//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: SonTavia, Taking Risks // by TheOneAJ //------------------------------// Octavia hummed time herself walked towards her math class that day. Something she’d hadn’t done, ever. Sure, she got a few strange random looks here and there. If not from her humming, them likely from Sonata’s friends talking about her that morning. However, she found, one, it not as bad as her inner voice would have her believe. Two, she found she really didn’t care that much. Then again, she wouldn’t of thought two people doing nothing before class could be so... Enjoyable? Sure they talked, but really, that was all that was needed. Who knew she could feel so happy? Maybe this was a start of something different. In a good way. ‘You really believe that, kid, don’t you?’ “Hey, Octavia!” Sonata smiled and waved as she walked in Octavia pushed her inner demons aside for the moment to let a feeling of warmth wash over her. “Hello yourself,” she smiled back, catching herself on how love struck she sounded. ‘And what would mother say?’ her voice found a chance to speak up loudly. “You okay?” Sonata asked, noticing her change in disposition. “The rumor mill not too much for you?” Octavia blinked. “Oh, no! No. It’s been rather calm compared to what I’ve envisioned.” She fidgeted with her hair. “So, I guess I forgot to ask, we good on tutoring this afternoon? And I do legitly mean so. Be nice if we actually got some homework done, and help would be nice.” “Well,” Sonata mussed, “It was what got us to meet. Maybe you should forget your homework assignments more often.” She leaned backwards on her chair. Then her eyes widened. “No, no, no! I’m sorry!” Was just a joke. Sorry.” Octavia let out a breath. “Er, yes, hehe... Sorry. Not really good at comedy.” Sonata frowned. Octavia frowned. “Well,” Octavia picked you after a moment. “I was thinking about forgetting my history project this week. To work more on my music that is.” Sonata lifted her head at that. Octavia looked around nervously. “Haha.” Sonata blinked, realized what Octavia was going for, and laughed.  “We‘ll work on it.” Sonata promised with a smile as the class started. **** “I’ll be honest,” Octavia complained after school to Sonata in the music room. “I don’t get multiplication of negative numbers either.” The rest of the day for the two girls had passed by rather uneventfully after math class. Octavia once or twice ran into someone who Sonata had known, but still trying to keep to herself, even if she didn’t show hostilities towards anyone. Truthfully, as silly and foolish as it sounded, she really only trusted Sonata at the moment.  ‘That is until she just wants you for your money.’ Her voice would repeat to Octavia’s dismay no mater how hard she tried to block it out. So far, the closest she came to that was whenever she was around Sonata, and no one else. Something her inner demon was more than happy to point out when she was alone.  “You? Octavia Melody,” Sonata questioned. “Admitting to not being perfect at math? Call me crazy.” She then let out a cough and asked. “Too much, or I'm about there for what you're comfortable with?” “It was fine,” Octavia said while playing with her hair. “You sure?” Sonata asked again. Octavia smiled. “Indeed. Keep it up, and you might actually start to be funny in our lifetime.” Sonatas tilted her head, but then she started to laugh. Which made Octavia laugh. “But no,” Octavia let out with a breath. “While I think being able to laugh at myself is far off, I think I needed that more than you think.” “Of course” Sonata said. “So anyways; multiplication and negative numbers?” “Ah yes!” Octavia let out. “I mean, I get the concept. Obviously, or I wouldn’t have the grades to show for it. But, I mean; a positive and negative, as well as a negative and negative creating a positive?” She held her head. “How does that work if I have thirty six apples if I multiply a lack of six apples with another lack of six apples? Or, if I have six but then multiply it by six non-existence apples?” “Just the way things are supposed to be?” Sonata guess. “Or maybe magic?” “Well that sounds... Stupid.” Octavia lowered her head. “I mean, is anything really like magic impossible?” Sonata asked. “Who’s to say- You okay?” Octavia blinked. “Oh, no! Just... Thinking.” She quickly went back to her notes. “What about?” Sonata asked. Octavia bit her lips. “Hey, it’s fine!” Sonata said, holding her hands up. “Realizes! We can just get back to our- “But it’s not.” Octavia said dryly. “What do you mean.” Sonata said, letting out a breath.  “It’s kind of silly, but- Sonata took her hand, and that infection smile was more than enough. “I swear, you have some kind of magic in you, miss Dusk.” “Ah,” Sonata moaned. “I thought, again, this is okay for future reference;” she held her free hand to her heart. “I thought we were past that phase of you referring me to ‘miss’ all the time.” Octavia smiled and shook her head. “I think,” she giggled. “Actually- Anyways!” She let out a breath. “The way you said, just how things are supposed to be. Truth is, I’ve been so content all the time to just, hold it in, be antisocial so I don’t create conflicts. Make it through high school, the same routine, and that was how I survived. Is that wrong?” “Maybe?” Sonata lowered her gaze. “Want to tell me more about it?” Octavia fidgeted. “Actually, you know what I really want to do?” “Oh?” Sonata perked up. “What’s that?” Octavia took in a breath. Truthfully, what she really wanted to, possibly do, was still far out of reach for a while. That said, she suddenly felt determined to step outside of her comfort zones. “I want to try playing a new instrument, even if I suck at it.” Sonata blinked. “Oh! Not that’s a bad thing! Still,” she looked over their homework, and pushed it aside. “Let’s do it, right now!” Octavia jaw dropped. “Oh, um, I don’t know. I mean, we still should get this homework done- “It will still be there, and you said your parents aren't expecting you home for awhile?” “Well, yes. But they’re also thinking I’m practicing for a concert next week.” “Well then, it won’t be a total lie.” She stood up and carried Octavia by the hand to the various instruments of the band room. “You’ll be practicing an instrument.” Octavia tried to steady herself. “I mean, saying it out loud and doing it, what if I’m... terrible?” “Really? Well, let me ask you; Were you also so perfect at your cello?” Octavia started to answer yes, but, “Well, I mean, I suppose I was better at it than most who would first give it a try.” Sonata cringed, but added; “and would you say you’ve gotten better since then?” “Of course!” Sonata warmly smiled. “Same principle. Trying something new is all about taking that first step, and not being afraid of not always getting it right. So, what shall it be, my lady? Piano, trumpet, triangle, maybe violin? That’s not too far off from cello, right?” Octavia reddened at the lady remark. “I suppose not. Actually,” she looked around and, to Sonata surprise, picked up a large drumstick. “I’ve kind of been curious about this one.” “Huh. Well, that would definitely be stepping outside the cello. However, if I may?” Sonata suggested taking the large stick in favor of a smaller one. “Maybe we should start small, and what would do the least to draw attention.” She pointed to the small drum set next to the large drum. “Ah!” Octavia blushed. “Right.” ****  “This is stupid!” Octavia cried in frustration twenty minutes later throwing the stick across the room. “Hey now!” Sonata protested as she went to fetch. “You’re doing an,” she took a moment to rub her ears, “okay job.” Octavia blew a strand of hair out of her face. “You’re learning, that’s what- “This isn’t fun anymore.” Octavia declared, standing up and tossing the sheet music aside.  “Maybe we should just get back to our homework?” “Whoa, whoa!” Sonata protested. “Come on!  You’re going to give up just because it’s a little hard? We’re not trying to be good, remember.” Octavia rolled her eyes. “Thanks for the reminder.” Sonata frowned. “I meant,” she shuffled her feet. “Hey, how about this; I tell you something new about myself, and we try again for just ten more minutes?” Octavia looked up. “I thought you said friends didn’t compromise in that way?” “Deal and be even, but compromising is the first thing about friendship! Now; you want to know my deep dark secret or not!” Octavia let out a sigh, not quite happy, but hardly sad either. “Very well. I'm listening.” Sonata looked to the side. “Well, I.... I used to sing.” “What?” Octavia blinked. “Yeah. Back in elementary school, I was in choir. Was told I had a nice voice and then,” she looked down. “I guess puberty hit me hard and, well... I was eventually told I sounded terrible and should stop annoying people so much.” “Who told you that?” Octavia questioned Sonata was about to tell her ex-girlfriend, but reframed. The last thing she wanted was for Octavia to judge her on being a lesbian if she was homophobic. Which wasn’t such a stretch to believe giving who she had been known for. “Someone I’m glad I don’t talk to anymore. But, I haven’t tried singing since. Just sort of gave up on it.” Octavia fidgeted. ‘A girl named Sonata who used to sing, but stopped because she believed she was bad?’ ‘Sound familiar?’ her voice said, unintentionally being helpful for once. “Would you sing something for me?” Sonata bolted upright. “What? No! No no no! I was just trying to motivate you not to give up on yourself.” Octavia smirked. “So; you’re all talk about stepping outside your comfort zones and not being afraid to fail, but you can’t walk it, miss dusk.” Sonata fumed and pointed a finger. “Hey! That’s not fair! Or part of our deal.” She regretted it as soon as she said it. “Well, the deals changed, Sonata.” Octavia said, sticking out her tongue. Sonata started to protest, but laughed instead. “Well look at you, missy.” She sighed. “Alright, but I did warn you. Any particular requests?” “Um... how about this one?” Octavia suggested, looking through the available sheet music. “That way; I can sound bad on the drums with you, okay? Actually, it looks like something a student wrote, so it’s not that complex. It’s called; Shine Like Rainbows.” “Oh hey!” Sonata said looking over the sheet. “I remember this. Pinkie Pie wrote it for her band.” “You’re friends are in a band?” Octavia mused. “Sort of. It’s a long story that ends with them getting too busy with high school and life. But they do so every now and then. Alright, just... brace yourself. Even if I wasn’t terrible, I haven’t done this in a while.” Octavia smiled and rubbed her shoulder. “You can’t be any worse than me. So, shall we?” Sonata nodded. “We shall. So... hit it.” Octavia did so, messing up within only a few beats. Still, she continued to try, going slow, missing more than hitting, but- “Once, upon a time,” And the Sonata started to sing. “You came into my world, and made the stars a-line.” Octavo stopped playing to let her jaw slacked. “I know, terrible!” Sonata cringed. “But I did warn you.” “Wha- No! I mean,” she coughed, trying to hide her blush. “Well, yes, it’s very rusty, but honestly, you sound fine.” Sonata deadpanned. “Oh be serious.” “I am!” Octavia insisted. Having sworn she heard bells before her more critical side took over. “Just,” she secretly hit record on her phone and started to play again. “Keep going. Although, .” She gave Sonata some musical advice to help. Which even then. Sonata looked unsure of herself, but Octavia's smile made her nod. “Now, I can see the signs, You came into my world and made the stars align!” They continued like that for a while. Octavia surprised herself as she felt as if she hit about half of the beats correctly. Too enthralled and gave little tidbits where she saw fit to Sonata, who would happily adjust herself, and started to sing more and more clearly. All the while, the two were lost in their own little world, until sadly, -shine like rainbows!” Sonata concluded. “Oh! I hope that wasn’t too bad.” “No more so than me.” Octavia assured standing up. “But if you won’t take my word for it.” She pulled out her phone and hit okay. “Listen to yourself!” Sonata shrieked at the realization that she had been recorded, but relaxed as she heard herself sing for the first time in years. “Wait, is that... Okay, seriously, what did you do? Some kind of enhancement app?” “You just saw me pull it out of my pocket! How would I have time to edit it?” Sonata put a hand to her head. “This has to be some mistake. I’m not good, I’m- **** “Terrible?” Aria had told her. Her girlfriend's arms crossed, Sonata shrank back. “For realizes? But... But my mom said- “Are you really going to listen to your mommy, or, are you going to listen to me?” Aria tisked. She reached out and took her girlfriend by the shoulder. “I just care about you, Sonata. I just don’t want you to get hurt. In fact, you should just quite choir.” “But... But I like singing!” Sonata said in tears. Aria raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re saying you like singing badly more than you like listening to my advice.” Sonata shrank backZ “... No. you’re right. Probably should've quit a long time ago anyways.” Aria smiled. “That’s a good girl.” ***** “Sonata?” Octavia asked. “Sorry!” Sonata said, looking down and rubbing at her elbows.  Octavia titles her head. “Is something wrong.” Sonata started to speak, but paused. She looked away, thinking for a moment, before going with, “Just some bad memories.” “You want to talk about it?” Octavia said, taken aback at what she had just said. Something she’d never thought she would be the one to ask Sonata about. In her own mind, Sonata seemed so optimistic, without flaw, perfect. Sonata bit her lip. Still, if they were going to be friends, it would be nice to at least share the basics. Besides, she didn’t have to say who, or why gender, they were. Yet. “Well,” Sonata said, taking a seat next to Octavia. “I, kind of had a really bad ex.” “Oh.” Octavia frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Sonata shrugged. “I mean, it was a long time ago. All through jr. High. Although looking back, I still feel stupid I never saw the signs. Always putting me down, making me feel I was worthless without her, and yeah, looking back, talked me out of choir to devote more time to loving her... Yeah.” She sighed. “Fortunately, Vinyl helped me to see what a bitch my ex was by the last bit of 8th grade.” “Vinyl?” Octavia questioned before realizing. “Oh! The blue haired girl from this morning?” ‘Of course! Talk about irony.” Octavia thought bitterly.  “Yeah.” Sonata continued, obviously to Octavia's inner thought. “Just when I think I’ve moved on, something like this reminds me that I’ll never be free of h-them!” She nervously brushed a strand of hair out of her face. She looked to see Octavia looking at her expectantly. “So... You really didn’t think my singing was horrible?” “You were good.” Octavia nodded. “I promise.” Sonata slumped into a seat. “Thanks.” In a bold display of affection, Octavia nervously reached a hand out and rubbed Sonata’s shoulder. “Want to try some more? I’m having fun.” Sonata’s face lit up red, before she relaxed. “For realizes?” Octavia raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Sorry, but; Realizes? I meant to ask.” Sonata fidgeted. “Too goofy?” “No no!” Octavia insisted. She smiled and stroked her hair. “It’s cute.” “So,” Sonata said, trying to hide her blush. “Any other request?” “Um,” Octavia rubbed her chin. “Fighting Gravity?” Sonata blinked. “Sorry. Not familiar. Who sang it?” Octavia's eyes widened. “Please tell me your joking.” Sonata looked around the room. “No. Should I?” “I, I... Seriously?!” Octavia shouted, stretching out her arms. “You never heard of the musical it’s from? Weren’t you at least in choir?” “Musical?” “Oh gods,” Octavia said, rubbing her forehead. “Come here.” She said, standing up, taking Octavia’s hand and dragging her over to the table. “What are we doing?” Sonata asked worriedly. “This simply will not do!” Octavia said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out her phone. “You poor, poor thing.” She typed in some commands and a green playlist appeared. “I will not hear excuses. This is the greatest musical of all time, and I will not allow a fellow musician to be left out. Don’t worry, dear.” She pushed play, and added with a wink, “You’re in for a wicked good time.” Jaw hanging limp, she sat down next to Octavia to listen. ***** Shoulder to shoulder, the two girls spend the next hour and a half listening to the entire soundtrack in question. Half the time Octavia filling in details about what the story was about, and the other half humming along as Sonata absorbs the musical for the first time. By the end, Sonata was left in tears. “Oh wow,” Sonata breathed. “That was-Wait. She died?” Octavia grinned mischievously. “I mean, she did die in the original story. So you can’t expect less.” “Well, yeah! But after all that- What?” Octavia looked away. “Nothing! Er, well, it’s something you have to see the musical itself to get.” She laughed. “Although I will say, it was something to listen to the soundtrack with someone who hadn’t seen either before.” Sonata huffed. “Yeah, well, still... Okay! It was beautiful. And actually,I did recognize a song or two.” She rubbed her chin. “So this was the thing Popularity and For Better came from? Cool.” Octavia smiled. “I’ll definitely have to take you to a showing of it one day if it’s ever in town.” “Realizes?” Sonata beamed.  Octavia started to feel giddy, but then her inner voice said, ‘Well, well, well. Look at her true colors. Now I bet she’ll think with your money and ‘friendship’ you can give her- “You really don’t have to! Would never expect something as lavish as a night on broadway from you.”  Octavia let out a breath. “Oh, thanks... Sorry. My inner demons, if you will, tried to convince me that you were really just after my money all along.” Sonata frowned. “Seriously?” Octavia gave her a sharp look. “Sorry, Sorry! You’re right, valid fear.” Sonata tapped on the table and looked at the room's clock. “Say, how soon are your parents expecting you to come home?” “Um, like I said, since they think I’m practicing for a social event next week, and with them not wanting me to lug around me cello to and fro as often as I can, it’s not uncommon for me to stay rather late. As long as I call for a ride by the time the school is locked up.” She paused nervously. “Why?” Sonata tapped her chin and did some math. It be tight, and maybe doing so another day would be the better option. But nonetheless, she asked. “Want to go see a movie with me? My treat. I’ll pay for everything; Both of our tickets, the popcorn, soda, and you don’t have to spend a penny of your own money.” “What?!” Octavia said scooting back. “Well, we could tonight, but that deadline would make things close.” She pulled out her own phone to check for show times. “Or we could go tomorrow or sometime later this week. I’m not broke you know. I can afford it for both of us but,” she took Octavia’s hand. “Would that maybe help convince you that I’m not after your money and just want to be friends for realizes?” ‘She’s just setting you up now so later- “You’d really do that for me?” Octavia asked hand to her chest. “Yes.” Sonata answered simply as she rubbed Octavia’s hand. ‘At least question her thoroughly to make sure, you id- “Alright! Yeah... Yeah!” Octavia’s face lite up. “Let’s go now.” “Okay!” Sonata squeed, packing up and pulling a happy Octavia along. “Let’s get going!” *****  “Oh wow,” Sonata said, exiting the theater, dumbfounded. “I’m not sure what’s worse,” Octavia said, bag of popcorn in her hands, her face the same horrid expression Sonata had. “That such a shameless remake of a beloved classic exists, or that I insisted we see it.” “At least... Most of the songs weren’t horrible.” Sonata threw out. They both looked to each other, collected themselves, and laughed. “Oh, oh but really!” Octavia said as she calmed down. “I feel just awful that I made you spend money on…Whatever that was.” “Oh it was nothing! It’s what friends are for. You can always pay next time if you feel that guilty.”  She slapped her mouth shut. “I didn’t mean- “Next time?” Octavia blinked, then smiled. “I guess that sounds like a plan. Maybe the movie I pick won’t be so bad.” Sonata started as a couple of kids walked by. “You’re not upset?” Octavia tilted her head. “Because we saw a bad movie?” Sonata ran her left shoe in a circle. “No, I mean... You know what, never- “Oh.” Octavia said as she realized what Sonata had been worried about. But then, “I mean... Isn’t that what friends do? I mean! It seems, at least in this case, you paid for this movie, I should pay for the next one.” Sonata smiled. “Wow, Octavia. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say; What did you do with the real Octavia Melody.” She frowned. “Still, I really had no intentions to think you’d ‘pay me back’ or even cover the tickets for the next time we hang out. Realzies. I just wanted you to have a good time.” Octavia felt her chest warm. “And you did more than a fabulous job. Well, I mean, we could have picked a better movie, but still,” She places a hand on Sonata’s shoulders, but before more could happen, something clicked. “Wait, what time is it?!” Sonata’s eyes widened as she pulled out her phone. “Shoot! I swore, the time said,” she shook her head. “Hey, relax, we just have to get moving, and if you’re questioned, just say you lost track of time. You can still get out of the school if you’re in it when it’s locked, right?” “Well... I never overdid it before to find out!” “Come on then!” Sonata said, pulling Octavia along. Making it back to the school just as the janitor was pulling out. “Should,” Octavia heaved, “Call, now!” She pulled out her phone and dialed. “Hi, Carol! Yes, sorry. Got a little too enthusiastic about practicing. No, no! Everything’s fine, just ready to pick me up. Great! Bye.” She hung up. “So... Sonata lifted herself up from holding her knees. “I’d ask if you want me to stick around, but I'm guessing it would be a bad idea if anyone associated with your family saw me?” Octavia lowered her head. “Sorry.” “No, no,” Sonata waved off. “I totally get it... So I’ll see you tomorrow? Want to try again with my friends in the morning.” “Um... I’m not sure. I don’t think your friend Vinyl is very found of me.” “Yeah, Sorry. Actually, what happened-Eh, I suppose another time. I’ll just text you later and you can tell me yes or no on where you want to hang out!” Sonata gave her a hug before Octavia could protest. “Goodnight!” And with that, Sonata was gone. Although a part of her wondered if maybe she should have risked a peck on the cheek, she brushed it off. ‘One step at a time.’ Octavia, meanwhile, let out a breath. Realizing she would have to deal with her... Ex crush? It didn’t seem like the best, even for lack of a better term. She instead, let out a happy sigh. That could be tomorrow’s problem. For now, she just wanted to reflect on her day. Which not even a crappy remake could have dampened her mood.