Piano Man

Chapter 5: Mrs. Hira

"Wake up!" I hear someone yell pulling me from the warmth of my dreams. I feel a cold breeze on my body and I reach for my blanket only to realize it isn't there anymore. I prop myself up on my elbows and blink away my sleep as I look around my room. I find a small figure standing with a giant smirk. I sigh annoyed.

"Gabe!" I yell at him jumping out of bed to chase him. He quickly runs out of the room scurrying down the stairs like a rodent. "Get back here you rat!" I chase him until he finally stops in the kitchen. I was about to grab him when I heard someone's voice.

"Emma! Gabe! Stop yelling we have company!" I heard my mom scream from the other room.

"Sorry mom!" I quietly place a hand over Gabe's mouth and slowly drag him away. He kicks me and wriggles out of my grip.

"But it's Piano Man!" Gabe huffs and looks at me annoyed. I look at him confused. Someone steps into the room. I look up to find someone I never thought I would see here and suddenly become aware of my appearance. I am standing there wearing an over sized shirt that hid the shorts I wore underneath it with my hair in a haphazard bun.

"Emma?" He asked looking as confused as I was. "What are you doing here?" I look around trying to find an escape.

"Umm... I'll be back!" I yell dashing back up the stairs. I quickly throw on a crop top with high waisted shorts and a long cardigan. I brush out my hair and try my best to make it look like I tried. I run back downstairs to find he was no longer in the kitchen, but sitting on the couch. Next to him seemed to be an older couple, maybe his parents? No, one was way older than the other. She wore a flowered dress with pearls draped along her neck. The other, a man, sat tall his face was young, but full of determination. He wore a fine suit like an important figure and it seemed to match his voice as he spoke so eloquently.

"I wish you would visit more, Mrs. Hira." My mother said to the older woman. The woman smiled sweetly at that.

"I would love that, but unfortunately the years haven't being treating me well as of late." She replied, giving off an air of elegance. "But please send your mother my regards." My mother nodded as the younger man whispered something to Mrs. Hira.

"Yes I know." Mrs. Hira hung her head slightly. "Damien tells me it's about time to go." Damien rose from the couch holding out a hand to Mrs. Hira. She waved him off.

"I'm not that old yet, Damien." She leveraged walking stick to slowly lift herself from the couch. As she did so it set her into a coughing fit. Damien grabbed her arm to steady her, but she waved him off again. Baron was just a step behind with a worried look crossing his usually bright features. I stood there watching the ordeal until Mrs. Hira caught sight of me.

"And who might this be?" Mrs. Hira said flashing me a small smile.

"That is my daughter, Emma." My mom said. I smiled back at Mrs. Hira.

"It's very nice to meet you Mrs. Hira." I said politely. She looked me up and down as if trying to find something.

"You look just like your grandmother." She said a little reminiscent. I pictured my grandmother with her sagging face and annoyed looks. I shook the thought out of my head and she continued.

"She was the best pianist I had ever met. I would love to hear her play again." She looked away as if remembering something serene. "Do you play piano dear?" She asked. I shook my head.

"But I would love to, I just have to find a teacher." She looked like she had the grandest idea.

"My grandson, Baron, is a fantastic pianist why doesn't he teach you." I looked at her shocked by the sudden arrangement. "It's the least I can do for Christine's grandchild." I knew I couldn't refuse and looked over to see Baron with the same surprised expression.