The following day proved hectic, what with the unexpected agreement to attend the high school production. Llhaesa practise as usual and lost track of time. That placed the event-going couple in N’kenenda’s salon almost a full hour later than scheduled.

Instead of the minimalist and similar dos of their last visit, this time N’kenenda went for enhancing contrast, Jahrae’s jet-black hair versus llhaesa’s dirty blonde hair, Jahrae’s straight hair versus llhaesa’s inclination to curl.

Rather than free flowing hair falling down their backs, N’kenenda sculpted without cutting, rearranging into asymmetrical shapes that complimented one another.

N’kenenda worked quickly, and almost had Jahrae and llhaesa back on schedule by the time she completed the hair sculpting. The couple needed to be at the school theatre no later than 7:30 pm, and they scrambled and hustled their way through their preparations, trying to meet the timeframe.

At 6:30, the couple made their way to the underground garage, finding their way to their sporty forest green transport. Llhaesa asked Jahrae if she wished to drive, but Jahrae demurred, and so llhaesa climbed behind the controls, finding it somewhat uncomfortable to drive in heels. She stopped before leaving the garage, removed the shoes, and drove shoeless. 

Within moments, they were out of the garage and on their way, winding through rush hour city traffic, making their way to the entry onto the limited access highway that would take them northward at what they hoped was a brisk pace. Several signals within the city slowed their progress, but once on the highway, llhaesa drove to the vehicle’s strengths, taking the speed to the limits allowed.

Llhaesa knew the way northward by rote, given she grew up not far from L’sahre High, but almost missed the exit as she distracted her attention while sharing a story with Jahrae. Jahrae called out llhaesa’s almost faux pas, and llhaesa barely made the exit through a combination of deft turning, steering, and braking.

The transport pulled into the almost full school parking area around 7:20, and after scurrying to find a parking spot, the couple found themselves passing through the lobby, just before 7:30. A student usher handed each a programme, and then escorted the couple to their front row seats.

Such treatment embarrassed llhaesa, as she would have been content in any portion of the theatre, but was gracious and appreciative nonetheless. Jahrae looked around the theatre, imagining llhaesa as a high school student plying this facility. Llhaesa interrupted Jahrae’s mental wanderings by pointing out various highlights of the place, as well as various people she recognised.

Shortly after the scheduled 8 pm start time, the Principal made his way onstage, and began with a disappointing announcement. “Parents, friends, and students of L’sahre, I regret to inform you that our pianist for this evening has taken ill, and is unable to play.

After much discussion, we have decided to use recorded music to take the place of our missing pianist.”

While the principal outlined their course of action, Jahrae whispered to llhaesa, “You played this for four years, why don’t you volunteer, llhaesa?”

Llhaesa appeared conflicted, sensing it might be the right thing to do, but with no desire to impose upon those running the production.

“Llhaesa, discreetly walk down to the stage door, it is hidden from the audience, and extend your offer.”

“Very well.” Llhaesa rose slowly, taking care to avoid trampling anyone around her, and then slowly walked off to the side entry and into the corridor that led to the stage door.

She softly knocked, and a moment later, the door swung open. A student stood before llhaesa, mouth agape with the immediate recognition of the famous musician. “Hello! Upon hearing Principal K’awrdre’s announcement, I wondered if perhaps I might be of assistance.”

“Hello, ms t’yaeli! That sounds great, but come on in; you can chat with the principal!”

“Thank you, Mr –“

“A’wrhandan, Ma’am.”

“Thank you, A’wrhandan!”

Fifteen minutes later, the principal again took the stage, this time to announce that a special guest would fill in for the ill musician. He gave no name, at llhaesa’s request, not wishing to distract from the performance onstage – this performance was about what the students wished to celebrate on this night, and not about llhaesa.

For that reason, llhaesa would play the programme as written, which to her surprise had actually two versions included in music – her version from seven years before, and the version most students used before and since her time as a student. Both versions were acceptable, and llhaesa decided to use that with which she was familiar.

Llhaesa could hear a quiet murmuring in the crowd, and sensed some recognised who now played piano, and the information made its way through the crowd.

The curtain split open, and llhaesa began to play, immediately feeling like she was seventeen again. She held strictly to the scripted music, in part because timing with those performing on stage was involved, and to leave attention where it rightfully belonged – onstage.

The music and the students onstage sucked llhaesa into the story, such was their performance, and her playing reflected the emotion she felt in the moment, helping in a small way their telling of the timeless story.

Llhaesa multi-tasked – both playing and keeping an eye on the stage, where two performers in particular demonstrated excellent ballet skill, and she felt a twinge regret at not being able to devote her full attention to their efforts.

The audience applauded appreciatively after particularly difficult manoeuvres and dancing, and at intermission gave the theatre group a standing ovation. Llhaesa stood and faced the stage, adding her appreciation for the student’s efforts to that of the audience.

She made her way to Jahrae, and asked Jahrae if she wished to go backstage and meet the students. Jahrae nodded affirmatively, and the couple walked out to the side hall, and walked the brief distance to the right stage door. A soft knock gained entry, and upon seeing llhaesa enter, the student’s excited conversations quieted.

One walked over to the newly arriving couple, a smile playing across her exhilarated face. “Ms T’yaeli, thank you so much for helping us out today. With our pianist ill, we had no idea how to proceed – no one had ever played the music before. Then you offered.

Not every high school has the world’s best musician accompany their holiday performance! In truth, we knew you played this music every year you were here, and just knowing that you played as part of our theatre group left us proud – now you have helped us tonight, and on behalf of everyone here, we appreciate your help!”

Thank you, N’sessa,” llhaesa graciously replied. The student’s eyes grew wide upon hearing llhaesa voice her name, and llhaesa recognised the confusion immediately. “Your name is in the programme! I will add my grandmother’s given name was N’sessa, and always thought it a beautiful name.”

“Oh, OK, you had me confused there for a moment!”  Other students walked over to llhaesa while llhaesa introduced Jahrae to the students, and the group engaged in lively conversation for another ten minutes, before having to disperse and ready for the second half.

Before N’sessa walked away, she informed llhaesa and Jahrae the group wished to go out for a bite to eat after the show, and if llhaesa and Jahrae wished to go, the students would welcome the couple’s company.

Jahrae spoke up and accepted the invitation, much to llhaesa’s surprise. Walking out of the stage area, llhaesa locked arms with Jahrae as they walked along, and thanked Jahrae for wishing to go. “It will mean much to me, Jahrae, thank you.”

“I rather imagine it means a great deal to them, ‘essa. You really are wonderful with children.” Jahrae replied, unexpectedly adding more intent to her words, words that self-surprised.