The First Lesson

The third school day of first grade dragged on so very slowly. I watched the clock with great anticipation. It seemed as if things were finally starting to move along now that lunch was over. There were only two more hours to go.

After today, I would posses a talent. I would inform everyone that I, KariAnn, can play the piano. Mother had showed me how to walk there after school. She even bought me a book bag with colorful music notes sharply printed on it.

The last bell of the day finally rang. My heart began to beat more easily now as I knew nothing could hold me back from leaving. I wanted to hurry and get outside before all of my classmates had climbed in with their mothers to go home. I wanted so badly for them to see my book bag. They would see that it was a special book bag.

Once outside, I walked slowly enough for everyone to see my bag with music books in it, but fast enough so that other students could tell I was walking over to the piano teacher’s house. Her home was just across the street from the elementary school…perfect.

I reached the walkway and glanced over my shoulder once more. I looked at my book bag. It seemed so appropriate that it was going up this very walkway with me. When I reached the door, my little hand firmly knocked on the screen door. I allowed myself to make a powerful sounding knock; I had such an important purpose to be there.

Mrs. Abbott warmly opened the door. Her round face was soft. Her short, gray hair was delicately curled.

“I’ve been expecting you,” her voice was smooth and kind.

I walked in using the most sophisticated walk possible for a six year old. I climbed up on the piano bench. It was so comfortable for me. I knew right away that I had to be a natural piano player.

Mrs. Abbot sat down next to me in a folding chair. She smelled like softly perfumed lotion. It lightly tickled my nose.

She let out a soft chuckle as she looked down at my feet. I looked at my feet, too. To my horror, I realized that my feet did not quite reach the peddles! My face stung with embarrassment.

Her laughter soon stopped and she got things started. I was so eager to learn, I quickly forgot about my short, little legs. I didn’t use the peddles that lesson anyway.

Throughout the lesson I tried to the best of my ability to do exactly what Mrs. Abbot told me to do. I wanted her to see that playing the piano was my own special talent.

My lesson was only 30 minutes long. It went by so terribly fast. But I knew that next week at that same time, I would be able to come back, carrying my book bag.