Between The Notes

One: First Lesson

Her phone rang, and she glanced at it, her expression darkening. "I'm so sorry," she said quickly, her voice tightening with urgency. "I have to take this."

She rushed off to another room, leaving me alone in the quiet of the living room. I took the opportunity to look around. On the nearby wall, a wedding photo caught my eye. The bride was unmistakably Ms. Farrington. But the groom? I had no idea who he was.

Next to the photo was a certificate with her name on it—Seraphina Farrington. The name repeated in my head, and I couldn't shake it. Just as I was lost in thought, I heard the click of her heels approaching.

I quickly moved to the piano, feeling like I had overstayed my welcome.

"I'm so sorry," she said, her voice unsteady as she re-entered, "but we have to cut this lesson short. I've got to go."

"Okay," I replied, my voice soft with concern. "Are you okay?"

"That's none of your concern, Ms. Lockwood," she snapped, her words biting, sharp. She rushed to the door, waiting for me to leave so she could lock it.

I stood frozen for a moment, shocked. She had never spoken to me like that before. I gathered my things without another word and left, my heart heavy in my chest.

As I drove home, I replayed the encounter in my mind, trying to figure out where I'd gone wrong. Why had she snapped at me? It gnawed at me the whole way home, the silence of the car heavy with unanswered questions.

When I reached my house, I parked in the driveway, avoiding my mother's gaze as I entered. I headed straight for my room, the door closing behind me with a quiet click.

I collapsed on my bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to make sense of everything.

Her voice was shaky. She wasn't herself.

Pulling out my phone, I found the number that had sent the reminder earlier and decided to send a message.

Me: Hey. I just wanted to say I'm really sorry. I hope you're okay, and I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted to check on you.

I set the phone down beside me and stared blankly at the ceiling, my mind wandering. Then, a ping broke the silence.

000-000-0000: You're not supposed to be messaging me. Only for lessons or related matters.

Me: I just wanted to check on you. I'm sorry for trying to care...

000-000-0000: My father. He's been sick for a while. He had a stroke earlier. That's why I had to cut things short.

Me: Oh my god, I'm so sorry! Are you okay? Is he okay?

000-000-0000: It's fine. He'll make it through. If not... he'll go to a better place. He's fine for now, but they're keeping him overnight.

Me: You didn't answer my other question... are you okay?

000-000-0000: I don't know.

Me: What hospital are you in?

000-000-0000: Sawyer's. Why?

Me: I'm coming. What's your favorite food or snack? And what's your favorite drink?

000-000-0000: Celeste, that's unnecessary. It's also highly inappropriate.

Me: Rules are meant to be broken. You don't need to be alone. I'm not asking you. I'm telling you, I'm coming. Now, what's your favorite snack and drink?

000-000-0000: Why do you have to be so stubborn... Pretzels and black coffee.

Me: Okay, I'll be there soon!

I grabbed my purse, car keys, and phone. With one last glance at my bedroom, I walked out of the house.

First stop: a convenience store. I grabbed the pretzels she'd requested and spotted a small black panther plush on the shelf. Something about it felt right. I added it to my basket. Then it was on to Starbucks for the coffee—black, the way she liked it.

After picking everything up, I made my way to Sawyer's Hospital, my mind racing with questions and concern. I texted her that I was in the lobby, and I waited, fidgeting with my phone.

When she finally appeared, her face pale and eyes rimmed with red, my heart ached for her.

I handed her the pretzels, coffee, and plush, offering a small smile.

"Thank you, dear," she said softly, her voice shaky but grateful.

I took a step closer, lowering my voice. "If we're not in lessons, you're not my teacher. Okay?"

Without another word, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her into a gentle hug. For a moment, she froze, then her arms wrapped around me, her tears soaking into my shoulder.

I whispered soothing words, rubbing her back until she slowly pulled away. Her gaze met mine, intense and conflicted, before she quickly stepped back, breaking the connection.

I stood there, hands by my sides, uncertain of what came next.

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Au Note:
Updated and fixed!!