Music of Souls

Life at Fairhaven settled into a comfortable routine. Fall gave way to winter, turning the air cold and arid. Jackson and Elisabeth spent many evenings outdoors lying on the frigid ground, stargazing, pointing out the constellations, and anticipating the occasional falling star. Elisabeth would close her eyes to make a wish. Jackson always pulled her closer and crooned, "I already have all I could ever wish for, and more than I deserve, right here."

Connor had sold his condo, but Elisabeth still owned her home. She preferred her studio at Fairhaven, and did most of her artwork there; it simply could not fit all her work. Jackson had decided to build a gallery on the grounds, and although she protested, he knew she would be thrilled with it.

The two shared their music with each other often. He played all his most personal compositions, and continued to create new works inspired by her. When singing, Elisabeth chose music that expressed her feelings for Jackson. His favorites were "In His Eyes" from Jekyll and Hyde and "Chase the Clouds Away" by Chuck Mangione. He asked her to sing them often. They would entertain Connor and Sarah occasionally, yet, when doing so, always chose less personal music. Neither wished to share their special songs with anyone else.

One night after dinner Sarah asked them to perform. Upon entering the music room, she grabbed her throw pillow, sat in her usual chair and cooed, "Pleeeeze do that one about the clouds, the one you always lock the door for?"

Jackson squinted at her. "You know that isn't going to happen."

She folded her arms in protest. "It isn't fair. You guys come up here and play all these beautiful songs. We can barely hear them. Then when we're here, you play stuff that doesn't mean anything to anyone, right Connor?"

He held his hands up. "Leave me out of this. I don't care what they play." He enjoyed listening, though music did not feed his soul as it did the other three.

Sarah slumped deeper into her chair with her arms still folded. "It's not fair!"

Jackson rose from the piano and whispered to Elisabeth, "I'm going to take care of this once and for all."

She touched his arm and cautioned him with her eyes. He squatted down in front of Sarah with his hands on either side of her. "Some songs are very personal for us and we choose not to share them with anyone. You need to respect that, because the next time you throw one of your petulant hissy fits, I swear to God, I will install so much sound proofing in this room, you will never hear another note." Sarah sat up taller in her chair and tried to kick him. Jackson deflected her foot inches away from its mark. "Whoa, that's not very ladylike."