Page 66 of Ondine: Vol. 2

“Arnie,” I say between my labored breaths. “My audition for the Cash City Symphony Orchestra was just moved to today. Why did I agree to that? Oh my god. I need an outfit! I need my music. I haven’t played in days.”

“Relax. Take a deep breath.” Arnie leads me through some breathing exercises so I finally calm down.

Sebastian is with us now. He asks Arnie what’s going on and he relays the information.

Arnie takes me inside to the piano room and sits me on a chair and then kneels in front of me.

Jake comes sliding into the room and practically pushes Arnie over.

“Today?” He asks me and I nod my head.

“Ok, I think I have something for you to wear. Black? Yes?” He tells me how he bought me more clothes and shoes, and then he’s off to his room where I’m assuming these clothes are.

“I guess that’s settled. Come on, honey, let’s get you ready.”

I’m in the prettiest black velvet skirt that sits mid calf. And a matching velvet top with ¾ sleeves. Jake even had matching black flats ready for me.

I have a clean face and simple hair.

I clipped my nails short.

And I’m at the Wong Music Hall downtown Cash City. Sebastian drove. Shadow sat up front. I was in the back betweenJake and Arnie. I left a message for Freddie. He called back but I was in the shower.

I know he called Shadow. I heard them on the phone while I was getting ready.

I warmed up already at the Meier house, but after I check in, I’m told what room I can use to warm up if needed. Which I gladly rush off to.

Jake nipping at my heels.

Sebastian leaves to make sure the place is secure. It’s practically empty and no one else should be here. Arnie goes with him. Jake and Shadow stay with me.

I play my practice songs twice over and go over the tricky bits in my audition song a few times.

Leaning against the closed door to the practice room, Shadow says, “You know Jake plays, right?”

I turn to him. He doesn’t look like he’s setting up a joke. I turn to Jake who shrugs.

“Not like you. Not like this.”

I’m ready to move on and get focused again, but Shadow says, “You have quite a bit in common actually.”

I twist all the way around.

“You both like to watch the same shows. Did you know that? Jake loves those Korean dramas and reality shows you like.”

Jake gives me half his face. He’s not looking at anything.

“You both treat each day like it’s the only one you get. And you both look at Sabbies like he’s the most precious thing.”

Jake frowns and nods his head.

“And both of you have alpha moms.” At this Jake turns to look at me.

“Oh yeah,” I say quietly. He told me about that in his letter. I wonder if he can relate to how I was brought up.

Shadow says, “Mine’s an omega as you know.” This conversation is so weird but we are all smiling. I ask, “What about Sebastian’s mom?”

Jake answers, “Oh she’s lovely. She’s an omega and acts just like a TV mom. Makes cookies. They talk on the phone all the time. Makes no fucking sense.”