Chapter 4 (Rated PG)

Another week pasted and the two composers were close to finishing the second movement of the Emperor's Sonata. Mozart was truly amazed at not only their progress with the Sonata, but at his and Salieri's working relationship. After two weeks of working together Mozart found himself enjoying his time with Salieri. He never would have thought it possible but it was true. Salieri calm demeanour and quiet intelligence almost seemed to ground Mozart when he found himself getting stuck or frustrated. Throughout the long hours they spent together Mozart had started to see through the cracks of Salieri's walls. The man couldn't keep up the cool facade for hours at a time after all. Many times Mozart would catch him smiling as he worked or saw the warmth and pride in his eyes as their music came together. There was so much more to the man then Mozart had expected. Mozart couldn't help but feel increasingly intrigued and fascinated as he continued to see more about who the man really was.

Mozart was currently packing up his papers into his travelling case but he was not on his way to Salieri's house. Today was the first day they were unable to work on the Sonata together since they had started over two weeks ago. Da Ponte needed Mozart for the day to start working on their opera. He was just about to leave when Constance entered his apartment. He looked up to see her make her way towards him with a confusing mix of excitement and reluctance in her expression.

"Constance my love! What can I do for you darling, have you come to wish me farewell with a kiss" Mozart said smiling. He always enjoyed Constance's company for she was a sweet girl and didn't mind some friendly kissing.

"Unfortunately not Mozart, I came to tell you that I'm leaving to visit Aloysia for a week or two, she wrote to us asking for help with the new baby. She's a bit overwhelmed with caring for a newborn and continuing her opera performances. Mama wanted to go but she can't leave the household so I'm going instead".

Mozart felt a slight stab in his chest at the thought of Aloysia but was surprised to find the hurt he normally felt had significantly lessened. It seems that he had recovered from his feelings for his first love and now there was simply a slight ache where painful remembrance had once resided. Mozart could tell that Constance was excited to go see her sister and the new baby but she also looked hesitant to leave him and her family.

"That's wonderful Constance, I'm sure that Aloysia will be grateful for your help. Don't worry about me or your sisters, we'll get alone fine. Its not like your leaving indefinitely".

"Of course not Mozart, I could never do that" Constance protested.

"Well then go and enjoy your visit together, I know you have not seen Aloysia in some time. Please send her my congratulations" Mozart said sincerely and gave her a brief hug before guiding them to the door.

"Your sure you will be alright. I always worry when you leave to see that horrible man" Constance stated as they walked down the hallway. Mozart just laughed.

"Really Constance, Salieri not as bad as you think. Besides, I am on my way to see Da Ponte today, not Salieri".

Constance exhaled noisily in disbelief. Mozart knew he wouldn't be able to convince her it was the truth, she hadn't had the chance to see Salieri as he had. They continued to walk down the hallway towards the entrance doors. Mozart turned to face Constance and saw her expectant gaze. It took Mozart a second to realize she expected him to kiss her goodbye. Mozart did so quickly and wished her a final farewell as he walked out the door. As Mozart made his way down the street he couldn't help but wonder why kissing Constance then had not seemed the same as before, that for some reason, the touch of her lips didn't seem to hold the same pleasure and satisfaction it once had.

...

Salieri sat working at the desk in the music room, staring at his mostly blank piece of parchment as if glaring at it would cause the notes to magically appear. It was well into the afternoon and Salieri had barley managed to get anything accomplished regarding the Sonata. Looking up he couldn't help but stare around the room, the lack of another body seemed to weight down the air and make the once tranquil space feel cold and empty.

That's ridiculous Salieri chided himself, there was nothing wrong with the room. He had used this room in peace and comfort for years before Mozart had ever set foot in it. The void he felt was simply a result of the fact that Mozart had been there for every day of creating the Sonata and it simply felt odd to be working on it without him. Salieri nodded to himself at the rational explanation. Still, he couldn't seem to focus on finishing the second movement. He and Mozart often wrote out their sections for the four handed piano movements individually but they always discussed the parts as they went and practiced the music together to insure it flowed and to make any necessary changes.

Salieri sighed and got up from his chair. Perhaps a trip out to his garden would help clear and center his mind so he could focus on finishing the bloody movement. Salieri made his way out to the back yard and looked around. This was his haven, a place that was strictly his. The staff new that if he was out here he wished to be alone and they only disturbed him if it was absolutely necessary. Knowing that no one could see him he took off his shoes and leggings and walked out onto the grass barefoot. Sitting down under a tree he let his toes sink slightly into the earth. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, letting the sent of the earth and flowers wash through him. Sometimes he came out here to think and create his music, sometimes he reflected on his life, and other times he would commune with God.

Salieri closed his eyes and tried to let his mind go blank. He tried to let go of all the confusing emotions and frustrations he'd felt over the last two weeks, the last several months. It was hard. Salieri felt like his life and been turned upside down lately and he didn't know what to think anymore. Opening his eyes Salieri stared up into the sky, hoping in vain that maybe some answers would fall from the heavens and give him some peace.