Page 6 of Shattered Melodies

Mom and Dad exchanged one of those parent-y looks, all proud and pleased. “Well, isn’t that something!” Mom said, beaming at me. “It’s always nice to make new friends, especially ones who share your love of music.”

“Yeah, for sure,” I agreed around a mouthful of pancake. “Can’t wait to hang out with him again today.”

Dad chuckled, folding his newspaper. “Sounds like you’ve found yourself a kindred spirit. It’s good to see you so excited, son.”

I felt my face heat up a bit at Dad’s comment. Was I that obvious? “He’s just really cool, you know?” I mumbled, suddenly very interested in my pancakes.

After inhaling my breakfast, I grabbed my trusty guitar and headed out the door. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and I had a spring in my step. But my mind was racing. Why was I so nervous about seeing Liam again? Why did the thought of his smile make my heart do a little flip?

As I walked to school, I tried to sort out my jumbled thoughts. Liam was just a friend, right? A cool new friend who happened to be really good at piano and had the most amazing laugh and oh. Oh no.

I stopped in my tracks, the realization hitting me like a ton of bricks. These feelings they were different. Different from how I’d felt about any of my guy friends before. Different from how I’d felt about girls, too, if I was being honest with myself.

Did I have a crush on Liam? Was that even possible after just one day? And if I did what did that mean about me? I’d never really thought about liking guys before. Was I gay? Bi? Just confused?

My heart was pounding, and not just from the walk. This was all new territory for me, and it was terrifying and exciting all at once.

Shaking my head, I started walking again. Today was gonna be… interesting, that’s for sure. I had no idea what these feelings meant or how to deal with them. But I did know one thing - I couldn’t wait to see Liam again. Maybe spending more time with him would help me figure things out. Or maybe it would just confuse me more. Either way, I was about to find out.

As I walked into school, I was immediately surrounded by my usual crew. Mark, with his ever-present skateboard tucked under his arm, gave me a fist bump. Sarah, her vibrant red hair tied up in a messy bun, greeted me with her trademark sarcastic quip.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our resident rock star,” she teased, green eyes twinkling. “Did you actually remember to bring your homework today, or were you too busy composing the next chart-topper?”

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help grinning. “Ha ha, very funny. For your information, I not only did my homework, but I think I might have actually understood some of it.”

Mark snorted. “Miracles do happen, folks.”

As we made our way down the crowded hallway, I found my eyes scanning the sea of faces, looking for one in particular. Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends, but today, all I could think about was seeing Liam again. There was just something about him - the way his face lit up when he talked about music, the way his fingers danced over the piano keys like they were magic. I couldn’t explain it, but I felt drawn to him in a way I’d never felt with anyone before.

“Earth to Caleb,” Sarah’s voice cut through my thoughts. “You in there, buddy?”

I blinked, realizing I’d completely zoned out. “Sorry, what?”

Mark and Sarah exchanged a look. “Dude, you’ve been acting weird all morning,” Mark said. “What’s up with you?”

I felt my face heat up. “Nothing’s up. I’m just thinking about this new song I’m working on.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Uh-huh. Sure. This wouldn’t have anything to do with that new kid you were hanging out with yesterday, would it?”

“What? No! I mean maybe? We’re just friends,” I stammered, feeling like I’d been caught with my hand in the cookie jar. “He’s really cool, and we’ve been jamming together. That’s all.”

“Riiight,” Sarah drawled, a knowing smirk on her face. “Just friends. Got it.”

Before I could protest further, a commotion down the hall caught our attention. Jake Thompson and his crew were hassling some poor freshman, shoving him against the lockers. My blood boiled at the sight. Jake was the kind of guy who got his kicks from making others miserable, and I couldn’t stand him.

As we got closer, I overheard Jake’s sneering voice. “Did you see that new kid yesterday? What a loser. Bet he cried himself to sleep last night.”

I felt my fists clench at my sides. They were talking about Liam. Sweet, talented Liam who’d done nothing to deserve their cruelty. I wanted to march over there and give Jake a piece of my mind, but Mark’s hand on my arm held me back.

“Don’t, man,” he said quietly. “It’s not worth getting suspended over.”

I knew he was right, but it didn’t make me feel any better. The thought of Liam being targeted by Jake and his goons made my stomach churn. I vowed to keep an eye out for him, to make sure he didn’t have to face their bullying alone.

The morning dragged on, each class feeling longer than the last. I tried to focus on my work, I really did, but my mind kept wandering back to Liam. Was he having a good day? Had Jake or his cronies bothered him? Would he still want to hang out after school?

By the time lunch rolled around, I was practically vibrating with anticipation. I scanned the cafeteria, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, but he wasn’t there. Disappointment settled in my chest like a heavy weight.

“Looking for someone?” Sarah asked, sliding into the seat next to me with her tray.

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