Harmony

Chapter 1

Roman

She drew me in like one of those mythological sirens. I couldn't resist her even if I tried to fight it. I didn't know if love at first sight was true, but love at first sound is something I definitely believe in at this moment. After all the shit I've been through, I think she just made it all better.

I was the last one out of the field after suffering through another practice game. Coach gave me an assertive pep talk on changing my attitude when I'm out on the field because next game a college scout will be watching. Then I sat on the bleachers, trying to get my head straight. As the quarterback it's my job to lead the team and I can't let them down.

Once I finished sulking, I showered and changed in the locker room, then went to the school parking lot. I was just about to get into my car when I heard piano music.

I looked over at the auditorium building on the other side of the parking lot. One of the double doors were wide open and the other door has a sign that says "NO TRESPASSING". Before I could even process what I was doing, the music lured me closer to the auditorium.

I peeked through the door and sure enough there's a girl with long dark hair, playing on the grand piano in the center of the auditorium stage. Since the girl is wearing the same school uniform I am, she's definitely a student here but I don't think I've seen her before.

But I did recognize what song she was playing right away. It's one of my all time favorites. An acoustic version of "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder.

I walked through the door quietly and took a seat at the back row. There are only two lights on, facing the stage, so I doubt she'll notice me. I don't think she'll see me anyway since she's so lost in song. Her eyes are closed, her fingers are moving easily across the piano, and pressing her foot on the pedal on the right key. Just by looking at her play, you can tell that she's definitely not an amateur.

When she starts to sing I'm left stunned and blown away. Her voice is angelic and powerful all at once. She's amazing. Absolutely mesmerizing.

I've played this song over million times, but the lyrics never made more sense to me than it does at this moment.

"For once I can touch
What my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew
Someone warm like you
Would make my dreams come true"

Her voice never falters as she sings with so much passion. She projects her emotions beautifully through the song.

"For once in my life, I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it's hurt me before
For once, I have something I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore
For once I can say, 'This is mine, you can't take it'
As long as I know I have love, I can make it"

I can faintly see tears streaming down her cheeks, as if these lyrics represent exactly what she's feeling.

When the song comes to an end she wipes at her eyes. I stand and applaud. "That was amazing." I call out as I make my up the staircase of the stage.

She jumps then yelps. "Jesus Christ." She puts a hand over her chest and looks over at me. Her eyes trail upward before settling on mine.

I take a seat next to her on the piano bench. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just came in a few minutes ago. Your magic piano playing led me here." She gives me an incredulous look. "Seriously, it's like I stumbled upon the next Chopin. I should know, I've been playing piano my whole life."

Now that I see her up close, I can count each freckle scattered across her button nose. Her delicate face stares up at me with beautiful hazel eyes and her plump lips are slightly parted. God, she's gorgeous.