If this is love

Chapter II

After a discussion with my best friend, I left and went straight home.

Darlene decided to go with her newfound friends to the coffee shop nearby. She wants me to join too but I refused. I told her that I'm tired and wanted to just go home, and she agreed.

Timothy offers to walk me home and I said that would be no problem since I could use a company right now.

Our school is just 15 minutes walk from our home, and I really love walking especially before sunset it helps me clear my mind.

I also enjoyed looking at the Tudor Revival Houses in our town along with the English Oak trees. It is mesmerizing and relaxing at the same time.

“I believe that you graduated from Chugwater High.” - said Tim as we walk

“Hmm yeah! And you are not. You from Westside?” - I said

“Yeah, I live with my dad.” - he said while kicking some small stones on the road

“They said that most of the Westside folks are Gangsters, Is it true?” - I asked him

“If they think it is, what can we do?” - he replied

I can see that his mood changes, maybe I asked a question that I wasn’t supposed to ask.

“Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't meant to...”

“No no no it's fine. See you tomorrow then.”

“Yup, see you tomorrow, and thank you for walking me home.” - I said and then wave

I watched his back as he walked away from our home. What's with the sudden change of mood? Was my question offensive?

Sometimes I blame myself for not having mouth and mind cooperation.

“Who is that?” - said, my brother Kyle

“That's Timothy, my classmate.”

“First day and you already have a boyfriend?” - he looks serious

“Having someone walk you home doesn't make him your boyfriend kiddo.” - I replied and then tap his shoulder

He just shrugged.

-----

As I lay in my bed I can't stop thinking about the way Timothy looks when I asked him that question. He seemed annoyed and mad at the same time. Which I wasn't expecting because my first impression of him is jolly and humorous.

I did fell asleep while thinking of Timothy.

The next thing I know, my mom pushes the curtain in the side of the window.

It's morning already.

“Mooooom!”

“You need to wake up Hija! Breakfast is getting cold. You did not even eat dinner last night. How was school?” - asked my mom and then she robbed my forehead gently

“It's fine mom, nothing special. Mom, what do you know about the Westside folks?” - I asked curiously

“Not much, I just know that we should avoid them because most of them are gangsters, criminals, and drug dealers. Why the sudden curiosity love?” - she answered calmly

“Nothing. I'm gonna go to the bathroom. I'll be with you downstairs shortly. Love you, Mom!” - I gave her a peck and then went straight to the bathroom

After a shower, I went to the walk-in closet to pick up my uniform. Instead of wearing white socks, I picked up a black and dark brown beret.

I checked myself quickly one last time in the Antique Brass full-length floor mirror beside my fiddle-leaf fig. While staring at myself in the mirror I remember again what happened yesterday with Timothy. I sighed deeply and decided to go downstairs for breakfast.

In the dining, I didn't eat much. I just took a slice of bread and bacon and drink some pomegranate juice then I told my parents that they don't need to give me a ride to school, I want to walk. They agreed.

I also texted Darlene that I'm already on my way to school and she just said that she is busy because she was elected as a Class President and there are a lot of tasks she needs to finish. I'm happy that my best friend is already having a good time in college. I just hope that I do too.

Before heading to the assigned room for my first subject, I decided to go to the cafeteria first. To buy some chocolates.

When I enter the room I saw Ms. Geraldene Wallace our Algebra professor talking to Mr. Lopez.

“Good morning Miss.” - I smile at Ms. Wallace as I walked past them

“Good morning Ms. Cruz, what’s with the face?” - said, Mr. Lopez while smirking at me

“Good... Morning Mr. Lopez, what do you mean?” - I said acting innocent. What the hell is his problem?

“Nevermind, you didn't even say good morning to me at first.” - he smiles awkwardly and I saw some of my girl classmates roll their eyes at me

What the! What is he trying to prove? Is he making fun of me?

I tried hard to keep my face normal but this man really is something.

“I'm so sorry sir I wasn’t informed that you were here.” - I said sarcastically and walked directly to my seat

I can see in my peripheral vision that he is still smiling but I chose to ignore it. Not a good thing to start my day.

As I reached my seat I look for Timothy and saw him sitting in front. I went there and hand him the chocolate I bought in the cafeteria.

“I figured that I owe you for being so insensitive and asking an irrelevant question yesterday.”

He smiles genuinely. He really is nice. I smiled back and point at my seat. He nods.

-----

Time flies just like yesterday.

It is lunchtime and I texted Darlene if she wants to join me for lunch. She did not reply I assume she's still busy with her task.

I sit at the vacant table in the right corner of the cafeteria. I got Ceasar’s Salad on my plate. I don't have an appetite.

Someone sits in the vacant chair in front of me.

“Have you thought about the thing I told you yesterday?” - Mr. Lopez

“Uhm... Hi... Actually, I already thought about it. I might consider joining since it is the school band. Are you a member too Mr. Lopez?”

“Of course, I'm the lead guitarist. Tell me, you're a rockstar. Does your band play other genres?”

“Uhm yeah.” - I nod three times

“We do play rock, pop, and acoustics as well.”

“That's nice. Come visit me at my office in your spare time so we can talk about the details of your joining the campus’s band. Alright?”

“Sure!”

And then he walked away.

I didn't actually think about joining the campus’s band it’s just my instinct is telling me that I need to join. Weird.

----

After our last class, I decided that I will stop by Mr. Lopez’s office. I already informed him on the last period that I’ll stop by after class and he agreed says he was free that time.

I knock three times before turning the knob.

“Come in.”

“Hi, sir.”

“Hi. Uhm since you already agreed I believe you need to meet the band members. Rehearsal’s after class in the music room. And to set clear expectations rehearsal’s very important, especially if there is an event coming. Knowing our school event here is everywhere because of the school clubs.”

I just nod at everything he said. Then someone knocks then enters the room.

“Sir everything is arranged in the music room. Everyone is ready for the jam.” - said the boy who enters the room. He has curly hair and a dark skin tone. He's not as tall as Timothy or Mr. Lopez maybe he’s 5’6.

“Thank you, Dior. This is Gwen the new vocalist of the band since Jenine already graduated. And Gwen, this is Dior our rhythm.” - said Mr. Lopez while pointing at me and then to Dior.

I just smile and waved to Dior. He does the same.

“I forgot to mention Gwen, we're gonna jam. Shall we?” - he pointed to the door instructing me to go out and went to the music room. He looks excited.

I feel nervous all I can think is I'm a newcomer. I going to have a hard time blending with them. All of them are my seniors. They already knew each other.

As I walked inside the music room I can see that everything is already in place. They are wooing when they saw us. They high-fived and Mr. Lopez introduce us to each other.

Bassist - Thomas (4th year in Engineering)

Rhythm - Dior (2nd year in Political Science)

Lead Guitarist - Mr. Lopez (English Professor)

Drummer - Elias (2nd year in Architecture)

Vocalist - Gwen (1st year in Political Science)

After the introduction, we went to our positions.

They do some sound check and then we start jamming. Our first song is “My Heart” by Paramore.

“I am finding out, that maybe I was wrong...”

They all looked at me and then smile.

“That I'm falling down, and I can’t do this alone...”

“Stay with me, this is what I need please...”

I already have confidence at this moment. I closed my eyes.

“Sing us a song... And we’ll sing it back to you.”

“We could sing our own but what would it be without you hah hah...”

When I open my eyes I saw Mr. Lopez staring at me. I suddenly felt butterflies in my stomach and I'm not sure the reason why. I tried to focus as I started to sing the second verse.

“I am nothing now, and it's been so long.”

“Since I've heard the sound, the sound of my only hope...”

I looked at him and saw that he was still staring at me. I felt the butterflies in my stomach going to explode. I stop... I stop singing. What is it I'm feeling? And why he keeps on staring at me?

I heard Thomas claps then speak.

“Wow! That's a pretty good timbre of voice.” - said Thomas

“I told you guys, she has it.” - Mr. Lopez

“It seems like I'm listening to Hayley Williams live.” - Dior

I just laughed but the nervousness still echoes in my voice.

“You guys are overacting. Manage your expectations silly. I wasn't able to finish it.” - I said

“You’re right! We did not finish it but you killed it.” - Mr. Lopez

“Appreciate the compliments, Mr. Lopez.” - I smiled

“Call me Hades whenever we're at the rehearsal. I'm not your professor here. I'm your bandmate.” - said Mr. Lopez while leveling his face with mine.

I don't why but I felt like my chest is gonna burst. It's like I drank a lot of coffee and I'm having palpitation.

I'm not sure what to answer so I just nod.

“Alright, guys I think we had enough for today, see you again tomorrow. Thank you.” - Hades

“Thanks too bro, see you tomorrow. Nice meeting you Gwen!” - they said and then walk away

Now it's me and Hades that’s left. Awkward.

“Uhm... Thank you, Hades. Just please stop staring at me during the rehearsal or maybe you can minimize it.”

He comes closer to me and bends down, his face is near mine.

“Why Gwen? Am I distracting you?” - he said in a lower voice

I felt that there was some kind of electricity running in my body. I just stood for a second unable to respond.

He grinned at me and walk away slowly.

“See you tomorrow, Guinevere...”

It was late when I realize that he was gone.

----

While I'm on my way home I saw Timothy with his friends outside the Curzon Soho, the coffee shop near school. They were smoking. I was slightly shocked. I was about to ignore them until Tim called me.

“Gwen!”

He run towards me. I look at him and his hand, he still holding the cigarette in his right hand.

He looks at me and throws the cigarette butt.

“I didn't see you after the last period. Where have you been?” - he said trying to pick up my pace

“I was in the music room for rehearsal. I decided to join the campus’s band.” - I said without looking at him

I don't why but I feel irritated when I saw him smoking.

“You mean Mr. Lopez's band?” - he shrugged.

“Band name is Montana Sunrise, not Mr. Lopez’s band.” - I said and I glance at him

“Whatever! Are you free tonight? Maybe we can grab some snacks, coffee?” - he said with puppy eyes

I tap him on the shoulder.

“You're cute but I'm tired. How about tomorrow?” - I said smiling

“For real? Yes! Tomorrow it is.” - he said his eyes are glowing

“Thanks again for walking me home Tim, see you.” - I left him in front of our house before he can even say a word.

But I was smiling. Big smile.

----

I took a shower before going to bed.

I stared at the stipple ceiling of my room.

I remember what happened in the music room.

I got nervous again, that feeling of butterflies going to explode, the palpitations.

Why the thought of him made me feel like this?

I heard a beep from my laptop.

Someone sent me a message.

Unknown: Have a good night Guinevere...

I frowned. Who is this?