Play the Love Away

Goodbye John Blythe

Elise visited their Blythe household everyday after school. She brought Gilbert his work, spent the day with John and sometimes made supper. She didn't like advertising her cooking skills because she thought women should be classified as more as just a good cook but she could whip almost anything in no time.

A few days later after John's request for her music, she went straight home first. She quickly said a hello to her father who was home early and ran upstairs to ran some music and her violin. Charlie trudged Elise and understood her need to be there for John and Gilbert.

She ran back to Gilbert's house and did the normal routine. She entered and put Gilbert's work on his desk, running back to the kitchen to make some tea and then going into John's room to discuss the day. Today she brought a surprise, some apple strudels with the Blythe apples that Gilbert so graciously provided.

Both John's and Gilbert's eyes widened at the pastry. Gilbert snatched one as she sat down with the tray, "Dad, these are Elise's specialty. Better than anything you'll ever taste."

John smiled and beckoned for one. Elise passed one to him and placed his tea on the bedside table. He took a bite and he did a chef's kiss. "This is fantastic!"

Elise smiled, "I brought something else."

She pulled out her violin and John sat up. She stated her piece and a little history about it, the Romance in F Minor by Dvořák. Then she started.

Gilbert couldn't take his eye off of her nor take his attention from the music she was making. There was an obvious reason everyone gave her so much praise. She was incredible. Her sound was so beautiful and filled up the cold room with warmth and happiness. She portrayed a story through her violin, a captivating one.

Gilbert glanced at his father who was absolutely in love with her playing. He was enraptured just like his son.

When she finished, they burst into applause, making her smile. John put a hand on his heart, "That was so beautiful, Elise."

"Thank you," she responded. She turned to Gilbert as he was at a loss for words, "You're incredible." Elise blushed and almost put away her violin.

John put his hand out, "Gilbert, there's a piece of music in that drawer." Gilbert walked over and pulled out some sheet music. Gilbert handed it to Elise as John explained, "Your mother loved this piece. It was her favorite to listen to. I'd be honored if you would play it."

Elise nodded quickly, scanning over the notes and deciding she could play it. Gilbert was astounded that she could learn it just by looking at it but he didn't question it.

As she played the piece, Thais Mediation, John's face showed such affection, as he remembered his wife dearly and the song she was linked to.

When she ended, John shed a tear and grabbed Gilbert's hand, "Thank you, Elise. She would've loved it."

~~~

Just before Elise left, John excuses Gilbert out of the room. He wanted to talk to the girl alone. Elise didn't know what that meant but she smiled at Gilbert to go and warm up the stove for later. She sat next to John's bed, waiting for his reasoning.

"Elise, I wanted to talk to you because my time here is coming to an end-" "John, don't-" "No, Elise, we both know it. And when I'm gone, Gilbert is going to need you. You will need each other. Gilbert has grown so attached to you and he relies on you now. He doesn't know it yet, but my girl, he loves you, so much." Elise wanted to interrupt and refute but she stayed quiet. "I want you to promise me that you'll stay with him. That both of you will always be there for one another. Don't ever let go of him, no matter how lost he is. Please." "I promise."