he was there, which is unforgiveable.
I hope Maddie does forgive me though, because she’s all I’ve got left.
36
Maddie
You’re Amazing, Freckles
The theater is packed. Heavy black curtains hang on either side of the large stage. Two black grand pianos grace center stage. Bright lights shine on them. Kyle and I wait in the wings.
Nervous butterflies flutter in my stomach. I lick my bottom lip, painted and shiny with red gloss. All of my makeup is heavy tonight. While Gina applied it, she explained I needed the drama. She also put big curls in my hair.
From my position on the stage I can see people milling about, chatting, smiling as they take their seats. They are dressed in gowns and tuxedoes. Lights along the walls are dimly lit, giving an air of sophistication to the entire room.
“Ready?” Kyle asks, gracing me with one of his perfect smiles.
“As I’ll ever be.”
“Sorry your aunt and uncle couldn’t be here.”
I shrug and my black dress rustles. “It’s okay.” And it is. Sure, I’m sad my aunt and uncle can’t be here, but not too much. At least they’re alive. It was touch and go for several weeks. There was more than one close call. The bullet wound in my uncle was especially awful and caused a lot of internal damage. But after several surgeries, he’s doing better. He’ll recover. As will my aunt.
I’m beyond grateful.
Professor Jenkins walks by. “You’ll do great,” he says to Kyle and me as he walks on stage and steps in front of a microphone. He taps on it. “If you can all be seated.” He waits while the patrons sit. Clears his throat. “Our final performance of the night will be a piano duet with Maddelena Martin and Kyle Hadley. They are two of the best and brightest students I’ve ever had the pleasure to teach. Please put your hands together and welcome them on stage.”
He claps, and those in the theater seats follow suit.
Kyle and I take the stage. Me in my dress and ballet flats. Kyle in a black tux. I keep sneaking glances his way. He looks incredibly handsome.
“Here we go,” Kyle says.
I follow and take a seat at one of two black grand pianos situated on the stage. I squint momentarily, waiting for my eyes to adjust.
Kyle sits at his piano and looks at me. He counts quietly. “One. Two. Three.” Then he begins to play. I watch the stress leave his features. He visibly relaxes. Music is his drug.
I come in at the proper time, and we play F Major, K. 533/494: III. Rondo. Allegretto. Like it was written for us.
When we finish there’s a roar of clapping. The crowd stands. They are on their feet.
Kyle and I stand next to each other. He motions to me with his right hand. I take a bow. He does the same. Gina walks on stage wearing a gorgeous green dress. She’s carrying a large bouquet of red roses. “Ya kicked ass,” she whispers, and places them in my arms.
“Thanks, Roomie.”
“Bravo. Bravo. Bravo,” people in the crowd shout.
Professor Jenkins takes the stage. “A big thank you to Kyle Hadley and Maddelena Martin.”
The clapping gets louder. I hear a “Whoot. Whoot. Whoot.” I try to see over the stage lights. They’re too bright, but I’m sure it was Gina. I smile in her direction, and hope she knows I mean her.
Once we leave the stage, Kyle wraps me in a hug. “You’re amazing, Freckles.”
“So are you,” I respond, and press him to me.
“Wanna get out of here? I have something for you.”
We should stay and mingle, but after what we’ve been through the past several months it’s doubtful anyone would be upset if we didn’t stay.
I check his face. “What is it?”
“Come home with me. I’ll show you.”
I smile. Kiss him softly. “Can I meet you there? I told my aunt and uncle I’d stop by.”
“Want me to come with?”
It’s a testament to how much he loves me that he offered. My aunt and uncle know Kyle is the one who saved me, but they’re still wary. I’m hoping tonight’s conversation will help.
My uncle is lounging in his recliner. A wooden cane leans against it. He’s been using it to help him get around. My aunt is sitting on the couch next to him, crocheting. The yarn is baby blue.
I can’t help but smile. If I hadn’t seen them get shot in this very living room, I never would’ve believed it happened.
“Hi guys,” I say, leaning over and kissing