Beverly stood among the audience, her face carved into a gracious smile, but only she knew the gulf between her daughter and
Arabella was more than just a slight gap.
Arabella's talent was leagues beyond her daughter's - a hundredfold, easily.
After years of attending violin concerts, Beverly had heard melodies that paled in comparison to even half of Arabella's prowess.
It was clear that Louisa’s daughter was something special, indeed.
In the crowd, someone complimented Arabella, "I had no idea you were as skilled at chess as you are with the violin."
"You've blownaway just like Jamie Noelle did. If you weren't so young, I'd swear you were Jamie Noelle herself!"
"You've truly captured the soul of the piece. The last person to do so was Jamie Noelle."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
"And if Jamie Noelle isn't looking to take on any protege, would you consider being mine?"
The last to speak was the violin maestro Megan, who had been devoted to the violin since she was four and, even at sixty-five, set
aside two hours every day for practice.
Her obsession with the violin had made it as integral to her daily routine as brushing her teeth or washing her face.
Everyone was surprised by Megan's offer. Countless had sought her tutelage in the past, only to be turned away.
"I've lived my life without kids, without attachments, content to pursue my passions, unconcerned with whether my legacy would
be carried on by a protege." Megan said, her smile warm as she looked at Arabella, "But today after hearing you play, I'm moved. |
have this desire to take you under my wing. You have raw talent, and with the right guidance, you could surpass everyone to
becthe most revered nin the world of violin."
The guests were stunned by Megan's high praise towards Arabella.
Was she suggesting that with hard work, Arabella could eclipse even the likes of Mr. Jarvis and Jamie Noelle?
"I know you're also known as Queena, and followingmight feel beneath you, but that's okay. We can work together as friends,
as equals."
Alma, standing nearby, clenched her fists. During the last prestigious school competition, her own teacher, Oswald, had openly
asked Arabella to bechis private student right in front of her.
Oswald had always been strict with Alma, yet he'd been all smiles with Arabella, persistently asking her Whatnumber even
after several rejections, desperately trying to keep in touch.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Why did everyone seem to be fighting over Arabella?
Alma had only landed her teacher after her parents made a few personal appeals, pulling in favors from their international
contacts. And even then, Oswald merely offered her spointers, never teaching her all techniques he possessed.
Now, Megan was fawning over Arabella, just like Mr. Oswald had. It was as if Arabella was the only person in the world who
mattered.
"She's got experiments to run with me, no tfor this," a breathless voice cut in. President Barton of Westerly College emerged
from the crowd, "This student of mine has grand ambitions, you see. She's studying medicine, aiming to save lives. The violin,
chess, those are just hobbies, not her career path."
Megan sighed, "That's a real pity."
She looked at Arabella, not wanting to miss out on such a promising prospect, and whipped out her phone, "Let's exchange
contacts, just in case. If you ever change your mind, givea call."