The War Within

Clark dragged with case along the ground, which was totally uncharacteristic of him. He loved his cello. Playing it was his passion, even more than playing the piano. He used to enjoy his music, especially his tutorials and rehearsals. But now, he couldn't feel any joy. The sheer frustration of losing his passion for what had been, until a few months, the one sure thing in life upset him.

I just hate my life!

It was stupid! Really! Ever since his baby sister, Isabel, was born his parents didn't seem to care about him at all. The earth could split open and swallow me up before they'd bat an eyelash.

This morning he was pretty much left to his own devices. No one took any notice of him even when he deliberately left the bread to burn to a crisp in the toaster. He might as well not exist.

Sometimes, it felt utterly difficult to love little Isabel. The wee one he so looked forward to having now he just wanted no part of. It was massively confusing because the arrival of little Isabel was one of the most exciting event in his life. He was so deliriously happy when they brought her home. But now that he's been relegated to the backroom of the Lane's household, he was having a major rethink of this new arrival.

Bumping his case up the stairs, his class mate Joe Stanick asked if he'd care to join them, "We're hanging out under the bridge... "

"I've got music rehearsal."

"Ditch it!" Joe tugged at his sleeve. "And leave that f'ing case in your locker or the music room."

He knew better. He knew he shouldn't but he didn't debate it. Why not? No one cares. They certainly don't.

"Alright, I'll follow."

He walked to the music room to drop off his case, sneaking stealthily, waiting for his music teacher to step out, no doubt to look for him. He pulled a disused white board off the wall to hide his case behind it, careful not to leave too much scuff marks on the floor. He raced off to catch up with his buddies, bantering around who's buying the drinks.

Henry, one of the older students said, "No problem, I've got my Dad's stash in the boot of my car!" Older by a year at a mere 17, whereas Clark who started school early, at 16 was one of the youngest in class.

They skipped about, mucking around until they got to the school parking area where a gleaming brand new five-seat Toyota sedan sat invitingly. "Hop in." All seven of them didn't hesitate to pile on top of each other. They have broken so many road rules it wasn't funny. Clark smiled to himself, OH if only Dad could see me now!

Back at the music hall, music teacher Diana breathed a sigh of disappointment, This is now the fourth music rehearsal he has skipped. He hasn't been going to tutoring either.

She made a mental note to call Clark's mum. Maybe they decided, with a brand new baby, they couldn't afford to pay for more music tuition. If money is the issue, I'd offer to give him a scholarship. He is such a talent.

"Hi," said a softly spoken voice.

Diana beamed, "You must be Grace."

"I am." The young girl with braces, braided blonde hair, rosy cheeks and awkward in her over-sized timberland smiled back at her. She has a charming personality. Not a stunning beauty, more like an adorable, sweet young thing. Fresh faced with dusting of freckles.

"Come in. We're just waiting for one more student and then we can start."

Grace settled in, placing her music book on top of the piano. "Tell me a little about yourself" said Diana.

"I just transferred here from Vancouver, it feels very strange."

"Give it time, the kids here are mostly alright. The Music Club is the best place to start. It's a small close-knit group, once you get to know them, you'll meet more people. Have you been playing the piano long?"

"Since I was five. It's my favorite instrument."

"That's awesome. I can't wait to form a school trio. He hasn't been joining rehearsals lately, but Clark excels in cello, and..."

"Hey, Miss Diana," said a bouncing, vivacious red-head as she charged in from nowhere.

"And, here she is... Tonette. She excels in the flute." She introduced the two young ladies. Shy Grace met the force of nature who was Tonette. The red-head was as tall as she was skinny, making her a target of bullies, constantly calling her "Beanpole." But far from being offended, the young flutist took it all in her stride.

"Where's Clarkie?"

Diana shrugged.

"Missing again, heh. It's his lost. He could have been making beautiful music with two beauties." She followed this with a cackle.

What they didn't realised was while they were playing beautiful music, practicing Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, Clark was in the midst of a potentially catastrophic human drama.