Canon

Chapter Eleven

In the short time we were there, we ate, danced, sang, partied and practiced. We practiced hard.

We were given an assigned period each, since there were only four music rooms.

"Ugh. Why do I always get early morning and early afternoon?" Innes complained. "I can't wake up that early, and I'd probably be asleep when afternoon comes around,"

"Well, we could swap," Chaz offered. 

"Really, dude?" Innes' eyes sparkled. Like really. Sparkled. It was weird.

"Yeah. You'd probably just sleep through your practice schedules right?" he smiled at him and got his cello as 1:00 PM came, "See you later, guys,"

"So, when's your next schedule Lizzie?" Innes asked the little angel who seemed to have lost all ability of speech.

"Oh... ah, i think it's... right after, Chaz," she replied meekly. Innes suddenly grabbed her hand and stood up. "Well, look what fate got us. Come on, let's tour the villa,"

After running out the large oak doors, I was left with Adrian and Carter. "So... where's Katrina?" I asked him.

"I don't know," Adrian shrugged, "She seems to be fond of you though,"

"Y-yeah," Oh yeah. The sister likes me. All that's left are his parents. "Well, I like her too anyways,"

"Why does she stay on the villa anyways?" Carter asked. "While you and your parents are back there,"

"Well, I've been homeschooled, just like her, but I kinda wanted to experience what it's like to be a normal student," Adrian explained, "And experience prom, midterms, finals, and lockers,"

"Lockers? Seriously?" I grinned. "What about the cafeteria,"

"Yeah, that too," Adrian smiled back, then got all serious, "Katrina, on the other hand, is a little bit sickly. She needs the fresh air here. And admit it or not, high school could get a little bit rough sometimes,"

Oh. So that's why. No wonder why she seems so pale. I mean yes, she's got that rosy glow in her cheeks that makes me jealous, but Adrian's right. If Katrina is really sick, then high school isn't meant for her.

That Saturday night, I was resting at the terrace of the room I shared with Lizzie.

"So, how did that one hour with Innes go?" I asked her as soon as she came through the silky  curtains.

"N-nothing," she stammered, then smiled the most perfect smile I've ever seen, "We just walked around the garden, but it was great. It felt great,"

"Way to go, Lizzie," I rubbed her head, then gave her a massive hug.

The view there was spectacular. The beautiful rose garden was in view and it looked more lovely in the moonlight. A silver grand piano sat on the veranda at the middle.

And then I saw Adrian. Laugh or whatever, but when he came in view I think the scene just turned lovelier.  "You like him, don't you?" Lizzie asked me, a knowing smile on her face.

"I... I think I do," I confessed. Lizzie just smiled as we looked out over the terrace. The garden was beautiful. Adrian was beautiful. Everything seemed beautiful.

He sat on the piano bench (or whatever you call that) and played a single tune.

And followed by another. Then another. And before I knew it, he was playing Canon.

The piece that mesmerizes me so much.

I was about to get my violin when two more instruments joined. 

Lizzie went inside to where one of the three harps were sitting. She played along and the effect of the moonlight through the window made her seem unreal.

On the other side of the garden, Chaz was playing his cello.

They sounded so beautiful, it made me consider joining them.

And as I ponder over my decision, Carter and Innes decided to join as well.

Carter with his flute and Innes with his trumpet.

And now I couldn't even move. Words can't even describe it.

From the distance, I saw Adrian look my way. He smiled and made a motioning with his head.

He wanted me to join and so I did.

I got my violin and played with them. 

And the night was complete.

The next day, we could all tell that each had a good night's sleep. Even Miss Higgins was smiling.

"Hey," Adrian slipped right next beside me, "I'm glad you joined last night,"

"It was beautiful," I smiled.

"Yeah, it was," he agreed and then mumbled something that sounded like, "Jusaykoo,"

"What?" I asked.

"He said, 'Just like you!'" Innes shouted.

AND I BLUSHED SO HARD I CRIED.

I swear I'd never let those kinds of things get to me when I saw my mom and dad fight.

But noooooo. I had to break that stupid promise. And now, everyone is laughing at me like crazy. Even Miss Higgins.  

"Hey Jazz!" Innes joked, "You look like a tomato right now!"

Ha-ha. More laughter. Great, just great.

Then I noticed something else. Adrian was blushing like crazy as well.

"Now there are two tomatoes!" Carter actually joined in on Innes' little joke.   After a few minutes, the group finally calmed down.

Miss Higgins told us to start packing, which was really a shame since I've already gotten used to the place.

Before we left, Katrina approached me.

"Here," she handed me a colorful beaded necklace. Two colorful beaded necklaces actually, "It's a good luck charm,"

"Thanks," I said, "But why two? I thought they said 'Three times the charm',"

"No!" She laughed. "The other one is for your friend. For her to let go,"

She smiled so kindly that tears began to float in my eyes. I couldn't help it.

I hugged her. "I get it, I get it," she hugged me back, "I love you too. I'll miss you, Jazz!"

"I'll miss you too, Katrina," I let go of her, gave her one last kiss, and went out to join the others.   We were waiting for a taxi to take us to the train station.

While waiting, a teenager girl with a little child walked by us. The kid looked up at Chaz. He was the tallest and most mature looking out of us all. And he has the biggest musical instrument (Lizzie didn't bring her harp. She just borrowed the one at the villa.)  

"Please play," the kid pleaded.

Without hesitation, Chaz took out his cello and played. I didn't know the name of the piece but it was beautiful, endearing.  

After he was done, the kid grabbed on to the teenager's skirt and said, "Mommy, I want to be just like him when I grow up,"

"Of course you will," The girl hugged the kid, thanked Chaz and went on her way. I noticed Chaz was still staring at the direction the girl and the kid went to. He looked kind of troubled.

"Hey, is there something wrong?" I asked.

"No," he averted his gaze, "Nothing,"   After an hour, we were finally aboard the train taking us home. It was a long journey and we were already getting cranky, so I took some eye-shut.

But before I did that, I wondered. Will Chelsea and I restore our friendship? Will she ever let go?   But most of all: Did Adrian like me too?

To Be Continued.