Exhale

Chapter 2: Introductions

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The Juilliard School

7:15 am  Friday, February 22

Roman

This is unbelievably exciting, I'm playing for a ballet class at Juilliard. This is the best day of my life. I finally get to share my gift with people.

As I look over my piano charts I think of the nice and classical songs the dancers might thrive to. I hope they like my music. I can't wait for them to light up when they hear it.

I will instill the biggest smiles ever just like my idol Frédéric Chopin.

I still couldn't figure out who's the best. I was so sure it was always Frédéric but then I started listening to Tchaikovsky and well now I'm all confused.

But that isn't what's important. What's important is what's going to happen in about 20 minutes. I can't believe I came an hour early. I'm the only one here. I guess that's what I get for being anxious.

I only got two hours of sleep last night. It was three o'clock when I finished To All The Boys I've Loved Before.

So worth it by the way. I was getting my papers ready to play a score when I heard a "Hello".

Zuri

"Hi I'm Zuri, you must be the pianist who's replacing Kate."

He looked over his shoulder and smiled at me with curiosity. He quickly walked over and reached his hand out with a smile.

"Hi, my name is Roman. It's a pleasure meeting you, Zuri."

All I could see was his hazel-green eyes glistening and his curly black hair. He was so cute in his Seattle letterman jacket.

"It's nice to meet you too, I didn't expect anyone to be here this early, you must be excited about playing."

He took a seat on the piano stool. He let out the most stressful sigh. I couldn't help myself so I let out a swift but soft laugh.

He looked back up and let out a chuckle.

"Were you about to start playing?" I asked.

"Yeah, I want to warm up a little and calm my nerves. Did you want to hear something specific?"

"No, you can play what you like."

"Okay." he agreed

I began to practice. His music was beautiful. So elegant and full of life. I know the rest of the class will think so. Seven-thirty can't come fast enough.

Roman

I was so scared I wouldn't make friends and the dancers wouldn't like my songs.

But Zuri seems nice and welcoming. I hope the rest of the class is the same. I wonder which of my songs they'll create dances to. I hope I get a say so in some of the music. This school is all about creativity but what if we can't show it? This can't be a waste of time or another loss.

I shove my panic thoughts away and fall into my music.

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Roman is excited about his new gig and he already made a friend. Will the rest of the class like his music? Will he finally get to share his ideas?

Any thoughts?

Thank you for supporting my new book!! I started writing this story when I was in 10th grade now it's time to revise and finish it. Don't forget to share with your friends. Thank you :)