Maestro - piacevole

The next day at school, I sat with Daisy at the lunch table and ate our lunch like usual. I scanned the cafeteria and spotted Apollo holding a juice pouch and an apple. Apollo didn't usually appeared in the cafeteria, he said he like the peace and quiet in his own lab or in his car. It was really weird why Apollo didn't like to eat in the cafeteria. Daisy caught me staring at Apollo, he was heading to the exit door.

Daisy : Vi! (Her soft shouting brought my attention back to her)
Me : Oh, sorry what were you saying?
Daisy : Girl, if you want him to sit with us it's fine.
Me : Nah, it would be weird.
Daisy : (she smirked and leaped from her seat)
Me : Daze, what are you doing?
Daisy : Relax!

She ran to Apollo and tapped his back. He turned around, one hand holding his tie on his chest the other carrying juice pouch and an apple, and looked perplex, I didn't want to look so I altered my vision to my grilled chicken and salad, it looked good and I was starving, so I cut the chicken and I ate a piece of it. I sneaked a peek and saw Apollo looking to my direction with a small smirk and nodded. I looked down again and when I looked at Daisy approaching, Apollo was with her.

Apollo : Do you mind? (He gestured his hand to the empty seat beside me)
Me : Oh no, please. (I said softly)
Daisy : (She sat on her side of the table and put in a forkful of fruit salad to her mouth) So.. are you guys a thing now?
Me : Daisy!
Daisy : What? Oh please, just spill the beans already. I saw you guys in front of your locker, Vi it's rude to keep secret with your own best friend.
Me : Daze..
Daisy: So? (She looked to Apollo then to me and then to Apollo again.)
Apollo: (Apollo tilted his head half down and smiled shyly and scoffed)
Me : What is a thing anyway?
Daisy : You know, boyfriend and girlfriend (She gulped)
Me : Are we? (I asked Apollo, teasing him)
Apollo : I don't really care about labels. If you want to call it that way it's fine with me. (His lips twitched into a small cool yet teasing smile I loved)
Me : (I felt heat on my cheek and I looked down again, not able to speak)
Daisy : Of course she does!
Apollo : Well? what do you think?
Me : Hmm, I don't know.
Daisy  : Oh just say yes already!
Me : (I looked at Apollo's face, he looked relax and cool but his eyes was wondering for an answer) Okay (I finally said)
Apollo : Okay what? (He loved teasing me, jackass)
Me : Okay, yes, We are a thing. Whatever you want to call it, Daze. (Apollo was amused by my exasperated as I scowled to Daisy)
Daisy : Aww guys! That's cute!
Apollo : Thank you Ms. Daring. (He inserted the straw to his juice pouch and drank)
Daisy : Why do you call me Ms. Daring?
Apollo : I'm supposed to call Mrs. Garcia's students formally. (He said without expression)
Daisy : Yeah, but you're a student. It's weird.
Apollo : Ms Daring, I'm actually older than most of Mrs. Garcia's junior class, I'm qualified to tutor junior class and as a tutor calling my students formally is a rule I must obliged. (He stricken his body, tense and uncomfortable, definitely clear that he didn't want to talk about it)
Daisy : How old are you? ( I was beginning to get annoyed with Daisy's being curious with Apollo, but I couldn't blame her anyway, I was curious about Apollo too, most girls do. He didn't talk much)
Apollo : I'm 18
Daisy : You are just a year older than I am and Viola, call me Daisy instead.
Apollo : Well, Daisy it was nice talking to you, but I have to prepare Mrs. Garcia's class. See you later? (his tense stare to Daisy suddenly changed to me, he looked at me dearly)
Me : Yeah, see you later. (I gave him a sweet smile)

Apollo took my hand and kissed my knuckles, and then he stood up and grabbed his apple then nodded to Daisy who was gaping at him. He turned around and walked to the exit without looking back, that was when I realized half of the girls in the cafeteria were looking at me, and surprisingly some boys and jocks too. Daisy caught my attention again by taking a forkful of my salad.

Daisy : You know, he's unexpectedly romantic.
Me : Yeah, he is (I ate another piece of grilled chicken but it tasted different now, much more bland)
Diasy : You know you're being too cavalier about this, right? Come on tell me everything.
Me : Like what?
Daisy : Oh you know, details! (Her eyes were suddenly wider and her face was full of anticipation) did you guys do "it"?
Me : OH GEEZ! Daze! (I chocked)
Daisy : Argh! you're driving me nuts come on!
Me : Daisy you're way out of line. Stop being so nosy about this. (I grabbed the mineral water bottle and gulped to ease my chocking. I have never thought about Apollo that way, and the possibility for us to do so was so far off my mind, I wasn't even so sure about what Apollo and I had and our feelings toward each other.)
Daisy : Just tell me, yes or no?
Me : NO! (Stop it, Daisy!)
Daisy : Are you planning to?
Me : That's enough! (I snapped)
Daisy : Alright, alright. Chill girl. (she laughed and then stood up) Come on, I need to go to the toilet.
Me : Yeah okay, whatever.

Daisy was not the type of girl who wears her uniform neatly, she always looked so negligent and could care less of all the teachers warnings. She was a badass so I was quite surprised that she wanted to go to the toilet cause most girls just fixed their hair and put on some make up in the toilet rather than actually using the toilet, and Daisy never actually went to the public bathroom, she would say she might as well die keeping it than to use public toilet, weird. So we went to the bathroom and then she stood in front of the mirror and started to fix her hair and tugged the hem line of her uniform skirt and looked at me anxiously, I started to think something was up with her.

Me : Daze what's wrong?
Daisy : Nothing, it's just me and Josh are getting quite serious now.
Me : Okay, that sounds good, so why are you nervous?
Daisy : Is it that obvious?
Me : To me. What's up? (I frowned, she was getting quite jumpy)
Daisy : I'm going to meet Josh's parents tonight. (She scrathed her back of her palm, classic anxious Daisy. She scratched the back of her palm until it was scarlet red if she was nervous)
Me : Daze, You are a rock star, everybody loves you. You are going to win Josh's parents heart, and you are a good girl and Josh likes you, a lot. You'll be fine he will be there with you the whole time. (I took Daisy's hand and shook her body to calm her)
Daisy : Yeah, you're right.
Me : Okay good.
Daisy : Let's get to class

We walked to the class and I tried to make sure that she was alright. I asked her some small questions like how are things going with Josh and stuff, but then she started to ask me a question I couldn't actually answered.

Daisy : Vi, why do you think he's tutoring Mrs. Garcia's class?
Me : He said it's for extra credit. (I shrugged)
Daisy : Oh, but he was very uncomfortable when we mention tutoring in the cafeteria earlier.
Me : Yeah.. I don't really know why.
Daisy : You never ask?
Me : Nope.

We reached Physics class, the last class of the day. Apollo was not inside, but our tables were equipped with some cables, and jump-starters and electric circuit stuff, we must be learning a new chapter I thought. Apollo's work was so neat, everything was perfect and carefully stacked on our table. I smiled, simply because even when he was not in the room, I was still able to admire his work and his professional work ethic.

***

After school, I headed to Apollo's locker across the physics lab and he was taking his backpack and slung it to his right shoulders first and then to his left.  He smiled when he saw me and closed his locker. I leaned against the locker beside his and he fetched his car keys inside his pocket and kept his other hand inside the other pocket.

Apollo : Hi (He whispered)
Me : Hey (I whispered back)
Apollo : ready to go?
Me : Yup, I need to put the books back to my locker though
Apollo : Okay, I'll go with you.

We walked to my locker, and as soon as I was ready, we went to his car. I told Bruce earlier in the morning that I might go with a friend to the rehearsal and I told him to wait for me in the rehearsal sight instead so that mom wouldn't suspecting anything. Apollo drove the car like a pro and very careful, he was a competent driver, every shift he made and every time he clutched to change gear I couldn't help it but to swoon.

Apollo : So how was school?
Me : Really? You're asking me how was school?
Apollo : (he laughed) yeah, lets make it more specific, how was physics?
Me : Good, we learn about electric force today
Apollo : That's it? nothing else?
Me : Yeah
Apollo : Ouch!
Me : What?
Apollo : Oh I know you're being dubious
Me : (I was quiet a while and then I shook my head trying hard to hid my grinning face) and I missed you.
Apollo : I thought so
Me : You're so cocky you know
Apollo : I know baby, and I missed you too. (He grabbed my hand and held it close to him.) Are you still nervous about performing in the winter show?
Me : Yeah a bit
Apollo : You'll be fine, (He rubbed my palm with his thumb) I'm going to be there
Me : You will? ( I looked at him and failed to hide the anxiety and also thrill) There will be my parents, Apollo are you sure?
Apollo : Are you kidding? My girlfriend is going to perform in the winter show, what kind of boyfriend am I if I'm not there supporting her? (He raised an eyebrow, smiling at me. He pointed the word boyfriend and girlfriend to make it sounded cheesy, but he said "my girlfriend" and he meant me, I couldn't help it but to swoon)
Me : (I couldn't resist his playfulness, so I kissed him on the cheek, and then whispered as playful as I could be into his left ear) You haven't actually asked me properly to be your girlfriend you know.
Apollo : I'm planning on it (he winked at me, GAH! that was not fair!) Okay, we're here.
Me : (He jumped outside his car and opened my door) It's not necessary Apollo, but what a romantic gesture Mr. Harp.
Apollo : It's what a gentleman do. (He said and kissed me on my temple) Viola?
Me : Yes?
Apollo :  I would like you to go out on a second date with me. (he said confidently)
Me : (I grinned widely, seriously could he be cuter? and hotter?)  I would love too
Apollo : Yeah? Saturday, 5 o'clock. I'll pick you up.
Me : Tell me where we will go to! (I demand)
Apollo : Curious as ever. You'll see, baby.
Me : No! Tell me now!
Apollo : Dinner. That's all I can say. Now go inside! (He pushed me away from him gently and I shook my head to stop myself from smiling too much)
Me : Fine, I'll see you around. (I winked at him playfully)
Apollo : See you around. (He smiled and looked down shaking his head in amusement)

I walked to the hall, and I reassured myself, what would happen during the rehearsal, couldn't ruin my piacevole day. 

Maestro-giocoso

Monday morning, after the silent breakfast and the awfully long trip to school I finally made it to the school lobby and walked to my locker. A small part of me wanted Apollo to wait for me beside my locker, but he was not there and a glimpse of disappointment flicked inside of me. I reached my locker, set my locker combination and opened it when a piece of paper flew out of my locker. I bent and brush my fallen strip of hair behind my ear and grabbed the folded into two piece of paper.

"Good morning, Viola"

I read it silently, but somehow his voice was reading it aloud. He was behind the locker door and I was sure he was. I closed my locker and there he was, leaning his right shoulder cooly with his arms folded.

Me : Good morning (I tried to hid my face behind the curtain of hair that fell on my right side)
Apollo: Don't hide (He pulled my hair back and I held his hand to stop him)
Me : So... What's up?
Apollo : You got rehearsal after school?
Me : Yeah, why?
Apollo : Oh (He smiled cooly, playing his game)
Me : What?  (his smile was contagious enough my lips began to wry up a smile)
Apollo : Nothing
Me : You think you're so cool don't you?
Apollo : Oh yeah.. and I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Me : Modesty becomes you, Apollo.
Apollo : I never said I was humble
Me : Too bad, I prefer humble guys better
Apollo : But.. I can be humble for you (he stood straight and winked, he pulled his backpack and walked away as I closed my locker after taking my biology and history books) See you around.

I rolled my eyes at him and he sticked his tongue out, and I didn't know why that tongue made me swoon.

Later after school Bruce dropped me to rehearsal and I swiftly ran to the stage and rehearsed with the rest of utterly monotone musicians. Mom was sitting in the middle row, examining us, well to be precise examining me. I glanced at her every time I could, checking her facial expression and her unimpressed mimic.

Mom : Stop!  (everyone stopped as soon as her voice was audible) That's enough for today. Viola you seriously need to put your head in this rehearsal.

Seriously? She couldn't talk to me in private? Everyone's eyes were staring at me, I could feel their eyes and the sneering but i didn't want to actually see it, so i looked down and packed my things when they went down and left me alone on the stage. I felt hot and my eyes were filled with tear that was going to prick down my eyes when I heard footsteps from the backstage.

Apollo : That was impressive (He startled me from behind the stage)
Me : Why are you here? How did you get in? (I said astonished)
Apollo : Pack of musicians smoke from the back of the building, I could sneak in when they got out.
Me : (I didn't want to feel awful when he was near, but damn it. I was exhausted, and he knew it)
Apollo : Don't let her words got in to your playing, Viola
Me : She's my mother, it hurts more than you think
Apollo : Play it again
Me: What?
Apollo : Play L'enfance du Christ again, and look at me.
Me : Apollo I don't feel like it, I just want to go home.
Apollo : You will, but not without a satisfied smile on your face. Come on, just 5 minutes I promise.

I played the tune again but looking at him was even worse. Every time I stung a note he smiled and when he smiled my concentration was blurred even more. I stopped, I was tired, emotionally and physically.

Apollo : Hey, why are you stopping?
Me : I'm tired (I felt like crying, big time)

Apollo stood up, he walked closer to me and took my cello and the bow and put in down on the stage, he pulled my hand slowly and lingered my fingers, slowly and warmly his long fingers were between mine. His other hand caressed my cheekbone, slowly. Exploring tenderly my jawbone and stopped when he reached my chin

Apollo : Close your eyes, and don't move.

I knew I was hesitant, though my mind couldn't think clearly because all of his recent gestures, I could feel my brows furrowed. Apollo saw it and whispered a slow  "don't worry," I relaxed, though my heart was pounding like crazy some part of me trusted him abundantly. I closed my eyes and I felt him pulling my chin so that my head was slightly tilted, then I felt his lips, soft and warm against mine. He kissed me slowly and tenderly I could combust. I felt a rush of something, something super unfamiliar my body didn't know how to response. He held my face and kissed me harder, like he was so afraid of losing something, but in the same time I knew he was trying to give me something, strength and encouragement, or more. It was like he was giving me a part of him. I moved my jelly arms and held his arched elbow. That was the only movement i could manage. I was lost in his kiss I couldn't even breath.
He pulled back and I opened my eyes, my head was spinning and I felt so different, in a good way.

Apollo : Stop playing for someone else Viola, play for yourself. Enjoy it.
Me : I have never enjoyed my playing before. (My voice sounded soft after I strived to find my equilibrium)
Apollo : Did you enjoy the kiss?
Me : (I flushed, did he really just asked that?)
Apollo : Close your eyes
Me : You want to kiss me again?
Apollo : (He chuckled, I frowned, he put his thumb to his lips to stop his laughter and his other hand support his gesture. Snobby bastard!) Yes, but not at the moment. Close your eyes and this time listen to every single note you played, enjoy it like you enjoy the kiss. (He gave me my violin and the bow)

I grabbed my cello and took a deep heavy breath. He looked at me, give me a "go on" gesture and said, "Come on, I won't leave." I closed my eyes and did what he asked. My fingers were calmer, my mind a lot more peaceful, and surprisingly, I did enjoy my playing, there were no pressure and the tune were played perfectly, no stung note nor a skipped one. For the first time, I was satisfied with how I played L'enfance du Christ. I opened my eyes, Apollo was smiling with satisfaction as well, more of a proud smile.

Apollo : Well done! (He walked toward me calmly)
Me : How did you know? (I said in admiration and disbelief)
Apollo : (He shrugged and slid both of his hands inside his trouser pockets) Instinct I guess. Come on I'll take you home.
Me : But Bruce is waiting for me
Apollo: Oh come on Viola just once? (amusement was visible in his eyes)
Me : I am already in trouble with my mother Apollo, do you want to get me killed?
Apollo : You know that's the least of all things I would want to happen to you. (His playful expression vanished and turned into a concern frown)
Me : So, let me go home with Bruce
Apollo : Tell him you're going home tomorrow with me
Me : I have rehearsal tomorrow
Apollo : I'll take you to this awful stage tomorrow and take you home the second you finished this thing.
Me : Why do you need to take me home Apollo?
Apollo : To spent every possible second with you, Viola. You know how hard it is for us to be together with your extremely tight schedule
Me : Fine, I see what I can do.
Apollo : Good

Apollo grabbed my cello case and helped me to pack things up. We walked pass the hall and was leading to the main entrance when Apollo grabbed my hand by surprise pulled me to him and planted his lips to mine.

Apollo : Be save, I'll see you tomorrow.
Me : I'm just going home Apollo, not flying across the country. Drive carefully.  (I walked to the door and opened it, Apollo was still staring at me and then shook his head and turned around)


I opened the car door and was thankful that Bruce had took mom home first. I smiled, remembering how lingering our kiss before. Maybe Apollo had not notice that it was my first kiss and how giocoso it made me feel, but I didn't want him to know that it was my first. I didn't want to be pathetic and he surely needed not to know.

Maestro - Amore.2

I climbed the stairs to my room and when I got in, I laid on my back on the bed. What a perfect day, an evening spent with Apollo Harp. I took a bath and put on my soft pink floral trim pj by Natori mom bought for me last Christmas, it was ridiculously expensive but I sleep well every time I was wearing it, kind of my lucky pj. I was still smiling blissfully like an idiot when my email pinged. I hastily ran to the computer and opened my mailbox

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com
Subject : Today
To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Was great. I had a really great time.
Looking forward for next time.
___________________________________
From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Next Time

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

I'm going to pick the next activity though.

___________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Activity

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

It's a date Ms. Hallman. 

Stop making everything sounds boring.

___________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Boring

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

I thought you like boring stuff. 

Mr. Stick-in-the-Mud? 

___________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Nickname

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

I haven't proved you my entertaining side haven't I? 

Stop calling me Mr. Stick-in-the-Mud, please.

I'm not fond of it Ms. Hallman. 

__________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Nickname

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

I'm sorry. Stop calling me Ms. Hallman.
I don't like it either. 

__________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Nickname

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Why I like it. It's sexy. 

__________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Nickname

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

You sound like my parents' employees. 

__________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Nickname

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Point noted, Viola. 

Though you have to admit it was sexy when I say it.

_________________________________

I laughed, not knowing what to reply. I thought hard about saying something smart and didn't make my self sounded so easy and cheap. I couldn't fathom what I wanted to say, it took me couple of minutes to figure what to say when Apollo emailed me again, somehow he knew I was over-thinking and he was trying to end my misery. 

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Nickname

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Relax, Viola. Say what you want to say.

I won't judge, we are fooling around here.

Tell me what's on your mind. 

_________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Sorry

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

We are. I'm just trying to say the right thing you know.

It's not easy to impress you Apollo. I don't want

to send you the wrong message or make a fool

out of my self. I just don't want things to go wrong.

_________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Issues

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Viola, you don't have to prove to me anything,

you have impressed me in everything that you do. 

You don't have to try, trust me. 

I like you for who you are.

It's not something I want to tell you over the email

but it's true, and telling it now does not make it less true.

Look, I don't care about what you wear, what you eat,

what car you drive or how many bags, shoes, or 

clothes you have. All I care is you, beneath all that shit. 

Trust me when I say this, you are more than that

and that's the reason why I think you always

take my breath away. You don't have to try, Viola.

If anything bothers you, and by anything I mean everything

that bothers you including me, you got to tell me, okay? 

You have to tell me your issues.

________________________________

Again, he made me speechless. How could I respond to his email? I was quite, again was thinking how to reply to his heartwarming email. I read it over and over to find the right things to say and every time I read it I shivered, stuck in his specific sentence, "All I care is you, beneath all that shit." I closed my eyes trying to digest each word and...

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Issues

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Say something so that I don't sound like a cheesy retard.

__________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Speechless

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Not a cheesy retard, you are unbelievable though.

I don't know how to respond, Apollo. 

_________________________________

That was all I could say to him. Nothing more, just the fact that he made me speechless. How could he do that? How can a guy as tranquil and taciturn as Apollo could make a girl swoon this hard? Moreover, how can a guy as distant, cool, quiet, handsome, dashing, and hearth-robing senior liked me? He hated being around with people, he shoved them off, so why would I make any difference? Especially when he hated my parents, it just didn't make any sense.

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Speechless

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Unbelievable how?
Tell me, Viola.
_________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Speechless

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

You liking me doesn't make any sense.

I don't understand why.

_________________________________

There, I put it short and compact. I didn't want to talk about my parents that night, I didn't want to trigger something that could ruin whatever it was going with us. It took longer for him to reply my last email, probably he was thinking about the reason, but it was fair enough. I took my laptop to the bed and leaned on my headboard that was covered with pillows and then he replied 15 minutes later when I was started to yawned frequently. I guess I was worn out, today was really fun but I had to admit learning to skate was exhausting. I couldn't sleep though, the anxiety of waiting his reply kept me awake and alarmed, though I was quite beaten. 

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Speechless

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Quite frankly, I don't know the answer to that. 

I don't know if this is the answer you're looking for

but the truth is ever since the day we chatted in the

coffee shop, you crossed my mind all the time.

If I ask you in return, why do you like me, can you answer?

________________________________

I couldn't answer that, it was too heavy. I didn't want to say it because I thought he knew exactly why, he was good, charming, nice, mysterious and he liked me, that was new. 

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Midnight Talk Show

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

I don't like you. Why? Do you think I like you?

_________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Bluffing

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

This isn't poker game, Viola. I don't believe your bluff.
I know you like me. ;)
_________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Gamble

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Game on Mr. Harp. I'm not telling.
________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Gamble

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

We're not playing this game tonight, baby. 

I'm serious. Why? 

________________________________

Baby? How could I resist? 

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : No Fair!

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Stop cheating by being so hot Apollo. 

________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : No Fair!

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Stop changing the subject then!

________________________________

I took a deep breath trying to calm my heart that was pounding really hard. Every time Apollo sent his email, my heart always did a little salsa, but this time, it was not salsa anymore, it was exotic samba.

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Raising the white flag

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

I guess it's because you are so mysterious,

unpredictable, ridiculously attractive but you

don't see it. And the fact you see me more than

what normal people see me. I'm not Viola Hallman 

to you, the famous musicians' daughter. I'm just Viola.

You genuinely want to be friends with me,

not for my money or my fame. 

You are one in a million, but you don't see it.

I want you to know that you are more too. 

That's why I like you. 

________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Turning the table

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Now you are being so hot.

________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Flattery

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Thank you for the midnight compliment, Apollo.

_________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Rest 

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Speaking of midnight, I think you need to sleep.

Today was exhausting.

_________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Rest

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Why? Are you tired? 

_________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Rest 

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

I'm not, but I know you are.

Good night, Viola

Sleep well. 

________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Rest

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

You got better things to do? 

I don't want to sleep yet.

________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Stop emailing me and go to sleep

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

There's nothing better for me to do, Viola.

I just know that you're tired.
NOW, SLEEP!

_______________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Bossy

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Okay, okay. Calm down. No need to shout.

I'll sleep.

Good night, Apollo.

Sweet dreams. 

x

_______________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Sorry

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Apology. 

Sweet dreams, baby. 

x

_______________________________

I turned off my laptop and put it beside my bed. I kept my night light on, watching it fades as my vision turned blur and I sunk into darkness. Before I was lost in the darkness, I thought about Apollo, telling him I love him, cause I could only be brave enough to say that to him in dreams and I hoped that I dream of him tonight just like I hoped he would dream of me. Dream of Amore, Apollo. 

Maestro - Amore

I told Bruce not to take me to where Apollo wanted us to meet. Instead, I ran away from the minute Mom left the house around 4 PM. I put on my dark blue skinny jeans and my denim converse, I wore my black tank top and put on a light blue denim jacket to match my Converse. Mom would kill me if she saw me in this outfit, she would lose her mind. I was glad that she didn't have to see me looking casual like this, I had to look feminine and poise all the time when she was near, well in all fairness, she would not flip if she saw me in this outfit but the Converse would kill her, definitely would kill her. I tried to look as normal as I could, nothing in my closet that didn't shout "Rich Bitch in Town," but this look would do. I walked around the block and saw Apollo's car parking below a tree in front of the address I told him to wait to.

Apollo got out of his car and leaned on his side of the car door as I approached him. He looked even more beautiful without his uniform, his white shirt was open at the collar and he wore this black cardigan that looked mui macho on him, his black slim fit jeans revealed how long and strong his legs were and his shade made his gorgeous face even more stunning and his beautiful messy hair had always captivated my eyes and made my mouth dry. He grinned at me and I smiled shyly back at him as he looked down. 

Apollo : Didn't expect that (he stared at my shoes with surprise) 

Me : Don't blame me, you didn't tell me where are we going (I pouted a bit)

Apollo : No it's fine (he laughed a bit) 

Me : Where are we going? (he opened the door for me and I scooted in, he put his hand on the door and the other hand on my seat) 

Apollo : You choose (He smiled and gracefully shut the door and went to his side and got in the car)

Me : What are the options? 

Apollo : (he smiled and started to drive, God he was so hot) So eager!

He didn't give me any options, instead he drove to the park and parked the car silently. Much that I realized, we were going to the park and that was my only option. 

Me : No offense Apollo, but I thought I have a choice. 

Apollo : You do. (He grinned again and arched an eyebrow, I couldn't see what was behind his shades, how I wished I could see his eyes)

Me : So what are the options? 

Apollo : (he sighed loudly) Well, do you want to learn skating or just walk in the park?

Me : (The images of him teaching me how to skate really was embarrassing) Uh, walk in the park sounds okay. 

Apollo : Skating it is then (he jumped off the car very quickly and I managed to follow him as fast as I could) 

Me : Hey! that's not what I choose! (I sounded like a kid that didn't get her ice cream) 

Apollo : (He smiled and opened his trunk) but I brought these! (he took a couple of skating shoes with all the wheels and straps and 2 helmets, he smiled goofily) 

Me : If I knew we are going to skate, I shouldn't bother wear my Converse (I said sourly) 

Apollo : (he bursted into laughters) I thought about that, but I wouldn't want to miss you wearing those killer Converse.

Me : It's cool isn't it? 

Apollo : Oh it's cool alright, but not cooler than these (he raised the skating shoes higher and I shook my head telling him no, he approached to me and took off his shades, he put both of his hands on my shoulders and looked at me in the eyes) it's going to be fun and fine, trust me. 

Me : You sure? 

Apollo : You are not doubting my teaching skills are you? (he smirked) 

Me : No (and it was true)

Apollo : Good!

We walked inside the park and sat on the bench, Apollo put on his shoes and so did I, he finished strapping his shoes and helped me with mine, he put all of our shoes in his lose strap backpack and then he hold my hands and helped me to stand up. 

Apollo : Okay? (I tried to find my equilibrium and prayed that I could survive this skating lesson. He took the helmet and put it on my head and smiled in amusement) God you look cute in it.

Me : (I knocked on my helmet and smiled at him) safety first!

Apollo : Ready? 

Me : You're not putting yours on? 

Apollo : Don't worry about me Ms. Hallman I'm not the newbie here.

I rolled my eyes and smiled, he took my palms and hold it firmly, I didn't have the time to gape at him skating backward because it was a constant and hard battle not to fall and not to stumble. I looked to my foot all the time and Apollo pulled me slowly and patiently guided me towards him. After what felt like ages of trying to roller-skate smoothly, Apollo finally loosen up his grip and slowly let me skate on my own. I stumbled a bit at first and he hold me every time I might fall, but after struggling so hard I finally managed to skate slowly without him holding me. 

Apollo : Doing great, Viola! (He skated beside me) 

Me : (My concentration scattered) Shh!

He laughed and hold my hand and then skated beside me as we headed to the lake. 

Apollo : Having fun? 

Me : Yeah, thank you. (I gazed to his eyes and the golden sunlight hit his eyes perfectly, it was perfectly light brown, so warm and glowing) 

Apollo : Come!

He took my hand as we skated to this street musicians and Apollo stopped to listen to them, there were 3 guys that were playing music, two of them played a guitar and the other a violin. They played this beautiful  Bruno Mars' acoustics arrangement of "When I was Your Man." It was fresh, unique and very much entertaining. When they finished, Apollo dropped some changes to their guitar case and we skated again. 

Apollo : How was that for inspiration? 

Me : Very effective, thanks again.

Apollo : You're welcome. Hungry?

Me : Starving! 

I realized I was famished after he asked me wether I was hungry or not, I sat on the bench and he sat beside me putting down his bag and changed his shoes. 

Apollo : You look a bit worn out, you can take your Converse if you want to.

Me : Okay (I unstrap my roller shoes and felt my fatigued legs finally released, then I unbuckled the helmet)

Apollo : I'll be right back.

I fetched my Converse shoes out from his bag and put it on, I put the roller shoes beside me and I scanned the park thoroughly, it was a beautiful afternoon, the lake reflected the golden sunlight, the trees were covered by yellow and red leaves that would soon to fall. I closed my eyes and breathed in all the goodness of the day and when I opened it, Apollo was bringing  two hotdogs and two cups of iced tea.

Apollo : Is hotdog good enough?
Me : Yeah thank you
Apollo : No problem (he sat on his side of the bench and sunk his teeth to his hotdog with glee) I thought you are hungry (he frowned at me while I stared at him, I raised my hotdog and took a bite as he watched) Good girl.
Me : Always am (I talked with my mouth full, God, if mom saw me like this she would pass out)
Apollo : Why are you so quite today? (his question jumped out of the blue)
Me : (I swallowed my hotdog and cleared my throat) I don't have anything to say (Duh!)
Apollo : Really? no questions? (He arched an eyebrow as if he was doubting me)
Me : Well, there are lots of questions
Apollo : So shoot
Me : I don't know where to start.
Apollo : Like everything in life, start with the basics. (He took another bite of his hotdog)
Me : Umm .. Do you have any brother or sister? (Okay that was pathetic!)
Apollo : Uh yeah I have a baby sister (he seemed a bit disappointed)
Me : Really? Is she in our school?
Apollo : No, she's um.. she's 4
Me : Oh, wow!
Apollo : She's lovely (his shy smile made me all gooey)
Me : I'd like to have a brother or sister, feels kind of lonely at home without one.
Apollo : Well, you can always play with Ari
Me : Ari?
Apollo : My baby sister Arizona
Me : Oh that's pretty, I bet you love her very much
Apollo : That's true, she's the cure of any kind of bad day you had. (He smiled dearly to the thought of his sister, my heart melted the instant he adored his little sister) My turn.
Me : What?
Apollo : What do you think about me, Ms. Hallman? (He gave me his arched eyebrow and this interviewing look)
Me : You? (He nodded cooly) Well um.. I think you're nice.
Apollo : Nice? (he scoffed and his face turned stern) I'm anything but nice, Viola. (I stared at him, this guy was completely insane, he was the nicest guy I've ever met, he bought lunch, he taught me to skate, he kept my calculator when I lost it, well he stole it, but I didn't care, he was nice) Don't stare at me like that it creeps me out. (I smirked a bit) Though I kind of like it (Dude, this guy was seriously insane, one minute he hated it, another minute he liked it)
Me : Well, I think you're just.. Mystifying
Apollo : Mystifying? (He looked surprised)
Me : First you hate something then you like it. You kept my calculator, then stole it. One minute you were cold and mysterious the next minute you were all friendly and warm, and then in a whiplash back to cold and mysterious. Now tell me how to keep up with your mood swing?
Apollo : Now that's... Wow you're very observant aren't you? (He pulled my hair behind my ear and my heart skipped a beat)
Me : (I shrugged, all I know was when it comes to Apollo, I was very very observant. His fingers brushed my ear and I didn't breath, he saw me tensed and smile warmly, somehow that smile made me even tenser)
Apollo : Breath Viola, I'm not hurting you am I? (God that smile could be the death of me! He lingered his fingers through my hair and brushed it gently and then he rested his hand on the bench and the other on his lap, I could see his muscles sculptured below his black cardigan. He didn't answer my question but at that moment I couldn't care less) I'm not going to hurt you again.
Me : Apollo?
Apollo : Yeah?
Me : (In my head the main question was shouting "does he likes me?" but I paused, cause it sounded weird) Uh.. thanks for today, it was fun though I didn't have a choice, kind of mandatory isn't it? ( I joked to ease the mood)
Apollo : (he gave me this heartwarming satisfied smile) I'm glad you like it. And yes, I like you. (somehow he managed to answer my unspoken question)
Me : How? (I frowned, perplexed by his capability of reading minds)
Apollo : You mumbled "Like me?"(he chuckled proudly)
Me : Don't get so cocky. (I flushed embarrassed by my not functioning brain-mouth filter)
Apollo : (He laughed while standing up) It's almost 6 now. Come, I'll take you home before your mother gets home.

We headed to where Apollo have parked the car and we scooted inside that car just before sunset. While we were half way to my house, L'enfance du Christ was audible from Apollo's stereo. Somehow my stomach twisted and I felt sick. I stayed quiet but Apollo saw me cringing.

Apollo : What's wrong? (even his concerned face was beautiful)
Me : Nothing (I folded my arms and pressed my stomach)

He didn't say anything after that, when we reached in front of my house it was dark and the air was colder.

Me : Thank you again for today (I smiled wryly)
Apollo : Viola, are you sure you're okay?
Me : Yeah I'm good.
Apollo : Hey, seriously you can tell me? Did I do something wrong?
Me : (I gave him a reassuring smile) No, you were really wonderful, thank you ( I gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek but he held my forearms so I couldn't move, his dark brown eyes gazed into mine and I just froze and all the worries I had vanished, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath)
Apollo : What are you doing to me?
Me : I did nothing, I just gave you a friendly kiss on the cheek
Apollo : You don't get it don't you?
Me : What?
Apollo : You know I've never been with anyone, I don't have any friends and I don't mind being alone, Heck! I love being alone, but when it comes to you.. I can't stop being near you and every time that I'm not I wanted to..
Me : (I panicked, he got this effect on me where he could make my mind went blank, the only thing that came to my mouth was) Is it a bad thing?
Apollo : (He grinned a bit) No.. I just wanted you to know that you matter to me.
Me : Apollo, that's really nice but you don't have to tell me that.
Apollo : No I wanted you to know!
Me : But I already know
Apollo : Really? (He loosen his grip on me and I gave him a fun smile, I opened the car door and jumped out of the car, Apollo followed)
Me : You know you matters to someone when they stole your stuff to get your attention.

I walked backward to the front gate and Apollo watched me with a hint of amusement, I waved a sweet goodbye and Apollo shook his head and went inside to his car when I reached the front door, I waved again and then he drove away. I smiled with glee when I opened the door and I leaned at the door feeling all of the emotions that ran through my body, happiness and warmth and Amore, definitely Amore.

Maestro - Munter

I told Bruce to went straight home, I didn't want to meet Mom and I didn't have the energy to even see her. When I reached home, Mom wasn't there and Bruce had told her I was doing my project, so that was the perfect excuse to just ditch rehearsal. I went to my room and opened my laptop. An email showed a notification and I immediately opened my mailbox.

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com
Subject : Strolls
To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Busy tomorrow?
_____________________________________


I  replied 

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com
Subject : Tomorrow
To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Got rehearsals tomorrow. Ditched one today, sorry :(

________________________________________________

I left the laptop and looked at my phone, no messages from Daisy, or mom, which is good. I felt a bit bad for Apollo, I really did want to "stroll" with him if it was what he had in mind.  A couple seconds later, my inbox pinged. 

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Weekend then? 

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Saturday good enough?

________________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Weekend

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

I think so. Why? What do you have in mind?

Are we going somewhere?

______________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Nosy

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Don't ruin the fun!

______________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : So says..

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Mr. Stick-in-the-mud

___________________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Mr. WHAT-in-the-mud?

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

That's so lame!

___________________________________________

I laughed cause he was right, it was lame but I couldn't find another name for him rather Mr. Fantastic, Mr. McDreamy, Mr. Hottyhothottie, and the list was endless. Seriously, I couldn't think of anything to tease him back. I was looking for another word in my thesaurus when Marla knocked on the door.

Marla : Ms. Hallman?
Me : Yes, Marla? (She opened the door slightly to popped her head in) 
Marla : Your mother summoned you to the dining room. 
Me : Okay Marla, thank you.
Marla : You're coming with me Ms. Hallman?
Me : In a second.

I typed another email to Apollo 

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Got to go

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Dinner with Mom, ttyl 

after that I left. 

Mom was in her blue cardigan, eating her Chicken and Rosemary dinner. Surprisingly, she was in a good mood. I sat next to her and Marla fetched me my dinner. Barely touch my food, I talked to my mother.

Me : I'm sorry i didn't come to rehearsal today

Mom : Bruce told me you had an emergency project to deal with, how was it?

Me : It was good (like really good) but it's not finished yet

Mom : Oh, when will you finished it then? You have to come to rehearsal tomorrow, I need you to practice with the band. 

Me : I know mom, is Saturday okay?

Mom : Okay darling. (she smiled at me sweetly and dearly, it was really weird with her, when she's in the performing hall, i'd believe it when Apollo said she hit him, the thought of she hit him made me shudder, she was super tough on the music business, but at home she was like an angel. I wasn't sure she was bipolar but still it was weird) 

We finished our dinner and i head back to my room and took a bath. After that I checked email again, there's something about Apollo that made emailing was cool again and somehow sweet because he didn't have my number and he didn't stalk my number either, instead he was being smart to email me because duh! our email was arranged by the school so everyone knows everyone's email, as long as they know their name. An email on my inbox was unopened. 

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Dinner

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Hope you eat your dinner

You didn't eat much lately 

Okay, maybe I was wrong, maybe he did stalk me.

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Creepy

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Why Mr. Harp 

How did you know i didn't eat much lately? 

Did you stalk me?

___________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Stalking issue

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

So I was right! Why didn't you eat normally? 

And no i didn't stalk you, it's not healthy to stalk 

_____________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Stalking issue

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

I eat normally alright! 

I eat 3 times a day, just didn't finish it

Why do you think i didn't eat normally?

____________________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Observant guy

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Well, good to hear you eat 3 times a day

Finish your meal okay? 

You look skinnier this week

and very much tired, you sleep well? 

____________________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Sleeping schedule

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Not really

Messed up sleeping schedule 

____________________________________

It was true, sometimes after rehearsal I had to finish my homework and review some subject that needed reviewing, but sometimes I woke up from nightmares and didn't sleep well. 

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Sleeping schedule

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

You really need to sleep now
I'll see you around tomorrow
Goodnight princess

______________________________

From : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Princess?

To : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Seriously? Is that your form of revenge? 

I'm not sleeping now, it's barely 8 PM 

______________________________

From : Harp_Apollo@Oakhigh.edu.com

Subject : Humorous girl

To : Hallman_Viola@Oakhigh.edu.com

You are one funny girl Ms. Hallman

You'd prefer Ms. Hallman? 

______________________________

I laughed and  knew that he laughed too, our conversation became lively again, Munter again. Though we emailed each other for like a couple of hours, I didn't sleep late that night, Apollo told me to sleep when it was 11 PM sharp, it felt like time flew so fast when I spent my time with Apollo, near or not. I slept really well that night, no dreams , just a peaceful sleep.