Since I was already at Ashley’s house I figured I would just stop by and talk rather than call.  I knocked on the front door to the large house.

“Hi Spencer.” Ellen answered as she opened the door.

“Hi Ellen, sorry it’s so late.  Is Ashley here?” I asked.

“Oh it’s not to late dear.  We are night owls around here.  Come in.” I stepped in side the large foyer as Ellen closed the door behind me.  “She has been down in the studio most of the day, but I am pretty sure she is up on the second floor right now.  I will take you up.”

I nodded and followed Ellen up the marble stairs to the second floor.  As we reached the top I could hear someone playing a piano.  I put my hand on Ellen’s arm as she started to open the door to the room that had the beautiful but sad music coming from it.

“I don’t want to interrupt.” I said to Ellen.

“It will be ok, really, she will be very happy to see you.”  Ellen said.

“This song that she is playing is very sad.  I used to listen to it all the time when I was sad and just wasn’t ready to be happy.  I don’t want to interrupt a moment she needs for herself.” I said.

Ellen nodded and said “She has been sad for along time Spencer….too long.  Music is her outlet for all of her emotion.  She is just letting all of the sadness go.  Believe me when I say that you have made her the happiest I have seen in a few years.”

“Well that’s good!” I said with a nervous laugh. “I wouldn’t want to make her sad.”

Ellen patted my arm. “Just give her some time, dear.  I will leave you to go in when ever you think it is right”

Ellen turned and walked back down the hall to the stairs.  I leaned my head against the door and listen to her playing the piano and that beautiful voice singing the lyrics to My Skin, it was one of my favorite Natalie Merchant songs.  I gently opened the door as she was singing the last few verses: