One random day in November 2001, a new member joined the Academy. She is given the name of Number 8, and there's much more to her than meets the eye.
As soon as Number 8 and Five meet, they hate one another, always trying to beat the other with thei...
When there was a break from training, I found myself walking around the Academy. Even though I enjoyed my own company in my room, I didn't always want to sit there. As I walked through the halls of an eerily quiet building, I couldn't help but hear a soft tune coming from the balcony in the living room. I followed the beautiful melody, knowing exactly who it was coming from.
From afar, I watched Vanya play the delightful tune; her eyes were closed, and she swayed to the music. I shuffled a bit, which put her off. She abruptly stopped playing and looked around, trying to see who was nearby.
Once her eyes laid on me, I made my way closer to her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you," I spoke softly as I approached her, "you were just playing so beautifully I just couldn't help but listen." Vanya looked down, clearly a little shy, but she had always been like that around me for some reason.
Come to think about it, over the past few years I've been here, this was the most we've ever interacted, just the two of us. I wanted to make a bit more effort to get to know her.
"So, when did you start playing the violin?" I asked, trying to start a proper conversation. At first, she looked at me curiously.
"Oh, I started playing when I was nine." Her answer was short, but at least it was something.
"Wow, that's impressive! You are really talented. I wish I could play an instrument." She glanced up at me, putting her violin back in her open case.
"Well, it's never too late to learn," she glanced at the violin, "would you like me to teach you a song?" My eyebrows shot up in response.
Well, I was not expecting that!
"Are you sure?" I asked, unable to hide my shocked response. She chuckled at this lightly.
"No one has taken much interest in my music... I would be happy to share my passion with someone." Vanya's face lit up as if she was finally being seen. I smiled at her, happy to see that she was opening up.
Truthfully, I think one of the reasons why I hadn't made much effort with Vanya was because of the bet she and Five made when I first arrived at the Academy. But, I grew tired of keeping that grudge towards her.
At first, I was terrible. I felt awful at the pain I was causing the beautiful instrument, but with Vanya's help and guidance, I managed to learn one song. Vanya was definitely a natural teacher, and I really hope that she continues with music in her adult life.
After I got a little tired of playing, Vanya and I started to talk a little. Surprisingly, she opened up to me about how she felt left out by the others and that no one really included her or tried to take an interest in her life. It was upsetting to hear, and the fact that I was part of the problem, too didn't make me feel good. She did understand though, that it wasn't all our fault and that our lives could be very unpredictable, but she was just desperate to feel like part of the family.
"I'm so sorry Vanya... I'll try my best that we include you more." I did mean what I said. She looked up at me and saw my genuine smile.
Unfortunately, our time together was short as the alarm rang for a mission. I was glad I got to know Vanya better. As I got up to leave, I heard her soft voice call out for me.
"Charlotte?" I turned to look at her, "I'm sorry I never gave you a chance." I gave her a soft smile before running to join the others.
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