Son of Eden, a Paranormal Romance by Brianna Merrill Page A

though dates and times and places were facts he already knew. He wanted to know what was going on inside Emily’s heart and mind.
    She wasn’t bothered by the personal questions, and surprisingly, she did not hesitate to honestly share her emotions.
    After they visited what Emily thought was every corner of the museum Alexander indicated he had one last surprise and took her to the lower level. They walked through a lobby to a set of closed doors. Emily glanced up at him with a questioning look.
    “Remember, I said you could enter any door you like today; even if they’re closed.”
    She slowly pushed one of the heavy wooden doors in front of her, and then Alexander stepped in and opened it the rest of the way. Emily was taken back a little; she wasn’t expecting the sight that was now before her.
    In front of her was a long theatre-style room that, besides the red-clothed chairs, was completely covered in wood. The floors were wood, as well as the walls, ceiling and stage. A solitary grand piano and bench stood in the center of the stage.
    “What is this room for?”
    “It’s the performance hall. They have readings and lectures and other live events here. Right now it looks like it is set up for a piano concert.” Alexander began to walk down the steps toward the stage and motioned for Emily to follow.
    She fell in closely behind him.
    The hall was empty besides the piano and it didn’t seem as though there was anything else in the room to look at. Alexander walked up the steps to the stage, over to the old ebony-colored piano and sat down on the bench. He patted the spot beside him, inviting Emily to sit next to him. With a quick glance around Emily made her way to the bench.
    “This is a Steinway built in nineteen ten. It was Pierpont Morgan’s piano. His son donated it along with the entire library after his father’s death.”
    “It’s absolutely beautiful.” Emily was hesitant to even touch it.
    “Yes, well, it had to be restored, but it still holds its original character. This grand piano plays the most beautiful music.” Alexander gently struck a key and let the melody of the single note echo off the walls. “Do you play the piano?”
    Emily nodded “I’ve played since I was a young girl.”
    “Would you play something for me?” Alexander scooted off the bench to provide Emily with the room needed to play.
    “Oh no, I couldn’t, I don’t think they want me touching an antique like this. What if someone caught us?”
    Alexander gave a boisterous laugh. “How many times do I have to tell you? You can do whatever you want, no questions asked. It will be fine, I promise.”
    Emily twisted on the bench to face the piano. She had never played for anyone besides her parents and teacher. They had all often tried to convince her to take part in recitals, but Emily was always too nervous. They never pushed her to overcome that fear. When she played the piano it was always for her own enjoyment. It was relaxing for her, a way to let her mind escape and dream. So without delay, she could feel her nerves forming into a tight ball. She wasn’t sure she could do it.
    “I don’t have any sheet music.” Emily’s excuse sounded pathetic, even to her as she glanced over at Alexander.
    “Just play a song from memory. I am sure you know something.” Alexander gave an encouraging smile.
    She turned back to focus on the piano, placing her hands on the keys and her feet in the proper position to use the pedals. She waited a few moments, took a deep breath and then began to strike the keys. The tune was rich and cheerful, “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven.
    As soon as she was through the first measure, the melody seemed to come from within her, flowing through her fingertips and spilling out on the piano. This was a favorite, a piece of music that had often lifted her spirit when she was feeling sad or depressed. This time was different though, Emily played because she was feeling joyful. As she reached the