Can You Hear Me?

Chapter 3: Piano Keys and Painful Pasts

Have you ever heard the saying, "Time is the longest distance between two places"? Whoever said that was right on the ball.

At least when they were when it came to school, especially Calculus class.

Faith had trouble keeping her eyes on Mr. Norton to focus on the lesson. She kept glancing at the clock, willing the hands to go just a little bit faster.

Seriously, it was as if the stupid clock was taunting her. She couldn't take seven more hours of this before her first piano lesson with Nathan. Faith internally groaned and flopped her head onto the desk for a moment.

Someone pushed her hard on the shoulder. Faith picked her head back up, looking to her right as Erin silently pointed to the front, where Mr. Norton was waiting expectantly.

Great, she thought grimly. Just what I need.

"What is the answer to the problem on the board, Miss Connelly?" her Calc teacher asked her, probably for the second or third time by the impatient look he gave her.

Faith quickly scanned said problem, which was a vector problem. Ugh, she despised those.

"I'm not really sure," Faith said hesitantly, scrambling for an excuse. "I don't really understand it."

"Well, then I suggest you pay attention the next time I explain it. After all, it will be on the next test."

"Yes, of course Mr. Norton." Faith cast her eyes downward. "Sorry."

This is going to be a long day.

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As soon as Faith received the customary three taps by Erin, she quickly stood up from her seat and stuffed her notebooks and textbook into her bag.

Faith felt someone put their hand on her shoulder and she jumped. She exhaled in relief when she turned to see that it was just Erin.

"Whoa, slow down there," Erin chuckled. "All we've got is history next. Nothing to be too excited about."

They entered the hallway and walked among the other students. "What's gotten into you lately?" Erin asked. "You're always in a hurry, and you haven't been paying attention in class like you used to. That's not like you, Faith."

"Sorry," Faith replied guiltily.

She had forgotten about how her actions would make her best friends feel, especially Erin, who had been by her side since she could remember. She longed to tell her what was going on, but she was determined to keep her promise to Nathan. In time, she would explain everything.

She elaborated further. "A lot has been going on lately. You know senior year, right?"

Faith was saved from any more questions as she spotted Christina weaving around students and approaching quickly.

"What's up?" Her face lit up and she quick fell in pace on the other side of Faith. She turned to her bubbly friend. "Y'know, I'm totally dreading that Great Depression test Miss Smith is making us take today," Faith answered quickly, hoping Erin would drop the previous subject.

"Already prepared," Christina clarified.

Of course. Christina was always the most organized in their group. Faith envied her preparation skills and the way she always seemed to know what was going on.

As they entered the classroom, Faith immediately recognized the familiar coal-black hair in the very back row. Nathan sat as he had in English the day before: head down, hands tucked into his navy blue sweatshirt pockets, and earbuds in. Faith had the sudden urge to go to him; either to talk, or just sit next to him. He looked so lonely. However, she reminded herself of her promise she had made, and reluctantly took the seat between Erin and Christina in the front row.