Seeing You - Boys of Tommen

When You Know, You Know

September, 8th 2001                 

Patrick:                                                                                                                                                     

As I made my way to the music room, which was perpetually empty at this time of day, I could already feel the tension in my head begin to ease. I can almost taste the respite from the noise and chaos that is Tommen school. That is until I hear a sound coming from the closed doors of my sanctuary, it takes me a moment to recognize it is the sound of somebody playing the piano. My mood instantly turns sour, logically I know the music room is open for all students, but not once in my first year was I disrupted like this during my lunch hour.

Thoroughly perplexed and somewhat enraged, I barge into the medium sized room, ready to give a piece of my mind to whoever has dared enter my domain. As I am walking on the path to confrontation, I'm frozen in my tracks.

A small redhead is sitting on the piano bench, gliding her fingers along the ebony keys. I'm immediately mesmerized by the fluid movements and the beauty of her fiery red hair, but I am completely enraptured by her voice. It is so beautiful it's almost painful, I feel transported, her voice is not one of a american pop girl like the ones Claire enjoys to torture Hugh with, but something rich and full. Her song of choice is Radiohead's Creep, but the lyrics are completely transformed by her. There is a certain melancholy to her voice that holds me in place, I have forgotten the guitar case in my hands and am unmoving. The words I had planned to say to this uninvited guest are lost in my throat.

At that moment, I felt like I could listen and watch her for hours. In my state of hypnosis I drop my guitar case to the ground, bringing the haunting melody to an abrupt stop, and causing her head to whip around to face me.

The mystery girl's eyes widen in shock and maybe in embarrassment, although I can't think of why. She opens her mouth, and then closes it again. I figured I should say something "Sorry, I ... um I didn't know anyone was in here" She looks somewhat scared, so I try again "It was really good, I've never heard a girl sing that song and..." what the bloody hell am I saying "You're really good." Could I sound like more of a loser?

She shakes her head, "no, I'm honestly terrible, I was just fooling around.. I'll leave now." Her speaking voice is nothing like her singing voice, she speaks quietly with a nervous tone.

"No" I all but scream at her, she must think I am completely psychotic, I amend "No, there's enough room for both of us, and I wasn't lying you have a great voice." she shakes her head again, she must be one of those girls that just can't take a compliment, so I drop it.

Despite my somewhat aggressive protest she begins packing up her stuff, tucking her music sheets into a folder and placing the folder into her backpack. She moves methodically, completing these mundane tasks in the same graceful manner as she strokes the keys of the piano.

Oddly, I have this feeling, like I don't want her to leave, "Um...My name is Feely" why did I just say my last name, I'm not introducing myself to a new teammate, Jesus what is this girl doing to me "Patrick Feely" I amend, great I just introduced myself like goddamn James Bond, she's going think I'm mental.

To my surprise however she is smiling, a radiant smile that makes me internally melt. "My name's Katie Wilmot." Katie, that is perfect.

"Nice to meet you, Katie Wilmot" good god, if the lads saw me now I would never hear the end of it.

"Nice to meet you, Feely, Patrick Feely" I internally groan, but externally chuckle at her jibe. She turns to leave but I have to know more.

"Are you new to the school?" I find myself asking.

"Yes, I just started my first year, I attended St. Bernadette's before this" She's moving her fingers in an anxious manner, yet has stopped making moves to leave, so I consider it a win.

"Not many girls come from that school, most of them go to BCS" great now I'm explaining to her information she clearly knows, being that she actually attended the school, lord take me now.

"Yeah, only one from my class,"

"That must be hard not Knowing anyone" she nods her head at this, before initiating her own question.

"What year are you in?"

I'm immediately answering "Year two" She smiles at this, at this point I'm racking my brain to keep her talking. "Do you play any sports?" I think she may have stolen my brain, or that last fight between Hugh and Gibsie fried my remaining brain cells.

"No, do you?" 

"Yeah, I'm the inside center on the rugby team," she smiles at that.

"I don't know very much about rugby, most of the boys I know are hurlers." I nod at this, and I try to ignore the jealous tug I feel at the mention of the boys that she knows it's official, all rational thought has left the building.

Before I can embarrass myself further the bell rings, signaling the end of lunch. "Sorry, for keeping you, I should have left you so you could play" she says pointing to my discarded guitar.

"Oh.. no it was me who kept you and interrupted you, anyways um.. See you around Katie" she smiles at that.

"See you around Patrick" and with that she walks out of the door. 

Thanks for reading! More chapters coming! Let me know any questions or suggestions!          - H <3