~*Glissando*~
Rouge watched me, her eyes widening slightly as I concentrated and carefully lifted the chairs and tables around her in unison. I kept the furniture suspended in midair before lightly setting each chair and table down, shifting the candles placed upon them in the center of each.
For a full minute she was silent. Having powers was not uncommon, but mine are certainly rarer on the spectrum. I shifted in my seat waiting for her to speak and prayed that she wasn't fearful of me like so many others had been when I showed them. Instead her topaz eyes settled on me and she smiled charmingly.
"You are something special aren't you?" She asked standing from her chair and making her way up the stairs to me. "Have you tried using your abilities to play?" She questioned as she joined me on the piano seat.
"Well...no. Not really. Shadow was kind of strict with following the rules." I explained, remembering how much he commented on my posture at the piano and my tendency to "add extra" to each song I played.
She shook her head and laughed. "He sounds very traditional. Honey, try playing that sweet little song again, but this time use your ability." She sat beside me and poised her fingertips above the keys. I focused intently on the keys and mentally prodded each, watching them obey my commands. Each piano key glowed as I focused on them. Soon I heard Rouge joining me on the opposite side of the piano adding her own touches to my song. I faltered twice but found that the way I was playing now was much more comfortable than how I previously played. Our duet was short and sweet, echoing through the club ethereally.
When we finished Rouge smiled warmly. "That was wonderful Silver. Now, I want you to practice this way from now on." She stood from her seat to disappear behind the stage curtain only to return with a thin packet of sheet music. I mentally groaned as I glanced at the packet but accepted it nonetheless.
"I have a feeling you might like those. Come back as often as you would like." She stated, pulling out a pocket mirror and checking her makeup. "The club will be opening in a few minutes. You are welcome to stay and have a drink." She smirked playfully and strutted off stage greeting some of her employees that had just arrived through the back.
I had a lot of homework and catching up to do, but I was so very curious. It was the first time I had ever been in a club/lounge and I wanted to see exactly what Rouge operated. Taking a seat at the bar I shyly ordered a Long Island Iced tea from the somewhat intimidating robotic bartender. Rouge closed the red curtain hiding the piano from view as the club lights pointed at the stage brightened. One by one, all manner of species of animals filtered in wearing trendy high end outfits. Some had brought their significant other, other's had come alone, and quite a few were bustling in a group. Nestled in expensive couches and chairs, murmurs and laughter filled the theatre. Sipping slowly I watched in awe as music began to play from the pit. The audience quieted down focusing on the stage.
A burly lion and a short lamb sang a loving yet sorrowful duet, gliding across the stage in a strange yet intricate dance. The lambs hips swayed, the shiny black bow nestled in the wool on the top of her head catching the light and glinting with every step. Sterling bangles around her ankles and wrists clinked and jingled as she danced, the lion traveled around her in a crisp suit accentuated by a black rose in his front pocket. Once the song and dance ended the curtain closed with the audience politely clapping in approval.
Dressed in my casual wear I was not up to the dress code and I began to feel extremely out of place. At the corner of the bar I hoped I didn't catch too much attention as I waited for the next show. The music picked up again and and I watched the stage again in fascination.
A steady deep tempo played as a thin gray mouse in a white suit took to the stage. He carefully and skillfully recited a poem that highlighted the restrictions of society and the power of perception. Asking for another drink I was mesmerized by the establishment, finding it to be somewhat liberating and comfortable. I stayed late into the night savoring every performance. However, my favorite was the last that I saw.
The stage opened in silence, which I found was peculiar. On the stage four female squirrels were poised beside each other each holding beautifully constructed electric violins. Each were dawned in red dresses and they began to play.
The song was so powerful and mesmerizing. The strong strokes on the violins bathed the lounge in wonder. Passionately the squirrels shook as they played a song that was haunting yet demanding of it's audience. A crescendo and the song brought the audience back down to earth before ending on a strong sharp note. The four bowed in unison as they received quite a few standing ovations from the awe-stricken clientele.
When I returned home I could still feel the music pulsing through his body. The violins were so beautiful. The sound that the instrument made struck me and I wished I was learning to play violin instead of piano. Throwing my bag on my small beige couch I collapsed and checked my phone.
It was 11:30. I couldn't believe how late it was and how long I had stayed at the club. I didn't have school on Tuesday before work so I decided to make some coffee and work on my schoolwork.
~O~
I woke up extremely late the following morning with a jolt. Shooting out of bed I desperately threw on a plaid button down, blue jeans and some old black converse I had. I bolted out the door without eating and rushed to work praying that I would make it one time. Quietly I walked through the back of my employment. I was about ten minutes late for my shift. Vanilla wasn't strict but I still felt extremely guilty. Washing my hands out of habit and dawning my apron once again I began to stock canned goods before I felt a presence behind me.
"Espio" I whispered as I turned and watched the chameleon seemingly materialize beside me. Espio fixed me with his deadpan stare quietly before simply stating "It's busy today. Vanilla wants you at the front." before walking away. Rushing to stock the rest I made my way to the front to see both Vanilla and now Espio rushing to service every customer. The news that the golden peaches had arrived must have spread. Each customer held a basket of them.
Taking over the cash register that Vanilla was operating I scrambled to keep up, occasionally forgetting the codes for some of the items and having to refer to a small booklet. Finally the stream of clients died down and I was able to take my break. I was famished from not eating breakfast, so I purchased a few golden peaches for myself at a discount and dug into them as I sat on some tall boxes in the back. Juice dribbled down my muzzle and onto my large white patch of chest fluff tinging parts of it slightly yellow. Once again Vanilla was out getting Cream but this time Espio was managing the front. Relishing the taste of the fruity delicacy I didn't notice a pair of green eyes staring at me from the back doorway.
Looking up I almost choked as I saw the handsome hedgehog from yesterday grinning up at me. "Espio said you'd be back here." He smiled watching me tense and gulp down the last bite of peach. Drenched in peach juice I stared back comically. " That creepy guy from yesterday was lookin' for you too. But Espio and I sent him off." Sonic leaned against the doorway wearing a deep green t-shirt, long jean shorts and sneakers. "T..Thank you" I stuttered climbing off of the boxes and depositing the peach cores into a wastebasket using my powers.
"Whoa." Sonic whistled at the demonstration of my abilities. Blushing, I moved to wash my hands at the small sink in the room. "I have your picture. Cream was very sad that you forgot it. Let me get it for you." I stated nervously. "Heh, yeah, I have yours." He scratched his head quills out of habit and showed me my picture in his hands. Quickly I summoned my backpack and handed his picture over to him. When I was doing my homework the previous night I kept staring at it. Retrieving my picture I quickly shoved it in my backpack and realized that it was the end of my break. Sonic smiled and left with a "See you around Silver." and I resumed manning the cash register.
~O~
When I finally got home I made a quick meal and practiced on my small piano that I had purchased from an old female raccoon in my apartment complex. The keys were yellowed and the wood was warped in some places. If you leaned in close you could smell the residual scent of cigarettes from years of being previously owned by the smoker. Carefully I played each note with my powers, feeling them mentally. I played my melody faster and faster, getting the hang of using my abilities for music. I began to go through Rouges packet, finding that they were mostly scales and arpeggios and it was fun to trail up and down the piano using my mind. As it got later I decided to go to bed early to make up for staying up so late the previous night.
~O~
I found myself the following morning fearful to step into my Calculus class. Professor Von Schlemmer had lectured for too long and had dismissed us late. Buy the time I got to my Calculus class most of the seats were taken. I was forced to sit in the front row.
Anxiously I slipped into my seat and watched Professor Mephiles stride into the room and begin to lecture immediately. I took out my essentials quickly, accidently pulling out the picture that Cream made for me with the rest of my papers. Pushing it to the side I began taking notes and practicing problems trying my best to avoid the occasional intense stare my professor was occasionally shooting me. Towards the end of class my Professor began to pass out our previous test. I shifted in my seat nervously as he got to my desk to hand me my test and saw the picture Cream gave to me. Carefully he stopped and grabbed it flipping it over curiously. On the back, to my surprise was a poorly written note.
Hey Silver,
Saw you at Club Rouge yesterday. Rouge spoke highly of you. Maybe we could go out for some coffee sometime?
~Sonic
Blushing furiously at the note I looked up catching Mephiles's look of fury on his face as he set the paper down and handed me my barely passing test. "See me after class" He mumbled.
A sense of dread washed over me. Too soon class ended and I watched as all my classmates were free to go. I carefully packed my belongings and made my way up to the front desk. Sitting down in a chair and leaning back, those neon green eyes fixated on me and my professor spoke. "You are barely passing my class Silver..." It wasn't common for professors to care about students passing in College. I simply stared back embarrassed. "I know Sir." I looked away awkwardly glancing at the clock briefly.
"I am willing to tutor you personally." He clasped his hands together in front of himself, propping one leg of his on top of the other. Remembering his caress of my ass previously I shivered knowing that I could never trust being alone with him. Keeping my calm I answered softly. "That's very kind of you but I can get tutoring here on campus." Stepping backwards unconsciously I shifted and adjusted the strap of my backpack. "But you won't, you are far too busy." He stated as he stood up, towering over me.
Feeling intimidated I put on a weak smile. "I'll go to the lab over the weekend. Please excuse me, I need to go to work." I bowed my head slightly in respect and made for the door. As I walked I could hear him step out from behind his desk and hear his footsteps following me. Biting my lip I briskly made my way out the door meshing into the traffic of the hallway. Without looking back I made my way to the edge of campus briskly and began walking towards my place of employment.
Walking down the street I checked my cellphone for the time as I waited for the traffic signal allowing me to cross. I looked up and noticed a familiar black luxury sedan waiting amongst the traffic. Locking eyes with my professor in the drivers seat, ice traveled through my veins. My mouth was agape as I stood at the corner shocked.
Is he still...? No way.
Once the light changed and I rushed across the street and continued to rush to "Sprouts" the sedan carefully following me.
He is!
I finally made it to my work and rushed through the back petrified. Thankfully the establishment wasn't open yet. Espio looked up from taking inventory silently intrigued as he watched me rush to the sink to splash water on my face.
"What's wrong?" He asked, his deep tenor accentuating his concern.
"He's following me.." I stated wiping my face with a paper towel quickly and reaching for my apron.
Espio nodded simply and silently made his way to the front of the store.
Minutes later he returned as I was unpacking and organizing boxes.
"He's gone. Come to the front,Vanilla wants to talk to you." Espio informed as he walked with me to the front to meet up with Vanilla who was taking the soon to expire baked goods and marking them for clearance.
Vanilla stopped and looked at me with concern. "Silver, if that man is bothering you, you should inform the authorities. We have threatened to but I am worried for you..." I nodded listening whilst grasping the corners of my apron and twisting them.
"He's my professor. I come here after his class." Vanilla's face turned unreadable. "You should inform the school about this..." She offered seriously with her soft voice. "He... sort of has tenure, and is a big part of the faculty there. I don't want to re-take the class or jeopardize my grade...more..." I informed her sadly.
"I know Sweety." Vanilla looked at me with empathy. "But this can't continue, I fear if this doesn't stop he could hurt you. Promise me you will take care of yourself and always have someone with you at all times." Vanilla stated in a motherly way.
"Yes Vanilla." I agreed.
"I can walk with him here after school." Espio offered to Vanilla as if I was a child. Granted I was younger than him but I was still slightly annoyed.
"Thank you Espio, but Silver leaves earlier than you. Silver? Do you know anyone who can walk you home?" Vanilla asked dusting her hands off on apron.
I thought of Rouge and a few of my neighbors but I realized that even though I might be friendly, but I still don't have any real... close friends anymore after Blaze had passed.
"No." I shook my head sadly.
"I'm sure Sonic would agree to." Espio stated seriously and I barely stopped myself from blushing at the mention of the cobalt hedgehog.
"I will talk to him." Vanilla nodded. "I am going to open up, we need to keep the produce moist it is getting a little to hot lately." She commented as she walked off.
I worked hard, trying to keep my mind off of the morning or having to go back to class in the future. As my shift neared it's end I washed up and moved to leave fearfully.
"Hold it!" I stopped and turned in shock to see Sonic smirking at me next to a giggling Cream and Vanilla.
"I was told you need a chaperone." The hedgehog bowed comedically and offered his hand out. Rolling my eyes at this drop-dead gorgeous clown I simply walked ahead with a snort. I knew he was teasing me. Bursting to the front door with amazing speed ahead of me he bowed again. "After you..." he gestured.
I walked through the front reluctantly with him right behind me. As I started walking down the street I heard him call out to me.
"Where are you going?" he called.
I turned around, seeing him standing next to a bright red sports car jiggling his keys.
"I'm driving." He stated as I made my way to the passenger seat in awe.
"Oh, thank you." I carefully got in and watched him settle in the drivers seat beside me. Adjusting his rear view mirror he turned on the car, revved up the engine and pulled out to take off. I silently took in the light food stains on the interior of his car as well as the fast food wrappers and CD's littering the floor of the car.
"Where to?" he asked sending a charming grin my way.
"Club Rouge please." I smiled back watching his facial expression change slightly.
"I saw your note by the way. Coffee sounds nice." I added letting the wind from the rolled down window beside me ruffle my quills.
"Sounds great. Just tell me when." He remarked.
As we drove I thought I saw a black luxury sedan in the traffic behind us but realized it must have been my imagination. I was just probably just seeing things.
~O~
The four squirrels in the club are my interpretation of Escala and Silver heard them playing "Palladio."
Being stalked is creepy af. This chapter and a specific part of last chapter is based on true events. Uggh..you guys. I have so much to do- but I am writing this. I just can't help it. I really need to work on writing in first person though.
