Tangled in Notes

Chapter Thirteen

After that incident that happened last Saturday, I never talked to any member of the music club that Monday except Armin. I was too mad to the point that I couldn’t bring myself to talk to the others and it’s all because of that grumpy midget who destroys things he doesn’t own.

I was over acting. I know. But I cherished that snowball more than the people around me. More than my second parents; more than Armin. Not even close to how I care for Jaimee. It was something I carried with me for the past twelve years of my life. It was something my dad gave me before he left. It was where I kept every memory I had with dad.

I shouldn't act this way because of that simple thing but it can't be helped. Dad meant the world to me and it was the only thing I had from him. I value that snow ball so much and if killing people were an option to bring it back, I’d do it. That’s how important it is to me. When I had no one to talk to, I could feel dad’s presence in there. It makes me feel better and comfortable.

I sighed and finally decided to show myself in the club. This is all fine, Julia. You're stronger than what you look. Yesterday - Sunday - I went grocery shopping. It cost me a lot of money and — I don't know why I feel so regretful in so many ways.

During lunch break, I ate with Armin. He told me to calm myself down but how can I do that? My life keeps getting ruined every time. "You're going over board, Julia." He paused and turned to me.

"Hm." I frowned. “You know how I feel about that snow ball, Min. It’s not like you don’t know.” I turned to him acting innocently. This lettuce definitely tastes good.

"You're so irritated by Jared yet now you're acting almost like him."

I froze. Yet now you're acting almost like him. . . Armin’s always right. I hate him for that matter. Am I? I sighed. "I guess you're right. I got too angry. I'm sorry."

"No. I'm not saying you're wrong but—"

"No. You're right. It's just a stupid snowball I kept for a long time. I was too sensitive, right? I don't want to be like Jared."

He looked down.

"I'll go later, okay? Geez.” I rolled my eyes and yelled at him. “I feel so sorry after all."

"It was his fault. I'm not saying you should apologize to him because in the first place, it was him who broke your snowball and I know how much that meant to you despite the fact that you told us not to enter your room. You have every right to be angry."

I smiled with a nod. "I'll see you later, Min." I stood and walked away. I was wrong. I accept that.

I walked towards music club with a very nervous heart. I was called for another – yes – another paperwork and it got me frustrated. Even so, I went there and do it anyway. "All you have to do is write something to excite the ones who'll watch the girls' showcase."

I nodded at Karen. "I'll do my best."

She smiled and walked away.

I pressed my lips together. It was shocking because usually, Jared gives me the orders, not someone else. It seems like we were both avoiding each other? This is so awkward.

I’m not actually the type of person who grows grudge towards another person. I hate that. I’m not like that. I don’t want people hating me and I don’t want to hate them as well. I wasn't able to use the studio because they were all occupied. I headed to the hall of practice room and peeked through the glass for a vacant one.

I sighed in relief and entered an empty practice room. I was about to groan and moan from my stretch when my eyes met a pair of — you know who.

I cleared my throat and awkwardly stood there frozen hearing the door shut by itself. I looked around the practice room that looked normal and nothing new. I was looking at my reflection at the mirror and I could also see his.

I would apologize for yelling at him yesterday right now but seeing him at this moment brings back all the anger I felt towards him. Why would I apologize? He was the one who broke my ball. He should apologize!

"I guess I wasn't the only one looking for a place to stay." I mumbled turning around. I said and walked towards the door. I touched the metallic cold knob – just like the grumpy midget – and turned it.

"Sorry."

I froze and my eyes wandered up the glass door. The cold sensation of the knob I was holding ran through my bloodstream. Electricity was everywhere as my heart started beating fast in a reason I don't know. It just started beating that I even felt butterflies in my stomach.

I hear him sigh since it was just the two of us inside, I could hear even the slightest move he makes. "Sorry for breaking your snowball. I know I shouldn't have entered your room. I'm sorry. Sorry for yelling at you that morning for coming late. I didn't know you were sick."

A thin smile formed in my lips. I had this giddy feeling and my heart also felt like melting. I didn't know how sweet that sounded just now. It felt nice to hear those words from him- especially from someone like him.

I turned to him with a smile. He was looking down and he had no idea how cute he looked right now. "I over reacted. I'm sorry for yelling at you for a petty reason."

"It was my fault."

I stared at him still not looking directly at me. "I don't hear sincerity."

"Then what do you want me to—?!" He looked up to me and I arched a brow. Oh. So it was just a speech he prepared? Great. His brows creased. "Look, I’m sorry okay? I don’t normally apologize to people so you should be honored.”

Oh. So I’m the one who should be honored now. "Whatever."

I was about to leave when he spoke again. Nothing made me more delighted after hearing him say. . . "Fine. I'll do it."

I turned to him slowly not believing what he just said. So him breaking a stuff of mine can easily make him agree to my— So, that was the way dad gave me to convince him.

"Don't take this the wrong way, Burton. I don't want my members to know about this so keep this in the low profile. I'm doing this to repay what I broke from you." He slightly rolled his eyes and I grinned widely. “We’re even.”

I ran to him and jumped next to him. "Really? Really? Really? Really?! Wow!" I exclaimed and smiled so wide. I started jumping from my position. I held his arms as I continued to jump.

He jerked me away from him. "Don't be too confident. I might give up on you." He started walking away but I opened my mouth.

"I,” I paused when he started walking then he stopped not turning to me. “I’m not a person who gives up easily!" I raised a thumb although he couldn't see it. I smiled again when he left the room and I jumped around. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

I might have broken the snowball you gave me dad, but this time, I'm finally achieving my dream and promise to you. I smiled at the thought.

I walked my way towards Toy Empire and my boss greeted me worriedly asking why I was absent yesterday but it's a good thing he always understands me and excuses me for that matter.

After my shift at Toy Empire, I headed towards Diamond Dust next. It was already 7:30 and I was really hungry. I couldn't eat but I can endure thi—I coughed. Oh no — I can endure this. Just one more shift then I can have a rest.

After my shift at Diamond Dust, I headed towards Qualiteas next. It was already 10 when I finished work. I was really hungry. Gosh. I should eat something.

I grabbed my water in my bag and drank it one shot. I ate my bread and started my job. It wasn't that really hard but it made me tired anyway.

When I reached the apartelle, I felt so happy. I was so tired and hungry and I just couldn't wait to lie down and eat something.

I went up to the elevator and — I slowly walked up to my apartment door only to find a guy crouched down in the floor. He looked like he was shivering. I smiled. Just by looking at the back, I could recognize that it was Armin.

"What are you doing here?" I whispered and softly tapped his shoulder. He raised his head and his eyes. . . they were already droopy and sleepy and lifeless.

He quickly stood and I laughed.

"Hey. What are you doing here right now?" I asked and he fidgeted something from his hand. I looked down and saw plastic. I wondered.

"Are you stupid?! Why are you here only now?! Are you crazy?!"

I chuckled and raised a brow. "No. I just got home from work and no." I answered and he clucked his tongue.

"Why are you still working at this time of night? What if something happens to you? Seriously? It’s almost twelve?! You should’ve been here by eleven!"

I chuckled. "Why are you even here?" I asked and he looked down.

"Mom wanted me to bring you these dishes she cooked. So I came. She said you loved them so she asked me to drop by and give you this."

"How long were you waiting for me?"

"Three hours."

I laughed. I unlocked my door and opened the door enough for him to enter. “Come on in. Let’s eat it together. Besides, I’m already hungry.”