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Jaime Murray ↑

Perfect violin cover

Dedicated to FrostBiteNachos

~Jaden~

"So this is your humble home," I observed as I stepped through the threshold of Kris's house. He led me inside by the hand, and in my other arm I was clutching my violin in its case.

"Is it smaller than you expected?" He wondered with a teasing smile. I just chuckled, looking around the interior as he shut the door.

"It's so cozy. And I see lots of baby pictures." I poked his side, making him laugh.

"Yeah, you have my mom to thank for that."

"Where are your parents, by the way?"

"Working. It's usually just me and my little sister at home on weeknights so Penny might be in her room." I followed him to his room, which smelled amazing by the way. He clicked on the lights before letting go of my hand.

"Ooh, you're an avid reader?" I asked, approaching his bookshelf that was nearly spilling over with books.

"Guilty pleasure," he admitted. He picked up his guitar from its stand and sat down on his large bed with it.

"You don't wanna go over the script right now?"

"We can later. Besides, we pretty much have it down."

I set down my violin and joined him on his bed, kicking off my shoes. I couldn't help but recall our onstage kiss earlier today, and all I could think of was how alive I felt in the moment. I wasn't trying to be cheesy, but Kris genuinely made these past few difficult days brighter for me.

"I wish you were acting with me on opening night," he said, shaking his head sadly. I pouted and nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, me too."

"I dunno, I just... I wanna have the time of my life when I'm on that stage with you. But I wasn't too surprised when you-know-who stole that away."

"Let him have it. The spotlight; it's what he wants. It's only for one night."

"The recital is important to you, isn't it? You wouldn't miss it for the play?" Kris raised one eyebrow. He was looking for confirmation, as if he was trying to make a decision about something.

"I'm not missing my recital," I reassured. "Music means much more to me than the play; it's my future."

"Yeah, I completely understand. That's why I won't be at opening night either."

My eyes widened. "Kris, you have to! You're like the star of the play."

"You know I care about you, Jaden. I wanna be at your recital, supporting you." This was it. This was the exact point where I fell for him more than I ever had. It started to sink in that the boy I'd crushed on for so long felt the same way about me, and that this wasn't a daydream.

"I care about you too," I truthfully returned, accepting the kiss he planted on my cheek. I smiled so brightly, but the inevitable happened, and my mind shifted to my mother. Specifically, the fact that she wouldn't be at my recital like she promised.

My smile disappeared as quickly as it came.

"Gonna play with me?" I quickly diverted his attention, trying to get my mind off of my unfortunate circumstance. I unzipped my instrument case and grabbed hold of my violin and bow.

"What song?"

"I like to play Perfect for my sisters to help them sleep." I chuckled. "But I think it's very... fitting for right now."

"For us?" Kris wiggled his eyebrows and I laughed, nuding him gently as he positioned his guitar over his lap.

"Yeah, for us," I quietly agreed, blushing like a sunset.

"Okay. Let's record it." He pulled out his phone, tapping a few buttons and placing it on the window pane by his bed.

I placed my finger on position 1 on the strings, gently bringing down my bow to sweep into the first note. After a few seconds, he tenderly strummed along, thoughtfully letting my violin stand out.

I smiled at him as I moved my bow, feeling so content in the moment. I played like a swan: graceful, elegant, light and afloat. I loved the sound my violin made. It could penetrate walls and hearts, soothing the mind in the process.

I had the habit of closing my eyes when I made music because I needed to feel it more than I could hear it. So I didn't know exactly when I'd finished the song, journeying into my own freestyle. It was when the absence of Kris's guitar made me open my eyes that I paused and looked at him.

"That was absolutely beautiful, Jaden," he complimented, staring right into my eyes as he did so. The song was over already?

I was too flattered to respond, and I watched him end the recording on his phone. "I'll send it to you." He got up to put his guitar back on its stand, shaking his head. "Don't let anyone ever tell you you're not worth something. You are... everything."

"Not sure if I can take all this praise." I smiled at him gratefully.

"I'm serious. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable; it's just... someone needs to say it. You're gifted."

I placed my violin in its case as he sat back down on his bed. "Enough about me. I wanna hear you talk about something you love. Something that brings you joy." I crossed my legs and turned to face him, moving closer as I did so. He rested a hand on my lap, and I put my hand over his. "I wanna see your eyes light up over what you're passionate about, you know."

"Well..." He moved closer too, sending me a breathtaking grin. "Honestly, I wanna help children."

I nodded. "How so?"

"They're precious. I don't know; it devastates me to know there are kids out there being abused, not knowing why, blaming themselves, taking their own lives. They were meant to be happy and loved. It's not fair. Maybe that stems from my own parents being so busy all the time. I know they love me and my sister of course, but I'd rather them spend more time with us." He shrugged. "I wanna be there for a child who needs someone. That's my passion."

I squeezed his hand. "Thanks for telling me. I think that's selfless and honorable." I bit the inside of my cheek for a moment, furrowing my eyebrows. "We're just kids too."

"What do you mean?"

"You and me. Everyone at school. We're all kids at the end of the day, no matter how much we gossip or hurt each other or compete in all the petty little things-we're children." I squinted my eyes as I let his hand go, running my fingers through my hair.

"Jaden, what's wrong?"

"N-nothing. It's nothing." I didn't want to tell him that I felt ashamed. I didn't want to bring up his ex's name anymore, or the fact that I called Mr. Starr with the intent to hurt Corbyn.

I wanted to believe that I deserved some degree of revenge, but what if the mayor really was abusive? I might have caused the very same thing that Kris was trying to act against.

I let out a slow breath, my chest feeling as if the weight of the world was on it. I wanted Corbyn to feel pain. I wanted him to face the consequences of his actions.

But did I go too far? Who knew.

"I enjoyed playing with you," I said, changing the subject.

"Whoa, wait. You're not about to leave are you?"

I blinked, hesitating for a moment. "I-I guess I don't have to be back home until ten."

"Plenty of time."

"To do what?" I hiked up one of my eyebrows, but he just shrugged, leaving the choice to me. My gaze fell inevitably to his lips, and we were on the exact same page after that.

All too quickly, our lips touched feverishly. I felt his hands draw me nearer, and my arms hugged his sturdy body. He had me hooked with the way he touched me and the way his mouth felt against mine. I was thankful to my heart for choosing the perfect person to fall for.

I got to my knees so that I didn't have to lean too far forward, but he just guided me to straddle his lap. I gave his upper lip a playful, gentle suck, hearing the slightest of laughs rising in his throat at my action. I inhaled to get some air into my lungs while our breaths mixed and mingled.

"Mm, hey," I said, pulling away just enough to speak. "What was that thing you did in gym class?"

"Oh you mean when I backed you into the lockers?"

"Yeah," I whispered, cupping his cheek affectionately.

"Was it this?" He placed a tingling kiss against my jawline and my neck, making me giggle.

"Almost, but not quite."

"Hm, lemme try again." His soft fingers pulled the neckline of my shirt down to kiss my collar bone. I could feel a tiny bit of his tongue as he left a trail of kisses up my neck and back to my lips. It was mind-blowing. "Like that?"

"Perfect." I stroked his cheek. I was sure he aroused me, and the fact that I was on his lap didn't help my situation. "Kris, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

I looked down for a moment. "Um, I don't really know how else to say it but... what's your intention? I-I like you and you like me, but my dad always warned me about heartbreak. If you're goal is to... I don't know, have sex with me then pretend I don't exist later on-"

"No." He shook his head. "Not at all, Jaden. I sort of had this whole process planned in my head, you know. I'd take you out on a few dates, hope that you fall for me as much I have for you, take you to homecoming. Which, by the way, I completely understand if you don't want to be anywhere near those people at school. And then I'd do something super cheesy like dinner and a movie with roses or something..." I laughed at that, and he smiled before continuing. "I would support you in every way I can and pray that you say yes when I ask you to be my boyfriend."

"Oh my god!" I cupped my hands over my mouth in surprise, my eyebrows shooting right up. "Are you serious?"

"I wouldn't consider lying to you."

"Can we? Can we skip to the part where you ask me?" I laughed and he rested his forehead against mine.

"Can we skip to the part where you say yes?"

"Smooth, I see." We laughed again and I just kissed him in appreciation. "God, yes. I'll be your boyfriend. You know that."

"I'm still gonna go through with my plans. It's a foolproof, immaculate strategy."

I chuckled. "Ah, I'm sure."

"Mhm. If sex is something you want later on when our relationship grows, then..." he shrugged. "As long as you're ready. But that's not my goal, Jaden."

"Our relationship," I repeated, almost not believing it. "I'm gonna enjoy getting used to that."

🎵🎵🎵

It was a brand new morning, and as much as I wanted to stay underneath my blankets and never crawl out, I was happy to have yet another chance to spend time with my boyfriend. I still couldn't believe that I could finally say that. I was probably awake for hours last night thinking about him. It definitely wasn't everyday that the person you liked reciprocated your feelings, so I basked in it whenever I could.

But I got a quick reminder of the reality I was forced to face for god knew how long when someone pushed me from behind. I gasped, stumbling forehead as my arms shot toward the wall in front of me to steady myself.

I whirled around to see who shoved me, and found two boys, a blond and brunet, standing there. I furrowed my eyebrows, analyzing their appearances. I could tell from a mile away that they were stoners. I'd seen the dry skin, chapped lips, and red squinty eyes enough times to know.

"There's mama's boy," the dark-haired one sang, grinning wildly.

"You didn't have to push me to get my attention," I grumbled. "That's what names are for."

"We heard you're tryna get your ma to come back," said the blond as he hiked up an eyebrow. "How's that working for ya?"

"None of your damned business," I spat, turning to leave but they just followed me.

"Aw, come on. We only wanna help. Look, I've been in your situation so from experience, it's no use. Just give up."

I rolled my eyes. "Leave me alone."

"He's right," the other agreed with his friend, practically in my ear. I grimaced, picking up my pace to escape them. Jesus H. Christ! "Parents up and leave, and you wanna think they'll come back some day. They never do. Don't waste your time."

I stopped in my tracks, glaring at him. "I don't know what happened between you and your so-called caregivers, but don't ever presume to know anything about my mother. You and I are nothing alike. Leave me the hell alone."

I left those annoying strangers there, striding all the way to my orchestra class to get in some practice and peace of mind. I didn't know how much more of this I could take.

"Why do teens have to be so freaking weird?" I asked, directing my question to Ms. C once I stepped through the door. I came to a halt almost immediately, staring at her from across the room in disbelief. "Oh..."

She was clearly in the process packing up all of her belongings into a navy storage bin cube when our eyes met, and an instant expression of sorrow crossed her face.

"W-wait..." I walked forward tentatively, trying to comprehend what was happening. "You're leaving?"

"Jaden," she acknowledged, setting down the bin and licking her lips. She moved around her desk as I shook my head frantically.

"You can't. You're like... you're my adult person, you know? Students love you; we come here to make music and feel safe and... you can't leave." My heart fell into my stomach which only tied itself into knots.

"I want to stay, Jaden, believe me." She drew in a breath, her eyes pleading with me to understand. "I just can't. Oh, I'm so sorry." She clasped her hands underneath her chin, too close to tears to hold them back.

It may have seemed dramatic on my part, but I really did feel like I was losing an integral pillar of my life at this school and my future in music. And a real friend.

My emotions were being held up by threads these days, and one was being snipped. Just like that. I was devastated.

"Why?" I whispered because it was all I could wonder.

She sniffed, reaching into her bin cube for a couple of tissues to wipe her nose with. A humorless chuckle left her lips before she sniffed again. "I let a child dictate my actions. And I made a poor decision that I will never be able to take back." She nodded, swiping underneath her eyes.

I blinked in confusion, taking off my backpack to relieve some of the weight on my body. "I don't understand."

Tugging at her fingers, she explained, "Seven months ago, one of my fellow teachers was dismissed from his job. He worked here for twelve years as theater director."

I didn't know how this was tied to the present, but I followed along. I just hoped she didn't do something that got her fired. "What did he do?"

"He refused to give Corbyn the lead role of the spring play." She crossed her arms over her chest, a frown settling on her face. "That's all."

"Okay, but that's insane. No teacher would get fired over something so trivial. That's just... unheard of." I tried to think back to the month of March, when this would have happened. "Corbyn was definitely the lead of that play..."

"Well he wasn't supposed to be. And his mother being in a position of authority in the San Francisco Department of Education is something he takes advantage of quite often."

"That explains why he hardly gets into trouble and why teachers always seem to be afraid of him. It's devious. How did he get the director fired though?"

"I don't know for sure but I think he may have planted something on his person or in one of his belongings that got him into trouble."

"That's so awful. I can't even fathom someone doing that to a teacher... Hold on, did he get you fired?" My eyes widened but she quickly shook her head.

"I'm leaving voluntarily. Jaden, I... there's no easy way to tell you this." She came closer to me, gently grabbing my hand in both of her own and swallowing uneasily. "I want you to know I will do whatever I can to make this right."

My eyes brimmed with tears and I could feel my heart racing in its cage. She didn't even have to say it. I'd already connected the dots in that moment even while she confessed to giving Corbyn my only secret.

And that was another snipped thread.

"He knows about your mother because of me. Everything you ever planned, he knew because I told him."

I thought I'd feel the stab of her admittance, but I was eerily silent. My eyes were blinded by tears, and I couldn't look at her, but I didn't snatch my hand from her grip. I trusted her with everything. I should feel... betrayed.

But again, a person could only take so much. I just wanted to know why she'd do such a thing. There had to be a reason. God, there better be a damn good reason. I remembered all the times Corbyn somehow knew everything that I was up to.

It was all her. Of course.

'So you were just going to leave?" I asked, searching the floor as if it held answers. "You exposed the one thing I fought to keep hidden just to leave? Like my mom?"

"I did a very selfish thing," she acknowledged quietly, her face contrite. "I-I am so ashamed."

"Did Corbyn threaten your job? To get you fired?"

She rubbed her throat and nodded. "Yes. I panicked. I couldn't afford to lose this job, you know. I have a son with a serious medical condition and I'm a single mother. This is how I pay for everything. But that doesn't justify what I've done. I'm sincerely sorry, Jaden. I've decided to just leave. I don't want to be around Corbyn, and knowing this I'm sure you don't want to be around me."

I gently slipped my hand out of her grasp, taking a step back. This was going to take me a while to process. I guessed that I maybe have been looking at Ms. C as a sort of mother figure here at school because I'd known her for so long and trusted her with so much.

I should've been more careful. I should guard my heart better.

"Where are you going?"

"I don't know yet. I've put in applications to other schools in this district."

I picked up my backpack, wanting to just walk away, find Kris, and forget this ever happened. "What medical condition?" I inquired out of curiosity.

"Central sleep apnea."

I winced. "I'm sorry. How bad is it?"

She rubbed her cheek with her palm and shut her eyes, clearly trying not to cry. "Bad. He's had it since birth. He's fourteen."

"I understand. I should go; I have to meet up with someone." I tugged on my backpack strap awkwardly. She nodded, clutching her tissue tighter.

"I do hope you'll forgive me someday."

"Yeah. Someday," I whispered, looking away before walking out of the class in disappointment.

🎻🎻🎻

For some reason I expected the day to drag on forever and ever. It turned out to be the opposite. Ms. C was gone by my orchestra period, and most of the class was completely dumbfounded when our new 60 year old male teacher had taken over.

He was ok, I guess.

I didn't talk to Kari much that period though, but that didn't necessarily mean that I wasn't in the mood for speaking.

In fact, by the time play rehearsals rolled around, I had quite a lot to say. When I arrived at our auditorium, I couldn't find the obnoxious king bee so I headed straight for Nico, who was talking to one of our fellow actors.

"Can I steal you for a second?" I interrupted their conversation.

Nico smirked at me, squinting his feline eyes. "Please steal me. Toss me against the wall, kiss me and call me Kristopher."

I sent him a droll expression and grabbed his upper arm, tugging him away. "I'll bring him back, promise," I assured the girl.

"It was an iconic kiss you two had on stage, let's be honest," Nico continued to speak as we headed to a more isolated area of the huge room. "Did you tell him I beat him to the punch?"

"Oh shut up. You were tempting in the moment, but never ever again."

"I agree. I've set my aim on someone more... my type."

"Where is your said type, by the way?"

"Said he was going to the bathroom; why?"

"Because I need to speak to him. And, I definitely know nobody can choose who they like, but he's kind of insane."

Nico shrugged. "So am I."

I just nodded, trying to keep all my emotions at bay. "You know what he did to me."

"Yes, and it was an ass move. I've told him that. I'm sorry about the whole situation with your mom, Jaden, truly. Look, Corbyn knows he can't take anything back and I'm pretty sure he's not in the mood to chat. I don't know; he's been grumpy and moody all day."

"So, the usual?"

"No, Jaden, not the usual. I've gotten to know him, and maybe that's just it. Maybe he needs someone who understands him. You wouldn't get it, but this isn't like him."

"Oh I'm sorry!" I said sarcastically, my voice rising slightly in disbelief. "I'm so sorry that I didn't get the slightest opportunity to get to know the boy who's made life at this school hell for not only students but teachers as well. Sorry I wasn't there for him when I was too busy getting picked on by disgusting jocks trying to trip me in the hallways on my way to classes." I sucked in a breath and backed away from him, running both hands through my hair.

"That's not what I meant-"

"Interesting." I glared at him, leaving him there before heading out the auditorium. There was a restroom a few feet away, and the halls were empty since it was after-school hours. Good. I could catch him alone.

I entered the restroom and found Corbyn with his shirt raised, pressing a small face towel against his lower rib cage where a dark, large bruise sat. And it wasn't the only one on his skin.

I was so puzzled by what I was seeing that I forgot what drove me to this point. He was staring at himself in the mirror, twisting to reach the wound closer to his back. Then he noticed me and quickly pulled his shirt down. "Let me guess, Nico told you I was in here?" He folded his face towel, staring down at it. "Did you come to gloat?"

"What happened to you?" I cautiously asked, pulling at my finger apprehensively.

He sighed. "I have a lot of stories as to why I have these hideous bruises. It all depends on which you'll accept. Usually I'd claim that this is the remnants of amazing, wild sex but we both know that's a lie."

"Corbyn..." I approached him and he gazed at me through the mirror.

"You told my dad about what I did. I don't blame you, really."

"I didn't... I swear I didn't know he'd hurt you. I figured he'd yell at you and I-I don't know, take away your car keys or something. Then it started to dawn on me that that might not be the case. I really hoped I didn't cause something awful but I did."

"Oh please. He was gonna do it regardless, so if you're somehow blaming yourself-which I can't understand why you would-don't. I sure as hell wouldn't. I'm surprised you're not laughing at me."

"I'm not you. You have to tell someone."

He let out a dry laugh. "Yeah? Who exactly? My mom? All she does is lead to me my bed when I'm barely conscious and offer me a pill or two. Maybe stroke my hair a little and whine about how she never wanted this life for me." He tilted his head, resting his palms against the counter. "Or should I tell the principal? A counselor? My therapist?"

"Someone," I insisted.

"Newsflash, my dad's the mayor. He can crush anyone's career if he tried hard enough. There's no way out of this so just prance back to the theater and rehearse the songs. Tell them I'll be back in a minute or don't; who really cares?" He lifted his shirt again, trying to reach for the bruise at his back.

I expelled a breath and cursed quietly, grabbing the little towel from his hand and running it under some water. I squeezed out the water before stepping behind him and pressing it onto the bruise he'd been trying to reach. He tensed up and folded his arms to fight the pain.

"I don't want to feel sorry for you." I shook my head. "I really want to hate you right now."

"Why can't you? I mean... I hate you more than I can express."

"Yeah, I got that," I shot. "But this is wrong. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. And it fucking sucks because he's been getting away with it for so long."

He shrugged his shoulders while I wiped another bruise on his lower back. "Look on the bright side. You can tell the entire school and get back at me. Right?"

"Again, I'm not you."

He was silent for a few moments as I ran my gaze over his back. If I looked closely enough, I could see old ones that had healed underneath the new ones.

"You're right; it does suck," Corbyn quietly said, studying the patterns on the bathroom floor.

"How long has this been going on?" I furrowed my eyebrows, wondering if he'd actually tell me.

"That's complicated honestly."

"Tell me."

He sighed. "We have a very devoted family therapist. A lot of people work for us, even a couple maids here and there, and our butler who's been around even before Ivy was born. One of those maids, a nice lady that I unfortunately used to manipulate like the fiend that I am, told me that I was neglected so much as a child. I was barely ever carried or held or responded to. I guess that's how it started. As far as the physical abuse... I don't know. I was like six. Our therapist believes the neglect led to me becoming a sociopath because a neglected infant can cause sever psychological problems. I honestly just think she has some sick fascination with mental illnesses and slapped a false label on me. Or maybe it's just in my genes to be an asshole."

"But why would he do something like this to you? Why would your mom allow it?"

"It's personal, okay?" He turned around, snatching the towel from me. I was taken aback by his sudden defensiveness. "Look, if you wanna tell someone, go ahead. Alert the entire school, take a picture, ridicule me. I don't care anymore."

"Just... get out of that house, Corbyn." I didn't mean to look at him with pity, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to do something, but I failed to know how. I started to walk out but he called me back.

"Yes?"

"It wasn't your friends who told," he admitted. I nodded.

"I know who did."

"I made her tell me a lot of stuff."

I smiled sadly. "She made that decision herself." Then I walked out after that.

🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗

Jaime Murray as Ms. C ↑

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