Chapter 13: Chapter 13

In the music venue,

"Today, we'll study the G major chord, which is the final chord in the guitar lessons."

"Amelia plays G major well, senior," Lance says as senior Jacob teaches us the G-major.

Jacob senior, "Really? Did you learn it already?"

"A little."

Lance, "I heard her playing it before the class started, it came out really well."

Senior, "Amelia, play it for us too. I want to know how you practiced too."

In front of the class, I played the G major.

Senior Jacob clapped his hands and remarked, "That indicates you've mastered the major chords. That was a great effort you put in."

"Thank you very much, senior."

"They anticipate more than just listening to the majors in the guitar," a student commented which made me feel down.

Senior, "Well, practice for the competition. I'm not sure if you'll win the contest, but I'm impressed that you learned it faster than anyone else. Best wishes for your competition, Amelia."

"Thank you very much, senior."

I couldn't believe what senior Jacob said, hearing it from him, it really warmed my heart. Particularly from him.

Andrew entered the class with his cello while I was practising for the competition.

Jacob, senior "What happened? What's up with your expression?"

I raised my head and gazed at him. Andrew wore a solemn expression. Why does he have that appearance? Did he get into a fight with anyone?

"I discovered this in my locker instead of flowers," Andrew said to senior Jacob, holding out a scrap of paper.

That was the letter of apology I left for him. What is he going to do with this?

Senior Jacob took it from him, read it from the paper, "Sorry for the flowers you dislike." And returned the paper to him, saying, "Seems like you don't have to throw the flowers away anymore."

"No, that is not the case."

"So, what exactly is it?"

"I never mentioned this to anyone before even to my friends. I've only mentioned it to you and it was yesterday. And I got an apology the day after I talked to you the next day."

"Do you mean... that individual is from here?"

"Yes. They may even be listening to us right now. There's also a chance that somebody has a friend from here who can inform them too."

SH*T! WHAT THE HELL!! When did they become genius or was I been dumb?

I should not have kept a note of apology in his locker! What was I thinking? I made myself clearer to him. Idiot! Have you lost your mind? I can't think straight when it comes to Andrew. I'm dumb! I'm the most stupid person I've ever seen. What do I do now?

"Hey, did you hear what they said?" Lance asked, interrupting my serious thought.

"Huh? What? No. What is it again?"

"I believe Andrew has a secret admirer in our club. Do you have any idea who it could be?" And he took a peek around the room.

"I'm not sure. I dislike interfering in other people's lives."

"That's great." And he smiled and asked, "How's practice going by the way?"

"It's good. Pretty good. Did you learn the g major?"

"In progress." And laughed.

I had flashes of Andrew after he went. He was staring me down. I kept playing the guitar and avoided looking at him.

In my room at home,

Ash, "I heard you're in a competition, is it true?"

"Yes. That is correct."

"Play something for me then," he urged as he placed the guitar on my lap.

"I'm just familiar with the majors. I haven't started learning songs yet."

"Are you going to compete in a competition with only majors?"

"The contest is still open for another week."

He burst out laughing and exclaimed, "Don't embarrass yourself in front of your college. After all, you are my sister. So, don't try anything outlandish." And he exited my room.

I'm more concerned about the apology letter than about the competition. What should I do now? Should I leave a letter in his locker again stating that I'm not a member of his music club? No! That will undoubtedly be a problem. For the time being, he believes it is a buddy. If I leave a letter, he'll almost certainly assume that the individual is from his music club. And that will be me soon. If he discovers it's me, I'm doomed.

"What exactly are you thinking?"

I jumped on my bed when I heard Andrew's voice in my room.

"Did I frighten you?"

I sat on the bed, shaking my head and said, "Make some noise before starting to speak."

"Looks like I did scare you. By the way, What made you think so deeply?" he asked, taking a seat near me.

"Thinking? No, I didn't come up with anything. Yes, I was considering it. Thinking about the competition... yes, the competition."

"You appear nervous. We're only one step away from the competition, so don't worry. You'll get through this."

I breathe a sigh of relief when he says he thinks I'm scared because of the competition rather than the apology letter.

"What exactly is it?" I asked him again.

"Song. What were your plans for the song? Do you intend to write your own song or do you have a song in mind to perform during the competition?"

"I'm not sure how to write tunes."

"Then do you have a favourite song?"

"We found love."

"Excellent decision. Okay, let's get started on it then."

A week later, on the day before the tournament,

After thinking for a long time, I decided to leave a note in Andrew's locker that, "I'm not a stalker,"

I received a call as I attempted to keep the message in the locker. Who is calling me right now? When I looked at the phone's display, I saw the name Ash. Why is he calling at this time?

I went away from the locker and answered the phone.

"Where are you now?"

"At my university, why?"

"I'm standing at the entrance to your college. Come on out."

"Now?"

"Yeah…"

I heard footsteps as I was talking with him. I crept behind the pillar to see who it was. Sh*t! It's Andrew calling. Why is he up so early today?

Andrew made his way to his locker. Oh no! I had left the locker door open. Andrew looked around and at his locker. I huddled behind the pillar, hoping he wouldn't notice me.

I checked again after a while and found the corridor vacant. I let out a sigh and dashed out of the building, making my way to the neighbouring playground.

I remembered Ash telling me to come to the front door.

Someone called my name as I was walking to the entrance. I turned to see who it was, and it was senior Caleb.

"Where are you leaving? Are you attempting to avoid class?"

"My brother has arrived. I'm on my way to see him now."

"All right, I haven't seen him in months, so let's pay him a visit together."

When we arrived at the entrance gate, I noticed Ash and his friends standing there. What made him bring them here? Did he come to visit me or flirt with the girls in my college?

"What exactly are you doing here?" I inquired as to who was conversing with Ash's friends.

Caleb, a senior, greeted my brother.

Ash ignored him and told me, "I'm going to Alabama for a basketball match with my pals. Don't forget to notify our parents."

"Okay."

"And tomorrow is your competition, right? Best wishes." And he hugged me and said, "I know you challenged yourself to win this contest, but I'm already glad you're participating. Don't be irritated if something goes against your wishes. Got it?"

"When you taunted me, I assumed you despised the idea of me entering the competition."

"How could I dislike it? This is the first time my sister has acted on her own initiative."

He reached into his pocket and handed me something. It was a small package.

"What exactly is this?"

"Open it."

I opened the box and discovered a guitar pick inside.

"I came to bring this to my little sister," he explained.

I gave him a hug and thanked him for the present.

He interrupted the hug and inquired, "Why is my little sister so emotional?"

"When will you return?" I asked, shaking my head.

"Three days," he replied, patting my head. "I'll be there before you know it."

I nodded and grinned.

I returned to college after he had left.

Caleb, senior "You and your brother appear to be quite close."

"Yeah, even if we fight about little matters, we adore one another. And my brother loves me more than I love him."

"I wish I had a sister as well."

"If you don't mind, I can be your sister."

"No! I mind! You're my girlfriend-to-be, You can't possibly be my sister."

I laughed and walked to my class along with him.

In the classroom,

Everyone is buzzing about the competition, so Jack inquired, "Did you prepare well?"

"I suppose I did."

"You're guessing?" Hannah smacked my head.

"Do you recall when you challenged yourself?"

"I do, indeed."

"Can you tell me what music you're going to play?"

"That's a trade secret. Only on stage will it be disclosed. Come observe me if you want to know."

"How can I miss the competition if one of my dearest friends is performing on the stage for the first time?"

"Such a nice talker," I responded with a smile.

When the teacher arrived, we fell silent and began listening to the lecture.

In the music club,

Jacob, senior "What exactly are you doing here?"

"What?"

"You have a contest tomorrow, but you're going here for class."

"That has absolutely nothing to do with the class. Every day, I come here to learn from you, senior."

Caleb, senior "Who knows whether my future girlfriend will be this sweet?"

Jacob, senior "To be a girlfriend? Do you still hit on her?"

"Yes, and why is that still there? I just have feelings for her." He gave me a smile.

"It's time for the class, senior Jacob," I interrupted while they were conversing.

When the class concluded, I exited the campus and went to the bus station.

"Amelia!"

Caleb, the senior, is calling.

"Please wait for me."

"What is it, senior?" I said as I came to a halt.

"When and where are you going?"

"To my place."

"Come with me," he urged, taking my hand in his.

"Where?"

"Check it out for yourself."

He forced me to get into his car and start it.

"Senior, where are we going?"

"Once we get there, you'll know it." And gave me a friendly smile.

We eventually arrived at the music academy.

I stayed in the car and looked around.

"What are you waiting for, come out?"

"Why are we here?" I questioned as I got out of the car.

"Please come inside."

We walked down the street and inside the large structure in front of us.

"It appears majestic and big."

"You're correct, come with me."

He took my hand in his and led me inside to a room packed with musical instruments.

"Are we permitted to be here?"

"I got authorization, so don't worry," he answered with a smile.

I moved among the musical instruments, grabbing a guitar and strumming a few strings.

"It sounds nice."

"My surprise remains in the other room. Let's go."

"What?"

He closed my eyes and murmured, "I bet you'll like this," as we were ready to enter the room.

After a moment, he let go of my hands, and I saw the entire room filled with musicians, each surrounded by a different set of musical instruments. I felt awkward being in the middle of all the musicians.

"What is this?" I inquired.

He shushed me and told me to pay attention to them.

They all started one by one and started playing the music together in less than a minute. There was no song, only music, but it filled the entire room, echoing from every nook and cranny. I felt goosebumps while listening to them and couldn't stop smiling. Wow. It's good.

When it was over, I cheered loudly for them and thanked them for playing such beautiful music. Everyone else bowed and thanked me.

One of them approached and handed flowers to senior Caleb before returning to their position.

Senior Caleb thanked them, and we exited.

He handed me the flowers and said, "Good luck in your competition tomorrow."

"Thank you for this moment, I felt chills for a while there," I replied as I accepted it from him And grinned.

"When you smile, you look stunning."

"Senior, I'm not feeling anything for you. And I don't believe it will be in the future. I apologise for upsetting your mood right now, but I don't want you to wait for me."

"Okay, but don't you think I deserve a reason because I like you? I'm not hunting you for some pleasure, as everyone has said."

"I…" I sighed and added, "I like someone else."

"What? Don't tell me lies."

"I'm not making this up. I had a crush on this person long before I started at this university."

"Who is he?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that."

"Why?"

"Because... it's one-sided."

"You sound as if you'll never tell that individual you like them."

"Yes," I answered, "because I don't want to lose what I have now."

"Do you love the person you're talking about, Amelia?"

I answered, shaking my head, "No. And I will never do so. Because I don't want to love someone I can't pursue."

"What if you fell in love with them? What are your plans then?"

"That's the only thing I tell myself when I wake up every day. Do not fall in love."

"I'm not sure if that individual is lucky, but I'm unlucky to have lost a girl like you."

"It's impossible to like someone who can't like us back, senior," I murmured while hugging him.

He returned my hug and responded, "Yes, it is."

"I'm sorry for causing you pain, senior. That's why I can't seem to resist anything you do for me."

"Amelia, if you stop like that person, will you open your heart for me?" he questioned, breaking the hug.

"What are you doing?"

"Don't say anything. "How come I can't like the person I like?"

"Why are you doing this to me?"

"I understand, Amelia. I'm happy for you even if you ended up with that person. Everyone says I'm flirtatious and don't know how to properly love someone. That is correct. I'm not sure how because I've never been truly interested in anyone. This is my first time being genuine with someone I care about. This is my first time pursuing a girl I really like. And I don't want to lose this girl for whatever. Amelia, I understand. Let's face it, whatever the future holds for us."

Senior Caleb left me off in front of my house and remarked, "Good luck with your competition tomorrow."

"Thank you," I said.

"What for? Is it for dropping you at your residence or for…"

I punched him on his shoulder and yelled, "Don't tease me, senior."

"It's fantastic to see you like this," he remarked with a smile and stroked my hair.

"Thank you for the surprise. I enjoyed it. It gave me a little more vigour."

"Little?" He exhaled a sigh.

"Okay, it gave me a lot of energy. Then I'll enter the house. Goodnight."

I walked to my house after he had left.

I set everything in my room, and when I tried to play the guitar,

"Are you not going to take a break?"

I noticed Andrew enter my room. I get all grins and delighted whenever I meet him, but today I couldn't be happier than I was before because I talked a lot about Andrew to seniors.

"What is the reason for your silence?"

"What is it, senior?"

"Senior?"

"Sorry. What exactly did you say?"