CHAPTER 5
1031 Words
I never missed a single session on the bistro.
Music is, was and will always be my first love that I have to screw everything else except this one. But these past few days, I have been inactive because of taking care of my sister. Even if I Pops let me off for a few days, I knew I was needed there.
So I decided to drop by the bistro to catch up. And just when I was about to open the transparent door, Lawrence came running to me like a troubled old woman who suffered from arthritis.
"Why are you here?" I raised an eyebrow for his high-toned voice at me.
"Why are you angry?" His face suddenly dropped and the creases on his forehead vanished after realizing how he spoke to me.
Why does Lawrence have to be so hysterical sometimes? I kinda think there might really be an old woman inside of him during these segments.
"I'm sorry, Heffy." He cleared his throat and held my arm. "I mean, you didn't have to come here yet. I know your situations's very difficult. I explained to Pops anyway and---"
"That's exactly why I'm here. I need to freshen up and unwind. Won't you let me do that?" His eyes widened and shook his head.
He immediately accompanied me inside and even pulled a chair for me.
I laughed at this side of Lawrence.
He's always so attentive and caring during my weakest.
Like back in middle school when my goldfish died and I have to mourn for months because my Mom accidentally flushed it in the toilet, Lawrence cheered for me and took care of me when I was missing out in class.
"What?" He said irritated.
I didn't realize I was staring at him for too long while he was laying a plate of pasta and a root beer on my table.
I laughed once again, realizing that this side of his only comes on special occasions ㅡ once in a blue moon I guess. Because everyday, he turns back to being the 'Bully Lawrence' he is.
"Nothing, Carty. You're just extremely sweet today." I said twisting some pasta on my fork.
He blushed. "I am not!"
He looked away and finally walked out when his face turn bright red. When he came back, my band mates and Pops were already with him.
"Robyn, your eyes!" I glared at Samuel.
Lawrence smacked him on the chest.
"So how's she doing, Robs?" I took the time to tell them that there's nothing to worry about Rachaela.
We also had a chance to talk about the happenings I missed today. And for a second, I felt alive. They all took the effort of making me laugh and forget about what happened which I really appreciated.
"I wanna sing tonight." I blurted.
My band mates' faces suddenly brightened up. Out of excitement, they went to carry me to the stage and pulled the stool where I usually sit on.
"Hey! Wait!" Lawrence tried to stop them and put me down, but I was unstoppable ㅡ they were unstoppable.
It was in high school when we decided to form a band. Leroy on drums, Samuel on keyboard, Lawrence on bass and I on vocals. I didn't actually enter college so I can attend seminars and workshops on the field of performing arts. A decision where I was greatly scolded by my parents, but in the end were forced to accept me being a musician and not a future architect.
After I finished high school, that's when I gave my whole attention in creating this band.
At first, we wanted to get really popular so people would know our music. But later realized the consequences it might bring when we're at it. We had the chance to make it to the music industry and aim for awards, concerts and recording contracts if we want to. But we chose the quiet life. We have not reached a breaking point where our music has reached record labels and international recording studios, we don't even earn well and I'm not even sure if our band would be written in history. The important thing is we were more of like a group of friends sharing their craft and just having fun together.
Although, our band does get invited on events and music shows from time to time, but when offered with contracts, we humbly decline their offers and say no, for we already found a home in this bistro with Pops. And our life as regulars here become part of our bloodline, it runs in our systems.
Supposed to be that my visit was just going to be in a jiffy, but I ended up coming up on stage and holding my beloved microphone. This was personalized and one composer gave me this as a token of gratitude.
Up until now, I hold on to this dearly because of the many moments we've shared while I was using this.
"Good evening, everybody! How are you today?"
The crowd went wild. I have seen some familiar faces who come to this bistro often. Men and women, mostly who are either a fan of our music or a fan of these boys at my back.
"I'm sorry for being gone for a long time. But worry not!" I smiled. "We're here to give you some good music! Are you already?"
The people cheered for us. Some with their fists punching the air, some with their hands placed on the sides of their lips shouting, some with hopeful eyes just waiting for us to start playing. This is the adrenaline I live for. The life I have always wanted, to sing my heart our and just mute the world for its chaotic timeline.
Just the band, the music and the people in one world. God, how I itched for this!
"Are you sure you're okay to do this?"
"Just do your thing Carty, and I'll do mine." We'll unleash our souls tonight." He giggled and that alone made me feel alright.
Leroy made the starting sound with the drumsticks and that was our cue, we're gonna rock this house tonight.
- Writer
