Page 8 of The Night the Stars Went Dark

“You will.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we meandered through what I hoped would be my home for the next four years.

We spent the morning, and most of the afternoon, wandering around campus. There were so many ivy covered brick buildings that I wondered how I’d learn my way around. I was sure to get lost… more than once. We passed by one of the concert halls just as a rehearsal was ending. Several men andwomen carrying instrument cases came rushing down the stairs chatting excitedly with one another. I smiled thinking that it could be me one day. I started to believe that this place would soon be my home. I’d be the one practicing into the wee hours of the morning. The one who would speak in a language only other musicians would understand. I’d hear the voices of those who came before me, and I’d leave my mark on the many stages I’d grace over the next four years. The idea was growing so rapidly in my head that I thought I might burst with excitement. The possibilities were endless, and the longer Dad and I stood there just taking it all in, the more I believed that this was where I was supposed to be.

“It’s ok to dream about it. Be happy.” He hugged me as we walked down the sidewalk in search of an ice cream shop.

“I know. I just wish Mom were here.” I leaned into his side. He seemed to pause for a moment before he added, “Me too.”

His voice was sad, a little melancholy even. We never really talked about it, but I knew he missed her. How could he not? He seemed to push away the sadness though as we reached a sweets shop, and the conversation turned back to me and the future. I never realized until then how much of a part he played in my life. It just seemed natural, but the idea of moving on, and leaving him all alone in the house scared me a bit. What if he needed me? What if I surpassed him in skill? What if I wasn’t good enough? Those questions plagued me every day but seeing him smile when he talked of my future made me push away the doubt. I’d make him proud. I could do this.

Chapter 5

Aspen- age 22

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. Senior solos are scheduled for the end of the month, and I’ve practically been living in the rehearsal studio. Bryson is supposed to be meeting me to grab coffee. I promised him I’d leave Jameson Hall long enough to have coffee this afternoon.

We’ve been hanging out since our freshman year. He was this quiet guy who always sat in the back of the classroom. We bumped into each other, literally, as I rushed down the stairs on the first week of classes and have been friends ever since. I think he might want more, but I just don’t have time. I’m constantly studying or practicing for something, and I’d feel guilty for ignoring him if he were my boyfriend. We’ve practiced together, and once we played together. He’s a cellist. Dr. Henry, one of my professors, says that we’re the perfect duo. We can sense each other, whatever that means. All I know is that we seem to be able to just know what the other is thinking and can read each other’s body language when we play.

“Hey. You made it.” He stood and waved as I pushed through the door of Cool Beans coffee house. He looked fairly surprised that I showed.

“I told you I’d be here. I never bail on my promises.” I laughed lightly as I piled my armload of books onto the table.

“I grabbed you a mocha.” He held out a cup with Penny scrawled on the side. It’s funny, my dad and Mr. Vern are the only ones who called me that until I came to Berklee. Bryson is the only one here who does, but I didn’t tell him to. I didn’t stop him either.

“Thanks.” I dropped into the chair across from him. “What do you think of that Vivaldi piece that Doc dropped on me lastminute?” I rubbed my eyes. I’d been staring at sheet music all day and was starting to lose concentration.

“He knows you can do it. Doc is just…Doc.” He shrugged as he sipped from his cup. “Besides, when have you ever turned down a challenge?” He grinned and gave me a knowing look.

“You’re right.” I sighed. Doc, also known as Dr. Sullivan, is our theory professor. He knew exactly how to push us, me in particular. “I just wish I had more time.”

“You have plenty of time. You need a break from all of this, is what you need. Why don’t you come to open mic night tomorrow with me? We’ll have some fun.” Bryson leaned back and crossed his arms as if daring me to say no.

“You know I’m not really into that.” I shook my head. “I don’t play pop music.”

“But you could. Hell, you can play anything.” His eyes widened as if to warn me of something. “Don’t turn around,” he grumbled.

“What?” I slowly glanced over my shoulder and then wished I hadn’t.

“Hey, guys. What are you doing here?” Her saccharin voice almost gave me a toothache.

“Hi, Crystal.” I offered a forced smile. She gave a little finger wave and then acted as if she was invited to join us. “Why don’t you pull up a seat?” I rolled my eyes as she pulled a chair over and sat down.

“What are we talking about?” Her eyes darted between Bryson and me.

“Open mic,” Bryson deadpanned.

“Ohhhh! I love open mic.” She bounced in the chair and clapped giddily. “I’ve won a few contests. Too bad you don’t play the stuff they usually have.” She offered a fake smile as she started tapping away on her phone. “Well, I hope to see you there.” She jumped up and left as quickly as she had appeared.

“I can’t stand her,” Bryson grumbled. “She thinks that she is already famous or something just because she’s done background vocals.” He shifted in his seat. “You have to come now. You have to beat her.”

“I play, not sing.” I laughed.

“You sing better than her.” He stared at the door she’d just left through. “Please come.”

“I’ll think about it.” I understood his point. I’ve always been told I had a pretty voice, but singing was never really my thing. Crystal was a snot though, and it would feel good to knock her down a few pegs. She went on one tour when she was eighteen and sang backup, and now she thinks that she’s better than all of us.

“I’ll help you pick something. Just promise you’ll come.” He leaned closer. “I need to see her face when you bring the house down.”

“You know why I play, right?” I gave him a look as I leaned closer. “Because I can’t sing.”

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