บท 15: 15. April
I was in my room, remembering that incident at the cinema. I couldn't help but shudder at the memory of how I had avoided Daniel when our eyes met. I knew I had to protect him from myself, keep him away from me.
Weeks had passed since then, and every day it was getting harder to avoid Daniel at school. However, I knew it was the right thing to do.
One Monday morning, as I was getting ready for class, Sophie came into my room with a smile on her face. She showed me her cell phone, where there was an audio that had been leaked at school. Apparently, there was a piano genius in our midst.
"Who is it?", I asked anxiously, feeling a strange connection to the music I had heard.
Sophie shook her head.
"I don't know. The music club members say it was someone who auditioned a few weeks ago, but they haven't said who played the piano. They say they're trying to protect it."
"Please pass me the audio," I asked, longing to feel again the emotion the song had awakened in me.
With a quick flick of her fingers, Sophie shared the file with me, and soon I was listening to it over and over again, letting myself be carried away by the melodic and emotive notes.
"Come on, April. We can't be late for class," Sophie urged, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Okay. Let's go," I replied, stowing my cell phone in my backpack and following Sophie out of the room.
Time passed quickly and before I knew it, it was already lunchtime. The dining room was full of students chatting animatedly about their classes and projects, but what really caught my attention was that at least half of them were talking about the mysterious boy who had played the piano in music class.
"I really don't understand what the big fuss is," Ethan commented disdainfully as he sat down next to me. "What's important in life is being somebody, having money and getting the girl you like. Playing the piano is nothing special."
"Shut up!", I thought, annoyed by his attitude.
Sophie smiled in amusement and asked Ethan if there was anyone he liked. He affirmed that he did, but didn't reveal who it was. I didn't care much, as I was more interested in listening to other people's conversations about the mystery pianist.
As I carried my tray of food, I passed by the table where David and Daniel were seated. Although Daniel used to be surrounded by people at first, he was now part of a small group to which David also belonged. I couldn't help overhearing that they were also talking about the mystery piano guy.
To everyone's surprise, including my own, I plucked up the courage and asked David if he knew who the pianist was when I heard about him.
"It's a secret," he replied, staring at me. "Stop insisting. Besides, she might even be a mystery girl."
I couldn't help but think that I could use my assassin skills to spy on him and make him reveal the truth. However, I restrained myself and simply nodded my head before continuing on my way to my table.
"Well?" asked Sophie curiously as I sat down next to her. "I heard you talking to David."
"David says it's a secret," I replied, absently fiddling with my food. "But I can't help but be intrigued. Maybe I can find out who he is somehow..."
"Do you really think he's worth it?" asked Ethan, shrugging. "At the end of the day, he's just someone who plays the piano."
"It is to me," I muttered, determined to discover the identity of the mysterious musician. Although I couldn't explain why it mattered so much to me, I knew it was something I needed to do, even if it meant putting my own safety at risk.
We arrived at the language class with teacher Lorena. As we entered, she began speaking in French, explaining to us that our next grade and 50% of our final grade would depend on a presentation we would have to do in pairs.
"Can we be three people?" asked Ethan, raising his hand. Professor Lorena smiled and replied, "I understand your concern about not having friends, but don't worry, I'll assign the pairs."
The teacher Lorena started calling out names with what seemed like random names. My heart began to beat faster when I heard my name and knew I would be paired with Daniel. I didn't know whether to be relieved or terrified to be so close to him. I watched as David frowned, upset about losing his partner.
"I chose Daniel and April to work together because they are the best in the class and maybe in the school," said teacher Lorena. "They must show how to give an excellent presentation to motivate their classmates."
Embarrassed, I approached Daniel, who greeted me with a charming smile. It seemed like he had been waiting for that moment for a long time. I sat down next to him and couldn't help but smile too, even though I knew I was playing with fire.
"I'm excited to work with you, April," Daniel said sincerely. "I think we'll make a great team together."
"I think so too," I replied, trying to hide my nervousness. As much as I wanted to get away from him, I found it impossible not to be attracted to his friendly personality and charming smile.
Professor Lorena began to pass several books among the couples. When she reached me, she handed me a book with an illustration on the cover of a young woman dressed in blue cotillion chasing a knight on horseback. I translated the title in my mind, "The Damsel in Distress."
"Their job will be to do a rehearsal and then a twenty-minute presentation that represents the book," explained teacher Lorena. "They have three months to prepare, just before the winter vacations begin."
"Understood," I replied, although I wasn't sure how I was going to accomplish this without revealing my true identity to Daniel.
"Come on, let's get started!" commanded Professor Lorena enthusiastically.
I opened the book and started reading. I couldn't help but let out a small laugh as I realized it was full of clichés and cheesy situations. I looked at Daniel and asked him:
"Can you understand French well?"
"Sure, no problem," he replied with a smile. "The rehearsal and presentation will be easy."
"So, what do you say we meet at the library two days at four o'clock in the afternoon to read it together?", I suggested.
"Sounds perfect to me, we can start with today," Daniel agreed, and we both realized that we were about to embark on a new adventure together.
As I read the first few pages of the book, I wondered how I could keep my secret safe while working so closely with Daniel. I knew I had to protect him, but at the same time, I couldn't help but be drawn to him. His kindness, his talent and his charming smile made my heart pound.
"Focus, April," I said to myself as I tried to immerse myself in reading. "You have a mission to accomplish, and you can't afford to get distracted."
When class was over, I waited in the classroom until everyone left. Then I approached teacher Lorena, nervous about what I had to tell her.
"Professor Lorena," I said somewhat sheepishly, "Why did you put me to work with Daniel? The plan of being in school is not to bond and go unnoticed, just like my parents want."
Teacher Lorena stared at me and replied, "Even though you are my bosses, I still think I have made the best decision, because we have to keep Mr. Perfect close in case he is hiding something".
"I won't watch anyone unless my parents order me to," I replied, feeling disgusted.
"That's fine," said teacher Lorena with a smile on her face. "But don't waste the opportunity. Daniel is a young, handsome boy who seems to have an interest in you.".
"I hope nothing bad happens," I finally agreed.
After the last class, I returned to my room with a lump in my throat and a mixture of emotions. I felt nervous about working with Daniel and anxious about keeping my secret hidden. Opening the door, I found Sophie sitting on her bed, flipping through a magazine.
"How did your classes go?" asked Sophie, looking up from her reading.
"Normal," I replied as I headed to the closet, looking for something nice to wear. "I'm going to meet Daniel to work on our French presentation."
Sophie looked at me with a sly smile. "So you're finally going to spend time with Mr. Perfect, huh?"
"It's not a date!", I quickly exclaimed, feeling my cheeks heat up. "It's just a school project, nothing more."
"Sure, sure," Sophie said, winking at me. "Now you'll be the perfect lady, partner to the perfect gentleman."
"Stop it, Sophie!", I protested, but I couldn't help but smile at her comment. After selecting a colorful blouse and tight black pants, I quickly changed and put my books in my backpack.
"See you later," I said to Sophie before leaving the room. I put on my headphones and started walking towards the library. On my player, I listened to the mysterious pianist's song over and over again, letting myself be carried away by the melody.
"Who are you?", I thought as I walked down the aisles. "What is your music hiding?"
Arriving at the library, I took off my headphones and looked for Daniel among the tables. I finally found him in a secluded corner, with a stack of books in front of him. His red hair contrasted with the soft light filtering through the windows.
"Daniel," I called softly, approaching him. He looked up from his books and smiled at the sight of me.
"April! You're here," he said enthusiastically. "I'm glad we're working on this."
"Me too," I answered truthfully, although my fears and worries were still latent in my mind.
"So, shall we begin?" asked Daniel, opening the Damsel in Distress book.
"Sure," I agreed, sitting down next to him.
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