The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 13 (Part 2)

     Denis and Harris retreat to their bedroom. There, they settle on Harris' bed where Harris plays the ukulele. Denis listens to the gentle melodies emanating from the instrument. And it almost lulls him to sleep. Once Harris finishes playing, the two lock eyes and exchange grins.

"Wow, you're so good at it!" Denis complimented him.

"Heh, thanks!" Harris replied, squeezing his eyes shut in awe. "Wait! Do you... play the ukelele?"

"Well, I play the guitar. But I'm not sure if they're similar," Denis responded. "Either way, I'm not good at playing the guitar anyway. Hehe."

"At least you're enjoying what you love," Harris stated, his eyes closed.

"I concur with that statement," said Denis.

"...Hm, what if I teach you how to play the ukelele if you want?" Harris offered kindly.

"Sure! I'd be most interested!" Denis agreed, smiling at Harris.

"Great! Let's start with the basics," Harris cheered, handing his ukelele to Denis. "First, familiarize yourself with the parts of the ukulele. This is the body, the neck, and the four strings. The strings are named G, C, E, and A from top to bottom when you hold the ukulele," he lectured.

"G... C... E... and A...?" Denis murmured, trying to remember the strings.

"You got it!" Harris affirmed, praising Denis.

"Splendid! I'll make sure to remember that," Denis grinned.

"Alright. Now, hold the ukulele against your chest, with your right arm resting on the body. Your left hand will be on the neck, and your fingers will press down on the strings. Make sure the ukulele is comfortable and stable in your hands," Harris instructed carefully.

Denis followed and placed the ukelele against his chest, his right arm resting on its body. "Okay, I think I've got the hang of it. What's next?" he smirked.

"Now let's learn some basic chords. We'll start with the C chord, which is one of the easiest and most common chords on the ukulele. Take your ring finger and press it down on the third fret of the bottom string. Strum the strings from top to bottom, and you're playing a C chord!" Harris said, guiding Denis patiently.

"That doesn't sound too complicated. I'll give it a try. C chord, here we go!" Denis replied. He then strummed, and it widened his grin.

"Perfect! You're doing great. Now, let's try another chord. The next one is the F chord. Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string and your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string," Harris continued, pointing at the strings.

Denis hit the ukelele, producing a soothing sound. "I got it!" he exclaimed.

"Now, let's work on some basic strumming patterns. We'll start with a simple down-up-down-up pattern. Hold your fingers in the C chord position... and strum down with your thumb on the strings, then strum up with your index finger. Repeat this pattern a few times."

"Down-up-down-up... got it," Denis noted. He then began playing. "This is really fun!"

"It sounds great! Keep practising that strumming pattern until it becomes more natural for you. Remember to take it slow and steady."

After the brief lesson, Denis said, "Hey, dude... for real, thank you for teaching me this. It might come in handy."

"No problem, dude," Harris replied, letting out a breath of amusement.

Denis then chuckled softly. "Ain't I just so glad to meet the real you?"

"Man, it's you... who brought out the real me," Harris grinned, reminding Denis of their past interactions.

"Hehe, yeah," Denis replied. "Anyways, I'm thirsty. I'll be right back for a glass of water." He then returned the ukelele to Harris and left the room.

Harris smiled, and once alone, he played the ukelele gently. He then sang, "Oh, sweet little Denis. Thank you. I found the real me. Am I in reality? Such a strange feeling. And I see. Maybe we're meant to meet. You're the best guy ever be. And because of you, oh, I can say that I'm now truly free. Truly free... oh, oh, oh..."

     Harris continues playing the ukelele as he contemplates his growing bond with Denis and ends his song with a G chord. Meanwhile, Lyvie returns to her coven, where a deep-choir-like hymn seems to reverberate. She walks down the corridor, and as she strides past slacking men, they straighten their backs. Lyvie then stands before the warlock and gives the two totems to him.

"Well done, Lyvie," the warlock said, praising Lyvie for her actions.

"Only to please you, master," Lyvie replied with a smirk.

"Now... we're getting closer to getting that boy to our side. All we need to do now is wait," the warlock stated.

     The next morning, Denis sleeps as the early sunlight pierces the window curtains, landing on his closed eyes. The daylight stirs Denis, but he refuses to wake up until Harris gently shakes him. Denis slowly opens his eyes and sees Harris smiling at him.

Rising from his sleeping bag, Denis asked, "What's up?"

"We're going to Geveria," Harris whispered mischievously.

"Cool...!" Denis replied, slightly sleepy, as his eyes inadvertently closed.

"...Hm! We'll be boarding an aeroplane!" Harris revealed.

With his eyes flying open, Denis gasped, "I'm riding an aeroplane!?"