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. 

Maestro - Felice

Apollo took a deep breath,

Apollo : I.. I wanted to hurt you (he closed his eyes)
Me : (I looked at him perplexed, Why?)
Apollo : I was just 2 years old when my dad was left out from music business, because of your family. (He looked angry and hurt at the same time, my heart clenched and elevated to my mouth, I felt sick) Your dad took the liberty to stole my dad's composition and introduced it as his, he didn't change a single rhythm or melody, My dad was destroyed, since then my father never wanted to do with anything music related,  nobody cares about him anymore, nobody respects him anymore, he was gone and no one cared.
Me : (I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out, I was shocked)
Apollo : And then a couple of years later, my mom secretly paid violin tuition for me, unfortunately my teacher was your mom, I still remember the sting from her whack every time I missed or stung a note. ( He looked as if he was in pain. No! I screamed inwardly) My mom knew about it 3 months later and she told me to quit the tutor. I was so mad with your parents, they destroyed my dad, they destroyed me. I wanted to get even with them, I wanted to destroy them, by hurting you. (He looked at me deep and weak)
Me : (I wanted to cry, by I maintained my composure by taking couple of deep breaths)
Apollo : At first I thought it was going to be easy, but.. I get to know you.. And I felt stupid.. I thought that I could, and I tried so hard.. but I just can't..
Me : (I was still and quite, I wanted to say something, nothing came out of my mouth though)
Apollo : Say something?
Me : I.. I'm.. I'm sorry (My voice was barely audible)
Apollo : (His face softened,  he smiled weakly) Why are you sorry?
Me : For everything my parents ever did to you, I'm so sorry. (My voice cracked, I nearly broke into tears)
Apollo : Hey, (He moved forward and caressed gently my cheeks) You are not your parents, you clarified that when we were at the coffee shop. (He smiled reassuring me and I melted and the unbearable tears fell softly)
Me : But you did hurt me (Suddenly I became so angry)
Apollo : (He crossed his arms and looked down disappointed) I know, I'm sorry.
Me : Was Kim a part of your scheme?
Apollo : No! I don't even like her. Why? You're jealous? (His mood changed into amusement in a second)
Me : (I flushed scarlet) I just think toying with girls' feelings isn't nice.
Apollo : I was not playing with girls' feelings! (He sounded offended)
Me : You played with mine! (There I said it!)
Apollo : I didn't even started yet! I didn't know how to hurt you, I just thought that ignoring you would help me to hurt you. (He said matter of fact)
Me : It worked (I shrug)
Apollo : I didn't mean to, well at first yes I did, but ignoring you was not the plan. It was just my way to clear my head. It was hard for me too you know.
Me : (I stared at him, admiring him, his beauty, his charm, his sincereness, his present, I missed him)
Apollo : So, (He took his iPod from his pocket and put it on the speaker, a slow song started to play and he gave his hand to me) May I?
Me : You're asking me to dance?
Apollo : (He grabbed me closer so my body was against his, I could feel his muscular torso and arms) Oh.. Why not? (He smiled, he swayed me smoothly and spun me and dipped me then pulled me back again.) Feeling better?
Me : Hmm..
Apollo : You're such a lovely dancer
Me : Back at you (He spun me slowly again)
Apollo : So, how's the rehearsals? Are you ready for the performance?
Me : Crap! I'm late for rehearsal! (I'm totally late! Mom would kill me!)
Apollo : Should I take you there?
Me : No, Bruce will take me there (I hastily went to the door)
Apollo : Viola
Me : Yeah?
Apollo : Do you want your calculator or not? (he smiled cheekily)
Me : (I smiled) Keep it, give me a reason to look for you tomorrow
Apollo : (He grinned, his schoolboy smile was so dreamy) See you around, Ms. Hallman
Me : See you, Mr. Harp (I winked at him, surprised him)

Bruce was outside the car when I walked to the car, he was talking to the phone and  I listened tentatively to what he was saying. When he hung up,

Me : Was that mom? (I asked tentatively)
Bruce : Yes, Ms. Hallman. She was asking where were you she couldn't reach your cellphone. (I opened my Tori Burch and checked my phone, 7 missed calls, 3 messages.) I told her you were doing a special science project, urgent one.
Me : Good save Bruce, Thank you.

Bruce nodded, he was a magnificent man, always taking care of me. I scooted in the car and relaxed for the first time after weeks of troubled mind. I felt felice for the first time after gloomy weeks. I smiled and closed my eyes peacefully, I thought of Apollo and our dance. I opened my eyes and gaze through the car window, Apollo's confession about his dad and my mom and dad really bothered me. Is it true? Daddy stole Apollo Dad's composition? And did mom really taught Apollo with violence?

Maestro - Triste

I stopped eating, my appetite vanished, 

Daisy : Vi, what's wrong? rotten burger?

Me : I lost my appetite

Daisy : You haven't eat for a week, Vi! You'll get sick!

Me : I eat alright, I eat everyday, just not as much as usual. I don't feel like eating. (I pointed with my head to Apollo and Kim behind her)

Daisy : That son of a bi..

Me : Daze! (I cutted her before she could curse out loud)

Daisy : Vi, you seriously need to eat. Don't let him make you like this pathetic.

Me : I eat Daze, I do, and I'm not pathetic..

Daisy : Prove it! 

I bit my burger again, though it was tasteless after what I saw. I didn't want to think about it much, I just  need to finish my meal and get away from Daisy. I finished the tasteless veggie burger and hurriedly clean up and went for History class. Could the day got any longer?

**

The Mercedes-benz honked twice, Bruce arrived and was ready to pick me up to rehearsal. I scooted inside the car and lied back, I brought my cello case and the sheets. I thought about Apollo's behavior while resting my head back, I figured out why he didn't want to talk to me, it was because he had a girlfriend. Of course! Silly me, that was why there were no girls that talk much about him, he was taken by Kim Johnson, though I didn't knew the rumor or any gossip for that matter, but then again, it made sense, he didn't like publicity, he didn't want to be "revealed", and he probably asked Kim to kept it low. My heart cracked, it was agonizing painful to fell for someone who actually was in love with someone else, even worse that I fell for someone who played and toyed my heart.

The journey to rehearsal hall was short, I carried the cello bag out of the car and wave shortly to Bruce, he smiled. I went inside the hall and saw mom and her crew preparing some lighting sequence. She saw me coming

Mom : Good! You're here darling, come to the stage and start practicing. 

Me : (I nodded and comply with the order) 

I opened the cello case, and was ready to play. I fetched the sheets and played, note by note. In the middle of the peace, I stunk a note but I didn't stop playing.  Mom was well aware of that and gave me an icy stare and I cringed. It had been a week of full practice, and mom had never once said that I played good enough, she just complained. It was exhausting playing cello for my mom and dad, they did have high expectations, too high, sometimes I thought that their expectations have no limits.

Mom : The way you play sounded like you never practice!

Her words stabbed me hard. Seriously, could this day got any worse? I was here everyday after school till night mom, I'm tired! I pouted and played the music again. 

**

Apollo passed me down the hallway, it was the third time he looked at me and smiled after I saw him with Kim. I looked down down immediately, I didn't want to fall to the same old game he was playing.

The last period was Physics, so I went to my locker to prepare my books.

Daisy : Vi!  (She showed up behind my back when I was taking books from the locker)

Me : Sup, Daze?

Daisy : Can I borrow your calculator? Mine is dead, the battery ran out I guess. I need for calc. 

Me : Sure (I opened my Tory Burch, no calculator inside) wait a moment. I searched my locker, no calculator there too)

Daisy : Maybe you left it somewhere? 

Me : I use calculator for physics only, maybe I left it there again.

Daisy : Oh, too bad. I should borrow Josh's. See you later? 

Me : Yeah. (I needed to find calculator)

The bell rang and I went to physics class. Mrs. Garcia was explaining about the last subchapter about fluid and it was time for pop-quiz. She handed the quiz sheets herself, Apollo was absent then. I didn't noticed Apollo was beside me 15 minutes later when he scoffed a cough and smiled, amused, probably laughing inside because I was calculating the answer without my calculator. It was harder but I didn't care, all I needed to do was finishing my quiz and get the hell away from him, and oh, find my calculator. He walked away and headed to Mrs. Garcia's table, he talked to her and left the class. Good! 

Mrs. Garcia : Times up! Everyone, please submit your papers and you may leave the class.

The class moved forward to her table and submitted the paper. I was the last because I needed more time to calculate the answer.

Mrs. Garcia : You lost your calculator didn't you Ms. Hallman?
Me : I'm sorry (I apologized), I think I left it here somewhere.

Mrs. Garcia : Mmm.. it's not here, perhaps the lab storeroom? Our lab assistant might located it there. (Who the hell is our lab assistant? Apollo?and where is the lab storeroom?)
Me : Oh, Where is that Mrs. Garcia.
Mrs. Garcia : It's behind the janitor room, to the left (She smiled as if she's hiding something)
Me : Oh, thanks Mrs. Garcia
Mrs. Garcia : Good luck Ms. Hallman.

Wait! The room behind janitor room? It was where I met Apollo for the first time. I remembered the day  when Music room was crowded by the band and kids banging on the wall and the only room I could find peace was the old abandoned room beside the janitor room. I exited the class and headed to the lab storeroom. I stood up in front of the door noticing the door was open, I peeked my head inside.

Holy! The room was lighted with scented-candles inside half-filled beaker glasses. It was gorgeous and beautiful, and the room smelled so good, lavender I think. I entered the storeroom, too busy studying the atmosphere.

Apollo : You're early (He startled me from the back, typical Apollo)
Me : (I gasped) I'm sorry, I didn't mean to barged in (My mind automatically thought that he was going on a date with Kim in this room) I was looking for..
Apollo : For your calculator, I know (he cut me, how rude!)
Me : Well? (He knew, so where was it? I knew he kept it.)

Apollo : I'm not going to give it to you, Ms. Hallman, you seriously need to be responsible for your belongings.
Me : (Okay, he drove me mad, I was trying to manage my anger) I will, but please, give it back to me, I need it. (my voice was stern, mad)
Apollo : I will, but you have to do me a favor. (his face was serious, demanding but still relax, all I could think of was how mad I was with him)

Me : What! (I snapped)
Apollo : You have to answer my questions first (he went inside and closed the door then he slid his hands into his trousers pocket cooly)
Me : Apollo, I don't have time for this game, I want to go home! (I had to practice!) Please give me back my calculator and I'll be gone and your date would be smooth. (I practically shouted at him)
Apollo : First of all, I don't appreciate you calling me by my first name in school.  (He looked down shyly, and a hint of smile was visible on his not-Apollo-like expression). Second, there's no date if you are gone.( I was perplexed, what? His second sentence was hard to process)
Me : What?
Apollo : (he raised his head to the right and suppressed his smile, he was amused. He walked to an old wooden drawer and sat on it, arm crossed) Look, you didn't lost your calculator, I took it from your desk the other day when you were doing an experiment with Daisy. I'm sorry.
Me :You stole it.
Apollo : I'm really sorry, I just want you to come find me.
Me : Why?
Apollo : I want to explain something to you.
Me : (I rolled my eyes, here we go again.)
Apollo : This is serious. (He looked defeated, he scan the room thoroughly, his face showed that he was wounded, by what I didn't know)

Apollo, what's wrong? He looked triste, assai triste. All my anger had changed into worry. What is it that made you this sad? I looked at him, walking closer to him as he looked down again, he didn't move. He sat still, arm still crossed. I looked at his wounded gorgeous face, he was thinking, or remembering something. Apollo?

Maestro - Dolente

I left physics lab hastily, I couldn't bare looking at him. It was crucially tormenting to be in the same room with him knowing nothing what was going on. I went to my locker when my phone buzzed, it was time for me to practice. I exhaled loudly and grabbed my cello case. I headed to the music room, incidentally when I was passing Physics lab, Apollo was heading out. I turned my face so I didn't have to look at him. I passed him and I felt like that he was watching me, but I didn't turn to check. I looked at my foot instead and kept on walking to the music room.

I opened the case, fetched L'enfance du Christ sheets. I played the tune softly, reading each note one by one. The time I started to fluently played the piece, the song got sadder and sadder. I remembered Apollo's compliment and our merriment moments yesterday. Was he playing me the whole time? Am I that clueless? I stopped playing and laid my head down. I tried to hold back the tears that started to cloud my eyes. Why am I such a fool? I shook my head to get rid of such depressing questions and took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and cleared my throat and I played again.

Bruce picked me up right after school, and  I was glad that he did, so that I didn't have to meet Mr. s-Harp in the parking lot. I looked at my fingers for a moment when Bruce startled me,

Bruce : Ms. Hallman?
Me : What Bruce?
Bruce : (he paused, hesitated to ask) Do you want me to stop and buy you Hagen-Dasz?
Me : (I smiled, did I mention Bruce was driving me around since I was three? He knew me well, and I believed that he noticed that I was in a bad mood) No, thank you Bruce. (Cookies and Cream would be nice, but I just didn't feel like it, I just wanted to cry).
Bruce : Not even a good old Cookies and Cream?
Me : No, I'm good. ( I smiled weakly).
Bruce : You let me know Ms. Viola. (it had been years since Bruce called me Viola, he started to call me Ms. Hallman ever since my 10th birthday)
Me : Okay.

I rested my head on the car seat, I felt so weak, so drained. I was sad, like very sad.

***

It had been a week since Apollo and I talked. I still met him in Physics class, but I was no longer hoping for him to call me. He turned his face away every time we crossed each other and I just looked down.
I sat on one of the bench in the cafeteria, staring at my food helplessly. Daisy sat across the table,

Daisy : Vi, are you going to stare at your food all day?
Me : I don't feel like eating.
Daisy : C'mon Vi.. We've been best friends since 3rd grade, and you haven't told me what's going on with you lately. Vi, what's wrong? (she sounded genuinely concerned)
Me : I don't know Daze, I just feel so.. vacant
Daisy: Is it to do with your grades?
Me : No, Daze.
Daisy : Boys perhaps?
Me : (I shook my head microscopically)
Daisy : Apollo Harp?
Me : (I shook my head microscopically again, feeling so powerless)
Daisy : What did that jackass do? (she became bitter to Apollo, supportive Daisy)
Me : He did nothing, it was my fault. (Daisy was staring at me, eager for information) He was just being nice and I.. I was a fool to believe that it meant more. ( I said heavily)
Daisy : Oh, Vi, honey. I'm so sorry. (she said sympathetically)
Me : No, that's okay.
Daisy : We need to find you another guy, stat!
Me : (I scoffed a bit) I'll be okay, Daze.
Daisy : I'm here for you Vi, don't hesitate to tell me anything, ever. (she smiled kindly)

I smiled back, Daisy was a great friend. Supportive, caring, a dear friend, but she handles this kind of gloom differently, and I was not in the mood to joke around and cheer myself up like the way she did. One time she was dumped by Greg Doe, her first boyfriend, she was heartbroken and I invited her for a sleepover at my house, you know so she didn't have to feel alone. But she declined and insisted that I should go to this party on that weekend at Grace Fisher's house and hang with guys there. She knew that Greg Doe would be there, and she planned on making him jealous, which worked, Greg Doe asked her to get back with him, and she sloshed punch to his face. She was the hardcore kind of gal. The memory made me smile.

 Daisy : What? (she saw me smirking)
Me : remembering Greg Doe's incident, you know "Punch in the face" (I giggled)
Daisy : Shut up! (she smiled) eat up!

I smiled, even when she was not trying, Daisy could still make me smile. I looked at my veggie burger and took a bite. hmm! tasty. I chewed it slowly and looked at Daisy's satisfied smile. I smiled back, then my eyes saw something. Just 4 tables behind Daisy, there he sat with Kim Jenkins, both of them were turning book pages, looked like they were studying. She seemed overly friendly with him, you know elbowing him and twirling her hair with a pencil. My heart clenched again, feeling even more dolente.

Maestro - Calando

I went home that day with a huge smile on my face. Apollo knew how to make my day. I rest my head on the car seat, my oh my Apollo Harp. I closed my eyes and I remembered the memory of him saying "See you around." He was so formal sometimes, and his mood could change in a blink of an eye, man he was unpredictable.

Bruce took me home and brought my bags and gave it to Marla. They smiled politely to each other, and if I was so clueless, I would stare at them all day, but I knew they were secretly flirting with each other, and I didn't see why not, they were both single and available. I smiled and ran up the stairs to my bedroom, I slammed myself to the bed and breathed, what to do, what to do?

Marla knocked on the door, startling me from the brief rest,

Marla : Ms. Hallman, Your mother asks for you
Me : I'll be right there.
Marla : Yes, Ms. Hallman.

I stood up and checked myself on the mirror of my make up desk. My hair laid sleek and neat on each side. I need to tie it tomorrow! I said to myself. I combed it roughly with my hands and tapped hastily my skirt and shirt. I pulled my socks up and I was ready to meet my mother.
I knocked her bedroom door,

Me: Mother!
Mom : Viola, Darling, come in I'm in the shoe closet (yes, my parents' room was gigantic and full of closets)
Me: You called?
Mom : Yes, I need your presence tomorrow, we're going to practice for the winter performance
Me : Mom, I..
Mom : No Mom, I.. I don't want to hear any arguments!
Me  But, Mom!
Mom : Listen Viola, I don't want to hear it. You are going to play the Cello at the winter performance wether you like it or not.
Me : Yes, Mother.

My heart leaped to my mouth, I wanted to cry but I couldn't. I just didn't want to do it. I enjoyed playing the cello, but in front of a lot of people? The winter performance was the biggest performance of the year and it was highly anticipated. The mayor would be there, the city council, basically everyone in town. Crap! I just didn't want to.

I ran to my room and buried my face to pile of pillows on my bed, sniffling soft sobs. I turned to my back and remembered Apollo saying that I played beautifully. Apollo, why are you so nice?

***

A soft demanding voice scolded me behind the darkness, "Again!" he whacked my fingers with a long stick. I trembled while playing my Cello, I was blinded, the room was pitch black and I couldn't see a thing. All I could feel is my Cello bow, my cello, and the pain in my fingers. I stunk a note again, he was whacking my fingers harder "Again!" he shouted. I almost cry this time.  I never got hit by my teacher before, I never got this kind of treatment. I played the Cello again, I stunk the same note again and this time I felt my chin grabbed by strong able hands and it pulled my face so I stared up. Intense eyes were gazing at me indignantly, and I recognized it. It was golden brown sparkling eyes. Apollo's eyes.

I woke up breathing erratically, Geez. Why would Apollo taught me Cello? And why would he hit me?  I grabbed the alarm next to my bed, it was 3.30 am.  I closed my eyes and shook my head. Sleep Vi! Sleep! I tried to sleep again, but I couldn't. I was scared to go back to sleep.

***
I walked to my locker and opened it, secretly hoping that Apollo startled me again from behind. I grabbed my books and closed my locker, but nobody called. I gazed through the throng of people, no signs of Apollo.

I strolled to Physics class and a sudden tug from behind surprised me, Apollo! I turned around, smiling hopefully to see Apollo.

Daisy : Vi! Where have you been?
Me : Daisy! (speechless, utterly disappointed too)
Daisy : Come on! let's go to class!

We entered Mrs. Garcia's class, and there he was, leaning cooly on the wall gazing through the students passing him. His eyes were sharp and observant, I smiled at him, but he didn't smile back, instead he was staring at my impassively. His expression was unreadable. The bell rang and he closed the door. He sat down on the desk beside Mrs. Garcia's desk and watched Mrs. Garcia while I was completely distracted by his presence.

Mrs Garcia : Mr, Harp, could you please distributed the apparatus?

He stood up and grabbed the trays of apparatus. He reached my desk and Daisy's (we were partners).

Me : Hi, (I whispered slowly)
Apollo : (He looked at me, saying nothing, just staring, his face was stern and rigid)

My heart sunk into the deep blue ocean, he acted as if he didn't know me, at all. He ignored me, he ignored every bit of me. My heart went Calando, dying and fading away. How could he do this to me? How could he brought my hopes up and crushed it in a blip of second. What did I do? Have I done something wrong? Apollo??

Maestro-Slur

I gaped at him for awhile, I breathed and acted as cool as I could be, this was a huge change, he called me by my first name, he bought me coffee, he complimented me, he flirted with me (maybe not, I was clueless about his moves).

Me : Are you playing with me? (Geez, where did that courage come form?)
Apollo : I don't understand what do you mean? (he looked genuinely lost)

I shook my head, a rush of fear ran through my body. Please don't play with me! Please don't toy my feelings! I'm not that experienced!

Me : Can I ask another question?
Apollo : (amused) you are asking me a question Viola, (he paused and cleaned his full of cookie crumble mouth with his thumb) what is it?
Me : Are you always socially concealed?
Apollo: Yes, I like it that way, why?
Me : (oh!) just curious, you seemed to have a lot of fans though.
Apollo: Based on what evidence Ms. Hallman? (he leaned forward and placed both of his elbow on the table, crossing his fingers together, interviewing)
Me : Well (I gulped, and I sensed that he noticed my gulp, he smiled sweetly, acting innocent though he knew he was making me nervous) I noticed that every time you walk down the hall, lots of girls stare at you, but you rarely show yourself, and your name is foreign to lots of students. I just wondered why is that?
Apollo : Quite an observation you have there, Ms. Hallman.
Me : (I flushed, speechless)
Apollo : The answer to your question is because I like being concealed, I like to be alone and unknown. I am not a good people person so I remain silent and so far I enjoy it. I think you know how I feel about that. (he raised an eyebrow)
Me : Yeah, fame isn't my thing either. My mom and dad are famous for what they've done and fame is a privilege that I'm not quite fond of.
Apollo : Really? You're not fond of fame?
Me : I don't hate it,  but I don't love it either. It's just that i want to be recognized for something I did, not because of what my parents do or done.
Apollo :  I see ( he leaned back, crossing his arms this time and he looked surprised)
Me : What?
Apollo : Nothing (he shook his head) You surprised me that's all (he stared to my eyes intensely)
Me : Thank you, i guess. (I looked away to my coffee mug, holding it with both of my hands)
Apollo : What do you want to be recognized for?
Me : I don't know, anything. (Why are you so interested?) Probably related with music, or science. Whichever is fine.
Apollo : Science? (Interested)
Me : Astronomy (I admitted), I'd like to discover more about what's outside Earth, if that's possible.
Apollo : Anything is possible, Viola.
Me : How about you? (enough about me!)
Apollo : What I wanted to do?
Me : (I nodded)
Apollo : I don't know. I haven't got the inspiration. I used to dream of becoming an engineer or running a corporation or maybe ... (he paused, bothered by a memory)
Me : Used to? Not anymore? (trying to distract him)

He shook his head, his face was impassive. He seemed lost, how I wished that he was motivated. He turned his face and gazed through the window. He was thinking about something, I thought he was thinking about his past. I was feeling very awkward, he realized that I was uncomfortable with the silent, it was not the silence that bothered me really, it was more bothering for me to stare at him all the time. I just didn't want to make myself gaped at him in awe because of his physically attractive self.

Apollo : Why do you like to look down?
Me : (I wanted to stare at you, but I shouldn't) I was checking my phone ( I made an excuse)
Apollo : Your mother's looking for you?
Me : No, I was just checking for messages. (I smiled politely), it has been half an hour, don't you want to go home?
Apollo : and what? leave you alone? (he sounded like he was with me because it was "the gentleman thing to do")
Me : You don't have to stay if you don't want to (I said sourly)
Apollo : (smirked, amused) Are you telling me to go?
Me : No, I just don't want to keep you here when you have some other things to do, I"ll be fine.
Apollo : Why Miss Hallman, I like to keep you accompany, you mind?

I could not hide my smile, I shook my head, giving him a "No, I don't mind" shake. He was so kind and warm, he tried to make me comfortable, he was asking me questions, joking around, and we laughed together frequently.

Apollo : (his laugh was voluming down) So, what do you think of Mrs. Garcia?
Me : Oh! She's an amazing woman, but she teaches like the stream, she just don't stop to breath. She slurred all the way until the bell rings.
Apollo : She does!(he agreed) One time, she was so excited to teach us about vectors and she was explaining it thoroughly fast and without pause, at the end of the class, the class was eye-wide all gaping at her as she found herself breathing rapidly. (He laughed)
Me : (I giggled) She did?
Apollo : Yeah! She sat down all exhausted and said, "I need to sit down" (He gave me the school-boy grin)
Me : She is awesome though.
Apollo : She is. (agreeing)

We talked about teachers, friends, dreams, and lots of stuff. The conversation went on and on. We were laughing, and then all serious, then laughing again. Apollo was curious and a very good listener, I never felt so comfortable talking to someone else about my thoughts and opinions, but with Apollo, I felt free. Time flew so fast with him.

A white Mercedes-benz parked outside the window.

Me : That's my queue ( I grabbed my Tory Burch, stood up slowly)
Apollo : (He took a strap of his Oakley, stood up slowly, reflecting me) It was great chatting with you Ms. Hallman. (Guh! He was back to formality)
Me : hmm ( I smiled, agreeing) likewise. Thank you for the coffee.
Apollo : You're welcome (He led me to the door and opened it for me) After you.

I passed him and smiled.

Apollo : See you around, (He smiled, he fisted his knuckles, and aim at my shoulder, but he hastily cancel his intention and gave me his hand to shake)

I took his hand hesitantly and shook it formally. Even in the brief handshake Apollo's charm was all over me. His polite smile and his slightly rough man hand caress my unexperienced heart softly. I turned around and headed to the car and went inside. He watched me intensively until the car drove away.

Maestro-Volante

I went to the music room, trying to find peace, luckily the room was unoccupied and students were all busy, so I had the room for myself, and when I found peace, I opened my cello case and went through some music sheets. Lots to play, the  L'enfance du Christ title popped, I remembered mom wanted me to play this piece, but I was just not in the mood, i didn't want to. I shuffled the sheets and found Canon in D by Pachelbel, classic tune. It was the lightest sheets I had so I decided to play that tune. It was simple, elegant, romantic, and very much soothing. 

After awhile, I packed my cello, get out of music room and walked back to class. History was interesting, it was shocking but i was really motivated, i took notes and managed to listen to every detail Mr. Dolton said. I was startled when the bell rang loudly, time flew to fast. I grabbed my Tory Burch backpack and headed to the parking lot. I searched for Bruce, but he didn't showed, I searched for the white Mercedes-benz, No, it wasn't there.. I waited, I sat on the bench and gazed the parking lot, looking at cars that passed by, 5 minutes.. 10 minutes.. 15.. 20.. 25..30.. 


Me : Hey Bruce, where are you? 
Bruce : Miss Hallman, Mrs. Hallman appointed me to Brooklyn to get some paperwork signed, do you want me to pick you up now? 
Me : Brooklyn? 
Bruce : Yes Miss Hallman, Brooklyn. Do you want me to send Sam to you?
Me: Umm..(Sam was Dad's chauffeur and dad was always with Sam for a couple weeks since he was busy with concerts rehearsals) That's okay, I'll wait for you. Could you pick me up at the coffee shop across the school?
Bruce : Certainly, Miss Hallman, I'll be there as soon as possible
Me : Thanks Bruce. 

I hung up the phone, then suddenly a familiar low voice called from behind.

Apollo : Miss Hallman, you're still hear? (his voice was surprised) 
Me : Yeah (I was surprised myself, he bumped into me 3 times today) 
Apollo : You want a ride? I'd be happy to take you home.
Me : No thank you, I'm going to get myself some coffee.

he smiled and looked down, he was quiet and i realized he was waiting for my invitation

Me : Do you want to join me? (I asked valiantly) 
Apollo : (he gave me I-thought-you-never-ask stare and smiled, there was a brief pause and my heart skipped a beat) Of course (he said, finally!)

He walked beside me, saying nothing. It was agonizing, the silent made it very tense and awkward between us though he seemed to be absolutely oblivious about it. 

We entered the coffee shop, he opened the door and held it to let me in, I walked to the cashier and ordered one hot skinny mocha,

Me : What do you want to drink? 
Apollo : I'll have an iced expresso, and a chocolate chip cookie, please
Waiter: that'd be $16.40. 

Apollo handed $20 before I opened my wallet, I stare at him, it was ME who asked him to join ME for a cup of coffee, yet it was HIM who paid for both of us. 

Apollo : What? (he raised and eyebrow, puzzled by my expression) 
Me : I was supposed to treat you the coffee, not the opposite
Apollo : (he had this huge warm grin on his face, so gratifying) it's what gentleman do 

My heart was going to explode, why does little things he did was so... overwhelmingly impressive. i flushed and shook my head

Me: Thank you (i whisper) 
Apollo : You're very welcome 

I sat and stare through the window, Apollo joined me with a plate of Chocolate Chip Cookie and our coffee. 

Apollo : So, Ms Hallman, when do you suggest I come to enjoy your performance? (He asked with a hint of amusement on his face) 
Me : (Geez, is he serious? I shook my heada) Maybe, never? I don't think my performance is enjoyable.
Apollo : You played beautifully, Viola. (His face turned serious)
Me : (Shit! it was like Deja vu!) You called me Viola? 
Apollo : (He narrowed his eyebrows) it is your name right? 
Me : yes, (I breathed)..
Apollo : Is something wrong? 
Me : No. (no, i was just remembering my dream! I gazed through the window) 
Apollo: You skate? (He asked when i saw a bunch of roller derby girls skated by the window) 
Me : No, i don't skate.
Apollo : why? 
Me : I can't (I flushed) I'm utterly uncoordinated.
Apollo : Well, I am an excellent skater, i could teach you. (he grinned, proud. So superb physics lover and an excellent skater huh?)
Me : I don't think so.
Apollo: You don't think I'm an excellent skater or teacher? 
Me : No (i giggled) i think you'll be an excellent teacher and skater of course, I'm more concern that I'm not going to be a good student, and I'll have a problem with that. 
Apollo : (he shook his head and smirked) High Achievement Syndrome huh? 
Me : (nodded) 

He sipped his coffee with a straw he held and his other hand on the cookie, he looked famished. I enjoyed the view of this drop-dead gorgeous boy in front of me. His spiky dark blonde hair all neat and clean, his jaw line hardened as he chewed the cookie, his eyes were flaming with hunger boy he loved his cookie. The school uniform suited him well, the soft blue collar, and the dark blue tie neatly hanging from his neck. He realized i was watching.

Apollo : Want some? (feeling guilty that he didn't offer me some before he ate half of it) 
Me : No (i smiled) I'm not hungry
Apollo : why are you staring? 
Me : Nothing (I can't hide my smile) 
Apollo : Do i amused you?
Me : a bit, you eat funny (I realized his mouth was full while he was talking) 
Apollo : Glad you find it funny. (He chewed and swallow) I'm starving.
Me : Help yourself, you look like you are. 
Apollo : (chuckles) You're weird you know. (he raised an eyebrow, GAH that eyebrow) 
Me : Me? Weird? I think you're weird? 
Apollo : how? (he looked perplexed)
Me : Well, you were all cool and taciturn yesterday, today you were carefree and warm.
Apollo : Huh!? (He was surprised by my answer) I guess you have something to do with it. (he smiled at me sincerely) 

My heart went Volante, flying swiftly with the mild August breeze. Apollo Harp was swooning me. Though my heart was all levitating, my mind tried to stay calm, keep it under control. I have to be cool, i didn't want him to think I'm easy to get. Come back to Earth Vi!