She could shake her head say she didn't want to play say she wasn't good at the piano say she hadn't prepared. Surely he wouldn't force her though he had power he couldn't make a student perform before the class. But if she did that if she stayed seated if she refused it would become the truth. The laughter the scornful looks all of it would affirm that Alyssa Carter was nothing special that she didn't deserve music, that she was just a poor girl who knew nothing but to dream.
She clenched her fist then in a brief but decisive moment she looked up she stared straight into Mr. Grayson's eyes those eyes still gleaming with expectation waiting to see her shake her head waiting to see her admit she was too scared. But instead, Alyssa took a deep breath and slowly stood up the room seemed to shrink as the 15-year-old girl walked to the center of the room each step heavy as though a ton of weight were pulling her down all eyes remained locked on her but this time it wasn't just mockery it was also a certain curiosity. Madison squinted watching Alyssa's every move as though not believing this girl dared to accept the challenge. Mr. Grayson raised an eyebrow looking slightly surprised but quickly hid the expression with a small smile.
Alyssa walked to the grand piano in the center of the room the wooden chair creaked beneath her as she sat down her hands rested on the keys. The laughter had stopped but the air still hung heavy with expectation. She knew she couldn't afford to make a mistake she knew that if she played clumsily if she revealed even a hint of hesitation no one would ever let her forget it. Mr. Grayson crossed his arms and nodded a challenge in his eyes.