Engaged to a Jerkface...and I have no say in it! by Icicles (ap literature book list .TXT) 📖

The car ride home was pleasant. We didn’t talk much, of course. But that was alright. My dad’s grave was engraved in my mind.

I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music.

Father…

I will sing…I will make music.

Music.

My head suddenly shot up. I knew what would make my mother heal faster.


~


“Thank you so much Cole…honest. I never had the guts to visit Father, but you gave me that courage.”

Cole rubbed his neck, embarrassed by my compliments. “No, no. It’s alright. It was an awesome experience for me too.”

“Ya, well…I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Of course. Do you want me to pick you up for school?” He asked, brushing hair out of his eyes.

I thought about it…I might need someone to hitch me to the hospital tomorrow. But Jake, his face. He’s probably furious. Or sulking like a spoiled brat. Jake…why was he in my head? I shook my head to clear out any poison of him. Cole was clearly still waiting for an answer, “No, it’s alright. I’ll be fine. See you!” He waved and I waved back as he walked to his truck. I waited until he was out of view and then shut the door and held my head against it. The cold wood soothed my headache. Alright…back to topic.

Music…music. Did Jake have any useful stuff in this house? I heard footsteps going down the stairs and looked up. It was Carla. Great, I’d ask her! She should know where everything was in this maze…right?

“Hey Carla!”

“Yes Miss—” She stuttered.

“Uh – uh – uh! I told you, no titles,” I said smiling. Poor child.

“My apologies, Tori. Um, is there anything you need?”

“In fact, do you know if there is a piano here?” I asked. She thought about it for a second, then nodded.

“It’s on the 4th floor. The elevator’s over there.” My eyes widened. I had already spent a night here, yet I didn’t know how many levels this mansion had?

“Um…thanks. I mean, thank you. Honest,” I mumbled. I cannot believe there were more than 4 levels. And I thought the first 2 levels were huge.

“Would—would you…like a snack?” My head snapped back to her.

“What?”

“As in like an afternoon snack. We have chocolate éclairs with chocolate dipped strawberries. Mr. Sandeen likes his with dark chocolate. We have caramel too, if you prefer that.” My eyebrows shot up. That was…a snack?

I smiled as I thought of something, “Carly, are they delicious?”

She stepped back, “I don’t really know. I’m guessing they are since Mr.—”

“Would you like to try one?”

I could see her wondering where this was going.

“Well, of course. But Mr. Sandeen strictly says that no lower classmen are to try any delicacies, unless…I mean, we’re just not allowed to.”

“Carly…were you going to say ‘unless…with permission’?”

She blushed red, but stayed silent.

I laughed, “Well, how about this. Because of your helpfulness, I hereby give you ‘permission’,” I said that word with bitter distaste, “to eat any desert you’d like. Tell that to the other maids, please.”

Her brows furrowed, “That’s probably not too smart. Mr. Sandeen would be most unpleased.”

“But I’m also in a point to give commands aren’t I. I say you can. If he questions you, tell him it was all me. Now go enjoy.” I smiled as she quickly rushed to the kitchen, barely able to contain her excitement. I felt so proud…take that Jake!

Now…to that piano.

I walked into the grand ball room. It was exactly where Carly had said it would be. Dazzling chandeliers hung from the ceiling and the entire floor was made of smooth stone—perfect for dancing. Roses in vases, and best of all: a glistening black grand piano on the left corner. Walking up to it, I felt my eyes widen. It was the most beautiful piano I’d ever seen—and probably the most expensive. It had a glossy top, hard strung chords and just magnificent.

I glanced at the doors, making sure there were no servants or anyone following me. Then, quickly, I sat down on the velvet stool in front of the piano. Lightly placing my hands on the pearly keys, I took a deep breath. It had been a while since I’d last played. I had quit cold turkey when my father had died…it was the most important thing him and I shared. Now, this may be the only thing that could make my mother heal.

Sighing, I felt the familiarity of the keys beneath my fingers. I racked my mind for a song and came up with River Flows in You. Stretching my fingers a bit, I automatically remembered the notes and with a deep breath, began playing the familiar melody I had been long embedded in my mind.

The relief was fast…I felt so much calmer as I played. The melodies just to sooth me as it did now.

I fell away in my own world…no arranged marriages, mother-related deaths…or confusing men. Just me, myself, and my dear memory of my father. He was sitting next to me, praising me, clapping for me, cheering me on…

Much too fast, the song was over. My hands hovered above the last note. I was awake from my trance…and I heard clapping behind me. I whipped around and saw Jake standing there with a grin on his face and applauding.

I gave an embarrassed smile as I quickly reached to close the piano case. But he reached me in two strolls, grabbed my hands and shook his head.

“Play more,” He gestured to the keys, “I didn’t know you could play so well.”

“Ya, I quit a while ago. Say, I have a question…” I said slowly.

“Shoot at me. What is it?” He looked slightly happier, as if thinking I would forgive him.

I looked down and played with my fingers, “See…I was wondering if you could record me playing?”

He looked surprised, “Why? I mean—sure…I can do that, but why do you need to tape yourself? You can play anytime you want.”

Twirling the loose string on my shirt, I said, “No, I need it for my mother. After that, I won’t be playing anymore. I just need her to heal, so I’m doing this,” And I added more quietly, “It’ll remind her of Father.” He still heard me, since he was close. He seemed to understand this was a touchy subject for me, so he just scratched his neck awkwardly waiting for me to continue. When I didn’t, he just nodded.

“Alright then, I first need to get a camcorder, I’ll do that now. Do you, um,” He coughed, “Want to come with me?”

I laughed breezily, slightly messed in the brain. I wasn’t thinking clearly, only on Father. “Sure…why not? Make sure you don’t sell yourself short a bad camera.”

He looked surprised that I