everything else goes away ``aspen

[adam summers]

Adam could only handle being around people for so many hours in a day. After awhile the mindless chatter pierced his mind with annoyance and he needed to retreat. Most days he would go to the editing room to work on some of his films. Today, however, he was in the mood to get in touch with his musical side. Although he was able to play a plethora of instruments his favorite was the piano. He always thought it had this mystic quality about it that was indescribable. Whenever he stroked the keys with his long fingers a feeling of content filled him.

Today he had been uncharacteristically distracted in all of his classes. Nothing could seem to grasp his full attention. It was like he was in some other world far away from Bouscher. He also hadn't really felt like talking. The people he called his friends were used to this sort of behavior enough not to get offended. Back home when he used to get this way his parents insisted that he go talk to someone, meaning therapy. He only went once before concluding that it was ridiculous. There was nothing wrong with him. He just didn't want to socialize with people sometimes, plain and simple. It didn't mean he was depressed. Well, most of the time. The only time he ever got to that point was when his mental barrier broke down and the memories from the past flew into his mind. Anything could trigger it, someone brushing him in the hall, a sentence, even a smell. When this happened he hit rock bottom. Luckily it was not that case today. Today he was simply distant.

As he entered the hall, a breeze of cool air hit him. They always seemed to have the AC cranked up. There was no one around. He hadn't expected there to be. It was a Friday afternoon. Most people were getting ready for their night out. All Adam wanted for company was a grand piano. Slowly approaching the instrument he remembered his mom teaching him. She wasn't around much, but when she was she would always play it with him. It was the one thing they shared. He had lost interest in it for awhile after the incident with the man who stole his innocence. It pained him to do anything he once loved. But eventually he had gotten out of the slump and proceeded on with his life. Applying to Bouscher was the best decision he ever made.

He sat down cautiously on the bench looking around for any sign of people. Adam didn't really desire an audience. Placing his fingers on the keys he began to play Moonlight Sonata. It was one of his typical warm ups. That, and he loved it. It brought him into peace.

[aspen magnolia martinelli]

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_female after female filed out of the dresden dance studio of ho'olohe hall at the end of the hour. aspen martinelli walked out of the classroom with her black jansport backpack hanging off of one shoulder. "bye, chanel! summer! see you tomorrow," she yelled, waving a hand as they parted their ways in the hallway. the second year loved having that class, especially at the end of her day; it was a good chance to take a deep breath and let go of any of her stresses or frustrations via dance. it wasn't until aspen signed up for that class that she realized what the appeal of being a dance major could have been. dancing at a club or party felt so much different than being in a belly dancing class. belly dancing felt so, exotic, too. she felt sexy and alive inside that class. and by the time she walked out, aspen felt like a gladiator who could conquer anything. she felt so proud to be a woman exiting that classroom! who knew a silly class could be so empowering.

as she walked down the hallway, aspen pulled an earpiece from her iPod to her ear. she clicked play, and a we are scientists song started playing. all aspen wanted to do right then was dance. gosh, what had gotten into her? she practically hopped down the staircase, in sync with the music playing in her ears. even with an earpiece in one ear, as aspen passed the concert hall, she heard something ruining her groove. only when she turned her music off did aspen appreciate the beautiful piece of music she only faintly heard. the curly haired brunette stopped in her tracks, spotting a cracked open door leading to the concert hall. aspen pulled it open, tucking her iPod back into her pants pocket. the second year tiptoed down the aisle of the stadium as quietly as she could; she didn't want to interrupt, nor disturb whomever was playing.

when aspen reached the front of the concert hall, where the piano was, she walked to a spot where she could better see the person playing the music. she mentally slapped herself when she realized who was behind the beautiful music playing: adam summers, one of aspen's very close friends whom she met last year. she knew he played the piano, but to be quite honest with herself aspen had never actually heard him before. she felt ashamed, after all, she had known him for so long and hadn't heard what talent he had! aspen wanted to pipe up, and say something, but didn't want him to stop! she would say something when he finished. aspen walked to the side of the room, setting her bag down at one of the steps. she crept up the short staircase, still listening to the dramatic, calming sound of the piece adam played.

soon, he finished. aspen immediately clapped her hands, jumping beside him. "that was great, adam! ah, what the hell? i had no idea you were such a musical prodigy." aspen threw her arm around adam's shoulders, "please, play that for me before bed every night." aspen gave adam a friendly kiss on the cheek. "so, what else do you know, huh? anything you can teach me? actually, hey. i know a good one," aspen started playing chopsticks. oh, what a classic…