The Boy Who Couldn't Cry

Chapter 5- The Piano Behind the Curtain

The Principal eventually heard about the fight in the hallway. Even though I didn't do anything, I still got in trouble for "aggravating" Eddie and causing him to go after me.

But, on the plus side, Eddie and his gang got a worse punishment. They had to go clean the men's bathroom which at the moment, was not a pretty sight. I on the other hand, was sent to go organize some of the props behind the stage in the drama room.

I walked in through the double doors into a large room with a stage three feet off the ground and chairs lined neatly all along the floor. The room smelled of lavender for some reason, but it was probably just something to do with the props or effects.

Our school loved to do different activities that involved giving students a chance to express themselves through acting and singing. We had a yearly talent show, and we normally had two or three plays throughout the school year. Students who participated normally got some extra credit so there were some perks.

I had tried to participate in a play one time, but after having to sing and dance like an idiot on stage in front of four-hundred people, I eventually gave up acting. Most of the kids seemed to be pretty into it though. The drama teacher had told me I needed to put more feeling and emotion into my part, which you probably know now I couldn't do. Even if I tried, I was just an empty shell, remember? There was no point in even trying.

I sighed at started toward the stage to organize the props, when I heard a noise and stopped. I listened closer, and realized, there was a faint sound of a piano from behind the curtain.

I cautiously walked onto the stage and slowly pulled back the crimson curtains. The backstage was dimly lit, and I could barely see a thing. However, I noticed that there was a piano in the back near the door to the exit. There was a girl playing the piano, she somehow looked familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

Being a wallflower has it's perks. I neared toward her and sat down a few feet away on a fold out chair and listened to her play. Her fingers landed lightly on the keys and she swayed faintly in time to the music. She played a song of sadness, and pain. Regret, sorrow, and loss. But, I could also feel inspiration, happiness, and hope.

I couldn't explain it, but there were so many emotions swirling through her song. How could a single song carry so much emotion? How could a single song have more emotion than me, a human being?

I listened quietly, wondering what that feeling was stirring inside me. Was it hope? Was it sadness? I didn't know what to think. I closed my eyes and listened with all my heart to every single note that was played. I listened for what seemed like hours, and it was pure bliss. I could've listened to it for a lifetime.

It took a moment for me to realize after that, the music had stopped playing. The girl had turned around at stared at me, with eyebrows raised.

I hurriedly stood up. I looked at her and she looked at me. There was surprise and confusion in her face. Then, I suddenly realized--

"Hey! You're that girl who helped me yesterday." I was surprised I didn't recognize her sooner, then again, last time I saw her I had a black eye.

She nodded slowly and stood up too.

I held out my hand awkwardly for her to shake and said, "Uh, my name's Zach Collins... Erm... What's yours?"

She looked at my hand and reached out to take it. We shook hands and she said, "My name is Hannah Blake."

She looked up and smiled.

"Uh, thanks for saving me, I guess." I said.

"No prob." She replied. "I've witnessed a lot of people being bullied before, and I don't like it one bit. I do my best to put an end to it."

"Wow, that's brave." I said. "Aren't you worried about getting bullied too?"

"Not really." She brushed her long red hair behind her ear. "I can take a punch and I've just leaned to ignore the harsh words."

I didn't know what to say. I had never met anyone capable of standing up to someone like that.

"Well, I better going." She said. "Catch ya later, I guess."

She started to walk away, but I had to ask her first. "Wait!" She stopped and turned around. "Yeah?"

"Uh, how long have you played piano?" I asked.

"Um, for about five years. Why?"

Four years, I thought. That was around the time when it all started. "Uh, no reason." I said. "Although, I was wondering... Would you be able to teach me?"

She looked surprised, but nodded her head yes. She turned to leave.

"Uh, thanks again, Hannah."

"You're welcome, Zach."