Strings Of Time

XIV: Part Two

Then her mother stepped in, "Henry, we both know that I'm paying you a large amount of money to give my daughter all the exposure she needs. My daughter is the most talented musician in your class! Why are you suddenly giving your assistant a piece of lime light? She already gave you a piece of her talent when she composed all of these songs! This is unacceptable, Henry! Unacceptable!"

Once again, the maestro made his signature move, he massaged his temples and breathe heavily, "Jean, could you please calm down for a second..." Henry clamped his hands together, crumpling the music sheet in between, "Moira is very talented, but... I already gave her almost all of the solos. There wasn't even enough room for my other students to get their own solo. Believe me, Jean, you're not the first parent who came to me and asked to give a solo to their child. I have to make room for everyone else as well."

"But Elise isn't your student." Said Moira in a sarcastic way as she eyed the young lady. "She's just your assistant." She added as she crossed her arms on her chest.

"Moira," started the frustrated maestro, "She deserves a bit of a spotlight." He gestured his hands pointing at the young lady as his eyes widen while explaining to his young musician, "I mean, Elise composed all of the songs that we are presenting tonight. She worked day and night for this... and one song given to her wouldn't hurt your career."

"But. Mr. Mathews—"

"No buts, Moira! I've already decided..." Mr. Mathews held up his hand and he was about to lose his temper. However...

The young lady stepped in, "Mr. Mathews, sir," she rebutted in a soft voice, "I don't think it's right to give me that song and I appreciate you giving it to me but... I believe... Moira should have that solo."

"Elise..." said the stunned Oliver who was still observing Mr. Mathews and the young lady.

"I don't want it..." the young lady looked down with gloomy eyes.

Moira scoffed and looked away, "Now, I don't want it. It's a dull song, anyway. You're assistant can have it." The young musician walked away with her head held up high, leaving her mother behind. Mr. Mathews was suddenly called for an emergency and dragged his assistant along with him.

Mrs. Jean Westley, Moira's mother, narrowed her eyes while looking at Elise and Mr. Mathews. She looked to her right saw Oliver with a blank expression, "I know for sure that Henry is looking at his assistant differently. There's something odd going on with the two of them. Henry always favored my daughter until that girl came! The rumors must be true about her..."

Olly rolled his eyes and frowned at the Mrs. Westley, "Like what? They're in a relationship?"

"Not just that..." Mrs. Westley looked at Olly with controversy in her eyes, "The Mathews' are known to be rich since this town was founded... and that girl... She knows her history well and she knows who has the bigger gold."

A gold digger. That was Elise Summerhall's identity to some of the people of New Ashton Town. But for the young man, Elise was something more.

As the sun disappears, all the lights of the town appeared. Everyone with their joyous aura came to the Town Square near the park. People are lining up to each lantern vendor. Kids would be laughing and running around as their parents chase them. Lovers were everywhere and would pick out a spot to lay as a picnic date. Some even brought their pets as a date to this lovely occasion.

Elise could see them all and she felt isolated. Her eyes wondered around, hoping to see a familiar face but it was too much to ask. She sat herself on a bench at the park, just watching all the people's happiness.

"And so we meet again, Miss Ely."

Elise looked up to her left and saw a very familiar face. She smiled, "Mr. Carlisle."