Eve's prediction ca 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 sa 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 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.
Excitent brimd 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.
.
.
.
.
.
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 ti 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 fra, resembling a model on a runway. She may not have the sa youthful beauty as won 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 soone 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 about Evangeline? You haven't seen each other since we all went out, right? Is sothing 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 mory and the song.
This wasn't the ti to be thinking about them.
"Sothing is clearly up," his mother insisted. A scowl folded between her brows. "I had seen the ti 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 ti."
"We're busy people." Ambryan leaned back. His tone edged a little, a sign of irritation. "We had agreed that ssages 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 co to her if it was serious.
Other than that, they should be able to resolve whatever they had going on.
"Fine, don't tell ," 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 rember 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 ti in public? Maybe they should review their terms. Schedule their public appearances ahead of ti.
And for his mother's sake, appoint a ti they'd talk in the app.
"Ladies and gentlen, we will begin montarily," 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 won had changed.
The lights slowly dimd as the first performance drew closer. Audience mbers lowered the volu of their voices. Guardians for the next 10 perforrs 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 perforrs sat on top of it.
She could see the viewers through a small window.
"Ladies and gentlen, good afternoon," she greeted. The mic picked up her voice and wrapped around the auditorium. "We are pleased to welco you to the Magical Symphony's Sumr 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 glead in her eyes differently than the other spectators. It glowed like a lighthouse that led her ho.
It was a familiar place that ward 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 erged in her head. The grass of a green adow 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 lody 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 ward her skin.
.
.
.
Loud clapping hands broke Eve's line of thoughts.
The boy had risen off the chair and bowed for the last ti. 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 ti and space.
She was positive the sa 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 sothing was amiss.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Eve chuckled, unashad by her current state. "It's just one of those monts. He did it so beautifully. I could clearly see what he was trying to communicate with us. Music conveys unspoken ssages."
'And I had responded.'
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