Beyond The Sky

20

I never noticed how relatable the lyrics were. Especially now. I've known the artist of the song for a long time but this song is one of his newest. I loved it before, but now I love it even more.

I hear a knock at my door. "Hm?" I look up and focus on the world in front of me.

"It's Isla. Can I come in?"
"Yeah, come on in."

I hear the doorknob click as it turns. Isla pushes the door open.

"Hey, I heard you playing. You're pretty good."
I smile at this. "Thanks. I haven't played in a few months, so I'm surprised I still sound good."

"Really? You sound so professional."

"Yeah. Thank you."

"Hey, could you play me a song?"
"Sure, why not? What do you want to hear?"
"Anything. You could even play the same song if you wanted."

I think about this a moment. I decided to play the chorus of another song I love. It's from a musical, but I've only heard this song from it. I have no idea what the story of the musical is about... But I realize this song fits the situation, too.

"Why should I go and fall apart for you?
Why should I play the grieving girl and lie
Saying that I miss you

And that my world has gone dark without your light?
I will sing no requiem tonight"

I sigh. "Music's my way of coping with problems."

"I can tell." Isla smiles at me. "I'm guessing you're going to have to start playing more?'

"Maybe not going to have to, but I'm going to. I forgot how fun it was."
She nods. "I play too. Not guitar, but I play an instrument."

"What do you play?" I ask.

"I play the alto saxophone. It's great."

"Oh! Cool, do you play in a band?"
"I do. I play in my school's marching and concert band."

"That's awesome."

"I know. I enjoy it a lot."

"I wish I could be good enough at a second instrument to be in a school band."

"It is hard to learn a second instrument. Believe me, I tried to learn another instrument too. It just didn't click with me. I've seen so many musically gifted people who can play a lot of others."

"I have too. I'm kind of jealous." I laugh.

Isla laughs with me. "Totally."

I gently strum the strings just to have the feeling of it there. It's a rather nice feeling, although sometimes rather annoying. "Wanna hear another song?" I ask.

"How many songs can you play?" Isla asks, laughing a bit.

"A lot. Do you underestimate me?"

"No, no, of course not!" She pauses. "Wait, can Spencer hear this one too?"

"Sure," I say. "I'll make sure I still have the chords for it while you go get him." Isla walks out of the room to go get Spencer, and I double check the chords - C, G, D, and E major.

Perfect. Just as I remember them.

Isla returns with Spencer at her side. "I didn't realize you picked guitar back up, Rina."

"I did. Just... as a way to take my mind off things. You know?"

"I understand. What song are you playing?"
"You'll see." I wink, checking the chords one last time, and then beginning the song from the part I really wanted to play.

"I'm at a payphone, trying to call home
All of the change I spent on you
Baby, it's all wrong
Where are the plans we made for two?

If happy ever after did exist,
I would still be holding you like this
All those fairytales are full of it
One more stupid love song, I'll be sick
Now I'm at a payphone..."