‘Okay, everyone. Let’s talk about the song we’re going to sing. The song starts the second act of the showRent. It’s called ‘Seasons of Love’. We should really think about how we value a year in someone’s life because this song makes us do that.’ She looked around the room.
‘The words ask this question and talk about how we might measure time in different ways, such as by minutes or miles or by more general ideas. In the end, though, the song seems to say that love is the most important way to measure a year.’
One of the students put her hand up.
‘Yes?’ she asked her.
‘We usually sing old songs, like Latin and God music,’ she said.
‘Who was your choir teacher?’ she asked.
‘Mrs Hughes, she’s really old. She was doing it until they found someone new.’
‘Oh, okay,’ said Lily. Mrs Hughes lived in Appleton Green, right near Gran. What a small world, she thought. The woman must be close to eighty. They must have been desperate if she was taking choir.
‘Well, we will be singing more contemporary music now. We will sing it as a group a few times to learn the melody for those who aren’t familiar and then we can start on the harmonies,’ she said and sat down at the piano and played a few chords and then started to sing with the students.
As midday approached, Lily was looking forward to seeing Maureen and having a friend to spend time with at lunchtime. Not that people hadn’t been welcoming, but many were busy and she was looking forward to a catch-up.
Maureen was already in the staffroom when she arrived, setting up her prepared lunch at one of the little tables. Maureen smiled warmly and waved her over.
‘How was your morning?’
Lily felt some of her tension begin to release as she took a seat across from Maureen.
Lily said, ‘It’s been good,’ and opened her own meal. ‘I took choir for the first time. I didn’t know my gran’s neighbour had been teaching it – small world.’
‘Mrs Hughes? Yes, she’s a sweetheart but terribly old-fashioned,’ she said.
Lily smiled as she opened her container of last night’s leftover chicken that she had added to a salad.
‘Now I hope you didn’t pay any attention to Nick’s dad thinking he was funny. Nick never brings anyone home, except for Jessica but she barged her way in.’
Lily paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. ‘What do you mean Jessica barged her way in?’
Maureen sighed, shaking her head. ‘Oh, that girl. She’s always been a bit… intense. She and Nick dated but it was nothing serious. At least, not on Nick’s part.’
‘She told people they were engaged,’ Lily said, watching Maureen’s face for a reaction.
She laughed. ‘Oh, love, no. That’s just another of Jessica’s tall tales. She’s been spreading that rumour around, but it’s simply not true.’
Lily felt a mix of relief and confusion wash over her. ‘How can you be sure?’
‘Because I’m Nick’s mother, dear,’ Maureen said with a gentle laugh. ‘Don’t you think I’d know if my only son was engaged? Besides, Nick was never that serious about her. He cares for people, you see, and I think Jessica mistook his kindness for something more. I think they went out a few times over a few weeks but he wasn’t serious.’
Lily sat back in her chair. ‘You know, he told me that but I needed confirmation, not that I didn’t truly believe him, but she’s so beautiful, I wondered.’
Maureen patted Lily’s hand. ‘Jessica can be very convincing when she wants to be. But let me tell you, I’ve never seen Nick as happy as he is when he’s with you. All he does is talk about you. His sisters are dying to meet you.’
Lily felt her cheeks warm at Maureen’s words. ‘Really?’
‘Really,’ Maureen confirmed with a nod. ‘Now, why don’t you tell me about this choir you’re leading? I bet you’re shaking things up a bit, aren’t you?’
As they continued their lunch, chatting about music and the school, Lily felt a weight lifting from her shoulders.
‘I’ll see you at opening night,’ said Maureen as they finished their lunch. ‘I’m bringing the whole tribe. Will I meet your family there?’ she asked.
Lily shook her head. ‘It depends on Gran. We need to see how she is. Mum and Dad will come with her, hopefully on the last night so she has more time to rest and recover.’
