Lonely Oak Chapter 28
#28 of Lonely Oak Part 1 | Cycla Circadia
Lyza loved to play the flute. She had played since she was in kindergarten. Well, really she started with kazoos and whistles. When her parents saw her playing different whistles to get different sounds, they decided to formally enroll her in flute lessons when she was in first grade--if only to make her ruckus a more productive one. What they could not have known was how the flute would be an integral part in her life. She used it to escape Big Bad Brother. It was the one thing she found he could not take from her. Sure, he took her flute every now and again, but then she would just go back to kazoos and whistles, or even whistling herself, and ultimately he gave up. Even during the time when her fingers were out of commission, she figured out how to play a few tunes one-handed, albeit slowly. Some days, Lyza would spend hours and hours playing a melody that was her own. She would hide outside in her plastic, pink castle and let the notes bounce off the walls and vibrate her ears. Many times she did this when she sensed a family feud, and in those times she played with a fury that no one ever heard. Lyza loved to play the flute. And tonight was a very special concert.
"Timimy stop playing!" Kelly-Elly scolded. "Our ears are going to get tired of it by the time the whole Troupe gets on stage." The car hummed as it drove along, the six o'clock sky swathed in vivid blue pastels. "Aw, let him keep playing, Kels," Rini protested, "it's so cute." "Ha! Becky thinks I'm cute!" Timimy grinned back at his sister, baby-teeth gaps abound. "Knock it off, Romeo," his sister said, "that doesn't mean she likes you. You're just a little twerp." "All right, kids, keep it down," Kelly's mom said from the passenger's seat. "We want to get to the school in one piece." They were driving to Lonely Oak Elementary, of course, where the Troupe du Flute was going to hold a concert. The Troupe du Flute was organized by Ms. Miskerwitz, a very tall and black-furred woman with the greenest eyes Rini had ever seen. She was a very exotic-sounding cat, with an accent that did not make her hard to understand but rather easier to pay attention to. Rini had only seen Ms. Miskerwitz as she had fingers on her right hand, and in fact she would not have known the woman's name off the top of her head except that names were her specialty. The members of the Troupe were all kids. There weren't very many of them, less than a dozen, and most of them were in second and third grade. Timimy, Kelly-Elly's brother, was in first grade, the youngest grade Ms. Miskerwitz accepted. The Troupe held concerts every now and again, usually as part of a fund-raiser or a holiday event. In fact, just a while ago they had played at the mall on the morning of Christmas Eve. This was actually the first time the Troupe will have played at Lonely Oak. Usually they did not play at schools because Ms. Miskerwitz had students from all over the city, but tonight was a little special. There were two members of the Troupe du Flute that were also students at Lonely Oak. One of them was, of course, Timimy, who hopped out of the car as they pulled into the parking space and sniffed the cool air with a poodly pant. The other member was Lyza. Normally, Rini wouldn't care. She had attended a practice session or two with Kelly-Elly and her brother, but that was a long time ago, when she barely saw Lyza at school and thought she was a really rotten kid. Her interest was piqued, though, when Kelly-Elly mentioned Lyza's troupe was not only going to play at Lonely Oak, but that Lyza herself was going to have a solo. Over Christmas break, the annoying girl had gotten some kind of special flute. Apparently it was special enough that she deserved her own spotlight. Of course, this whole news was sort of sprung from almost out of nowhere so there wasn't much of a chance of many fifth-graders attending, but it would be a shame for Rini to miss Lyza screwing up her solo and embarrassing herself in front of everyone. It would be a real shame. Seeing the school like this, when the sky was darkening and the crickets were beginning to start their own concert, made Rini's stomach churn a little. It wasn't bad, just different. She had always thought of school as being a routine and once she left for the afternoon she didn't have to go back. So of course walking up the steps to the vestibule made her feel like she was about to go into her desk and listen to Ms. Hupp talk about the RSBTs. Inside, the school was rather dark-looking. And there were more adults than kids, or so it appeared. It was very muggy as soon as she walked through the door, and Timimy and Kelly's conversation immediately submitted to the cocktail acoustics. Seeing so many adults, all of them tall and imposing, made Lonely Oak feel less like a school and more like a church hall. They walked about for a bit, trying to hold onto a conversation above all the noise. Timimy pretended to show them around like this was the first time they had been there. Under this atmosphere, Rini almost had that very feeling. "This is the library," he said, although the library was dimly lit, save for the first grade hallway far beyond, "This is where the bookworms live." "So why aren't you there with them, huh?" "Ew! I'm not a bookworm." "You're enough of a worm to me!" Rini smiled at the sibling rivalry. Her brothers were a lot older than she was, the youngest a junior in high school, so she never really had the kind of relationship that took place right beside her. In a way it made her feel out of place, but then she sort of was. She kind of came along by self-invitation. "Hey Tim," Kelly said, kneeling down to her brother, "Don't you need to go meet up with your group?" The pup tilted his head. "Yeah, I guess yer right," he muttered. "You go meet with them," Rini advised, "We'll take our seats." "Kay. See you guys on stage!" "Break a leg!" Rini bade. "No really," Kelly-Elly followed up, "Break one!" "Kelly," the rat said, jabbing her in the side. "C'mon let's go, I can hardly breathe in here." They made their way to the cafeteria, passing Kelly's parents to let them know where they were going. Her mom followed with them, their dad talking with another dad. The cafeteria contained the school's theater stage, albeit a simple one. The door that led to the stage was in this hallway, right before turning into the cafeteria proper; as Rini passed that door she got the fleeting glance of a teenaged rabbit. The cafeteria proper was not as Rini or Kelly-Elly remembered it. Instead of the rows of swamp-colored plastic tables, there were tons of blue plastic chairs. It was like they had gathered all the chairs from all of the desks in all of the rooms in the entire school, and plopped them here. It looked like there were hundreds, but there couldn't have been that many; the cafeteria was big, but not big enough to fit an audience of hundreds. Some of the seats were taken, but these were only pockets of people here and there. Families or groups, no kids they knew yet. All grades were open to come, but were they really expecting this many on such short notice? Kelly led the way to the seats up front, reserved for Troupe du Flute family members. It was basically the front-and-center of the entire audience. Rini snickered inwardly as she and Kelly picked up the fliers and started reading over them. Lyza was going to have to see Rini watching her the whole time, and the rat knew she would incite the rabbit with anxiety. All the more reason for Klutzya to mess up during her big solo.
Troupe du Flute presents... A concert for Lonely Oak Elementary
Opening: Andante; Johann Sebastian Bach A trio performed by Daniel, Stephanie and Ebony
Score 2: Das Klinget so Herrlich; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart A duet performed by Timothy and Gabriella
Score 3: Adagio; Georg Phillip Telemann A duet performed by Daniel and Lyza
Score 4: Winchester Old A quartet performed by Timothy, Vickie, Stephanie and Gabriella
Score 5: Autumn; Antonio Vivaldi A trio performed by Daniel, Ebony and Hunter
Score 6: Eternal Father, Strong to Save; John Bacchus Dykes A duet performed by Hunter and Vickie
Score 7: March; George Frideric Handel A duet performed by Daniel and Ebony
Score 8: Humoresky; Antonin Dvorak A trio performed by Timothy, Lyza and Stephanie
Closing: An Indian-style solo, selected and performed by Lyza
Troupe du Flute - Members Lonely Oak Elementary: Lyza (5th) and Timothy (1st) Desert Winds Elementary: Daniel, Stephanie and Ebony (All 3rd) Chantria Elementary: Gabriella (2nd) Westbrook Elementary: Hunter (2nd)
"What weird titles," Kelly commented, reading the yellow flier. "I wonder what song Lyza selected," Rini stated. "Whatever it is, she's supposed to be using her Indian flute," the poodle explained, "Timimy says she played a little for Ms. Miskerwitz and she liked how it sounded, so now she's encouraging her to use the thing." "She only just got it at Christmas." "Timimy says she's good," Kelly replied honestly with a shrug. Rini and Kelly had never been on the same page. But she was a girl who could keep a secret, so Rini liked talking with her. Plus her little brother was fun to play with. They both treated her like part of the family; maybe that was the deepest reason she liked Kelly as a friend. The other old farts began trickling in. Some of them were still wearing business suits, talking grown-up talk and drinking punch out of little plastic cups. Suddenly Rini wanted to go back home. It felt like her cafeteria was being invaded and taken over. Even the PTA members taking part in the event were aliens. Three rabbits passed through the doorway. Rini's eyes were immediately drawn to them, while Kelly was still admiring the stage. One rabbit was dressed in a deep purple gown, walking like a gigantic plum. The second wore a yellow shirt and dark red overalls. He looked like some freakish version of Mario. The last one was younger, obviously a teenager for he had that smug look on his face like he didn't want to be there. Or maybe that was just the stage lights. Either way, he wore a black shirt, jeans and white tennis shoes. On his left wrist was a watch, but he took out his phone to check the time. On his right wrist was a pink armstrong band. That family trudged in, except the teen who was light on his feet, and sat down right next to the poodle-family and guest. And of course, 'and guest' was right between the two. Rini scooted a little closer to Kelly's side of the chair, the teenager on her left protruding a little into her space. When she made the effort to scoot, it caught his attention. "Sorry li'l lady," he apologized, moving his entire chair a smidge away to give her room. The little girl continued to stare at him blankly, but he kept a smile and, when she had a bit more personal bubble, returned his focus to the front. It had only been a fleeting glance before but now, up close, Rini was sure of it. This kid must be Lyza's older brother. "Hi, Kval," Kelly said, just noticing the family's presence. "Hey, Kelly. Long time no see," he replied with a smile. "How was your Christmas?" "It was good. Oh, I'm sorry, and this is my friend, Rini," Rini sighed inwardly; she didn't want to have to talk to this teenager. "Hi," she greeted flatly. "We've met, kinda," Kval replied to Kelly. "So your brother's playing in the big quartet, huh?" "Yeah," she replied, "He's still a beginner but Ms. Miskerwitz wants to push him a little harder I think." "He has talent from what I've heard." Hollow, thought Rini." "He's just as good as my little thorn-in-the-side." "Maybe," Kelly replied with a chuckle. "So, where's Emeral?" Rini spoke up. "Oops," Kval chuckled, "I guess we kinda talked over you, Rini." Jerk. "Where's Emeral?" She repeated. The teen rabbit's left ear wilted a little. "She couldn't make it. It's a real shame too; Lyz-bits probably could have used the support." So the guardian angel isn't here... "Is she nervous about the solo?" "A little," he replied, "but I think she'll do fine." The stage lights dimmed and brightened for a moment or two before they returned to pretty much how they were before. The PTA-Mom that helped organize the event appeared from the split at the center of the curtain. "Hello and welcome," she addressed the audience. Rini glanced back quickly while she spoke, and saw the distant glow reaching dozens of faces and head-tops. She couldn't see any farther back than two rows but there were people standing at the sides. "I'm glad you all could make it--" "Sorry I'm late," Kelly's dad whispered, sitting down beside his wife. "Tonight, Lonely Oak is in for a real treat. Ms. Miskerwitz and her Troupe du Flute will be performing several songs for us tonight from a variety of composers. The songs will be performed by different students from different elementary schools, ranging from first-grade to fifth-grade. So, without further ado..." The chunky woman walked backward as the curtain opened, holding onto it as if she were afraid she would fall off the stage or fly away out of Kansas. Immediately, the sounds of the flutes began. Daniel was the first to start, his flute playing a simple beat. It was joined by another, a girl that had long, black hair and a pair of big glasses on the bridge of her speckled snout. The final player, another girl with fluffy, curly hair, began to play at a higher pitch than the first two. While she listened to the song Rini panned the stage. The girl with glasses had a long flute that stuck out sideways, while the other two playing had flutes that looked more like recorders. Timimy's was a small recorder, and the girl sitting next to him had another flute that was skinny and looked like it was a sideways flute. Lyza's was a sideways, but she wasn't playing so it just rested in her lap. She was staring out into the audience, panning for just a moment before her eyes fell on Rini. To the rat's amusement, she fidgeted a little with her instrument. The girls' fingers began moving quickly as their flutes twittered every now and again. It appeared that the boy was just playing a simple beat, the girls doing the harder part. Ms. Miskerwitz stood on the stage, her back to the audience, in a red blouse with a long, tan skirt. Her arms waved about, conducting with the silence of a shadow for the children, who played their songs without using any music sheet. That seemed apparent though, as every now and again a hesitation or the squeak of a wrong note caused the ear to twitch and the music to stutter. The song lasted for quite a while and Rini was actually impressed, a little. For third-graders they were pretty good, and when the long hold signified the end of the song, she clapped along with the audience. "That sure sounded like Bach," Kelly commented. "Yeah it kinda did," Rini replied, but really didn't like how Kelly tried to sound like an expert. The Troupe was quiet for a moment as they prepared for the next song, moving music stands in front of Timimy and, according to the flier, Gabriella. Lyza sat next to Gabriella, and gave her a reassuring whisper while the girl readied her recorder. "C Major," spoke Ms. Miskerwitz in a voice that was almost suppressed by the air of the room. Her arms began to signal, and the tune began to play. Timimy seemed to play the hard part, his flute immediately pleasing a hundred ears while Gabriella played a basic tempo just like Daniel had done. Rini could swear they had done a dance to this song at one time or another, and it sounded a lot like it was played from a CD; Timimy handled the chipper rolls of the strolling melody very well, and just as Rini was beginning to try and hum along the song was over. She found herself clapping a little more loudly than she meant to, but when Timimy saw he gave a smile. He played a song just as short and sweet as he was. "E Minor," Ms. Miskerwitz stated, preparing Lyza and Daniel for their number. Daniel readied his music sheet, while Lyza obviously felt superior and played from memory. Daniel began, the powerful and definite notes falling from his recorder and out into the air. Lyza followed the next measure after, her notes higher and more attentive. Daniel trilled his fingers, and then shortly after they both trilled in unison. They traded trilling back and forth, playing the complex notes in between. Rini felt a little skunked. A stupid voice in her started to think the rabbit had some kind of talent for a second, but this song was probably just for beginners. It didn't sound that difficult, and it's probably why she could do it without the music sheet. It held up well until they came to another unified trill, which was not in harmony. Rini couldn't tell who messed up but it had to have been Lyza. Shortly after, the song was over. Everyone clapped but her. Rini looked at the flier. They played three songs already, and next was the quartet. After that, there were two songs until Timimy played again, and if they were anything like the last two songs, she'd have plenty of time... "F Major." Rini sat up straighter as the song began, this time each one starting off at the same time. It was clear Timimy kept the pace, even at the start, as the others started falling behind or speeding up just a little. But pretty quickly they realized he was the best and followed his lead. Near the end of the song, Rini could tell that Gabriella had stopped playing entirely. Her fingers still moved but she wasn't even blowing--her lips weren't even sealed on the instrument. Again, the song was over before she could get a chance to enjoy it, and she clapped for Timimy. It was a shame, really. Timimy was clearly better than all of them, and yet he kept getting the short songs. Ms. Miskerwitz had no idea what kind of talent she was missing out on. But then that was obvious because she gave the talentless rabbit the solo. As the stage began coming alive a little bit for the next song, Rini saw someone come back into the cafeteria from the hallway. "Hey," she said, nudging Kelly, "I'm gonna go get some punch, you want some?" "Really? Uh...okay but, you'll be back for Tim's next song, right?" "Yeah, no problem." Rini hopped out of her seat real quick, catching Kval's eye in the process. She was almost out the door when Ms. Miskerwitz muttered the next whatever-major and the most energetic tune began to play. Now in the hallway, she saw that the door leading to the stage was open. She passed it, and to her delight the door that separated the small room from the stage was shut. She walked into the room and saw open flute-cases against the wall, lined up neatly and out of the way so no one would step on them. There were a couple of duffel bags as well. Rini didn't see Lyza's Indian flute on the stage. She kept a close eye for it, but it looked like if it was anywhere it would be here. The flute cases were all open, so it wasn't in any of those. She didn't have much time. Gingerly she went to the nearest duffel bag. She opened the zipper and pried the maw apart, digging around. Nothing seemed flute-shaped. She left it open and moved to the other bag. Flute-gold. A box that would clearly contain a flute was inside. Just to be sure she opened the lip and peeked inside. The wood met her eye and that was all she needed. But her excitement surged as the current song ended. Quickly she placed the flute in the other bag, zipped both of them up and went out the door. She got to the punch, filled up two meager plastic cups, and navigated the hallway with the liquid threatening to spill out over the brims. She waited until the current song was over, which thankfully wasn't too long. For once they let someone else besides Timimy have a short song. Quiet as a mouse, for she was not far off from one of those, she scurried toward her seat. "You're just in time," Kelly stated, accepting her punch. "None for me?" Kval whispered. He received an agitated look. "G Major" Rini began to get bored of this song after the first couple of measures. It really brought out the church-hall feeling, only this time it was worse. Thankfully it got more interesting and she got to watch Timimy's fingers change quickly on the recorder while Lyza and--she looked at the flier--Stephanie just kept playing the same tune like numbskulls. Finally given the chance to show his talent on a song that lasted longer than a blink, Rini let out a whistle as it was over and the group stood up to give a bow. There were some confused murmurs, people wondering if the last song was going to be played or not. Rini dearly hoped so, otherwise she wouldn't have a fulfilling night. "Please stay in your seats, we're going to take a short break while our soloist prepares for her number." Some of the cafeteria lights were turned on so that people could see and mingle a little. "What time is it?" Kelly asked. "It's now six forty-eight," Kval said, again looking at his phone rather than his watch. "Wow, really? It feels like it just started and it's already over?" "Yup. Talented group to pull so many songs off in fifteen minutes." "Lyza didn't play much, did she?" Rini sniped. "No," Kval replied, "But this is her first solo, so Ms. Miskerwitz had her do some easy parts just to warm up." "Hey look, here comes Timimy." The little poodle scampered up to the chairs. "Kval," he spoke, urgency in his voice, "Can you c'mere?" "What's up, pup," he asked rhetorically getting out of his seat. "Just follow me." Rini got out of her seat as well, eager to see just what was up with the little pup as much as Kval. Kelly tried to stop her, but ended up following along, either for the same reason or because she was already out of her seat and, hey, might as well. "Kval!" Lyza said as soon as he appeared in the doorway, "Did you do anything with my flute?" "No, sis. You had it with you on stage." "Not that one!" She hissed, "I mean my Indian-style flute!" "I didn't touch that one either," he replied. "Did you forget?" Ms. Miskerwitz questioned, her voice quip and stern. "I saw you put it in your duffel bag, right Lyz?" "Yeah!" She exclaimed, lifting it up and turning it over, dumping all the contents out, "But it ain't here!" She spoke as if everyone in the room were idiots. "Lyza, no need for that," Ms. Miskerwitz scolded. The other kids stood on the steps behind their instructor, staring at the event. "C'mon you," Kval said, taking his sister by the wrist, "Come out side for a little bit. I'll find your flute if it's here, you go get a drink of water." "But Kv--" "Drink, now," he pushed her gently into the hall. She huffed, glancing at Kelly and Rini, giving the latter a sharp glare. With another instruction from her brother she made her way down the hall toward the water fountain, where she slammed her palms upon the release and let the water hit her chin. "Lizzy," came a meek little voice. Lyza looked to her right. "What's up Gabby?" She asked, tired and drained. Gabriella, a small squirrel that was oddly quiet for her type, side-stepped and revealed a box behind her that she held onto like it was a cane. "Gabby! Where'd you find it?" The squirrel was embraced, "It was in my duffy bag," the second-grader replied, "we musta acksidennally puddit in mine." The rabbit sighed. "Yeah, that sounds like something I'd do." The other kids showed up, each one standing around so that Lyza was surrounded in a circle. "Just don't throw a tamber tam-drum again okay? You nee'ta relax," Gabby advised. "Yeah, you can't be nervous for your solo," Hunter said. "You gotta show us how it's done," Ebony, the girl with glasses, chimed. They each put a fist up, and very solemnly chanted, "Fluté." Lyza repeated the word, and the circle broke for her to walk back to the room. She passed Rini, an odd expression on the rat's face, but no doubt directed at her, and approached her brother and teacher. "The audience awaits," Ms. Miskerwitz stated, stepping aside and motioning toward the stage. "I think I'm ready," Lyza told her. "Break a leg, sis," Kval bade, patting her shoulder once. Rini followed the brother and friend back into the cafeteria where the lights were snubbed almost before they got to their seats. The curtain opened once again, and Lyza sat in her chair, alone upon the stage. The rat's eyes were drawn to the flute that the rabbit held in her hands. It was a long, dark-wooden flute, unlike the ones that were previously on the stage. It had an exotic look, of age and wonder, like it had seen a thousand sunsets and would see a thousand more. Near its end, a feather was tied onto a string that was hooked around the body of the flute; Rini didn't know what the feather was for, but...heck, it looked pretty cool. No. It wasn't cool. It was dumb. And the stupid bunny was about to make a fool out of herself in front of her own flute-mates. Whatever that scene Rini saw was, it was dumb. All circle-circle group hug or whatever. She needed a paper bag, that was mushier than any romance movie she'd ever seen. Lyza righted the flute into the air, sitting up straight. She took in a deep breath, and the feather began to quiver and tremble. She blew into the flute, a low, bellowing, wavering note, but then it broke, and a rush of air with a squawk came through. She pulled the flute away, letting out the rest of her breath. She visibly gritted her teeth and sat up, shaking her feet as if they were the cause of her mistake. Things were looking up. She hadn't even started and already she was about to fall apart like Rumpelstiltskin. The rabbit looked off-stage to her right, Ms. Miskerwitz's voice softly giving her advice. She nodded, turned her chair to face that direction just a little, and took a deep breath. She lifted the flute to her lips once again, kissed the plate, and closed her eyes, her left knee bouncing up and down. Suddenly, Rini saw a sunrise. An orange blaze across a royal blue mixed with sheaves of clouds, splaying light across a wide plane of yellow-green grass. A tall tree grew high into the air, adorned in golden-caramel sunlight, the newly-sprouting leaves reflecting jades and sapphires. A bird--a hawk maybe--sat upon the tree with younglings, chirping and greeting the day. The younglings hopped about the branch of their home, hesitant but brave. Their mother took off with a rush of wind, encircled the tree and then landed gracefully back from whence she had departed. She did this a few more times as morning turned to midday, her younglings watching and eagerly fidgeted upon the branch but scared of the task to come. Midday turned to early evening, and the mother grew tired and rested her wings. She sat upon the branch, watching as her younglings talked amongst themselves, fighting over what they should do. At last the biggest of them sucked in a great deal of air, puffing his chest and preparing himself. He leaped, and dropped. But just as soon as he dropped he opened his wings and beat feverishly against the wind. It blew, and the hands of the breeze lifted him into the air. Emboldened, his brothers and sisters puffed their chests and madly dove to follow their eldest brother. Their mother watched with satisfaction, feeling tired and old as the sun began to set below the horizon. She wrapped her wing around her head, closing her eyes. The tree wilted, began to wither and shrivel, its leaves falling and its branches snapping off in the brittle wind of midnight. A hundred hands clapped together as Rini felt the wind beneath her rush away. By her will she left her seat, beating even Kval in a standing ovation. Lyza stood, her cheeks red with embarrassment and pride, limbs trembling like she she was a jackhammer. The rest of the Troupe clambered on stage. They all bowed, and as a final farewell played their flutes from high to low as the curtain closed from either side. With that the lights turned on and everyone was left to do as they pleased. Rini followed Kelly and Kval out into the hallway, where they waited and watched as Timimy, along with the others, put their flutes away and headed to their families. People stopped by to say congratulations and tell them how wonderfully they did, each one stopping at Lyza to give an extra word of appreciation. She took the first several very well but as more and more congratulated her she found herself at a loss, until finally what seemed like the millionth one said her say and went on her way. "Hey Timothy, great job out there." "Thanks! I think that's the bestest I ever did." "For once, I'm not ashamed to call you my brother." "Careful sis, or I'll play the tune that makes rats come into your room." Then, he looked at Rini. "No 'fence." "Huh?" Rini questioned, just now realizing the conversation. "C'mon bro, I saw some of your friends. Let's go say hi," Kelly said, "Coming Rini?" "I'll be right there," she said. Her eyes returned to the room behind the door. "I totally sucked!" Lyza muttered to her brother. "Bad word, don't say it," he scolded, "Besides, no you didn't." "Yeah I did," she sniffled nervously, shaking herself all over "whether you admit it or not. I missed three notes, and for part of the song my fingers slipped a key!" "Maybe, but you wanna know a secret? Probably only two people out there even know what key you were--" Kval gestured outside, and both the rabbits looked in that direction, only to see Rini standing there watching them. Very quickly the rat girl darted away, along with a crowd that blocked her from view as she escaped. Rini huffed as she went to catch up with Timimy and Kelly-Elly. This was such a gigantic waste of time. This whole day was just a waste of time.