I stalked off into the music room, not noticing Aspen sitting beside the piano. A few seconds after entering, she called out my name.

“Kennith!”

“Huh? Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you,” I noted.

“What happened… are you cutting class?!” she exclaimed in surprise.

“I don’t really want to talk about it,” I mumbled.

“Oh.” Her face fell, but she plastered a small smile on her face after a few seconds. “Hey, can I keep practicing?” she asked.

“Sure… can I watch?” I replied.

“Uhhh… Sure… An audience might make me a bit nervous… I’ll try my best!” she agreed slowly.

“Cool.”

I pulled up a chair and sat a few feet away from the piano. Aspen smiled softly at me as she adjusted her seat, then she rested her fingers on the keys and took a deep breath. The notes started coming to me slow and gentle as her small frame continued to play along by memory. Her hands would occasionally slip and she would make a few mistakes, yet it remained delicate and beautiful. It sounded familiar. A sweet melody that had remained throughout the years of my life. I slowly began to drift off to sleep. It was dreamless, empty, shallow. A few minutes or an hour… however long it was, I was awakened by gentle shaking.

“You’re pretty cute when you’re sleeping,” Aspen commented.

I opened my eyes groggily. When she saw that I was awake, her face flushed. I let out a small laugh.

“How long was I out for?” I asked.

“An hour,” Aspen answered.

“What song were you playing?” I inquired.

“You wouldn’t know it…“

“Try me. What’s its name?” I insisted.

“It’s called ‘Marriage D’ Amour’ by Robert Clayderman (I think?),” she caved, squaring her shoulders. “Sound familiar?”

“Yeah, I don’t know where I heard it, but I remember it,” I explained.

“Oh…” Aspen paused. “Do you want to sit with me at lunch?” she asked slowly.

“I wouldn’t want to bother your little boyfriends,” I commented, pointing to my messed up nose.

“Oh god… That was them? Wait… They’re not my boyfriends!” she protested. “Did they hurt your nose?” she asked softly.

“Is it broken?” I mumbled. Aspen inched closer and touched my face gingerly, causing me to flinch. “Ouch…”

“Is it?” Aspen whispered.

I pulled away uncomfortably.

“I should probably go…” I stated, pointing to the door.

“Yeah? Okay… bye!” she said. There was a pause. “Hey… Seriously… Will you sit with me at lunch?”

I smiled at her and said, “Sure,” as I walked away.

I heard her let out a quiet cheer as I closed the door behind me. It caused me to let out a small laugh.