Chapter 2
1653 Words
BARBIE was looking at the key on the guy’s palm for a few seconds before she turned to look at his face.
“I’m sorry,” was all he had said when their eyes met.
“Fine. But next time, be careful in driving. Just because you have a car, that doesn’t mean you can do anything on the road. You may be good-looking, but you’re rude,” Barbie said, frankly. She did not wait for the guy to reply, she took Genevieve’s hand and they turned back.
“Oops! You’re squeezing my hand too tight. Hey, I’m not the enemy here,” Genevieve told her as soon as they were away from the group of the rude guy.
“Oh. I’m sorry,” Barbie said as she loosened her grip. “I was just so disgusted. Those guys were covering up each other’s fault.”
“Well, in fairness, what you did was right. Kurt was good-looking but he was also rude. I thought you will be mesmerized by his looks and that you might forget your anger this morning.”
Barbie rolled her eyes upon hearing her friend’s remark.
“I’M GOING to join this,” Barbie said while looking at the bulletin board of USHS.
“You’re joining the chorale group?” Genevieve asked in disbelief.
“No, not that. But here,” Barbie answered as she points to the announcement on the bulletin board.
“Rondalla? Do you know how to use musical instruments?” Genevieve was looking at her in complete unbelief.
“Of course! I have been playing the bandurria since I was young. I was even a member of Rondalla when I was in Junior High,” Barbie said confidently.
Genevieve widened her eyes. “Really? What does a bandurria look like? Is that a small guitar?”
“No, it’s not. You might be referring to the ukulele. But the bandurria I’m referring to is different. It has more strings than a guitar or violin.”
“Ah, okay,” Genevieve nodded.
Barbie wanted to laugh at her friend’s expression on her face. She was not sure if Genevieve understood what she had just explained. As far as she knew, there are only a few people are interested in musical instruments.
“I’m going to get my bandurria at home. So, I can join the audition next week. Please come with me. I need moral support.”
“Alright, I’ll be there to cheer you up. I will make it sure to give the loudest clap among the audience.”
Barbie just smiled at what Genevieve said.
“HEY, WAIT a minute! Are we going home now?” Genevieve asked as soon as they went out of the gymnasium that afternoon.
“Of course! Why? Are you planning to go somewhere else?” Barbie was surprised at her friend’s question.
“No, I’m not going anywhere. But I saw Mr. Handsome outside. I think he is coming over.” Genevieve was looking at somebody else.
Barbie’s brow furrowed. “Who is this Mr. Handsome you are referring to?”
“I mean, the guy whom you had talked to last week. He’s walking towards us.”
Barbie followed with her eyes what Genevieve was looking at. She smirked when she recognized the guy.
“Genevieve, we should be going. Don’t mind them.” She pulled her friend’s hand. But before they could go far, the guy blocked their way.
“Wait, Miss…” he said, a smile was plastered on his face.
Barbie rolled her eyes.
Oh, s**t! Why do you have to be so good-looking? I could easily evade you if not only for that damned face.
“What do you want? We were done talking, right? You don’t need to come near me,” she said sarcastically. She does not know whom to get irritated with, with this guy or with herself? She was having a hard time controlling herself to admire the good-looking guy even if she knew that he was rude. From what she had heard about him, he was a famous basketball player but with an attitude problem. He was known as Mr. Arrogant of the Hardcourt because of his attitude. He was not only proud and boastful but also a snob.
“I just want to introduce myself properly,” he said smiling.
She blew some air.
Shit!
“That is not necessary. We already know you. I know you are famous here in SMU,” Barbie said annoyingly. She turned to her friend. “Let’s go.” She turned the other way and started walking.
But she had just taken two steps when Kurt stood in front of her.
“Please don’t try to avoid me. I want to know you so I can make amends,” he said in a humble tone.
When Barbie looked at his face, she could read the sincerity of his tone.
“Okay. I am Barbara Francisco. You can call me Barbie.”
“My name is Genevieve Montes,” her friend interrupted.
Barbie was even surprised when Genevieve raised her hand to Kurt. Even her friend was mesmerized by Kurt.
“Hi! I am Kurt Brent Andrade. You may call me Kurt or KB.” He smiled widely and accepted Genevieve’s hand.
After the handshake, he raised his hand towards her. Barbie was taken aback. She was looking at Kurt’s hand for quite a while. He has a big palm and his nails look clean.
Would she accept his hand? She could sense that Kurt will not put down his hand so, she accepted the handshake. When he clasped her hand, she could feel a current flowed within her. His hand was warm while she suddenly felt cold.
“Nice meeting you, Barbie,” Kurt said while smiling at her. Then he glanced at her friend. “I’m glad to meet you, too, Genevieve.”
When Kurt looked at her again, he was still smiling. Even his hand was still on hers. She felt weird so she pulled her hand.
“Glad to meet you, too, Kurt,” she said shyly. She could not look straight into his eyes. “But we had to go. C’mon, Genevieve.” She looked at her friend.
“Okay. I’ll see you around,” Kurt said. The smile didn’t leave his lips.
She just nodded and they went on their way. When she tried to look back. Kurt was still smiling and waving after them. Her knees felt like jelly. She had to hold on tightly at Genevieve’s arm for support.
“I’M SO nervous! My hands felt like ice.” Barbie was shaking her hands while talking to Genevieve. They were seated at the third row of the Auditorium. They were waiting for the announcer to call her name.
“Hey, relax. You have been playing bandurria since you were a child. Right?” Genevieve tried to hold her hands.
“I can’t help but be nervous. The participants were all good. I might not pass the audition,” she sighed.
“Think positive! Give the best you can.” Genevieve patted her on the shoulder.
Barbie did not answer back. She tried to calm herself. She might not be able to play her bandurria properly if she is too nervous.
A few minutes later, Barbie’s name was called. She stood up at once.
“Think positive,” Genevieve whispered as she held both of her hands.
Barbie smiled back before she started to walk towards the stage. As soon as she reached the center stage, she started to play with her bandurria. She chose the song A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. When she finished playing the song, she was greeted with applause from the audience. She bowed a little before she went back to her seat.
“You were so good!” Genevieve hugged her when she reached their seat.
“Thank you. But we are not yet sure if I passed the audition,” she said. But she had given her best for that performance. Whatever will be the result, she just had to accept it.
When the announcer came back on the stage, Barbie was in a cold sweat. She closed her eyes and listen attentively.
“Good evening to everyone! Here is the result of the audition. To those who will be called, please come up on stage. Let us start with Arriane Suarez. Next is…”
One by one the announcer called out names.
“…Barbara Francisco…”
Suddenly Barbie opened her eyes.
“Your name was called!” Genevieve stood up clapping her hands. “You should go to the stage now!” she shouted at her.
Barbie stood up and hugged her friend before she went to the stage.
“SEE WHAT I told you, just think positive. Look what happened, you passed the audition,” Genevieve said while they were walking back to the dorm.
“Yeah, I know. That’s why I’m grateful that you came with me.” Barbie was smiling happily.
“Of course, I’m your best friend. I will always support you.” Genevieve smiled back.
They continued walking until they passed by the gymnasium. Then suddenly, a car stopped in front of them. When its door opened, Kurt came out.
“Hey, ladies, it’s late! Where have you been?” he asked while walking towards them.
- Writer
