Music to My Ears

Chapter 3•The Cold Musician

After a long day of avoiding help from Levi and getting utterly lost three more times in school, it all came to an end.

"About time." I sighed as I shoved away certain books and folders into my locker that I didn't need tonight. I reached into my powder blue locker to retrieve my music notebook, but couldn't find it. I searched in my bag as well, yet it wasn't in there as well. "Oh, crap." I muttered, remembering I had probably left it in the music room. Music was my favorite class, but I had rushed out of there so I had more time finding my class without Levi's help. With a pitiful and drained sigh, I closed my locker and went to hunt down the notebook. Remembering where the music room was the easiest because it was connected to the stage; which was towards the back of the school. When I made sure the majority of people have left the building and I was out of sight, I yanked a wedgie out of my stupid plaid skirt and opened the music room doors.

Our teacher, Mr. Kelly, wasn't around the room. Perhaps taking a break in the teachers lounge that used to be so mysterious to me as a child; like Narnia or something. When really it's just a bunch of middle aged teachers slipping vodka into their coffee and done with students bullshit.

One thing that was in the room was my purple notebook, hanging out under a desk for my return. I could faintly hear classical music in the background. I guess Mr. Kelly had some music playing out of his computer and forgot to turn it off. I walked across the large music room and picked up my notebook, returning it to my possession. When I stood up, I noticed the music was louder. Then, I realized something. Someone was playing on the stage, connected to the music room by a door.

The music was so good, I couldn't belive I had mistaken it for something professional on Pandora. I hesitantly opened the door, pouring out the beautiful sound of a piano. It was so melancholy, yet uplifting and made my soul tingle. When I peered around the brick wall, I couldn't belive who was at the piano.

It was Levi.

He held his back to me, his fingers dancing over the ivory white and black keys. I couldn't help but stare at him in awe. How could someone so cold and insulting play something so sweet and inspiring? Was I maybe too quick to judge him?

The song ended and I had forgotten how to move. It was like the melody had put me under a spell. Levi glanced over his shoulder, his eyes growing wide for a split second in surpise.

"The hell?"

"Oh," I snapped back. "I'm sorry. I was just grabbing something and I heard you. Well, I didn't know it was you. I wasn't sure what it was."

Levi arched a thin eyebrow at me in response.

"I knew it was music, but I didn't know was played by you. I mean, damn, that was amazing. I just didn't know-"

"Stop talking." He interupped in a monotone voice. I'm glad he said something, otherwise I don't think I would have shut up. It was like that song had actually frazzled me. I could still feel the notes vibrating throughout my bones. I then was mad at myself for completing him. I had forgotten I was still irritated at him from the way he acted before.

"Right. I was just getting something I left behind." I explained, lifting up my notebook. "That's when I heard you. But I thought it was coming from the computer or something." Levi didn't respond, only shut the piano key bored.

"Great story." He finally muttered, grabbing his black bag that slouched against the wall. He looked back at me, and gave me a expression similar to a fashion designer judging someone's poor taste. "Why are you just standing there?"

The music still haunted me, making me lost for words. I was about to turn on my heels and leave, but I felt myself say: "Where did you learn to play?"