Loving 4

Mona

Meeting James's friend group was just as I expected, but what I didn't know was that I'd be meeting the mystery boy from the hurling picture. For starters, he is ruggedly handsome—no joke, he has the most beautiful, piercing green eyes to ever exist on planet Earth. Secondly, he seems like trouble. There's something special about him, the confidence in the way he sat between his friends as if he owned the place.

I know what I did earlier was rude, not shaking his hand, but I swear I was just really nervous around him. He probably thinks I'm just a spoiled little girl, but something about him made me uneasy.

As I continued toward the music room, I passed by the lockers and boys' bathroom. I liked James's company today, even though I said I wasn't planning on having friends. Talking to him felt easy, and when he told me he wanted me to meet his friends, I couldn't say no. But I couldn't stay there either; all of them were staring at me, and it made me nervous.

So here I am, entering the music room to calm down. Playing the piano was the only other thing that soothed me, other than cutting and taking pills that weren't even meant for me. When I opened the door, I was left in awe. The music room was so big it could be a meeting hall. There were violins pinned against the walls, and the ceiling had a baby angel painted on it. The room was Victorian-themed, as if it belonged in a different world from the rest of the school. The piano sat in the middle of the room.

As I reached it, I sat down and placed my fingers on the keys. I started thinking of what I wanted to play, and then I remembered Where's My Love by SYML. It was one of my favorite songs, and the piano version always hit hard. My fingers glided over the keys, and when I felt brave enough, I started singing. Even though I was alone, I was a bit scared someone might hear me.

Being here, playing the piano, did something to my heart. It felt like I was in another universe, like everything that had happened to me was just a dream. The pain, the hurt—it didn't exist here. All that existed were the notes and my voice, the rhythm, the melody. My breathing calmed down, and I closed my eyes as my fingers danced over the keys.

When I finished, I heard clapping. I turned around and saw Tadgh leaning against the wall, staring at me. My heart fluttered, and I felt heat climb up my neck. I didn't usually play piano or sing in front of others.

"W-what are you doing here?" I asked, but I couldn't look him in the eye. I was so embarrassed. When I finally found the courage, I looked up at him, and he was staring at me as if I were something interesting to look at.

Finally, he opened his mouth to answer me. "I was going to the bathroom and then I heard your voice... so here I am," he said, a small smirk on his face. I looked away quickly.

"So, you play the piano," he said, his smirk replaced with a small smile.

"Yeah, but normally not around people," I said, staring at my hands resting against the keys.

"Well, one thing's for sure—you're talented and have a nice voice," he said, as if complimenting the girl who had ignored him was the most normal thing in the world.

"Thank you," I whispered.

For a few seconds, a silence fell over us, but it wasn't awkward. No, it was comforting, like we didn't need to talk to understand each other. And it's a weird way to feel about a boy I met less than 30 minutes ago, but it just feels right.

Then suddenly, Tadgh broke the silence. "Why did you run off so fast? We don't bite, I promise." And to my surprise, he didn't seem mad at me, even though I'd ignored him.

"There's nothing wrong with you guys... I just got a bit nervous. It was all new faces, and everyone was staring at me." He nodded as if he understood.

"Well, you're welcome at our table whenever you want. We're not trouble, I promise, Melody. But maybe you should be careful with James," he said, a hint of a grin forming on his lips.