Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Girl, Can I tell you a wonderful thing?

"Guys, where have you been?" Zack asked.

I wiped my sweat before sitting beside him. Gab placed her guitar on the side.

"I borrowed the harp from the music room," I replied. I wasn't able to bring my harp for the performance today. I was lucky because I know the President of the music club, so they let me borrow the harp. "Who's next?" I fixed my vest before looking at the stage.

"Aae," Gab replied. She combed her hair blown away while we are running.

"He's gonna play cello," Zack added.

I turned to see Aae walking on stage. He positioned himself in front of the cello. Oh, I thought he's going to play guitar.

"He knows how to play the cello?" I circled my mouth. "Woah."

"I also know how to play the cello," Zack muttered.

"Yeah, yeah. We know," I reacted. '

I heard him hissed. Psh! What's up with him? It's new for him to brag about the things he knew.

"Aae will soon get your spot." Gab stuck out her tongue.

"Will he?" Zack meaningfully glanced at me.

I was about to answer when Aae started playing. The cello was resting in his chest, and he had his eyes close. He looked serene, just like the melody of the song he was playing. I recognized it. Now, I was sure he was also a fan of Mayday Parade.

"What's that song?" Gab whispered.

"Mayday Parade," I answered. I lowered my voice not to break the silence. "You be the anchor that keeps my feet on the ground," I said.

"You have the same music taste, huh."

I agreed with Gab.

"Psh!" Zack retorted.

"What?" I eyed him. "You don't like Mayday Parade."

"I never said I don't like them." He pouted.

Before I could say anything, he stood up. I followed his back until he sat beside the boys in front.

"Woah, what was that?" I raised an eyebrow. "He's unpredictable," I wagged my head in disbelief.

"And you're Baka!" Gab mimicked our expressions.

Tsk. I glanced at Zack for a second. He didn't look back, so I let him be. Duh! He's like a girl with mood swings.

Aae ended the song with the chorus. He received applause from us upon making his way down. I saw him glanced at the group of girls waiting near the stage. They're from the other section. Oh, he's getting famous. Well, there's no doubt about that.

"Should I sing too?" Gab asked. It was her turned to play.

"Mayday Parade songs please," I requested. Though, I know she wouldn't honor that. She's a Coldplay fan, so I wasn't surprised when she played Yellow.

Gab's voice was soft and cold. I always envied her talent in singing. She used to be in a band but had to give it up to focus on her study. Her parents never supported her liking to those kinds of things.

"I missed your voice," I reacted.

"I missed myself too." She formed a sad smile.

I tapped her shoulder before making my way to the aisle. I was nervous, though I've been playing harp since I was a kid.

I played my favourite song and hummed on the tune. I remembered my brother while I was playing. He used to watch me play. I decided to stop after the chorus. I don't want to let my tears flow in front of them.

"Woah, Zee, you're amazing!" I heard Charish on my way down.

"Isn't that hard to play?" Geralt asked.

"Nope," I answered. "Violin is much harder."

"And Zack's gonna play it," Chad teasingly smiled.

I frowned with a smile.

Gab was waiting on the side aisle. Her eyes were already focused on Zack. I was half the aisle when Zack started playing. I quickly turned to the stage.

I gasped upon hearing the song I've pinned in my playlist.

You gotta be kidding me!

Zack is playing a Mayday Parade song.

He is playing my favourite song. When did he learn that?

I was not to assume the performance was for me, but the way he gazed at the aisle while his hand slowly moved the bow made me at ease. No matter how many times Zack annoyed me, his whole existence still spoke serenity.

"Is there anything Zack can't do?" Gab asked as I sat beside her. I tried to hide my smile, but couldn't. Zack got me the moment I heard him play my favorite song - I swear this time I mean it.

Should I ask for song covers? I want to set his cover as my ringtone.

"He can't dance. He failed Modern Dance during seventh grade." I recalled the scene. He was okay with failing, but I taught him how to dance the waltz and performed with him.

"Yeah, right, But, c'mon, he did learn. Sometimes I think he just pretends not to know everything because he'd be too perfect."

I agreed with Gab. There's no point in denying the truth. I've been looking forward each day to whatever he was up to that would amaze me. He never failed.

We all applauded after his performance. He made his way down the stairs, where a group of girls from other sections were waiting for him. They started talking to him or more like flirting, and the nerve of him responding casually. He's even laughing with them. Well, a lot of girls have their eyes on him. I wondered why he doesn't even date.

"Me, seeing how amazing Zack right now makes me realize I'm crushing on him," Gab said in a dreamy voice.

I burst into awe. "Are you serious?"

"Woah, I like that look in you, Zee." Gab's face turned into amusement.

"I'm kidding." She stared.

I know that stare.

"Whatever you're brewing, Gab, I don't wanna hear it." I eyed her.

"Okay, okay, fine." She raised her hand. "I quit. But, did it ever occur to you, just once?" she curiously asked.

"What?"

"You know what I'm talking about," she grinned.

I ignored her question. I focused on the stage.

"Well, there's Aae too." She pointed at Aae. A group of girls was trying to flirt with him while he gave them his bored look. Unlike Zack, who was enjoying the girls. Tsk.

"Why are you telling me that?"

"Nothing." She widened her smile. "Just thought of some triangles."

"What triangles?" I scowled. "What is this Geometry? I suck at that."

"It's okay they're good at math," she replied.

I raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

She just chuckled.

I didn't grasp what she was saying. Why is she my friend again?

-

I almost stumbled upon opening the door. Aae sternly looked at me.

"What time is your competition?" he automatically asked. I guess he was waiting for me. How long has he been standing outside my door?

"Uhm, it's one in the afternoon," I answered.

He glanced at his watch before turning to me. "You're early."

"I'll visit my therapist," I said, avoiding his gaze. I zipped my bag after making sure I brought everything.

Aae nodded a little. I waited for his words, but he just stared at me for a minute. Ugh! He really has a habit of making me feel awkward. I hate it.

"Uhm, it's in ULTRA. It will take you fifteen to eighteen songs if you ride the bus," I thought of saying. What else can I say?

He bit his lower lip. I sensed he was going to say something but decided not to.

I counted one, two, three before saying, "I'll be off."

It's awkward.

Why is he staring at me like that? It felt like he was looking at my soul.

Ugh! His existence had been bothering me for the past days. Why is he like that?

"What's bothering you?" Dr. Jean, my therapist, asked. She noticed the irritation in my face as I went inside.

She leaned on his swivel chair while her eyes focused on me. It was a look that could see even my deep emotions.

"Is it a guy?" She pursed her lips. She put her elbow in the table without removing her gaze.

"Can you really read minds?" I curiously asked.

How do psychologists do that? I haven't said anything.

Dr. Jean laughed. "We don't read minds. We observe behavior, Zee."

"Well, yeah. It's a guy," I replied. There is no point in lying. She knew me.

"I can sense it's a different guy," She inched her eyes. "He's not the guy you use to talk about, right?"

I arched my brows. "How did you know that?"

"Hmm, it's simple." She placed the pen at the side of her mouth. It's a gesture I recognized whenever she was thinking of her deduction while observing me. "You're disturbed."

"It's awkward." I started. "I have this feeling of." I tried to find the words.

I scratched my head out of frustration. "I don't know."

"Do you like his presence?" Dr. Jean scanned me.

I inch my lips. "Uh, sort of."

"What, sort of?"

"I want to talk to him, but usually end up speechless."

"Do you like him?" Dr. Jean straightforwardly asked.

Do I like him?

What is it feel to like someone?

Ugh! Stop thinking, Zee! You have your meet.

I tried to clear my thoughts until I reached the venue for the meet. After changing my clothes, I went out.

"Hey!" I almost jumped upon hearing his voice. Gosh! He'll be the death of me.

I gasped. Aae was leaning on the wall. He stroked his hair before putting his hand on his pockets. His cheeks were flushed. It must be the warmth of the sun on the outside. I imagined how evident would it be when Aae blush.

"Uhm, hi. What are you doing here?"

"It's twenty songs." He pulled the phone in his pocket and waved it a little.

"Oh!" I widened my eyes. "Did you go here just to check on that?" I unbelievably asked though a smile crossed on my face. "I was referring to the entrance, but it's twenty songs if you plan to go directly to the changing room."

"Well, I just want to prove it isn't always accurate." He turned to the other way like a caught kid. Now, I wasn't sure if those blushed cheeks were because of the sun or it's something else. He's cute.

"Then, how about you find out how many songs would it take for me to finish the course?" I smiled. "Thanks for coming today. I'll go ahead." I awkwardly waved before passing by him.

He nodded. "God bless."

I need all the cheer I could get. I couldn't help thinking about how thoughtful Aae was. But, my thoughts about him automatically faded when the meet announcer called our names.

I heaved.

My hands were shaking as I put my goggles on. I could feel my chest tightened. I heard Gab cheering on the sides with our classmates. Chad's voice echoed as I positioned myself. I heard gossips around me. They're talking about the accident that happened. I suddenly jerked at the thought of everyone staring at me.

Damn! Zee, calm down!

I clutched to my chest. Suddenly, I felt my ears ringing. It hurts. I heard the mark and had to breathe air before diving in. The water was gushing through my skin. It was surreal. It felt like it's my first time breathing underwater. Slowly, there was a feeling of panic crawling in my skin. I felt like drowning, yet I was not drowning.

I followed Dr. Jean's advice. I started reminiscing happy memories, but those moments where of my brother's. How can I forget about him when the happiest one includes him?

I tried to change my thoughts and started thinking about my friends, Gab, Zack. It somehow worked, but I lost many seconds. I ended 4th. My lungs shouted frustration on my way out. I dashed to the changing room and spent minutes until I was the only left.

"Zee!" Gab stood up upon seeing me. She clutched her sling bag to the side. I could no longer see the rest of my classmates who cheered for me. They must have gone home. Gab had been waiting for long.

I checked my watch and appreciated the hour she spent waiting for me.

Wait, where's Zack?

I didn't hear him cheering a while ago. Where the hell is he?

I clamped my hair out of frustration.

I was used to seeing him every after the game, but he must have forgotten about my meet. He didn't call and didn't leave good luck. Ugh, I hate him.

"Hey, sorry. Just 4th." I greeted her with a smile. I tried to hide my frustration. I don't want her to worry about me, though it's evident.

"Not bad, Zee. I'll know you'll make it before the opening of the inter-high school competition. For now, how about we eat? It's my treat for doing your best." She clung to my arms. She was trying to put a smile on her face, but her eyes showed sadness.

"Sure. I'm starving!" I replied. "I don't know what to do without you," I added.

"You have me." She hugged me. "Anyways, Zack said he can't make it. Football training, you know how much pressure he has now that they're aiming for 4-peat."

I pouted. Zack always makes it no matter how busy he is. Why can't he now? I'm not going to talk to him. Hmph!

"Well, nevermind him. It's our date!"

Gab and I went to our favorite Italian restaurant. It's across the town.

"I want Tagliatelle al ragu - this." She pointed at the menu when she couldn't pronounce the words properly. This was the reason why we hated ordering in restaurants. Zack always ordered food for us, but he wasn't here.

The waiter laughed a little and started pronouncing the words correctly.

"Woah," Gab shook her head. "It's just spaghetti with bolognese. Why makes it complicated?"

I chuckled before saying, "I want Pasta Carbonara."

"Oh, add Italian cream cake," Gab added before closing the menu book.

I checked the menu and raised an eyebrow upon seeing how much it will cost Gab. "That's a lot."

"Don't worry. We have this." She pulled a card from her pocket. I thought it was her credit card, but it was black with the logo of a company I recognized. "VIP card," she grinned.

"Oh," I remembered. "I have that too," I search for my pocket and showed it to the waiter.

The waiter amazingly looked at us. "You know the owner?" He couldn't help but ask, realizing it was a card that allowed us to dine in this restaurant for free. It's a limited card given to a few people.

The waiter surveyed us. "You know the owner?" He asked. "It's a limited card given to few people to dine in this restaurant for free," he explained.

"We know the son of the owner," Gab replied.

"Okay, Ma'am. I'll take your order. Please wait a minute." He made a curtsy before turning away.

"Zack is a life and money savior," Gab said as she kept the card in his pocket. "Should we ask for more of this? How about the hotel VIP card?"

"That's a good idea, considering he didn't show up on my meet," I frowned.

"Don't worry, we ate for free because of his card," Gab happily said.

I rolled my eyes. "You said it's your treat, huh."

"Did I say that?" She innocently blinked.

"Oh, it's raining," I reacted upon seeing the droplets of water falling from the sky.

I couldn't help but think of Aae. How sure is he that it's going to rain? I thought the weather forecast in the country wasn't accurate. Well, it must be luck or coincidence. Whatever it is, it saved me from getting chills.

Gab was fetched by their driver at the main gate, while I decided to walk. It's not pouring much, so I was able to enjoy the walk.

I left the umbrella on the porch. Aae wasn't around yet when I went inside. I quickly went to my bed to take a nap. I was tired.

I woke up at around eight in the evening because my phone kept on vibrating. Still weary from sleep, I decided to answer.

Zack's baritone voice registered at the end of the line. "What you doing? I called like forty-eight times!" I could feel his blood raising.

"Says the guy who didn't show up in my meet." I scowled.

I still had my eyes close when he screamed, "Woah, you already sleeping?"

"Baka! You're disturbing me!" I whined.

"Do I? Really?" He seems amused. "If I know you are waiting for my call, Zeekie." He chuckled.

Who says I'm waiting?

"Psh! As if." I rolled to my bed. I couldn't open my eyes. I was still dreamy.

"I'm saying sorry now." His voice softened. "So, how about you get up and meet me at the arch?"

"Why would I meet you at the arch?" I wrapped the blanket in my face. "It's already late! Baka! No way!"

"Definitely not moving an inch until you come. So, you better hurry!" He hung up.

What the!! Ugh, Zack is really really really a pain in my nerve. Asking me to go out this late? I'm gonna punch him! He better make sure he got something nice.

I changed my clothes and brought my hoodie jacket. I smelled the chocolate scent on my way to stairs, so I was sure Aae was already home.

The rain already stopped when I got out. Though, the breeze of September gave me chills. I looked at the umbrella for a moment and decided not to bring it. If it rains, it rains.

It took three songs to reach the arch. Zack was facing his back as he held the duffel bag on his right shoulder. Traces of sweat from his back and hair were still evident.

"Zacky!" I called him. He veered with a smile as he waved mid-air. "Did you hurt your fingers?" I asked when I saw the band-aid on his left fingers.

"Oh, I just made something wonderful, so I hurt myself a bit," he responded. He coughed a little.

"You alright?" I walked towards him because he's not moving an inch.

I could sense how exhausted he was. His shoulders were bleak, and his eyes looked dreary, yet he still managed to go see me with those smiles.

Ugh! I felt bad for hating him a while ago when he's also fighting his own battle.

"Baka! You look like a zombie. Why did you not go home instead?" I scolded him.

"Baka!" He repeated after me. "It's my first time to miss your meet, right? Do you really believe I would let the day end when you're pissed?"

Aww. That made me speechless.

He was not obliged to go to my meet. He's not my boyfriend. Though he's my best friend, he also had his own life. It's just I was used to seeing him after the games, so I get sad when he's not around to cheer me on my first game after a year.

"Girl, can I tell you a wonderful thing?" He sang the line from one of the best songs of Mayday Parade. I was about to reply when he placed the swim cap on my head. "I made you a present with paper and string," he continued.

"Why are you suddenly singing?" I said removing the swim cap. "What's up about this wonderful thing? You phoned me just to make fun of me. Baka!"

"I thought you don't like Mayday Parade," I raised an eyebrow.

"That is still negotiable," he replied. "Anyways, that's the wonderful thing." He pointed at the swim cap.

"What wonderful -" I paused when I saw my name imperfectly sewn on the side of the cap.

"When I happen to miss your meet again, that is something I have my soul on to cheer you up." he flashed a smile.

I was speechless.

We stared at each other for a second until he continued to sing the song, "You were the greatest thing that ever happened to me..."