Key to my Heart

CHAPTER 1

Last night, I flew in from California to move here and live with my older brother, Nathan. Nathan was 22 years old who currently goes to NYU. He was a normal, goofy brother who I could always talk to if I needed him. Tomorrow, he had to fly out to California for two weeks to visit my parents and sister, Natalie and then Chicago for two weeks. He wouldn't be back until the Monday after my birthday. Although, he is planning on calling me often to make sure I was alright, I hated being alone in this empty house. I guess I will just have to make do, which means not watching any horror movies until he comes back.

It was the first day of school for New York's School of the Performing Arts. I woke up at 6: 00 in the morning to take a shower. Once I was out of the shower, I got dressed and sat down in front of my vanity. The mirror reflected an average looking girl who had green eyes that shimmered in the light. She had ivory-toned skin which made her eyes stand out. Her flowy, brunette hair stopped at her mid-back. After putting on make-up, I went downstairs, retrieved my car keys and headed to school.

I went inside the office and looked at my schedule after the secretary; Ms. Turner gave it to me. I looked up to the clock and saw that I still had around 15 minutes until my first class started. Since I had so much time left, I decided to check out where my classes were. I walked out of the office towards the K building; the music room. Inside the vacant room, I saw a black grand piano. I opened the door, looked behind my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. To my luck, no one was paying attention so I walked into the room. I set my backpack on the ground and walked towards the piano. I then sat on the bench facing the piano. I soon started singing along while playing some songs that I wrote. Once I finished the last song, I realized I finished playing with a few minutes to spare. I got up and started walking back to my backpack. Then I heard clapping.

"Bravo!" a guys said while clapping, still.

I turned my head following the voice and saw a guy leaning against the wall.

"How long were you in here?" I asked curious.

"Just the last verse of the song. You know you have an amazing voice and are an awesome pianist."

"Oh, great!" I replied.

I could tell my face was red by the warmth of my cheeks. I looked down so I wouldn't embarrass myself anymore.

"What's wrong? Was I not supposed to hear you?"

"I sing for my ears to hear only."

"Why? You should share your talented voice with the world." He said smiling.

"People would judge or treat me different."

"You don't know that and you shouldn't assume that. I'm Chris by the way. And you are?"

"I'm Nicole."

"Well, Nicole. I say you should audition for the winter concert."

"I won't promise you anything, but I will think about it."

"That's fair enough. So where is your first class?"

"I have Music 101." I said, reading off my schedule.

"What's the room number?"

"I103."

"Cool. If you want, I could show you the way. My class is across the hall."

"Alright. Thanks"

"No Problem. Well, we better get going. Class should start any minute."

"Okay, show me the way."

We walked out of the room and headed to the I building. When we got there, is when I really noticed his features.

He looked around 5'11", maybe 6' and a toe head. His blue eyes were the same color as the ocean and anyone could get lost while looking at them.

"So I guess I will see you around?"he asked.

"Yeah, sure."

I walked into class and thought about Chris all period. When the bell rang, I slowly got my bag and books together and headed out for the door. I walked outside and was about to go around the corner but I heard my name being called.

"Nicole!"

I turned around and saw Chris leaning against the wall.

"Hey." I replied.

"So how was your first class?"

"It was alright. It could have been better if we started playing the instruments."

"I'm sure it will get better soon. So what class do you have next?"

"I have physics with Mr. Newton in C206. What about you?"

"Umm. I have Pre-cal with Ms. Gonzales in B102."

"Oh." I said, disappointed. I was hoping we would have our classes next to each other.

"But I have first lunch. What lunch do you have?"

"Not sure. Let me check."

I looked at my folder, where my schedule was showing from the clear plastic covering on the front side of my binder.

"Apparently I have first lunch also."

"Great. I'll see you then."

He started walking away. Then I realized that he didn't say where we would meet.

"Wait. Chris?"

"Yeah?" he said after walking back towards me.

"Where do you want to meet?"

"How about in front of the gym?"

"Okay. I guess I will see you then."

"Okay. Bye, Nicole."

"Bye, Chris!"

We walked our separate ways to our next class. Physics was so boring. I don't understand why we even have to learn it. It's not like we are all going to become science teachers.

Once the bell rang, I rushed out of the class heading towards the gym. As I started getting closer, I was beginning to get butterflies in my stomach. Why was I feeling like this? I can't like him already. I mean, I have only talked to him for like fifteen minutes. Ugh! He's really cute! And it's not just his looks that make me feel this way: he's sweet, kind, and he makes me laugh. Wow! This is lame! I already have a crush on someone I met just this morning.

Around one minute later, I was at our meeting spot. I tried searching for him but I couldn't find him. I started to get nervous, but then sighed in relief when I saw him walking towards me with a smile on his face. I smiled back. I think his smiles are contagious.

"Hey, sorry I'm late. I had to go get a couple of books from my locker."

"Oh. That's okay. Do you mind if I go to my locker really quick."

"Sure. I'll come tag along. Where is it at?"

"It's in the D building, downstairs."

"Cool. What's your number?"

"126. You?

"193."

"So does that mean that ours should be close together?"

"I think so. Come on, let's go and we can find out. Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah."

We took our time getting to my locker. Once I was there and opened it, I put my books I used earlier and got out the books for my next classes. Since I put a mirror in earlier, I decided to check my hair as well, just to make sure it doesn't look like I just got out of bed. After I finished that, I closed my locker to find Chris leaning against a locker.

"You look comfortable." I said

"It's al-right. It would be better if they had a cushion. Actually, I think that is a good idea. That could help a kid out if they get slammed into one. I'm such a genius!" he said, smiling.

I started laughing so much that it was starting to ache. "You are too funny." I said while locking my locker door, giggling.

"Why, thank you." he said, bowing.

"And weird! Come on, weirdo! Let's go before all the tables are taken.

"Hey. I am not weird." he said as we walked out of the building.

"Yeah you are, but in a good way."

"How?"

"I don't know, you just are. Anyways, are you going to buy lunch?"

"No, I brought my lunch."

"Me too. Where do you want to sit?"

"How about at a table near the theater?"

"Yeah. That sounds good."

We sat down and ate our lunches we brought from home. We asked each other basic questions about ourselves, trying to get to know about each other. We said goodbye once the bell rang and exchanged numbers so we could text later.

The rest of the day went by slow. I was so happy once the final bell rang. Once I got in my car, I set my books on the passenger seat and then drove home.