Bass Case

Chapter 12: West Symphonic Orchestra

I stand, fixing the bow around my neck. The only tuxedo I own is my orchestra uniform, but it works well for such events as tonight. I comb my brown bangs to the side and mold them firmly with gel. I set the comb down and rotate my head to get a good look at my pale figure. I smile in satisfaction. I can't believe it. We're really going to a real life orchestra concert. I've always dreamed of coming to one. My heart throbs in pure bliss. Sarah really is the best.

I exit the bathroom and await for my darling girl to come join me. A moment later she exits the room, looking more beautiful than she already did. I can feel my cheeks flush red at the sight of her. Her hair curls perfectly on her shoulders, reflecting the light off her dark hair. Her brown eyes sparkle with a deep radiance that fills my heart with even more love for her. She wears a dark blue dress that wraps around her legs loosely. The bottom half folds and swishes with every turn. She wears matching blue heals that make her height almost reach mine. I outstretch my hand as she approaches me and gentle plant a kiss upon it. "You look beautiful." I compliment her.

I can see a soft tint of red on her tan cheeks. "You look quite handsome yourself."

I stare at her for a long moment, taking in every once of her beauty. Then I release a long joyful sigh, "Shall we go my dear?"

"Yes, we shall." She smiles, taking my arm in hers.

Meanwhile, Angelica waits in the car for us to arrive. She wears a silky crimson dress with a similar design to her sisters. The only difference was that there was a bit more length around her shoulders. Angelica smiles at us, playfully teasing us, "It's about time you've showed up."

"Yeah, Daniel took forever to get ready." Sarah smirks.

"Hey! I got ready quicker than you." I retort with a chuckle.

"Fine. Fine." She sighs, leaning her head on my broad shoulder. I feel rather thick in this suit, but it feels comforting to dress more sophisticated. It's something I always enjoyed as well while performing. When you wear something like this, it just feels like you've made it. I smile at Sarah once more and plant a kiss on her head.
***
I hold my hand out for Sarah and Angelica to help them get out of the car. The two women were almost matching in hight. Angelica turned out to be slightly taller in her heals. They both looked fairly similar, they could easily be mistaken from behind if the person didn't know them. I take the two ladies hands as we make our way to the entrance. The line stretches all the way down the hall. We have a balcony view at the concert hall. Even though we are already an hour early the line is still long.

"So are there any songs that you are particularly hoping to hear?" Angelica asks, looking up at me brightly.

I smirk at her, "Adagietto."

She chuckles, "Of course. I should have known." She turns to her sister, "And you?"

"Hmm. Honestly I was hoping for the same. Mahlar is an amazing composer after all."

"Can't argue with that. Though I would not mind listening to something a bit, bouncy. Like Concerto in E minor." Angelica states.

"Oof." I utter, "Flashbacks."

"What happened with you?" She chuckles.

"It's one of the first songs I had to play back in high school. We tried playing it for festival. Let's just say our orchestra wasn't the best." I explain.

"Oh, that's tough."

The doors finally open. We steadily make our way inside. As we take our seats I can't help but stare in awe at the sight. The room is huge! Looking from the balcony, it looks like the orchestra sits in the middle of a circle. The crowd beneath us is hidden in the pale light. The stage grows with a yellow tint as the dozens of players tune and commence their final practice. There has to be at least eighty people on that stage! I look at the violas, so confident and majestic. The violins all play high with grace. The basses and cellos sing in their low range. Then from behind stands all the brass and woodwind instruments. A harp stands in the background. Even our orchestra doesn't contain a single harp player. The excitement within me makes me feel giddy like a child. Sarah smiles at the bright grin on my face. Angelica has a similar expression beside her sister.

The lights dim, and the conductor appears on the stage. My jaw drops at the scene. It's Mr. Forte! He stands before the crowd with all seriousness in his eyes. I suddenly become wary, and my heart rate accelerates. Mr. Forte conducts the West Symphonic Orchestra?! Once all the instruments sing in perfect harmony, he raises his familiar white button, and the performance commences. The song starts out hard and loud with a dropping tremolo. Then comes the bang of the percussionists in the back. The song leaps and twirls through the notes as though weaving its way through a storm. Then the song shifts and rises with the violins. They sing in their high heavenly voices, praising their safe voyage through the storm. Then they relax and fall down into a nearly silent ring. Mr. Forte bows, and the whole stadium erupts. Another man appears with his coattail trailing behind him. He thanks his guest conductor Nathan Forte for starting the show. Suddenly I question how much I will enjoy the night.