Chapter 3

"I'm gonna change, so, you just sit here, and don't do anything." I nodded to her orders and watched as she went to her drawer, grabbed a pair of sweats and a shirt, and then left the room, closing the door behind her. What should I do now? I looked up at her ceiling to stare directly at a flag. The flag of Norway. Along with LED's all on the edge of her ceiling. Her bed was almost in the same position as mine, on the left of her door, centered on the wall. She had a massive bulletin board by her window. It was filled with a lot of papers. But as I moved closer to it, there were many pictures. I grabbed one that was sticking out, almost like I was supposed to grab it. Putting it up to my eyes, it was a baby picture. Her in a pair of polar bear onesies. She was a cute kid. Not sure how I feel about saying that. Just as I was setting the picture down, I heard the door open. I turn around only to Liv, staring at me, holding her dirty clothes."So much for not doing nothing." She said, giving a light chuckle. "What picture is that?""It's you in a polar bear onesie." I didn't show her the picture, but judging by her face, she didn't wanna see it."I'm sure there's a better picture of me somewhere on that board." She tossed her clothes into a basket and then sat on the floor. I put the picture back and sat beside her."We should probably get started on the project," she said. Just when I thought about grabbing my laptop, I realized it was in my backpack, the same backpack that I completely lost."We'll have to use your laptop," I responded, holding almost zero confidence."How come? Yours is missing?""Yeah, it's probably at my house." I knew that it was most likely stolen."I suppose we can use mine. So, about the project, what're you thinking?" I don't even know what it's about!"Uh.. I'm not sure. You have any ideas?" I asked, hoping she had something."I have one. But it may be a little basic if that's alright with you.""It'll be alright." I just need to know what it'll be about, then I can do the rest. She started to pitch her idea about the project."So, I'm thinking we make a story about how this girl and guy slowly start to like each other. And in the end, they don't get together because the girl couldn't confess to him." Why does this seem oddly intended for me? I did like the idea, so I supported it."I think that's a great idea!" I exclaimed. Liv then opened Google Docs, and here we were, at the start of, I guess a writing project."What should we call it?" I asked."I don't know." There was a pause. A extensive pause, I suppose that was our time to think, but I wasn't thinking of any titles."How about, 'A Truth Withheld'?" Liv threw out. I thought about this name for a few seconds. I couldn't think of any reason why it shouldn't be the title."Yeah, let's do that one." Liv typed it in, and then rolled onto her back, closing her eyes and facing the ceiling."I think we deserve a break," Liv said with a yawn."We only typed in the title.""Hey, it's all a part of the process. Plus, we have until summer break to finish.""So, what do you think we should do?" I asked, hoping she'd have an idea. Liv sat up, then turned to look at me."Where are you from?" She asked. This was not what I expected for a starting conversation, but I still answered."Stuttgart.""Stuttgart? Where's that?""It's in Germany." She gave me a slight grin."I would've never guessed that you were German.""It's probably because I have no accent.""Heh, probably." Now it was my turn to ask her."So, where are you from?""Norway. The small town of Tromsø." Well, that answers my question about her being Norse."How long ago did you move here?" I asked her."Only about 3 years ago. What about you?" I wasn't even sure when I came to America."Only a few years after I was born.""I see.""Yeah."Then, more awkward silence arose. I gave her a glance, and she was looking around the room, hoping to find something to talk about. This glance started slowly evolving into a stare. After a few seconds, I found myself staring at her. I guess I wouldn't mind if I were forced to look at her for the rest of my life. I mean, if anything, I'd feel honored to do it."Let's go to the park." She threw out in our sudden silence. I jumped a little as I was starting to get used to the silence."Yeah, that sounds nice to do. Do you wanna go right now?""If you wanna go now, then yeah." I think a change of scenery was exactly what I needed in order to strike up a better conversation. All I hope is that she doesn't bring up what Ethan told her. Liv got up and began heading downstairs, and I followed along. As we made it down the stairs, I could see her dad in the living room, watching TV."Dad, we're gonna head to the park for a little bit." Her dad didn't turn around. He didn't say anything. He just sat in silence, watching the TV. Liv put her shoes on, and I did the same. We walked out of the house and went on our way to the park.It was cloudy outside, a small but calming breeze of wind blowing across her hair. As we walked in silence, I started wondering, should I walk behind her or beside her? What's the difference? Usually, when I'm with my other friends I'm beside them but, maybe she's different. I mean, she is different. Different in a way only I can see, I guess. I mean, we're hardly even friends. The way we walk could go a long way. I gotta start-"Thomas?""Huh, what?""You're awfully quiet. Everything okay?" I mean, you did completely catch me off guard with this sudden conversation."Yeah, I'm just taking in the scenery."Liv slowed her walking and began to match her speed with mine. We were now walking side to side. Her neighborhood was quiet. No kids roaming around. No parents walking around and simply talking. It was just us, walking down the street. I'd assume the park is straight ahead since this sidewalk we were walking on only went straight."The weather is pretty nice, isn't it?" I only said this for something to talk about. I thought a change of scenery was all I needed to get a better conversation. But instead, it just led me to talk about the weather."It sure is. I think I prefer it when it's cloudy rather than sunny." As soon as she finished saying that, the wind stopped."How come?" I asked."I'm not sure. I guess because it's usually cooler. And I tend to get headaches when I'm out in the heat."You must've had a few headaches during softball practice then."

"Yeah, I felt as if I was gonna die." She laughed, and I quietly chuckled. We took a right at the end of the sidewalk, and the park was a little ahead. I could see a little bit of it.

"So, do you go to parks often?" She asked me."Yeah, quite often actually.""How often?""I'd say around every few days. Usually, I go to sketch, or just to take my mind off things.""You sketch?" She sounded genuinely surprised as she asked this question."I sketch quite a lot." She turned towards me, smiled, then looked back ahead."I'd like to see your drawings then.""Maybe someday, I'll show you."It's nice to know she built some interest in what I do. Now nothing has to be so awkward. We took another right at the end of the sidewalk and we made it to the park. There was a small playground with only a few kids playing on, an empty bench, and a bridge that went over a stream that anyone could follow."Let's go sit on the bench." She said, speed-walking over to the bench. I nodded, but I don't think she noticed, so I just followed her. We sat on the bench, which was right under a tree. I sat on the right side of the bench, and she sat on the left. There was a massive gap between us as we both sat on the edge of the bench. I leaned forward, clasping my hands, looking at the playground of happy children. I made a small glance over at Liv. She was leaning back, having her hands on the bench while mine rested on my lap. I took a nice deep breath and got a scent of honey and earthiness."So, about what your friend said..." Something In the back of my head just knew she'd bring this up. I sighed, clearly not wanting to talk about it."What about it?""Was he just saying that to be funny, or honest?" I wasn't sure. He would beg me to confess to her, and he even joked about doing it for me. But I never thought he would."I'm not sure.""That's a lie." She stated, coldly."What do you mean?""I mean, you either like me, or you don't like me.""Surely there's something in between.""What could be in between having feelings and not having feelings? Having half feelings is still having feelings." Liv could be a lawyer with this logic."I don't know." I laughed awkwardly, trying to get this conversation to shift. But she wasn't letting up."So?""What?" I responded."Do you, or do you not like me?""I don't.""Really?" Liv sounded surprised as I said I didn't. Which, I guess I don't anymore. I did. Maybe those feelings will forever remain, but just tiny in case she ever gains anything for me, which won't happen in a million years."Yeah, really. Plus, we don't particularly know each other."Liv stayed completely silent after that. I wanted to look at her, but I felt like I couldn't after saying that. I feel like now we're even more awkward. I mean, there's no reason for me to feel awkward, I don't think. We don't have feelings for each other, nor do we know each other well. Yet, I still feel like saying what I said came off as different. I don't know. All of a sudden, I hear Liv giggle at something. I turn to her and she's holding a flower that fell from the tree above us."What's that?" I asked her, curious if she knew the plant."It's a blood lunaris." She held it out towards me, so I grabbed it. It felt so soft. It has the texture of a cloak or a sheet. It was a light red flower with several layers. I closed my eyes and began running the flower on my cheek. I'm not sure why I needed to close my eyes, but maybe it'll enhance the feeling. It was so soft."You look weird," Liv said while giggling. I opened my eyes and looked ahead at the bridge."How did you know this was a blood lunaris?""Well, because there's not a lot of flowers that this can be confused with."I wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic or genuine. Either way, it's cool that she knows this flower."It was nice meeting your parents at the restaurant." I tossed the flower on the ground."I'm glad you thought so.""They're nice people.""The best parents I could ask for." I smiled at my own words. Even though there may be times we argue. I wouldn't want anyone else for my parents. The sun began setting. The red glow that was cast was nothing short of beautiful. Maybe this is something I should sketch in my journal. Me and Liv, sitting on a bench, holding hands, watching the sunset."Wow, look at the sunset," Liv said, snapping me out of my daydream."I know, right? You don't see many like that." I'm pretty glad that I can be the one to experience this with her. Even though we're not even remotely close to each other on the bench, not holding hands, but still enjoying the sunset."We should head back now before it gets dark." I nodded my head and got up. I noticed how quiet the park got during sunset. All the children on the playground had left. Talking with Liv sure does make it hard to notice my surroundings. Why does it seem like I'm foreshadowing something? We took the same path back.Birds chirped, the sunset was almost done, and me and Liv were walking side by side back to her house. We made it to her front door until she tried to open the door, but it was locked. She grabbed a key from her pocket, and while unlocking the door, she decided to start a conversation."Thomas, can you play an instrument?""I can play guitar and piano. Can you?" Liv sighed and then said,"No." The door then unlocked, and we walked in."Are you good at the piano?""I'd say I'm pretty good. I haven't played in a while, but I think it's a talent I won't forget anytime soon.""My dad always wanted to learn, but I don't think he ever did. Anyway, I'll grab your bag and take it down so you can go home.""Thank you," I said, my voice coming off as very quiet. She went up the stairs, and I stood by the door."Come here, kid." I heard from the living room. I took my shoes off and walked to the living room. It was her dad and a little girl sitting on the couch. Her dad looked at me and pointed at a chair behind me, which I took as him telling me to sit down. I ended up sitting on the chair, and he looked at the little kid and said,"Go play with your sister." I had completely forgotten Liv told me she had a little sister."Okay!" She exclaimed. She had such a light voice. She got off the couch and walked upstairs. Now, it was me and her father.He looked at me, and I tried my best to avoid every bit of possible eye contact. I looked at his TV, my hands, the door, the kitchen, and anything in the distance. I was about to look at his clock until he cleared his throat."Thomas." His voice sounded dark and mysterious."Sir." I wasn't sure how to address him. I haven't learned his name or Liv's last name."I heard you can play piano." I let out the biggest internal sigh. I thought he was gonna scold me, or God forbid, stop me from ever seeing Liv. I nodded to his statement and replied."Yes.""You know, I've always wanted to learn how to. But, I think I'm getting a bit too old.""Anyone can learn a piano. One of my old teachers said he didn't learn piano until he was in his 50s.""Would you mind teaching me some of the basics of it?""Do you have a piano?""I do. Old one, I think a grand. It was left in the basement when I moved here." He pushed himself up and off the couch."Follow me." I got off the chair and followed him. I looked at the clock one last time, it was 9:37. He walked to the fridge, grabbed two cans of beer, and then went down the hallway from his kitchen, which had a door on the left. He opened it and went down the stairs. I followed along, turning on a light switch since he decided not to."Thank you. I was just gonna ask for you to give me a flashlight.""You're welcome." At least he knew that it was dark down here.As we made it down the stairs, I was fairly impressed with his basement. Now, I didn't have any expectations when I came down the stairs. But it sure wasn't this. The floor was made of hardwood. On the left was a bar. And behind that bar was a bunch of liquor. I could tell he was a man for a good drink. There was also a clear bucket full of candy. On the right was a table tennis setup. The walls had small paintings to give it less of a dry appearance. As we continued to walk we made our way to the piano, which was sitting on carpet."Here we are." He said, pulling the stool out. I looked at the piano, and it was unique. It looked like a normal grand piano until I looked at the sides. It was painted in a black-and-white butterfly design."Did you paint this?""No, Liv did when she was younger. She used to wanna be a painter.""Really?""Yeah. Surprisingly, she had a mind for arts and crafts before she started sports." Liv being an artist. I could imagine that so clearly. He sat on the stool, placing his two beers on the floor."Alright Thomas, where do we start?" I've never taught someone piano. But all I know is, I'm probably the last person you'd want to learn from."Uhh, well, what do you know about piano so far?""I know that they're damn hard as hell." He laughed and wheezed at this, and I couldn't help but laugh as well. I suppose I should teach him the first key, C4. Everyone has to know where C4 is."Do you know where C4 is?""No."I looked at the piano and began to count the number of keys just to find it. Eventually, I did. I pointed to it,"Here is C4. Now, put your right thumb on it." He did, and here we are making progress. He then subsequently put all his other right fingers on the keys in order. That was the next thing I was gonna tell him to do, but, I guess he felt that it was correct."Alright, now, push the key that your pinky is on." He looked at his pinky, then pushed it. The sound of G4 echoed throughout this room. I loved it, I truly did."Do you know what key that was?""The white key?" He asked. I see where Liv gets her sarcasm."Well, yeah, but no. That was G4.""Does that mean the key at the end is Z4?""No, the key at the end is C8.""Then what's the key at the start?""It's A0." He pushed all the keys that his fingers were on, got up, looked at me, and stated,"This is way too hard. Play something, and I'll figure it out." I sat on the stool and slowly rubbed my fingers against the keys. A slight cleaning would do this piano a favor."Hold on Tommy, I'm gonna grab a chair."I hated it when people called me Tommy. And with that, he walked away. I started with a simple routine song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It felt nice being able to play piano again, it's like everything is falling into place. He didn't return after that warm-up. So I did another one, then another, then a few more. Once he returned with his chair, he grabbed his can of beer from the stool and started drinking it."Alright Tommy-" he burped,"Play something good." I took a deep breath and began to play Ode To Joy. A classic in Beethoven's Symphony 9. I couldn't tell if he was listening or not, but at the same time, I didn't care. The rhythm of Beethoven is what can drag all musicians who hate each other; together. I finished the song after a few minutes and turned around. He looked astounded."Tommy, this is the exact song that got played at my wedding." I smiled."I'm glad it could bring some nostalgia.""I wish I could see her again." My smile faded instantly."Is she on a business trip or something?""Something like that."I felt like I already knew she wasn't on a business trip. I shouldn't spin the topic."But hey, love is a bastard. You'll find the one, but eventually, she'll be gone in one way or another." Wow, those were deeper words than I would've expected."Do you have a request?" I asked."Play something sad, I don't know." I was thinking. Sad piano music, there's a lot of it. He was definitely in sorrow. I guess it was my fault for accidentally bringing her up. I looked at the piano and thought for a few seconds. Sad, sad, sad, what's a sad song to play? I got it. Gymnopédie No. 1. A classic from Erik Satie. I took a deep breath and began playing.Every key, almost seemed like it had its own meaning. A deeper key for the deep love he held for his wife. The lighter key for the light she brought to him every day. The pacing was slow, but, almost, felt fast to play. I could hear him sniffle. I didn't know if he was crying or something else, but I didn't wanna question furthermore. I let the music take control of my mind and body. I felt so in-depth to the music to where I felt I could take my hands off and the music would still play. I mean, obviously, I didn't, but that would be nice. My eyes started watering after being halfway done with the song.Was I crying? I have no reason to cry. I mean, yeah, this rhythm is very sad, but usually, it's from a thought of nostalgia. I wiped my eyes and continued to play. By this point, I couldn't tell if he was sleeping or not. I couldn't hear him. But, I think I'm just pulled into the music. I wonder if I could sing? Not to this rhythm, but just in general. I've never been a fan of my voice, but it's something I'd like to try. And with that, I finished the song. I lay 7 of my fingers in the final position, holding the keys until I couldn't hear anything else."So, what did you think?" I turned around, and I felt kind of disappointed and surprised. He was sleeping in the chair, beer in hand, and two other beers on the floor. I guess all I can do is wake him up. I shook his shoulder."Sir." He began to stir but didn't wake up. I carefully grabbed his beer from his hand and set it on the floor. I shook his shoulder a bit harder, and then he woke up and rubbed his eyes."Did you finish playing the song?""I did, you fell asleep halfway through.""I'm gonna go to bed. Do what you want." He got up and went upstairs, leaving me and his beer cans downstairs. I closed the fallboard, and picked up his beer cans, tossing them in the trash.It was only now I realized, I was way too tired to walk home. I really hope he doesn't mind me spending the night. He seems a little understanding. I walked up the stairs, turning off the basement light. As I walked from the kitchen to the living room, I noticed the many beer cans that were by the trash can. This must've been what took so long with the chair. I noticed my bag was by my shoes. Liv did take it down. I grabbed my phone out of my bag and walked to the couch. I thought about sleeping on the couch until I saw her dad sleeping on the couch. How do you even fall asleep that quickly? With no other choice, I walked upstairs and down the hall to Liv's room. Her door was closed.I lifted my fist to knock on her door, only to stop before the first contact. What if she's asleep? This would be very awkward. What if she doesn't allow me to sleep in her room? Why would she even allow me to? Am I asking for too much? Now that I think about it, I really am. Better just take a chance. I knocked on her door 3 times. Silence. I knew it. Right as I turned around, I heard the door open."Hello?" I turned back around, and we faced each other. She had her hair in a messy bun. And she was wearing a long T-shirt with pajama pants. She looked so cute."Hey... can I come in?""Sure..." She walked back to her bed, and I walked into her room. She had her LED's at a slightly dimmed blue."What time is it?" I asked her."It's like 11:40. I thought you would've gone home by now.""Well, I would've, but, I was busy teaching your dad the piano.""That's what that noise was?""Yeah, that was the noise.""Is he any good?" I wasn't even sure, because he didn't do much."He's got a long way to go, but he's not bad.""That's good to know.""I didn't know you painted the piano." Liv sat at her bedside, and I sat on the floor."Who told you that I painted it?""Your dad.""Of course he did.""He said you also wanted to be a painter." Liv's face went red."He did... Did he?""I could see that happening.""Anyway! Did you need something?""Oh, yeah. I was wondering, do you think I can spend the night? My parents are sleeping, and I feel a bit too tired to walk." I think I came across as not only desperate but lazy. Her face was no longer red."Uh... I guess you can.""I don't want you to think you have to let me or anything.""It's not that. It's just, I don't have anywhere for you to sleep, or any spare clothes." She makes a good point."Don't worry, I think I can sleep in my current clothes. And, if you don't mind, I could sleep in your room.""My room? Like, on the floor?""Yeah. All I need is a pillow." She tossed me a pillow as soon as I said that, then got up."I'll find you a blanket.""You don't have to.""I'm not that rude to guests." She left the room to go find me a blanket. It took about a minute, then she returned with a small blanket."Sorry, it's not much.""Don't be, I appreciate it." She lay in her bed, turned facing her window on the other side of her room. I closed the door, pushing it with my foot. Then I started hearing music play from above me. I looked around, only to realize it was her LEDs. She has Bluetooth ones that play music. That's pretty neat. She began playing what sounded like Lofi music. Just right for this time. I shut my eyes, resting my head on the pillow, pulling the blanket over me. The thoughts came over me. I'm sleeping in her room! The fact I could be so casual is unbelievable. I'm surprising myself. I think I'll go home tomorrow though. But, I'm not sure. Whatever the case may be, today was a fun day. I looked at my phone and noticed I had an email from the baseball team. I instantly opened it, curious as to what it could be. It read,"Dear Thomas,We are thrilled to inform you that you have been selected as the number 1 closing pitcher for our baseball team this season. Your hard work, dedication, and talent have truly shined through, and we are excited to have you on board.Please come to the stadium tomorrow to receive your jersey and locker assignment. We will be meeting at 10:00 AM in the locker room. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out.Congratulations once again, and welcome to the team!Best regards,Coach DreasonWillowbrook Weasels"I nearly wanted to jump off the floor. I made it! I set an alarm for 8:30 am. I have to be up and ready so I can prepare for this moment. And the number one closing pitcher? I know Cole won't like that at all. I closed my eyes, happier than ever. Could this weekend get any better? I don't think so. I think I'm already residing in a perfect place. Maybe this good luck comes from being here? Is Liv my good luck charm? No, well, maybe...