Trust never dies | Sherlock Holmes

Chapter II ~ The case of the freesias giver

   A few days had passed since the argument I had with Sherlock, and the tension had become a constant in the air I breathed. 

   He didn't dare try to apologize to me because, from my point of view, he was the guilty one of the two of us. He lingered, and his lingering only fueled my constant insecurities and worries. 

   I can't deny that I miss him. Since our reunion, we have never been apart for so long. Of course, I waited for him for a decade consumed by the desire to see him again in the past, but the feeling that grinds me now seems stronger than what I felt then. 

   In a strange way, I know the guilt that he should have fully possessed. I involuntarily regret his words and actions, and even if I tried, I couldn't stop this impulse that seems so natural.  

   I was rehearsing with the orchestra at the Royal House for the show we were going to have the following week, and although I was trying to keep my problems off the stage, I felt like a little John who couldn't find the natural rhythm of the piano keys. 

   -You don't seem yourself today, Elizabeth! I hear the voice of Christopher, the one who accompanied me on the guitar. 

   -I'm fine, I answer smiling and trying to distract him from me.

   -You know, bees have a sweet buzz, but their venom is lethal. Whoever upset you should take care.

   I chuckle at his analogy, but I still feel uncomfortable in this conversation.

   -It's all right, really. How are you?

   -Splendid, actually, he replies with a chuckle, then ponders, running his eyes with a sparkle over my entire appearance. Come sing tomorrow night at the Paragon theater. I can recommend you! It's a great atmosphere and I think it will help you relax. 

   -In an unofficial show? I ask, raising an eyebrow. 

   -You know there are fun nights at Paragon... Allow yourself to join us with your superb voice and some more exciting songs! You have nothing to lose and I promise you won't regret it! 

   The enthusiasm in the brunette's voice made me want to accept his invitation. Normally, I'd spend the evening in the comfort of my own home or Sherlock's apartament, but since he's in no rush to fix the situation, I can only try to forget for once the tangled threads of his case that are holding us back relationship. 

   -I'll be there, I smile, and Christopher shares my gesture.

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   Christopher got me a short program at the Paragon theater, and although it seemed like a crazy idea, I found myself settling into a room that had been reserved for me. 

   Although most actresses and soloists shared a common room, being a soloist in an orchestra, a music teacher, part of the nobility, and a friend of the guitarist, I got my own space to prepare. 

   I chose a light blue dress with long sleeves and decorated with sparkling beads in the bust area. I braided my hair high above my hairline and complimented my eyes and lips with blush. 

   When it was time to go on stage, the lack of emotions charged my body with fleeting happiness. Always when I sang romances or ballads with the orchestra, the thought of the mistake sent tingles all over my limbs. 

   Now, the audience seemed in good spirits, a little tormented for my tastes, but happy, and the warm shades of green, red and gold that complemented the decor of the hall made me feel welcome. 

   Christopher's troupe set the tone for the first song, and my voice fit perfectly on the fast-paced third and fourth intervals. People were smiling and clapping and cheering, and my heart swelled with joy at the appreciation they so nonchalantly showed.