The Siren's Voice Calls

Chapter 6

Late at night, after I finished eating, I went back upstairs to take a bath. Laying down in the soapy hot water was just the thing a girl needed after a long day. My phone rested on the shelf next to the tub while the earbuds were in my ears. The music was soothing and relaxing sounds of a harp and piano playing a slow and peaceful duet. I began to hum along with the notes. The songs on the current playlist were just long enough for the perfect amount of time to spend in bath water, so when the music finished I pulled the earbuds out and placed them on the shelf. When I stepped out to dry myself off I could faintly hear the sound of a piano playing. It wasn't my phone, so I wondered where it was coming from. I brushed my teeth, my hair, and quickly got dressed in my pajamas and a robe. They were a matching set made of sea green colored silk.

Stepping out into the hallway, I could hear it more clearly, surmising that it was coming from one of the other bedrooms. It was so beautiful and melodic, even more so than what I was listening to on my phone a few minutes beforehand. I decided to follow the sound to find out who was behind the melancholy tune wrenching my heart. I stopped in front of a door on the opposite wall further down and closest to the stairwell. The door was cracked open slightly. I hesitated to enter, but gave in to the temptation. Upon entering, the door made no sound as I pushed my way in. The room was lit only with candles with the scent of pine and cedar. The walls had posters hung of musicians and movies of different eras. There was a king size bed with black sheets and a black comforter folded back to the foot of the bed. I also noticed a shelf full of books as well.

To my amazement, straight ahead was Peter sitting on a bench with black leather cushioned upholstery. He was fluid with the movements of his entire body, not just with his fingers. His foot pushed down on the pedals at just the right precise moments. He moved his arms and upper body back and forth, side to side, just feeling the music. His hands and fingers glided across the keys so smoothly like he was one with the instrument. I slowly walked forward and sat on the edge of his bed to the left of the piano. I closed my eyes from the emotions that were filling up inside me. It was aching and blissful at the same time and a moan followed by a sigh escaped my lips. The music suddenly stopped, so I opened my eyes to see Peter was smiling at me. He turned his head back toward the piano keys. Still smiling, he began to play something that was beautiful in a different way. It wasn't sadness, but happiness I felt at that moment.

With my eyes closed, I continued to listen. I was again feeling the emotions playing upon my heart as Peter was playing upon each note his fingers pressed. (Oh, Peter. There are not enough words in the world to describe this melody you are creating. I feel like you are playing it for me.) Chills engulfed my body and I felt goosebumps forming on my skin. Overwhelmed with a yearning for a love so consuming and unconditional, tears flowed freely from the corners of my eyes.

When the last note echoed in the room like a fading whisper I looked up to see Peter's expression of concern. He pulled the wooden cover gently over the piano keys, stood up gradually, and came to sit next to me. Lifting up his hand, he hesitated, but when I didn't flinch at his closeness he continued. His touch sent shivers throughout my body. (What are you doing, Lydia? Stop this!.... No, don't let it stop! Let this gorgeous man show you affection.) My conscience was at war with itself. His left hand rested upon my right cheek while his thumb began to wipe the tears away. He then repeated the same gesture with his other hand on my left cheek. When finished his hand lingered. The touch of his skin that briefly felt cold now felt warm and comforting. His beautiful eyes peered into mine, seeking to understand.