Adagio

Chapter 3

Soft music filled the air of the kitchen.

Coda must be quite in a good mood.

“ Coda, did you finish your HomeWork ?” The music stopped playing and a very loud C Flat sounded in my ears.

I guess that means a very huge yes.

I chuckled.

“Good, continue. Oh and Davina is coming over later so go wash up soon okay ?”

Another C flat sounded.

A few seconds later the music started to play again.

His piano teacher is always astonished in his potential and so am I.

It’s not easy playing the piano and playing it with so much emotion as my son does.

Maybe that’s the reason why he still hasn’t talked yet. I’m sure that there’s a beautiful voice deep within him but he’s still scared to let it out. Like he is waiting for something. Something to happen.

After finishing up the last touches on the food, I went near him. Watching him play was so calming and soothing.

I sat in my usual armchair and checked his homework. He didn’t even notice me entering and he kept his eyes closed, feeling every note with his whole self. It’s astonishing how such a small kid can be so emotional. I used to be emotion too and I still am and I always wanted my son to grow up and be able to see the beauty in this world. Fortunately, he is growing up to be such an amazing child. I’m so proud. People tell me that I raised him but he raised me. He holds my hand like he needs me and only me in this world, but when he plays the piano, he’s all alone and he’s not scared at all.

I don’t think that a mother can ask any more than that.

The soft breeze that came in from the window ruffled his dark hair, while some sheets rustled on the table. I could watch him all day long.

I got up and kissed his soft head and went to prepare for Davina’s arrival. She should be bringing her boyfriend Blaine with her. Blaine knows how to play the piano and when he comes, Coda is super excited and he listens closely to everything Blaine says. I’m forever grateful to them, they helped me get up and I will never be able to repay them back for what they did for me.

The music stopped and a B flat sounded.

He’s going for a wash.

“ Be careful not to slip on the mat,” I called to him.

His small footsteps ran to the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

I chuckled.

He’s waiting for Blaine I’m sure.

My phone started to ring.

“ Hello ?”

“Iris, it’s me.”

“Hey, Lana whats up ?”

“ Do you mind if Nate and I came over as well ?”

“ No of course not.”

“ Great, be there in a few.”

She hung up just like that.

I sighed. Everything was ready, all that is waiting are the guests.

I sat on the piano’s chair and put my fingers on the keys. I couldn’t help myself and I played something.

My mother used to love this song Adagio and it stuck to my head like glue.

The notes filled the room, with its melody, I could remember my childhood, how my mothers out of tune voice would sing it while she was cooking something which I probably wouldn’t eat.

Suddenly, a soft hand touched my arm.

I jolted out of trans.

My son was watching me with sad eyes. His hair was dripping everywhere and he only had a towel on him.

I chuckled.

“ What did I tell you about drying yourself up properly ?”

He smiled up at me.

I pulled him up and went back into the bathroom.

I grabbed the towel around him and patted him dry. Then I grabbed the hair dryer, testing the heat on my skin first and then dried his hair slowly. He pulled his hand on mine, tapping with my fingers. My hands looked huge near his and he always admired them.

When I finished his hairdo, the way how he likes it to be styled, of course, I pulled him up again and went to his bedroom.

Books were everywhere and his small spaceship bed was still undone. I put him down and grabbed the books, placing them on the shelf.

“ Coda, be careful with these okay ?”

He nodded and pulled the closet open.

Then he put his small hands under his chin.

I chuckled.

“ What are we gonna wear today, mister ?”

He shook his head, not knowing himself.

Then I remembered the shirt I bought him.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” I went into my room and gave him the bag.

“ How about this ?”

His face lightened. He always does that, even when he doesn’t know if he is going to like the present or not.

When he pulled the shirt out, he smiled widely and jumped to hug me.

I kissed his head and pulled him to me.

He’s so small, but this small child is my everything. He’s my whole life now.

I cut the tag and he pulled it on, it fitted perfectly. Then I grabbed some jeans and his favourite shoes and he was all done.

“ Handsome little man,” I said.

He smiled and puffed his chest.

I poked his chest and he giggled.

“ How about you go play some piano, till mama get ready ?”

He nodded and ran outside the room.

I arranged his messy bed and his books.

He likes to read, just like me.

I hopped into the shower and got dressed.

Just when I was about to close my bedroom door, a soft knock sounded at the main door.

The music stopped and Coda went running to the door, opening it.

“Well, hello little man. Aren’t you handsome?”

This voice, it’s Davina.

“ There’s my man. Up you go.” I heard giggles.

Blaine must be already playing aeroplane with him.

When I rounded the corner another soft knock came to the door.

“ Hey, guys.” I hugged Davina and Blaine.

“ Is Luna coming too ?” Davina asked putting her bag on the chair.

“ Yeah.”

I went to open the door and Lana had a huge basket covering her small face.

“ Hey,” Lana said.

“ What’s with the basket?” I chuckled.

“Well, it’s a gift. Now take it, it’s heavy.”

I took it and put it in the kitchen.

Nate soon came in and closed the door behind him.

Everyone played with Coda.

Coda must be having the time of his life.

I served beer to the guys.

Then I reached for my secret drink compartment, not wanting Coda to know about it.

I poured some Gin Tonic for Lana and Martini for Davina.

Everyone sat on the sofa and Coda sat on my lap.

“ How’s the book coming along?” Davina asked.

I nodded. “ I had a little writer’s block but I’m over it now.”

Lana chuckled.

They all turned from her to me.

Knowing where this is heading, I cleared my throat and started another conversation.

Everyone talked for hours and then I noticed that Coda is dozing off, so I excused myself and went to put him in bed.

I put his pj’s on and he moved slowly to the bed, trying hard not to fall asleep while walking.

“ Want your lullaby ?”

He nodded.

“Hush, now my baby, sleep and don’t cry. For mama’s got a lullaby. Sleep my baby and don’t be scared, cause mamas will be here until you fall asleep.-”

I was about to continue but he was sound asleep, snoring softly.

I put his favourite toy near him and closed the door behind me.

The others were whispering, knowing well enough that they need to talk slowly, as not to wake Coda up.

I poured myself a drink and settled back on the sofa.

The guys went outside to check the cars and the ladies were left inside.

“So, what was that about earlier?” Davina asked, intrigued.

I sighed.

“ Miss Iris here bumped into a hunk,” Lana said grinning from ear to ear.

“Oh, sounds juicy, spill,” Davina said.

I looked from one to the other and told them everything.

They didn’t interfere, they listened closely to everything I said.

“ He sounds hot and he’s into you,” Davina said sipping her drink.

“ No, he’s not,” I said.

They both shot me a look.

I shook my head. “ It doesn’t matter, I won’t see him again probably and my son comes first and always will.”

They sighed.

“Look, we know that Coda is your top priority but some time for yourself is also a good thing,” Lana said.

“ I know, but my son needs me and I need him. I don’t think there is space for anyone. Plus what if things got serious with someone and he gets attached to them and it doesn’t work?”

Davina sighed. “ I think you are scared of that, not Coda.”

I lowered my gaze to the drink in my hand.

It’s true.

I was scared.

“ Who would blame you really.” Davina continued. “ But you need to put yourself out there. Coda will need a father one day.”

My heart squeezed for a second.

They were both right. But for six years, it was only me and my son, we didn’t need anyone and we got on just fine.

What if I let someone in and he would destroy it?

The night went by smoothly and everyone had a great time.

It’s rare for us to meet like this, everyone is busy and our schedules don’t match at all.

We all said our goodbyes and I closed the door behind me.

I slipped my shoes off and went by the piano. I put my drink on the table and sat down.

The outside air touched my skin as it flew in through the window.

I grabbed my glass and went to the window, watching all the trees sway with the night wind. The Moon and the stars shining brightly, illuminating everything.

I sighed and closed my eyes.

No one will interfere with the life of my son. He deserves happiness more than anything and I will do anything for him.