Her life! GxG! Intersex! (Book 1)

135

The tension from Music Theory lingered in the air long after Abigail stepped outside. The campus was warm now, the sun climbing higher over the trees, and the chatter of students heading to their next classes filled the quad. She took a deep breath, letting the crisp morning air settle her nerves.

She wasn't ready to head straight to her next class. Not yet. Her fingers itched for her guitar — for the kind of release only music could give her.

Instead of walking toward the student café, she turned left, down the side path that led toward the back of the music building. It was quieter there, a hallway lined with glass-paned doors that opened into small, soundproofed practice rooms. Most of them were occupied — she could hear faint piano scales and someone humming through a mic — but one door at the end of the hall stood open just a crack.

Perfect.

Abigail slipped inside, shutting the door behind her. The room was small but cozy — just enough space for a stool, a small piano, a music stand, and a chair. Acoustic panels lined the walls, muting the outside world. It felt like its own little universe, and for the first time that morning, she exhaled fully.

She set her guitar case down on the chair and reached into her backpack, pulling out the small bag of snacks she'd packed earlier — trail mix, a protein bar, and an apple. She placed them on the windowsill, then pulled out her music book — the one she used for her personal compositions, separate from her coursework. The pages were filled with half-finished lyrics, scribbled chords, and small notes to herself in the margins.

This was her space.

Her sanctuary.

Abigail opened her guitar case and lifted the instrument onto her lap, letting her fingers rest gently on the strings. She plucked a few quiet notes, tuning by ear until the sound rang pure and steady. Then she started playing — slow and deliberate, each chord carefully placed.

It was a melody she'd been working on for weeks. A love song, soft and unspoken, built from all the quiet moments she shared with Emma — the laughter, the warmth, the feeling of home in her arms. The song wasn't finished yet, but she could feel it taking shape with every strum.

Her phone buzzed on the table beside her. She smiled, already knowing who it was.

Emma: Did you make it to your next class already?

Abigail wiped her thumb across the screen and typed back.

Abigail: Not yet. Found an open practice room. Needed to clear my head for a bit.

A moment later, Emma replied.

Emma: That's good, baby. Play something for me later?

Abigail smiled softly, her fingers still moving lightly over the strings as she typed.

Abigail: Maybe later. I'm actually working on something new. But... I'm keeping this one a secret for a while. I want it to be perfect before you hear it.

There was a short pause before the three dots appeared again.

Emma: A secret? Now I'm intrigued. Fine, but you better dedicate it to me.

Abigail chuckled under her breath, her eyes softening.

Abigail: Always. You're my muse, remember? I'll call you before I head to my next class, promise.

Emma: Deal. I love you.

Abigail: I love you more.

Abigail settled deeper into the small wooden stool, lost in the rhythm of her song. Her guitar felt alive beneath her fingers — warm, steady, and familiar. The soft hum of strings echoed off the padded walls, filling the tiny room with a sound that was both soothing and consuming.