Talan sat in his seat waiting for the final bell to ring. Trig was so boring, and his monotone geriatric teacher didn’t help. It had been three days since Sonata came over to watch him that night. The next morning he got up and sat down to breakfast with his mother and father. His mother was mainly concerned if he behaved or not, while his father wanted to know what he thought about Sonata. Talan didn’t even notice he flew off into a tangent about what they did, and how good her cooking was. His father listened intently and laughed. He told his mother that they’d have to hire her again if Talan liked her so much.

Talan remembered the question his father asked. Could he see himself being friends with her? Talan had paused to consider it, but he ended up saying that he could. Sonata seemed genuine, and she expressed an interest in spending time with him. She could have just made him cereal or mac and cheese, but she made a good meal instead. She could have just told him to do whatever while she talked with her friends, but instead she watched a movie with him. Talan hoped he could consider her a friend. He just wondered if she would do the same. He never really had a friend like her before.

The bell finally rang and Talan filed out of the classroom with the other students. He went to his locker and met up with his friend Ryan.

“Sup, Spike? Ready for practice?” he asked while leaning against the locker next to Talan’s.

“Yep, just gotta get these books. Give me a sec, Rumble.” Talan replied.

Ryan and Alex were on the cross country team with Talan. They had nicknames, too. The older kids liked to name all the younger ones that joined the team. Some of them already knew of Talan from his cousin. She graduated a few years ago and was currently studying science at a university in another city. Since she called him Spike, they just followed along. Most of the time practice was after school for a few hours. Talan figured they’d meet Jason and Alex out at the field.

“So what did you end up doing last night?” Ryan asked.

“I just stayed in and watched a movie, but I wasn’t by myself.” Talan replied.

Ryan looked down. He was about a head taller than Talan and constantly liked to know what he was up to. “You weren’t by yourself? Did Alex come over or something?”

Talan motioned for him to follow as they made their way to the field. “No. But I wonder if I should tell you. You’ll just make fun of me.”

Ryan elbowed him and laughed, “Well now you have to tell me.”

“I kinda had... someone come over to watch me...” Talan said with a laugh.

“You had a babysitter?!” Ryan shouted, “That’s hilarious, Spike!”

Talan facepalmed and shoved him, “Geeze, tell the whole world why don’t ya.”

“I’m sorry, that’s just too funny!” Ryan said between laughs. “So who was it? One of your neighbors? A relative? That smelly old lady from down the street?”

Talan looked up and smirked, he would savor the coming moment, “It was a high school girl, a new one, too. One you’ve probably never seen before.”

As expected, Ryan’s mouth dropped. Priceless. Talan regretted not having his phone out to get a pic. Ryan fancied himself a ladies man, and while it was true sometimes, he struck out more often than not. Still, he knew several of the girls from the high school. His sister was a few grades ahead and was friends with pretty much everyone. The idea that a new girl slipped in under his nose probably ate at him from the inside out.

Ryan quickly regained his composure and snickered, “You put the moves on her, Taly? Oh what am I saying, probably not. It is you after all.”

That remark got under Talan’s skin, if only a little bit. Talan wasn’t as interested in girls as his other friends, and didn’t see the appeal in throwing himself at girl after girl. But Ryan was right, even if he tried he likely wouldn’t have gotten anywhere. However, Ryan would have fared no better. Talan realized that with Sonata’s aloof nature she’d probably just ignore most advances directed at her anyway.

“Yeah well, she was pretty attractive, if a little... odd.” Talan said with a chuckle

“Odd?” Ryan asked, “Odd how? What’s her name?”

“Her name’s Sonata, and I don’t know how to put it. She’s just kinda out there sometimes.” Talan said and shrugged his shoulders, “Doesn’t matter. She’s really fun to hang out with. I was hoping I’d see her around but no luck so far.”

As they walked through the parking lot, Ryan saw Alex and waved him over. Just as they were starting to greet each other Talan’s phone began vibrating in his pocket. He took it out and had to squint in order to see it, the sun was so damn bright. It was a number he didn’t recognize.

Talan motioned for his friends to go on and took up a pace behind them. He clicked the phone and answered, “Hello...?”

“Talan? Hey! It’s Sonata!”

Talan’s heart fluttered and the biggest, dumbest smile exploded onto his face. “Hey Sonata! What’s up?!”

Ryan and Alex turned around and looked at him as they continued to walk. Talan saw Ryan whisper something to Alex, no doubt informing him of what he went through a few nights ago. But he ignored them for now.

“Nothing much! Just figured I’d call you. Your dad gave me your number. Both your parents are going out tonight, something about their business I guess.”

Talan sighed, his parents were doing this more and more it seemed. Still, if it meant he could spend time with Sonata again, he wasn’t about to complain. “So they called you? I guess my good word paid off, huh?”

“Looks like it!” Sonata replied. “I just wanted to tell you I’ll be there tonight. I’ll be getting us dinner, but I might be a little late. So don’t eat anything before then, kay?”

“Sounds good,” Talan said. “I just have Cross Country practice then I’ll be heading home.”

“You’re on the Cross Country team?” Sonata asked with a gasp. “That’s so cool! Do you need me to come get you after you’re done?”

Talan was happy she appreciated his chosen sport. He was given a hard time about not playing “real sports” by some of his other friends and family members.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll just walk home, it isn’t that far. I’ll see you tonight and... thanks, Sonata.”

“Okay! I’ll see you tonight, cutie. Byeee!”

Talan put his phone away and noticed the smirks on his friend’s faces. Sonata was loud and cheerful so they probably heard some of what she said.

“So you’re some kind of ladies man now?” Alex asked.

“He totally is,” Ryan said with a laugh.

Talan rejoined them and snickered, “What’s the matter, jealous?”

Alex rolled his eyes, then nodded to Ryan. “No, and we won’t have to be if we get a chance to meet her. So how about we come by your house tonight and meet this Sonata?”

“Yeah,” Ryan said with a nod, “We’ll see what kind of girl she is, then we just play some games for the rest of the night or whatever.”

Talan paused as they walked into the locker room to get changed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, guys. I don’t know if my parents would be okay with that, and I don’t know if Sonata would be either.”

“Oh come on, man!” Alex said with a somewhat hard shove. One that caught Talan by surprise and knocked him off balance while putting a sock on. “They won’t care, and I don’t think the girl will either.”

Talan glared at him and shook his head, “You don’t know my parents, especially my mom. If she finds out Sonata let friends over when she wasn’t supposed to she could fire her. I don’t want that on my conscience.”

Ryan laughed, “I told you he was too good for us, he wants the chick all to himself.”

Alex backed off and walked outside, “Yeah, guess you’re right.”

Talan followed them and began his stretches, “C’mon guys. Can’t you respect my decision?”

Ryan and Alex shrugged and began their laps around the track. Talan followed shortly after. He had to get the time down for the competition that was coming up in a week.

After practice Talan made his way up the streets to his house. It was a bit of a walk, and uphill didn’t help either. He hoped whatever Sonata was bringing didn’t delay her too long, he was already starving. He eventually got to his house and unlocked the front door. He considered just leaving it open, but he had no idea when she’d get here.

Talan threw off his clothes and tossed his bag on the floor by the desk. Not much homework tonight, that was good. He jumped in the shower and stood there for a few minutes. The hot water felt great on his sore muscles. He pushed himself a bit too hard today, he’d be feeling it in the morning. With a slight wince of pain, he stepped out of the shower and grabbed his clothes. Simple shorts and a tee shirt, he liked wearing loose clothes when relaxing in the house.

He went downstairs and looked through the large bay window in the front of the house. Nobody in the driveway yet. Talan sighed and went back upstairs to grab his homework. He could at least get that started while he waited. He figured Sonata wouldn’t be too long.

Talan worked through his trig and was almost finished with his chemistry when he yawned and noticed the light had faded from the patio. It was almost dark out. Then, before he could even think of it, the doorbell rang.

Talan jumped out of his seat in the kitchen and ran into the living room. He saw a blue jeep parked in the driveway. Come to think of it, he hadn’t noticed what she drove when she was here last time. Jeeps were cool, and not really what he was expecting her to have.

Talan opened the door to a happy Sonata. She was wearing a skirt similar to what she wore the last time. Her shirt was a band tee, some group Talan had never heard of. Before he could react to greet her, he was grabbed in a tight squeeze.

“Talan!” she said with a laugh, “Sorry I’m late, the line was forever!”

Talan looked at the bag she had at her side when she let go. “Line? Where were you?”

Sonata’s grin nearly split her face. She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “Do you know what day it is?”

“Uh... Tuesday?”

“Not just Tuesday, Taco Tuesday!” she shouted in joy. “I hope you like tacos!”

Talan laughed and hugged her around the waist. “You kidding? I love tacos! Here, let me help you.”

Talan took her bag inside and placed it atop the counter while Sonata closed the door and locked it. She made her way into the kitchen and helped Talan set up.

“I didn’t know which kind you liked, so I bought a bunch of everything. Is that okay?” she asked.

Talan nodded eagerly, “I love soft shells and hard shells, and you even got hot sauce.”

Sonata leaned on one leg and placed a hand on her hip, “Well duh! Who doesn’t like hot sauce?”

“My parents don’t like it, but I sure do. In fact, I’ve got some special stuff just for me.” Talan said with a hint of pride.

Sonata decided to sit next to him at the counter this time. “Really? Well are you going to share?”

Talan spun on his stool to face her, a mischievous smirk crept on to his face. “This is intense stuff, Sonata. I don’t know if you can handle it...”

Sonata gasped, “You don’t have faith in me, Talan?! I’m hurt!”

“I’ll have some faith when you prove yourself,” Talan said with a smug grin. “Ever try Mango Habanero sauce?”

Sonata innocently put a finger to her chin in thought, “Um, don’t think so. It sounds good, though!”

Talan nodded and went around the counter. He produced the bottle and returned to his seat next to Sonata. “How about we play a little game?”

“Hmm? What kind of game?” Sonata asked.

“We see who can go the longest eating this before drinking, how about it?”

Sonata smiled and nodded eagerly, “Okay.”

“Let’s make it interesting,” Talan said, “If I win, we hang out again tonight. Watch another movie or play some games.”

Sonata considered his proposal, then shrugged. “Sounds reasonable. But if I win, you have to do all the chores on this.” She produced another accursed list from her pocket and stretched it with her fingers, “Mom’s orders. Oh, and you have to promise to listen to me sing with my two other girls.”

Talan leaned back in his stool, “When will I be doing that?”

Sonata flicked her ponytail and winked at him, “Oh, you’ll be doing both tonight.”

“Huh?” Talan asked.

“My friends are coming over for a bit later. Don’t worry, I cleared it with your mom and dad. We have a gig coming up and need to practice whenever we can. You don’t mind, do you?”

Talan was crestfallen, he thought she’d want to hangout with him. Now it made sense, some of the tacos she bought were probably for her friends. Maybe he was wrong about her, maybe she didn’t want to be friends after all.

“Uh n-no, I don’t mind...” Talan said with a small laugh. He poured the Habanero sauce onto a taco and waited for Sonata to do the same. “Ready?” he asked.

Sonata nodded and waited for Talan to count down with his fingers. Once he did, they both took their first bite. Talan was still disappointed, but he got over it when he saw Sonata’s eyes bulge from the taste. This was good, if he could win this he wouldn’t have to do all the chores and listen to Sonata’s band. Sonata clenched her eyes shut and leaned against the counter. Unfortunately, Talan wasn’t faring any better. He had taken too much, and it was starting to sting at his eyes. The sweet taste of mango was helping take the edge off, but not completely.

Talan’s eyes widened as he turned to see Sonata shake a little, then take another bite of the taco. He couldn’t believe it, he thought she was done for. Sonata swallowed her second bite and saw Talan’s struggle. She took her third bite then casually leaned on her hand, grinning the entire time. Talan tried to take another bite, but it was too much. He could handle spice and hot, but only if it did not persist. He had misjudged his abilities. He pounded the countertop in frustration and grabbed his glass of water.

After gulping it down, he leaned over the counter and hid his head in shame. “You win, Sonata.”

Talan heard Sonata finish her taco, then felt her gently rub his back. “Better luck next time, Talan. Those chores aren’t going to do themselves.”

“Yeah yeah,” Talan groaned and took the note from Sonata, “I’ll get started right now.”

Sonata watched him trudge out of the room and noticed his change in mood. She wondered if he was alright, but decided against asking him now. Instead, she decided to prepare for her friend’s arrival. They would be coming soon.

Talan moved the vacuum back and forth on the carpet near the banister. He had just finished dusting his parent’s room and the guest room. Before that he folded clothes and put them away. The majority of the chores were done, which meant he only had a small amount of homework to do and he was free.

As Talan turned off the vacuum and began to bundle up the cord, he wondered if Sonata was just like those stereotypical high school girls. Only interested in a quick paycheck and talking with their friends. But if that was the case, why be so nice and deliberately spend time with him? The movie? The snuggling? It didn’t make sense. Why wasn’t she talking with her friends that night? Maybe she was and he didn’t realize it. He wasn’t with her the whole night.

Talan let out a tired sigh and shoved the vacuum into the closet. It didn’t matter, he had to make sure he finished his homework, otherwise he’d get too tired to do it. He made his way downstairs to the kitchen where he left his notebook.

Sonata was nowhere to be found when he got there. Talan sat at the counter and balanced the rest of the chemistry equations he was assigned. After about half an hour, the doorbell rang. He was about to go answer it when Sonata came from the other room and beat him to it. At first he couldn’t see anything, still seated in the kitchen, but then they walked over.

Behind Sonata were two girls of similar height and build. Tall and slender with pronounced hips and unique hair styles. One appeared to almost have an afro going on, it seemed so poofy. Plus it was massive, dangling way past her back. She wore light violet leggings and a dark violet shirt. Her hair was an orangish gold color held together with a spiked clasp, not unlike a bulldog’s collar. Talan noticed her golden belt, too. That seemed expensive. The other wore purple pants with a white shirt, on top of which appeared to be some sort of stylized green vest. It was one of those types where it was specifically made to be smaller than a normal one. Talan didn’t really understand that type of fashion, but he did notice that it seemed to have the sleeves ripped off, which he thought was kinda cool. Her purple hair held a single bluish green highlight and was done up in pigtails.

“Wow... this place is a mansion,” the girl with pigtails said in awe as she looked  around.

“It’s not that impressive,” replied the girl with the fro.

“I really like it!” Sonata said as she skipped ahead of her friends, “Can you believe only three people live here? And here is one of them right now, girls... meet Talan!”

Talan smiled as Sonata moved behind him and put her hands on his shoulders. He looked up to see each girl giving him a different expression. The one with the pigtails gave him a look over, then rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. The one with the fro gave him an almost unsettling grin.

Sonata hugged him from behind and pointed to the girl with the pigtails, then one with the fro, “Meet Aria and Adagio, my two bestest friends in the whole wide world!”

“The whole wide world...” Aria groaned. “So, this is the shrimp you’ve been telling us about?”

“Yup!” Sonata replied.

“I’m Talan, it’s nice to meet you girls.” he said with a small wave.

Aria shook her head and rolled her eyes again, “Sonata, I’m not here to make small talk with the kid. Where is our food?”

“Oh! The tacos!” Sonata remembered with a happy clap, “I’ll get them out.”

Aria joined Sonata in putting them on table, leaving Talan with his homework. He started to work on another equation when he realized Adagio was still standing there staring at him. When he looked up at her she smiled and slowly walked over.

“So, Talan... how do you like Sonata?” she asked, leaning on the counter.

Talan shrugged, “She’s nice, we watched a movie the first night she was here.”

Adagio chuckled and leaned closer, “Yeah, I heard about that. You’re pretty lucky getting to hang out with an older girl like Sonata, don’t you think?”

“I guess,” he answered with a small smile.

Talan shivered when he felt her hand on his arm. She caressed it softly before moving to stand behind him. He heard her giggle into his ear as she leaned down.

“Did she sing for you, Talan?” Adagio whispered, her voice soft as silk.

“Um, n-no. Not really.” Talan answered.

Adagio traced her hands up to his shoulders, “Mmm that’s a shame, she has a really pretty voice when singing solo. So sweet and innocent... not at all like mine or Aria’s...”

“Oh?” Talan asked, “How do you sound together?”

Just then, Talan froze. Adagio leaned down with a sweet giggle and kissed him lightly on the cheek. It gave him goosebumps. Talan stared blankly at the wall until she cupped his cheek with one hand and turned his head around.

“I think you’re about to find out for yourself later tonight. You’ll be getting a special performance by the Dazzlings, little Talan.”

“That Dazzlings?” Talan asked.

Adagio nodded and placed a hand to her chest, “I’m Adagio Dazzle, and it’s my group.”

“I see, so I’m going to be dazzled, am I?” he asked with a smirk.

Adagio laughed and rubbed her ruby pendant, “You have no idea...”

“Adagio! Your tacos are getting cold!” Sonata called from across the kitchen.

Adagio rolled her eyes and walked over, “Fine, fine. I’m coming.”

“They’re actually pretty good, but there’s no hot sauce. Sonata you know I like hot sauce, why did you forget to get it out? You’re such an idiot sometimes.”

Sonata frowned, if only briefly, “Oh, sorry Aria. I’ll get some.”

She walked over to Talan, who took notice of Aria’s treatment,  and reached for the sauce from the restaurant, but stopped when she saw Talan smiling. “No, let me,” he said with a wink.

Sonata stared at him for a second, then understood. “I’ll pour some water.” Before turning to the sink, she stopped and got his attention again. “Hey Talan, are the chores done?”

“Just about finished, yeah.” he said. “I just need to organize my room and fold some clothes then I’m done. Homework is just chemistry, and that’s almost done, too.”

Sonata smiled, “Good job, Talan. That makes me happy.”

Talan returned the smile and walked over to Aria and Adagio. Aria took notice and grunted with her mouth half full, “Yeah? What do you want?”

Talan simply grinned and showed her the Habanero sauce, “I have some hot sauce, you wanted some right?”

Aria nodded and reached over the table, “Yeah, give it here.” She read the bottle and raised an eyebrow, “Mango Habanero, this doesn’t seem hot, just sweet.”

Talan shrugged and reached for it, “I understand if you don’t think you can do it. I might have others you can try.”

Aria scoffed and leaned toward him, “You saying I can’t handle this, kid?”

“Can you?” Talan asked with a grin.

Aria’s eyes widened as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Meanwhile Adagio threw back her head in laughter.

“Talan you got some guts, I like that...”

Aria glared at Adagio and narrowed her eyes, “What? You don’t think I can either?”

Adagio ceased her laughter and shrugged, “I didn’t say anything, Aria dear.”

“Sonata, is it hot?” Aria asked.

Sonata walked up behind Talan and rested her hands on his shoulders, “I didn’t think so, go ahead and try it!”

Aria poured the sauce into her soft taco and took a large bite. At first she chewed it with a smug grin plastered all over her face, then it disappeared. She began to squint and struggled to swallow what was in her mouth. After about an extra minute of chewing and dealing with snickers and chuckles from Talan, Sonata, and Adagio, she finally swallowed it all and gasped. Aria waved a hand in front of her mouth and shook her head.

“Schools of clownfish that’s hot!”

Talan wondered why she would say something like that. It seemed pretty odd. Aria motioned for Sonata to get her water and gulped it down quickly, but it barely seemed to take the edge off.

Adagio laughed and stood beside Sonata, “You deserved that for being so cocky. It just better not affect your voice...”

Talan noticed Aria’s eyes widen in fear, but only for a brief moment. He looked up at Sonata and Adagio. “I’m going to finish my chores and homework upstairs. Come get me when you’re ready to sing.”

Sonata smiled and nodded, while Adagio bent down and cupped his chin, “We won’t be long, so get that stuff done quickly, okay?”

Talan smiled nervously and walked to the stairs, “Yeah, I’ll do it right now.”

There was something strange about Adagio, something that made Talan nervous. But he couldn’t decide if it was in a bad way... or a good way.

After finishing the chemistry and the few chores he had left, Talan waited patiently and decided to make some note cards for studying. He managed to get about thirteen done before there was a knock at his door.

“Talan, we’re ready. Come down to the living room.” Sonata said while peeking inside.

Talan got up and joined the girls downstairs. They appeared to have found the old karaoke machine his parents used when they invited friends over. All three of them picked up a microphone and did a soundcheck while he got comfortable on the couch.

“Alright, we’ll do the one we practiced yesterday. Have you read up on it, Sonata?”

“Yeah,” Aria said, “You’re always slow to learn these new songs. Don’t be stupid and mess this up.”

“Girls, I know what we’re doing. I’m ready.” Sonata replied in earnest.

“I’m serious, Sonata,” Adagio reiterated. “Don’t screw this up!”

Sonata looked at the ground and rubbed her head, “Let’s just get started.”

Adagio and Aria paused, seemingly satisfied, then began the song. Talan wasn’t fond of the way they were treating Sonata. He made a note to ask her about it later.  

Talan watched as they began their song with some humming, similar to what Sonata was doing the other night. Each of the girls began to sway their hips in line with the music. He noticed they harmonized perfectly. Talan had never heard anything quite like it. He sat up a bit once Adagio winked at him and began to beckon him with her finger.

The lyrics were provocative, at least somewhat. Talan thought they fit with how Adagio acted in the brief time he’d seen her. Being in control, and being under a spell. He had to admit, he was starting to feel a bit lightheaded. He began to lose focus on what the girls were saying and fell to watching their gyrating hips. Aria was suddenly a lot more attractive, as was Sonata. He smiled as Adagio slowly walked up to him and traced her finger under his chin. She lightly pushed him back against the couch, then moved to rejoin her partners.

As Talan’s eyes began to shut, the gem amulets started to glow. Their magical influence stretched out toward Talan.

Sonata realized what was happening and stopped, halting the flow of magic between the three.

“What are you doing?” Adagio asked, annoyed. “We were just getting to the good part.”

Sonata frowned and looked at Talan’s helpless state, “We aren’t going to go that far. Not with him. It’s not worth it.”

Adagio smirked, “Aww does Sonata like the little boy?”

Sonata rubbed her arm and looked at the floor, “He’s nice, I don’t want to do this.”

“Ugh,” Aria groaned, stepping around Adagio, “You’re such a softy, Sonata. But she’s got a point. Kid’s got nothing to offer us.”

A soft thud brought their attention to the couch as Talan fell over, sound asleep. Adagio laughed while Aria stifled a few giggles, each making Sonata feel uneasy. Sonata walked over to the door and opened it. “It’s time you left, girls. I’m glad we practiced, but I’ve still got a job to do.”

Aria showed some sincerity and joined Sonata at the door, “Makes sense, we do need the money. Let’s go Adagio, we’ve got work early in the morning.”

Adagio walked out the door, but not before turning to Sonata and offering a playful wink. “When you tuck him in, give him a kiss from me. Ta ta Sonata.”

As Adagio and Aria got in their car and left, Sonata shut the door and locked it. She looked at the time and figured his parents were probably going to be a bit late. Talan was snoring when she sat down next to him. Sonata gently picked him up and slid him sideways onto her lap. She ran a hand through his spiked up green hair and shook him a little.

“Talan... Talan... wake up...” she cooed.

Talan groaned and slowly opened his eyes. He let out a wide yawn and stretched. After coming out of his stupor, he looked up to see Sonata holding him.

“What happened? I fell asleep?” he asked.

Sonata crossed her legs and gave him a gentle pat on the back, “Guess so. You must have been tired from your Cross Country practice.”

Talan rubbed his eyes, “I remember you singing, barely.”

Sonata’s eyes lit up, “So, what did you think?!”

“It was pretty good,” Talan replied as he got up. “Hey, where are Aria and Adagio?”

“We were done practicing, so I sent them home.” Sonata said.

Talan stood staring at Sonata for a moment, “I don’t understand...”

Sonata saw Talan frown and sat up, “What’s wrong, Talan? What don’t you understand?”

Talan sat down next to Sonata and sighed, “When you first came over, I didn’t want a babysitter or someone to watch the house. It was kind of embarrassing, plus I figured whoever it was wouldn’t be interested in talking to me. They’d just talk to their friends or whatever. But you were actually fun. We watched a movie together, we hung out and it was cool. It was like hanging out with a friend. Then you came today and said your friends were coming over. I just figured you gave me all the chores and stuff to keep me busy while you would hang out with them. I guess I thought you didn’t want to hang out with me...”

Sonata paused a moment, she looked down at Talan and studied him. He considered her a friend? She never really had a friend before, well, aside from Aria. They never really spent time with the humans in this world. That is, unless they needed something from them... something that they usually took with their powers. Maybe having a friend wouldn’t be so bad?

“Talan, I think you’re a very sweet boy. I had fun hanging out with you last time, too. I wasn’t trying to shove you away while I spent time with the girls. Gosh, I see them too much as it is!” Sonata said with a happy smile.

Talan looked up, “Really? So, uh, do you want to hangout again tonight?”

Sonata smiled and turned to face him on the couch, tucking in her legs, “That was the plan all along. I wanted you to get the chores done early, and I even helped do some of them. Adagio and Aria would have probably gotten bored sitting around here all night anyway.”

“That’s awesome! Thanks, Sonata!” Talan exclaimed while hugging her.

Sonata caught the boy as he jumped forward and laughed at his adorable behavior. “You’re welcome! So what do you want to do?”

“Well,” Talan pondered while pulling away, “There are still some leftover tacos, why don’t we have one of them while we play some video games on the big TV?”

Sonata shrugged, “Video games sound fun, I’m not very good at them, though. That’s more Aria’s thing. You’ll have to go easy on me, kay?”

“Kay,” Talan said with a smirk.

As she left for the kitchen, Talan sat back against the couch and wondered just why he fell asleep so abruptly. He wasn’t that tired from running. Was it the singing? He wasn’t sure. All he knew is that those girls had beautiful voices, and he was glad that Sonata wanted to spend time with him. Talan felt the desire to hear them again. Maybe he could ask Sonata if he could come to one of their shows?

As Talan walked up to the TV to take out the game console he noticed a green tint around his already green eyes. That was never there before, how strange.