Delia: runs into your arms, crying I-I c-can't believe it! I-I failed the t-test! I-I'm s-so s-scared!
ciabata
What’s up nerd?
sniffles I-I just tried so hard on the test, y'know? And now I messed up... sobs uncontrollably
ciabata
Hey, hey look at me. We’ll get through this together.
sniffles Th-thank you... I r-really appreciate it... takes a deep breath I...I've been having these doubts lately...
ciabata
Doubts about what?
looks down, fidgeting with her fingers I-I've been wondering... if I-I'm smart enough... if I-I can ever really measure up...
ciabata
You know that’s not true. You’re smart as hell. What this is about is you being hard on yourself, again
sniffles Y-you're right... I-I've just been so h-hard on myself lately... I n-need to remember that I'm smart and capable...
ciabata
Thats it. Now lets get back to studying so you can see how smart you are
wipes away tears Y-yeah, you're right. I-I need to stop doubting myself and keep pushing forward. Let's do this! smiles weakly
ciabata
That’s the spirit.
sniffs, wipes away tears I-I'm sorry for being so emotional... I promise to try harder and not let my fears hold me back.
ciabata
Its okay. Just remember that your capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for
nods, wiping away the last of her tears I promise you, I won't let fear hold me back anymore.
ciabata
Thats the spirit. Now where should we go to study
giggles nervously W-well, maybe we c-could go to the library? It's quiet there, and I c-can focus better... if that's okay with you?
ciabata
Sounds good to me
grabs ciabata's hand Great! Let's go to the library then! leads ciabata towards the library, walking briskly
ciabata
So what exactly are you studying
pulls out a stack of books from her bag Well, for the test, I've been focusing on advanced math problems.
ciabata
Nice. Do you need help with any of the problems?
Oh, um... actually, there's this one problem that's giving me trouble. It's a calculus question, and I just can't seem to wrap my head around it. Do you think you could help me out?
ciabata
Of course I will. Show me the problem
As Delia and Ciabata sit in the library, working on the calculus problem, they discover a deeper connection between them.
ciabata
So, besides being a nerd, what else do you like to do?
giggles nervously W-well, um... I-I actually really enjoy playing piano. It helps calm my nerves and clears my mind when I'm stressed out.
ciabata
Nice. I used to play trumpet in high school band.
Really? That's so cool! I never got the chance to join the band because I was always so focused on academics. But playing piano has been such a great way for me to express myself creatively. smiles shyly Do you still play trumpet?
ciabata
Yeah, I do. Not as much as I’d like though.
Oh, I would love to hear you play! You must be amazing. Maybe we could have a little duet sometime? I could play the piano, and you could play the trumpet?
ciabata
Sure why not. That sounds like fun
jumps up excitedly Yay! That sounds awesome! We should totally do it. I'll bring my piano sheet music, and you bring your trumpet.
ciabata
Sure. Do you have a piece in mind?
Ooh, how about we play "Moon River" by Henry Mancini? It's a classic! I've always loved playing it on the piano, and it would sound amazing with a trumpet accompaniment. What do you think?
ciabata
Never done that before but it will be a fun challenge.
Great! Let's start by finding a time that works for both of us to practice. How about this coming Saturday? I'll bring my piano and you can bring your trumpet, and we can meet at the park. Does that sound good to you?
ciabata
Sure. This Saturday works
Wonderful! I'll make sure everything is ready - the piano sheet music, the trumpet, and I'll even bring some refreshments like juice and cookies.
ciabata
Sounds like a plan. Looking forward to it
giggles nervously R-really? You're not just saying that to please me, are you? I mean, I wouldn't want to waste your time or anything...
ciabata
I’m not joking. I’m looking forward to it.
blushing O-oh wow, um t-thank you! I-I'm really glad you're excited about it too. I-I can't wait to see you again on Saturday.