A Beautiful Instrument

64: Back & Forth

A week later, we are awkwardly arriving at Severance to begin practice for the romance series. We haven't seen Ivy, but we expect things to be weird without Bart. We are hoping there is no tension between Ivy and Ava.

As we walk onto stage there's a bit of a buzz. Deb sees Jeremy and I and hurries over. "You two will be able to confirm the rumors. Was Bart fired because he and Ivy broke up?"

"That's ridiculous! No!" I gasp.

"Bart is just taking some time away. He still has obligations for the conservatory." Jeremy feeds them the line that Bart offered us.

"Ah! And how about Ivy? There's a rumor going around that she's leaving after this series." Deb pushes.

"I can confirm the veracity of that claim. And I recommend in the future that you come right to the source to verify rumors, Deb." Ivy interjects, catching us gossiping.

Deb blushes. "Yes, Miss Karrigan."

Ivy turns and smiles at Jeremy and me. "Jeremy. Analeigh. All set for your spotlight performance? I think Derek has done a nice job of amplifying the mystery and intrigue around your relationship. Time to show everyone how that translates into your music."

"Yes, ma'am." I can't look her in the eye. I feel guilty and I'm not the one who cheated on her.

Ivy must sense my discomfort. "Listen, I know this is awkward. I will remain professional because I signed on specifically for this series. Please do me the courtesy of returning that professionalism and quashing any rumors you may hear."

"What's the official story?" Jeremy asks.

Ivy sighs. "Bart and I broke up. We are giving ourselves space. I am moving on after this series. There is no word who will come on board as the primary musical director and lead conductor."

Jeremy and I exchange a look and nod. I respond. "Got it. Ivy, I am sorry for what happened."

"Don't be sorry. Instead walk away with a cautionary tale. Love is not always true, and it can in fact, be destructive and consuming." She retorts bitterly.

I can't help but to question her. "Are you sure you're up for a romantic series?"

"Oh, I've found a way to make it my own. You'll see." She turns and walks away.

Jeremy mutters under his breath. "Oh boy. What are we in store for now?"

Derek strolls in. "Analeigh. Jeremy. How was your New Year? Your vacation?"

I chirp. "Exciting to say the least."

Jeremy winks at me as he looks up from fiddling with his instrument. Derek continues giddy with anticipation. "I can't believe this series is finally here. I have been eager for it since I first heard you two play together. I want to really hype this so we planned a donor dinner for this weekend. I want to showcase you two. Can you attend?"

I exchange a look with Jeremy. We anticipated this. Jeremy stands. "We can, but Analeigh and I have talked, Derek. We both want to grow as our own artists after this. Furthermore, we don't want our relationship used like this going forward."

"This orchestra has many talented artists. It's not fair to them that we've created such a circus." I add.

Derek's face gets serious. Jeremy and I knew telling him this would be a gamble, but it was what we decided we needed to turn down the pressure. Finally, he smiles. "You know, Merilyn told me the same thing, and I do apologize. My excitement about the crowds you both draw has made me lose focus of the fact that you're actually in a relationship with real emotions and struggles. I promise I will cool it after this series."