“Not at these prices,” the man spluttered. “Sweetheart, I know instruments, and I know it’s a price you can’t beat. I’m sure you think you might know it all with all your google searches, but you can’t get better for the price.”
I laughed at him, actually laughed. “Honey,” I said in the same condescending tone. “I played in one of the most prestigious schools in the country. I assure you Google didn’t teach me what I know or what things are worth, especially since it’s used.”
I hadn’t noticed another man slide up until he chuckled. The family resemblance was there, however, he was taller and more fit than his brother; maybe a cousin. He was dressed impeccably and carried himself like he was the one who honestly kept the shop up and running.
“What do you want to pay for it?” the newcomer asked.
I narrowed my eyes at him and told him I wanted it for half of what the asking price was.
The sweating overweight man laughed cruelly at me.
I shrugged. “Let’s go,” I told Sierra. “We can go down the street.”
“Give it to her Joe,” the taller man stated, a small smile around his lips. “I like her moxie. What school did you go to?” he asked with interest.
“Knightstown,” I stated as I gave Sierra a small smile. She looked relieved and happy about the new price.
“Really?” he asked with interest. “What was your audition piece?”
“Rumination,” I stated. “It’s an original piece.”
He gave me a look full of disbelief. “I heard that school frowns upon original pieces. My son has his eyes set on that school.”
“It was frowned upon,” I stated as I shrugged and started toward a violin I had just noticed. It reminded me of the violin Jace favored. I looked at the price tag and cringed. I had the money, but I didn’t want to pay that price.
“Can you play it for me?” the man asked, pointing towards a keyboard. “I’ll throw in the violin for half the price as well,” .
“Ronnie,” Joe spluttered. “Are you insane? You know we can get our asking prices
.”
I smirked at Joe and walked over to the keyboard located on the shop floor. It wouldn’t sound the same, but I’ve played on worse. I warmed up for a few moments before I began to play it. I closed my eyes and lost myself in the music.
This was home for me. This was how I had a voice when I had no words to say. This was the only connection I had with the man I called Dad. I had spent so many hours with him in front of the piano learning how to play. Then, because I had a drive for perfection, I had pushed myself harder and harder until he handed me a guitar to conquer as well.
Rumination was my heart’s song. It told the listener about the life I had left. It let them see the anger, fear, despair, and hope I had experienced. I was able to lose myself in the music, and where I would have usually ended it, I instead continued telling my story. I conveyed the love I found. I transported the listener to the acceptance and belonging I finally had with my connections.
My music wasn’t premeditated. I had already completed this song. Or so I thought. Just as my story had continued, so did the song. The music turned darker as I thought about what lied ahead. I still had a man out there that wanted to ruin my way of life and those of so many others that I had come to care for. I had gained acceptance of having six men in my life. Now I had a seventh mystery man out there, and I had no clue how I was going to find him.
I remember thinking my gift was a curse, briefly, but it had brought me my guys. Now I was in danger of losing it, and my body was failing me. Who knows what would happen if I didn’t find this new connection? What would become of us? What would become of me?
When I looked up, I noticed I had captivated an audience around me. Slowly everyone started clapping, and I felt suddenly shy. It hadn’t been my intention to entertain or draw a crowd, especially with something so personal. I just wanted our instruments at a reasonable price. I played for bigger groups, but that song was too close to my heart. I felt raw and exposed.
Ronnie looked thoughtful for a moment. “Well, I’m questioning my son's talent now,” he said dryly.
“We’ll take the guitar and violin,” Sierra stated firmly, and I was grateful that she had seen my need to withdrawal.
Joe disgruntledly rung up our purchases, jabbing the register as Ronnie stood by with a look of contemplation. Sierra handed Ronnie her card. I impulsively grabbed a guitar case and a violin case.
“This can be my gift for Gavin,” I explained to Sierra as I grabbed some extra picks as well. “If that’s alright?” I looked at her hesitantly.
She smiled at me with a shrug. “That’s fine.”
“Are these gifts for the special men in your life?” Ronnie inquired pleasantly.
“They are,” I confirmed with a smile.
“Well, if you’re ever this way, make sure you come and see me. I’ll give you our friends and family discount,” Ronnie stated as he handed me a business card.