Fingertips glided gracefully over smooth keys as the subtlety dent in the keyboard elicited a noise that surrounded the entire house with a sound that could calm an ocean during a storm. The notes that lingered on for just a second too long were taken into mental consideration and replayed, timing the cue to begin with the next finger and replacing the feeling of flawed work with the new and improved perfection.
Two days it had taken Chase to master the difficult piece and here he was, playing Fur Elise like he were Beethoven himself. It actually wasn't even about if he could do it or not. He wanted to prove he did more than just study and get good grades. He wanted to prove to himself that he was worth something more than the boy everyone saw who did everything right and got no credit to show for it. And at that very moment, he was sure he had.
Beyond the sweet sound of a song that captivated ears and eyes for centuries, Chase heard the faint creak of the floorboard under moving feet. When he could feel a presence right behind him, silently beckoning for him to turn around, Chase released the keys from under the capture of his fingers and waited for something to be said to cut the silence. The person behind him spoke first.
"Chase, that was amazing." It was Tasha who spoke. Chase turned around to meet her eyes that glistened with pride that was held solely for him. Never before had she been enthralled and under complete hypnosis because of a song, nonetheless one from Beethoven. But Chase, the smart Chase who always seemed to surprise her in more ways than one, had outsmarted her again and gave her something to look forward to hearing once more.
"Thank you, Tasha." Chase lit a raw smile that showed his outmost gratitude for her compliment. He received compliments on a daily basis, sure, but it always made him happy when Tasha gave him one. Around her, he didn't have to try hard to impress her. He didn't have to worry about anyone outdoing him because she already acknowledged him as the only one who could actually bring her to the depths of pure auditory and visual bliss. He felt actually appreciated around her, something that he hadn't felt around the others in what seemed like ages. And he loved feeling appreciation.
Tasha patted him on the shoulder before walking off. Chase almost wanted to stop her, to ask her if she wanted to hear more, to receive more compliments. The only mother figure he'd ever known and he just wanted to hear more of her praise. But he stopped himself. He knew that wasn't the first time she'd praised him. He knew that wouldn't be the last time she'd praise him.
Chase resumed playing Fur Elise with a smile and new found sense of worth.