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Chapter 2

Barry

       It's been three years. Three stupid years since I've competed with Penelope Benson. After that one competition in May three years ago, I haven't seen her once. It's like she disappeared. But now I'm the one always in first. But I never have Penelope's challenge in my head. She's never there. I can't help but wonder where she went. Now I'm visiting my aunt May's music company. She teaches all kinds of people. And she asked me to help out. She has other teachers, but she's wondering since I've won so many times now in piano competitions, if I can help with anything, any methods I use, what I think is a good idea.

      "Here is my office, and in here is the lounge. You can come in here any time you want. Or you can go in one of the empty rooms to just play on the piano in there." May says. We continue to walk down the area. There are many piano lessons in progress as we pass by different rooms. Something I think is interesting is, May told me earlier that many of the people who come here have before played the piano. I listen to the many lessons going on. 

     May would introduce me to the teachers as we passed them. There was Karen, Jessica, Jase, Minnie, and many others. "You have met almost all of the teachers. Some aren't working today, or are on break. But I want you to meet my close friend Ann." May tells me. 

     "Sounds good to me." We're about the end of the hall and I hear 'Twinkle, Twinkle little star' being played like a little child might play it. Unsure, and small mess ups. We get to the door way to where the sound is coming from. There was a girl with auburn short hair, bent over the piano. I couldn't see her face, but that hair was very familiar. Next to her was a woman with long strawberry blonde hair curled softly, listening to the music with a small smile on her face. The woman then sees us and walks quietly to us. 

     "Hey." She says quietly, as we step into the hall. 

     "Ann, I'd like you to meet my nephew Barry. He has won many piano competitions with pros even playing against him." May says. She sounded prideful. Ann smiles widely to me. She holds out her hand.

     "Nice to meet you Barry." She says. I shake her hand firmly.

     "He's going to be helping out around here for a while." May tells her.

     "Oh, well it would be very nice to have your help. especially with this student. She's been very skillful in the past, but she has to go to practically square one all over again. But her progress is quick." Ann tells us. Then the once simple 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' starts to change slightly. We hear it change into a complex version of the song. We all peak into the room. The girl... I could see her face now... It was, but it couldn't have been. I step forward. 

     "Penelope?" I say. The girl stops, and looks up, but not at us. 

     "Jackson? Is that you? Are you surprised? I think I'm getting the hang of the piano again." She says. I look at her confused. Ann and May look at us pack and forth.

   "Maybe we should leave you two." Ann says then walks down the hall with May.

    "Penelope?" I ask again louder. She frowns.

     "Oh. You're not Jackson. Sorry, and yes I am Penelope. Do I know you?" She asks, still not looking at me.

    "Are you playing some stupid game? It's me." I say, getting mad.

     "Um... sorry, I don't recognize you're voice." She said, still frowning.

     "Uh yeah, my voice probably has changed over three years!" I say angrily.

      "Uh... I'm sorry, I'm lost. Who are you?" She says, looking up. I walk up to the piano and try to get her to look at me. 

     "It's Barry? From the piano competitions?! Ring a bell?" I ask. She looks more relieved and more happy.

    "Barry?" She asks, smiling.

     "Yeah, but you would know that if you looked at me. What the heck is up with this? Why are you playing like a beginner? Are you trying to trick people? That doesn't make sense!" I say, very very, confused. I also don't know why I'm s acting like such a jerk. She once again frowns.

    "Oh... You didn't hear then?" She says. "I thought you would..." 

    "Heard what?"

     "Um well. It's just that... Um..." She starts to say.

   "Yes?" I ask, waiting for the explanation.

     "Well Barry, you see... I can't see..." She says. I look at her confused.

     "What?" I question.

    "... I'm blind, Barry."