Never Have I Ever

Prologue: The Performance

Hushed whispers echoed through the auditorium as Vanessa climbed onto the stage. She shot a glance at Leo as he hauled his cello up the stairs, his eyes bright and collar slightly askew, and smiled despite herself. Months of practice had led up to this performance, and he was clearly excited. And why wouldn't he be? Vanessa fidgeted nervously with her dress, feeling off-balance. She wasn't usually like this. Performances were the highlight of her year, the few times in her life where she felt completely in control. So why was she feeling so out of her depth? 

Vanessa took a deep breath. 'Stop psyching yourself out!' she thought to herself. It was natural to feel a bit nervous before performing, wasn't it? Once she started playing, she was sure that everything would be back to normal. But as she gazed out over the sea of faces, Vanessa's stomach dropped. She shook her head. She knew this piece! She could do this! Shoot, she was talented enough that the audience wouldn't even be able to tell if she messed up! There was absolutely no reason for her to feel unsure of  herself, and yet... 

Leo looked at her, concern in his eyes. She nodded at him to show that she was fine, and he raised an eyebrow. She nodded again, and then dropped her eyes to her violin. It was a beautiful instrument, she would admit. Crafted in 1750, the polished wood and oiled strings gleamed under the harsh lights of the stage. She lifted the familiar weight up to her neck and began to tune it. A single note rang out across the auditorium and the crowd was silenced. She played it again, this time with Leo's cello humming below. They met eyes again and Vanessa turned around to signal to the accompanist that they were ready to begin.

As the first notes of the piece echoed out over the audience, Vanessa lifted her bow and began to play.