Chapter 3: Everything Changes

If you just walked away
What could I really say?
Would it matter anyway?
Would it change how you feel?

Courtney POV

My playing has gotten pathetic. Lately I've been turning to my violin more and more, I like the whining sounds the strings create. Duncan used to say it suited my perfectly because all I ever did was whine and whine. I smile to myself remembering that.

It's funny that Duncan and I never actually collaborated our musical creativity together. He's actually a decent guitar player when he tries, but then why should I expect him to try anything? It's always me who's working my ass off and killing myself each day while he sits back and lazily watches. He won his million dollars; I'm still working for mine. He's gotten a free ride from that stupid reality show, what have I gotten? Nothing.

*SNAP*

One of the strings to my violin has broken into an ugly curl that is mocking me and my lack of everything. I feel like I'm losing Duncan and all of a sudden I'm losing all my ability to do anything else correctly. My relationship is a wreck, just like my violin.

A sudden wave of heat comes over me and in one angry sweep I throw my violin down with all my strength and watch it smash into pieces. I can't stop breathing heavily as the silence from the crash settles in and I realize just how childish and stupid that was. Now I just feel like crying. I just broke my violin.

"Courtney?"

I nearly jump out of my skin as someone's hand comes down on my shoulder. I spin around so quickly I almost don't recognize Trent as he looks down worriedly on me. I'm honestly glad it's him and not Duncan, but what in the world is Trent doing here in the first place?

Trent POV

I can't believe it's her, like literally I can't believe it's her! She looks so… depressed. I've seen tons of emotions from Courtney: rage, anger, happiness, eagerness, jealousy, but never depression.

It's odd, so odd I don't even know what to say to her as she continues to pant heavily from smashing her violin. Watching her go from playing beautifully to violently was very entertaining and unsettling.

I hadn't expected to find Courtney in this tiny recording studio; she seems too good for it. I had stopped by here to pick up some equipment from an old friend when I heard someone playing from one of the audition rooms. She had her back turned to me so I couldn't see her face, but the way she played was unbelievable, it was a very melancholy and passionate tune that was interrupted by a string breaking. That was when I noticed Courtney's face and the crazy wave of anger that came over her as she sent her violin flying into the floor.

I feel like I should ask her what is wrong, but honestly…. I'm a little afraid she might kill me if I ask.

"What are you doing here?" she demands. So much for a warm greeting.

"Um…. I was here to pick some equipment and-''

"And what? You decided to spy on me then sneak up on me unannounced?"

Yeah… that's the old Courtney I remember. "I just wanted to talk to you, wanted to know if you were OK," I said looking down at her broken violin.

Courtney looks down angrily before huffing. "I'm fine, not that it's any of your business."

Technically it's not, but I'm pretty sure anyone who smashes an instrument for no good reason isn't fine.

"Shouldn't you be with Gwen?" she snaps at me harshly while picking up her ruined instrument.

I shrug carelessly, "Shouldn't you be with Duncan?"

She freezes suddenly and looks hurt. For some reason I don't think I should've said that, did she and Duncan break up?

"We're taking a break," she replies without looking at me.

I'm not sure what that means other than their having problems. At least now I know what's bothering her. I'm not too surprised that she and Duncan are going through a rough time, being total opposites of each other can't be easy. "Oh," I say for lack of a better word.

An uncomfortable silence surrounds us as she throws away the last of the violin pieces. She shuffles her feet before finally looking at me and giving me an awkward glance. "Didn't the Drama Brothers break up? What are you doing here picking up equipment?"

Now it's my turn to give her an awkward look. "Well just because my band didn't work out doesn't mean I'm going to give up."

Courtney nods. "Right….."

More silence. Its right here where I should've walked away, should've just wished her luck with everything and just been on my way. But there was something about Courtney's sadness that just told me to stay, told me to do something about it, and before I could stop myself I was inviting her to my recording studio.

"You're inviting me to your recording studio?" Courtney asks suspiciously.

I simply nod hoping she'll take my offer.

"Why?" she asks.

I can only look at her confused until she explains herself.

"Why would you want me in your recording studio when I don't have my violin anymore, when I feel like crap and when Gwen will be there?"

I ease a little closer to her, just to make sure she hears me through. "I have extra instruments you can use, music will make you feel better, and Gwen won't be there."

Courtney's lips part in shock, and just when I think she's going to ask about Gwen she immediately shuts her mouth. I think on some level Courtney understands that Gwen and I aren't on romantic terms and she doesn't want to hurt my feelings. Courtney acts aloof and unsympathetic to people most of the time, but deep down she understands and cares more than she lets on.

She takes a few moments to contemplate the pros and cons before walking past me. I don't need any clues to know that that means yes and that I have follow behind her. This will be interesting. Courtney and I playing music together….who would've guessed?

Courtney POV

I'm actually surprised how good Trent and I sound together, and he was right, I feel a whole lot better. I don't let thoughts of Duncan distract me as I continue to strum on a guitar alongside Trent and vocalize with him.

It's the stuff like this I miss most. I miss the simple things I use to do in solitude, sure I'm with Trent, but being with Trent isn't complicated. Trent is a nice guy who doesn't irritate me or interrupt me, unlike some people. I think that's the main reason I said yes to his offer, if it had been anyone else I would've said no.

With Trent it's actually easier to just let all my pent-up emotion out. Back on the Aftermath he was the only one who actually put up with it and listened. Looking back I actually feel a little bad for that, he had still been hurting from his break up with Gwen, and my accusations of her probably hadn't been too helpful.

That's why I didn't say anything when he mentioned Gwen wouldn't be around the studio. I could hear the edge of pain in his voice when he said it. I can understand why Gwen broke up with him when he was acting insane on the show, what I don't understand is why she won't take him back.

He'd be so good for her; he's such a good guy. Here I am acting like a brat and Trent is being so kind and gracious to me. Hell we aren't even that close and he's letting me have use to an expensive recording studio and its equipment.

It's nice to know that maybe I did make one friend from that entire dreadful experience of a reality show. Being here feels nice, and right now it's just perfect for my break away from Duncan, somewhere with a friend with no expectations or worries.

We finish our song and before I know it I'm saying to Trent, "We should do this again sometime."

I just realized that since I've been here in the recording studio I haven't had a single thought of Duncan for the first time in days; it brings me relief and grief all at the same time.

"Love is like a violin. The music may stop now and then, but the strings remain

forever." – Unknown

A/N: Guess which characters are in the next chapter! Review!