Always…As One

By R. L. Hester

David Wyatt is a piano prodigy and at fifteen years of age, his family moves from Tennessee to Oklahoma City, where he begins a new school year and a life he never expected. He meets a teacher that changes his life, and he embarks on the challenge of fulfilling a long-forgotten dream by the woman he loves. Challenges are always present for high schoolers, some are normal, everyday challenges but others can be life-threatening … as they were for David. However, being an exceptionally intelligent and strong individual, David overcomes these threats and begins a life others only dream of, and he does this for the lady he loves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jul 31, 2019
• ISBN: 9781645364450

R. L. Hester

R. L. Hester was an independent child and learned early to entertain himself and developed a grand imagination, because there was a difference of six or seven years between the four children. Obviously, due to the age difference, the children were not very close at all. School was always a challenge for Bob due to his constant endless imagination. However, high school brought on a change and he improved his study habits and his grades improved substantially. He entered the Army on September 6, 1968, and served nearly nine years as a combat engineer. His assignments were all over, some enjoyable, some not so. However, the years spent living in Germany and France were his favorite. Upon his leaving the Army, he chose to stay in Germany and became a photographer where he enjoyed several years as a freelancer and worked for a professional studio. Returning to the States, he started out as a line supervisor for a company that made computer CRTs. From there, he migrated to Northern Telecom, where he worked for 9 years and 10 months before being laid off to avoid his pension. This soured Bob on high tech, so he moved into management and held several positions up to director of manufacturing. In the last years of his career, he sought to return to Germany and did so for a number of years as a photographer until he returned to the States once again. The last years he spent as a contractor to numerous government agencies developing business proposals. Writing had been a hobby he developed in the Army during those long boring lulls on duty. Everything until 1978 was handwritten, then typed until the computer was available. He has an enormous amount of reference from stories he’s written over the years and Of Glory and Remembrance is one of those stories.

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Lovers

R. L. Hester Dinosaur

The dinosaur above describes the author in the business world. He didn’t go to college but served in various management levels throughout his 35-year career in Telecommunications and IT. He is married, has no children, and travels extensively throughout the US. He is a motorcycle enthusiast, soldier, photographer, businessman, and has enjoyed many years in European countries. Currently retired and living in Northern Virginia, he has written many types of stories and enjoys several genres, his most favorite being Adventure-Romance and Westerns of the 1850 era to present period.

About the Book

David Wyatt is a piano prodigy and at fifteen years of age, his family moves from Tennessee to Oklahoma City, where he begins a new school year and a life he never expected. He meets a teacher that changes his life, and he embarks on the challenge of fulfilling a long-forgotten dream by the woman he loves.

Challenges are always present for high schoolers, some are normal, everyday challenges but others can be life-threatening … as they were for David. However, being an exceptionally intelligent and strong individual, David overcomes these threats and begins a life others only dream of, and he does this for the lady he loves.

Dedication

This story was written in dedication to my wife, Barbara, for she has been my inspiration for the past 32 years. Her patience, understanding, and constant support have enabled me to accomplish things once thought to be out of reach.

Copyright ©

R. L. Hester (2019)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Ordering Information:

Quantity sales: special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Hester, R. L.

Always…As One

ISBN 9781641825788 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781641825795 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781645364450 (ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019907903

The main category of the book — Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Contemporary

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published (2019)

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 28th Floor

New York, NY 10005

USA

[e-mail]

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Chapter One – The Piano Man

Welcome to Vaden Noble, Mr. Wyatt; we do hope you enjoy your stay here, Mrs. Walters welcomed David to the school after he had completed the registration.

Thank you, Mrs. Walters, I’m sure I will, David smiled and shook her hand. She was impressed by his manner and how he presented himself…in a suit!

He and his family had moved to Oklahoma City in mid-July 2018, as his father had been appointed the federal district judge, replacing a judge whose health was failing. Now, he was unpacking again and getting used to a new home. David was excited about the new school…he had gotten tired of the last one. His brothers were still at Tennessee and loving football. The sisters, Teri and Deena, were back in Nashville and happy with their lives. Being the last…the baby…as his siblings called him…he was still living at home, but this was a very nice home, befitting a federal judge, and the amenities thrilled him.

School starts Monday, he told himself, better get ready.

Homeroom was Ms. Devault, American History; his first period class was Algebra with Mr. Casey, and his second period class was Economics with Mr. Deemer. Then after lunch, his third period class was Social Studies with Mr. Jackson…a former Black Panther, as Social Studies today was nothing more than how to understand and be very considerate with minorities…their ancestors had been slaves you know, 150 years ago. David took a dislike to that class immediately as Mr. Jackson started out, You white folks will have a lot to learn…but the blacks already know all this very well. Yeah, David didn’t like this class at all.

However, after three weeks of school, Mr. Jackson was afraid of David because every time he’d ask David a question, he not only knew the answer, but would use a famous black person as a reference to the question. And when Mr. Jackson had never heard of them, David would stand and give a summary biography on them and embarrass Mr. Jackson terribly for not knowing a famous black person.

The one reference that caused Mr. Jackson to lose a great deal of respect from black students was the reference to Dr. Charles Richard Drew…whom he had never heard of. David explained that Dr. Drew was the first African American surgeon selected to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. Also, his research was in the field of blood transfusions, and he developed improved techniques for blood storage (plasma) and applied his expert knowledge to developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II. This allowed medics to save thousands of lives of the Allied forces. The class soon discovered that David knew more black history than Mr. Jackson.

Fourth period, he had Physical Science with Ms. Grant… If she lost thirty pounds, she’d be a doll, he thought as he came in and took a seat. Then lastly, his fifth period class…music! The teacher was a very attractive, young newlywed, and even prettier than Ms. Devault, and that was saying something.

Welcome to Music Studies, students, and I am looking forward to working with you and enjoying your progress, Leslie Carson greeted the class as they came in and took seats. You should find an information sheet on your desk and a pencil. I would like for you all to fill it out and pass them to the front so that I can get to know you better, your choice of instrument, how long you’ve been playing, and other information I would appreciate.

As the students filled out the sheet, she spoke of the rules and policies of the music division and of the school. She answered a question about the band, …any student with at least three years of music, here or another school, may certainly go out for the band, as Mr. Leads, the Band Director, is always looking for new talent.

Then she spoke of the next few days, each student will be given a chance to demonstrate what they have learned and play their favorite song or music type… This will also give her a chance to see how far along they are and customize their learning program accordingly.

By the time she had finished the question and answer period, class was over, and the school’s out bells were ringing. She couldn’t help but notice when David came in wearing his suit and took his seat; he seemed older, more mature than the others, and never spoke a word the entire class…and he was terribly good-looking and built very nicely. She actually wondered what he was doing in music and not out on the football field. As the students said goodbye and walked out of class, Leslie just had to ask…

Mr. Wyatt…you were mighty quiet in class… No questions? Leslie smiled and crossed her arms in front of her. What she didn’t remark was this was framing her breasts nicely, as David knew it but never let her see him glance at them.

I can’t learn by talking, Mrs. Carson, David smiled at her. Have a good evening.

Leslie was impressed at how calm and confident he was…even his eyes showed no nervousness or uncertainty at all, and he certainly didn’t seem 15 years old; he seemed much older. He was the most interesting young man she’d met in her three years here. She found herself actually looking forward to knowing him… "Piano!" That was her instrument too.

The last two schools he attended, he enjoyed advanced classes, and this gave him an upper hand in math and sciences, and so, his classes here were almost remedial for him, but he always did have a very good mind, and his study habits were faultless.

It wasn’t until Wednesday that he had his turn in showing what he could do on the piano. It was a Yamaha baby grand and almost new. And when his turn came…

Mr. Wyatt, would you care to demonstrate what you’ve learned for the class? Leslie asked as he smiled at her…

Yes, ma’am, I would… Thank you, David replied. She was really impressed at his manners and the way he conducted himself…his parents had done a grand job, she told herself.

He wore gray dress slacks and a black, long-sleeved crew-neck sweater with the sleeves pulled up to mid-forearm… Leslie really liked the way he looked…and his shoulders were quite broad. David walked out across the room, stepped upon the raised stage, and pulled out the piano stool and then sitting down, lifted the key cover and adjusted the stool and its height.

This piece was originally classical, by Rimsky Korsakov…but someone added a twist… I hope you enjoy it as I do… David stated, and then…Bumble Boogie!

Stunned…spellbound…16 open mouths, including Leslie’s, as the entire class watched in disbelief as David played the Bumble Boogie flawlessly! The room was bouncing with the boogie beat as the kids and Leslie could not sit still, and they bounced and twisted and clapped, keeping time with the beat!

Leslie was actually staggering over towards the piano to watch him play! She had never in her life seen anyone play anything so wonderfully…every note, sharp, clear, and full…he was incredible!

Bravo…bravo…bravo! Leslie found her voice and her legs as she got up carefully and applauded, and the class joined in and celebrated David’s remarkable playing! Unbelievable…simply unbelievable…five years…just five years…David, you’re remarkable! Leslie nearly exclaimed!

Thank you for the kind words, thank you all, David replied to Leslie and the class as they were all wearing expressions of disbelief. Leslie simply couldn’t believe David’s performance…it was flawless! And in only five years…he was a prodigy!

Play something else…please play again! The girl with the clarinet exclaimed while David looked at Leslie as she nodded her head rapidly, …by all means…please!

12th Street Rag – Scott Joplin

Leslie and the kids were all smiles as he played ragtime, but then he paused in play and stated that his family likes it a little faster…like this! Leslie was nearly in shock and had to sit back down on a spare bench. Never in her life had she ever seen such talent…never! David’s hands and fingers were a blur! And he was rarely even looking at the keys!

The kids and Leslie were on their feet as David stood and bowed to the kids, and their cheers and applause got louder! Then, sitting back down, the applause stopped almost on cue, and he began another selection…this one brought tears!

Theme from Emmanuelle – Richard Clayderman

I Can’t Help Falling in Love – Richard Clayderman

Leslie could only watch and be amazed. He was so commanding, for lack of another word, he looked as if he owned the music and played like he did. Rarely did he even look at the keys he was playing…he knew the keys that well…remarkable! And even though the class, including Leslie, had never heard the song, they were really taken and moved by the haunting melodies. She was crying and didn’t even remark it.

David had his eyes closed during his playing of Emmanuelle. It was a soul-stirring melody that he cherished…he was very close to this song. It was very special to him.

True Love Ways – Mickey Gilley

You Don’t Know Me – Mickey Gilley

The girls were all crying and the guys were holding their tears back. Next to piano playing, David loved singing and tried his best to sound like the original performer. Leslie was crying; she had never heard such a beautiful voice or melodies that lingered in her heart. David kept the soft peddle down so his voice could be heard over the music, although he rarely hit the keys hard…he had a feather touch.

One of the girls brought Leslie a box of tissues, and she nodded her head…she couldn’t stop crying! Nothing had ever touched her as David’s music and singing…she was taken…completely!

It’s Twilight Time – The Platters

The kids had never heard this music, not even Leslie, but it touched them, as David watched the girls pass around tissues. The melodies and David’s voice held them in the palms of his hands.

Every elder I have spoken with about the 1950s has told me that it was a magical time…the birth of rock and roll…the turning of innocence…the discovery of life by teens…love…hurt…dreams… David spoke to the group.

Lost in the Fifties Tonight – Ronnie Milsap

David started and looked at Leslie and smiled and winked at her, and she smiled and laughed through her tears! The song’s words were telling her a story…she understood.

I Wouldn’t Have Missed It for the World – Ronnie Milsap

Leslie was now weeping, holding her stare on David in disbelief…nothing had ever touched her like David’s singing and playing…it touched her heart. He was unbelievable to her; she had been to countless concerts and recitals and had seen the most famous music stars…but nothing like David…nothing came close!

Starting the second verse, David glanced over at Leslie, smiled, and winked at her…and shook his head at her surprised expression and blush!

It took a while for Leslie and the girls to stop crying as they gathered at her desk for tissues while David simply sat at the piano and watched and smiled. Leslie was the first to gather herself and walked over to David and extended her hands and took his…

"David, I have never had anything so…beautiful touch me like your playing and singing… You are…incredible… Thank you, thank you so much," Leslie stated and watched as his eyes felt as if they were piercing her very soul. Even the girls couldn’t hold back, as they too praised him and gave him such grand accolades. Many were holding on to him and crying…

Thank you so much…it means more than you know…all of you, thank you, David remarked to the class as the final bells rang out dismissing school. All Leslie could do was watch as David gathered his things and departed while Leslie sat down on the piano stool, wiping tears and marveled… She certainly wasn’t expecting anything like David!

As he walked out, several of the girls were still hanging on and several had leaned in and kissed him! Kissing in school was certainly against school rules, but hell, she thought, she wanted to kiss him too!

Well, what did you find out? Brad asked at dinner as David had ventured down to the DOT to see about his license.

Oklahoma won’t take a Tennessee Drivers Ed Certificate, but they will take a Tennessee license, without moving violations, and swap it for an Okie license, David explained. So I need to go to Tennessee and get my license…then come back and swap it for an Okie license.

That seems like a lot of trouble, Brad remarked.

It’s better than waiting until next summer’s Drivers Ed. David smiled and winked at his father.

Well, call Ted and make the arrangements, Brad replied.

Thanks, Dad, David replied.

David got a note from his father to be excused next Monday and Tuesday, and he booked his flight out Friday afternoon. Ted met him at arrivals and the brothers were very excited to see each other again; John was out with his girlfriend and would see David later.

It was a grand weekend even though David spent Friday night alone while the guys went out with their girls. But the time wasn’t wasted, as David searched for 15 minutes and found the collection of CDs that had all the nude photos of girlfriends as well as internet babes… David had a swell time and even copied Leslie’s nudes; the girl he spent a week with at Myrtle last year…John’s girlfriend’s little sister, as well as nudes of their current girlfriends, Kelly and Ann.

Saturday, David went with Ann and Kelly to watch the guys play Clemson. Tennessee won, but John would spend the night in the hospital with a sprained knee, but that was okay with Kelly…she spent the night with David, sneaking in at around 11 am, and was very impressed! Ted and Ann stayed over at her place.

Kelly drove David to the DOT office before classes, and they almost went at it again in the car after kissing goodbye and thank yous were spoken. Not 30 minutes later, David walked out with his Tennessee driver’s license…then he called a cab.

That afternoon around 2:30 pm, Ann came by to see David… Ann and Kelly had lunch together, and she, too, wanted to see what it was like being tongued for an hour! She entered Nirvana and was nearly an hour coming out of it… Ann took him to the airport Tuesday morning and promised David that anytime he wanted her…just call and gave him hers and Kelly’s contact info!

It was a grand trip, all in all, and David certainly enjoyed the sexual adventures with