As a take a seat at the piano, it's like I never stopped, the music just flows from my fingers, almost out of my own control. It takes hitting a wrong note to realize what I was even playing in the first place, but once the realization washes over me, I jerk my hands away from the ivory as if the keys were burning my fingers.
Coldplay flows through my fingers and fill the empty auditorium with the sounds of the gorgeous piano riff. I'm so wrapped up in the song that I don't hear someone approaching from behind me until I hear the matching guitar chords. I jump out of my seat as my hands fly off the keys. I close my eyes but continue to face the piano, annoyed that I'm being interrupted.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, I just…I thought…I'm sorry." The unknown visitor stutters through an apology. I turn around to meet the face on the one and only Finn Hudson, the most popular guy in school, the captain of the football team, and a class-A jock, holding a guitar in one hand and running his hand through his hair with the other. I honestly can't believe he actually knows where the auditorium is. He's still rambling when I cut him off.
"Its fine, I just didn't think anyone would be here."
"Sorry, I just was leaving football practice and heard you play and I love the song and I couldn't help myself." I nod in understanding; I know what it feels like to lose yourself in a song every now and again.
He sticks his hand out, "I'm Finn, Finn Hudson." I just look at the hand jutting in my direction.
"I know who you are, doesn't everyone?" He sighs and lets his hand fall as I decide to save the kid some of the embarrassment and reciprocate his action.
"I'm Rach-"
"Rachel Berry, I know." He gives me one of those half smiles that make all the girls melt.
"I didn't realize part of being class president would be knowing everyone's name.," I pick fun at him.
"Actually, and I know this is hard to believe, but I'm not the class president. I didn't even run. And I know you because I've been to the school concerts; Kurt's my neighbor and a really great friend. And you are really talented." I smile; I'm usually a fan of people who can make jokes about themselves, and I can't help but smile at Kurt and Finn's friendship. I know that they're pretty close because I kind of know Kurt from school art programs that he makes films for. And he complimented me, so that's a plus, but I can't let him make this into a sweet moment.
"What?!" I exclaim in fake horror. "The golden boy isn't the class president, this is an outrage! I demand a recount!" He laughs.
"I'm glad I'm not a total cliché." He takes a seat at an empty chair beside me.
"Yeah," I smile. "The guitar playing is a pleasant surprise."
"Oh no," He cries and takes my hand in both of his and looks deeply into my eyes. "Rachel, you can't tell anyone, this will be the ruin of me! If anyone finds out, I'll be so shamed I'll have to move schools!" He can barely get through the sentence before we're both laughing.
We fall into conversation so very naturally, it almost scares me. I don't connect with people like this. Before I know it, we've been talking, playing, singing, and laughing for two hours. When I catch view of the clock, I jump out of my seat and quickly start to collect my things.
"Sorry, I really have to go." I apologize. He looks at the wall clock.
"Whoa! Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you."
"That's fine, I enjoyed myself." We look at each other and smile as I take the stairs off the stage toward the doors in the back.
"Rachel, wait!" I hear him object when I'm about halfway down the center aisle. I turn as he jumps off the stage and jogs to where I'm standing.
"Ok, so this sounds a little crazy but something inside of me is telling me to go for it, so I'm going out on a limb here." He runs his hands through his hair, apparently a nervous habit. "Can I have your number?"
I smile "I guess what they say is right, Coldplay really does work."
"Coldplay really does work." I state to no one in particular into the big empty room. Not only was it the first time we met but one of the songs I used for my big audition for my acceptance into this school. I hope the music continues to bring that kind of luck.