Chapter 9

Autumnal winds and rain began to intrude upon the blazing heat of the sun, providing a number of spectacular thunderstorms during Lauren's first week in San Falino. Boquette appeared to at least have its fair share as the clear morning sky gave way to huge grey clouds, followed by rain that fell so suddenly that Lauren and Emma had to scurry indoors like frightened cats.

She dried herself in her room and got out of the wet jeans that she had worn, hanging them over the bath to dry. For a fleeting moment, she thought about putting another pair on, but settled for a summer skirt. She had always liked it for the way it rose up when it twirled. The T-Shirt tucked nicely into the skirt giving her figure much more definition. Just as she placed her wet socks beside her jeans, she heard the sound of piano music lilting along the corridor. She raised her eyebrows in appreciation and paused, savouring the romantic melody. Her head swayed with the phrasing and she found herself stepping lightly through the house in search of the source.

She paused at the doorway to the lounge and watched as Emma looked out of the window, her body swaying as she sat at the piano, her fingers gliding effortlessly over the keys as she played what Lauren thought to be Chopin. She walked in silently and sat on the sofa, laying her head on the top of the cushions as she watched, listened and dreamed as the powerful storm was calmed by the music indoors. Emma played for almost five minutes before Lauren sensed that something was not right. Emma missed a few notes, but her upper body shook as though she wanted to sneeze but couldn't. Lauren stood up and walked quietly over to her. To her amazement, Emma had tears running down her cheeks. She sat on the piano stool with her.

"Emma, you play beautifully, don't cry now!" she said, putting her arm around her shoulders.

Emma simply shook her head. "It's just so romantic, just so beautiful. I always cry when I play that piece." Emma rested her head on her shoulder, dripping tears down the middle of her T- Shirt.

"Sorry" she said, brushing them off.

Lauren's heart missed several beats, then kicked back into action, blood surging through her head at lightning speed. Her words trembled. "There there, that's OK." She squeezed her shoulders and got up, forcing herself to put distance between her and her thirteen year old responsibility. She walked over to the window and looked out at the receding storm.

Emma looked up. "I love storms. During the day, that is. I hate them at night. Not sure why!"

"They're so dramatic. Such power and violence!" replied Lauren, dreamily.