A Musicians Geek

Chess Game

Skai smiled. "Cobys uncle actually. He taught us all kinds of board games last summer. We went camping and there was definitely no internet or phone usage, so we had tons of time on our hands. Learning new co-op games was second most fun part of it. Aside from playing music by the fire of course."

Collin smiled. Of course. Music was everything to her after all.

"So, do you live nearby the school?" Skai asked.

"Yep. I live 3 blocks away. It's an easy walk. You?"

Skaiylee shook her head.

"Eh. I'm jealous. I think I'm barely in this district. I definitely cant walk."

"How do you get to school?"

"School bus usually. Sometimes my social worker will pick me up from school and take me back though. That's definitely preferred but it doesn't happen often." She said sadly.

"Social worker?" Collin was very curious. Remembereing what hed known from his books. They'd usually only assigned social workers to troubled teens, or ex felons…. He was suddenly confused.

Skai realized though at the look on his face, 'duh! He didn't know she was a foster kid.'

"Oh! Sorry. I forgot not everyone just knows. So I'm a foster kid. Ward of the state. I currently live with two jerk bags who get a paycheck for me every month and spend it on themselves, and my social worker is my guardian. I only see him like twice a month or so because he has alot of other kids on his caseload, but yeah."

Collin was taken aback.. but he didnt want to let her think that. "Oh. That's cool. I didn't know you were in the system."

He kicked himself worrying that that wasnt the right thing to say considering the blank stare Skai got on her face staring him down for a moment.

And he knew he.mustve looked nervous. Because Skai let her eyes soften and her lips turn into a bug smile. And chuckle.

"So. Its not something kids usually advertise Collin." She laughed. "Lots of stigma and assumptions. Lies and rumors come out and stuff. Its kind of kept a secret in a way."

Collin felt bad for foster kids hearing Skai describe it. "I can understand that. And I'm sorry you feel like you have to do that. The world can be really uneducated often times."

Skaiylee nodded and shrugged. Ot was what it was. She had less shame about being s foster kid these days. All that mattered to her was her music.

"So Tell me about yourself Collin. I've done plenty of talking to you in the past few months. But you haven't done too much talking to me... What should i know about you as a person? What do you like?

What do you do for fun?" Skai threw a bunch of questions at once.

Collin was excited to have someone interested in his words. People usually weren't. He didn't really talk because people didn't often expect him too.

"Well. I play chess. Obviously." he gestured to the board. "Honestly though, I do school and studies really. My days don't typically hold much else. I like school. So besides reading school books and a few good books for leisure when I have time, I'm kind of boring. I don't do much else. I enjoy learning."

Skai was really intrigued by collin. Because she never had known a guy who did school and not much else. A guy who enjoyed school. And learning. She was kind of the opposite in a huge way. She royally sucked at school and was in some ways a reject with academics.

Collin waited about a minute for Skai to respond. But when she didn't say more than a "hmm" to acknowledge having heard him, he continued as Skai seemed to want more.

"I enjoy music like you. I have a piano at home. I used to have piano lessons until I could play independently and I do play a bit every week. Not daily anymore as I used to, but periodically." Collin added.

Skai smiled. I play piano too and guitar. But you knew that.."

Collin nodded. He did know that.

"Okay. What's your favorite TV show?" She asked, just throwing questions out there hoping they kept things from being too awkward.

But Collin looked at her and quirked an eyebrow.

"Or movie?" She adds

He raised his second eyebrow.

"What?" She wonders.

"We don't watch much tv in my house.

Its 'Not stimulating for the brain cells' mom says."

Skai laughs at Collin's somewhat impression of his mom.

"If you have free time to watch tv then you have the free time to learn something new. To read a book. Or study for school."

Skai raised her brows this time. But Skai doesn't wait to speak the way Collin did.

"Okay I'm not gonna lie that sounds kind of miserable." Skai said.

Collin shrugged and chuckled. "We have a pretty awesome library at the house. Lots of biographies, and some educational fiction too. Some science fiction... As long as I stay out of mom's cheesy romance section, I'm good!" He finished.

"Hey!" She fought. "Dont knock on cheesy romance. I love that stuff." She giggled. "But reading is good too."

"I stay pretty entertained." Collin nodded

Skai enjoyed reading herself. But not without change of pace and some brain rotting tv every now and then too. She was a sucker for medical dramas.

"Ok...." Skai said. She guessed she'd be doing more reading to keep up with this guy. Which might be nice considering the last book she'd read had been a good few months ago. It may be ready to pick up a new one. But she had another mission.

"So You're a doctors son…. And you haven't watched any medical dramas? YOUVE GOT TO!" She berated.

Collin shrugged. "They're probably not that realistic. And we really just ditn watch much tv. There's only two TV'S IN the house. The living room, and the guest room."

Skai was baffled. "Well then I have a proposition. If you will venture into drama TV with me and watch Greys Anatomy with me from the beginning, I will let you tutor me in science."

Collin was very tempted by that. He had the time and he supposed having a girlfriend now would make several things about how he spends his time change. He did want some change after all.

He smiled at her excited for the chance.to.relax with her on his living room couch. IF HIS PARENTS would allow it of course.

"And" Skaiylee added. "If you don't hate it too badly, and watch it up to where the shows still live premiering? I might let you attempt to help me in math."

Collins brain lit up and his heart swelled some. He LOVED math and he wanted to help her do better in school. As for as he was concerned Ed, this was a SWEET sweet deal.

"You've definitely got a deal Ms. Farris. THAT sounds like fun for me on ALL levels."

Skaiylee rolled her eyes but smiled all the same. Because math was the literal devil and how it could be fun for anyone was lost on her, but Collin was so sweet and cute, so she couldn't hate the idea if she would get to spend the time with him.

"Reminding you again though boyfriend. I am a HOPELESS Case. To the greatest degree."

Collin knew that wasn't true. She was far too intelligent and excelled in music. Music was math. She just needed the right push and the right help. I was up for the challenge for as long as she was. Tutoring was enjoyable to me too. Watching other people learn something new is really satisfying.

Im sure thats not true. But im look8ng forward to it either way." Collin told her.

"K. Deal. Back to my questions then."

Collin and Skai continues their chess match and stayed focused for a moment while they got their bearings.

"So, I was gonna ask what was the best concert you've ever been to was afyer the TV and movies, but that sounds like a stupid question now doesnt it?" Skai laughed.

Collin said "You'd have better luck asking me where I went on my last camping trip."

Skai smiled. "Okay. Answer your own question then. Go for it."

"Yosemite" he answered.

"Hmm. Skai added. " never been down there. Cobys family stays pretty north for camping. Sacramento. Camanchee. Woodward rez. Etc."

"Ah. So flat lands camping then!" Collin confirmed.

Yep!"

"Never went there camping before. We stick to Yosemite. This last year we went up the half dome free climbing." Collin smiled.

Skai couldn't tell if he was joking or not. He'd surprised her so far.

"Really" she asked, unconvinced.

"No. Haha! Are you kidding?!" he said. "My mom could not go up the side of a mountain!"

Skai wiggled her eyebrows.

"Oh but you and your dad could huh?" She tried.

Collin shrugged. "I can do my fair share of pullups."

Skai knew. She'd seen his fitness test in pe. Not that she was ever staring. And she definitely wanted to see it again. But, she looked away from him and had to get a new question before it got too hot in here.

And Collin was analyzing her every move. Skaiylees skin flushed and she fidgeted in her chair for a few seconds. She tried but failed to hide the shake in her exhale.

…..were these more SIGNALS? Her body language after me mentioning me exercising was….. sensual?

She really does find me attractive….. He didnt feel like he'd been trying to get the attention of anyone in that way, and Skai saw him and thought him pursuable….. for more than just dates? Well it felt too soon for that. Maybe he was reading it wrong… but maybe he wasn't…..

"What other clubs and activities are you in?" Skai asked, changing the subject and trying to quickly get unbothered and back to getting to know each other. She did NOT want Collin to notice that she had thought about him sweating and had a quick surge of heat pass through her. Stupid hormones. It was WAY too soon for that!

"Besides this and mathletes" Collin poked fun again, "nada. No other clubs. "What about you besides music and dance?"

Skai answered prideful. "I'm in the GSA and musical theater club and the show choir."

Collin smiled. "Why am I not surprised you're in the show choir?"

Skai shrugs. "Because one, it's obvious. and 2, you secretly stalk me?" She said. It was more of a question than it was an assumption.

"With how talented you are Skai, its the obvious choice of course."

Both kids laughed and Skaiylee blushed again. This time, she didnt squirm in her seat, but look away shyly and tucked hair behind her ears.

She'd been shy about receiving a compliment from Collin about her talent. Which was strange because earlier, it hadn't made her flush exactly the same way…. Very curious. Collin was learning more about the girls body language afyer just the days events. And he kind kf liked getting to know her on this more personal level.

"So whats your favorite part of camping? Skai asked.

Collin was glad shed asked.. it was relaxing to think about for him. "The scenery and peace. Seeing the sky at night full of stars and hearing the water of either the lake or ocean if were at a sit with water. With all of the buildings and lights of the city, our sky at home is quite dull. We can't see any stars. And the city bustle isn't as satisfying as crickets and ocean." Skai nods in agreement. That was a wonderful part of camping afterall. Though she didnt tend to bask in the silence. When she camped, it was with her band, so they played near constant music. They sang, danced, swam and ate excitedly. Only time they weren't playing music of their own with instruments or guaranteed singing was in card games, and for that, they typically ended up singing in between turns anyway.

"I love being away from technology." Skai began. "Just me and my guitar and friends and the water for swimming a bit, and I'm super happy. I could camp constantly, really."

Collins grin was huge. That was awesome to hear. "Same," he agreed. "Board games, books, and some playing cards, and I love it. Getting away from typical bustle is always nice."

"A deck of cards!" Skai agreed. "I forgot that. We definitely never forget that."

Sky realized she was running out of questions and says the fact out loud before she pulled out her phone and asks him to pause the game for a second so she could look up some generic questions. Collin gave one firm nod, and watched her scroll for a minute.

"Okay. Here are some interesting ones."

"If you could talk to anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?"

Collin took some time for this one: a few moves worth, but he wanted to give a good answer to this one. It was a testament to his character.

Skai was wondering if Collin was coming up blank, so she gave her answers hoping to inspire him a bit.

"I'd personally choose Micheal Jackson. He was the king of pop and yet still made music that tons of people who preferred different genres enjoyed. Rock! Soul. R and b! He's a legend and I would definitely take any opportunity to have a conversation with Michael. My music would get so much better." Skai hoped her answer helped since Collin seemed to have such a hard time coming up with anything. She was hoping she gave him an idea.

"Steve Perry." She decided. "He's an amazing author of science fiction. I'd certainly enjoy a conversation with him I think. I've read plenty of his books."

Skai nodded and tried to think of simpler questions. She wanted to know everything she could about her new boyfriend.

"So What is your family like? You live with both parents?"

Collin nodded and smiled thinking of his parents. "Well. Mom wears the pants in the family for sure. She's a district attorney. She prosecutes criminals in her daily life. So she can be super strict. But I love her. We have a great bond. And My dad's a doctor. Very calm and collected. I'd like to think im a lot like him. He spends a good bit of his time reading for leisure. Studying all the time and trying to become a better doctor. My parents are great."

Skai smiled and had a little sadness and jealousy inside. Must be nice she thought.

"What about other family?" She asked. "Siblings? Cousins aunts? What's the whole family like?"

"I'm an old only child so no siblings. As far as outside family goes, they're scattered to the winds. All across the country for the most part. I do have a few cousins somewhat local. Maddie, Gabrielle, and Jonny. Maddie and Gabby are twins and Madison loves to hit on me and play around inappropriately. She has a sick sense of humor." Collin started to shake his head and chuckle.

Skai was curious now. "I won't have to worry will I? Is she pretty?"

Collin groaned loudly.

"Unfortunately! Which makes it so much woooorseeeee!!!"

Skai laughed again.

"But to answer your question, no. You definitely would not need to worry. She is a first cousin! She and Gabby are my aunts daughters. She's not actually into me. Shes just kind of an attention seeker, really."

Skai laughed. "Seems that way. Hitting on your cousin is definitely out there."

Collin nodded along. "Yeah. She rebels on purpose because my aunt and uncle? They're pretty religious and so they shelter the kids. Especially the girls. And Maddie? Shes pretty boy crazy! Says that God made boys for girls enjoyment. Haha."

Hmm. Skai nodded. That made her wonder. "Are you and your parents religious Collin?"

"Not really. No. You?"

Skaiylee gave a shrug this time.

"I don't know. I believe in miracles I guess. And deja vu. And maybe even that prayer has some power in it. But I don't really consider myself religious. Im indifferent, maybe. I don't believe.one way or the other."

Collin thought the same way. That was more his families view on things as well.

His dad being a doctor knew there were medical miracles every day. But being heavily educated in science made it hard for then to believe in any religion as they we're more science based. His dad's family were the religious ones more so than his mom's side.

When Skai ran out of questions for the time being, she went back to her Google search.

"Ooh here's a good one! Name 3 things on your bucket list? I'll say mine first because they're easy! Play at Carnegie hall one day. Be famous enough to go on a world music tour with my band' and be a better parent than mine were one day."

Collin thought her ambitions sounded fun. The traveling certainly appealed to him. And Carnegie hall made sense since she very clearly loved performing so much. Then he realized, at the mention of her parents, he hadn't asked her to describe any of her family.

"Skai you never told me about your family."

Skaiylee shrugged and frowned. "Not much to tell. Coby and Jeb are it really."

Collin felt compassion for her in the moment. He immediately noticed the shift in her body language and feelings at the mention of her lack of family. He didn't want to upset her but he was very curious. Being in foster care didn't mean one had no family did it? When Collin stayed quiet, skai figured she'd elaborate. After all, theybwete dating now. May as well get the family drama parts of her life known now. So if he wanted to run, he would do so before she got attached.

"None of my family are around." She shrugged. "My.mom died when I was 4. My dad split a little later. He didn't care to quit drugs so he lost custody when I was 7. I lived with my great aunt for a while, nana Thea, but she got alzheimers

So she went into a home when I was 12 or 13. Been with my foster family since then. And they are better than some homes I've been in randomly through the years. So even though it sucks and they cant cook worth a dam. and they only put up with me for the paycheck, I dont complain about it. I kind of like the freedom anyways."

Wow. Collin thought. That must be really hard... not having any family around. He wondered still if she had aunts or distant family and he asked that next.

"Not really. My mom left South Carolina with my dad before I was born. Her family didn't like my dad. Which was totally justified." Skai shrugged. "But they came here and most of them are still out there in Carolina. I dont think any of them know about me honestly. I do have a grandmother who knows about me though. She sends me money every year a few times and we chat online periodically. She lives in Colorado. My mom's mom. Shes a nice lady. But we've never actually met. Other than that, I have no idea."

It was pretty wild to think about someone not having any family. Collin was truly amazed because he would never have thought that about Skai based solely on how she presented herself. She wasn't a puddle of depression all the time. She was friendly and outspoken and kind. She didn't seem lonely in her day to day.

He knew this chess match was about getting to know one another. But he definitely wasn't expecting to hear that she had a difficult life. He found himself feel sad for her.

And Skai could see it in his eyes.

"Don't do that. Dont get all sorry for me Collin. My life isn't all that bad, really. I have my music which I love. I got my talent from my mom and I'm so grateful every day for that. And my social worker? Grant? Hes amazing. Hes been with me since I was 13 and he was a newbie at his job and gave me WHATEVER i wanted." Skai laughed. "And he still spoils me really. and the newbergs make me babysit their brat most nights and we have fun having silly

Performances in the living room. My lifes not sad. So don't feel all gloomy."

Collin nods. "Okay. No gloom. Plus! If my parents end up liking you, I'm sure you'll get more than enough parenting from my mother in time. Haha."

Skai smiled. Meeting his parents would be nice.

"Not your father?"

Collin shook his head. "Nah. Hes the more easy going one. He'd like you right off the bat like I do."

Skai laughed. "Ah. I should've guessed. You did say your mom wears the pants. And she blushed at the latter part he'd said. That he liked her off the bat…. She was glad. She was liking him more and more with each second they talked.

The kids chess match was going well and believe it or not, Skai was holding her own quite well.

"You're not bad at chess Skai. Most people don't give me much competition."

Skai smiled and took one of his knights. She was proud she could play chess. It took her FOREVER to really get it. But it was proving a useful skill as she continued with her questions.

"What is something that you're passionate about?"

Collin thought a moment. "I do like Chemistry. Mixing things together is quite fun. Though I could do without the writing pages of observations."

Skai agreed.

"Is that what you wanna be when you're done with high school and college? A chemist?"

Collin smiled. "Kind of. Ive actually wanted to be a doctor like my dad most of my life. But I've been researching lately more on the science side of careers. Today, a pharmaceutical scientist is the most exciting sounding to me. They develop medications and all kinds of other sciencey stuff that I'm sure would bore you to tears so I wont elaborate too much."

"Ait sounds like a lot of fun." Skai says, with a chuckle.

Collin responded only with a deadpan stare and roll of his eyes.

Skaiylee blushed. He totally knew she had no clue whatsoever what the job entailed. And that was dead on. Even more than that, she was baffled with how he could find science fun. But whatever made him happy!

"So I've never seen you really hang around anyone at school... do you have any best friends or anything?" Skai asked after they focused on the game for a bit. Collin thought for a minute.

"Eh. A few friends in the clubs I'm in. But no one I really hang around with a whole lot. Or at all outside of extra curricular.

Skai just nodded. She and collin were definitely polar opposites of each other in alot of way.

Skai went back to her listbcoming up short for questions yet again. She sucked at this.

"Ok. What's the most important thing for you to have in a relationship do you think?"

Collin smiled. "Well. You're my first official relationship so I really have no idea what I even need to do to make it work on my end." Collin said nervously.

Skaiylee only smiled because he didn't answer the question.

"I understand.... but. The question was asking what YOU wanted to have happen in a relationship. Not what you would make happen." When Collin just raised an eyebrow in confusion, skai tried again.

"What do you want out of US being together basically is what its asking."

Collin thought for about 30 seconds before answering and Skai was suddenly nervous to hear what he was about to come up with.

"I suppose I am looking for the same thing most people would look for in a relationship.... someone to marry one day and have kids with?" He said with a shrug.

Skai was taken aback and didn't know how to respond.

Teenage guys just didn't talk like this. At all. It just wasnt real. This couldn't be a thing. He couldn't have just said the words marriage and kids..... boys dont think like that.... well. Most boys.....

Skai didn't know if he was real....

Collin got quite nervous with skaiylee looking at him now with glazed over eyes and an unreadable lip line.... he couldn't tell what she was thinking and it bothered him.

He raised an eyebrow nOw at her as she had been completely dumbstruck from his answer. He stayed waiting for a response though figuring he'd give her some time.

Skais dreamy gaze at Collin wasnt at all unnoticed but what she also didnt notice was Collin check her King.

"Check."

Skai broke eye contact with him for a second and then smiled.

"Cheater. No fair. You caught me off guard with your answer."

Colin only kicked his lips and shrugged and repeated her words. "I caught you off guard with my answer... I'm not trying to distract you." he said chuckling now. "I could've been mean and checkmated you by moving my knight instead."

Skai focused on the board for a moment.

"Youd better not let me win.... that's no fun." She responded. "I can hold my own."

Collin smiled. "Just trying to give you a fair chance is all. Though you're quite trapped either way."

Skai put a finger to her chin In thought scanning the board and instantly got confused now with how she'd gotten trapped.

"What the?!?!?!? No!" She pouted for a second.

Collin laughed and couldn't believe how cute she was being.

She sighed in resignation and moved a bishop realizing any attempts to escape were futile. Collin had definitely won. And she didnt even see how that had crept up on her.

"Well blah. It was fun anyways. And now I know you really are as amazing as I thought you were."

Collin smiled and shrugged, pointing over to the leaderboards on the wall beside them and Skai saw his name right up top , crushing most other members with his wins vs losses.

Skai slowly began to shake her head.

"You couldn't have taken it easy on me?"

The boy crossed his arms. "This coming from the girl who just said not even 20 seconds ago that I'd better not let her win!"

Skaiylee scrunched her nose up and gave a huge grin making Collin feel suddenly eager to spend more time with her. her smile just lit up the entire room.