by Jude Ouvrard
“Alright, I’ll take that.”
Teo paid the bill and we walked out. The muscles of my legs were begging me to sit again. I was exhausted and I could tell Teo was too. His body hadn’t recovered from the time change yet. The only reason I stayed up was to feel the breeze coming from the ocean. It felt cool against my skin. Teo’s arms circled my waist, he held me closer to him, and I decided to embrace the moment.
This was how we were meant to be. Happy and in love.
Chapter SEVEN
***
The sound of my melody feels like a window to my heart.
Broken or loved, it’s bare for you to see.
Pity is not. Redemption it is.
***
After two restless night, the day had come. I had practiced all morning and now I believed I was ready to perform. I sighed, feeling the big ball of nerves sitting in my stomach. Teo helped me pick my dress and I decided to leave my hair down. One of the first things Teo said to me back in the day was how much he liked my hair. Neither of my parents were red-heads, but Mother Nature decided to give me copper-red hair. Most people thought it was dyed, and I always had to convince them of the opposite.
We stayed home for the remainder of the day, mostly cuddling. The past days had all been unforgettable. We got to spend a lot of time together and we visited the city at night when I wasn't working. My contract was up in the coming week, and both of us were anxious to go back home. I missed Beverly, my home and the life I had in San Diego. I started packing my things slowly and I knew my luggage weighed over the limit already. I loved buying souvenirs for Clara and Bev.
“You know you're going to be alright, baby, right?”
I sighed and tried to convince my nerves to listen to Teo. “I hope so. This concert is a big deal for me. It’s IT, you know?”
“You're going to nail it, I’m sure.”
“I know my pieces, it’s not that. I think it’s more on the emotional side. This means so much. I’ve dreamt about this day since I was a very young girl.”
“I’ll be with you, okay? After the concert, we can celebrate, party all you want, or if you feel like crying a river, I’ll be there to dry your tears.” He kissed my forehead. “You have me, don't you forget it.”
I listened to his words and felt better instantly. I had him, now and always. Teo had my back no matter what.
... O ...
I stood on the side of the stage, my heart bouncing in my rib cage, and I could feel the pulse down to the tips of my fingers. The adrenaline was kicking in. I owned that moment, I had dreamt about this a thousand times, but I never expected to feel this way, so scared and happy at the same time. I knew exactly where Teo sat and I had my eyes on him the second I walked on the stage.
“Ophelia Stewart,” the man said into the microphone.
I couldn't even tell if I was walking or floating to the piano. My legs were numb, I could not even feel the pain of my three inch high heels. The sparkles on my silver satin dress reflected from the many lights. I had all the elements to feel like a star. The spectators started to applaud and I heard a couple of whistles too. I hadn't even played yet and already I was getting such a heartwarming entrance. I saluted them shyly and smiled.
As soon as I sat on the bench, the Opera House became quiet. I took two big breaths before placing my fingers on the white keys. I closed my eyes and prayed that my parents could witness the moment. My finger pressed on the first key and the rest followed automatically. The contentment I felt was incredible. Hundreds of butterflies danced in my stomach.
Every key I pressed was right, every one of my melodies sounded better here. I stopped in between each pieces and every single time, I could hear people applauding. As my part of the concert approached the end, sadness started to break into my trance. I didn’t want it to end, I wanted my dream to continue, but I couldn’t keep on going.
The last piece I played was called Teodore. I never mentioned the title to Teo, but the few times he’d heard it, he said he loved it. He said something caught his attention in the melody. I decided to dedicate it to him, for his love and support. I owed it to him.
My fingers danced on the black and white keys one last time in this marvellous theater. A single tear rolled down my cheek. I was impossible to control it. I had given everything I owned, every ounce of energy and all my creativity to this single, transcendent moment.
The instant I pressed on the last key, it sent a whirlwind of emotions into my body. I stayed sitting on the bench until I no longer heard the echo of my music. It transformed into the biggest wave of applause and whistles I had ever heard.
The muscles in my entire body relaxed, and I realized the stress I had put my body under. I could hear Teo's cheering coming from the crowd. I finally turned around and stood up. I rested my hand on the piano for support, uncertain if I could trust my legs. My eyes fixed on Teo's. I mouthed to him three magical words and he said it back. I thanked everyone and I left the stage. Many people I didn't know hugged me and congratulated me. It was overwhelming. I felt like a rock star.
“Ophelia,” a voice came out from behind me. A voice I had never heard before.
“Hi.”
“I’m completely touched by what you've done here tonight. I can assure you your parents were watching you. You are gifted and in possession of a beautiful talent.” My eyes were focused on her green eyes and grey hair, trying to remember if I had seen her before but my memory blanked. I didn’t know her at all. She looked wealthy with her designer purse and dress. She caught my attention right away.
“You knew my parents?”
“I gave your father piano lessons when he was younger. A great man he was. I've been following your career ever since I first saw you with him.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma'am.”
“The pleasure is all mine. You made my day. I better let you go now, it’s your night.” She gave me an honest smile and squeezed my shoulder gently.
I watched her walk away without knowing who she was. Obviously, my dad had known her, but losing sight of her a moment later meant that it was too late to ask more questions.
Many more hugs and much small talk later, I found my man leaning on the wall looking as sexy as ever. Teo was an attractive man. We had gotten him a black suit for the occasion and that almost made my ovaries explode. How much more hotness could I endure?
“Teo.” It’s all I said before he took me in an embrace. He kissed me relentlessly; on the forehead, the nose, the cheeks.
“What an amazing girlfriend I have! I’m so proud of you,” he said, his eyes tearing up. “You named my favorite song after me. That's so freaking romantic.”
“I love you, Leo, so much.” The tears were coming. “I’m so glad you were here tonight. Thank you.”
“I knew how much it meant and how hard you worked for it. I didn’t want to miss it, Ophelia.”
“Thank you.” I cried, my head resting on his chest. “I was only able to do it because I had you by my side all these years. I can’t imagine what I would have become if it wasn’t for you.”
“That’s because I fell for that gorgeous red-headed girl. I knew I could never let you go.”
I dried my tears with the back of my hand, so un-lady like compared to the dress I was wearing.
Teo turned around and walked a few feet away. When he returned, he had the most precious bouquet of pink roses. “They aren’t as beautiful as you are, but I thought you would love them anyway.”
The bouquet of roses flabbergasted me. There were at least twenty of them and their perfume was to die for. I had never received anything like this. He was spoiling me rotten and I loved it.
I held the roses in one hand and with the other, I grabbed the hair at the back of his head and pulled him to me. Our lips met with passion. This day had to be the best of my life. We kept our kiss civilized because we were surrounded by people, but one thing I knew, I couldn’t wait to go home. I had a hard time believing everything ha
d really happened, I felt like I had to step away from it all to believe it.
We waited until the end of the concert before going back home. I had to make a last appearance on stage and the spectators surprised me with a standing ovation. How could I not get emotional after this? I cried like a baby as I waved goodbye the audience. Teo waited backstage and welcomed me with open arms when I returned.
“Let's go home now, please.” My eyes were burning from all the tears and makeup. The only thing I wanted was a shower. Teo drove us home. The ride was quiet but Teo never removed his hand from my thigh.
The tears slowly came to an end as I convinced myself that after such a successful night, I should only be happy.
Teo helped me out of my dress. I’d never had a dress like this one for any of my concerts. I usually dressed in black and kept it classic. Tonight, I looked like a sixties Hollywood star.
“You stood out tonight. The other musicians were good but they looked like amateurs compared to you.” Both of his hands reached for mine, our fingers interlaced, he pulled me towards him. “I might be repeating myself, but I’m proud of you.” Our eyes met and the tension returned.
“It’s good to see you smile, too. And you look handsome in a suit.”
I tossed my heels away because my feet were screaming. How could someone enjoy wearing heels? They were so painful? My hatred for heels would never change, but unfortunately I had to wear them from time to time.
“Do you mind if I take it off?” he asked with a low and flirty voice. He removed his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt. “It’s kind of hot in here.”
“I really don’t mind, make yourself comfortable. I need a shower to get rid of the mask I’m wearing.” I turned around and walked the few steps to the small bathroom. When I reached the door, I looked over my shoulder and enjoyed the view of him undressing. “You can come if you want.”
The floor creaked under his weight. I knew he wouldn’t miss the occasion for a shower with me. I pretended I didn’t hear him as I entered the small, square shower area. I wet my face and hurried to clean up all the make-up. I felt like my face couldn’t breathe under all this artifice that covered me.
“Sweet Mother of God, I’m the luckiest man in the whole fucking world.” There was my Teo. His hands slid over my hips to my behind before he propelled me to his chest. His lips danced on the side of my neck. He was hungry for me. I let him guide me, I could no longer think as my mind was ready to shut down.
“I love you, Teodore,” I whispered against his wet hair. I slung my arms around him, wanting the feeling closer.
“Love doesn’t even cover how I feel about you. I spent my whole life waiting for you. When I met you I knew I couldn’t let you go. You weren’t meant to be in my life temporarily, I had to make sure of that. I followed you, started my life over and waited until you were ready to make us permanent, official. It took you a hell of a lot longer than I thought, but we’re here now. I’m not letting you go again.”
“Never.” I closed my eyes, pampered his hair with kisses. “Because I need you in my life.”
His hands climbed all the way to my cheeks. My face was less than an inch from his, both of us silent and thinking of what was coming next. His thumb wiped the remaining mascara from under my eyes.
“Beautiful,” he whispered with his lips on mine.
I couldn’t wait or be patient anymore, I wanted him and needed to feel him. He lifted me up, and I placed my legs around his lean waist. The muscles of his arms tensed and I found it extremely sexy. Teo had worked extra hard at the gym in the past months and the results had started to show.
We kissed, moaned, groaned until the cold water poured. I yelped and he turned it off right away.
“I wanted to take you in the shower, I think it’s totally hot, but the bed will do. Come on, Chopin, let’s get naughty.”
I giggled as he walked us to the bed. We were dripping wet but neither of us cared. Shivers covered my skin since the air in the room was brisker. I bit on my lip to stop it from trembling. Teo’s body covered mine and all coldness transformed into a burning heat. Our bodies melted and sweat rolled down our skin. While my feet danced, entwined with his, our hands kept us closer. The kisses were the junction of all the love and emotions we felt toward each other.
“I can’t get enough of you, Teo.”
He chuckled against my swollen lips. “You haven’t seen anything yet, bella.”
With these words, Teo prepared me for what he intended to do next. He let his lips wander from my mouth to the hollow of my neck. My body shuddered in a wave of shivers. It was definitely a good night. His arms flexed and his body hovered over me. All I wanted was to pull him to me. He seemed too far away, and I felt terribly self-conscious having him staring at me.
“You are so beautiful, so perfect.”
“Stop, you’re going to make me blush.”
A grin traced his lips. “Oh baby, it’s too late, your face matches your hair.” His voice caressed me, sensual and soft. “You better get used to it. My eyes are addicted to you.”
I chuckled shyly before pulling him back to me. His weight on me intensified my need, but I knew it was part of his plan, to tease me.
We weren’t just making out anymore, his body was taking its position. Teo was both soft and intense. I could tell how much he wanted it, but he was keeping it romantic to please me.
Feeling him, us, connected together, our movements in synch, my heart was happy and my mind was finally at peace. As my hands felt the muscles of his back, he groaned into my ear.
“I love this, Ophelia.”
I said it back, lost in the moment. This was a great night, one that I would remember. After all the emotions I’d had earlier, he was making sure that I felt loved, sated and desired before we both fell asleep.
... O ...
Leaving behind Australia had to be difficult. I’d enjoyed my time here more than anywhere else. I loved Sydney. The Australian accent was like a sweet melody to my ears and my overall experience here met all my expectations. Teaching, sharing my love for the musichad made me unbelievably happy.
We were standing, holding hands and waiting for our luggage at the airport. Being back in San Diego felt right. I couldn’t wait to see Beverly and Clara, who were on their way to pick us up.
“Finally! Here they are.” Tired, Teo grabbed both of my bags and his small one.
“Thanks, baby,” I said, helping him load them onto the luggage rack.
“Let me get this, it’s heavy.” He took it out of my hand and placed it effortlessly. I wasn’t alone anymore, I had my man. I couldn’t keep my grin suppressed, it reached my eyes. I was finally home with the man I loved.
“Come here, Hulk Hogan. I need a bear hug.” I laughed.
He looked at me, happy, and gave me the hug I asked for. He then kissed my forehead. “We’re home now. To be honest, it makes me nervous.”
I searched for his eyes but he was avoiding me. “Look at me. Why does it make you nervous?”
He took a moment before he even looked at me and when he did, his eyes were cold and scared. I hated it. “Because... Usually, as soon as you’re home, you start to think about leaving, to plan out your next destination, and I really don’t want you to leave me again.”
“I’m not going anywhere, I don’t have any plans. Listen to me, Teo. I’ll play at your restaurant. I’ll try to find a decent job. I want to settle here, like we said we would. I want to work on us now.”
“Us... You really want it?” he asked, his voice less panicky.
“Calm down, baby, it’s us. Just like when we were in Australia. We’re in this together, okay?”
He nodded and kissed my lips, needing to erase the fear he felt. “Come on now, I bet Clara is dying to see you.”
I wanted to run and push the people out of my way. I wanted to get to my friend and my little princess. I saw her from afar. Bev was holding her daughter in her arms. I squealed like a little girl when I finally re
ached her. We hugged and I cried. I was overwhelmed with emotions. Clara was holding a single red roses in her hand.
“Welcome home, Lia.”
“I missed you so much. I’m certain you’ve grown an inch or two. Look at you, you are so pretty.” I took her from Bev’s arms and held her for a couple of minutes. She was the cutest kid ever. Her little curls, her joyful smile, she was a breath of fresh air. Pure love.
The drive home had me anxious. It felt like I was moving into a new house. I had never felt like this before. Maybe the fact that we were now serious and official had changed things for me. I was looking forward to settling down, finding things to do without looking for my next getaway.
Teo held my hand the whole way back home, never letting me go. He looked just as excited about this as I was. I wanted to give him the world. My only intentions were to make him as ecstatic as possible. It was my time to spoil him, even though I knew he would never let me do. He was a proud man who wanted to be the one in control. I rolled my eyes at the thought. It was an Italian thing.
“Tired?” he asked in a whisper.
I nodded yes.
“Too bad, I had plans for us tonight.” he teased. “I can’t wait for us to be back home.” His words were full of promises and temptation. I knew what he wanted. Me.
... O ...
Being home with Teo, Beverly and Clara had to be the best feeling in the world. I was ready for this. Teo and I shared a bedroom. We were now a real couple and every day, he brought something special into my life. He knew exactly how to make me blissful.
Teo had big projects at work and he had to work long hours. I visited and ate with him as often as I could. I applied for jobs in music schools. Teo insisted I take my time before agreeing on a job. He wanted me to settle down and think thoroughly before accepting any offer. We had talked about this numerous times.
When I could, I liked to spend the day with Clara and catch up on everything I had missed. She had gotten so big and bright. She had learned to write her name and she could count to twenty. I’d missed her a lot in Australia. Six months had been a very long time without her giggles.