A Beautiful Instrument

23: Power Trip

I stride confidently into practice room three. Friedrich is seated inside next to the door, casually flipping through sheet music for my sonata. "You're late."

"Are you familar with the quote 'well-behaved women rarely make history,' Friedrich?" I ask boldly.

"A costume change?" I feel his eyes on me.

"You told me to lose the shirt." I retort, trying to keep my tone even.

"Not the solution I had in mind." He mutters. "So, are you ready to convince me?"

I snap my bow up to point at his chest. He's surprised at my move. I've caught his attention. "Are you ready to actually listen and consider this option? Because if I'm wasting my time here..."

"I don't know where this is coming from but it's bold and feisty, and yes, I want to see more." Friedrich says excitedly. I'm playing with fire and hope I don't get burned.

I sit down, flip my hair and play the sonata with all the gusto and flare I can muster. Although I am highly focused on the piece, I can tell Friedrich has taken notice as I hear his breath quicken. I finish, breathing heavily myself from the fervor of the music.

Friedrich stands and positions himself behind me, his hands resting on my bare shoulders. "My dear, it wasn't your talent that I doubted. I just never imagined you as being able to pull off the forwardness that such a piece demands."

His hands start to massage my shoulders. I start to protest. "Friedrich, I'm not comfortable..."

"Nonsense! What happened to that bold vixen who stuck her bow in my face no less than 15 minutes ago?" Friedrich grips my shoulders hard and speaks in a hushed voice in my ear.

"She's here." I say straightening my back and sitting more upright.

"How much do you want this piece, Analeigh?" The devil starts to bargin. I don't respond. I can't give him anything to latch onto. He continues. "You're trembling. Maybe that's a sign you need something more suitable for your  delicate nature."

I hiss. "I showed you I could do it."

Friedrich withdrawals from me, walking in front of me. "Yes, but your body betrays you. I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself, though. Stand up and show me how badly you want this. Show me what a bold and inspired woman you can be."

My mind is racing. What exactly is he asking me to do? "I...I can't."

Friedrich frowns. "Come now, Analeigh. It's a character, dear. Nothing more, up, up."

I reluctantly stand and Friedrich scrapes the metal chair out the way. I squeeze my eyes shut and swallow hard. I need to try the boyfriend angle.

"Friedrich, I can be bold and strong, but my boyfriend will be unbearable if he thinks I'm using my sex appeal to advance my career. And unbearable not just with me." I insinuate.

"Boyfriend?" Friedrich seems taken back.

"Yeah, he's kind of possessive, but it means he loves me, right? He's accompanying me to the show tonight. He wants to meet you after the show after all the things I've told him about you." I sell the story.

"Oh? I hope you have not sullied my reputation with him, Miss Taylor. I've been entirely appropriate in my interactions with you." Friedrich responds defensively.

"Of course I know that, but I'd just hate to have him cause a scene or make me quit because he misunderstood my actions or yours." I say sheepishly.

Friedrich narrows his eyes. "If you're so bold, stand up to him."

I sigh and turn away so he can't see my face. "It's not that easy. He often overreacts, especially when it comes to my interactions with other...men. He's a real type A. It's an asset in his job, but can be hard to handle in a relationship sometimes."