Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Music





 

The next morning I was awake at five in the morning.  I had my shower first thing because I am so not a morning person and needed all the help I could get to wake up.  I could barely keep my eyes open as I stumbled into the bathroom and turned the water on.  After my shower I got dressed and got my things ready for school, then I wandered down the hall into the kitchen.  Alex smirked at me,

“So, can you talk yet, or are you still a zombie?” he teased.  Will burst into laughter as he whisked by me to get himself something to eat.

“Oh, we are going to have so much fun bugging her!  I love how she blushes, it’s hilarious!”  Will was practically dancing with joy at the prospect of tormenting me.

“Leave her alone Will, you don’t want her to get even with you later.  Besides I bet she’d win,” Lizzy stated in my defensive.  I smiled sleepily at her in appreciation.

“Yes, I can speak, and no I’m not a zombie.  I never said I was a morning person.  I would rather sleep until at least eight, but since that is not an option for the next month and a half you’ll just have to deal,” I said as I stuck my tongue out at Alex.  He laughed heartily, thoroughly amused as he walked towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist.  I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes sighing happily.  Being in his arms was all I wanted; it felt safe. Since my safety was still under debate, we had to get to the school when the doors unlocked. We would do this every morning until exams were over and we would stay at the school until it was locked or Alex, Will and Lizzy deemed it safe for us to leave. 

“So, what would you like for breakfast?” Alex asked.

“Something light.  I don’t do well with food this early in the morning,” I told him.

“We have cereal, fruit, toast,” he listed what he could think of off the top of his head.

“I’ll stick with fruit, I think,” I said knowing that fruit wouldn’t upset my stomach this early in the morning.  I hated feeling heavy and bloated, it made me feel like I couldn’t move right.

“We have strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, and bananas,” Alex offered.

“Strawberries and bananas please,” I smiled up at him.  He nodded and had my breakfast ready in seconds.  I sat at the table beside Lizzy.

“Are you going to eat?” I asked her.  She shook her head.                                                   

“No, I’ll eat at lunch and only a small amount. I don’t need to eat the same as you because I fed, or I should say drank, yesterday morning.” she replied smiling at me.

“That’s interesting.  So, you don’t have to eat as often.  I wonder, does regular food taste the same or different to you?” I wondered more to myself than any of them really.

“Most human food tastes rather bland to be honest.  We prefer to hunt,” Will explained.  I nodded eating slowly thinking about what Will told me.  Alex sat across from me watching me as I ate.  It was like he was memorizing every detail of my every movement and committing it to memory.  I put down my spoon and looked questioningly at him.

“Why do you do that?” I asked him. 

“Do what?” he looked at me perplexed. 

“Watch my every move as though it’s the last time you’ll ever see me?” I tilted my head to one side as I looked at him quizzically.

“Does it bother you that I enjoy watching your movements? I find a subtle elegance about the way you move,” he replied succinctly.

“No, it’s just that it makes me feel a bit self-conscious,” I said looking down at my bowl.  Lizzy giggled. 

“He’s been watching you for months you know.  Ever since that first day he saw you in the office registering for classes, or should I say when you rode up to the gas station on your motorcycle.  George and Stephan had told him that you were beautiful but he didn’t believe them until he actually saw you.” She laughed as she looked happily from her brother to me. 

“What do you mean by watching, exactly?” I demanded narrowing my eyes at Lizzy and Alex.  Alex gave Lizzy a pleading look.  She smirked, enjoying the idea of bugging her brother.

“He would watch you at school, of course, and at home.”  Lizzy revealed.  My eyes widened.

“At home?  What exactly did you see Alex?” I asked glaring up at him. 

“Nothing that I wasn’t supposed to see,” he said innocently.

“I’m not that kind of guy, Anna, and Lizzy knows it.  I would never leer at someone I cared for or anyone for that matter!  Plus, I would never do something without your permission.  Any man who would take the slightest gratification for himself without a woman’s permission is beyond vile.  I have very little respect for those teenage boys who will do and say anything to get a girl to sleep with them.  When a man really cares for a woman he will not touch her, not without permission.  No matter what he wants, or thinks he wants, he will always take the time to woo the object of his affection,” Alex stated haughtily.

“Alex, you’re such a romantic.  Men like you hardly exist now-a-days,” Lizzy complimented him with pure sisterly love in her voice. 

“I had no idea you felt that way,” I said in a whisper. 

“Anna, I care more for you than I have for anyone, except my sister of course.” Alex gazed at me with his beautiful eyes, trying to convey all his emotions in a single glance.  I smiled widely at him, finally understanding why he hadn’t kissed me yet.  He would hold my hand, hold me in his arms, kiss my forehead, check or neck, but he wanted my permission before he would indulge in the intimacy of kissing me on the lips.  I was both touched and awed by his sincerity and honor. 

“Are you guys almost ready for school?  All this mushy talk is giving me a headache!” Will complained.

“Yes, I just need to make a lunch for myself,” I said getting up from the table.  I took my dishes to the sink and quickly washed them.  I searched the fridge and speedily threw together a sandwich and tossed it into a paper bag.  With that done I went back to Alex’s room and hurriedly brushed my teeth and grabbed my school bag.  I met everyone by the front door a few minutes later. George and Stephan had already left to make sure we would be safe.  Just before we left the house Alex’s cell phone rang. 

“Is it clear?” he asked into the receiver.  I heard a muffled reply.

“Okay. We’ll be there in ten minutes,” he said.

“Ten minutes?  But it’s at least a fifteen to twenty minute drive from here to the school,” I said perplexed. 

“We’re not driving, we’re running.  Or rather, I’m running you’re going piggy back,” he said with a big grin.

“You’re joking,” I looked at him raising an eyebrow. “You can’t carry me and run. I’m not that light.”  

“Don’t be ridiculous, I’m a lot stronger than you” Alex retorted. 

“Okay,” I said shaking my head in disbelief.  There were still so many things I didn’t know or fully understand about Alex.  I hopped onto his back and he turned his head grinning and winked at me.

“Hold on tight Anna.”  With that he was off streaking through the trees.  It was exhilarating with the wind in our faces and the scenery flying by-almost like riding my bike.  When we finally stopped at the forest edge by the school I was breathless with excitement.

“That was amazing.” I said excitedly, grinning from ear to ear.  Alex let me slide down his back to my feet, then turned and wrapped his arms around me.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it because that’s what it will be like every morning,” he smiled down at me placing his forehead against mine. I sighed happily as Alex grinned back at me. 

“We better get inside so that George and Stephan can get home,” he said taking my hand as we quickly walked across the school yard and into the school.  The school was so quiet at this early hour.  We immediately headed upstairs to the music room which was a familiar and favourite place for both of us.  I walked slowly down the stairs towards the harp I so loved to play.   Seating myself, I placed my fingers lovingly on the strings and began to pluck out a few cords to warm up my fingers.  Alex sat at the keyboard and went up and down the scales too.  I spontaneously started a complex plucking of the strings and Alex followed on the keyboard never missing a note in perfect harmony until Mr. Chang entered the room.  He watched us with profound joy and amazement on his face until our musical interlude came to a close.

“Please don’t stop.  That was fantastic!  When did you two start playing like that together?  It sounds like you have worked together for years! You need to showcase this talent of yours,” he gushed excitedly.  Alex and I laughed. 

“Mr. Chang we’re just playing around.  However, we would like to come in early to play if that’s ok with you.  I really miss playing,” I asked beaming at him. 

“You two can come and play whenever you want.  I’ll let the principal know that you have my permission,” he said smiling at us both.

“Would you two be able to stay and show my grade nine class how you play together?” Mr. Chang queried.

“If our first period teacher doesn’t mind I wouldn’t mind,” said Alex and I nodded my agreement.

 

Alex and I played for Mr. Chang’s first class showing them how two very different instruments could create beautiful melodies together.  After we finished our mini concert the grade nine students seemed to be jazzed about playing music and were eager to showcase their own abilities.  Mr. Chang stopped their excited chatter,

 “Thanks Anna, Alex that was fantastic.” 

“No problem” Alex replied.  I met Alex at the door at the top of the room and we both smiled at the students as they applauded us.  Then I took Alex’s hand and we turned and walked into the hall as the bell rang.  As we walked out of the music room I studied Alex mulling over the questions in my head.

“What is it? I know you’re curious about something,” Alex smiled down at me.

“I was wondering if you were just following or were you really taping into my feelings?” I asked.  He looked thoughtfully into the distance thinking about how to best explain what had happened.

“I would have to say both.  Your emotions can be very overwhelming sometimes, especially when you are thinking about your mother, or me,” he said quietly.

“Do my emotions really bother you? I don’t want to hurt you or anything,” I said concerned.

“Anna, I like knowing how you feel.  It’s like a humming at the back of my mind and if I focus on it I know exactly what you’re feeling at that particular moment in time.  I can’t tell who you are thinking about or why you have the emotion unless I’m directly looking at you.  Your expressions tell me a lot, plus I can usually fill in the blanks.” He smiled gently

“I’m not used to having a connection with someone other than my sister so it just feels different.” Alex said trying to explain.  I nodded and looked at the floor contemplating what he had said.

“Anna, don’t worry.  It’s nice to know how you feel, that way I can help you.” he said softly.  I smiled back at him but I wasn’t sure he was telling me everything.

 

Christine came out of English and saw us walking toward her.  Her mouth dropped open in surprise.

“Hey Christine, how was English?” I asked smiling.

“The usual.  Where were you guys?” she demanded raining an eyebrow. 

“We were helping out with Mr. Chang’s grade nine class,” I replied happily.

“You’re so lucky,” she said.  I smiled.  Alex let go of my hand and went to talk to Will. 

“So, what’s up with you two?” Christine whispered eyeing Alex curiously. 

“What do you mean?” I asked innocently batting my eyelashes.  She rolled her eyes at me.            “Oh please. You have to dish! How long have you two been dating?” she gushed excitedly.

“About two or three days I guess,” I replied shrugging nonchalantly.  I was actually enjoying toying with her.  She was so curious I thought she would burst!

“No way!  How could you keep that a secret?” she exclaimed, whispering excitedly.  I smiled and looked at her innocently, 

“We’re taking things slow that’s all.  Don’t be mad Christine.” She shook her head in disbelief as she looked at Alex, then back at me.  I smiled, laughing to myself as I walked towards Will and Alex.

“I’ll see you later, Christine” I said looking over my shoulder as I waved.

 “Anna, wait a minute” she said.  I stopped and turned back to her expectantly.

“Do you know if Alex and his family are still having their annual pool party? I was just wondering which weekend it would be this year,” Christine asked.

“I have no idea, but I’ll ask and tell you in third period, okay,” I replied wondering what the deal was with this pool party.

“Okay, thanks,” she said smiling as we parted ways again.

At lunch I sat with Alex, Cassy, Will and Lizzy as usual.  I was half way through my lunch when I remembered to ask about the pool party.

“Christine asked about an annual pool party today. What was she talking about?” I asked the group.   

“Well, every June for the past few years we’ve held a big pool party.  To tell you the honest truth I hadn’t even thought about it.  I’m not really sure we should even have it this year,” said Lizzy. 

“What? No way! You guys are not breaking tradition because of me.  You should have the party.  Besides, I had no idea you even had a pool,” I said looking at them all rather confused.

“Well I guess we haven’t actually taken you on a tour of the grounds, have we?” Lizzy stated looking down at her hands and fidgeting a bit.  I laughed lighting the mood.

“Don’t worry about it.  We have plenty of time for a formal tour,” I said winking at Lizzy.

“So, do you think we could take a shopping trip?” I asked her. 

“What for?” she asked, confused. 

“Well, I didn’t actually know that you had a pool and if you’re going to have a party I’m obviously going to need the proper attire,” I said batting my eyelashes innocently at the group. Cassy burst out laughing at my expression.

“Oh, you’re good!  Alex will freak about a shopping trip though,” Cassy warned. 

“Well let’s ask Katie and maybe we could turn it into a girl’s weekend?” I suggested looking innocently at them with a huge smile on my face.

“She’s good,” Lizzy said smiling at Cassy.  Cassy looked thoughtful, then said, “I like it. I’ll give her a call and see what she says.” She rose gracefully from the table and headed out of the cafeteria.  Alex and Will had been listening to a CD and talking about the upcoming prom and we were too engrossed in our conversation to notice that they were listening to us now.

“So, what weekend is the party usually held on?” I asked Lizzy. 

“We normally throw the pool party on the weekend after finals.  It just seems to be the best time and it gives everyone something to look forward to,” Lizzy replied. 

“Well count me in!” I said excitedly “I’ll help you with whatever you need” 

“Hey, do you really think that’s a good idea,” Will asked frowning at both of us. 

“Will, we can’t change things right now.  If we do someone may notice and it will draw unwanted attention.  Besides, we can easily monitor anyone who is on the property,” Lizzy explained.  I nodded my agreement.

“She’s right you know.  We can’t not throw the party, besides everyone is already starting to talk about it,” Alex said.  We happily discussed the pool party for the rest of the lunch hour.

 

During third period I told Christine the pool party was happening and it would be the weekend after final exams. Invitations would go out next week.  After the final bell rang I met Alex and we went to the library to do our homework. Once that was completed we called George who came to pick us up and take us home.

 

Katie was waiting for us as we entered the house.  She smiled happily at me,  “Anna, I’ve made plans for us to go to the city next weekend.  We’ll be staying at my place in the Beaches.  We’ll leave as soon as you get off school on Friday and we’ll shop all day Saturday and come home on Sunday,” she said. 

“That sounds great,” I enthused happily, looking forward to the change of scenery. 

“What’s going on?” Alex asked, looking at us perplexed.  

“Shopping trip!” we said in unison and started to giggle.  Alex shook his head and rolled his eyes.

“How can you possibly be thinking about a shopping trip when your father is looking for you?” he asked looking at me worriedly. 

“I’m not worried,” I said smiling at him.  “You’ll be here keeping an eye on him and what he’s up to.”   He shook his head and rolled his eyes as he strode into the living room and flopped down on the couch across from Will who had an I told you so look on his face.  I didn’t care,  I was so excited I was almost giddy.