SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT...

Since I was 11 years old, I have always wanted to know what it feels like to casually yet confidently walk into a room full of people, sit down at a piano, and start playing whatever tune came to mind, just because you could.

I blame Leigh, my childhood crush. I went to a Catholic middle school, so needless to say my worldview was a bit...stifled. We were having a student 'lock-in' and for the first time, I would be sleeping in the same room as girls! One of them was the aforementioned crush.

Assorted sleeping bags littered the floor, and prepubescent hormones filled the space like a thick fog. We were gathered in the cafeteria/assembly area, with a lunch counter at one end, and a stage used for semi-annual, completely awful theater productions poised at the other. And on that stage, a piano.

Then HE walked in.

Surprisingly, I forget his name. He was from the nearby public middle school. His hair flowed, so much more stylish and eye-catching than my militaristic side part. His clothes were nicer, and he had one of those unbelievably bright smiles, the kind that made you want to throw your first punch. What was he doing here? Who let him in? Where was the sadistic Sister Mary Joan, who's grim expression alone would send even the most cocksure pre-teen running home to his Mama?

After effortless small talk with various girls in the room (Leigh was rapt), he strolled up the small flight of steps that led to the stage, placed his oh-so-kickable backside down on that piano’s bench, and began expertly tickling those ivories to the tune of Cheap Trick’s immortal classic, The Flame.

If he felt any of the dozens of daggers protruding from the eyes of every pubescent boy in the cafeteria on that fall night, it certainly didn’t affect him. He finished, and transitioned seamlessly into an Amy Grant ditty. The sadistic little son-of-a-gun was taking advantage of not only the emotions of every girl in that room, but of their doe-eyed religious sentiments as well. He was an absolute monster.

It was the first time that I understood just how easy it was to hate and admire someone, all at the same time. I wish I could say it was for the last time, but the truth is, I can be a slow learner.

Image by Martyn Cook from Pixabay