Page 28 of Jingl
“One hour, Shae. It’s your day off and you don’t have a lot of those.”
“But music is life.” His fingers roam over the keys.
I pull up a folding chair for him to sit, and music fills my room. Beautiful soul moving music.
“That’s beautiful,” I whisper as I thread my fingers through his hair and massage his scalp.
He stops and his shoulders slump. “I still can’t finish it.”
“You have time.”
“Not enough. I should just pick another piece. But—”
“No. Don’t give up. That’s not you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you give up during our entire lives.” I pull another chair up next to him and play a few notes.
Shae fills in the missing parts as I continue my song. We used to play together all the time. It’s not exactly like riding a bike again, but my fingers remember their parts when Shae’s next to me.
Chapter 13
Shae
Emily paces the space in front of me as I play my part, but they stop to face me.
“You’re distracted. What is it?” They tap their fingers on the shiny baby grand piano.
I groan as I palm all the keys I can reach and fill the theater with just noise.
Emily motions for me to scoot over on the bench and they take a seat next to me. “What is it?”
I hang my head. “It’s dumb, okay? I have my heart set on a certain piece for my showcase and I can’t seem to finish it.”
“Why not? What’s the theme?”
Slowly, I drop a finger over a key. “Friendship.”
“Is that strong enough to carry an entire composition?”
“I thought so. But apparently not. I just…” I start the piece over again, and get stuck every time when it’s at the point that represents when Trace moves away. I’ve tried over and over to push through, but even with him so close now, the piece feels impossible to complete. “I wanted something to show Trace how much I appreciate him.”
“Are you sure friendship is the appropriate theme of the piece? Because I wonder if it’s actually love and you’re trying to shove it into this box ofjustfriendship.” Emily plays a few notes before turning to me.
Something shifts inside, like everything clicks in place in my brain. “I… I need.” I look around for my phone. Once I fish it out of my pocket, I hit record and notes flow from my fingers. My eyes shut and I let thoughts of Trace fuel my hands. There are pieces and parts from my original composition, but sparked bylove, each note makes sense. There’s not a disconnect. I continue on until Emily puts their hand on my shoulder and squeezes.
“I think you have a good piece to work with.”
My breaths come harsh as I suck in air after working so hard. Sweat drips from my brow. I can’t wait to listen to it later, when I have time, but now I have to rush over to the mall.
“Sorry I just wasted so much—”
Emily lifts their hand. “You didn’t waste anything. You made a breakthrough, and I’m glad I could be a witness.” They squeeze my shoulder again.
“Thanks. I’ll do better tomorrow.”
Emily nods. “You’re doing great. I don’t want to see you burn yourself out before the big show, though.”
“Never.”
“Then remember to get some rest.”
