Opus One

Chapter 34: Nocturne

http://www.asstr-mirror.org/files/Authors/ryansylander/www/

Richard was grinning ear to ear as he stood next to Sandra and Emily in the green room. 

The audience had been larger than any of them had expected, and so was the crowd that lined up to greet them.  Many Wexford students had come, including the violinist Jeff, for whom Sandra would be conducting in the fall.  As promised, beside him was a mischievous looking friend who asked her to conduct for his recital as well.  Sandra politely declined, eliciting a victorious fist from Jeff.  Richard grinned as he saw her flush at the compliment. 

In addition, a number of people from the community had come out for the program.  An older gentleman, who reminded Richard of William, started dissecting the Serenade performance as the line grew longer behind him.  A middle aged couple named Bob and Betty were particularly ebullient with praise, having attended the concert by chance.  There was even a young girl of perhaps eight, clearly excited to be awake past her bedtime.  Her parents had brought her to meet the performers.  She reminded Richard of himself when he was a youth.

He smiled warmly as he crouched down before her.  “Did you like the music?”

The girl nodded shyly.

“Are you going to be a pianist one day?” he asked.

“Oh…  No.  I liked the singing much better,” she said, pointing to Sandra.

Richard laughed, and patted her head.  “I think I’m going to do my next recital alone,” he said to the slightly embarrassed but grinning parents.

There were some surprise guests, as well.  Richard had been especially pleased to see Viktoriya and Harvey again.  He had not expected her to attend, and when he spotted her in the audience during the Etudes, he felt a tingle. 

He kept catching her eye as she approached down the greeting line.  After a friendly and enthusiastic hug, he had introduced her to Sandra and Emily, whose eyes brightened at meeting her.

She and Harvey hurried off to set things up for the party.  Lingering to talk with each audience member would have meant two hours of chatting, so they kept the line moving with promises of catching up at Irina’s.

At last, the crowd of people that had lined up to congratulate the trio was reaching an end.  Their parents remained, and they split up to congratulate their respective children. 

Angelina and Vittorio each kissed both his cheeks, before Vittorio took Richard into a hug. 

“You are incredible, my son,” he said in emotional Italian.  “Thank you…”

Richard squeezed him tight.  “No, thank you.  If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.”

Vittorio pulled away and looked at him, his eyes wet.  “An unforgettable night…”

Emily was hugging her father, as Audrey and her horn teacher looked on with smiles.  Sandra was talking excitedly with her parents and Kyle.

Richard sighed as he looked around.  The Wexford students and general audience had left.  Arlene and William were talking to Suzanne, and Allison was talking with Jarrett and Dave, who had delivered both congratulations and the concert tape to Richard.  All around, those dear to them were together.  They were brought closer by the music that the trio had played.

The feeling was exhilarating…

The night at Irina’s began with wine and finger foods that Harvey had made.  As expected, the food was exotic and excellent. 

Initially, everyone stood around the living room, discussing the recital, or the artwork on the walls, or meeting those in the room they didn’t know yet.  Richard was glad to see his parents conversing amiably with Sandra’s parents, despite Vittorio’s thick accent.  Harvey and Viktoriya were busy making sure everyone was comfortable, fed, and had the beverage of their choice.

Richard grinned as William accosted Irina almost immediately.  He could tell by Irina’s smile that William was pouring on his charms.

Somewhat soon, the party began to splinter, as Harvey took a few people to his art studio, while some others went out to the large patio to enjoy the comfortable evening air.

Richard approached Arlene and William as Irina excused herself to help with drinks.  They settled into a corner of the large living room.

“She’s amazing,” William said, watching Irina as she went to the kitchen.

Richard smiled.  “Star struck,” he said to Arlene, who laughed.

“She’s going to give me a signed picture,” William said confidentially.

Richard raised a brow.  “Don’t you move fast!”

William laughed.  “Well…”

“Sometimes he does,” Arlene said exaggeratedly.

“Hey, have you heard anything from Wexford yet?” Richard asked her.

She smiled, and nodded.  “Got the word this week.  I’m coming for sure.”

Richard took her hand, grinning broadly.  “Oh, sweet!  That’s awesome.”

“I’m being deserted, one lover at a time,” William pouted.

Richard patted his shoulder.  “Move out here, then.”

He looked offended at the thought.  “I don’t like the two of you that much!”

Richard and Arlene laughed.

“So, how did we do tonight?” Richard asked them, his voice turning serious.

“You were brilliant, I thought,” Arlene said.  “But the girls blew you away…”

Richard started to frown, and then caught her playful look.

“I do believe she’s already taken sides,” William said with a laugh.

“Great,” Richard drawled.

“I’ll give you my critique later this week.  No need to bring you back to earth right now,” William said.

“That bad?” Richard said, turning to him.

William shrugged enigmatically. 

“Just tell me now,” Richard urged.  “Honestly.  If I sucked, I want to know.”

“Oh, William’s just giving you a hard time,” Arlene said.

William pursed his lips.  “I was really impressed, Richard.”

Richard frowned at him after he didn’t go on.  “But?”

“But nothing.  You’ve made some huge strides since you lived in New York.  There are definitely some excellent things brewing inside here,” he said, tapping Richard’s chest. 

Richard frowned at him.  “I thought you were going to bring me back to earth!”

“Told you,” Arlene said.

“Well, let’s see…” William said, considering.  “A few mistakes, here and there…  But honestly?  I thought you did admirably.  There were a few pieces that you weren’t quite ready for, I think, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t play them well.  I can hear where you’re going, and it’s good.  Was it the best performance of the Etudes I’ve ever heard?  No.  But from what I did hear, someday you might just do that.  From the point of view of where you are heading, the recital was amazing.”

Richard nodded.  “Thanks, William.  That means something, coming from you.”

He nodded back respectfully.  “We’ll talk more this week.  I had some thoughts on some things you did, and they might help you see the pieces in a new light.”

“Okay.  We can get together in a practice room and rehash the recital.  Arlene, I’d love it if you joined us.  I want to hear what you have to say, too.”

Arlene smiled.  “Of course.”

“Good.  A piano orgy it is, then,” William announced somewhat loudly.

“William, fuck…!  We can’t take you anywhere,” Richard said, looking around. 

Arlene, who had turned slightly red at the comment, just smiled.

“Oh, don’t be such prudes!” William said, standing.  “I think I’m going to go find Irina.”

“Going to try and mooch another picture from her?”

“No.  She’s the one pouring the wine,” he said with a wink.

Allison took a deep breath.  “This is really beautiful.”

“I’ve never been here,” Sandra explained.  “Richard was right, though.  It is a romantic spot.”

The two of them had wandered off from the porch and eventually found themselves in Irina’s garden.  They sat together on a bench, looking at the night sky.

“It’s so cool to see you again, after so long,” Sandra said.

“I know.  It’s been seven months.”

“How are things going for you?”

“Really well.  I’m essentially done with the Ph.D.  Just waiting for the paper that says it’s official now.”

“Congrats, Allison!  Can we call you Dr. Campbell now?”

She gave Sandra a sidelong look.  “Please no!”

Sandra laughed.

“I’m playing in an orchestra, too,” Allison added.

Sandra turned to her.  “Really?  That’s great!”

“I decided after the last time that I was here that I needed to play music again.”

Sandra nodded.  “Can’t live without it…”

“Yeah.  It’s just a community orchestra, but it’s fun.”

“Of course…  But you say that like it’s not good.”

Allison shrugged.  “I’m sure it’s nothing like the orchestra you have at your school.”

Sandra shook her head.  “You’re playing music.  It doesn’t matter how or where, really.”

“I know.  But sometimes I feel a little sad.  I could have maybe been in something professional, if I had done things differently.”

Sandra took a moment before speaking.   “Do you regret your choice?”

Allison laughed.  “I didn’t choose, really.  I think I told Richard:  I went into biology based on a coin toss.”

Sandra looked at her with raised brows.  “Seriously?”

“Yeah.  He thought it was crazy, too!  But he also said that going into science was the only way to possibly do both.”

“True.”

“But I still feel…  Oh, I don’t know how to say this without sounding proud or conceited.”

“I know you’re not that way.  Just talk.”

Allison sighed.  “I guess I feel a little out of place.  I really like some of the people in the orchestra.  But I also feel like I could play in something better.  Oh, that sounds terrible!”

“No,” Sandra said softly.  “I kind of know what you mean.”

“You do?” Allison asked in surprise.

“Yeah.  It’s different than your situation, but…  Back where I grew up, I played fiddle with a folk band.  I always thought it was fun.  I love the guys in the band, and they helped me grow up.  But when I came to Wexford, I felt a little embarrassed about it.  I didn’t bring my violin, not wanting to have to play it.”

“Have you played with them recently?”

“Yeah.  And even though I’ve learned a lot here, and the guys in the band can’t read a lick of music, it was still really fun to go back and play with them.”

Allison nodded.  “I do like playing in the orchestra, even if the players aren’t necessarily top notch.”

“So then it shouldn’t really matter.”

“No, I guess you’re right…  So you’ve gotten over your embarrassment, then?”

Sandra laughed.  “Not so much.  I still don’t have my violin here.  I guess I’m all talk and no action on this one!”

“Have Richard or Emily heard you play?”

“Emily has.  She said she liked it.”

“Why do you worry, then?”

Sandra shrugged.  “I don’t know.” 

“I know what you mean, but it is hard to explain.”

“Exactly.”

They shared a look, and then laughed.

“It’s good to see you again, Sandra.”

“How’s your man?”

“Doing well.”  Allison smiled in a way that added meaning to her reply.

“What does that mean?”

“Well…”

“Wait, you didn’t get into a three way relationship, did you?” Sandra suddenly asked.  “Have we corrupted you?”

“No, no!” Allison dismissed, laughing freely.  “But we did try, you know, doing something out of doors,” she said quietly.

“Ah.  So we did corrupt you!”

“Yes, I suppose so!”

“What happened?”

Allison laughed apologetically.  “Oh, it was very tame.  We went on a hike, and…”  Allison waved her hands shyly.

Sandra grinned broadly.  “You waved your hands?  That sounds like… fun.”

Allison swatted her arm.  “Don’t make me say it…!  It was fun.  Very tame, though.  We were quite remote.  It was more likely we’d be seen in our bedroom, than where we were.  Still…”

“It’s a start.  Next thing you know, you’ll be asking him to let your friend join you!”

Allison laughed.  “No, I think not.  I hinted at it, once, and he thought it was a bit odd.”

“How did that come up?”

“I… Well, I told him about meeting you three.”

Sandra sniggered.  “Word is spreading about us in Australia?”

“Heh.  No, not quite.  But anyway, he didn’t take the hint.”

“Hint…?  So you really would do it?”

Allison smiled, and looked away.  “I don’t know.”

“You would.  I can tell!”

“It is intriguing, even though it goes far beyond what I thought my boundaries were.”

Sandra nodded.  “I thought so too, once.”

“Seeing the three of you changed my boundaries more than I thought,” Allison said slowly.  “But, it still takes me a long time to move towards them!”

“It’s an ever changing thing, Allison.”

“Do you ever think about that last night that I was here?”

Sandra nodded.  “Sure.”

“I do, too.”

“Richard and Emily obviously inspired you to go on a hike, heh heh.”

Allison laughed.  “Yes…”  She turned to Sandra.  “But I also think about the other thing.”

Sandra nodded thoughtfully.  “You know, that changed things for me.”

Allison frowned.  “Why?”

“Until then, Emily and I hadn’t really done anything with each other.”

“I remember you saying that.”

“But after that…” Sandra smiled.

Allison laughed slightly.  “Don’t blame me!”

“Oh, but we do!”

“So you told them about us kissing?”

Sandra nodded.

“Were they mad?”

“Not at all.”

Allison looked relieved.  “That’s good.  I always worried a little that maybe they’d be mad at me, if you told them.”

“No…  And they wouldn’t be mad now, either.”

Allison looked at Sandra’s eyes for a moment, considering the obvious.

I wish I could…

“I promised myself that if I ever did that again, it would be with my bloke’s blessing,” Allison said quietly.

Sandra looked at her carefully.

“As much as I’d like to,” Allison continued, “I made a promise to myself.”

“I completely understand.”

“You do?”

“Yes.  If you start doing things for selfish reasons, it will soon be over with you and him.”

Allison nodded.  “Yes, that’s true.”

Sandra pulled Allison into a hug. 

“The three of us have worked through some tough moments in the last year,” she said.  “We’ve grown really strong, and yet also have discovered other people who we enjoy spending time with.”

“How so?” Allison asked.

“Well, look at you and me, even.  I suppose it was inevitable that eventually others would come into our circle in different ways.  Once we realized there wasn’t just one person for us, we realized that there might not just be two, either.”

“I never thought of it that way.”

“Still, it all comes back to the three of us.  We are bonded together, Richard, Emily, and me.  For now, no one has really fit in as an equal fourth.  Not yet, at least.”

“I don’t know how you do it.  I have enough trouble staying close to my man.  It seems complicated.”

“But it feels right.”

Allison nodded.  “Before our kiss, I would have laughed at that idea.  But, it did feel right…”

“Suzanne and I have found something special together.”

“I was wondering about that,” Allison said.  “You two look at each other like you do with Richard and Emily.”

“She’s amazing.  She grows closer with Richard and Emily every day, too.  But she’s also moving away in a month.”

“That’s too bad.”

“Yes.  But I feel like one day we’ll play music together again.  I feel a musical connection with her more strongly than with anyone else.”

“More than with Richard and Emily?”

Sandra considered.  “It’s different.  With them, there’s so much more involved.  We’ve been through a lot, and it colors the way we play music.  I mean, it’s for the better, but it’s also different.  Music is just one part of the many things I share with them. 

“But with Suzanne, it’s the pure musical connection that came first.  I didn’t even know who she was the first time I worked with her.  And yet, we connected instantly.”

“I see what you are saying.”

“Of course, that would change as we go on, too.  It already has; tonight was more than just about the music, with her.  But, it still stems from that first time we worked together.”

Allison nodded.  “What about Richard and Emily?”

Sandra smiled.  “They have found some connections, too…”

“Does it feel strange?”

“Strange?”

“To have Suzanne, and these other people, I don’t know… On the side?”

Sandra considered.  “I don’t know that it’s strange.  But it is new.  When I sang with Suzanne tonight, it was so amazing.  It feels like we have ESP.  I know exactly how she’s going to play her part, like I was playing it myself.  Emily calls it musical sex.”

Allison laughed.  “Is that what was happening up there?”

“Well, Emily is right, so yeah.  And I play that way with Richard and her sometimes too, but there’s also something different about it.” 

Sandra paused.  “Even kissing her is different.  So is kissing Richard, and Emily, and you, even.  It’s strange how such a simple act can be so different for everyone.”

“How does Suzanne fit in, then?” Allison asked, after a moment.

Sandra chuckled.  “You sound like the voice in my head, asking all these questions…  I don’t know.  I’ve been too busy with the recital to figure that out.”

Allison nodded. 

 “I know how I feel with her,” Sandra continued.  “I don’t know about Emily and Richard.  They like her, I know that…  We’ve rehearsed with her, of course, but other than that, we haven’t spent much time together.”

“What if they don’t feel a strong connection with her, like you?”

Sandra shrugged.  “I don’t know.  The three of us have this idea that there is a pool of people who are your soul mates.  Not necessarily just one other person.”

“Hmm…  But most people who have found their significant other are faithful to them.  Most of the world is set up in couples.”

“Maybe they stop looking, once they are committed.  Or at least vow to not look.  That means monogamy.  Or cheating, if they find another in the pool and can’t resist.”

“I can see that,” Allison agreed.  “When I got serious with my bloke, I stopped considering other men around me.  They never seemed like options anymore.  It was only when I met you three, that suddenly things looked different.  I mean, people joke about the threesome being a naughty thing.  It’s every bloke’s dream, right?”

Sandra laughed.  “Probably.”

“But you three were different.  I could see how you were in love, just like a couple would be.  And no jealousy…  It was actually fascinating.”

“I guess we were in love, even back then.  Falling in love, at least.”

“Do you think you’d be a threesome, if you had met Richard first and been with him for a while?”

Sandra took several breaths before responding.  “I don’t know,” she finally admitted.  “It was fate, or luck, that let me find them both at the same time.  I would not exchange what I have with them for anything, now.  I don’t want to be just with Richard, or just with Emily, but rather with both.”

“I can see that,” Allison said, smiling.  “Somehow, it worked out for you three.  I envy you, Sandra.”

“Envy?”

“You have it all.  Two incredible lovers…”  Allison laughed a little.  “Well, maybe more, I don’t know…  You sing incredibly; you’re unbelievably beautiful; you are doing what you love – ”

Sandra closed her eyes and smiled as Allison spoke.  “Thank you, Allison,” she said emotionally, taking her hand. 

Allison hugged her.  “It was really worth coming out this week.  I know we’ve only spent a few days together last year, and a few hours tonight, but I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”

“Emily, do you have a moment?”

Emily turned and looked up at her dad, standing arm in arm with Audrey.

“Sure.  What is it?”

“Come with me,” Clark said. 

Emily followed along with Audrey as he led them to the den near the front entrance of the house where a few coats and purses had been left.

He’s going to announce their wedding, Emily thought, smiling.  She glanced at the diamond ring Audrey now wore.  Her father was acting a little strange.  He obviously brought Audrey all the way out here for that.  For once, I can approve…

Clark turned to her when they were in the quiet room.  He sighed, seemingly looking at her for the first time.  At last he shook his head slowly.

“Emily, you were amazing tonight,” he said.

“Thanks,” she said.  Her father’s slightly tremulous voice made her throat catch.

“I know things have been rough between us for a long time.”

Emily smiled and shrugged a little.  “I’m glad you came to the concert.  I wasn’t sure you’d make it.  I know you have Mahler Three rehearsals going on.  It was probably hard to get out here.”

Clark shook his head.  “It wasn’t hard.  A couple of years ago, it would have been impossible, yes.” 

He glanced at Audrey, his eyes seeking hers in support. 

Here it comes, she thought.

“But I’ve changed.  When you called about the recital…” 

Clark turned his eyes to the floor.  Emily thought they looked wet.  It was a sight she couldn’t remember having ever seen.

“I realized something tonight that made me very sad,” he continued, his voice heavy with regret.  “I know exactly how everyone in my orchestra plays, but I hardly know how my own daughter plays.”

“You kind of have to, with your job,” Emily said gently, suddenly realizing her father was genuinely upset.

Maybe he’s not announcing their engagement…

“No.  It’s not right,” he whispered.  “I should have paid more attention.  I know Ralph keeps me updated on how your lessons go, but…  I should have been more involved.  I should have done so, long ago.”

Emily looked away, suddenly fighting back tears of her own.  Where is my father?

“I wasn’t exactly all that open to it,” she said, surprised at her words.  And yet, it’s the truth.

Clark shook his head.  “And I don’t blame you.” 

He took a last long deep breath.  “I made some mistakes, Emily.  I thought I was doing the best thing, at the time.  I could try to explain my reasons, but in the end, it’s in the past.”

He seemed lost in thought for a moment, and then he wiped his eyes and pulled Emily’s chin gently towards him, to look her in the eyes.  His hand dropped from her face, leaving a gentle caress.

“There are many things that I can’t change, but there are some that I can.”

He stepped away, reached into the shadows and pulled out a rectangular object.

Emily’s heart stopped as she saw it.  It took her by such surprise that Audrey had to catch and support her.

Clark smiled sadly.  “One of my biggest mistakes…  But I hope this can correct it a little…” 

His words barely came through the rushing and roaring sound that overwhelmed her senses.  She fought to breathe as she stared at the black violin case, pulsing in the dim light.  She hadn’t seen it in over seven years, and yet every detail was immediately familiar, like she had brought it to the room herself.

It can’t be…

Clark set it down on the desk, and stood aside, his chest heaving with emotion.

Emily walked slowly over to it.  Her arms trembled as she ran her fingers across the top, and then worked the clasps.  When they were unfastened, she paused, unsure what feelings would come when she opened it. 

This can’t be…  He sold it!

Emily lifted the lid…

Music exploded in her mind as she saw the violin.  She stepped back, unbelieving, and shaken by the intense feelings that surged inside of her. 

She was eleven again.  Her mother was playing…  Bach…

She looked at her father, her mouth moving but making no sound.

“I had it checked over, and everything is perfect,” he said. 

Again the words hardly registered with Emily.

Emily at last managed to whisper.  “But…  You sold it…”

Clark shook his head sadly.  “No, Emily.  I never did.  Even I would never do that.”

“But… You said… and the money in my account…”

“I thought that was the only way to make you forget about it.  I knew one day you’d want to have this.  But you were so set on laying it to rest with Elizabeth…” 

His tears returned.  “I was going to give it back after you got a few years older.  Then…  Then I reacted badly when you pushed me away, and I held onto it instead.”

Emily looked up at him through wet eyes.  “Why now, then?”

“I’ve made some mistakes, like I said.  I didn’t think they were mistakes at the time, or I ignored them, at least.”  He glanced at Audrey.  “But in the last year I’ve started to realize that I’ve missed a lot of things that happened in your life.  Things that I wish I had been a part of.  When you called about the recital… I knew it was a test.  And… And I decided to make the right choice, this time.”

Emily looked back and forth between her father and her mother’s violin, still incredulous.  “I can’t believe it…”

“I’m sorry, Emily.  I do love you.”

Clark pulled her into a hug, and Emily embraced her father tightly.  She hadn’t hugged him, really hugged him, for over ten years.

I can’t believe it…  Is he changed?  Audrey…  She must have helped him…

Emily pulled away from her father, the tears streaming down her cheeks as she smiled.  She turned to Audrey, and hugged her too.

“Thank you,” Emily whispered to her.

Audrey just squeezed her in response.

Emily at last returned to looking at the violin in wonder. 

Will it still sound the same, after all this time?  Maybe the music in it is not dead…  I need to show Richard and Sandra…

Audrey handed her a tissue.

“Here, Emily.”

She laughed.  “I must look a wreck.”

“No, you look beautiful,” Audrey said.

Emily dabbed at her face as she smiled at the violin.

“I guess I owe you a bunch of money, now,” she said to her father, laughing in spite of herself. 

Clark took her by the shoulders and shook his head.  “No, Emily.  You’ve paid a far greater price already.”

Richard had not been sure if there would be any playing of music that evening.  The recital had been enough for him, that was sure.  However, he should have known that when a crowd of musicians and music lovers gathers, music is inevitable.

Arlene and William had started the entertainment by asking to try Irina’s pianos.  The request granted, they had each played a few snippets of various solo pieces.  Eventually this led to playing some four-hand music that Irina pulled from her stacks of scores. 

Richard grinned as Arlene at one point crossed a hand over William’s.  He gently put it back in its place, and they both laughed.

Looks like they’ve been practicing Arlene’s trick in private, he thought.

“Hey, there,” a voice whispered in his ear.

Richard smiled as Sandra wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

“Where have you been?” he asked.

Sandra smiled brightly at him.  “Out.”

“Out?”

“Looking at the gardens,” she said impishly.

Richard looked around the room, noticing that Allison had returned.

“All by yourself?” he asked, raising a brow.

Sandra grinned enigmatically. 

“How are you?” he asked sincerely, turning to her and smiling warmly.

“I’m…”  Sandra attempted a few words, but at last shook her head, and smiled.  Her eyes sparkled.

Richard nodded.  “Me too.  To think we almost quit a bunch of times this semester.  This was so worth it.”

She pulled him close, leaning her head on his shoulder in contentment.  As William and Arlene turned to a lyrical section of their piece, Sandra swayed with Richard slightly, in an imperceptible dance.

“We’re done,” she said softly.

“I know.  It still feels unreal.”

“Would you do it again?”

“For sure,” Richard said without hesitation.

“Me too…  Everything, if I had to.”

Richard kissed her hair, oblivious to those who watched them.

“I love you, Sandrine.”

Sandra giggled slightly.  “I love you, too, Riccardo.”

The music stuttered, and Richard turned to frown at William, who grinned back as he continued to play.

Fucker.  He started messing up the rhythm on purpose!

“What was that?” Sandra asked, pulling away.

“Just William, being William.  I guess we were getting too personal, and he decided to mess with me…”

Sandra laughed, and then sighed as she looked at Richard for some time. 

Thoughts escaped him, as he lost himself in her eyes.

The spell was broken by the music ending and a smattering of applause. 

“I saw Dobra,” Sandra said.

“Really?”

“He was in the back row, at the recital.”

“Does that mean…?”

“I don’t know.  He didn’t come backstage to say hi, so maybe he snuck in.”

Richard chuckled.  “That would be so cool…  But it would actually be cooler if he’s back.”

“I know.”

“We’ll find out soon enough, I guess.”

Sandra nodded.  “I have this gut feeling that things have worked out, though.  I just know.  But we’ll find out in class.  Tomorrow, if I can get up.”

Richard raised a brow at her.  “Isn’t your class at three?”

Sandra nodded.  “So?  What’s your point?”

He just laughed.  “Slacker…”

She just swatted his arm.   “Hey, where’s Emily at?”

“I don’t know.  I haven’t seen her in a while.”

“Must be with… No, Kyle is over on that couch.  Hmm… I should go talk with him.  He looks a little anxious when she’s not in the room.”

“This is probably not like the parties he’s used to, but…”

Sandra moved close to kiss him by habit, and then caught herself at the last second.  She kissed his cheek instead.

“That would have been interesting,” Richard whispered.

“Well…  It probably would have been the icing on the cake.  I’m thinking more and more people suspect…”

“Yeah, probably…”

“Shouldn’t you be talking to Viktoriya?” Sandra asked, as she walked away with a smile to sit with Kyle on the couch.

Richard laughed. 

Suzanne entered from the direction of the hallway that led to the garden, looking quite happy. 

Hmm…  Now I wonder who she was with…

He was about to wander around when he caught sight of Emily coming into the living room.  For a moment, he froze at the emotional expression on her face. 

She’s been crying…

Audrey and her father materialized out of the darkness behind her, smiling.

Then Richard saw the case. 

He felt a sudden chill run up his spine as he drifted over to the couch, his eyes still on Emily.

“Sandra…  Look…”

Emily headed for her two friends.  Her body was in a turmoil from excitement and old memories.

Richard and Sandra waited expectantly as she approached.

Emily tried to speak, but the emotions were too thick.  She just looked at them, and held out her case.

“Emily, is that…?”

She nodded, her eyes brimming.

“Wow…”

She set it down on the couch, and opened the case.

Richard hugged Emily as they looked at the instrument.

“Emily…” Sandra said, her voice emotional.

From beside them, William whistled.  “Either I’ve had too much wine, or that is one fine instrument on the couch.  Who’s is it?”

“It was my mother’s,” Emily said quietly.

“Ah…  It sounds like there is a story in there,” William said quietly.

“Yes,” Emily managed to say.

“Do you play?” he asked.

“No.  But…”  Emily turned to Sandra.  “Will you?”

Sandra recoiled.  “No… No way, Emily.”

“Why not?”

She held her hands out.  “I…  No.  No way.”

More people had gathered around.  Emily caught sight of Suzanne trying to peer in through the onlookers.

“Suzanne,” she called out, her voice cracking.

Suzanne came around to stand near Emily, and finally caught sight of the instrument.  She looked at her quizzically.

“That’s my mother’s violin.”

Suzanne stared back, seemingly transfixed.

“Will you play something on it?” Emily asked.

Suzanne seemed not to hear.

Emily reached down and released the bow, and then picked up the violin.  Her hands suddenly shook visibly.

My mother’s hands held this…

She held it out to Suzanne, who took it with careful hands.  She examined it for a moment, taking in the old ruddy finish and hand carved wood.

Then she placed it to her chin.

The house grew suddenly quiet.

Suzanne drew the bow across the open strings, checking the tuning.  The instrument seemed to suddenly fill the room, even with this simple act.

Suzanne looked at Emily again, her eyes questioning.

Then she took a breath and played.

Suzanne struck the first G minor chord of Bach’s first Violin Sonata, played the first descending phrase, and then stopped.

Oh my…

Everyone was watching her expectantly.

She tried again.  The instrument responded to the bow again, filling the room.  This time she managed a few more phrases before she had to stop.  Her body was suddenly resonating so fully that she couldn’t even play.

“What…” she whispered, looking at Emily again.

“Is it okay?”

Suzanne just looked at her wide-eyed, and then set herself in position again. 

The room was completely silent.  Those who were outside and in adjoining rooms were now looking on as well.

Again she started, steeling herself to play through the intense feelings that the violin set off in her.

Suzanne had played many fine instruments.  Only a few had ever done what was happening with this one. 

With her own violin, she always felt like she was forcing the music out of it.  She would play, and the violin would follow, often never reaching that place she imagined the music could exist.

But this…  the instrument was alive in her hands.  The body resonated against her chin and shoulder, and in her left hand.  Instead of following Suzanne, the instrument was leading.  She played tentatively at first, uncomfortable with the exchange of roles.  The way it reacted to her bowing was too sensitive for what she was used to.  It seemed to feed on its own sound and grow with each note, and Suzanne had to keep up, or stop playing.

As she let her feelings of amazement relax some, she began to sense the instrument, and listen to how it spoke.  Over the four minutes of the Adagio, its call grew louder and louder.  Everything on it was so easy; it was like it played itself.  Suzanne pushed a little more with each phrase, and felt like she had hardly begun to tap the potential that resided inside it.  It seemed to be waking up, phrase by phrase.

The low register was rich and warm, and the high end clear and smooth.  And yet she could make it bite when she needed. 

What else is possible…?  Anything…?

The music is not dead in it!

Emily stood rooted to the spot.  It was like her mother was in the room.  Suzanne looked nothing like Elizabeth, and had a completely different temperament. 

And yet, I feel like I am eleven, Emily thought.

Suzanne was playing with her eyes closed. 

She’s in love…

When the movement ended, the crowd murmured and clapped briefly.

Suzanne turned to Emily.

“What…  How…?”

Emily smiled.  “My dad just gave it back to me,” she said simply, catching his smile.

Richard squeezed Sandra’s hand, and then quietly slipped out of the small crowd as Suzanne started another movement of the Bach.  Everyone was still gathered around, since Emily had urged Suzanne to play more.  As much as he wanted to spend all night listening to Suzanne’s increasingly incredible playing, he only had a little time left to see those who were only here for the evening. 

He was extremely moved by Clark’s gesture, seeing how Emily’s eyes had suddenly gained something in them that he had never before seen.  He passed by her dad as he circled the edge of the room, and when Clark caught his eye, he nodded in respect to him.

Clark gently pulled Audrey’s arm from around his, and stepped out of the group of listeners.  He gestured for Richard to follow him out to the patio.

Once they were out there, Richard felt a twinge of nervousness.  This man is one of the great conductors in the country…  I’m dating his daughter… Does he know?

“I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to really speak with you in the green room,” Clark said, keeping his voice quiet to avoid disturbing the impromptu concert happening inside.  “But you are an excellent pianist, Richard.”

Whew…!

Richard kept the wild excitement inside him from becoming more than a modest smile.  “Thanks, Mr. Rathbourne.”

“I wasn’t sure how the Serenade would come off.  String orchestra on the piano, soprano instead of tenor…  but, the three of you did quite well.  The Etudes were fantastic.  Surprisingly good, for someone your age.”

“Thanks.  We practiced pretty much non-stop this semester.”

“Yes, I would imagine so.” 

Clark turned pensive.  “How is Emily doing?” he asked.

“Um, she’s doing good.  Working hard…  She really knows how to rehearse a piece.”

Clark smiled a little.  “Yes, I would imagine…  But I meant my question not so much about her music, but about her.”

“Oh.  Well…”

Clark interrupted.  “I can see you and her and Miss Sandra share a special friendship.  I’m fairly certain Emily has told you things about… well, our relationship.  I’d guess that you don’t think much of me.”

Richard started to speak, but Clark held up his hand, stopping him again.  Richard almost smiled, since it seemed like a gesture he would use on the podium.

“There’s no need to defend the past,” Clark said quietly, looking Richard in the eye.  “Speak honestly about my daughter.”

Richard nodded after a moment, wondering how Clark had guessed what he was about to say. 

This is Clark Rathbourne standing here, talking to me…  For a moment, another flutter of nervousness whipped down his middle.  Then he realized he wasn’t really talking to a famous conductor, but a father.  Like mine, in some ways…

“I grew up listening to your recording of the Tchaik Piano Concerto, with Reston,” Richard said slowly.  “It’s one of my all-time favorites.  So it’s kind of funny to hear you say that I’d not think much of you.” 

Richard laughed gently for a moment, and then glanced inside.  Through a gap in the group of people who were listening, he could see Emily’s emotional face, riveted on Suzanne and the instrument she played. 

Richard fought off a sudden tightness in his throat.  “She’s an amazing woman,” he said distantly.  “We all went through some tough times this year.  Seeing her in there, right now…  It’s good.  She’s as happy as I’ve ever seen her.”

Richard turned back to Clark.  He thought he saw a shiny streak on Clark’s visage as he also turned back from looking through the window.

Clark’s mouth opened, and then he closed it.  He nodded, gripped Richard’s shoulder for a moment, and then walked back into the house.  Richard watched him as he took his place beside Audrey again, carefully replacing her arm around his, and kissing her red hair. 

Richard stayed on the deserted patio for a minute, before remembering his original reason for leaving Sandra’s side.  He quietly reentered the house, slipped around the captivated listeners, and at last he found who he was looking for.  He moved aside her dark hair, and gently rested a hand on her shoulder. 

Then he walked down the hallway.  He let himself out onto the high balcony that overlooked Irina’s hillside garden, and soon felt her presence beside him.

“Alone, at last,” he said amiably.

She looked at him, wondering if he had read her mind.

“Why did you say that?”

Richard turned to her.  “Have you not been waiting for this?”

Her insides lurched.  How does he know?

He spoke before she could answer.  “I imagine the spring garden is much different than the one you showed me in November.”

Viktoriya nodded distractedly.  She stared at him for a long moment.

“Another tour?” she asked, at last snapping out of her confusion.

Richard offered his arm, and she led him down the stairs.

“I didn’t know you were coming to the recital.”

“I am on my way out to Hawaii,” she said.  “I arranged to stop here first, although it’s just for tonight.”

“Honeymoon?” he joked.

Viktoriya sniffed.  “Nothing of the sort…  Unless that is a suggestion?”

Richard laughed.  “You’d have to marry me first.”

“Okay,” she said immediately.

“Ah, careful.  You hardly know me,” he said, chuckling.

He’s in a good mood…!

“But I feel like I do,” she said quietly.

Richard looked at her, his eyes intense.  “I know,” he said, those two words carrying a great deal of meaning.

They entered the garden in silence.  Again it was suddenly a different world, as the density of living things around them increased tenfold.

Richard took a deep breath beside her.

“I still can’t believe your mother does this.”

“We all have our secrets.”

“What are you doing in Hawaii, then?”

“I have time at a telescope there.”

Richard looked at her.  “I thought you didn’t use telescopes anymore.”

Viktoriya smiled.  “I had some things to think about after our night together last year.  I’ve made some changes.”

Richard nodded.  He pulled her over to a bench, near where they spent the night last fall.  Seemingly just out of arm’s reach, the stars seemed to watch them as they sat down.

He looked at her for a very long time, his face pensive.

“I’m pretty sure of it, but I need to know.”

Viktoriya looked at him in the eyes.  “What?”

Richard kissed her before she knew what had happened. 

The electricity was immediate.

Oh…!

He pulled away slowly, and then smiled.  “Mm hm…”

He felt it too!  But…

“I don’t understand…”

He looked at her carefully.  “What?”

“You are with them.  Emily, and Sandra.  I know, now.”

Richard nodded.  “They are my soul mates.”

She looked at him, understanding, but also confused.

“So are you,” he added.

She felt a strange tingle at hearing this.

“Do you not feel it, in the house?  All those people are close to me, and to Emily and Sandra.  We are all connected, and the energy in there is incredible.”

Viktoriya nodded.  It does feel different than any other party…

“But they cannot all be your lovers!” she suddenly blurted out, giving away her thoughts.

“Yes, they are, in different ways.”

“But…  If you kiss me, you are unfaithful to them…”

Richard shook his head.  “No.  Not every kiss is one of unfaith.  It is an extension of what we feel for each other, and that feeling is inevitable.  Sandra and Emily understand.”

“But then…  Why did you resist me last year?”

Richard smiled.  “I wasn’t ready.”

Viktoriya hesitated.  “And tonight?”

He looked around exaggeratedly.  “I don’t know.  Do you think anyone would see us?”

As he turned back to her, she searched his eyes.

That look…

Richard watched Viktoriya for a long time, almost reading the thoughts in her head.  She held his gaze.

“No,” she said at last.  “I’m not ready…”

He smiled gently.  “You understand, then…”

“Yes, and no.  But,” she said, her voice growing more animated.  “You just made my life much more complicated.  Again!”

Richard looked at her for a long moment.  The stars in the heavens were, for a moment, just a dim reflection of those in her eyes.

“Life is better when it’s complicated.”

He kissed her tenderly again, and then let her go.

“And that didn’t help,” she whispered.

On the way back up to the house, Richard and Viktoriya met Vittorio and Harvey walking down the steps.

“Off to see the garden?” Richard asked.

“Yes, a brief tour,” Harvey said in Italian.

“It’s a beautiful night for a romantic walk,” Viktoriya joked, also in Italian.

Richard laughed.  “You never told me you spoke Italian.”

“We all have our secrets,” she repeated.

“We’ll probably be leaving soon,” Vittorio said to Richard.  “Mama is getting tired.  Will you want a ride?”

Richard shook his head.  “I think the three of us will ride back with Allison.”

Vittorio nodded.  “Very well.”  He turned to Harvey, who led the way down to the garden.

“He’ll mostly be interested in anything edible,” Richard called out to Harvey as they disappeared into the night.  Two deep voices laughed.

“Your father is funny,” Viktoriya said, as they reached the balcony.  “I was talking with him earlier.”

“He’s a good man.  So is your father.”

Viktoriya leaned out over the wall, and looked out over the hill.  Harvey and Vittorio were faintly visible in the light of the night.  Their voices were obscured by the loud calls of insects.

Richard joined her at the railing.

“He is a good man.  He’s not my real father, though,” she said quietly.

He frowned at her.  “Really?”

“No.  He is my father in every other way, but not in that way.”

“I didn’t know.”

“Few people do.  No one, besides my parents and me, I think.  And you.”

He nodded gravely.

“My mother told me, once.  My real father raped her, and Harvey… killed him.”

Richard turned to her in shock.  “What?”

“That’s how they got together.”

“My god…” he whispered.  As if a sudden spotlight went on, he suddenly saw Irina and her family in a whole different light.

“I always knew, somehow,” Viktoriya said distantly.  “I asked my mother once, and she told me.  I was going through a confused period with my father.”

“How so?”

“I was… posing for his paintings.  You may have seen some paintings of a dark haired woman in his studio?”

Richard nodded, remembering his realization of who the nude model was.

“That’s me.  Do you… find that strange?” she asked.

“No,” Richard said honestly, after considering a moment.

“It was not sexual for him.  For me, well… I was confused.”

“So your mother told you the truth?”

“Yes.  He doesn’t know that she told me.  I was still confused, though, even after I knew.  I never really quite could separate the things I felt, with the things I thought were accepted.  But now…”

Richard looked at her as she trailed off.

“Somehow, it all makes sense tonight,” she said at last. 

He nodded.  “I feel a connection with Harvey, too.”

“He’s an amazing man; an amazing father.  He came along at the right time, obviously.  In many ways.”

Richard hugged her.  “I really would like to speak with you more often than twice a year,” he said.

“Me too.  Perhaps I will find more time to visit my family,” she said, smiling.

“I would like that,” Richard agreed.

Emily found herself sitting heavily on the couch as the evening wound down.  The few remaining partiers were out on the patio, still talking animatedly.  She had just said her emotional farewell to her father and Audrey, and had retreated to the couch to take a moment to herself.

Emily eyed the case that lay beside her.

Unbelievable, she thought.  My dad brought it back from the grave, and Suzanne brought it to life…

“That’s seems like a real nice instrument,” Kyle said, catching her glance as he came to sit near her.

Emily smiled at him.  “It is.”

Kyle looked at her for a moment.  “How old were you, when she died?”

“Eleven.”

He shook his head sadly.

“I’m sorry.  I knew you lost someone, when you came down to the farm back when, you know…”

Emily took his hand, remembering the time they had shared on the bank of Sandra’s brook.

That was only three weeks ago… Seems like a year…

“She was my best friend, too,” she said.

“I know.”  Kyle suddenly shook off his mood.  “Sorry.  I don’t want to go there tonight.  This is your night.  Your party.”

Emily laughed.  “Hey, when we were down at the brook, you said you had something to show me.”

He smiled, laughing slightly.  “I did?”

Emily nodded.

“It’s dumb,” he said, waving the idea away with a hand.

“I want to know what it is.  Did you bring it?”

Kyle laughed a little harder now.  “Yeah, I guess.  But…”

“Show me.”

He stared off, an amused look on his face.  Then he sat up straighter.  “Promise you won’t laugh?”

Emily just shrugged impishly.  “No, I can’t promise that.”

He considered her for a second, and then stood.  “Okay.  I guess you jumped off the ledge with me at the lake…  I can be brave too.”

He moved to sit at the piano bench. 

Emily sat up, her face even more interested now.  She wrinkled her brow as he looked at her one last time.

Then he played. 

It was very simplistic, but he played a little piano piece for her.  After less than a minute, he trailed off.

“That’s all I’ve got so far.”

Emily moved to stand next to him, her face a mix of feelings.  “What was that?”

Kyle laughed nervously.  “I know, I know… It’s lame.  Especially after seeing Richard play tonight.  But after you visited over Thanksgiving, I started taking some piano lessons.”

He played the first few notes of the piece again.  “I kind of was fooling around and I liked that little melody, or whatever you call it.”

“Did you write that?” Emily asked quietly.

“Yeah, I guess.  I don’t have very much of it.  I thought I could finish it this last month, but, well… you know.”

She nudged Kyle and slid onto the bench next to him.

“Play it again.”

Kyle shrugged and played the fragment again.

“What are you going to call it?” she asked, although she thought she knew the answer.

Emily’s Song…

“For Emily,” he said sheepishly.

“It’s a pretty song,” she murmured.

“You’re a pretty gal,” he replied.

Emily suddenly turned and kissed him for a moment.  She let him go quickly.

“Thanks, Kyle.  That was very sweet of you.”

Kyle was still flustered from the unexpected kiss.  “What was that?”

She smiled.  “A kiss?”

He stared at her.  “What for?”

“For the song.  And for coming out for the recital.  I know you have a lot going on, since you’re helping Billy’s dad out.”

“You’ve given me a lot, Emily.  You didn’t have to do that.”

“You didn’t like it?”

He finally smiled a little.  “I don’t know…  I was too surprised…”

Emily narrowed her eyes.  “That sounds like a trick to get me to kiss you again.”

“No!  I wouldn’t do – ”

She gave him a second chance to judge.

He seemed to be in another world when she released him.  He just sat there speechless.

“What?” Emily asked.

Kyle shook his head.  “I don’t get you.”

“Why?”

“This morning when we were talking, you said Richard was your boyfriend.”

Emily nodded, and grinned slightly.

“But…  I’ve seen her with Richard.”

“Her?”

“Sandra.”

Emily frowned.  “Really?”

Kyle looked around before speaking.  “They were hugging, dancing…  Maybe I…  Well, I could have sworn she was about to kiss him.”

She widened her eyes at him.  “No…”

“Were you kidding about him being your boyfriend?” he asked.

She smiled apologetically at the sudden hope in his voice.  “Oh, Kyle…  I, um…”

He nodded and turned back to the keys, fingering a few notes from his piece.  “I’m sorry.  I’m out of line.”

Emily stopped his hand.  “Kyle…”

He stopped playing, but didn’t look at her.

“I meant the kiss,” Emily said.  “I liked your piece.  No one’s ever written me a song.  But, I really am with Richard.”

Kyle stared for a moment, and then shrugged.  “Okay.  Maybe I misread Sandra.”

She kept her eyes on him.  At last, she sighed.  “No.  You didn’t.”

He frowned after a moment, his eyes searching the keys as if they spelled out the answers to his sudden questions. 

“Not too many people know,” Emily said.  “But it’s true.”

He looked at her.  “Wow…  When I saw Sandra and Richard hugging, I never thought of that.”

She laughed slightly.  “Yeah.  Why would you?”

Kyle also laughed.  “I know, right?  But…”  He spread his hands, and turned serious.  “Hmm… Wow…”

Emily rubbed his back.  “Play my song again.”

Kyle considered, and then nodded. 

As he placed his hands to the keys, Emily smiled.

Poor guy…  He has something to think about on the ride back home tomorrow.  In a different life, perhaps we would have been more than friends…

“Sandra,” the voice called, as she headed down the hallway to the restroom.

She turned, finding William coming along behind her.  “Hey, William.  You look a little flushed.”

 “Well, you know, Irina just played me the Largo from the B minor Chopin Sonata.”  William shook his head.  “God damn.  God fucking damn.”

Sandra raised a brow as she grinned at him.  “I’m glad it’s just that, and not all the wine.  I would have said that you are quite, uh, intoxicated.”

“Of course not.”  William frowned at her, and then waved a dismissive hand.  “Arlene’s driving anyway.”

“So you are drunk!” she exclaimed, widening her smile.

“Nonsense,” he countered, finishing his wine glass emphatically. 

Then he stepped closer, his expression turning serious.  Sandra suddenly wondered if he was as drunk as he had just seemed.  His eyes were completely sober.

“Let me tell you about Irina,” he said quietly, glancing down the hall.  “I’ve been to many concerts.  More than you can guess.  If there’s someone worth listening to in this world, I’ve probably heard them.  Along with many others, too, who are not as good…  There are great technicians, and great interpreters, and great analysts, great performers.  That’s fine.  But Irina falls into a rare category of artists who has an ability to reach in to your heart…”  William put a clawed hand on his chest.  “…and make you feel what they feel.  A few minutes of music or dance from them, and you understand why they are alive, and why they are human.  They abandon themselves to you, and by doing so, take over your soul.  Then you know why you are alive.”

Sandra nodded.

William got even closer.  “I came out to Wexford for your recital, of course, but also hoping to hear her play a little, from up close.”

“And get a photo of her,” Sandra reminded him.

William laughed richly.  “Very well, the truth is out.”

“Well, I’m glad she played for you.  I know how much you like her,” Sandra said, laughing.  “Obsessed, even, like Arlene would say.”

“Perhaps.  Nothing wrong with that, though…”  William’s clear-headedness returned.  “But hearing her play was no surprise.  What was a surprise, however, was to encounter a second person who has these improbable qualities.”

Sandra grinned.  “Why?  You’ve known Richard for a long time.”

“He has learned a great deal out here,” William said, suddenly grinning as well.

“He’s worked hard.”

“I know.  And he is really playing well.  But you seem to have missed my point!  I don’t speak of Richard.  I love him to death, but he is not there yet.  Someday, perhaps…”

William looked her in the eye.  “I speak of you.”

Sandra laughed.  “Me?  Now I really know you’ve had too much wine!”

“You really surprised me, tonight,” he said, quietly.

Sandra frowned slightly.  “How?”

William nodded slowly as he thought.  “You are unbelievably good, Sandra.”

“At what?” Sandra asked, giggling slightly.

“No more games right now, dear,” William said, his face still stony and serious.  “You simply blew me away, to use language from your generation.  I know you think I’m fooling with you, but I assure you I am not.”

Sandra stared at him, unable to find any words.

“You may or may not know that I’ve been in touch with Richard since you all left New York, so I heard about some of the things that you went through these last few weeks.  But tonight… you made me feel it.  I went through it, too.  The despair, and the loss, but also… the love.  Your duet with Suzanne was exceptional.  Your trio with Emily and Richard was fascinating.  The Wolf: incredible.”

Sandra let out a breath.  “Thanks, William.  I…  I don’t know what to say.”

“You’ve said plenty tonight, with your performance.”  He shook his head, appraising her.  “If you can survive the peripherals of the musician’s life… then you will be one of the greats, I think.”

Sandra fought off the tightness in her throat.  “William…”

He grinned broadly, but his voice wavered for a moment as he said, “I expect to have your picture up in my apartment one day soon.  Maybe even above the server.”

Sandra suddenly hugged him tightly.  “I still think you are fooling,” she said quietly, unable to keep the emotion from her voice.  “But thank you.”

“I’m not fooling,” William said, his tone leaving no doubt.

For a few long moments, Sandra held the embrace.

“I knew it,” came the voice down the hall.  “Find a room, you two!”

Richard had just come into view down the hallway.

“A room?  You mean you won’t defend her honor?” William asked.

Sandra smiled at Richard as he marched up to them.  William pretended to look innocent.  Richard grabbed William’s lapel, frowned at him, and then laughed as he released him. 

“You’re lucky I need these hands for playing the piano.”

William laughed richly.  “Good.  For a second, I was almost scared!”

Emily appeared from the direction of the living room.  “There you are.”

“Hey Em.”  Richard greeted. 

“I think it’s time to go,” Emily said.

Sandra answered with a yawn.  “I know.  We should find Allison and head out.”

“Ah, the fun is over,” William said.  “You’re going to let an old man out-party you, and go to sleep?

Richard shrugged.  “Who said anything about sleeping?”

Sandra swatted Richard, as William chuckled.

“Goodnight, you three.  I’m going to take a peek out at the garden.”

“We’ll call you tomorrow so we can get together.”

William nodded, and then bowed slightly.  “A great concert, and a great evening.  Thank you for letting me participate.”

Hugs went around, and then William wandered off down the hallway.

The three of them looked at each other for a few moments, and then nodded.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

It was late when the trio at last found themselves in front of the dorm building.  They said goodbye to Allison, with the promise of meeting for dinner the next day. 

“Well, it’s over at last,” Emily said, looking off at the dark conservatory.

“Almost,” Richard said.

Sandra turned to him with a laugh.  “Building’s closed.  No chance for an encore.”

“No,” he agreed.  “But I’ve spent time with everyone except you two tonight, it seems.”

“Oh…?”

“Shall we?”

Richard carded the reader and held the door open for them.

They made their way quietly up to the girls’ room.  Joey accosted them just as they were about to unlock the door.

“Good evening,” he said cheerily.

Emily eyed him suspiciously.  “What are you doing on this floor at this hour?”

Joey laughed.  “Just making sure all is quiet.  Your recital was pretty good, if I may say so.”

“You were there?” Richard asked dubiously.

“Yeah.  I was.”

“Cool,” Sandra said.

“No prob.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to bed.”

“Sleep well,” Emily said.

He turned to her.  “Who said anything about sleep?”  Then he disappeared into the stairwell.

The trio laughed at his odd remark, and closed the door behind them.

“Looks like he’s found someone to hole up with.”

“At least he won’t be peeping on us,” Emily said.  She carefully put her two instruments in the corner, and then returned to the rug to stand with Richard and Sandra.

The realization hit them at that moment. 

Richard blinked back tears as he pulled them into a hug.

“I am so proud of the two of you,” he said.  “Proud of the way you played and sang.”

“You too, Richard.  You were amazing, both alone and with us.”

They spent some time in the center of the room, holding each other.  Even though the recital was over, their thoughts were still playing together as they silently relived parts of the concert in their heads. 

After some time, Sandra pulled back from the hug.  “This has been one incredible night,” she said, smiling.  “There’s only one more thing I want to do.”

“I thought you were tired?”

“No, I have a little more energy,” she said, turning around.

Richard helped unzip her dress.  He helped Emily with the same, and in short order they had removed their performance clothing.  Pinned hair was let loose, and Richard suddenly found himself still tuxedoed, with two willing and naked women before him.

“You’re a bit overdressed,” Emily observed.

Richard shrugged.  “I was busy helping you.”

They ran hands over him. 

“You look great.  But the tux will have to go,” Sandra said, untying the bow. 

The undressing turned into a caressing and teasing session.  They giggled in mock surprise as his body was revealed. 

“You don’t look very tired, either,” Sandra said, working on his pants.

Richard hummed in pleasure as she left his trousers around his knees and turned her attention on him.

“Hmmmm…” Sandra hummed back, imitating him and sending a wave of pleasure through his middle.

Richard laughed.  “Still wanting to sing?”

Sandra hummed some more, until she found a note that resonated.

“Oh…  That’s right in tune!” he joked.

Sandra smacked his butt and scrunched her brow up at him.

Emily had finished removing his shirt, and now joined Sandra on the rug. 

“My turn,” she announced.

Emily took over, as Sandra slid up along Richard’s body to kiss him.

“Mm.”

“You can talk now,” Richard reminded her, grinning.

She just laughed. 

“Damn, Em, that feels good,” Richard said, between kisses with Sandra.

Emily continued enthusiastically for a while, until Richard at last pulled back with a groan. 

“Hey,” Emily said, moving towards him.

“I’m on the edge, Em.”

“I don’t care.”  She stroked him and then put her mouth around him again.

“But…  Oh, god.  That’s it, Em.  It’s now or never.”

Emily didn’t stop.

This is a rare moment…

Then he let go.  Emily let out a surprised noise from her throat as Richard filled her mouth.

At last she pushed him away slightly, and Richard’s last spurts landed on her body.  She wiped at her mouth as she took a moment to swallow.  Then she started laughing.

“Should have waited until round two,” she gasped.

“Sorry.  It’s been a while, I guess…”

Sandra looked on in amusement.  “That was really hot, Em.  I don’t know why, but that made me tingle.”

Emily chuckled as she moved to clean herself up.

“How do you want to do it?” Sandra asked Richard.

“I need a moment,” he answered, sitting on the bed.  The moment with Emily had been a surprise, and had suddenly made him dizzy.

“You’re still up, though,” Sandra observed.

Sandra crawled onto the bed, wiggling her bottom at him.  

Richard eyed her for a moment, and then shook his head at Emily.  “She thinks she can get me to…”

He caught sight of Sandra’s fingers.  Emily laughed as Richard abruptly stood and stepped over to Sandra.

“I think… you were about… to give your… willpower speech,” Sandra said, between thrusts.

Richard spanked her this time.  “Oh, I won that game over the winter.”

“Whatever.  Just go harder, please?”

Richard obliged.  Emily came to stand behind him, wrapping her arms around his chest.  Then she lowered them, and giggled as she gripped Sandra’s hips and pulled her back hard against Richard. 

Richard looked at Emily’s small hands as they held onto Sandra.  How I love them both…

With the added leverage from Emily’s grip, they slowly drove Sandra over the brink.  Murmuring between heavy breaths, Sandra tightened her fists on the sheet. 

“Oh… I’ve missed this,” Sandra breathed, her body still taut.

She pushed herself upright, and Richard pulled her back tightly against his chest, kissing her neck and shoulders as he slowed.  Emily had her arms wrapped around them both. 

The climax came and Sandra turned her head to kiss Richard.  She moaned when Emily also moved around to kiss them both. 

“Oh…Yes…”  Sandra’s mouth grew distracted as she focused on feelings that were elsewhere inside of her.

After the peak had receded, she fell forwards to the bed and rolled to her side.  She murmured as Richard planted a last gentle kiss on her lips.

“That was nice,” he said.

“Yeah,” she agreed.  “I’m still vibrating inside.”

Richard smiled.

“Did you come again?” Emily asked him as he turned to her.

“No.”

Emily kissed him deeply.  “I’m getting tired.  Can we just go slow?”

“Of course, Em.”

Emily turned out the lights, leaving the dim corner lamp on.  She pushed Richard down onto her bed, and then crawled over him.  With minimal fuss, she soon pressed herself down against him, filling herself.

“Ah, that’s just right,” she said, moving slowly on top of him. 

Richard smiled up at her as she moved her head in a sensuous way, in time with her small motions.  Her hands pressed against his chest, and Richard ran his hands over her waist, enjoying the smooth curve there.

With each minute, Emily grew a little less tired.  Richard slowly began to move his hips as well, and the tempo picked up.  Soon they were both breathing harder.

“This is going to be good,” Emily whispered.  “Really.  Good.”

“Are you close?” he gasped.

“Getting there.”

Richard fought to hold on.  Emily’s face, bordering on the ecstatic, was too much to look at.  Those eyelids, and the flush on her cheeks…  The radiance…

Emily’s voice started humming in little spurts.  She moved her hands apart so she could lie down against Richard, holding him tight as he worked his hips now.

Richard closed his eyes, trying to postpone the growing climax inside of him.  His wisp of control was foiled by Sandra, who unexpectedly added her hand.

His resolve faded, and he kept moving as he passed into his second orgasm of the night.  The feelings of ecstasy mounted, and then they became hypersensitive since he didn’t slow up his pace.

Just a little longer, he thought, tightening up as the feelings became overly intense.  Come on, Em…

At last the moment of tension came for her, and Richard felt it transmitted from her body to his.  She was desperately still for a few long seconds.

“Oh…!” Emily cried, as the wave crashed at last and she melted on top of him.

Richard slowed at last, feeling squeezed tight and spent.

Emily remained draped over him as Sandra squeezed onto the narrow space to his side.

“I’m exhausted, all of the sudden,” Sandra whispered.

“Tell me about it,” he answered.

Emily rolled towards the wall, and Richard moved over to allow Sandra a little more room.

“That was a great end to a great night,” Emily said slowly, her body unmoving.

“I’m glad to hear it’s the end,” Richard admitted.  “I’m not sure I can do anything else.”

Sandra draped a leg lazily over his body in answer.

“Funny, Sandra,” Richard said, feeling his thoughts growing fuzzy.

Sandra’s leg was still, and her voice was quiet when she spoke.  “Thanks, both of you, for everything.  I think we did pretty good for a bunch of first-years.”

“Mm hm…” Emily murmured.

“I love you both,” Sandra said.

Richard vaguely remembered echoing the statement before things faded away.

Forward to Chapter 35

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