Page 122 of Lightning Angel
Alexa wanted to groan, but she forced a smile for the kind old man in front of her. “I hope he wasn’t mean to you because of his off mood. If he were, I’ll deal with him.”
Valero laughed again and waved a hand in the air dismissively. “You’re a sweet girl. But Trist has been in his room all these days, so luckily, I was spared from it.”
Alexa forced a chuckle. “Where is he now?”
“Listen,” Valero said and pointed his index finger upward.
Alexa listened, sharpening her ears to whatever Valero was referring to. Then, she heard it. A piano melody.
“He’s been playing the same song every day,” Valero whispered. “You should go up. I can tell he misses you greatly. He’ll be ecstatic to see you.”
Alexa’s heart rose at his words even though she knew he had missed her and would be indeed ecstatic to see her—only, she hoped he wouldn’t hide the joy, or that his guilt would obscure it.
“Thank you, Valero.” Alexa smiled in gratitude.
“Always, child.” Valero shoved her upstairs.
The melody of the piano keys became clearer as she climbed up the staircase, and when she recognized it, her heart skipped a beat.
He was playingRun to You.
Oh, Tristan…
Alexa fastened her pace toward his room and stopped at the partly-opened door. Heart beating fast, she peeked inside, and saw him sitting at the piano with his backfacing the doorway, lost in the song.
She opened the door just enough to slip inside and closed it behind her silently. The music filled the air, along with her longing to run into his arms, but she held herself back. Leaning against the wall, she listened to his excellent playing, drowning herself in the melody with him.
When the last notes of the music faded away, Alexa debated whether or not she should let him know she was there. Perhaps she should stay silent until the next song—
“I thought you would sing along.”
Alexa gave a jump, pressing a hand to her chest. Of course,he knew she was there.
“I-I…” she stuttered, groping for a response. “I didn’t know you knew I was here.”
“I picked up on your scent,” Tristan said, without turning to look at her. His shoulders were tense as he played a random note. A solemn one.
“Well, if you play again, I’d love to sing.” She took a tentative step toward him.
“Alexa… you shouldn’t be here.” He sighed heavily.
She paused in her tracks. “Are you not going to look at me?”
He sighed again. “If I look at you…”
“The world is not going to crumble if you do, you know?”
“Mine would.”
It was her turn to sigh. “Tristan…” she pleaded. “Don’t do this to me.”
“It’s for the best.”
“Well, you’re wrong!” She stomped toward him, but before she could take three steps forward, Tristan was infront of her, holding her shoulders and looking down at her.
His eyes were tormented.
“We can’t be together,” he began.