Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 25

The Vestal Coil

One year after the War

One week of finals remained, and then school would break for the interim. This meant a little more time to herself, but not much lessening in her workload.

Since her family had moved to the colony, Lily pursued an accelerated course, to prepare for Stonecipher's entrance exams. As soon as she turned seventeen, she could apply. It was only a year away.

In the meantime, she had her family to care for.

All of them had busy schedules. Lily had her studies, Daddy his work, and Clarence his lively social life.

Sometimes it felt as if they rarely saw each other. They woke up, said good morning, and then hurried off to their different transit points.

Lily missed the days in Plumgrove. the simpler way of life, when everyone gathered by the hearth at night. Life in orbit was fast-paced, often hectic. Learning the rhythm was difficult at first, but she kept up, and found a way.

Music returned to her life, and saved her soul, the day she met Gilda Knox. They'd never spoken to each other, but had sometimes exchanged reserved smiles in passing.

Gilda was a strange, distracted girl in gym class, always tapping on her knee, and humming to herself. Most of the others thought she was crazy.

Gym was Lily's last class. After this was three weeks of interim freedom, and time at home with Daddy and Clarence. She waved goodbye as her friends departed, and sang aloud while cleaning out her messy locker.

Gilda suddenly rushed in, her green eyes wide with awe. "Was that you singing just now?"

Lily was startled. "Yeah. Sorry if I cracked your eardrums."

"Are you kidding? That was...wait a minute. Can you sing along to this?" Gilda placed a foot on the bench next to her, tapping her toe, and her fingers against her chest. The tempo was flawless, fierce, and catchy.

Though it was awkward at first, Lily sang along, making up the words as she went.

The music seemed to take form between them, gaining a life of its own. When it finished, they stared at each other.

"That was amazing," Lily said.

Gilda tore off the battered trilby she always wore, her wayward auburn bob flaring. "Come to my house," she said. "You have to meet my brother."

Lily laughed. "We haven't even properly introduced ourselves."

"So sorry. Gilda Knox." She extended a hand. Her fingertips were callused, voice excited. "I play bass. And my brother, Sammy, can wail on the trumpet like nobody. We're trying to get a hook on this new jazz coming out of the central torus. We could use a solid vocalist to catch that sound. I think you and I were onto something."

Lily called Daddy on her wristcom to let him know she'd be home a little late, and was meeting up with friends.

They took the metro-liner to the Knox house, a prim, fenced dwelling on the respectable Second Tier, Ring Three.

Mrs. Knox greeted them at the door. "Everyone's waiting for you," she said.

"Thanks, Mom." Gilda grabbed Lily's hand, and pulled her upstairs.

About twenty kids were gathered in the parlor, lounging on the plush old sofas and cushions decorating the floor. Lily recognized some of them from school, and she waved and smiled.