Warning: Mushy story ahead. :heartpink

Read at own risk!

Loosely based on the topics

Note
Craft
Kisser
Feast

800 Words


"Belinda, get down here!"

Im coming! Belinda ran down the stairs. Blackwell got impatient if she didnt come right away to demonstrate the pianos to the customers.

Everything you have is because of me, he had told her each day for the past three years since he rescued her as a sixteen year living on the streets.

She hurried to the showroom where Andrew, the piano tuner was tuning the baby grand.

Try it now to see if it sounds okay, Belinda? I fixed that B that was sticking.

Belinda sat down on the bench and began to play Chopins Etude in E minor, her favourite piece.

I could listen to you all day, he said in admiration.

Thanks. She avoided his gaze. Whenever he came to the shop, he always gave her a look that made her feel strange. Was he just being kind? It was all so puzzling.

Andrew, you must come to my party tomorrow night. Blackwell said. Lots of potential customers for you. Belinda will be playing of course. He gave her a look to say thats all she would be doing.

I wouldnt miss it, sir, Andrew smiled at Belinda again and snapped his toolkit closed. She smiled back until Blackwell pinched her arm making her cry out.

Dont even think about it, Blackwell said after he had gone. You belong to me.

Belinda retreated to her room without a word.

The next evening Belinda took care dressing and fixing her dark hair. As the guests started arriving, she sat at the piano and started to play.

Belinda felt Andrew behind her and when she turned to look at him, she felt her face go hot.

Dont you realize Blackwell is controlling you? he asked.

Hes been like a father to me, Belinda said looking down at the floor.

Some father. More like a prison guard, he said touching her bare shoulder.

Its not really your business, is it? she said pulling away.

You have so much talent. I could help you develop it. My sister is a music professor at the university. He sat down on the piano bench next to her. Here, take this. If you ever need me, Im here. He handed her his card and she tucked it away where Blackwell wouldnt see.

Belinda, keep playing, Blackwell hissed from the doorway.

It was my fault. I distracted her, Andrew said getting up to join the rest of the guests.

Dont forget. Youre nothing without me, Blackwell whispered in Belindas ear.

Belinda played like she had never played before. The guests gathered around and listened to her performance and Belinda felt Andrews eyes on her. When she looked up he was gone.

Weeks passed and she thought about Andrew constantly. Was this what being in love felt like? Shed had so little love in her life she wasnt sure.

One morning she was lying in her bed when the door knob rattled. The door creaked open and Blackwell was standing there in his bathrobe.

You wanted me, sir? The store doesnt open for 2 hours, Belinda said, trying to read his face.

Its true, I do want you. But not to play the piano, Blackwell said. He came nearer to her bed and Belinda trembled at the look in his eyes.

Ive tried to be patient because I wanted to make you a fine musician. Ive succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. I cant wait any longer. He pulled her towards him and tried to kiss her. She smelled the alcohol on his breath.

Let me go, she pleaded.

Ive seen how Andrew looks at you. But he will never have you. Youre mine.

She screamed and scratched at his face. The alcohol made him clumsy and she was able to squirm out of his grasp. She flung open the door and tore down the stairs into the early morning.

She ran until her feet were raw and her nightgown was torn.

Belinda kept looking back to see if Blackwell was following her but he wasnt.

She had memorized Andrews address from his card and she realized his house was on the next block. Oblivious of her bleeding feet, she ran all the way and pounded on the door.

A sleepy Andrew answered.

Belinda? What are you doing here?

In response, Belinda flung herself into his arms.

You were right about Blackwell, she sobbed.

Its okay. Youre safe with me, Andrew rubbed her back soothingly. I wont let him hurt you.

In response, she kissed him so hard he almost fell over.

They clung to each other for the longest time. Finally Andrew brushed the hair out of her eyes and his eyes twinkled as he broke into a grin.

I guess this means youre going to take me up on my offer?