone, but I’d always managed to deflect him, either by dragging Susie around with me, or sticking to Veronica and Tiffany like glue.

He must have noticed. I could practically feel his stare burning holes into the back of my head, but after the night before, I wasn’t ready to face him. There was still too much hurt between us. It took everything inside of me not to run to another closet to hide and cry. 1

The com

Elva needed me strong. The competition needed me strong. I wasn’t going to lose points and face early expulsion just because of my inner scars.

Elva needed to be here for her health, and I had to make sure she stayed for as long as possible.

Oddly, Julian also seemed to notice me avoiding Nicholas. Once, when Nicholas nearly caught me alone, Julian himself stepped in, draping his arm around my shoulders. I hadn’t. made a joke, but he laughed like I had.

As Nicholas went away again without saying a word, Julian leaned into me and whispered in my ear, “Stay close to me. I’ll keep him at bay.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

And Julian, true to his word, stayed near me.

I had thought it would be a temporary measure. I was sure that as soon as Bridget batted her eyelashes in his direction, that he would veer off and chase after her.

Nathan, I hadn’t thought too much about it. I was grateful to have Julian’s help for however

then Bridget herself came over, and, casting her big blue

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some of the props on stage while I stay back and watch from where

own, but, being conscious of Julian and his feelings, instead I took his hand in mine and squeezed, offering him

wanted to go, I’d let him. It wasn’t my place to stand in his way. I would be disappointed, but

said instead. His cool

no before. Her face mirrored my own surprise. She

Piper today,” he said. His arm fell around my waist and he tugged me closer into his side. “Sorry.”

long minutes to recover, even with her supreme

did Julian’s smile dip, if just for a moment. Yet when he glanced at me and saw me watching him, his

too much credit

back at him. Inside, I was reeling. Maybe my lessons had taken with him after all. Was he beginning to see he was worth more than being her errand boy?

dramatically, and I took the

that for?” he asked. He seemed

shrugged. I didn’t have a good reason, really. “I

He laughed.

into helping her move the props. Tiffany did everything that Bridget suggested, only for Bridget “Actually, it looked better before. Move

to sau

play began. Elva hopped up and down trying to see over everyone else standing, but to no avail. I was going to pick her up and set her on my hip, but Julian moved faster. He snatched her up

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the scenes I’m

“Okay.”

say, Elva?” I

“Thank you, Jul–an.”

“You are

welcome, sweetheart,” Julian said. My heart melted for him a