Diorama

 

© Sweet-Kisses

 

~*~

 

Nick pushed the glass doors opened and walked into the main music building on campus. It was a tall, red building with four levels and many students walking in, out and around it. He had to admit, he was nervous. Well, more than nervous. He was terrified. He wasn’t really sure about being alone with this Professor as much as he thought he wanted to be. He wanted to sing, that was true. But what he didn’t understand was why the music Professor seemed so interested in him. And why he was so speechless around the Professor. Sure, he was shy but he could always construct legible sentences. Hang on, who was he kidding here? He was shy, and that meant often. Always!

 

He didn’t have any classes that afternoon, so that was no problem. He didn’t have to worry about that. He looked at his watch. Five to one. He was early. He waited in the entrance on the first floor, thinking that the Professor would meet him there since he didn’t specify exactly where they were to meet. He looked at all the people leaving and entering the building. They all seemed so happy, so full of life, with so many friends…so if everyone was that way, why wasn’t he?

 

“Mr Carter, you’re early.”

 

Nick spun around to face his music Professor, or ‘Kevin’ as he wanted to be called, standing before him. For some ungodly reason to which he couldn’t explain, Nick was startled, or speechless by the Professor’s appearance. He was wearing the steel-framed glasses again and a light blue shirt with the first two buttons opened. His hair was tied back and he was carrying a briefcase tightly in his hand.

 

Nick slowly exhaled. What in the hell is wrong with me? “Yeah, well…I’m…punctual, I guess.”

 

Kevin looked amused. “So I see.” He motioned down the hallway with a slight nod. “Let’s get a room, huh?”

 

Nick’s eyes widened instantly and covered his mouth with his hand to stifle a gasp. He exhaled deeply again to compose himself, then followed Kevin into a room that had a grand piano situated near the window. He closed the door softly behind him and diverted his gaze from his teacher, who was staring intently at him. “I’m…umm…a little nervous here so…”

 

"I’ll be gentle, okay?” Kevin’s eyes were twinkling with laughter. “So,” he continued, placing his briefcase on the ground, “let’s begin with scales, okay? And I think you might have to move away from the door for just a moment. What do you think?”

 

"Oh? I…” Feeling awkward and embarrassed, Nick slowly walked closer to his teacher. “Scales? That’s alright.”

 

”When you hear the note, match it with your voice and I’ll listen to your vocal pitch and range.”

 

Nick nodded and with each note that he heard, he tried in vain to match it with his voice. The first note he tried to match, his voice sounded distinctly tense. His teacher seemed to be aware of that and gave him a nod of encouragement and sounded the note again. Nick kept his eyes away from the teacher and on the piano, continuing to go through different notes. To him, it sounded as though his voice was struggling and he never had any problems in High School with scales. He’d always sounded better than all of the people in his music class and was always able to hit the notes first go. But now…this was just wrong…

 

In the middle of the scales, Nick stopped singing. Immediately he was apologetic. “Sorry, I don’t…don’t know why I did that.”

 

Kevin took a seat and removed his glasses. “It’s okay. Scales are boring after too long, anyway. In my honest opinion, I think you’re very talented. Though your voice was a little shaky, nerves I presume, I can still hear a great sound. Given the correct guidance, you could be a great singer. But.” He chuckled. “Nothing too major, but I’ll teach you a breathing technique to help you when you sing.”

 

Almost on cue, Kevin stood up and walked over to Nick. Staring at him directly in the eyes, Kevin placed the palm of his left hand where the diaphragm was and his right hand on the small of Nick’s back for support. Nick’s heartbeat quickened and immediately he detected the scent of his teacher’s cologne. The sweet aroma made Nick think of snow and pine needles. After a few moments of eye contact between the two, Nick looked away.

 

“Just relax,” Kevin advised in a soothing voice. “Now take a deep breath in and when you exhale, push my palm away.” He paused for a moment. “Good, good. Now try again. Deep breath in. Concentrate on your breathing and listen to how you breathe, too. That’s really important. Deep breath in again…”

 

Nick was beginning to feel dizzy. His breathing began to quicken and he could feel his teacher’s penetrating gaze. He just wouldn’t look away. Nick was sure that his teacher could feel the racing of his heart. And the fact that his legs were getting weak and any moment he’d pass out. His teacher must have felt it, for the next moment Nick felt himself stumbling in his place and strong arms holding him. He was barely aware of blue-green eyes staring directly, deeply, into his own.

 

“I think that’s enough breathing for one day,” Kevin said with a small smile. “Take a seat and we’ll talk.” He paused for a moment, then steepled his fingers together before entwining them. He finally dropped them down by his side. “What’s your favorite song of all time?” When Nick’s face was blank, he added, “You know, the one you always sing in the shower really loudly, the one that you always sing, that one you love the most.”

 

Nick nodded and took a moment to think. “Heaven, Bryan Adams.”

 

Kevin chuckled. “Interesting choice. Well, let’s hear it, right now. Employing all the breathing techniques you’ve learned so far.” He clapped a few times. “Heaven, by Nickolas Carter.”

 

Nick was sure he was blushing as he began the words to his favorite song by, what he considered to be, the best singer in the world. He tried to emulate the sound of the singer’s voice and he was actually told by a few people that he did a rather good job of it. He concentrated on his breathing and, like always when he was singing, forgot where he was so toward the end of the song when the singer allowed himself to ad lib and show the true strength of his voice, he really felt all by himself with no one listening.

 

When Kevin just stared at Nick after he finished the last word, Nick felt extremely shy and knew that he was blushing. Kevin arched an eyebrow. “Why are you blushing? Explain that to me.”

 

Nick felt his lower lip quivering. He closed his eyes for moment and when he opened them, he tried to speak. But no words would form. He tried again, and only a dry squeak could be heard. His eyes soon filled with tears and all he could do was lower his head.

 

Kevin stood up and placed a hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Look at me.” He paused. “Look at me.” When Nick raised his head slowly, Kevin advised carefully, “there’s nothing wrong with being talented or being proud of yourself for the talent you possess. That’s not a bad thing. I think you’re a very talented singer and I’d like us to meet again, so you can perfect that talent.”

 

Nick responded by running out of the room and slamming the door closed, leaving a bewildered music Professor behind.

 

~**~

 

Alex was packing up his belongings in the small space that served as a dressing room in the club where he now worked. In his pocket was two-hundred and fifty dollars, not bad for a first try. He knew it would be useful. Earning that kind of money four times a week would be all he would need, then after a couple of months he could quit. After all, it wasn’t something that was a life-long ambition. He hated the tiny gold piece of nothing that he eventually had to strip down to in front of all those whistling women, he hated that they threw money at him.

 

He loved to dance, sure and he loved music. But he always imagined himself as a dancer for someone like Usher or Janet Jackson. That was always his wildest dream, ever since he was a kid. Being a stripper was demeaning. But he was a survivor and he also came from an unforgiving neighborhood. The last thing he ever wanted to do was go back there.

 

He shifted his bag more comfortably on his shoulder and kicked the exit door open. Immediately, he noticed a tall man in a dark gray suit, waiting there for him on the sidewalk. He clenched a fist. “What the hell do you want?”

 

“Chill, baby, chill,” the man said and smiled softly. “You work it good in there, you know.”

 

Alex narrowed his eyes. “Yeah, thanks,” he replied cautiously and began to walk away.

 

The man followed the young dancer. He had his eye on him and when he had his eye on someone, he stopped at nothing to get them. Plus, this one had a raw energy about him that would prove to be useful. “I’ve got a proposition for you. How would you like to earn more money than you’ve ever dreamed of in your life?”

 

“What the fuck, man?” Alex exclaimed, exhaling deeply. “I’m tired, I haven’t eaten all day, it’s after midnight and I still have to finish a three thousand word essay that’s due in less than eight hours. So…leave me the fuck alone!”

The man smiled broadly. “Oh, you’re my type of boy alright! You’d earn a lot of money with me and it’d pay off that enormous college fee that you’re struggling with. And you could still work for Jim if you want. You’d be my…” He paused. “Personal assistant.”

 

Alex widened his eyes and folded his arms against his chest defensively. He needed money and he needed it desperately. It was crunch time and the more money he could make, the better. He had to be realistic at that point. “How much? What kind of hours? Doing what?”

 

“Five times what you made tonight, say a couple of times a week, we’ll see what we can do with you,” the man said and outstretched his hand. “Do we have a deal, Alex?”

 

Alex reluctantly shook the man’s hand, even though he had no idea what he was in for. He really had no choice but to accept.

 

~***~

 

Brian was sitting at a table in the library, engrossed in a book. Much like everyone else there, he was studying. The book was based on the different religions of the world in which the author questioned, “which is the greatest good for the greatest number?” Brian found it better than studying, he found it fascinating. He loved reading about the various religious groups and their histories. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do when he finished his degree. Maybe working in a religious or history museum, maybe even lecturing students on religion. The opportunities were endless, as far as he thought.

 

He was so occupied by his reading that he didn’t even notice someone sitting down at his table. “Buddhism’s your answer,” a voice said softly.

 

Brian quickly looked up in surprise. The voice belonged to a young woman. Brian’s eyes instantly widened. She had her blonde hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, her brown eyes were sparkling with mischief and her smile was warm. She was pretty in the all-natural way and her white shirt fitted her perfectly, he noticed.

 

“I’m sorry?” Brian asked.

 

“Buddhism’s your answer,” she repeated in a soft voice. “It’s a beautiful religion that teaches its followers that material goods and wealth don’t matter nearly as much as emotional happiness. It helps you find your life’s happiness through helping others and the world itself. People don’t realise that it can be achieved, but it’s true.”

 

Brian digested all the information. “Interesting theory there, I think.

 

“I can tell you, there’s no other way once you’ve been found.”

 

“I’m guessing you’re a Buddhist?”

 

“Catherine Wright, second year business,” she said with a bright smile, “and you’re damn right I’m a Buddhist. Proud of it, too.”

 

“Brian Littrell, first year theology,” he admitted, though wanting to lie. “Most people think I’m crazy when I tell them that. But hey, it sparked a friendly conversation here. I have a question, though. If Buddhism teaches its followers that material goods and wealth don’t matter, why are you studying business? A little hypocritical of you, isn’t it?”

 

Catherine giggled. “Touché, Brian! But I happen to be a rarity in the business world. I’m doing this to help businesses out of debt and guide people away from financial disaster. I’m doing this to help people, not to take their money and make them homeless. And I wouldn’t worry about what people say about what you’re studying. I think it’s fabulous that you’ve found something you love, that’s your guide through life.”

 

Brian shrugged. “I don’t know about it being my guide in life. But I do really enjoy it, and I think that’s worth something.”

 

“It is,” Catherine said vehemently. “I can tell it’s going to be your guide. It radiates right through you.”

 

Brian had to smile. “Oh, you think so? Even though, employment wise, it could lead to nothing?”

 

“No, no,” she replied, shaking her head. “You’ve found your happiness. Most people are afraid of that, you know. Of being truly happy.”

 

“Oh? Why is that?”

 

Catherine gave him a wink. “I’ll tell you over coffee.”

 

~****~