Where Snapdragons Lie

Let The Circuit Begin

I got all decked in my crazy outfit. The red corset dress I usually reserve for music festivals plus some lace up boots, and of course, a white lace scarf to match. I put on my mask and tied my hair half up. The feathers and sparkles on this thing are enough to induce a fucking coma.  I dont get to dress like this all the time. It always feels good to dress a little avant garde. What other excuse do I get to dress like this? I contemplated making a sign that said "Skeleton Orchestra gives me life". But I think Liz would maim me in my sleep if I did. I should do it anyway, maybe just to poke fun. But I went with my better judgement and left the sign idea alone. After all, I'm getting the best possible seats thanks to her. Besides they need their focus tonight.

The drive over to the symphony center was easy I went to the box office and gave my name. They gave me a purple wristband, a my VIP lanyard. I sauntered past the windows, taking not of all the gawking fans standing in line outside.  I went to the VIP lounge in the lobby and took a champagne flute from a server. 

When it comes to fans, Skeleton Orchestra enthusiasts are the best. When I go see one of their concerts I don't feel like I'm in a high class, stuffy, posh place. It feels free, like I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not. Lillia's enthusiasm for all things for french royal is contagious. I think she is the only classical composer on the planet who encourages fans  to dress like the orchestra. Its build a community of classical lovers and newbies alike. When I take a seat I notice the slew of people dressed to the tee with feathers, glitter, and lace. They put my outfit to shame, that's for sure. Rhys came out to greet me with open arms. She had on a full maroon suite with ruffled sleeves, and a textured black bow-tie. Damn she looks great. Rhys made sure to send her love from a nervous Liz backstage. We drank as she examined my hair. Rhys had to cut at least two inches off to make it look even.

"Can you really believe that this is happening?" She asked me.

"Of course I can. Lillia, Liz, everyone is so incredibly talented. They deserve this."

"I guess its a little more drastic for me," Rhys said staring into her drink, "Three years ago she was playing along to the radio on road trips. Now shes's on top of the music circuit playing for the most prestigious title of the year. Its a little crazy for me. My Liz... is really going places."

I heard what she was saying. Liz is our quirky, loving, sometimes too friendly... friend. Her world is going to change if she wins this. The orchestra will go on tour, play more concerts, make more television appearances, release albums. Its going to be demanding. That's when it hit me in my chest. Shit. I wont have my best friend for movie nights, or to poke fun at when were playing football in the rec room. 

I sighed deeply, "Yeah, she is really going places, but that's what she wants, right?"

"Yeah, almost as much as..." Rhys trained off. She was hesitating. I even saw her cheeks blush a little bit. 

"As much as what..?" I said matching her whispered tone. Rhys looked left and right anxiously. She leaned in a little closer to me.

"We've been talking about this for the last year or so."

"Yeah..." I said my voice going up a few octaves. 

"And we discussed the pros and cons,"

"Yeah..!" I said getting higher. 

"I may have gone shopping already."

"Oh for fuck sake,Rhys just say it!" I said out loud. It drew a few stares but I didn't really give a damn. 

"I'm going to propose to Liz," She said beaming as she pulled a velvet blue box from her lapel. I wrapped her in a huge hug. I always knew those two were meant to be together. If you ask me, three years is plenty to wait. "Im thinking that it would cheer her up if she doesn't win, or just make this the best night of her life," She said with a nervous smile. 

I hardly remember what being in a relationship feels like. But the naive me from a year ago was bursting at the seam with joy. I wanted to talk wedding plans, but I realize if I do, that would blow the surprise. Right now we were here to celebrate Liz's accomplishment. 

The house opened and Rhys and I found our seats next to the rest of Liz's family. There was her mom, her dad, her two brothers, her younger sister, her uncle Mark and aunt Stacy, her Grandparents, and the list goes on from cousins to nieces and nephews. 

After a few commercials and some mindless banter from the MC's they announced the Quincy Chamber. They went with three of the more well known and difficult string pieces from Vivaldi's four seasons. I'd love to try my hand at Summer one day. Their front runner, Colette Harding passionately blared her solo for all to hear. She has what I call the performance face. That face soloists make while their playing. Hers was a hard smile and squinted eyes like she was enjoying herself but also being far too serious. I felt moved. It was such a wonderful performance. Strings were made to be played in a place like symphony hall. Their delicate sound echos into the halls and balconies. 

More meaningless consumer commercials and some fun facts from the MC's and it was The Skeleton Orchestra's turn to take the stage. I could make out Liz in her baby blue lace ballgown with yellow and pink damask pattern. She looked like a real princess. Lillia stood in front to them all decked out in a red dress with a red corset and covered in red bows. Her favorite color is red, in case that was not obvious enough. She took a deep graceful bow as the packed house applauded. Everyone was in their playing positions as she raised her baton high.

 I felt a surge of energy and light as they filled the room with sound. The fusion of french classical with modern music was uplifting. Lillia composes all the songs that they performed. Their first two were one of her more popular original. Designed to highlight the winds sections in particular. Her second featured a solo from their first Viola. He was wonderful to hear. I loved how she used the violas mellow tones to create a story of both hope and sorrow. The final song they performed was from Phantom of the Opera, and it was a crowd pleaser. Everyone was heavily applauding by the end. I felt the hot tears on my face. Our entire row was a muck with emotion. Liz's mother was desperately trying to wipe the snot from her face without making too much noise. Rhys was crying too. Composed crying, but its still crying.

 After intermission. The most grueling half hour ever. The camera's were rolling and they were ready to announce the winner. The panel of seven wound up making a split decision. All the ensemble members were staring on stage. Quincy Standing proudly. Lillia and her skeletons holding each others hands. I could make out Liz crushing the hand of the principal flutist. 

"Three Judges cast their vote for Quincy Chamber" Said the MC. Everyone clapped. "Three judges cast their vote for Lillia's Skeleton Orchestra." I clapped so hard my hands were ringing. "This year winner, of the Florence Beatrice award, goes to...."

Just fucking say it!

"Quincy Chamber!"

We all sank into our chairs. The vibe at the after-party outside was just the same. Liz was crying in Rhy's arms as she tried to soothe her. Her mom right next to her. The moon was high, and the spirit was low.

"I know this feeling," Lillia said to her orchestra, "The feeling of giving it your all, and the crush that it was just not enough." The wasn't a dry eye to be seen. "But I want you all to know that we got here. We are good enough. We got on the national stage. We were up there just like the greatest groups before us. And you have made my dream come true. And dont you ever forget the accomplishment we made here. Its only up from here!" She chugged down her glass of wine, and broke it on the ground.

I turned on my phones camera and started with filming Liz as she clapped her heart out. She turned to me, her frown of suspicion on her face.

"Why are you filming Magda?" I stood there and smirked. Liz was going to say something, but as she turned to avoid the camera she saw Rhys. On one knee with a simple diamond ring gingerly held out. The answer was yes, obviously, and the celebration when on until security kicked us out.