In the Blink of an Eye

In the Blink of an Eye

Chapter Six

Note: This chapter is for Solana1- you asked if Emily could sing, so here's your answer…..

Now that Troy was back on the road to recovery, Emily could finally relax and begin to settle in at East High. Over the next couple of weeks she fit back into life in Albuquerque with surprising ease. She was quite tall, and toned from her surfing in California, so the volleyball team snapped her up right after her first gym class. Of course, lunch wasn't a problem; Troy and Chad had welcomed her into their group with open arms.

Emily had to admit, she could never have imagined some of these people being as nice and easy to get along with as they were. Even Sharpay, who she clearly remembered as being a spoilt and obnoxious creature, seemed sweet. Ryan, her twin, was quieter but just as entertaining. Emily could only assume that his less exuberant nature was a result of years spent in his sister's shadow.

She only had vague memories of Kelsi, the shy, bespectacled girl with the dreamy expression and pianist's fingers, but now she found her intriguing. Taylor and Chad mad an adorable couple, and she had already known Zeke, Jason and Martha, the fun-loving brainiac, before going to California. The group was easy to get along with.

One day Zeke brought muffins for everyone at lunch. Emily tried one, and it seemed to melt in her mouth. "Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed loudly.

"What's wrong?" Zeke asked anxiously. "Too many blueberries? I thought I might have added a shade too much…"

"You made these? Zeke, they're incredible! These are the best muffins I've ever tasted!"

Zeke blushed as Jason ruffled his hair playfully. "Thanks. I can give you the recipe if you like."

Emily nodded gratefully, brushing the crumbs from her lips. "Yes please! But right now I've got to go. See you guys later." She jumped to her feet and left before anyone could say anything more.

Despite its size, East High was easy enough to navigate and Emily quickly found the room she'd been longing to visit. She opened the door quietly and peeked inside. Thankfully, the music room was empty.

The room had a mysterious air to it; the magic of the music could almost be tasted. Emily loved it. She ran her fingers along the ivory keys of the piano, the melody resounding in her ears. The acoustics in here were fantastic.

Emily wandered from instrument to instrument, fingering them fondly, with affection. Music was like an addiction to her. When she heard the notes, or better still played them herself, euphoria coursed through her veins, transporting her to a private world where nothing else mattered but the harmonies and chords flooding her mind.

Eventually she came upon a guitar nestled in the corner. Eagerly she picked it up, loving the smooth texture of the wood as she threw the strap over her shoulder. She strummed the strings, experimenting. It was tuned to perfection. She took a seat by the window and began to play.

It was a song she'd first heard over the internet. The simple yet intricate quality was mesmerising, entrancing. Of course, her voice made the song sound completely different; she sang in a sweet, lilting voice while the lead singer of the band behind the original had a gloriously husky tone. They were incomparable, but the lyrics and the music captivated Emily:

'You touch these tired eyes of mine

And map my face out line by line.

And somehow growing old feels fine.

Listen close for I'm not smart,

You wrap your thoughts in works of art

And they're hanging on the walls of my heart…' *

She stopped suddenly, breathing heavily. She was certain she'd heard a noise and sure enough, when she turned around Troy was frozen in the doorway, watching her intently.

"Sorry", he said, and it sounded as though he meant it. "I didn't mean to frighten you. That was really beautiful, I didn't know you played guitar. I've never heard that song before, what's it called?"

"It's called 'I'm Yours'. It's by an Irish band, The Script. I love it. Come here." Emily patted the vacant seat beside her and Troy immediately came to fill it.

"Play some more", he urged.

"Fine. Only because it's for you though", she warned, and took a deep steadying breath before beginning to pluck the chorus:

'I may not have the softest touch,

I may not say the words as such

And though I may not look like much

I'm yours.

And though my edges may be rough

I never feel I'm quite enough.

It may not seem like very much,

But I'm yours.' *

As soon as she finished, Troy began to clap in appreciation.

"Wow", he marvelled. "That was incredible. I wish I could play like that….."

"It just takes a little practice. Here." Emily passed him the precious instrument and went to crouch behind his stool. She put her hands over his, getting him to shadow her movements. It didn't really work, but it was fun for her and, more to the point, she could see that Troy was enjoying himself. It didn't matter that they were making complete idiots of themselves, because this was the sort of thing they'd always done as kids. It was simple fun for two best friends, that was all.

Then the bell rang, bringing lunch to a close. They sprang up as one and Troy replaced the guitar on the empty stand in the corner. They left for class together. Emily noticed that Troy was looking at her out of the corner of his eye and that his mouth was twitching into a peculiar half-smile.

"What are you thinking?" she asked suspiciously.

"Nothing", Troy replied, a little too quickly and innocently.

"Troy."

"It's just- Kelsi would really love to have a talent like yours on board for the musical….." He dodged her furious swipe, laughing openly.

"No way. Tell her I sing, and I swear I will tell everybody about how you used to believe the Tooth Fairy was an evil monster who crept into kids' bedrooms at night and stole all the teeth from their heads. I know for a fact that you didn't sleep for weeks. Remember that." Now Emily was the one laughing. "And I would have no problem telling. So keep your mouth shut."