Tina Kennard

I am shocked. I am simply stunned. This is the song of which I found the beginning – I know she wrote it for me. It unleashes so much feelings and without being able to stop myself, I cry. Gary gives me a worried look and tries to pull me closer in a hug, but I turn away. I don’t want to feel him. I know I can’t hurt him in the way I would if I went on with my little plan without talking to him first.

I look around. Everyone is startled, this clearly is a heavy moment. I feel so bad for Bette and at the same time, for Gary. This is the song. This is the song that will be played when I make Bette clear that I chose her.

Eventually, it’s Alice who talks first. What she says, is typically her.

“Wow, if every practice has these moments, I’d sure like to be in a band.”

Hell breaks loose. Everyone lets know what they think of the song. I am the only one who remains quiet, but luckily nobody notices.

“Who did you write that for?” Seth asks. “It’s like amazing, you know… we should really play this.”

Bette doesn’t answer his question as she continues to stare at her suddenly very interesting feet.

“We’re so playing it,” Tuomas agrees with Seth.

“You’re really talented, Bette. I hadn’t seen that in you,” Helena says in her British accent. “You should do something with it.”

“Well, she’s already doing something with it,” Lara points out to Helena. “But yeah, you’re really good.”

When Bette finally looks up, I see a mixture of feelings on her face. She’s relieved and happy, but there’s also some sort of sadness. When I see a tear rolling down her cheek I have to use all my will power not to get up and comfort her.

“Bette, we are so lucky to have you,” Gary says, shaking his head in disbelief. “Is it okay for you if Tina sings this song or do you want to do it yourself?”

It’s the first time Bette speaks since she played the song and her voice is trembling.