This Moment

It began with a school project that she and Brad had been paired up for. Needless to say, neither were too pleased with the arrangement, but the project was worth 40% of their grade, so they decided to suck it up and put up with each other.

They soon found out that was easier said than done as they fought constantly when they met at Brad's home to work on their assignment. One night, things went a little too far as Brad said something he shouldn't have, which stopped Trixie's next sentence dead in her throat.

As soon as Brad saw her expression, he immediately regretted his words. He opened his mouth to apologize, but Trixie was already heading towards the front door, saying she would just except the failing grade and repeat the course next term.

Brad's shoulders fell as he could do nothing, but watch her walk away. He then turned to his piano and sat down before it. He had been playing since before he knew how to speak. Playing was his first language, though anyone who had ever heard him play would say, that his parent's money for lessons had gone to waste.

But that was because, Brad only played for himself. He didn't like playing for others, because he knew they could never appreciate the music the way he did. He then closed his eyes as he allowed his fingers to dance across the keys, playing a melody only known to his heart.

As the piece came to an end, Brad sighed softly, but then nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a voice behind him. "Please, don't stop." He turned around to find Trixie stand at the door.

Trixie had realized, after about two blocks, that she had forgotten her bookbag and so turned around to go get it. She would have knocked before coming in, but as she went to do that, she heard the most beautiful thing she had ever heard. She poked her head in the door and was surprised to see that it was Brad, who had always been described as the 'dumb jock' was the one playing.

Then as the song came to an end, it damn near break her heart to be engulf if the silence of the room.

As soon as Brad saw her, he stood up and apologized profusely for what he had said. He had no excuse for calling her outside of her name. Trixie then told him that she would only accept him apology if he played for her again.

Brad was a bit hesitant, but soon smiled and nodded his head as he made room for her on the bench next to him.

He reached for the book on songs on top of the piano, but was quickly stopped as Trixie had taken a hold of his hand and told him she wanted him to play something from his soul, like he was doing when she came in.

Brad said nothing as he once again closed him eyes and took heed to her request.

Trixie could not help, but watched as he played. It was as if she was looking at a completely different person, than the boy she had known since the fifth grade. His face was relaxed, his smile was soft, as he took pride in what he did, but if he played so well, why didn't he brag about it, like he did with everything else he was good in?

Trixie didn't have time to ponder the answer as the piece came to a slow end and Brad once again opened his eyes and looked at her expectantly, as if seeking her approve.

Trixie would never know what came over her as she tilted her head up towards him and gently claimed his lips with her own, but she did know this, within that moment, she knew she could love Brad Morton and as his hand wrapped around her waist and he pulled her just a little bit closer, she knew he could love her too.