That Melody

Chapter 9

Dinner at home was always worth the trip from the college. Every time Chloe was finished with school, she’d be welcomed by her brother and occasionally her mother. The chatter filled the dining room of different things varying from their day to what they were planning on for the future. Somehow being in college and staying in a dorm made home feel more precious.

Nathan went on and on about how high school was and oddly enough things about Amber. It was sweet to see how attached he was to her best friend. Their mother talked about a patient around their age in the hospital and how lucky they were. It was as if they were all taking turns talking about their lives. So when it was Chloe’s turn, at first, she didn’t know what to talk about. A lot had happened at school between her teacher and her peers; she didn’t know where to begin.

“My instructor wants me to do a duet.” Chloe brought up in a moment of silence. Nathan and their mother looked at each other for a long moment, not knowing how to respond. Sure Chloe looked for a pianist for her duet to get into school but neither one of them expected her to find one, let alone voluntarily play with one. Now she was bringing it up on her own. “I don’t know if I’ll do it, but Mr. Stensan seems to be pushing for it. He says I have a unique style.” Chloe added on before taking another bite of food.

“Well what did you want to do?” Their mother asked, trying not to sway her one way or another. Part of her was curious. Ever since her husband died Chloe refused to do duets. The few times that Mrs. Darnell forced her daughter to play with another person, Chloe music seemed in pain. She practiced so hard to play alongside her father but before she could he passed away. Chloe never got over it; she changed her music, and rejected any notion of playing music any way but her way. It was as if her muse was gone. Mrs. Darnell could feel the guilt in the pit of her stomach. She missed her husband, and she could see so much of him in her children. Seeing her children hurt missing their father stung more than any physical pain ever could. What could a mother do for her kids in this situation, hope for time to heal it?

“I…” Chloe paused, looking down at her plate, her hand on her fork to the side of it. She saw the tears start to form in her daughter’s eyes for only a split second before Chloe forced them back with sheer determination. When was the last time her daughter cried? She couldn’t remember. “I want to progress.” Chloe finally let out, as if confused by her own words. “I want people to hear my music, then maybe just maybe…” She trailed off again, the end of her fork now in her mouth.

Nathan slammed the palms of his hands on the table. He was never as reserved as Chloe was when it came to emotions. That’s why she didn’t need to worry about her son. If there was something wrong with him, he would let her know. There wasn’t room for guessing, and for that she was grateful. “Dad won’t hear you. He can’t hear you, you know. No matter how much you try, he’s not coming back to hear your performance. No matter how great you are. He’ll still be six feet under, dead.” His voice cracked.

Chloe let out a breath and a tranquil smile as she got up to go to her brother. She wrapped her arms around him, trying to calm him down. He was shaking. “I know. I just don’t want anyone to forget him.” She nestled her head against his back. “He was a great musician and I don’t want people to think any less of him because of me. I want to do a good job so I know if he was alive he would be proud of me.” Her voice was low but composed. As much as they knew she needed to cry, she refused.

All of a sudden Nathan felt childish. He stood up straight, his spine sending him a complaint about the sudden movement, reminding him of his bad posture. This was his sister, he was the man of the house, and he couldn’t be breaking down now. He needed to be strong for her and his mother. What was he thinking? How could she ever think that their father wouldn’t be proud of her? Chloe was a musical genius. Who wouldn’t be proud to have someone like his sister in their family?