The Chairs Between Us

Surprise

"Wake up Dominic."

I slowly opened my eyes waiting for my vision to clear up. I stretched my arms out and looked over at who was lying next to me.

My brother. 

"Why can't you leave me alone for one day?"

It's been few days since I came out of the hospital and I have to go back to school. My brother wasn't helping as he stayed in my head and never shut up. 

"Hey, I am only helping. I don't want you to be late to school."

Ugh... I don't think you are going away anytime soon. 

There was a knock on my door and my brother vanished.

Liam opened the door, "Dominic we are going to be late."

At least he barely shows himself with Liam around.

Liam jumped on my bed, "Come on Officer Jones is going to take us to school. He told me I could use the siren."

I sat up and gave him a big hug, "Well in that case I better hurry."

The drive to school was filled with Liam being overly excited to used to siren and Officer Jones looking like he was rethinking his life choices. 

We finally pulled up to the front of the school; Officer Jones had his own space up front so we didn't have to walk through the parking lot. 

He jumped out of the car and opened the door for me, "I have to work a little late today so meet back here around 3:30." 

We both quickly nodded and ran off. 

I felt like I haven't been to school in years and we were getting stares from everyone. Some were looking at Liam's bruised face. The majority were staring at the large cut on my arm that will soon form a scar. 

Liam noticed me looking at my arm and grabbed my hand, "Don't worry about it so much. I will see you in orchestra." 

He smiled and kissed my cheek before disappearing into the crowd of people. 

"He is cute. If only he could stay with you all day. Instead you are stuck with me."

My brother was walking next to me.

"Shut up Peter," I said under my breath. 

My first few classes went by slow. My brother sat on the ground next to me; annoying me the whole time. 

The bell rang.

Time for orchestra.

I began my walk towards the theater but immediately stopped when I saw the bullies coming from down the hall. They all had smirks on their faces as they got closer, "Hey! Looks who back!" One of the shouted.

Another yelled back, "Well, well... Our favorite person to torment!"

I then heard someone clearing their throat from behind them. I looked passed them to see a very angry Officer Jones. 

Oooo.... someone's in trouble.

I smirked at myself when he casually walked up to them, "I believe it's time we have a little chat in my office."

One of them just laughed, "We were only teasing-"

Officer Jones held up his hand, silencing them, "Useless you want to go to the station. I suggest you follow me to my office," He added a smile, "Please."

They all let out a sigh and followed behind him. Officer Jones smirked and looked over at me, "I will see you after school Dominic."

Liam ran up to me, "I saw them and went to get help. Are you okay?"

I laughed, "I am perfect now."

We walked into the theater together.

I didn't realize how close festival was. We only had a week left then it was festival and competition.

Mr. Bennet greeted the two of us back stage, "There are my two favorite musicians! I am so glad your back, there is a lot of practicing to be done before New York."

"New York?"

He laughed, "I forgot to tell you. The competition is being held at the Carnegie Hall in New York. I wanted to surprise you guys. You will be there for three days."

Wait, this can't be real.

Liam exploded with excitement, "We get to play at Carnegie Hall! No way!"

Mr. Bennet beamed, "I know you guys will be amazing. Now let's go sit down, we have practicing to do."

Liam sat down in first chair and me in the back

I don't know why he still has me sit back here?

Practice went by fast and the end of the day came around. It was only three o'clock so we had thirty minutes to spend. 

Liam was practically leaping to the theater, "Carnegie Hall! This is a dream come true!"

I laughed at his excitement. He was so cute like this.

We ran to the stage and grabbed our instruments.

Both of us sat on the edge letting our legs dangle off. 

Liam leaned against me, "I don't how a day at school could feel so amazing."

I smiled, "It was pretty great."

I rubbed my fingers against the cut on my arm, "Do you think people will stare at it when I play?"

He grabbed my wrist, "It doesn't matter you will be wearing a coat."

"But I will know it's there and... Peter will remind me of it."

He held my face in my hands, "Listen, you are here. I will never leave you. That's all that matters."

I smiled and we both pushed our lips together. 

I love him so much.

He pulled away and grabbed his viola, "Come on, we can't get ready for Carnegie by kissing all day."