Teardrops of Winter

Chapter 2

“What happened, Snow?” Fate was putting bandage in my hand.

“Long story short,” I exhaled in exhaustion.

“You freaking hit him?” Win was giggling while taking off my shoes,

“You know him?” I looked at her with confusion.

“Well, yes, I know him.” She was laughing, her face full of disbelief on what I did. “I know him way back fourth grade, we’re at same ballet class.”

“He’s kind of like that, right Win?” Flaire was already carrying an ice pack. “Always moody.”

“He’s an athlete.” Fate tighten my shoelaces. “He failed to bring the gold from last year in regional,” she took the ice pack and gently rest it on my bruised face.

“Then, he became so cold at everyone. Or should I say, colder.” Win added. “But that’s just the way he is. He’s born like that.” Win smirked. It turned out Win really knew him more. They must be close, or even friends.

I greeted them goodbye and waited to the bus stop. I arrived at 11, I took shower and removed the bandage. I still feel pain about it, I felt bad at my face, and also for the girl in the disco. I did my skin care and put a mask, after minutes, I throw it out. I checked my Ig and looked up some stories.

That arrogant boy, I can’t help thinking that there are people like him and having an encounter with him is the worst! But my action isn’t enough to throw him that heavy shoe. What have I done to deserve this! Wait, I still have his bracelet,

I opened my pouch but it’s not there, I look back to my table and still haven’t found it. Then I remembered going to my restroom, and so I found it.

“Akio,” the name was engraved in the bracelet. It’s silver and does looks expensive.

Thinking of how will I bring it back to him or just throw it away. Not long enough when I dozed off to sleep. I woke up 6 a.m. and headed early for jogging. It’s a sunny Sunday, and this brightens my day. I greeted Mom and Dad for breakfast.

“Are you all set for tomorrow?” asked Dad while drinking his coffee.

It’s their idea to take me to the university and I agreed with it. New school can help me meet new people.

“Don’t worry dad, everything is set.” I hid half of my face underneath my hair.

After breakfast, we headed to the Church. I greeted Jin and teased him being early today. He’s also my band mate.

When the gatherings ended, we had lunch from a resto somewhere near in the Church. We finished our lunch, Mom and I decided to go back home, while Dad finish accomplishing some papers to his office.

My phone beeped, a notif, I received a message from Grent.

Grent: free for tonight?

Snow: I have class tomorrow

Grent: It’ll be at 9, we need you Snow.

Snow: Where are you? It’s my first day of class tomorrow, better not be late

Grent: Night park

Snow: I’m in!!

I can’t even say no to them. We have night busking and it has been ages since we did busking at the night park, couldn’t say yes anymore. I missed singing to that place.

I’ve known Grent since we’re both studying in the same school. I remember when he once invited me from his band to sing to streets. First time in the Night Park was so memorable. After that, I’ve been friends with him, together with Jin, and other bandmates.

I still have time to spend the whole afternoon, so I decided to meet up with Val.

“How’s the summer camp anyways?” I took a sip to my coffee. Caffeine will help me to stay awake for tonight.

“It’s tiring,” Val deeply exhaled. “But tomorrow, I’m all prepared to be the volleyball’s manager!” he never really got tired. He’s always the one who has tons of workload to do, but still managed to handle everything in time.

“Good for you,” we continue killing our time walking in the mall.

We waited for Flaire and Win, but they never did had time to come. After still having spare time, we decided to watch a movie and ate dinner afterwards. When the movie ended, we ate our dinner and still continue asking how we spend our summer vacation.

“How’s your audition?” Val asks.

“I haven’t received any emails yet. But I probably won’t receive some.” I swallow a lump in my throat. I don’t want to be so dramatic about it.

Grent and I always hop into a lot of auditions, any types of shows and segments in different entertainment company would do, but Grent always got it, and I never got mine. But we still support each other even though our paths differ.

“You’ll get yours too. Soon.” Val smiled, giving me a warm comfort. “You can always try again.”

“I probably won’t right now…” I tried to smile. “I’m taking a business course, and going to college will stop me from doing this…” I pertained to singing.

“Don’t they know it yet?” I can feel how worried he is.

“Nope. I haven’t told them.” I sighed.

“Well, you could tell them, but only if you want to. It’s still your choice. “He reached nearer to hold my hand. “You can always have us in your back, Snow.”

The moon was already at its shine. I greeted Val our goodnights and decided to also go to the park. I ended up being late for minutes till I had reached the Night Park.

While the band is preparing and setting up the instruments, I sat and watched them. I wanted to help but they refused to. Grent came near me and gave me his guitar.

“I got accepted to a talent camp show!” His smiled so wide and his eye brightened so happily.

“Really? That’s good to hear!” I gave him a hug and I’m so happy for him reaching this stages of his music career.

“They are creating a band, an actual freaking band! Well, it’s a competition for both genders. Why not try auditioning?” He gave me a brochure and handed it in my hand.

“No,” my smile still not resting. I refused to audition. “I really can’t right now.”

“Just try, Snow. It’s open for all,” he insisted and put the brochure forcing to come inside my pocket.

“I really can’t, Grent. I should be focusing in my studies now, and you know Mom…” I completely released a sigh. “Even I got in, I can’t perform, because she’ll know.”

“Please… Try for me, give it to me as my birthday gift.” He begged.

I almost forgot, it’s his birthday this upcoming week.

“Okay, fine. I’ll think about it.” It’s really hard to refuse from him.

He burst out in completely happiness. “’I’ll think about’ is always a ‘yes’ for you, Snow.” He smirked and continue setting up our instruments.

The night is cold as expected. I took off my knitted blue sweater with my scarft and worn it. It already felt warm, making me at ease to sing.

“Here’s your copy, Snow.” Jin gave me papers, containing lyrics and guitar chords.

“Okay, let’s start!” I enlightened the band. I took off my guitar to its bag and began tuning it.

We started playing our first song. I couldn’t think any better place than this Night park in the city, this is the most romantic place I know. The street lights, trees, and the near view of the beach are perfect enough to spend time with the people you are comfortable with. We are doing our best to sing with our heart and added more love in the air.

Singing will always have a place in my heart, though my parents won’t allow me to pursue music, I will not quit singing, or I’ll singing hiding it from them. They wanted me to go in a business school, I’m the only one who can handle our company in the near future, and they’re preparing me for that.

“Okay, ‘unchained melody’ is our last song for tonight, let’s do this!” Grent cheered us up one last time.

I was all hyped out and already confident enough for tonight when I realized that it’s our last song. Though last song felt good without all the pressure and with all the peace that we had tonight, leaving is what I can’t agree with.

Ohh, my love, my darling

I’ve hungered for your touch

A long, lonely time

And time goes by so slowly

And time can do so much

Are you still mine?---

For a moment, it became motionless. I saw a boy familiar to mine. He looked down and walked off away from the band.

“Hey, arrogant boy!” I catch my breath and deeply inhaled. I was exhausted running to catch him.

He stopped and looked at me with no emotion at all. My skin is burning red making me stunned for seconds. Why am I feeling this? And why is he familiar? Aside from the Wheeler Mall, have we met somewhere before?

“Did you just called me---”

“Akio,” My face heated when I heard the tension in his voice, “You lost this...” I hurriedly showed him the bracelet out from my sweater’s pocket. I could tell that he was shocked too.

He walked near to me, and from far apart I could already smell his manly scent. I cautiously put the bracelet to his hand.

He was cold when he looks back. He continues walking creating silent distance away from me. I soon then turn my back off and leave the silence alone with the cold aura he left.

“Thank you.” His voice whispered in the air.