The First Note

Alexandra adjusted her scarf as she waited outside the café the next afternoon, her fingers clutching the strap of her bag. Inside was a small notebook filled with music sketches and ideas, the beginnings of melodies that didn’t belong to her usual repertoire. She had left the apartment with a purpose today: to meet Elise again.

The city bustled around her, but Alexandra was lost in her thoughts. What was she even doing? This was far outside her comfort zone—spontaneity was not her strong suit. And yet, Elise’s infectious energy lingered in her mind, urging her forward.

“Hey, pianist!”

The cheerful voice snapped her out of her reverie. Alexandra turned to see Elise strolling toward her, guitar slung over her shoulder and a grin that could brighten the gloomiest day.

“You look like you’re about to bolt,” Elise teased as she stopped beside her. “Second thoughts?”

“No,” Alexandra replied, though her tone was uncertain. She forced herself to hold Elise’s gaze. “I just don’t usually do… this.”

“This?” Elise raised an eyebrow, her grin widening.

“Meeting strangers. Following impulses.”

“Then today’s your lucky day,” Elise said with a wink. “Come on, I’ve got an idea.”

Before Alexandra could protest, Elise grabbed her hand and led her down the street. The warmth of Elise’s hand surprised her, and she didn’t pull away. Instead, she found herself following the guitarist, curiosity overtaking her reservations.

They stopped at a small park tucked between buildings. It was quiet, the sound of birdsong mingling with the distant hum of traffic. Elise gestured to a bench beneath a tree and motioned for Alexandra to sit.

“This spot’s got great acoustics,” Elise said, settling onto the grass with her guitar. “I want to hear what you’ve got.”

“What I’ve got?” Alexandra asked, puzzled.

“Yeah.” Elise leaned back, strumming a chord. “Show me some of that classical magic.”

Alexandra hesitated. She wasn’t used to performing without preparation, especially not in front of someone like Elise—someone so free-spirited and uninhibited. But something about the moment, about Elise, made her want to try.

She pulled the notebook from her bag, flipping to a page where she’d jotted down a melody inspired by Elise’s music. Her fingers hovered over the imaginary keys on her lap as she hummed a few notes, letting the tune take shape.

Elise watched intently, her grin softening into a look of genuine curiosity. “That’s beautiful,” she said after a moment. “But you’re holding back. Let it breathe.”

Alexandra frowned. “Let it… breathe?”

“Yeah.” Elise leaned forward, her guitar resting across her knees. “Don’t think so much. Feel it. Like this.”

She played a series of chords, weaving them into an impromptu melody that was rough around the edges but alive with emotion. Alexandra listened, her heart quickening as she recognized the freedom in Elise’s music.

“I don’t know if I can do that,” Alexandra admitted.

“Sure you can.” Elise grinned. “You’ve got it in you. You just need to stop worrying about the rules for a second.”

Taking a deep breath, Alexandra closed her eyes and hummed her melody again, this time letting it flow naturally. Elise joined in with her guitar, matching Alexandra’s tune and adding her own flair. Their music blended together, an unlikely harmony that surprised them both.

When they finally stopped, Alexandra felt an unfamiliar sense of exhilaration. She looked at Elise, who was beaming.

“See? Told you you could do it,” Elise said.

Alexandra laughed softly, a genuine smile spreading across her face. For the first time in a long while, she felt the joy of simply playing.

As they sat in the park, their music drifting on the breeze, Alexandra realized something had shifted. Elise was right—music didn’t have to follow the rules. It could be messy, unpredictable, and utterly beautiful.

And maybe, just maybe, so could life.

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