Symphonies in E Minor

Chapter Seven: The Opera House (Part II)

Aaliyah has to admit: it took her some time to get immersed in the show.

Saying the story is confusing to follow is one thing. Saying that Aaliyah is too distracted to actually pay attention to the story is another. Both are true.

Due to the close proximity, Mr. Styles is very present to her, in multiple ways. For one, she can smell his expensive scent rolling off of him very enticingly, and the other thing is that no matter where she's looking, she can see some part of him through her vision. It was weird at first to be besides him, but as time continued, those feelings may have turned into something else.

The problem is that his thigh rests firmly against hers, and the thin material of her dress does little to keep the warmth from his body from coming onto hers. As she sits there, trying to focus on watching the people on the stage in colorful makeup and clothing, all she can do is glance down at where his thigh touches hers.

Only once has she tried to shift away, just as an experiment to see how much room she has closer to Ruhina. Her new friend's head rests on Faiz's shoulder, and when Aaliyah shifts, she accidentally pushes Ruhina too harshly, and then breaks into a fit of apologizes. She returns to her previous position, embarrassed for causing the ruckus.

She may be very aware of his presence, but what if he's agitated by it? This thought along with the warmth of his leg against hers distracts her for the first several minutes of the show. The moments that she does focus on during the show, however, are wonderful as well.

She loves the bright display of vivid colors and the songs. She loves the emotions being poured into it even though she's not entirely sure what's being said. It's far better than forcing herself to read the novel Mr. Styles gave her anyway. The music from the orchestra varies from soft melodies to loud, blaring music that jolts her with excitement. She's glad Faiz hasn't told her much about the opera. Being told of it would not have had the same effect as seeing it. Hearing it. Loving it.

She sees from the corner of her eye that Faiz and Ruhina are enjoying themselves. Or at least each other's company. They're holding hands, resting them on Faiz's knee. They both whisper and laugh with each other. Aaliyah doesn't want to turn to them and intrude on their private moment.

It would be embarrassing to turn her head and ask Mr. Styles if he's comfortable because she knows he's not.

Aaliyah turns her head slightly to peek at him anyways. He's watching the show, but his eyebrows are drawn together as if he's suffering from whatever he feels from the brightness. When the woman on stage begins to sing higher, her instructor's face pinches.

"What is it, Miss Kincaid?" he asks quietly, not looking at her. She's so close to him that she's able to feel the rumble of his chest when he speaks. Her face heats.

"Nothing, sir. Sorry."

"Do you need something?"

"No, sir."

He doesn't say anything for a moment, but then he returns with, "Are you enjoying your first opera show?"

Aaliyah shifts her knee slightly. He finally looks away from the stage, but drops his gaze to her leg momentarily. "I'm having trouble understanding the story, but I do appreciate the singing and the music. The orchestra is doing an excellent job. Are you enjoying yourself, sir?"

"Yes," he says, though she's certain he's not speaking the truth.

And she's right, because once the next scene begins, Harry unfolds his long legs and stands up, turning away from the balcony and departing without another word. Aaliyah stares at the door when it closes, and then turns to Faiz and Ruhina.