The Barefoot Violinist

Because You Mean the World to Me

It has been two weeks since he'd been wooing Bennett, but it seemed that every time he made any headway, Bennett would withdraw. He accepted the gifts Cory left for him around the school, but when he asked about it, Bennett would make a non-committal noise and change the subject. Bennett didn't seem much interested in finding his admirer.

Cory was getting despondent that things were never going to go back to before. Sitting outside the music room one afternoon, he closed his eyes to think. Somehow this place gave him the peace that he needed. Gave him hope that it may not be too late. Sometimes, like today, he would sit there even though Bennett wasn't playing inside. After a few minutes, he felt a kick against his leg.

"What are you doing here?" Bennett asked quietly, looking at Cory as if he was something irksome at that moment.

"I just needed to think for a bit." Cory sighed, slowly getting up.

"Do you want to come inside?" Bennett asked on impulse, not sure what compelled him to do so. "Just sit still and don't make a sound."

Cory nodded and took a seat close to Bennett not making a sound. As he started to play, Cory couldn't be happier than at that moment. Everything felt all right again as he listened to Bennett play. There was no sad music today. It felt happy, like summer. He sighed quietly, just being happy and enjoying the moment.

When Bennett moved the violin away from his shoulder, he jumped back when he saw Cory sitting in front of him cross-legged, arms resting on his knees, while he was rocking gently from side to side. The beautiful, calm, almost dreamy smile on his lips made Bennett look a little while longer.

When Cory opened his eyes, he saw Bennett watch him with a strange look in his eyes. "Sorry." Bennett mumbled, turning to put his violin away. "Why were you sitting on the floor just now?" he asked as Cory got up and brushed down his jeans.

"It's always better to listen to you that way." he said matter of factly.

"Do you listen to me often?" he prodded quietly. A frown marring his otherwise clear brow.

"Eh... well... as often as I can. I just sit outside so I don't disturb you or anything." Cory sounded like he wanted to appease Bennett.

"That's nice of you." he smiled and picked up his violin case and left.

Stars exploded in Cory's head. He was so excited, no elated, no, he was all the emotions one could feel rolled up into a ball. He had a spring in his step as he was leaving the school.

"Someone looks like they got it all today?" Tyler came up from behind him, throwing his arm around Cory's shoulder.

"More than that mate! It looks like the plan is working!! Bennett just told me he thought it was nice that I was listening to him play music." he almost skipped while saying it.

"It does sound a little creepy, you know stalking and all that, but if it makes you happy, then stalk away. Pervert!" Tyler laughed at him. Cory joined in, nothing could spoil his day.

--

Bennett got used to having Cory around. He had to. The older boy hardly left him alone, popping up at any time of the day, just to wave, smile or stop for some meaningless chat at his locker. This Cory seemed familiar, but he couldn't place the feeling.

That evening they were sitting in Bennett's room again. This time Cory wasn't even pretending to work. He kept distracting Bennett by asking him questions that had nothing to do with school or the assignment.

"Okay, it doesn't look like we're going to get anywhere tonight." he said closing the book and turning to Cory. "What's up?"

"Bennett?" Cory looked up at him. "Do you think maybe we can be friends now?" he asked like a young boy who might not be allowed to have his treat.

"Why are you so desperate to be my friend?" he quizzed Cory. "Not long ago, you couldn't wait to beat the shit out of me."

Cory had that pained look on his face again. Bennett had noticed that every time he brought up the subject of Cory's bullying him, that his expressions changed to one of horror and revulsion.

"I... I really want to be your friend, is that so hard to understand?" he asked searching Bennett's face for an answer.

"No, but that's no reason to be friends with someone." he pointed out.

"I... I always thought I had a really shitty life, you know? Nobody really cared for me, and I was stuck, not sure what to do or where to go. My parents work most of the time, so I felt like I was stuck in a cage. And all that hurt, disappointment and anger always seemed so close to the surface. I was stupid. A moron. I did terrible things to make myself feel good and that hurt a lot of people including you my fore.... my friend" he quietly continued: "I know that isn't a good enough reason and that people will probably hate me for the rest of their lives, but I want to make amends... or at least try to." he continued miserably.

"I'm so sorry Bennett. I know it doesn't mean much, but believe me, I'm not just saying it. I am so very sorry for every little thing that I've done to make you hurt..."

"Yes, but why do you want to be my friend?" Bennett didn't let his gaze wander from Cory's face.

"Because you mean the world to me." he said in a small voice, then suddenly got up and headed toward the door. Before Bennett could say or do anything, he was out of the door, his car wheels crunching the loose stones in the driveway.