Invisible String | Mako

Chapter 21

"I'm sorry, can we start over?"

I sit at my piano on the center stage at the conservatory. Today was our final rehearsal before the big night. Stagehands littered the area as our director made sure all our cues were timed correctly.

"Sure" Minnie, our director says. She turns to face the man running the spotlight. "We are starting from the top!"

Mako watches from backstage, his arms crossed over his chest. He had been with me at every rehearsal making sure everything was going according to plan. Korra and Iroh were outside making sure they knew exactly what their plan was.

The spot light turns on and I'm bathed in the golden glow. I exhale gently before placing my fingers on the keys and starting my song. I get through a few bars before my finger slips and I press the wrong key.

I huff, lifting my hands from the keys and moving my foot from the pedal. The tune stops abruptly, echoing around the theater.

"It's okay" Minnie says from below, "Take your time. You are a magnificent musician, you can do this"

I inhale sharply, trying to relax my nerves. This was the fifth time I had messed up. I had yet to be able to get through the entire piece.

"Do you need a moment, Elena?" Minnie asks.

"No" I reply, not looking at her. "I can do it"

"Alright" she says, less convinced. Then turns to the spot light technician, "Restart!"

"You got this, El" Mako calls.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath before opening them again and raising my hands to the keys. My fingers begin to move as the song plays. I lean myself closer to the piano as I feel the music flow through me. It was an intoxicating feeling. As soon as I felt I was hitting my stride, my mind blanked and I forgot the next cord.

Cheeks red, I lift my fingers from the keys and hang my head low.

"I'm sorry" I say, my vision clouded with tears, "I don't know what is wrong with me"

Minnie frowns, quickly walking up the stairs and across the stage toward me. I hear the murmurs of the stagehands as I watch them with tears running down my cheeks. Minnie stands beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Are you okay?" She asks, a worried look on her face.

"I just- I just need a minute." I say, reaching up to wipe a tear from my eye. I see Mako walking up, his face echoing the same look of concern as Minnie.

"Let's take five, everyone" Minnie announces, then turns back to me. "Take as much time as you need, Elena."

I nod, mumbling a 'Thanks' before standing from my seat. I wrap my arms around myself as I walk off the stage, Mako a few steps behind me.

"Do you need some water?" He asks, watching me lean against the brick wall backstage.

"No" I sigh, looking up at the rafters on the ceiling, "I am just nervous.. I guess.. I don't know"

Mako frowns, moving to lean against the wall beside me. "Like.. nervous for the show?"

"For everything" I confess. "I haven't played in front of a crowd since I moved here, and I know there is a chance someone could come to the show to try and hurt me. I know everyone will be there to protect me but it's just... nerve wracking to think about"

"I understand," Mako says calmly, "You are under a lot of pressure. We can cancel if you want"

I shake my head, "No, we can't. Too much is on the line. This might be the last chance we get to get some information about my parents."