Slipping

Chapter 1: The Duet

     The day I met Skye in that Music Conservatory, was one of the best days in my life. She was amazingly talented for her age, in which she just turned 4-years-old, I was a little older by a month and a few days. I was born on July 8th, and she was born on June 2nd, both of the year 2000. I do remember the day I walked in there, hearing her play the song "Für Elise, by  Ludwig van Beethoven" . I had looked around, expecting an adult to be playing the piano, because of the style and technique, that the pianist had shown. Upon looking around, I saw this little girl, playing the piano ever so beautifully, thinking to myself "Wow, I don't think I can ever play the piano THAT well". So I had just listened to it, day after day, of Skye practicing it, until, one day, I had the courage to go up to her and start a conversation.

      Skye and I talked about her piano skills, in which got me interested in piano, in the first place. I had told her that I could never play that well even with practice, because, at the time I did not train my hands to do two different things at the same time. Then Skye spoke those words, that I will never forget, and will keep in my heart until that day comes where I will pass on, and be with her once again. She told me "If you want to succeed at something, you have to at least try it out first", that single sentence, helped me achieve great things in music today. I have played the piano for 11 years, the cello, and violin for 7. I am also an Assistant Band Director at my school and possess lots of instrumental knowledge. I can play the baritone, trombone, trumpet, clarinet, flute, tuba, alto saxophone, harp, lyre, piano, violin, cello and percussion instruments. I taught Skye about the violin, and the cello, in which she also had an interest in playing later in her life.

     We practiced the piano together, and I taught her the violin. Our instrument teacher noticed a friendship between us, then, giving us an opportunity to do a duet together in an upcoming concert for musical prodigies in the mall. We graciously accepted our teacher's offer then, started to practice like crazy to synchronize our parts, and to get better at them as well. Our song of choice, for the performance, was "Dvorak - Romance in F major, for Piano and Violin, OP.11".

     On the day of the performance, we got up on the stage, nervous as ever. As we were raised in Christian households, we decided to pray before the performance. As soon as it was our turn to go up and play, I got the courage to give her a hug and tell her "You will be perfect, don't worry about it", then, I got into position, right before the curtains opened. The concert started, and we had started by playing our warm up chromatic scales. Then started the opening of "Dvorak - Romance". Skye started off playing, and then, I came in, with my Violin around a minute after she started. We just continued to play the song, as I remember the crowd went completely silent . I had thought I was doing horrible, but I just continued to play my part. "Romance" is a 13-minute song in full, but I had modified the part to play for just little over 5 minutes. Once the song was completed, Skye and I, took a bow, and on stage, I had hugged her again, right before the curtains closed. I heard an "awe" from the crowd as we walked backstage, and waited for the results.

      I sat next to Skye and waited. We waited for around 30 minutes before a judge spoke to us. The judge told me that we had won 2nd place, which granted one instrument to be bought for a contestant, for free. So I told the Judge that I didn't need another Violin. So, I told him to please get a Keyboard for Skye. Skye Appreciated my thoughtfulness and gave me a little kiss on the cheek, so I gave her a long and meaningful hug. She smiled back at me, and said: "thank you". I had told her "no need to thank me, it's nothing really".

     After that day, our friendship became stronger and stronger. Also, after that day, our small friendship would never be the same, ever again...