After the sad episode, Serena was in no mood to keep up pretenses. When Charlton left, she excused herself from Geoffrey saying that she was tired and wanted to go back to her dorm.
Geoffrey wanted to take her back, but she insisted that he stay and extend her apologies to her other dance partners. Geoffrey did not want to listen, but luckily, she saw Leonard and made him escort her instead.
Leonard still feeling guilty about what he did agreed and sent her back.
When Serena was left alone in her room, she finally let her tears fall. However, she was no longer angry. She did not blame Charlton, nor did she blame anyone else. Her mind was blank, and she just felt lost and empty.
--
The days passed quickly. Serena did not go out of her way to try and meet Charlton. In fact, she rather they never see each other again because of the shame she still feels when being reminded of that night. On Friday, she made sure that she and her friends were the last to arrive in their music class, and the first to leave so that she would not have to see his face nor him hers.
However, she knew that it was inevitable for them to meet and interact because they still need his help on the song for the fundraising. She did not know if she was ready to face him again after just a week, but it was not like she had a choice.
--
On Sunday, they first went to the orphanage in the morning, had their lunch there, and then proceeded with a short meeting regarding minute details for the event on the 15th.
"We have already finalized the venue for the event on the 15th thanks to Mr. Charlton. He was able to solicit the free use of the newly opened opera house owned by Columbia recording company." Emily began.
Everyone turned to look at Charlton. He shook his head saying, "It was purely coincidental. I was looking for a venue near their studio as we will have the recording for the song there right after the event. It was only by chance that Mr. Edward Easton was also in the area at that time. He insisted that we hold the event there as it will also help commercialize the place. Though I did tell him that we will not take everything for free, we won't pay for the rent of the venue itself, but we should still pay for other costs and expenses, like lighting, the cleaners etc."
Timothy nodded his head in understanding. "Do you have an estimate on the numbers regarding the people attending the event?"
"Since the venue have a maximum capacity of 2000 people, we coordinated with 'the times' and had the details for the event published last week. We're not sure how many people will be attending in addition, but as of now we already have 500 confirmed guests. We're targeting 1000." Emily reported. She thought that 1000 guest would not be difficult specially that she specifically asked the publisher to have Charlton's name printed as the other person leading the event beside her name.
"1000? That's quite a large number. Anyway, I hope that there will be no problem on that day, and everything run smoothly." Timothy commented. The place was huge, it was unlikely to be full but it's better to have more space than not.
"Everyone has been practicing their performance for the day, we will also have our final rehearsal at the venue on Saturday next week. Hopefully everything will turn out great." Emily responded with a smile. She was rather excited for the day to arrive. Then she looked at Serena as If gloating.
Serena decided to ignore Emily's provocation. Anyway, since she was already done reporting it was now her turn.
"On our end, we will be having our meet-up later at 3 and provide vocal guide to everyone singing the song. We already set the recording session on the evening after the event. We also asked permission from school to excuse those joining from the curfew time as we don't know how long the recording might last. After that, the discs would be circulated locally a week after at the maximum. From there we can get to see the response of the local market and the income earned can be added to our fund." Serena explained.
"Locally?" Timothy asked.
"Yes. Last time, I did say that there's international possibility but that has to wait. The phonograph must enter the market in other kingdoms first. It is definite that it will also boom there, but currently, Mr. Easton's company can not even produce enough to supply the demands of our local market for the product. So, he told me that we will have to wait for about 3-6 months to really know the extent of this project's success."
Most of the people in the room felt a little disappointed by that news but tried not to show it. Serena felt it though. She also saw Emily smirking but she just to shrugged it off.
Charlton wanted to speak for her, but before he could get the words out, Geoffrey spoke first.
"Although Mr. Easton said those words, it doesn't mean that the magnitude won't be big. We're looking at more than 100,000 individuals that has already bought a phonograph and that's just here in the capital." Geoffrey said, seeing the forlorn faces of the others.
Hearing that everyone's eyes brightened. They did not really know how many people bought a phonograph already.
"Alright. I see that both projects are going well. Hopefully, the 15th will become a successful day for all of us. Now, I won't keep all of you any longer, as we all know that most of you have to return to school. Again, see you all on Sunday." Timothy announced.
After that, everyone packed their belongings and rode the carriage. When they got back in school, it was 2:20 in the afternoon. Everyone agreed to freshen up first before going to the music room.
--
TBC