Fur Elise

Chapter 3

"So you're saying that you met a girl named Elise yesterday?" Kaden scoffed, smirking. "Sometimes, Brandon, your imagination gets the better of you."

"I'm serious," I hissed, frustrated. I definitely wasn't paying attention to the Table of Elements now. It sucked, because Chemistry was never my best subject, and if I lost track of what Mr. Hansen was saying, chances are I'd never get back on track fast enough. Kaden, on the other hand, was literally an expert in this.

"Oh yeah? Then where is she?" Kaden challenged, turning his attention to me.

"Mr. Rivers? Would you mind telling us what the symbol name is for potassium?" I realized that the whole class was now looking at me, with Mr. Hansen giving me a not-so-friendly glare.

"Um..." What is it? P? P for potassium? It makes sense, no? "P?"

Everyone doubled in laughter, including Kaden. I couldn't help but feel a slight pain in my chest, to see my best friend laughing at me like that.

I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed my backpack and shoved everything in. Then I made my way for the door, remembering to slam the door extra hard behind me.

I didn't know where to go, except that I wanted to get away from them as far away as possible. I couldn't get out from school, I would be given detention immediately. The best place I could go to was the music room, that place was deserted at all times.

I found Fur Elise in the shelves. I sat down and played it with much venom as my fingers could muster. I thought I was alone. Oh, I was so wrong.

"You should probably change that to Furious Elise."

I turned around in shock. I could hear my heart beating out of my chest, and I think she could hear it too.

"What are you doing here?" I spat. She was still wearing the same uniform as yesterday, same hair, same everything.

"I like to hear you play," came her reply. I must have looked pretty intimidating, because her big, green eyes stared at mine in fear.

A question popped into my head. "Hey, why haven't I seen you for the whole day today?"

She cocked her head to one side, not taking her eyes off me. "I never actually go to class. I'd prefer sitting at my piano the whole day, if only my mother would let me," she said, with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"You play too?" I asked, taking one step towards her. She took one huge step back, nodding her head.

"Yes - and Fur Elise is my favorite piece," she said, blushing a little. She looked so adorable hiding her blush, in which she failed to do so.

"Well then, care to show me how well you play?" I asked, gesturing to the piano. Her face lit up as she scampered to the piano.

"Fur Elise," she announced, before she started playing. I didn't want to admit, but her playing was flawless. It was obviously better than my rendition a few minutes ago.

"Wow," I breathed, "that was really good."

She gave me a sad smile. "I haven't played in a while. My piano has been sold off to some kid who probably doesn't even want to practice."

I sat down beside her on the piano stool. "Why so?"

"To help out with the family finances, you know...." she trailed off, and a comfortable silence hung in the room. Then suddenly the bell rang and she jumped up immediately, rushing to grab and schoolbag and belongings.

"Got to go," she said, making her way towards the door. "Duty calls."

I stood there wondering what she meant by that, but then I realized that I had to run some errands to run, so I hurried after her.

"Hey, wait!" I called. "Need a ride home?" A few girls turned around and giggled. "No thanks! I have a boyfriend!" one of them said, but I didn't bother about her. I pushed my way through the crowd, trying to catch a glimpse of her.

I finally found her sitting down on a bench in a park nearby, gasping for air. I hopped down from my bicycle and sat down beside her, patting her back. She gave me a look of gratitude, her breathing slowing down steadily.

"Does this always happen?" I asked, worried. She gave me a weak smile, nodding. "When I walk fast."

I stood up and gave her a hand. "Come on, let me take you home."

She hesitated for a moment, before agreeing. "You bicycle looks very... new."

I stared at my bicycle, puzzled. This bicycle was a hand-me-down from my sister, I was certain it was anything but new.

She sat down a little awkwardly on the small seat, her arms dangling at her sides.

"Hold on to me," I said, and she slowly put her hands on my shoulders lightly. I pedalled off, the wind blowing in our faces.

Behind me, she giggled like a small child. I couldn't help but smile. She seemed so carefree, so young.

"Left or right?" I shouted when we reached a junction.

"Right!" she shouted back. Pedestrians around us shot us dirty looks, probably blaming us for noise pollution.

When we reached her house, her hands lingered on my back for a moment, before getting off.

"Thanks for the ride," she said. "I haven't been so happy in a while."

"I'm glad I have the pleasure of making you happy."

I watched as she disappeared into her house before I turned back. Then I pedalled in the opposite direction, whistling as I went.