The past...

That night the moon was shining brightly, the beams of the moon casting an eerie glow on everything in that small quiet town. The cool breeze blowing, ruffled his long unkempt hair as he made his way briskly down the sidewalk, his footsteps muffled by his rubber soled shoe. He stuffed his cold hands into his pockets for warmth, pulling up his collar as rain started to pelt down. Staring at the dark cloudy sky, he continued on slowing his pace as he rounded a corner.

Upon reaching the corner, he turned his head and stared straight at the large 3 storey building. The mansion looked pearly white in the moonlight. The building was one of the most admired houses in that town. People would stare at it during any time of the day admiring its beauty. The building's reflective windows, the well-kept garden, the neatly trimmed hedges, the pure white fence, the gravel pathway, the lovely colorful flowers bending in the breeze, and the way the house was renovated. Even the position of the house was perfect for this house was backed by mountains and had breath-taking views from each and every window. Regardless of the mansion's monstrous size it gave everyone this comfortable fuzzy feeling of peace, serenity and safety. The warm glow emitting from the house reminded him of the lateness of the hour. The mansion had a cottage look about it and followed the style of most houses one could see in the countryside. He smiled to himself as he passed the mansion, his pride and joy for he had been told many a times that his house looked like a picture that only the most artistic artist can paint.

He continued walking on, not entirely sure nor aware of where he was heading. He continued walking without a direction for quite some time. Stumbling on a stone he then lifted his head and realized that he had walked all the way to the end of the town. A rather remote area but filled with night time activity. A place he had not visited for quite some time. To his left and his right there were nightclubs with music so loud he could feel his heart thumping to the bass beat of the music. So loud that he could fell the vibration of the glass door muffling the music from the outside world. He walked on looking for a more silent place where he could sit and think. Near the end of the road, he saw this pub that he had not visited for a few years. The pouring rain gave him no hesitation as he made his way into the pub.

The clinking of bells reached his ears as pushed the door open. A sense of deja vu overwhelmed him as he entered the door. He glanced around and saw that everything was exactly the same. Nothing had changed nor been moved after all these years. He walked towards the bar taking note of every detail of the pub. The pub was not sparkly clean nor was it filthy. He saw that the white grand piano still sat in the centre of the room. He could never understand why the piano sat in the middle of the room when it would have looked better in a corner. The tables were made of black marble. Black wooden chairs were propped against these tables. The walls were black to match the ceiling. All in the entire pub has this cozy feeling about it despite the black and dull color.

He could feel all his tension and stress leaving him even as he made his way towards the bar. He sat down in a high chair, the same position he used to sit years ago. He loved this pub for this pub always helped him think. He ordered a vodka martini, shaken not stirred. He paid the bartender handsomely giving him a large tip. While he sipped his delicious drink, he observed the pub and the people in it. Before he had even registered any details of his surroundings, this young lady sitting alone in the corner reading a book caught his attention. This young lady was slim, beautiful and had sharp face features. She wore reading glasses and sat straight with her legs folded gracefully that it showed off her beautifully ladylike and slender legs. Her hair was let down and it covered parts of her face. Her familiarity invoked an emotion deep in him that he cast aside with another sip of his drink. She seemed familiar but he could not place where he had seen her. He looked away for he knew it was rude to stare. And without knowing the reason why, he blushed red, feeling foolish.

As he shifted his gaze from the lady, his gaze fell on the piano. He has never understood why this all black pub had a white grand piano. The weird position of the piano which was in the middle of the room intrigued him. A sudden desire urged him forward and he found himself in front of the piano. He seated himself, adjusting the position of the piano chair till he was at a comfortable distance from the piano. He looked at the pure white piano with gold pedals admiring the beauty of the grand piano. He himself had never yet been able to find a piano with such beauty despite all the richness he had offered for it. Memories of his past rushed through his head even as he flexed his finger and got ready to start playing.

All out of the sudden, the dim lights of the pub were shut off. Leaving only the light above the piano on. He could not see anyone now for his surrounding was dark as the night without a moon. He did not feel bothered instead this sense of calmness came upon him. He looked at the piano running through in his mind all the songs he has learnt how to play. The low murmur of the pub had now disappeared and leaving this silence so intense that if someone dropped a pin it would very clearly heard. He finally decided on playing this song that he had once learned and dedicated to his best friend and his true love. He closed his eyes for a moment letting the memories of the past crashed on him. The tune and melody of the song took him from where he was and into the past as he remembered her features and expression when he told her as he played the song that this song was specially written to show his love and devotion for her. He placed his hands on the piano, feeling all the keys with such softness it was as though he was touching something extremely fragile and breakable.

As he hit the first note on the piano, he smiled to himself. Every single note was engraved into his mind. He let his thoughts wander back to the past as he played the song. He thought of all the weeks and sleepless night he had spent writing this song for her. He played so gracefully with expression and pure love. He could hear the people in the pub gasp as he played his song so smoothly for he know that he had surprised them all for no one knew that he could play the piano, no one except his best friend. His finger flowed smoothly across the piano never once making a mistake. As he played his final note, everyone stood up and clapped loudly. Some were even thumping on the tables. They cheered for him and he just smiled back. As the lights were turned on once more, he walked back to the bar and drowned his vodka martini in one large gulp. He then made to leave thanking everyone who told him how awesome and beautiful his song was.

He stepped out of the pub, feeling exhilarated that he had came. He drew in a deep breath and exhaled feeling calm, relaxed and peaceful. He saw that it was now pouring with rain. Squaring his shoulders and stuffing his hands once again in his pocket, he walked back towards his house. The heavy rain pelted down on him drenching him from head-to-toe. Nothing not even this horrible weather could dampen his feelings. His spirit had somehow been lifted and was now soaring high in the skies. He ruffled his wet hair making him look handsome and stunning acknowledging the fact that no one was around to see. He laughed silently to himself remembering how his friends always teased him whenever he ruffled his hair. He continued humming the song he had just played, smiling to himself whenever sweet memories ran through his mind, his troubles and jumbled thoughts long forgotten.

Suddenly his phone vibrated in his pocket. Glancing at his watch he saw that it was nearly four in the morning. Wondering who could be calling him at a time like this he looked at his phone. The number shown on the screen was not one he had ever recalled seeing. Despite that fact, he picked up the phone curious to know who was at the other end of the line.

"Hello?" he said in a velvety smooth voice with a strong British accent. "The song you played just now was once dedicated to me. It seemed time has not changed your looks for you look as handsome as ever. And your playing has not changed one bit. The song still sound as beautiful as it did when you played it for me 5 years ago... If it is even possible, it sounded even better, so full of love and devotion, "answered a lady's voice. The lady's voice was rich and pure, sweet and had a barely distinguishable American accent. "Jen??" he asked in disbelieve as his heart filled with hope and he recognize the voice of his best friend and true love.