You're the Music of My Heart

Two: Late

I rush down Warner Hall and swivel to the left, man, Mr. Smith has already let me off the hook too much. I mean, he knows I have work before that was my commitment and my decision and I'm held accountable for being late. Maybe sticking at the café might have to be a sacrifice to stay in the orchestra program. I've been playing the piano for over 16 years and the violin for over 12 so there is high competition at school.

But that boy, from earlier today. Damn he seemed like a nice kid. Kind of a more reserved guy, but Jean... intrigued me. I really wanted to know more about him. Well at least Ymir has art with them. I'm almost 100% sure she can talk to him for me. I felt like like I had known this kid for so long, even though in reality he had managed to become close friends in the matter of a few minutes. Besides, he had really cute two-tones hair, it frizzled up at the tops and his bangs were rushly combed over, leaving a slight residue of water over them, like it was last minute and he just got up. Adorable.

I try speeding up a bit, trying to edge that ticking clock. But that all slaps me in the face like a harsh chord of As and Cs as the small, hindering wheels of my violin case stop on the polished floor, causing me to trip and fall. No! I can see the door ahead. This has to be a joke, ugh, I can't be late. Sweat starts to trickle down my forehead onto my clammy hands and I gasp, embracing my outspread arms to the floor. My hands swiftly lick the tips the tile and the knees beneath my umber slacks slide as well. There probably was a big hole in them now. Oh, man.

I pick up the light parchment paper music sheets and stuff them in my once -so-organized case and try to barrel myself inside on time. I grab the handle of the violin case with clamoring hands and I make a mad dash to the class and opening the door like a swinging door in the Wild West by a drunk cowboy. The soothing fanfare of blaring trumpets and violins come to an immediate halt as they all look at me with an intrigued look on there faces. I look at the clock above the perch of the wall, 12:59. I sigh in relief. I made it.

"Ahem, Mr. Bodt," a daunting voice emerges from the wisps of the velvet cinnamon curtain and I crane my head around towards it. A tall, bulky man with a giraffe neck and blonde hair trimmed and tidied to elegant profession. His glass, blue-flame eyes flickered with a sinister tremble like a bass A note played by a violinist. "You seem to be..." He looks at the time above the large oak stage. "... on time." I nervously manage a disastrous smile at him and I scratch my chin, yet again.

"Sorry Mr. Smith." He sighs in exasperation and shrugs his shoulders. "You're our school's hopes and dreams, Marco. You are our best musician, the best we've ever seen. You're an honors student, and I expect more from you."

His unfathomably deep statement sends chills down my spine and my heart sinks into my stomach. I had disappointed him.

"Mr. Smith..." I mutter, just then my voice is cut off by his. "Talk to me after class." Before I can respond, my voice is engulfed by the continuum of the fanfare.

I have no decision but to sit in my seat and pull out my violin, pinking up its horse string bow. We easily pull through Mozart's Sonata in A K545 and after several attempts, we seem to have the melody perfectly embedded in our head, ready for tonight's concert.~

I pack up my violin case and just before I can lift it onto my shoulders, a hand lays on it. I wince and turn around.

"Mr. Smith..." I look up at him. He sighs. "Look, I understand how hard you've been working so far and you really inspire me. And that is a give fact. I'm just concerned that juggling both a nearly full time job and orchestra is going to be too hard. You're the best student this school as seen, we need talent like you. We're going to the world championships because of you. We can't let you fall apart because your job is too overwhelming." His hand kindly pats my shoulder again. "I think it's time to consider your job. If anything, make it a part time, but if you succumb to coffee shop stress, then we're screwed for Vienna. This is the first time we're able to represent, and we usually haven't made it so far." He looks away and I immediately pick up on his drift.

He needs me. Our entire school needs me. "Okay," I finally respond to him and he looks up with a slight glare of approval. "Like I said, I'm not trying to rub salt in your wound, I know you like your job, but being in orchestra yet alone play two instruments requires a lot of physical demand. You have to learn the double the music in double the time with double the stress-"

"Hey. I know what you mean." Heck, I dreamed of Vienna and me sitting on the plush velvet cushion of the piano seat, performing in front of thousands of people... I wanted that so bad.

He stops, interested my oh-so-vague statement. I sigh immediately and I almost feel calm and relieved. "I know that the shop is just supposed to help me get some bearings down at Cambridge and for my rooming and orchestra. I told myself that it was only to aid. Coffee shops are temporary and orchestra is permanent to me. Besides, I need to quit so I can stay better on top of my work." He smiles, as if my decision to him was as clear as day.

"Like I said, I'm not forcing you too. I'm just concerned for your... well-being in this class. I understand how seriously you take orchestra. I'm just worried that you're going have to sacrifice it for other classes and side events. And I think it will make things a lot easier with school work and your life. World's is in a matter of weeks and we need our musicians o be on their A-game." I grin, almost on cue. "Yes, Mr. Smith." He makes a slight smile and holds out his hand politely and I shake it. "Thank you Mr. Bodt... I was concerned you'd take it the wrong way. But I appreciate your cooperation in all of this." I grin like Alice in Wonderlands's Cheshire Cat. "Oh, no problem." I turn away momentarily to grab my violin case and place the bow modestly in its proper fitting inside.

"Well, I must better be going. I've got some practicing for World's to do." He beams and I almost laugh. He was a serious guy so getting him to grin was a miracle. *see he's freckled Jesus!!!!! he makes everyone happy ~Andrew

"Go start that, I expect no mistakes during your performance tomorrow evening." "Okay, Mr. Smith, okay." And with my wheeling violin case clicking at my heels, I stride out of the classroom, a new tidal wave of relief and rejuvenation slammed into my body like a riptide. I was going to find out more about Jean, and I was desperate to know more, but probably after I practice some piano first.

~okay guys!! Sorry about the delay! I have had a lot of homework so far and so many exams so I had to get that done. If you liked it, tell any friends interested in Jeanmarco and like the story and comment! :) and don't worry, Jean will be a klutz and embarrass the living crap out of Marco soon so hold on to your seat!!
~Stay classy, Andrew