Down the Alleyway

Chapter 13

Sina

Out in the spotlight of a lamp post, me and my band played. We're not really a band but some sort of street performers. The members are mostly consisted of old men. There's Mr. Drake the drummer, Mr. Yole the pianist (he currently plays the keyboard for mobility purposes) and Mr. Fred on the vocals. I was at the back of it all, diligently playing my guitar and blending into the background. I had my sunglassses on, my scarf is high on my face as ever. Unlike them, I've got an identity to keep, this troop of old men are just here to fullfil their dreams in their youths and they were good enough to drag me along. In here, in this intersection, we rule the crowds; making the sidewalk our own little stage. People stopped and watched us. They rained us with claps, accompanied with the clanging of coins that they drop. All of it was directed towards the good old men at front, and no eyes were on me.

I smiled.

Yes, this is how it should be.

"--id?"

"Kid!"

"Wha-- yes?" Mr. Fred snapped me out of my thoughts. We're already done for the night and they are packing up.

"Here's your pay for the day." He handed me a few bills.

"Thanks." I smiled but he probably didn't see it because of my scarf. "Uhm--" I paused.

"Yes, kid?" Mr. Fred asked.

"I'm sorry I didn't got to play with you guys these past few days. I uh-- broke my guitar and I just happen to find a new one." My hand tightened on my new dumpster guitar.

"That's alright. We all got a life on our own, especially you, young one,"
Mr. Yole confirmed a soft smile etched on his face.

"P-please don't kick me out of the group." I said nervously, my voice wobly.

They laughed.

"Of couse not! Why would we?!" Mr. Drake said, still laughing hysterically.

My eyes grew wide, sparkling with happiness.

"Thank you! Thank you!"

"Don't sweat it kid. We don't have any intention of kicking you out in the first place." Mr. Drake added.

We walked back together because we had the same route heading home. I looked up the whole trip. I liked how the sky changes every night. No star twinkles the same and the moon's shape was never permanent. And tonight in particular, the sky is extra wispy. My eyes traced the smoke like line that traveled the sky, it was dotted with stars and it leads up to the waxing, almost half moon. Is this what they call the milky way? Is that finally visible tonight?

"Sina."

My eyes dropped and I saw Mr. Fred looking at me thoughtfully. Mr. Yole and Mr. Drake were still arguing about something at the front and we're left tailing them.

"What is it Mr. Fred?"

"Are you... contented with this?"

I blinked.

"Contented with what?"

"Playing in the street."