Healing Sophie

10

Applause erupted within the small gallery as Jess finished performing her song. She carried herself as if she were performing on Broadway itself and did spectacular. She wasted no time belting every word and making the world around her feel her energy. It felt as though Sophie was staring at a bright, giant superstar about to explode. She was electrifying to watch.

"Sophie Hart." Her amazement for her red-headed friend faded as her own name was called. She took a deep breath and made her way to the front of the class, taking a seat at the piano.

She pressed a few keys for practice with shaking fingers and then with one last breath, she immersed herself into her music.

The song had no lyrics, but the piano carried a story with it. Soft notes poured through, carrying a picture of a small, quiet girl. A few sad chords shifted the tone and then a dark, confident melody floated through; Jess. The soft notes slowly made their way back in and began weaving with the sounds of the dark melody. The ending was an intense crescendo of hope and friendship and growth.

The last note echoed through the room. It was quiet. Too quiet. Then, clapping started drumming around her, Jess whistling.

Sophie braved herself enough to spare a glance at the people around her. Their faces were in awe. Jess made eye contact with her and winked, pride beaming on her face.

As she watched Victor and Theo dance around the kitchen the day before, their friendship carrying them, it made Sophie realize what her song was missing. It wasn't just a piece about who Jess was. It was a piece about who Jess helped her become and visa versa. It wasn't a single melody. It was a harmony.

"Very nice, Ms. Hart," Professor Blaire said with a smile. Sophie's heart warmed as she made her way back to her seat and it continued to warm all the way home that night.

"I don't know, Soph. I don't know if it's a great idea," Finn said through the phone.

"Please Finn, I miss you so much."

With the nerves of her performance behind her, the remainder of Sophie's week zoomed by. Just as agreed upon, it was Sunday and they were going to have another movie and game night. She had barely seen Finn lately and really wanted him there.

He sighed. "Fine. I miss you too, princess. I'll see you in a little bit."

Sophie got off of the phone and ran to the kitchen to grab all the snacks and drinks she could find before setting them all up on the living room coffee table.

Chase walked into the kitchen as she was grabbing five plates from the cupboard.

"Hi, Bunny," he greeted. His eyes lowered to the plates in her hand and raised any eyebrow. "Someone else joining us?"

"I invited Finn. I haven't seen him much lately with classes starting." Chase frowned and she returned it. "Is that okay?"

He plastered on a half-hearted smile and said, "That's fine."

Sophie walked towards him. "I want you guys to get along. Finn is my best friend, and I'm becoming good friends with you guys as well."

"We'll try, Bunny. It might take a little to get comfortable with him being here."

She nodded and tried to change the subject. "Can you help me make dinner?"

"Of course."

Chase and Sophie went to work, making a yummy pasta dish and some dessert. It was all going great until Chase called her name. As she turned, a plume of flour dusted her face and lungs.