Chapter Text
The Pianist and The Man
“Journeys end in lovers meeting.” –Shakespeare, Twelfth Night.
Phelly touched her score once again.She knew every single note and rest, she knew every single feeling Saint-Saens perceived thorugh this concerto.She felt ready; she felt complete. She smiled slightly...looked into the mirror once again. She could not find any resemblance to the woman on that mirror. That woman was not Phelly...that woman was the pianist.
Phelly let her alter ego take over her mind and soul.
From this moment she was only the pianist.
....
‘I still do not know why the hell you insist this much Martin!’
Martin rolled his eyes once again. This man was more than just stubborn, his behaviour was obstinate!
‘You promised to Amanda remember; Phelly is a great friend of hers...this is a chartiy concert and her doctrate graduation...the more audience she gets, the more job offerings come to her.’
Benedict exhaled deeply, he liked classical music but he had this odd feeling for hours. He just did not want to be in this concert hall at this moment.
Amanda noticed Benedict and Martin through the crowd. Good, she thought. He managed to bring him.
‘Do not look that bored Benedict! I can assure you, Phelly is an amazing pianist.’
‘ Well Amanda, the name Phelly does not sound that reassuring.’
‘You will meet her after the concert, she prefers to be by herself before her performances. She does have a real name, don’t worry.’
Martin winked at Amanda, the plan was working except the possibility of Phelly and Benedict hating each other.
‘Amanda, you said Phelly is going to use the money for charity, right? Did she decide what to do about that?’
‘Well, she wants to help talented children to get proper education, she wants to thank to Associated Boards for taking care of her all these years. She is going to donate the money to ABRSM’s Scholarship Fund.’
Benedict’s gestures softened as he listened to Amanda. Without a glance of her, he felt somehow connected to this woman. The odd feeling resoluted into cruiosity.
‘We should take our seats, you two were bickering about me being late all the time, look at you now!’
Amanda laughed.
...
Royal Albert Hall was packed; Amanda, Martin and Benedict were seated in the front. People started to applause as the orchestra started to take their seats.
There was a brief silence then a huge applause echoed as the conductor and the soloist entered the stage.
Amanda and Martin watched Benedict. He seemed a little bit dumfounded. His eyes were fixated on the woman, the pianist on the stage. She had wavy black hair, almond shaped light brown eyes. Her features were framed with her alabaster skin.
...
Phelly started to adjust her stool without knowing she was under intense gaze of Benedict Cumberbatch.
She blinked her eyes, assuring the conductor.
Her left hand found the white key...she liberated the note as he started to play the opening passage.
She welcomed the pianist once again.
...
Benedict was mesmerized. This woman got under his skin without event saying a word to him. This was the very first time a stranger affected him this deeply...Benedict admired her performance, her gestures. She connected with the audience in a very different level. Every single person in this hall felt the same pain, anger, love, lust she was feeling with this concerto right now.
Benedict came into his senses as she finished playing.
He felt utterly calm and complete.
...
Phelly started to think clearly again. She was feeling forworn. She closed her eyes for a second, breathed deeply as she started to pack up her stuff.
‘Phelly! Congratulations, we wanted the crowd to melt down a little bit!’
‘Amanda! You came! I am so happy, did you like-‘
Phelly stopped talking as she saw a man standing by the door. A concise sensation of peace came to her, she looked into the man’s eyes...trying to understand, trying to find an answer.
‘Seems you are not alone Amanda. I am so sorry, I must look like a provincial one to you. It’s just I am a little shocked after this concert. I am Ophelia.’
‘Do not be sorry, such performance must be overwhelming, I am Benedict.’
As the two shooked hands, Martin and Amanda exchanged looks.
The pianist has met her equal. And the man found his mate.
‘It was a lovely concert, I am feeling very ashamed of not wanting to come this evening.’
‘Well, these two can be very persistent...I am very happy that you liked the performance.’
...
A few hours later, Ophelia entered her apartment. What a journey this night was for her, she sinked into her couch and finally gave in to her tiredness.
Closing her eyes, she tried to remember Benedict.
‘Would you like to have a coffee together, sometime?’
She repeated his words...a smile formed on her lips.
...