Before reading this, I suggest you read/re-read Paper Piano-Chap. One, two and three. Enjoy!
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I woke up the next morning more tired than I was when I went to bed. My head hurt, and I was not looking forward to playing not only in front of Logan, but also everybody else at the recital. I was also grouchy according to my Dad. The weather didn’t help my mood either. The clouds were grey, and the sky refused to stop raining. I didn’t bother getting ready for my day like I usually do before going downstairs, and Dad noticed.
“Whoa, are you sick?” he asked, the newspaper in one hand, coffee in the other.
“No, I just had a rough night.” Would he suspect anything?
“I’m sorry, honey. Need me to get you anything?”
“No, I just need to make myself get going.”
“This was by the newspaper this morning. Does it belong to you?” He held out a small, pink envelope. I took it, searching for an address. Nothing.
“I don’t think so.” I opened it anyway. A torn piece of notebook paper laid folded inside. I took it out to find that there was a drawing of a piano; looking exactly like the one in Logan’s Dad’s café. Scribbled under the black, grand, piano were the words:
I know you will do great today. Maybe this paper piano will help you play as brilliantly as you did last night for me. Love you.
I folded the note back into the envelope and ran upstairs. Logan’s note suddenly gave me not only enough energy to dress appropriately for the recital, but also to lift my spirits up enough to actually enjoy playing today.
Dad and I enjoyed sharing a father-daughter conversation while on the way to the recital, even though we had to practically yell over the noise from the rain. Unfortunately, this only made me feel worse that I had snuck out last night. He trusts me so much. And how do I repay him? I sneak out with Logan! I tried to reason my rebellion. It doesn’t matter. I didn’t have fun anyway…But I knew that didn’t mean anything. I disobeyed my Dad behind his back. I debated the whole way to Central Hall whether or not to tell him. The only thing that held me back was the dream I had last night. Would he really force Logan and I not to see each other but only once a week?
*****
“You were brilliant. Just like I said you were going to be.” Logan whispered in my ear. We were sitting in a torn booth at his father’s old Café. I sipped our milkshake, debating whether or not to bring up the subject that had caused our fight.
“Thank you. I really did think of last night,” I said. “Speaking of last night, I think I am going to tell my Dad.” I bit my tongue.
“Well, if that’s what you think you should do…” Here I was expecting the wrath of God and he agrees with me?
“What?” I asked, shocked by his response.
“I was thinking about it too. I don’t like keeping secrets from your Dad either. I can only imagine how hard it is on you.”
“Oh, well…yeah. You know I don’t like keeping secrets.”
“Well, let’s tell him them.”
“Wait. What if I don’t get to see you?”
“Don’t worry about that. We have our whole lives to spend together. I think we can handle restricted contact for awhile. We are doing the right thing, Emma.” I smiled over at him, and he pulled me into his arms. I closed my eyes, focusing on his special smell, the feel of his strong, warm arms around me, and the steady beat of his heart.
“I could lie like this forever.” I said, not realzing I had said it out loud until I heard him give a soft chuckle.
“So could I.” He turned so our faces were only inches apart. He kissed my cheek gently, then sighed. “Come on, little lady.”
On the way to my house, I thought about how much mine and Logan’s relationship has changed in the past three days. Not only was Logan being responsible, but he was encouraging me to be responsible. Usually, it is the other way around. I looked over at him, taking in everything about him. His feathery blonde hair, his strong jaw line, but most of all, his blue eyes. A smile spread across my face, and I suddenly didn’t mind the fact that I was about to not only endure a long lecture from Dad, but be away from Logan. We were growing. Together. My fear of me always being the adult and him always being the kid was gone now, and I have nothing to worry about. Logan was right, we are perfect for each other.
I may come back to it. Thank you so much for reading all of them. I really appreciate it.
