Hearts on Display

At rehearsals, she's pitchy and unfocused. She trips twice and Rene goes up to sit beside her as she shakes her head. "Maman is going to be horrified and ashamed to see me." Rene guides her chin towards him. "Don't think, Celine. When you go out on stage, don'tsee the crowd, don't think of your mother." "How can I-"Rene puts the microphone in her hand. "Right now, sing to me. Just me." It's shaky at first, but Celine watches Rene, her eyes reaching down into his soul as she pours the lyrics out to him. They get stronger, more sure with each line. She finishes the song without getting up, chest heaving as she stares at Rene. He smiles and gently rubs her chin. "There. Think of me when you sing. Like I'm the only one watching." And she does. When she gets on stage, she gives her heart and soul to the song. There's no hesitation or fear. She's a goddess in white, sure without any extra theatrics. Her voice, her expressions, her. Rene knows by the time she leaves the stage that she's won. He doesn't need the votes to confirm it. No one has ever sung the song that perfectly, hit every single note, and done it with the passion she has. He holds her hand as the voting comes through, but whispers to her. "I don't care what they say, Celine. You've won. You won by coming here. You won by performing. You are a success." She tears up, then all out cries when the results are in. She's won by 1 point. The closest it's ever been. Celine vaults into Rene's arms hugging him and crying as she clings to him like he's her reward. And he'd be happy to give her a proper reward.