Children Of The Solstice & Equinox [ Wattys 2016 ]

Chapter One • Fawn

What would you say... If I said I was in love with you? It's funny you know? How we express how we feel with three simple words. That mean so much. I've been in love, just like any teenage girl. But this felt different, I don't like it.

I've always been a guarded person. I tried my best around him, I really did. But it just... Came out. No, I did not upright tell him that I loved him. But I might as well have.

§ § §

Tonight was the Winter Concert and of course I was recruited to preform. I didn't mind preforming, my whole life I've never had any kind of stage fright. But he was going to be there...

The violinist. That's it. That was what they call me. There was nothing else special about me. I had average grades, average amount of friends.

It was so cold. I didn't severely dislike cold, it was just not my favourite.

I walked through courtyard buried in snow. I was honestly thankful school was cancelled that day, it had given me more time to practice my piece for the concert. Once inside, I took off my coat and scarf, checking myself over in the reflection of the window

My dress was shorter in the front and longer in the back, different colours that I thought embodied fall; reds, oranges and yellows.

I decided to sit on one of the benches by my locker with my headphones over my ears. I had blank sheet music on my lap and classical music blasting in my ears.

I wrote down notes as I went through the song, humming it quietly to myself.

"I see someone has arrived early."

I looked up in surprise, dropping my mechanical pencil on the floor. "Jack, what are you doing here?" I asked quietly, avoiding his eyes.

Jack Patterson was what you would call a man child. Then, why did I have feelings for him? It was an honest question that I wished I had the answer for. He had oddly white hair with bangs that swept across his forehead and bright blue eyes that always held a smile.

"You seem to forget you're not the only one preforming at this concert." He said with a crooked smile and sat down next to me uninvited. Jack was a pianist, maybe that was why. He was also a musician, that's what I told myself.

I sighed and finally looked him in the eyes, trying to keep my emotions hidden. Our eyes locked for a moment.

I had known Jack since middle school, he fell for me first. Sure, we were friends, maybe best friends.

Then there was Kai, a girl was adopted by a couple in Hawaii and moved to our small town with her family. She was unfairly beautiful and was the warmest person I have ever met. It was hard to hate her. Even if she had dated Jack for the majority of high school.

From what I heard, they ended on good terms. Yet, I had the feeling Kai still had feeling for him.

"Yes, I do realize that. I just didn't expect to see you here this early." I said softly, my eyes darting away from his.

"Learn how to expect the unexpected, my dear Fawn." He said as he looked up and out the window. Fluffy snow flakes were tumbling from the sky, only thickening the blanket of snow. I was surprised they were even still having the concert.

"Yes, well, I should get going. People will start arriving soon." I stated and stood up, putting my things in my bag and picking up my violin case from beside the bench.

"I'm sure you'll kill it out there." He said with a goofy grin and waved to me as I walked away down the hall, my heeled boots clicking as I went.

It took a lot of guts not to let back, it's too bad I don't have any.

I glanced over my shoulder and watched him staring after me, and somehow felt satisfied.

§ § §

Backstage was an exciting place. The hustle bustle of everyone rushing around making last minute preparations. The girls in front of the mirrors checking their makeup. The musky smell of brass in the air. Backstage was my favourite place.

"What do you mean he's not coming?!" I demanded, nearly dropping my bow.

"He's snowed in at his apartment, he can't get here!" Simon exclaimed, taking a step back in order to avoid getting punched.

"Of course! What luck I've got!" I exclaimed sarcastically and stalked away from him.

I leaned against one of the brick walls of the basement practice area. I fidgeted with my bow, chewing my lip as I thought.

My accompanist can't make it because of the damn snow. I was screwed. This piece was completely wrong sounding without the piano.

I slid down the wall and to the ground, pulling my knees to my chest. This was my opportunity. This was my chance at getting into a musical arts school. Sure, there would be other concerts, but first impressions are critical.