Out-and-regretting-it comprehensive attendee Jayden Phillips turns his cast-iron plans for life upside-down by falling in love with private-school violinist Darren Peace, a sardonic boy with the craziest hair Jayden's ever seen.<br><br>But all is not what it seems, and Jayden's bullying problem becomes meaningless when he is confronted with what the music does to Darren. How do you stop a dangerous depression rooted in the same thing that makes someone what they are? Dark moods, blank apathy, and the undertow of self-loathing all simmer beneath Darren's dry and beautiful veneer, and Jayden feels powerless to stop them.<br><br>Then a mugging gone wrong takes the music forcibly away, and Jayden is finally given the chance to change Darren's life -- and, quite literally, his mind.

Vivaldi in the Dark

“Yeah, and last year, he was ‘in a relationship’ with that Ethan kid at his school because it pissed off the kid’s family. I didn’t know whether I should take that seriously or not,” Scott said flatly.


Dad clumped over and sat wordlessly beside Jayden, not bothering to introduce himself, either not caring or not realising that Scott was, well, Scott.


“He doesn’t want his parents to know,” Jayden stated.


“Yeah, I get that.” Scott shrugged and went back to toying with the water bottle. “I just, you know. I need to know why you’re here. Why you care so much. Makes sense now, and…thanks. He’s needed someone to…give a shit.”


Scott’s fumbling with words was familiar, and the tension eased just a little in Jayden’s chest. It was a hospital. Scott was here and worried. Their parents were en route. Darren was at least for now in safe hands, even if…


He forced his brain away from the thought. “Do you…” He licked his lips. “Do you have any idea what…?”


Chapter 87