The Pianist

Chapter Three: Airplanes in the Night Sky

I sat back and observed the rest of the music class struggle with the piece we'd been assigned. I had no trouble, but that's because music was the only thing I was good at. The piano practising paid off nicely, my straight-A grade was proof. My classmate, Jordan, came up to me and asked for help and I reluctantly did. I felt like that was the only reason anyone talked to me. To use me. 

While I was teaching him, I looked up to see Phillip staring at me. Did he know I was the one he was sending notes to? Unless he had magic powers, I can't imagine he'd know it was me. After class ended, he came up to me, as if he was going to start a conversation. Not in the mood... I just flipped him off and walked away. I hadn't spoken to anyone in almost ten years. Why did he think I'd start talking now?

When I got home that evening, dinner had already been eaten. I spent as much time in the music room as I was allowed, and then I took the long walk home. There were probably cold leftovers in the fridge for me, but I didn't care enough to check. Skipping dinner, I headed straight to the bathroom. Hidden under the sink behind back-up shampoo bottles and toilet paper rolls, even behind the pipes, was a little jar that I'd filled with comfort items. Why did I keep it in the bathroom and not my bedroom? I don't know. The bathroom felt like a bit of a cheeky safe haven though, innit? Probably because it was the only door with a lock on it. 

I pulled a ball of cotton wool from the jar and gently began to pull it apart. The soft and fluffy sensations soothed my soul. As a child, I found it very entertaining, so I think the nostalgic element also helped to calm me. I chuckled to myself. Some teenagers found comfort in partying, having a pint, weed, and having a shag, but not me. I just had my cotton wool.

As I pulled it apart, I reflected on my day at school. There was no note from :) today, so I grabbed the jar again and pulled the old notes out. That's where I kept them, since they were also comforting to me. Even though I'd never spoken to Phil, he felt like a friend. Even if he didn't know it was me. It was just nice having someone to talk to. Anyway, I'd prefer it if he never found out it was me. I pulled out a lolly and a bit of Cadbury from the jar and enjoyed the sweet tastes while I folded the notes again and put them away safely. 

Pulling apart the final wisps of cotton, I looked out the bathroom window and admired the sunset. Soon it would be dark outside, soon the stars would come. I sighed. 

I could really use a wish right now...