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Chapter 143: Music Speaks in Images

Eve's prediction came true.

But, at least, it was the front row on the second level. It gave a better view than the back one below in her opinion. She sat on Andie's left while Jarrett occupied the other side. 

The auditorium buzzed with soft chatter.

It had a rectangular shape where the stage and the doors signified both long ends. Red chairs lined up in rows, divided into columns by four stairwells. The floorboards had a golden sheen to them. The ceilings also had the same aesthetic. 

Long and wide curtains covered the stage.

"Can you see mom and Gin?" Andie whispered to her companions. The pair had entered the venue five minutes before them. She'd feel more assured in knowing where they were. 

Jarrett pointed towards the right side of the auditorium. "Is it just me or is the guy who just stood up Gin?"

A head full of rusty brown hair surfaced above the seated audience. He squeezed himself towards the stairway aisle. His companion placed a bag on his empty chair, preventing anyone from mistaking that it was a free seat.

Andie clutched the armrests and half rose off her chair. "What thehow could he leave mom?!"

"Relax," Jarrett coaxed, pulling her back. He understood her concern but there was no need to overreact. "He must be going to the restroom. Give him 5 minutes."

Eve observed the surroundings quietly. She could hardly believe almost 2 months passed since the twins started their lessons. She hadn't heard them play once since the day they enrolled. What kind of piece did they pick?

Her gaze lingered on the stage curtains.

Excitement brimmed beneath her skin.

She could almost see them. They probably picked matching outfits too. Her phone was on full battery. There was no way for her to miss recording the performance. She glimpsed the battery icon just to check.

Nothing new had appeared.

Not that she expected any to.

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At the front, the first five rows had been reserved for the teachers and VIP guests. A few chairs remained empty while the rest waited for their arrival. Most of the faculty spent the time discussing their pupils and their progress.

Whichever display received the loudest cheers had bragging right until the next recital.

There was still about a quarter of an hour left before the show started.

Ambryan pulled down the seat cushion for his mother. He let her have the one beside the aisle. Between the two of them, his mother was most likely to get up and leave. "I don't understand why you didn't bring father with you instead."

For today, he wore a black bowtie along with a black and white suit. His hair had been gelled in a refined pushed-back look. He had stolen glances when he walked. This happened without his awareness. 

Only Avery saw the series of reactions.

She didn't lose though. Her hair was up in a high ponytail of ringlets. It easily caught anyone's attention. Her choice of clothing elongated her frame, resembling a model on a runway. She may not have the same youthful beauty as women half her ageor Madisonbut she did projected it as best as she could.

"Your father has tastes but he dislikes classical music," Avery explained, taking her seat. "He insists on coming but he always falls asleep. I'd rather have someone who appreciates the arts like you."

"Guess we know where I got that from."

She chuckled and patted his arm. "It's also been a while since we bonded by ourselves. Would you mind telling me about Evangeline? You haven't seen each other since we all went out, right? Is something the matter?"

"There's nothing to tell," Ambryan denied. A brief flashback flickered in his head. A forgotten song filled his ears, playing over and over again. He suppressed both the memory and the song. 

This wasn't the time to be thinking about them.

"Something is clearly up," his mother insisted. A scowl folded between her brows. "I had seen the time of your online activities. Your replies are irregular compared to last month. I don't want this to be the reason why you'd break up. After all, you should learn to divide your time."

"We're busy people." Ambryan leaned back. His tone edged a little, a sign of irritation. "We had agreed that messages may be delayed during business hours. I'd appreciate it if you don't snoop too much." 

Avery opened her mouth.

Then, she closed it.

It wasn't like she could force it out of him. He was a grown man, fully capable of making his own decisions. Eve was also a level-headed person. There shouldn't be anything to worry about. One of them would come to her if it was serious.

Other than that, they should be able to resolve whatever they had going on. 

"Fine, don't tell me," Avery huffed, surrendering to his wishes. She retracted her hand and propped her shoulder blades on the backrest. But your 2nd monthsary is coming up so do remember to celebrate it in person." 

Ambryan chose not to reply.

He and Evangeline had yet to talk about it. Was this going to last for 9 months? Should they really spend that much time in public? Maybe they should review their terms. Schedule their public appearances ahead of time. 

And for his mother's sake, appoint a time they'd talk in the app.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will begin momentarily," an announcer said through the speakers. "Filming will be allowed but please turn off any device lights. There is a designated area near the stage to not disturb other viewers. You will be called by an usher once it's near your turn. Please stay silent while the performance is ongoing. Only clap once the student has finished their turn. Thank you."

Avery scanned the crowd, looking for the person that invited her. They hadn't seen each other in years. She couldn't possibly turn down the invitation. She had also brought her son with her and hoped that Mila would forgive her for not coming to visit sooner.

And to maybe test if Ambryan's approach towards women had changed.

The lights slowly dimmed as the first performance drew closer. Audience members lowered the volume of their voices. Guardians for the next 10 performers on the designated chairs. They were lower than the others so the disruption would only be minimal.

Mila stood offstage, a lectern in front of her. The list of performers sat on top of it. 

She could see the viewers through a small window. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon," she greeted. The mic picked up her voice and wrapped around the auditorium. "We are pleased to welcome you to the Magical Symphony's Summer Recital of 20XX. Let's give a warm of applause to our first actMr. Oz Bourne."

The curtain parted in the middle, revealing a black grand piano. A young boy stepped out from the right side of the stage. He bowed at the audience before walking over to the piano. He wore a small tailcoat like orchestral musicians do. 

Eve scooted closer to the edge of her seat. It wasn't her sisters yet but she looked forward to all of the performance. The stage gleamed in her eyes differently than the other spectators. It glowed like a lighthouse that led her home.

It was a familiar place that warmed her insides.

Any negativity vanished as the music notes cleansed her soul.

Her body swayed as the boy played a slowed down piece by Mozart. Her eyes closed and concentrated on the music. An image emerged in her head. The grass of a green meadow danced under the wind. Butterflies fluttered above wildflowers. The sun dominated the cloudless blue sky. 

In the midst of it all was a young girlcovered head to toe in black top and skin tone tights. A white flared skirt flowed down to her knees. Her scarlet red hair up in a clean bun. Dirt tainted her worn out pointe shoes. 

But, she didn't care.

She lifted her feet off the ground until only one set of toes touched the soil, executing a pirouette. The music echoed around her as if the wind carried the melody along with it. 

The ballerina continued on her quest and explored the surroundings. Each step matched the beat and tempo of the music. Her feet stayed pointed throughout the process. She skipped over rocks, tiptoed around tree roots and twirled on flat ground.

She was alone but it didn't feel like it.

Her face shifted towards the blinding sun.

Eyes now closed, a broad smile stretched across her lips. The bright sunshine warmed her skin. 

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Loud clapping hands broke Eve's line of thoughts. 

The boy had risen off the chair and bowed for the last time. She clapped along with the audience, wiping tears away from the corners of her eyes. It had been pure imagination but it felt almost real. She silently thanked the boy. His talent would take him places.

His music had suspended her in time and space.

She was positive the same would happen once he started writing his own scores.

"Eve, are you okay?" Andie asked. It was subtle but she caught her best friend wiping her tears. She continued clapping so no one else would think something was amiss.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Eve chuckled, unashamed by her current state. "It's just one of those moments. He did it so beautifully. I could clearly see what he was trying to communicate with us. Music conveys unspoken messages."

'And I had responded.'