She Used To Be Mine

Beach trip: Saturday, after the volleyball game.
JP with Redsword7

Melissa had taken her time pulling herself together, letting one song turn into another. She had, pretty much, lost track of the time and didn't realize it was time for her mystery drummer to show up and she let her hands move over the keys. She just poured emotions into what she was playing and singing more than expressing them in any other matter, at the moment. The Sara Bareillas song seemed very appropriate for her feelings at the moment.

She Used To Be Mine

Conner was running late. He had showered off the sand from the and Volleyball game. He could hear someone singing as he walked up. He realized the song was She Used To Be Mine. But did not recognize the voice. He pulled the back curtain to the side. He looked at Melissa was playing the piano and singing beautifully. He could tell she was about halfway through he sneaked to the drum set. He started with the brush sticks not to be too loud and scare Mel. It took him a few seconds for the rhythm. He matches her perfectly. then switch to sticks within seconds showing off his skill. He would give a big charming smile If she looked back at him.

Somewhere in her playing she heard something of a quiet but new sound, but she didn't stop playing then the drums took off more whoever it was, was good and she looked up to see Conner smiling back at her. The song ended and she bit her lip slightly. "You're really good." She paused. "Are you sure you want to perform with me?" Not only did she have the whole not thinking she was as talented as she was but she had completely freaked out on him the other day when she had been invited to sit with him and his friends. She had been pretty sure he might not want really anything to do with her even if she had been scared more than anything.

Conner flipped the drum sticks around some "I think I am ok with the drums been playing for 6 years now. I have been playing the piano since 4. My parents hate when I play the drums they think it is a waste of time. Mel, Can I call you that? After just hearing you sing I am glad that I did volunteer to help you. You can sing and your cute whats not to like." He said with a flirty grin.

By what Conner said she was pretty certain their music teacher had left out some information. "Well, full disclosure. I've never performed in public before, so, I'm really not sure how this is going to go."

"If your performance is anything like what you just did you have nothing to worry about. Just do the old thing. Just picture everyone in there unaware. I will be up here with you can't go wrong. If you need help I am here." he said trying to give her confidence.

The comment about everyone being in their underwear made her smile a little but she shook her head. "I don't know if that's a good idea." She paused and breathed. "Thanks. You know Ms. Kopper had to basically push me to perform. And then she started talking about me doing two songs. I'm not sure why she's being so insistent."

"Because you're hot and can sing? You have it going on? I see it on you. You just need a push never know you might like it." He said with a flirtatious smile. He paused looking around. he spotted a headset. "If you want not that you need it I could sing with you if it would make you more confident." He added.

Melissa thought about it for a moment. If anything Conner was certainly good for her self-esteem. Taking a breath she then asked. "Do you know Rewrite The Stars from The Greatest Showman?"

"Yes, that's why Ms. Kopper asked I think and that's why I am here. I know the music. Just know I will sing it one octave lower. I am not a tenner. If that's ok with you" he asked.

"That's fine" Melissa said. "Why don't we try that song? If it works we can do that first and I'll do the other song second." That should make her ready to sing by herself for the second song. That was the theory anyway. She suddenly realized that she was doing a duet with a guy who Doug didn't want her associating with. The thought of how mad Doug might be crossed her mind and she took a breath to calm herself. Doug was probably going to be mad at her no matter what she did.

Conner could tell she was nervous. "ok, you lead off with the piano and I will get the rhythm off you. Don't hold back. Just let it go, don't worry about who is out there just do it." He says getting ready then giving her a nod.

Taking a moment she closed her eyes and then started playing. Her fingers easily moved across the keys to make the music. Conner's part was first and she noticed he had a really good voice, then came her part and she just sang it without holding back. The song came to the end and for just a moment it was quiet. Then she looked at him. " I think that might work."

Conner smiled "I am glad I was good enough to sing with you. I think everyone will like it and if they don't I will convince them they do." he said sarcastically but with an evil grin and flex his muscles some.

She couldn't help but smile at his response. "Well, okay I guess with that its guaranteed." Melissa wasn't completely convinced that was true but she was feeling at least a little more sure about this. "Should we try the second song?"

"Lead out Mel, I am right behind you" he said reading his drums.

She started playing the next song. It was one she knew well and it went well. She then asked to practice both one right after the other. After just a few times of both and not wanting to wear out their voices before tonight. That would be good. The last song that they were practicing ended and she just sat there for a moment before looking at him. "I'm sorry for freaking out on you the other day at dinner. Its just...well...." She couldn't seem to find the correct words to finish that statement or at least what she could say at the moment.

Conner was quiet not like thinking but an awkward type.
"Ah... No..." He sighed and have a big warm smile. He looked around making sure no one was near. "Just know I am here and my friends too. In whatever you need and we understand. You watch out for you and we will watch out too. We are in this life together as JD said to me wants. I will stand beside you always as a friend and nothing or no one can change that." He said softly and reassuringly. "Even if I have to break some arms to prove it." He said with a small laugh.

Melissa nodded but he was being so nice that she wasn't sure how to respond especially when the back of brain was telling her she didn't deserve it. Her breath shook a little when she breathed in but said. "Thanks." Her phone chimed and of course it was Doug wondering when she'd be done with practice. She sighed, not surprised but not wanting to answer either. She looked back towards Conner. "I don't suppose you could figure out a reason for us to practice longer."

Conner watched as he looked at the phone. He could only guess who it was by the expression on her face. He chuckled some." Sure because Ms. Kopper said get it right? or that I said it had to be right chose one. but I don't need an excuse to practice with you." he was hoping for Conner said so if she was talking to Doug. "hell, you could spend all afternoon with me if you want. no one owns you here." he said almost in a defiant tone.

No one owns her? If that were only true. She texted something back to Doug about how she needed to practice more and would let him know when she was done. He responded telling her to be done by dinner time or he'd come find her. Knowing she wouldn't like that outcome she texted back fine. She then said to Conner, "If you really do mean all afternoon I have until dinner time." She though didn't start playing. "I know I can't stay in here forever. I just can't be out there just yet." She didn't know why she said that but it was true, especially, being out there meant being around Doug.

"That's cool, You need to learn to say No for yourself." He said standing. " Want to learn the drums some? Nothing sexier than a woman drummer." he said with a grin.

"I'd like that." She smiled at him feeling a little better about things. She got up and went over to the drum set.