The Colors In Her Voice

☆Chapter 19☆

Stephanie, being the generous woman that she is, usually retires me early from work so that I could carry on with my practice. Although I do try to make it up to her during the weekends but today was an exception. 

Mason, Bethany, Dylan and I have been incessantly practicing at Bethany's house for over a week now. There was always some sort of glitch in our agreement like all of us didn't want the same thing. 

Mason's still bitter about the fact that we are practicing at the siblings' home. Me being the middleman, I have to always break the constant bickering amongst us all. Yes, me included. 

Sighing, I plopped down on my bed after the tiresome phone conversations I had to make. It's a known fact that Mason doesn't like meeting up at Bethany's house because he doesn't like hers as well as Dylan's presence. But it was evident that he was keeping his anger at bay. 

Honestly, it's really strange that they're taking this band thingy way too seriously. Not that I was complaining but I wish they could mend their problems before it escalates further.

One such instance was something that I was going through right now. Like usual, I became a middleman. We had all unanimously though reluctantly - reluctance from Bethany and Dylan - agreed to practice at Mason's house today. I didn't mind with this decision because I think I'd feel more comfortable at Mason's place than hers because of Dylan. Surprisingly, he maintained his distance from me but I wouldn't jinx just yet.

As I was getting ready to leave for the practice at Mason's, I had received Bethany's call, telling me about the change of plans.

"I'm so sorry, Rach. I really am," she had apologized profusely. "Can you guys come over to my place today?"

I blinked my eyes at her request. I had thought that she was okay with going to Mason's place. "Uh..." I muttered, trailing off. I didn't know how to respond to that. I didn't mind going to her place but how was I supposed to tell this to Mason who for the record always takes on the stubborn mode whenever it comes to the Johnson siblings.

"I know it's rude and quite late to do this but please, I promise it's really urgent," she had continued pleading. 'I can never say no to an innocuous request. Urghh.'

"Sure, but what's the matter, Beth? Are you okay? Is everything alright?"

"Actually, Dylan's not home and my parents are on a business trip like usual." Her tone had become nasty when she spoke about her parents. 

It was plain as day that she isn't very fond of them because I remember her confiding in me once that they always overlook her talents. 

"I am so worried about him. He isn't picking up any of my calls and it's been more than 6 hours now. He's never done this before." She sounded panicked, that much was obvious. "I need to be home when he returns so that at least it could make me feel better and relieved plus I am gonna give him an earful too," she uttered the last part angrily.

"It's okay, Beth. I don't mind. We can come over," I had assured her over the phone. Now, I despise Dylan but I didn't want Bethany worrying over him so I just wished that he would come back home safely.

Later, I called Mason to let him know as well. He was not really pleased with the news but he didn't argue much and agreed.

When I reached her house, Bethany opened the door with an expectant look on her face but it turned into disappointment as soon as she spotted me standing there.

"Oh, hey, Rach. Come on in." Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. She seemed really troubled and that's when it clicked me that Dylan's still not home.