The Chairs Between Us

A New Partner

This is one of my favorite pieces especially with the violin and one of my favorite animes so screw it. You can fight me if you don't like it. 

-Mad dog 

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Orchestra is terrible today. 

Our conductor has picked out a piece that is shaped around the viola section. Every time it is time for us to play he glares at me. The piece was already difficult and with him watching me it was getting harder. 

You would be scared two if you have a salty old conductor staring you down while you were playing.

After our run through he left us to practice alone. The other violas practiced together but, I was left out.

 Ali sat next to me, "You look pathetic."

 I smiled at her, "You really know had to cheer someone up."  

She laughed, "It is all part of my charm... Oh look Mr. Golden boy is going to suck up tot he teacher again."

Our conductor called Liam into his office. That was always a normal thing. He was probably going to talk about the piece. 

Ali has never really liked him. Mostly because he is a jerk to her and makes fun of her dyed blue hair. 

Then I was called in. 

Ali looked at me like I knew what was happening but I just shrugged.

She laughed again, "Have fun in the principals office."

I set down my viola and walked into his office. 

His office was basically his desk with his name Mr. Bennet on it, a couple of chairs, and somewhat organized music scores stacked on the ground.  

I sat down in a chair, quietly like I was going to get yelled at if I made a sound. Liam was sitting next to me and he didn't really seem happy. He was glaring towards the ground. 

Mr. Bennet looked over both of us and decided to break the awkward silence, "Well Dominic, I have made a deal with Liam... Your playing is definitely not the best in the orchestra and you are graduating this year. So, Liam is going to coach you. I don't care how you two do it but, I want you to get good enough to play the solo at the next concert."

Great so I have to spend time with this jerk.

 Liam protested, "Wait! You never mentioned a solo! The deal was for me to coach him. If you can't teach him how am I suppose to? He can't even play a simple audition." 

True but that just makes him even more of a jerk. He is saying my playing is bad. Like it is, but it still makes me feel bad.

My head was going to exploded with thoughts when I thought more about what was just said.

I can't play a solo. What is he thinking? Last time I played a solo on stage my brother played piano with me. 

Mr. Bennet sighed, "I have made my decision."

With that, he excused us so, we could put away our instruments. Liam grabbed my arm, "Met me here after school. You are lucky I am doing this so, don't be late."

 I nodded and he stormed out of the room. 

Jerk. How is Liam going to teach me if he hates me so much?

I showed up after school and he wasn't there. 

Great he stood me up.

I turned to leave and someone grabbed my arm, "Did you really think I wouldn't be here?" 

I turned back around, "Well you didn't seem to like me much in class... So yes." 

He smiled, "Ooo, so you can speak?"

"Yeah I speak sarcasm pretty fluently."

He laughed and picked up his case, "Let's get to practicing." 

He unpacked his viola and I did the same. He grabbed a stand and put the solo piece on it, "Let's start with a D major scale then we will play."

I began to play a scale but my finger landed out of tune and then the whole scale began to slip out of tune. My heart started beating faster. Liam stopped me and ran a hand through his hair, "You can't even play a scale right. You are worse than I thought." 

He sighed, "Play again." 

I played again and the same thing happened. He held his head in his hands, "Let's just move to the solo for now." 

I began to play. The sound was soft and beautiful. Liam started playing with me and I calmed down. We were playing perfectly. I looked over to him then everything changed. My mind saw my brother playing next to me. 

No please. Not him!

My heart began to beat faster and I dropped my bow.  

Liam stopped playing, "What's wrong? You were actually playing good." 

I sat on the floor, holding my head in my hands. Also trying to hind my fear from him, "Can we stop for today?" 

He looked really concerned, "Are you okay? You don't look so good. It's looks like you have seen a ghost."

If only you knew how right you are.

I got up and grabbed my bow off the floor, "I am fine. Just a little tired. Can we do this tomorrow?" 

Please don't question this.

I began to pack up my things. He stood watching me, "Alright let's meet here tomorrow then. Are you sure you are okay?"

I grabbed my bag, "Yeah, I am good." 

He just stood, frozen with a worried look on his face.

I walked out of the room and headed towards home. 

Home almost seemed like a relief for once.