Helen's parents' faces, once clear and distinct, were now obscured by a splash of water from my blurted out. In a swift motion, they reached for tissues scattered across the table, dabbing at their wet faces. Regaining their composure, they managed to stretch their lips into forced smiles."No, I am not," I protested vehemently, eager to dispel any misunderstandings. “It is not my baby.”They both exhaled deeply, a symphony of shared relief.Leaning closer to Helen, who was seated beside me, I whispered, "You said your father was an angry man, yet, he seems as gentle as a saint."Helen coughed softly, leaning in to reply in a hushed tone, "It's only because of your bodyguards. Why did you bring them without telling me?""You frightened me with tales of your father's wrath, fearing for my life," I explained, glancing back at the four imposing figures behind me. They were an intimidating sight - each one muscular, covered in tattoos, and wearing expressions of stern resolve. One of them
Maria and Celeste quickly formed a bond, their friendship blossoming like spring flowers in full bloom. That afternoon, our little group ventured to the nearest stores we picked out clothes for Maria, adding a few pieces for Celeste, and even selecting four new spring bed, its cushion promising restful nights for all of us.I dashed home in the midst of their clothes shopping. It was truly unbearable for a boy to wait for three girls endlessly browsing without making a purchase for hours. So I surrendered, handed money to Celeste, and hurriedly waited for the delivery of the spring beds.The next morning dawned with the usual hustle. Celeste boarded the school bus, while Rachel, with went to tend to our business affairs. As for me, astride my superbike, which gleamed under the morning sun, I took Maria to school.At the school field, as Maria and I parted ways, an unexpected interruption occurred. Three senior boys, their posture exuding an unspoken arrogance, blocked my path. "Hey, y
Glenna's eyes widened in shock as she rummaged through her handbag, her fingers brushing against two tickets."I got the ticket," she exclaimed while taking it out for everyone to see, her voice tinged with astonishment. "It's VIP."I wasn't surprised; my skills as a master thief worked like a charm, unseen and swift. Her expression mirrored the disbelief and awe I anticipated."Of course, my dear, only the best for you," I replied nonchalantly, glancing at my extravagantly priced watch. "Time's nearly upon us, let's head to our seats. But first..." My gaze hardened as I turned to the boy, my voice laced with an unyielding edge. "Glenna has told me everything. You've swindled her, pleaded for a reconciliation, even telling her that you are using your current relationship as a ruse for more deception. Stay away from Glenna, or you'll have me to contend with. I am her boyfriend now."The boy stood speechless, a mix of shock and anger on his face, further fueled by the angry glare of his
The velvet curtain of the stage lingered in its descent, its stillness belying the whispers that swirled through the audience like a hushed wind. My fingers hovered above the piano keys, feeling the cold of the air conditioner and my own heartbeat.Posturing my feet and body in the most relaxing posture for playing piano, drawing in a deep breath steeped in determination, I let my fingers fall gracefully onto the ivory keys, initiating the intricate melody of La Campanella. Each note danced through the air.***Beyond the curtain, people were gradually settling into their seats, waiting for the performance. The distant, mellifluous sound of the piano began to permeate the space from behind the closed curtain, stirring a curious wonder among the listeners.Despite the curtain remaining firmly closed, an unspoken agreement fell upon the crowd to be silent and enjoy the music. Some closed their eyes, allowing the cascading notes of the piano to paint vivid images in their minds. The musi
In the hall audience seat.I, Jessica, was a seasoned music critic for a prestigious magazine, having experienced a myriad of orchestras across the globe. Yet, today's performance stirred within me a reluctance I couldn't shake off. I hate the conductor. I checked the pamphlet and there was a name listed as the conductor: Benedict, notorious for his greed. was known to select musicians based on the thickness of their wallets rather than their talent. His conducting style, devoid of passion, always left me cold. I had no fondness for him, yet duty called, as the magazine I worked for insisted on a review, especially since a wealthy benefactor's offspring were to grace the stage.When I received my ticket, I deliberately chose a seat at a safe distance from the cacophony I anticipated. I had no desire to assault my ears with the conductor's mundane and uninspired interpretations. They were always so drearily predictable, lacking any semblance of artistic taste.As the first announcement
My musical talent was pushed to its limits as I endeavored to conduct the entire orchestra. Though a few imperceptible errors resonated in my trained ears, I doubted the audience would notice them. The mistakes were too subtle for those unaccustomed to the nuances of orchestral music.As the first performance concluded, I surveyed the orchestra, preparing them for our next piece, Francis Poulenc's "Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra." I was to conduct while simultaneously playing my part on the piano. I confidently settled into the piano chair, mirroring Sophia's actions on the opposite side. With a graceful sweep of my hands, I initiated the first cue for the orchestra, then seamlessly transitioned into my piano performance. But suddenly, the entire hall was plunged into darkness.***Meanwhile, in the audience, Jessica eagerly anticipated the second performance, particularly intrigued by the young, handsome conductor's dual role as pianist. She pondered his ability to manage both
My eyes ached, almost as if they were overwhelmed by the radiant beauty before me. In all my previous existence, never had I directly gazed upon such a captivating face. And to witness her in slumber, her features softened in repose, was a vision beyond words. The delicate pink hue of her youthful lips seemed to whisper promises of forbidden sweetness."Damn, how can a woman be so breathtaking?" I mused internally. The sight of her was enough to fill me with a serene sense of completion, as if my life's purpose had been fulfilled in this single moment. Her beautiful eyelashes and eyebrows, her lips, akin to a pink, forbidden fruit, her nose finely sculpted, and her skin, reminiscent of polished ivory. Strands of her lustrous hair framed her face perfectly, an image so stunning, she could effortlessly be the muse of Instagram admirers worldwide.The picture of the girl that millions of otaku and nerds were willing to die for, including me in my pastime.Every fiber of my being seemed t
As Sophia's words stirred my memory of the previous night, I found myself slowly remembering everything.In the chaos of audience went to greet me, the staff ushered me into the staffroom. There, a celebration awaited us, marked by glasses of rich red wine to toast the closing of our musical performance.The atmosphere was electric, the orchestra musicians exuberant with the success of the night, their joy infectious as they insisted I join them in toast after toast."I've never witnessed such enthusiasm from an audience in all my years!" exclaimed one musician, his eyes sparkling with excitement."Nor have I ever played such a mesmerizing piece," another added, her voice tinged with pride."To our conductor!" they cheered, as more and more people approached, glasses in hand, making it impossible for me to decline their offerings. I drank several glasses of red wine, making me feel tipsy.Amidst the revelry, a staff member approached, gently guiding me towards the office. "Conductor,