The Songs in Our Hearts Book One: Reaching Out

Chapter Three: Welcome to Northpointe

Brown eyes fluttered open as an alarm clock went off. It was five in the morning. Harmonia shifted onto her side for a moment, and then she got out of bed. As the young girl changed, she looked out of a small crack in her dark purple curtains. The sky from beyond the forest's tree was shadowy and gray. It must have been cloudy outside.

Buttoning up the lavender blouse she wore over her white T-shirt, Harmonia began walking to her bedroom door. Before leaving, the brunette grabbed her flute case and put it over her shoulder. A sigh left her parted lips. Stepping out of the room, Harmonia could smell someone making breakfast downstairs.

When she reached the first floor, she saw her brother Coda in the kitchen and was surprised to see him down there.

"Well, look who's up early for once," she teased, causing Coda to look at her. The boy laughed.

"Yeah, Dad was up late in his study, so I'm making breakfast," Coda explained before looking out a window. "It sure is cloudy out there," he murmured. Harmonia hummed in agreement and began walking to the back door. "You're still gonna watch the sunrise when it's like this?" he asked increduously.

"I always do," Harmonia pointed out, reaching for the door handle.

"Just be back for breakfast," Coda told her.

"I know," she said back.

Before Harmonia turned the handle, Coda added, "Oh— don't forget you're meeting my friends tonight!" Harmonia stopped her actions. Her lips were tight and her expression was dark. Harmonia's grip on the handle increased. The girl took a deep breath.

"Right," she breathed, turning the handle and stepping outside. A cool breeze blew against Harmonia, pushing her long, dark brown hair off her shoulders. Tall trees stood before her.

Walking through the forest alone and in the dark was hardly unnerving for Harmonia. She knew the woods like the back of her hand. Some birds were singing in the trees. The forest was the place she and her brother would play in almost everyday when they were little; there were many places to hide, climb, and explore.

However, Harmonia's favorite spot was the clearing at the top of the cliff. Northpointe was situated on a forested cliff that overlooked a rocky shore, and the cliff pointed north-east.

Upon reaching the clearing, Harmonia sat down at the edge— her legs folded beneathe her. After a few minutes, a pale yellow light began to rise above the cold ocean. The gray clouds and sky illuminated like gold against the morning sunlight, but the area around Harmonia was still in shadow. Harmonia sighed in content as she watched the sun come up. This was her spot— nobody else came here.

Watching the sunrise never got old.

After about ten minutes, the sun was in the sky. Light glittered on the ocean, and a gentle breeze came in from the east. Harmonia always felt better after coming here, but the thought of meeting complete strangers made her sick. For fourteen years, it was only the three of them: Harmonia, Coda, and their dad. She had no friends outside of her family.

Remembering that she had to be back at home, Harmonia stood up and whispered to herself, "I'm here." She turned around and walked back into the forest.

"So what's the plan for lessons today?" Harmonia asked as she finished her toast.

"I need more practice on the warp spell, so probably that," Coda answered, putting the strap of the violin case over his right shoulder like a backpack.

Taking Harmonia's plate, their dad (Andante) asked, "What about you, Harmonia? You've been learning spells about two years earlier than the usual mage." Harmonia watched her dad walk back to the sink.

"Oh yeah! You're at about my level now," her brother recalled.

"I'm doing okay, I guess," she replied, picking her flute off the floor.

"Give yourself some credit," Coda told her as he out a hand on her shoulder. "You learn fast," he reminded her.

Shrugging, Harmonia added, "Yeah, but that's because I have you to help me." The teen casted her gaze to the side.

"Nonsense— you'll be in the Marching Band in no time!" reassured her brother. The girl smiled at Coda's seemingly bottomless enthusiasm. With her flute strapped around her back, Harmonia began walking to the front door.

"Harmonia, it's a little early," Andante stopped her. "Just relax for a bit. Lessons aren't that far," he explained as he finished washing the plates.

Turning around, Harmonia said, "Okay," in response and sat down on the couch. Coda followed her, and he began to take out his violin.

"How 'bout a quick duet before lessons?" he suggested, tightening the bow. Harmonia smiled and started putting the silver instrument together.