Chapter 9: Chapter 9

In the music club,

"What exactly are you doing here? Did Andrew ask you to arrive early?" Caleb senior, inquired.

"No, I came to practise on my own interest," I responded, shaking my head.

He sat down beside me and inquired, "You can also practise at your place. You are not required to come here and practise everyday."

If only I could come here, I could see Andrew better than via the window, but how can I say that to you? So I lied, "This place inspires me in some way."

"Did you leave late last night?"

I gave him a nod.

"You don't have to wait till he tells you to leave, you can leave whenever you like. Got it?"

I gave him a nod.

"I ask every person who comes to learn, what is their purpose for learning music. What about you?" he asked.

Andrew Campbell, please! He's the reason I'm learning to play the guitar!!

"I came to learn it because I have to perform in my last semester." I lied.

"Acceptable, but learn with your heart rather than your mind, it will help you learn it faster."

"Okay, By the way, What is the competition for which they are preparing?"

"Would you like to join?"

"Nah! I don't think they'll take someone who doesn't even know a chord to play," I remarked, shaking my head. "I was simply intrigued."

"You can also enter the contest if you learn quickly. Next month, Andrew and the band members will compete against the GI university. Then, I believe I diverted you from training, please continue to practise. I've got some work to do."

I gave him a nod.

He smiled and walked away.

After a time, the band members entered, and I noticed Andrew among them. I instantly waved my hand at Andrew when he looked at me. Idiot!

"Do you practise?" Andrew asked.

"This atmosphere makes me concentrate."

He nodded and said, "I'll stay there with them, if you need anything, come over there." Said while pointing over the band members he was practicing with.

He walked away after I nodded.

While I was practising, senior Caleb handed me a drink and remarked, "I brought two by accident." And gave a shaky chuckle.

Why does he lie in such a way?

I accepted the drink and thanked him.

He sat down alongside me and requested me to play what I was working on these days. In front of him, I played the chord c.

When I was done, he clapped his hands and remarked, "That's fantastic. You picked it up quickly. I believe you have more potential than you realise."

"How?"

"Nobody learns in two days. And here you are, two days later, playing the chord c without a mistake."

Because I had a fantastic teacher. Andrew Campbell.

"Thank you very much, senior Caleb."

"Best wishes for the exam next week. I'm confident you'll pass. Maintain your practise routine." I smiled and he walked away.

When I looked over at the band, I noticed that they were working harder. Andrew seems relaxed while playing cello with others. I always see him playing the cello through my window but this view is really amazing. Good god, I joined the music club.

When the clock struck six,

Andrew approached me and said, "You may depart at this time. Continue the next day."

He strolled over to the band members and continued practising with them after I nodded.

I packed my guitar and attempted to flee. "Are you leaving?" asks senior Caleb. Was he here all this time?

I agreed by nodding.

"Please wait for me." He went to get his stuff and returned to me with the words, "Let's leave."

I nodded and walked out of the music club with him.

"Where did you do your high school?" he asked as we walked to the door.

"HK"

"Oh, I did it in GU."

After a period of walking in silence, he added, "I enjoy trekking and long-distance travel. What are your interests?"

"I don't get out very often. Mine is something indoors, like reading books."

"Then you must be a genius."

"I read but I don't remember," I responded with a smile.

He laughed and replied, "You have a unique sense. I believe that if you become more open, you will make a lot of new friends."

I locked my gaze on him.

"I meant that you always practise alone, even though there are others who practise with you. I haven't seen you converse with them in the class. Don't you enjoy meeting new people?"

"I like to spend my time alone rather than with people."

"You appear to be difficult to break."

"What?"

"Nothing. Are you available tomorrow?"

"I understand why you're questioning me. I apologise, senior Caleb."

"Really? You understand? How much do you know?"

"How you speak to me differs from how you treat others."

"So you were aware of it. I won't have to beat around the bush any longer. Let me ask you directly, Would you like to go on a date with me?"

"I have to leave," I murmured, shaking my head. "See you tomorrow, senior."

While I was headed to the bus stop, Senior came up behind me and asked, "Do you have someone you like?"

"No," I responded, shaking my head.

"Then what's the harm in going on a date with me? Actually, this is my first time approaching a junior, so I'm a little upset when you decline. How come you're not interested?"

"I don't do things that bother my father, senior."

"I'm not asking you to marry me," he joked. "It's only a date. Why are you behaving like a child? Anyway, I admire your candour. I believe you will eventually like me." And then he departed.

It appears to be so simple for boys to ask any female out or express their feelings for her. But why isn't it the same for the girls? Or Is it only for me?

On board the bus,

I peered out the window and took in the sight.

Someone tapped on my shoulder, causing me to turn to face them. Lance here.

"Does your house in this route?" he questioned, taking the seat beside me.

I gave him a nod.

"Haven Street is where I live. What about yours?"

"Tales."

"You appeared to be cramming for the exam. Why didn't you start learning music sooner if you wanted to?"

"I didn't have enough time."

He nodded and inquired, "When you were practicing, I heard it. You will undoubtedly receive a pass."

"Thank you so much. Best wishes to you as well."

"Ah! My bus stop arrived. I had to leave. See ya tomorrow in the class." He motioned for me to exit the bus and waved.

I returned to take in the scenery. The university that the senior mentioned about the contest was my brother's. Would they come here or shall we travel there to compete?

Why was Andrew practising so hard for the competition, as senior suggested? Is he that invested in winning this contest? I hope he wins the contest as he desires. He must pay the price for his efforts.

The following day,

"Juniors, gather here!" says senior Jacob Hayes.

When I took my instrument to depart, Hannah hugged me and said, "All the best."

I took a seat where senior Jacob had directed us.

Jacob, senior "Today, we will conduct a test to choose members for the music club based on your hard work. Based on your work, we will analyse and discuss it with our judges. Form a line and play the chord we wanted you to learn. Best wishes."

Following his statement, I formed a line with others, clutching my instrument. Leah.

My time arrived after a while. "Let's do this," I said to Leah, my guitar.

After presenting myself to the judges, I came to the front and held my guitar to play. Lance gave me a thumbs up from the side of the stage. I began playing the chord c to them. "Not bad," they said after finishing the chord. "Next!"

I exited the stage and proceeded to where the others were waiting for the results. "You did fantastic," Lance said quietly.

"Thank you."

"The results will be announced on the noticeboard after everyone has finished," senior Jacob says. "You can all go now."

"I figured they'd say it now. Now we have to wait till evening." Lance exited the classroom.

"Do you think I'll pass the test?" I asked Hannah.

"Hey, you did great," she said as she tapped me on the shoulder. "If they didn't choose you, they must be idiots!" That made me smile.

In the lecture hall,

"How did the test go?" Jack said as I listened to the lecture. "Did you get through?"

"They haven't said anything yet."

"When are they going to do it?"

"Evening. That's what they said."

"That's why you should have joined the sports club, nothing like this existed. You can participate in any sport you want, and seniors and coaches will assist you learn."

I smiled and returned to the lecture hall.

Following the conclusion of classes,

"I need to get to the library, so I'll go first." Hannah simply walked away.

I collected my belongings, grabbed my instrument, and exited the classroom.

I noticed Andrew in the corridor as I was leaving the building. What exactly is he doing here? And what is he staring at? As I got closer, I discovered it was a noticeboard. Did they make the results public? I dashed to the noticeboard and came to a halt in front of Andrew, my breathing loudly.

He gave me a look before walking away.

I checked the noticeboard and noticed a list of names taped to the wall by the music club. As a selected list, the list had a title. I looked over the list for my name. While reading names one by one, I came across my name in the eleventh position and was relieved to find it on the list.

"You did it!"

Caleb, the senior, spoke out.

"Senior?"

When did he come? Is he a Ninja?

"All the best," he added with a handshake.

I nodded.

He touched my head and walked away.

I photographed the list and emailed it to my parents, who were likewise excited to learn the results of the test. I believe they will be pleased as well.

I received a call from senior Ava shortly after sending the picture.

"Hello?" I replied.

"Are you still at school?"

"yes."

"Can you get to the culinary club right away?"

"Senior…"

"Please come immediately." And then the call was terminated.

I planned to go home and rejoice with my parents. I sighed and made my way to the cookery club.

I discovered the club on the fourth story of the main building after hunting for it.

Ava took my hand and led me into the club when I arrived. The club was cluttered and filthy, with equipment scattered about and flour and oil spilling on the floor. What are they cooking in here to make the place so filthy? Why did they invite me? Is it their intention for me to tidy this place?

Ava placed a package in front of me on the table and said, "I know you're on your way to the music club right now. Can you bring them with you? This was done in preparation for the music competition tomorrow. Some people left before the meal was over. We can't take it because we need to clean up this mess. Can you help us?"

I examined the packages.

She went on, "Don't be concerned. It's not too heavy. Can you pull it off?"

I agreed by nodding.

"I really appreciate it."

"Tell Caleb to look at it," she added as she handed me five packages.

I nodded and followed the food bundles out of the cookery club. It was simple at first, but the bag and guitar made it harder. I believe I should have declined the offer in the first place.

I got it to the music club and took the food parcels to the room where she had directed me to keep them.

When I walked in, I noticed Andrew.

I set the food packages on the table and searched for senior Caleb.

"What?" Andrew inquired.

"Caleb, Senior?"

"How come you're looking for him?"

"Senior Ava requested that I provide information to him."

"He's among the members of the band."

I nodded and walked out of the room.

I went to where the band was performing and noticed senior Caleb among them.

"What exactly is it?"

"Senior Ava brought me the food parcels, which I kept on the table, and she said the rest will arrive tomorrow. She also urged you to look at the food."

He answered with a nod, "I've heard you were chosen. Hello and welcome to the club."

"Thank you."

He handed the drink to me and said, "Take it. I have not yet opened it. You are welcome to it."

"Why?"

"It's your prize for passing the exam. Take it."

Because everyone was staring at us, I accepted the drink from him and murmured, "Thank you."

"Are you coming tomorrow?"

"Yes, why?"

"May I inquire about the music competition?"

So it is happening at our university.

"Yes."

How can I miss it since Andrew is the one who will perform in front of the entire college? I wouldn't trade it for the world.

"Are you leaving?" he asked, nodding.

I agreed by nodding.

"All right, see you tomorrow."

I looked around for Andrew as I was exiting the music club. He wasn't present. I believe he is still in the room where I last saw him. I exited the music club and made my way to the entrance.

At the bus station,

The bike halted in front of me while I was waiting for the bus. It's Andrew calling. He motioned for me to get on his bike.

What is going on here? I don't know how to respond. Should I get on the bike or should I decline it? Argh! How can I decline if it's Andrew??? I hopped on his bike, and he got it started. He stayed mute, as he had done previously.

"Do you like Caleb, the senior?" Andrew inquired while driving his bike.

"No."

He fell silent once more. Why did he suddenly ask about seniors? Even after years of seeing him, it's difficult to figure out what's going on in his head.

He came to a stop at the corner of the street, and I got off my bike and said, "Thank you." And started walking towards the home.

"Wait."

"Yes?"

"Caleb, the senior, does not give up easy. If you dislike him, you should express your feelings more forcefully. Otherwise, he'll pursue you till he gets you."

I nodded and continued on my way to my house.

Andrew is concerned about me! Whohooo! It's great!!! Why is he so adorable? I want to jump into the air and shout 'ANDREW CARES FOR ME!!!' , but I shouldn't because Andrew is right behind me. Don't you realise I'll listen to whatever you have to say? I laughed to myself at how insane I was for Andrew. Why am I this way? I smiled the entire way to the house.

When I opened the door, Dad hugged me and congratulated me on passing the exam. Mom hugged me after dad's hug and fed me cake as a treat.