Eternal Symphony

7. A Maiden's Night Dream

Dreadfully nervous, Alice spent most of her time sitting in the corner of the music room while the others busied themselves practicing. She didn't mind the private lesson at first, as playing in front of others didn't bother her much until Elijah enrolled in the same class; now, she was afraid of humiliating herself.

Why am I such a moron? She hung her head in shame and decided to continue with her homework. Elijah, meanwhile, grew immersed in the music as he usually did, occasionally glancing over at her to see if she was paying attention or catching even the slightest glimmer of interest.

He suddenly stopped and approached her with one hand stuffed in his pocket. Alice flinched when noticing his looming shadow, but Elijah said, "You're always listening to others play, so I know you enjoy the piano. Wouldn't you rather play?" Alice looked at him dumbly, and Elijah extended his hand for her to take. "Why don't we practice together?"

Still dumbstruck, Alice looked around, wondering if this was a trick for him asking. "But I play horribly—I haven't practiced in years."

"Do you remember how to read music?"

Her ears turned pink. "Er, yes, but I used to play by ear. It drove my music teacher insane."

He laughed. "Regardless, isn't that what this class is for? The others here are novices, too, but they still seem to be enjoying themselves." Alice still showed reluctance; Elijah gestured towards the others practicing with their tutors, hoping to set her nerves at ease. "It'll be just you and me. Don't worry about what others think."

Stammering, Alice eventually said through her burning cheeks, "I'm not worried about what other people think."

"Then what is it?" Elijah's eyes widened when Alice didn't answer, and he suddenly realized what she meant. "You're worried about my opinion of you, am I right?" Alice looked down at her feet, swallowing hard, but Elijah chuckled before inviting her to join him again. She finally sheepishly accepted his hand, and he hoisted her to her feet without warning before leading her towards the grand piano. "Right now, I want nothing more than to play the piano with you."

During his lesson, Alice's embarrassment and shame had melted away, but when class was close to ending, Elijah had snuck up from behind and gently cupped her hands in his to reposition them properly. Amidst his instruction, his sudden closeness sent shivers down her spine, but Alice did her best to keep from falling apart. Over the following hour until class ended, Elijah worked with her one-on-one, teaching her the keys and practicing simple scores; Alice's memories slowly resurfaced as her hands danced on their own.

I know he's doing this on purpose, and I'm still playing right into his hands. Yet she didn't want him to stop.

It wasn't until the room cleared that Elijah backed away, and he assisted her to her feet, still holding her hand; before Alice could thank him for being a patient teacher, he kissed the top of her knuckles. "Good day, Mademoiselle. It has been a pleasure." He then bowed to her and quickly vanished out the door, leaving her bemused and intrigued.

I have no idea what that was all about. Alice truly didn't.

After pleasantly and smoothly finishing the remainder of her day, Alice trudged across the parking lot with her helmet tucked under her arm towards her motorcycle; sure enough, she was parked beside the recognizable limo. Alice slid into her seat after ensuring her backpack was strapped on tight, but before donning her helmet, her skin crawled: she knew someone was watching her.

Alice peered over her shoulder and saw Elijah talking to Emil and Sophie-Anne before the chauffeur opened the door. However, Elijah stopped and met her gaze, intrigued by what she would do next. Swallowing hard, Alice tightened her helmet and started the engine, slowly drifting across the pavement, effortlessly weaving through traffic and away from the charmed Elijah.