Page 104 of Color of You
“Thank you,” she said as the audience died down again. “So, Mr. Merlin is our new band director, and he’s a really talented musician. He has two degrees in music and played in orchestras and bands in New York.”
Oh my God, I was beet red, I could feel it. Not that I wasn’t proud of my accomplishments, but I wasn’t one for boasting to a packed room of parents and community members. I smiled politely and folded my hands in front of myself.
“He comes to school early every day so that he can practice. He’s someone who lives what he teaches. And he probably doesn’t realize it, but we usually hang out in the back hall outside of the music room to listen to him.”
I heard some general chuckles from the audience.
“I’m always really happy when he’s practicing the cello,” she said. “You can check with my parents—I’ve asked them about renting a cello to learn.”
I looked toward her, humbled by the praise.
“Anyway. We sort of confiscated Mr. Merlin’s cello and brought it here tonight, hoping he’ll play a final piece for you guys as a send-off.”
Wait, who the fuck took my—Scarlet. I bet that girl had a shit-eating grin on her face right now. Alan came out from the wing with my cello case, and another student brought a seat over.
“Mr. Merlin?” my student asked into the mic, giving me a hopeful, puppy-eyed look.
No warning, no warm-up. Talk about being put on the spot.
“Sure,” I said, because what else could I possibly do?
I walked to Alan, took my instrument out, and sat. I gave myself a moment to tune the cello, and Alan handed me the bow, hairs tightened just like how I’d taught him. The band settled back into their chairs and the audience grew quiet.
I drew the bow across the strings, and rich, deep music resonated in the hall. I played small moments of Christmas carols, blending different pieces into one another and taking artistic liberties when I could. I didn’t allow for a moment of silence, instead opted to build a structure of sound and color, bigger, grander,more still, until I’d reached a peak moment of euphoria and the music seeped from my fingertips without thought or design.
And when I felt the end, I stopped, only to realize my hair was a mess and I was breathing hard. I stood and held the neck of the cello as I took a bow. My entire body vibrating, I felt as if I’d just come down from flying.
I’d never been happier.
Chapter Seventeen
Christmas Eve
SCARLET HADto head back to New York City on Saturday, the day before Christmas Eve. I’d wanted her to stay longer, but she had clients and her parents always expected her to stop by their apartment for Christmas Day. I’d stood in Felix’s driveway, hugging her tight.
“Thank you for everything.”
“You’re my family, Boy. You know that,” she’d mumbled into my shoulder.
I nodded, petted her candy-colored hair briefly, then let go. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She’d smiled and ruffled my hair. “Don’t get into any more trouble, though, okay? This car was damn expensive to rent, and I hate driving in the snow.”
“Copy you.”
Scarlet also said goodbye to Alan and Felix, wishing them both a happy New Year before climbing behind the wheel. She blew me a kiss and waved once more before backing onto the road and disappearing around the corner.
After she left, I pretty much lived at Felix’s for the school holiday.
Not that there was anything wrong with my house.
It’s only… he wasn’t there.
I came from the kitchen with two glasses of champagne in my hand. I handed Felix one before sitting on the couch beside him. “I think this is long overdue.”
“Cheers,” he said, tapping his glass against mine.
“Can I try some?” Alan asked, sitting on the other side of Felix.
