Chapter 19
Discord Before the Crescendo
Thursday afternoon, the music room felt unusually tense. Sophie arrived to find Ethan pacing with a notebook in hand, frustration evident in his expression.
“Hey,” she said cautiously. “What’s going on?”
Ethan looked up, sighing. “It’s Lucas. He’s been pushing me to change some of the drum patterns for the band showcase. I… I promised him I’d help, but it conflicts with our duet.”
Sophie’s chest tightened. “So… you might have less time for us?”
Ethan shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t want that. I’m trying to balance it, but it’s… complicated.”
Sophie felt a flash of hurt. “We’ve worked so hard together. I don’t want to lose what we have because of… other people.”
Ethan stepped closer, his voice low and earnest. “You won’t lose me, Sophie. I promise. I just… need a little time to sort this out.”
The rest of their practice was awkward. Sophie’s bowing felt tense, Ethan’s beats slightly off. Each was trying to ignore the frustration building between them, but it lingered, like a wrong note in an otherwise perfect song.
After a while, Ethan put down his sticks and walked over. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I didn’t mean to make you feel… neglected.”
Sophie looked up, eyes softening. “I know. I just… I care about this — about us. I don’t want anything to come between us, even a little.”
Ethan took her hand gently. “Nothing will. We’ll figure it out. Together.”
The tension eased as they resumed practice, their movements gradually syncing again. By the time the session ended, the minor conflict had passed, leaving them more aware of how much they valued each other.
Sophie realized that challenges weren’t just obstacles; they were reminders of why they worked so well together. And she knew, no matter what happened with the band or the showcase, she and Ethan Clarke had a connection worth protecting.