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I found a box of empty sheet music years ago for a steal and used them sparingly. I preferred to memorize most of my music. Only the songs that truly spoke to me ended up in black and white.
He stood behind me as he waited for me to finish. I looked up at him when I was done and nodded, indicating that I was ready.
I took another deep breath and focused on the sheet in front of me as I began playing. No less passionate than I was earlier, my nervousness and annoyance fading as I immersed myself once more. This time I heard the mournful notes of the violin, and I was mesmerized and awestruck at how well the instruments compliment each other. Goosebumps rose on my skin as I poured myself into the music.
When we were finished, I sat back suddenly flustered. It felt oddly intimate playing with him. I felt naked. My soul exposed. It took me a moment to notice that the room was completely still.
I looked up at Mr. Jace and saw the intense look in his eyes. I knew he felt the same way I did. I knew he felt exposed as well. I knew he was impressed and awestruck just as much as I was. Many emotions danced in his eyes; it was hard to decipher how he was feeling.
I finally broke our gaze and noticed I still had an audience. I ducked my head in embarrassment once again.
I spent the rest of the class trying to finish my piece, and Mr. Jace went back to the rest of the class to mentor them. I was oddly relieved and bereft at the same time, which only angered me further. My frustrations were mounting, and I was getting angry as I continued to make mistakes on my sheet music.
I was relieved and upset when the bell rang. I was hoping to have my music complete today, but I knew I needed to step away from it so I’d stop making careless mistakes.
I packed up my messenger bag and threw my hoodie back on. I wanted to slip out before I was stopped by Mr. Jace, just in case he tried to press me further.
I stopped short and looked in horror as I noticed Mr. Diesel and Tom standing in the hallway. A feeling of dread engulfed me as Tom gave me one of his smarmy smiles. My skin instantly crawled in revulsion.
What the heck was he doing here?!
“Hey Blake, sweetie, how was school today?” He feigned concern and interest. He was such a master manipulator. From a clinical point of view, I could objectively look at him by appearances only. He wasn’t classically good looking, but he wasn’t ugly either. His suit was Armani and his shoes came from Brooks Brothers. Looking at him you would never know he had a coke addiction or that he preyed on teenage girls.
I glared at him and then looked at Mr. Diesel. “What’s going on?”
Students skirted around us. Eager to leave school, now that the day was over.
“After our discussion earlier,” Mr. Diesel said, clearly confused at my sudden hostility, “I felt the need to have a meeting with your parents. I think you have potential and I would hate to see you work so hard for nothing. I thought if we could come up with some goals we can help you reach them.”
I felt a presence behind me, and I didn’t need to turn around to know it was Mr. Jace. I could smell him. Great! It was hard enough ignoring the curious gazes from passing students, now Mr. Jase was going to be privy to more of my family drama; ensuring that he would continue to give his misplaced concern for me.
“My parents are dead, and he’s my stepmom’s…boyfriend. What can he possibly do to help me?” I was trying to assert my displeasure without revealing too much.
Mr. Diesel looked uncomfortable but determined. “Nevertheless your stepmom is your guardian, and she is currently indisposed. She assured me that Mr. Rhoades could speak on her behalf and assist you in any way possible. Can we continue this discussion in my office?”
I snorted. I could blow this all up right now. Indisposed?! It was laughable. She was probably already drunk and high. There was no way Tom could assist me. Nine hours ago he was trying to strip me of my towel and goodness knows what else.
Mr. Jace cleared his throat. “Hey Donny, you can use my room. Blake and I were just discussing her future earlier.” He blatantly lied as he leaned against the door jamb.
“Um, okay,” Mr. Diesel said, and we all filed into Mr. Jace’s class. “If that’s okay with you, Blake?”
I reluctantly nodded. Better the devil I knew, than the one I didn’t.
We went over to a grouping of chairs and all took a seat.
“Well,” Mr. Diesel started. “As I was saying earlier, Blake is one of the top contenders for receiving the honor of being the valedictorian or salutatorian. However, it has been brought to my attention that she hasn’t applied for any colleges or scholarships. I
am concerned that she may need some help to reach her next possible goals. I would hate for her to waste any opportunity that she may have.”
“I always knew you were bright,” Tom leered at me. “How can her mother and I help her at home so she can reach her full potential?”
I was barely able to quell the shudder that his look made me feel. In my head, I was thinking: Nothing. Absolutely, positively nothing from you. However, I suggest you stop getting high and drinking it up with Heidi. How about convincing Heidi to start using my father’s inheritance and her welfare checks to support us instead of spending it on drugs? I shouldn’t be the one concerned about having a roof over our head and food in our bellies. Then when you get done convincing her to do that you should pack your slimy ass up and leave us alone.
“I thought it would be beneficial for her to have more community involvement, and possibly explore areas of interest for her future.” Mr. Diesel was clearly pleased to see how seemingly receptive Tom was of helping me with my future endeavors. “She expressed that she has no time to pursue such activities due to her assisting with her sister at home and her job.”
“Well, my law office is always willing to help bright students achieve their goals. We even give out full scholarships to those promising enough, and all they have to do is intern with us for twenty hours a week while they attend school.” Tom reached over and placed an arm around my shoulders.
From the outside looking in you may assume he was being helpful and supportive of me. However, I knew it was just his unassuming way of touching me. I stiffened as I felt his hand caress me suggestively.
