Listen to Your Heart(3)

Your obsession with music is scary. How do you even know that crazy song?



I grin.

She leaves me alone then, but I know it won’t last. My best friend wears rose-colored glasses when it comes to love. Having a great guy like Toby will do that. Lynsey’s world is full of rainbows and daisies and soul mates. My world looks a little different. Of course, finding your boyfriend in bed with his ex would make any girl a little cynical.

That was nearly a year ago. To my credit, I’ve tried dating. I’ve met some great guys who are successful, smart, and—unfortunately for me—looking for something serious. I see no reason to get their hopes up, so that great first date always ends up being our last. I don’t want to be bitter forever, but it’s just too soon. I’m not ready to risk having my heart stomped again.

Ms. Carol suddenly rises to her feet. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”

The commotion stops, and everyone’s eyes turn toward the sweet music teacher.

“I’ve already told my students, but I want to make an announcement to the parents, too. I received word this morning that my mother’s condition has taken a turn for the worse.”

A murmur of apologies echoes throughout the room. Everyone knows that Ms. Carol’s mother suffered a stroke just a few weeks ago.

She smiles lovingly down at her students. “As much as I love working with the children, I feel that I must take this time and be with my mother. I’ve made the very hard decision to take a leave of absence from the enrichment program. My nephew Caleb will be taking over for me. He has a master’s degree in music education and has volunteered for the enrichment program many times throughout the year. The kids love him, and he loves them, so I can assure you that your children are in good hands. Caleb will be here tomorrow for an informal meet-and-greet with the parents.”

I reach for my phone and send a quick text to Nick, letting him know about the new teacher and the meeting tomorrow afternoon.

“I hope to see all of you then,” Ms. Carol says with a sad smile, “and thank you for understanding. Class is dismissed.”

The room suddenly explodes with noise as the kids place their instruments in their cases while impatient parents make a beeline for the door. Eli spots me in the crowd. He gives me a crooked grin before heading my way, carrying his gigantic guitar case. Or maybe it just looks gigantic because he’s ten years old.

“Hey, Aunt Skye.”

“Hey, yourself. Good practice?”

He shrugs and walks out the door, which makes me suspicious. Eli’s usually pretty talkative after practice, but I decide to let it go for now. I follow him to the car, where he places his guitar in the back seat before climbing inside.

“I can’t wait until I can sit in the front,” he grumbles, snapping his seatbelt.

“I know, buddy. Just a couple more years.”

He doesn’t say anything else until we reach the Burger Palace drive-thru, where I place our typical order of cheeseburgers and fries.

Am I a bad aunt? Shouldn’t I be encouraging healthy eating habits or something? I guiltily look over the menu options.

“Maybe we should get apples instead of french fries.”

It’s a halfhearted suggestion, and he knows it. I look in the rear view mirror and see Eli wrinkle his nose in disgust.

“Why the heck would we get apples when we can have fries?”

It’s impossible to argue with that logic.

Two cheeseburgers and fries later, we’re sitting at my kitchen table. I try to help him with his homework, but it’s pointless. Since when do fifth graders do geometry?

Eli flies through the problems like they’re simple first grade addition, and in no time at all his homework is finished.

“Can we watch a movie?”

“Sure.”

We head over to the couch. Eli grabs the remote and searches for a movie. He slides over to make room so that I can sit beside him.

“Okay, Eli. What’s up?”

He sighs heavily. “I don’t want Ms. Carol to go.”

“Ah, so that’s what’s bothering you. She’ll be back. She just needs to take care of her mom, you know?”

Eli nods. “I know. Caleb’s cool, though. He’s the one who taught me how to make a D chord.”

“Sounds like you’ll have a great teacher while she’s gone.”

“Will you come to practice tomorrow so you can meet him?”

“Your dad has the day off so he’ll be the one picking you up. I’m sure I’ll meet him eventually.”

“Please, Aunt Skye?” His voice shakes slightly. It breaks my heart. Change is tough for all kids, but especially kids of divorce. If it means this much to him, I know I have to make the effort.

“Let me check my schedule. I’ll be there if I can.”

His answering smile melts my heart, and I know whatever I have scheduled for tomorrow afternoon will just have to wait.

Eli comes first. Always.



“Three weeks!” Lynsey screeches in my ear as I make my way into the school. “How can Juliana leave town for three weeks? Why is she doing this to us? Why?”

I reach the music room and peek inside the window to find Ms. Carol directing the percussion section. I don’t see Eli anywhere as I step inside.