It was the last period for the day, and still not a single word from Ashley.
Both Henry and Hannah had tried their best to get her to talk, but she just gave them a smirk and walked out of the conversation, which they found very unusual.
Soon, they also realized that she came into school without a bodyguard, when they tried to inquire about it as well, she shunned the questions.
It was time for their music lesson, and during his class, Mr. Andy noticed Ashley's mood also the fact that she came into school without her bodyguard.
He was happy to see that she was finally on her own, and he could talk to her, but couldn't help but be bothered by Ashley's coldness.
Mr. Andy started the class with Ashley barely paying attention.
She had deep gazes throughout and failed every question Mr. Andy asked her, trying to get her into the class.
She remained tranquil.
"Listen up guys, What if I told you I almost gave up o music… Would you believe me?"
The class was quiet.
"Yes, I was about to sell my piano and count my losses but I didn't because no matter what the society made me feel…"
"They couldn't take the music inside me…"
"You see, music comes from your inside… So whatever you play is a mirror of what you actually feel…"
"I picked up the challenge, Even when my father kicked against it, I still went for it… And I can say that even though I am not where I want to be…"
"I'm far happier than I would have been if I had not studied music. So go for it."
"It may be hard today, but it won't be hard tomorrow if you practice well today…"
"Don't let anybody stop you, Go all the way." Mr Andy said in conclusion.
The whole class burst into a loud applause.
It felt like they all needed this emotional push from Mr. Andy - who was surprised and caught off guard.
He looked at Ashley and she was clapping too. She had paid attention when he told them to "Listen up" and the story encouraged her so deeply.
She felt something exciting bubbling inside her - hope.
After the class, she marched up to Mr. Andy's desk.
At first, he felt she had come to reprimand him, knowing what he had done, but what she said baffled him.
"Is it too late to join the Arts of Music competition?" Ashley said, and Mr. Andy lifted his head in confusion.
"What did you say?" Mr. Andy asked.
Ashley replied, "I gave it a lot of thought, and I've decided to join the competition that is if it's still open to me, and I still have a great teacher like you to help train me."
Mr. Andy jumped from his seat in joy.
Out of excitement, He pulled Ashley in for a hug.
But before their bodies could make any contact, he quickly realized himself, and he started tucking in his shirt to push off his action.
"Ashley, I would be more than glad to help you win this competition. I am glad that I get to see my students do what I couldn't do those years ago. Your win is also a win for me," Mr. Andy said.
He gently stroked her hair and gave her a faint smile, showing his consent.
Ashley had no idea why she said the things she said.
She had no idea why she agreed to join the competition now after telling it off so many times.
On her way out, everything started coming to her, and she wondered if agreeing was only an act of rebellion, a way of paying her father back for what he had done and expressing her anger, or if she agreed because she really wanted to take on this journey.
She felt excitement and regret at the same time from not thinking of the odds, but there was no turning back now.
There was no saying no after this; she had to continue what she had started, no matter what her true intentions were and what the consequences might be.
Ashley went home and, as usual, to the silence of the mansion, but this time with the commotions, the silence had increased more than ever.
It was just a family of three with personal interests, a family no one ever tried to build.
They sat at the dining table, and on a normal note, it would have been the perfect timing for Ashley to tell her father about the competition, but she knew her father too well.
He was always so absorbed with his work and reputation.
All he ever wanted from Ashley was to become a lawyer, and that was final.
He had never approved of her music.
He always pushed it off as a distraction, but the rage she felt right now pushed her to the edge.
In fact, she wasn't ready to hear her father's wishes.
Even the blind could feel the tension between the father and daughter, but as usual, he was too absorbed in his position to see it.
Things started looking brighter for Ashley the next morning.
Unlike Yesterday, she woke up with a smile on her face, more than excited to be in school.
She barely slept the previous night, tossing and turning.
All she could think about was the competition; she woke up at intervals from anxiety about the anticipated training.
On reaching the school, her enthusiasm made her run straight to Mr. Andy's office immediately she got down from the car.
"Ashley, good morning. Shouldn't you be in your literature class by now? What brings you to my office so early this morning?" Mr. Andy asked as Ashley walked into his office.
"I actually came to confirm when the music lessons would begin. Honestly, I couldn't sleep last night. I am just so excited to begin," Ashley said.
"I understand how you feel, overwhelmed and bursting with joy, but don't ever let your guard down. This remains a competition," Mr. Andy said.
"And also, your training is during the lunch break. If it's not convenient with you, then..." Mr. Andy continued but was immediately interrupted by Ashley.
"No, it's fine by me. I'll see you during the lunch break, then," Ashley said with a faint smile as she ambled out of his office.
***
As soon as the bell rang, Ashley ran to Mr. Andy's office with Hannah waiting at the cafeteria for her.
The two friends usually ate together.
Being in separate classes, they would always meet in the cafeteria, but Hannah waited for a long time, and still, no sign of Ashley.
She was worried about how she had become so distant from her best friend.
"Why can't I shake off the feeling that this has something to do with Mr. Andy? Ever since he came to this school, our not-so-normal lives became more abnormal than before.
Even Henry has started going crazy about him," Hannah thought to herself.