The song that changed my heart

Intersession and the Second Act

It turns out it was just as easy to get to the area. Not everyone in the audience seems to realize that this is where one could meet the orchestra members. That being said, only family, friends, and partners really know about this area. That is if some school wasn't having a field trip. Which didn't seem to be the case this evening. Security raised some brows, but shrugged him off for the most part. Rody's eyes scanned the room. He felt relieved upon not seeing Richard, but dissatisfaction when that previous search didn't show any sign of her. He walked over by the concessions. The row of plain looking cookies, and water cups were tempting especially to his growling stomach. But he ignored it. Keeping his eye on the time for the thirty minute intersession, and around the room for her. Yet the clock ticked on, and on, and on. With no sign of her. Leaving only ten minutes remaining. Rody closed his eyes and sighed, and turned to leave. Just as he took a step forward he bumped right into someone. Rody grunted as he took a quick step back. "I'm sorry I should've looked..." "It's fine." Rody stopped his stammering upon hearing the deep voice. In front of him stood a man who he didn't recognize. He was shorter than him but not by much. Alongside being surprisingly pale with short jet black hair, and dark brown eyes. He seemed mildly annoyed but at least he wasn't aggressive about it. Though Rody's eyes quickly landed on the black suit he was wearing. Sure his eyes were on her the entire time, but he knew what the men in the orchestra wore. "Are you in the orchestra?" Rody asked. He looked back at him with almost dead eyes. "Yes. Have you been sleeping throughout the entire performance?" The man asked sarcastically. Rody felt a twinge of embarrassment. "No, just curious since everyone else is also dressed in a suit. Also, do you know Mannon?" The man stood up straight. Now Rody had his full attention. "Yeah? She's backstage." The man replied hesitantly. Rody had to resist the urge to slap himself on the face. Of course she was backstage. "May I ask why you are asking for Mannon?" The man asked suspiciously. Rody froze on the spot. "I haven't seen her in a while." He stuttered out. The man nodded but suspicion didn't let up. "I'm Rody." Rody blurted out quickly while holding his hand out for a shake. The man was stunned but took his hand. "Vincent." The man replied. Rody smiled and nodded as they removed their hands. "So what do you play?" Rody asked in a weak attempt to avoid any further questions about Mannon. "I play the Cello, now if you excuse me I must head back." Vincent said quickly. As if he didn't want to be in this conversation as much as Rody didn't want to anymore. "Right. Well it was nice to meet you." Rody said. Vincent muttered something Rody couldn't quite catch before walking off and disappearing into the crowd. Rody took this as a cue to go back to his seat. Wandering back through the dispensing crowd. Following the previous path back to his seat. Barely a minute passed before the lights dim and the orchestra begins again. The set up had been arganged so a line of chairs were placed specifically off to the side where one person from each instrument sat. The first song that played featured the entire orchestra. After it was done the conductor stopped and addressed the audience. Announcing that this is the portion of the concert where the solos will begin. The song began as normal before everyone else paused as the music continued from a bassoon. Rody's eyes looked over before landing on Richard. It made Rody wonder if Mannon had a solo. Maybe even the Vincent guy he had just met. Sure enough after a few more songs Mannon had her solo. Rody was sure people could see actual hearts floating from his head as the beautiful notes filled through the room. Leaving his eyes on the beautiful angel on the stage. Her fingers gracing over the flute. Eventually the song came to an end, and Mannon returned to her seat. Rody let out a silent sigh knowing he could listen to her play for hours. Yet it felt as soon as it began, it ended to Rody's sorrow. Yet he had some happiness. As his eyes could remain on Mannon for the songs they had left. Though a sinking feeling began to sink in as the next song went on. As he knew he didn't have enough money to buy himself another ticket if he were to take Mathew up on the offer. Leaving him in the dark lonely void. Devoid of his beloved Mannon. The songs being his countdown until Mannon would no longer be in his sight. The conductor turned around and announced it was the last solo. It would be a cello played, Vincent Charbonneau. Rody perked back up. Compared to the other solos that hadn't been Mannon's, Rody had been slouched over. His eyes were completely glued to her, but now they were turned to the raven haired male. His fingers gracing over the strings. Matching the gentle movements with the bow. The notes swayed out almost mesmerizing Rody. He hadn't been in the trance-like state since Mannon was performed. Vincent's dark brown eyes stared down at the strings. Every once in a while looking up at the music stand before returning back down to the strings. 'Wait is he even reading the sheet?' Rody thought. He knew he and his bandmates almost always had to memorize their songs. Yet Vincent had gone through all the effort in memorizing the music. It was weirdly impressive, no wonder he was called for a solo. The light shining on him gave him an enchanting look. Drawing Rody's eyes to him in ways many had before. Rody had to shake his head just to snap out of the trance. By then the song had ended. The crowd erupted into applause just like they had for the others. Yet Rody clapped the loudest. He barely knew the guy, and yet there he was. The final song played featuring the entire orchestra. Ending the whole concert too soon. Rody stood up with the rest of the audience, and began to leave towards the lobby. He remained in the Lobby watching as members of the orchestra came out and started chatting with their friends, family, and loved ones. Rody's eyes scanned through the crowd. Once again looking for the blonde he loved. Yet as time passed and people disbursed it was clear that he wasn't going to see her. He sighed before leaving the sparsely crowded theater. At least waiting all that time lets traffic die down. Leaving him with less of a probability that he would get run over. Yet it felt bitter sweet, almost unsatisfying. Surely standing on his feet, and leaving himself to get exhausted during the night would've been worth it if he had just been able to see her again. The ride home reflected his mood. The clouds blocking the stars. Leaving only street lights to guide him. Small flashes of lighting, and thunder bring the threat of rain. Yet just as he arrived at his run down apartment, the rain began. Rody placed his bike back in its place in the hall. Rody sighed before flopping down on his couch. Staring out at the window with the raindrops hitting it before being lulled into sleep by the calming sound of the rain. Wishing for the empty space in his arms to be filled with the loving woman he had gone out to see.