The Chairs Between Us

Memorizing

Memorizing parts is never fun. 

Especially when you have to do two parts of the hardest song you know. 

I don't even know how to read treble clef!

Prodigies play this piece not high school ensemble players. 

Weeks have passed. 

Our practice sessions weren't as much fun anymore. We were both getting stressed out and almost yelling at each other when we messed up or couldn't play without the music.

I hate it when we are mad at each other.

 Afterwards we always made up and he drove me home, but it still sucked. Most of the time he stayed for dinner and my Mom always seemed to enjoy talking to him. 

The best part about this was she was beginning to talk again. 

But then it was the next practice session and everything repeated.

Liam showed up in the theater later than normal, "I think we need a day off." 

I smiled, "I thought you would never say that... what are we going to do?"

He grabbed my hand, pulling me up off the stage, "I know the perfect place to go."

We jumped in his car and drove to McDonald's, getting french fries and milkshakes.

"And I thought you would be a healthy person," I commented as we got back into the car.

He laughed, "Well my philosophy is milkshakes and french fries can solve every problem a person has."

I laughed too, "What if your problem is you want to loose weight?"

He thought for a moment, "It can solve some problems."

He started the car and we slowly drove off down the road. 

We reached the trail pretty fast and hiked up to the meadow with our food and instruments. We laid in the tall grass watching as the sun started to go down. 

Liam's smile slowly disappeared, "I am sorry I have been getting mad at you... it's just... stressful."

I grabbed his hand, "I get it. I am sorry for being mad too."

He shook his head, "No... it's not about the music... I want to tell my parents about you but I am scared. My dad doesn't really accept people like us."

I saw his eyes begin to water. 

I pulled him into hug, "It's okay... I am sure he will understand. He is your dad after all and if it doesn't go right... You have me."

He nodded against my shoulder and smiled, "Thank you."

I kissed the top of his head, "I will always be here for you."

Orange and purple filled the sky as we picked up our violas and began to practice. All of the stress had disappeared and everything seemed relaxed. The music flowed from our two violas and all the mistakes were still beautiful.

This is much better than all the other practice sessions. 

As the bright moon came out, we drove back into town. We pulled over to the park and got out to walk around. The park this time of year had all the trees strung with twinkling lights and it was always filled with people. 

It was almost Christmas after all. 

A few kids were climbing in the trees while their parents watched from below. Some couples from school were laying in the grass and sitting on benches. 

Liam's eyes were as bright as the lights and his blonde hair sparkled. He held my hand as walked along. We laid down next to each other and started up at the shining stars. 

So beautiful.

Everything was peaceful and full of color. 

But, sadly, lights always dim out and turn to black.