Choirboys (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter Three

LUKA

"Remember to let that note ring out."

Eddy does as he is told, his eyes glued to the lyrics sheet on his lap. As the song comes to an end, both Mr. Rutherford and Luka clap and smile proudly at Eddy's performance.

"First time you were able to finish that song without getting out of breath," Luka says, beaming at his friend.

"I did it," he whispers to himself. "No mistakes. God that felt good."

"Beautifully done, Mr. Hart. You both have come so far. Auditions are in just three weeks. Are you boys ready?"

The boys nod. "I think I am," Luka says. "Eddy's finally got his piece down, and I've finally got mine figured out. I think we can do this."

"Very well. Next week will be our last lesson. After that, I will trust you to study the pieces on your own. Do I make myself clear?"

The boys nod once more. "I'm going to miss your lessons, Mr. Rutherford," Eddy says, sadly. "You're the best music teacher ever."

"I agree. I bet no one, not even the academy teachers, will ever be as good as you are."

Mr. Rutherford shakes his head with a laugh. "Oh, boys. I'm no professional. I'm just a pianist. My voice is nowhere near as good as those guys from that academy. I just know a couple things. I've taught you everything I know."

Luka shrugs. "Still the best music teacher we know. Then again, you're the only music teacher we know, so I guess we have no one to compare you with. But I know something that makes you stand out from any other music teacher. You didn't just teach us music. You taught us how to be good and respectful young boys. My dad would've loved you, you know. He also liked music. He was going to teach me, but he left this world before he could. It's like he's teaching me music through your lessons. How cool is that?"

"You're the father I always needed," Eddy says quietly. "I don't even know my father. But he would've been just like you. I just know it!"

Both boys quickly rush to give the man a hug. Mr. Rutherford wouldn't be lying if he didn't shed a few tears here and there. "There, there. I didn't say today would be the last day. We've still got another lesson next week." As if the boys didn't hear him, they hug him even tighter, not wanting to let go just yet.

The last and final lesson comes and goes, and before they know it, the boys find themselves standing before the large wooden double doors of the church, where the academy auditions will be held.

The boys had to travel all the way into the city, as they, quite literally, live in the middle of nowhere. They live in a small town, where everyone and anyone knows each other. Eddy can't help but express to Luka that he doesn't like the city very much.

"There too many people, and it's too loud," he complains as the boys walk towards the church doors.

"Well, get used to it," replies Luka. "If they accept us, we'll be living here for an entire year."

Now, they stand outside the church, practically rooted to the spot with nerves. Neither of them want to go inside, and Luka will be lying if he doesn't want to go home right then and there.

Mrs. Marciano, Luka's mother, had taken them to the audition, and is now attempting to walk the boys into the church, but it doesn't seem to be going very well. It is a futile attempt, and her patience is beginning to run out.

"Come on, boys," she says, tapping her foot impatiently. "Se van a terminar. I don't wanna hear you complaining to me about how you weren't able to go because they ended before you could." That seems to snap their minds back into reality.