Canyon Moon: The Making of the 2019 Album, Fine Line {H.S}

Annie's Canyon

May 16th 2019

{HARRY}

"Prepare to have your mind blown." She says, excitedly as she puts the car in park.

"Seems dramatic." I say. I know I'm not in any danger, but I'm still a bit nervous, I think it's just her presence. I still haven't forgotten about the first time I met her. 

"Not in the slightest." 

We've pullen up on some hiking trail. I made a mental note on the drive down here to check these out while I was here, but I hadn't gotten the chance to. She leads me up a hill and soon, we're nearing what looks like a cliff. As I get closer, though, I realize were standing over a canyon and in the valley is a large body of water. It's nearing sunset, so the light is reflecting off the water just right, making glow with shades of orange, pink, and purple.

"Wow." Is all I can muster out.

"Now, was I being dramatic?" She asks. She's not looking at me, though. I can tell this is a special place for her by the way she admires it. She leads me between a set of rocks to a little spot that's only big enough for the two of us to sit.

"So, this is Annie's Canyon." She explains, "Well, the whole thing is called Annie's Canyon, the lake is actually called Lake Powell. I've been coming to this spot since I was a kid. And if you look just behind you," She points to a spot on the boulder next to me, "my initials are carved right there. I did that back in '09."

"How'd you find this place?" 

"My parents used to take me and Adam here all the time for picnics and stuff. My dad used to say it was called Annie's canyon because they named it after me. One time, I went exploring off on my own and that's how I found this spot." She explains while picking at a weed next to her leg. "So, back when I did still write songs, this is where I'd come to do it. This is a super secret spot, though, so you can't tell anyone about it."

"And you trusting me with your super secret spot?" 

"Think of this as inspiration." She says and smiles at me. She's got a beautiful smile. I want to tell her that, but I think better of it.

"So, now I'm here. What should I write about?" I ask.

"I can't tell you that."

"I'm not asking to you, I'm talking to the canyon!" I say sarcastically, which makes her giggle. 

"So, what's your deal, Annie?" I ask after a few seconds as I lean back on my elbows. 

"What do you mean?"

"Sorry, that sounded really jaded. I mean, like, what are you all about? Who's Annie?" I explain.

"Oh, god, is this small talk?" She laughs.

"Not at all. That's a very loaded question, if you ask me. Not small at all, very large, in fact."

"Okay," She sighs and leans back onto the rock behind her, "What do you want to know?" 

"For starters, what makes you love music so much? And why do you teach it instead of make it?"

"Well, my dad was a drummer and my mom worked for a record company when me and Adam were growing up. I can't remember a time when my dad didn't have something playing on his record player while he was cooking dinner. In school, though, kids thought I was nerdy because I could play three instruments by 4th grade. But, to the people that mattered, it was awesome. I guess that's why I teach it, too, I want kids to know that being different isn't weird. Even if only one of my kids keeps playing an instrument after their parents stop forcing them to go to lessons, it'll mean I did something good. I changed someone's life." She finishes explaining, "And there's a lot of psychological reasons. It's been proven that playing an instrument at a young age helps you learn better and pick up on information faster and I think that's really cool."

She sighs and then laughs, "Sorry, I didn't mean to talk your ear off. That was really long winded and...nerdy."

"No, I think that's amazing." I say, "And you're right. There should be more people like you in the world, I think."

"Well, you'd be one of the first to tell me that," She tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, "but thanks."

I catch myself staring into her eyes for a moment. I can tell she doesn't like speaking about herself by the way she dismisses my compliment.  

"Come on," She says as she stands, "It's getting dark out, and as much as I'd love to leave you stranded here, I don't think Adam would be too happy with me."

I follow behind her as she leads me back to her car. At one point on the walk back, I slip on a rock and almost fall flat on my face. As I do, she looks back at me, her golden hair cascading over one shoulder. She gives me a hand and asks, "Oh god, are you okay?"

"'Yeah, I'm good." 

I think Annie gave me the inspiration I needed, but she didn't need the canyon to do it.

{A/N: Sorry for the short chapter! It was honestly just a continuation of the last chapter, since I didn't want to make it too long. Thanks guys!}