Monarchy of Roses

Chapter 20

Josh was pleasantly surprised when he passed the dressing room backstage at the arena and heard Nika playing clarinet. Unlike other times where she had played jazz, this time he recognized the lovely yet understated melody of Desecration Smile. He carefully opened the door and saw Nika with her back to him as she played, her long fingers manipulating th e keys on the clarinet and her long hair swaying as she played. "That was excellent, I never knew you could play any of the songs", he said once she was finished.

"Not most of them, but some of the slower songs I can arrange for clarinet", she said, pointing to a notebook of music pages.

Josh realized they were notations on Desecration Smile arranged for clarinet, handwritten. "You read music?", he asked in awe.

"Yeah, it's my sixth language", she quipped.

Josh read the musical notation and noticed the slight differences. "I just substituted the appropriate notes for those I can't play, transcribing from guitar to clarinet", she explained.

"Play it again", he whispered.

Nika saw the intense look in his brown eyes and did a few breathing exercises before playing Desecration Smile. Josh stood quietly and listened as she played the familiar song, sounding more mournful and in depth than the more popular recording. "Why don't you play for your Dad and uncles", he asked.

Nika blushed. "I don't play for anyone except Dad, I got picked on in school for being in the school band, the only other girl was the pianist", she replied.

"That sucks, playing music is awesome no matter the instrument. High school sucks", he muttered.

"What about bassoon or tuba?', she teased.

"Hah, even those. But seriously, you ought to show your Dad and uncles. It's really good, and it's amazing you can play Desecration Smile on clarinet", he said.

"It's a ballad so that's easier to play on clarinet than a faster song. I don't think Give It Away would sound good on clarinet", she joked.

Josh chuckled and watched as she carefully placed the clarinet back in its case. "You really ought to show your Dad and uncles, it would be an amazing addition to the song", he said.

"I don't know, I'll think about it", she stammered.

"Nika, this is not high school. I'm sure the fans would love it", he said reassuringly.

Nika's fingers shook as she tried to close the clasps on the clarinet case. "Josh, in high school, I was first chair clarinet in the band. During the school end of the year concert in my senior year, I was a soloist. I played Lady Be Good, the Artie Shaw arrangement. I'd practiced for weeks, I wanted to nail it. I did my solo and played best I could, l didn't miss a note and played the high parts", she said.

Nika took a deep breath before resuming. "The song speeds up at the end and there's some really high notes. I was so into playing and blew so hard, the top buttons of my shirt popped open and I didn't realize it when I took a bow at the end. Next day at school, girls spread a rumor that I deliberately flashed the audience", she whispered.

"That was an accident, Nika. You were so intense and you didn't do it deliberately, fuck those bitches", he growled.

Nika was taken aback by the anger and intensity in his brown eyes, the golden highlights very pronounced. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. But I mean it, you played great and that's all those bitches cared about, pardon my language. Play it", he ordered softly.

Nika saw the encouraging look he gave her and returned his smile. She reopened the case and took out the clarinet, checking the reed and then playing a few notes before playing Lady Be Good.

Josh sat in a chair and watched his girlfriend play, seeing her slim fingers as they manipulated the keys. The tone was higher pitched than when she did Desecration Smile and she blew furiously into the mouthpiece as the tempo and pitch increased further into the song. By the time she finished playing, her face was read and her blue eyes flashed but there was an unmistakable look of pride on her face. "That was amazing!", he exclaimed.

John entered the room, an astonished look and proud smile on his face. "Nika, I haven't heard that in years! Ever since that concert in high school", he said.

"Thank Josh, he wanted to hear it", she said.

"I remember that concert in high school, I was so proud of her. But she told me about the buttons, those girls had to ruin it for her. I didn't notice, I was so proud of her", said John.

"John, you should ask the guys to hear this", said Josh as Nika giggled nervously.

John raised an eyebrow but he texted the rest of the band. "John, what's up?", asked Flea.

Josh smiled at Nika and kissed her cheek. "She has something to show you guys. You can do it, Night Owl", he said with an encouraging smile.

Nika took a deep breath and blew into the mouthpiece a few times before she played Desecration Smile on the clarinet. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the music, her fingers on the keys controlling the tone. When it finished, her heart sank when they were all still and quiet. Then John slowly clapped and the others joined in until it sounded like a standing ovation. "Wow, that was amazing! John always said you were great at playing the clarinet, but not like this", said Flea, as the others nodded.

"Nika, that was just, wow. I want you to come onstage tonight and play Desecration Smile", said Anthony.

Nika giggled and her face turned bright red. "Don't worry, Nika. The fans are going to love it", said Chad.

"I'm just concerned about social media", she whispered.

"Don't worry, haters gonna hate. I can't wait to hear you do Desecration Smile with us tonight", said Anthony, giving her a hug.

"This is going to be an amazing addition to the show, I've played trumpet onstage but this is the first time we're going to have a clarinet with us. This is going to be awesome", said Flea excitedly.