SONATA OF LOVE

Chapter 1

Cesar Franck's Sonata in A Major rang melodiously throughout the room, echoed by the pitters and patters of a light shower of rain as the violinist played while looking out of a window. She had been fascinated by this song ever since she heard a Maestro play it at a concert. At first sound, she had been captivated by the simple beauty of the song, and throughout the rest of the concert, she had sat mesmerized, unable to tear her eyes away from the performer. Now, she had learnt it all, and could play it well. But she was not satisfied. She wanted to play it brilliantly.

Someone knocked the door, and the violinist spun around, peering through her spectacles with displeasure, her quiet reverie in her beloved piece of music harshly disturbed. Her fair face with its peaches-and-cream complexion showed mild signs of annoyance and resignation, as she furrowed her fine brows. Her long black hair with a tinge of brown was tousled after the several times she had combed her fingers through it in frustration, attempting to discover the message behind the song. Her long fingers clutched the instrument tightly; as if afraid someone would snatch it away from her.

The door opened and her sister sauntered in, licking a chocolate ice cream. "So… Charlotte. Your competition is in 3 months time. How's the practice going?" Purposefully, she walked over to her elder sister's bed and held her ice cream over the soft quilt, threatening to drip some of it there. Shocked, Charlotte rushed over and stood before her sister imposingly. "Emma! Kindly do not bring any sweets or ice creams into my room in the future. I would not like to see trains of ants and creepy crawlies lining up to be served the remains of your tidbits. It's fine if you want to talk to me, but just finish your snacks first, OK?"

Emma scowled and stuck out a brilliant red tongue before prancing out of the room in a huff. Sighing, Charlotte flung herself onto her bed and stared at the ceiling, where she had pasted many glow-in-the-dark stars. She truly wanted to shine on the day of her competition, just like those stars. Just then, the phone rang. Upon answering, she realized it was her violin teacher. "Oh! Hi, Mr. Chua... Oh, you've found me a pianist? That's great! … What's his name? … Did you say Darcy Lim? Yeah, OK. I've got it. Thanks! Bye!"

Slowly, she put down the phone and repeated to herself, "Darcy. Lim." Could it be him? Memories came flooding back as she thought hard…

It was her first day at primary school, and she had been a scared little thing, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings, wondering how she could ever find her way to her classroom in the large campus. When she finally found it and slumped into a chair, a chubby boy had walked up to her arms akimbo and said, "Now what are you doing here on MY chair? I came here first, way before YOU and I've reserved this seat. I think you'd better sit in the chair in front." He pointed to the seat in front of 'his' desk.

She had looked at him, then laughed uncontrollably. His pride ruffled, the boy crossed his arms and asked, scowling, "Now just what's so funny?" In between laughter, she burst out, "Do you know that you sound so much like Baby Bear in 'Goldilocks and the 3 Bears'?" That was a fatal mistake, as she was to learn later on. Suddenly, the boy chuckled and grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling with evil mirth, "What's your name? I'm Darcy Lim."

"I'm Charlotte. Charlotte Lee." "Well, Miss Lee, could you please move to the seat in front? I quite prefer this seat and I would appreciate your respecting my rights since I arrived first." Laughing at his sudden change of manner, she had agreed and the switch had taken place.

Later on, after class, she was walking home and noticed many other students staring curiously at her and sniggering. Then, one of them walked up to her, trying to hide her giggles. "Erm… Are you aware that you've been walking around with this piece of paper on your back?" The girl reached and removed something from behind her back. She had stared at the piece of paper in horror. On it, nine words were scrawled in bold red: I'm the Big Bad Wolf. Watch out! I bite!

Enraged and blushing with humiliation, she had stormed off to find that boy. She finally discovered him in a nearby playground, swinging merrily while singing at the top of his voice, off-key, no less. "Just what did you think you were doing? Have you any idea how embarrassed I was? To think I even gave up that seat to oblige you! You don't deserve it."

With these cutting words, she had tore the paper up and flung the pieces at his feet before stalking off, pleased to note that he was gaping at her in astonishment. Never did she expect him to grab her hand and say, "Wait! Don't go! I'm sorry! I really am…" His voice trailed off as she sent him a cold, piercing stare. Flinging his hand off, she had walked off without another glance at his direction.

The next day, she found a little posy on her table. It was arranged with little flowers from the roadside, and clearly, the florist had not much experience. She had to keep herself from bursting with laughter as she examined the mini bouquet, made up of a terrible mix of dark purple and maroon flowers. And what's more, they were crushed. Taking a peep at the giver, she found him staring at her hopefully, though heat suffused his cheeks. Well, his good intentions were appreciated. Looking at him from the corner of her eye, she twitched her mouth in gaiety before giggling. And Darcy knew he had been forgiven…

Recalling this memory, she smiled inwardly. Darcy was back. And she would meet him the next day for a rehearsal.

It was a bright day when Charlotte set off to her music school to attend her weekly violin lesson. Carrying her instrument in her hand, she hesitated at the door of the studio. Gingerly, she opened the door and instantly, she stood there, transfixed. In the room were two people- Mr. Chua and a young man, who was sitting at the piano with his back facing her. Sensing her presence at the doorway, the young man turned to look at her.

"Oh, Charlotte! You're here! Let me introduce you both. Charlotte, this is Darcy. And Darcy, this is Charlotte, my pupil." Mr. Chua was the first to break the silence. Pianist and violinist gazed at each other, shaking hands. As soon as their hands made contact, Charlotte felt that familiar tinge jolt through her, and in her heart, she felt a touch of sorrow, even pain. It almost seemed that there was lightning and sparks between them.

"How do you do… Charlotte." Darcy spoke quietly in a deep voice with a pleasant British accent, probably acquired from his long stay overseas. She examined him closely, searching his face for that honesty he had possessed since he was young. He was as chubby as ever, she noted, only in a charming sort of way. He had the same sweet friendliness, the same smiling mouth and the same probing and unfathomable eyes. "I believe we last met 5 years ago." They both smiled as they reminisced about the past…

Darcy had just informed her that he had received a scholarship to pursue his first love, music, in Boston. Yet, at the same time, he had been accepted into a gifted school in his hometown. He had sought her out to make his decision. They had agreed to meet at their usual gathering place at the top of a hill. "I've been accepted into the gifted school and also at a university in Boston. I need you to help me, Charlotte. Which road should I take?" Shocked by this sudden request, she had lost her footing and tripped.

Swiftly, he had caught her, but unfortunately, not fast enough. Both of them went tumbling down the hill, unable to stop. Finally, they stopped at the bottom of the knoll, with her on top of him. Staring at him in shock, she was in a daze. Coming out of a daze at last, she made an effort to stand up, but he pulled her down. She looked at him curiously as he turned his head slowly towards her, a small smile present on his lips before he captured her lips with his.

In between small kisses, he whispered, "You know, there's this song which goes: It's cherry pink and apple blossom white, when your true lover comes your way. Look! We're under an apple blossom tree…" True enough, when she looked up she found herself staring at the lush leaves and beautiful flowers of an apple tree. Picking one up from the soft carpet of grass, Darcy placed it lovingly in her hair, its white purity reflecting exquisitely against her dark tresses.

"Charlotte, I love you. Will you marry me? I'll stay here for you. We've known each other for such a long time. Thirteen years, is it? Let's stay together for all eternity and never part. Please say yes and make me the happiest man in the universe. Say yes, won't you?"

He had looked at her with such tenderness and hope that she was unwilling; could not bear to disappoint him. Yet, she knew she could not lie to herself or to him. Sighing, she had sat up, stroking his silky hair, "Darcy, I'm so, so sorry. I do like you, but only as a friend. I'm not sure if we could have that kind of relationship you want, Darce. It's too soon to know, yet."

He had listened in grave silence and solemnity. Then, he bent over, wrapped his arms around her petite body and planted a rough kiss upon her soft lips before standing up abruptly and leaving after a last long look of longing at her. He left for Boston a week later…

Now, 5 years later, they had met again. "Why don't the both of you start practicing now? I have some pressing matters to attend to so I'll leave you two alone for now." The unsuspecting Mr. Chua said cheerfully before making his way out of the studio, whistling a merry tune. Both of them had sat down to have a good talk.

Charlotte murmured, looking down at her hands, avoiding his gaze, "I never thought I'd ever see you again." "Me too. How have you been doing?" He looked at her steadily, his eyes probing into her innermost feelings. Confused, she had given him a vague answer, "Oh, fine, I suppose. How about you?" It was only then did she venture to look up at him, seeing herself in his dark orbs.

Casually, he replied, "I got my Masters in music last year." Widening her eyes in surprise, she gasped, "Why, Darcy! That's great! How did you manage to do it?" Smiling wryly, he commented, "It's nice to hear you say my name again after all these years." Not knowing where to look, there was an awkward silence in the air. Then, he asked unexpectedly, "What songs are you going to play for the upcoming competition? Let me guess… is Franck's Sonata in A Major one of them? You always did like that song for some unknown reason."

"My, you certainly have an unusually accurate memory. To think you still remember that! I had better be careful from now on. If I ever offend you, I'm sure you'll remember that for the rest of your life and plague me continually about it!" she said playfully. Looking at her in surprise, he laughed and for a while, both of them beamed at each other, chortling with jollity, seeming like the carefree children they once were. Any discomfort they had felt before died a quick death.

After a short conversation, both of them started rehearsing. It was clear that Darcy's techniques were superb. He had a unique, natural style that was absolutely brilliant; so brilliant that at times, Charlotte even felt overshadowed by him. Franck's Sonata was a difficult piece, but the piano part was more challenging and daunting than the violin's. To be able to play the song so excellently, Charlotte realized hat Darcy indeed excelled in his art. Too occupied watching him, she was not conscious that she had stopped playing.

Suddenly, she found a pair of dark eyes looking at her. No, staring at her was more like it. Such lovely eyes… Just thinking about them made Charlotte feel strange. She shivered, but not from cold, it was as if an electric current was passing through her, she felt it in the pit of her stomach. Unexpectedly, those eyes blinked, and Charlotte jumped, finding herself being scrutinized by her childhood friend. Desperate to break the uncomfortable stillness, Charlotte blurted out the first thing in her mind, "I think you're too good to play with me." Realizing what she had just said, Charlotte blushed, her face blossoming into a rosy red which was utterly becoming. Darcy merely looked calmly at her, his face showing only a small hint of surprise, "What makes you think that way? Is it because of my degree? If it is, then let me say this: The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work. I'm sure that if you work hard and strive to do your best, you will be able to make it to the top three. Now, let's try again, shall we?"