Summer Love: Before the Spark

Chapter 10

Jesse was anxiously sitting down on a bench, eyes darting frantically from left to right as she hastily read the score.

The sheet music should've been memorized by heart. Jesse thought. Every note needs to be perfect.

She bit her bottom lip harshly, fingers clutching the thin sheets tightly.

What was I thinking? Why did I agree to this? Jesse thought, frowning a little.

Luckily, Lukas didn't get called to play yet, meaning Jesse had some time to at least look over the sheet music.

The set piece was, Violin Sonata No. 9, and Jesse unfortunately had very little time to look over it.

Oh jeez I can't do this. She thought to herself. I just can't.

She exhaled steadily, her cherry colored lips parting slightly.

Jesse was tapping her foot swiftly against the solid ground and her heart was thumping erratically against her chest.

Calm down.... Jesse thought to herself. You won't be alone this time. You'll have Lukas.

"How you holding up Jesse?"

Jesse didn't budge, her eyes locked on the music sheet.

Lukas kneeled in front of her, lowering the music sheet gently and tenderly placing his hands on top of her's.

"Jesse look at me," Lukas said softly.

Jesse's eyes frantically darted to his crystal blue eyes.

"Calm down, it's OK. I'll be right beside you when we step out there," Lukas said, in a comforting manner.

Jesse glanced back down at the paper for a moment and Lukas raised his eyebrow a bit.

"Jesse you can do this. I know you can," Lukas said confidently, "Stop doubting yourself OK. I know you'll do well out there."

Jesse gazed at him, staring deeply into his nonchalant sapphire eyes.

Lukas stared back into her eyes, determination swirling in his gaze.

He smiled reassuringly and Jesse's tense muscles and rapid heartbeat calmed slightly.

"Number 4. Lukas Anderson, your up," A man who was dressed in a sable suit said clearly.

Lukas got up from his kneeling position, adjusted his ebony tie and extended his hand out.

Jesse set the music sheet aside and grabbed his hand, allowing him to help her up.

He then gently grabbed his violin and walked towards a narrow door, Jesse following close behind him.

She exhaled quietly, trying to steady her racing heart.

Lukas on the other hand was handling this much better than her, but he too felt nervous.

Jesse fiddled with her thumbs, but soon stopped. 

Lukas glanced at her for a moment and paused just before the ebony curtain came to an end.

He glanced over his shoulder, smiling at Jesse reassuringly before walking onto the stage.

Their footsteps echoed as they walked across it.

Lukas paused as he reached the center of the stage and Jesse walked over to the piano.

The audience clapped and Reuben, Axel, and Olivia all were cheering for their friends, but got shushed by a person sitting a little higher than them.