Down the Alleyway

Chapter 18

Sina

I was about to enter the alley when I stopped. A crusty paper is in my hands it has blue ink all over it, blurry and slurred. It was drenched with liquor a long time ago. I tried salvaging it by drying it but...

I sighed.

It wasn't really saved. I can't get anything out of it even if I squint my eyes hard.

I faced the trash can that's parked by the entrance of the alley and lingered the paper above it.

This is the very first song I've written that I've felt proud of.

My squint faded and I smiled sadly.

But I guess it's time to let it go.

My fingers came loose and the paper slowly slid off my hand.

"Can I see that?"

I screamed in surprise when Mr. Wae appeared at the mouth of the alley, peeking at the paper in my hand.

"Mr. Wae." I looked at him. "But..."

I raised it up again, my eyes staring at it warily.

He smiled and offered both of his hands. "Bring it here."

I nodded then placed it on his palm.

He looked at it for a little bit and said: "You have kept it for a long time, why throw it away now?" He tilted his head.

"Because it's already deteriorated," I answered, my chin sinked in my scarf even more.

"Maybe I could do something about it," he said and my eyes grew wide.

When I looked back at him the paper is straightening up and the brownish stains are evaporating into the air, it's wavy crisp is gone and was now slick and brand new.

"Here." He smiled then turned the paper towards me. "Good as new."

I gasped my hand raised up and my fingers touched the newly printed words.

"It is." My smiled went up to my eyes. "It's like I've written it just yesterday."

"Hm." He nodded. "Why don't you copy it while you're still here?"

"That's a great idea!" I walked into the shade of the alley and he handed the paper to me. My eyes sparkled as I looked at it.

I was really undecided earlier whether what song I'd use but now that it's here--

I hugged the newly fixed note onto my self.

This is it.

"Thank you, Mr. Wae."

"You're welcome as always." He smiled back.

------

We were both inside the music school that he conjured and I was sitting on one of the chairs that lined the room.

I wrote the very last letter into my notebook and I let my pen clattered on my desk as soon as I'm done.

"Done?" he asked as he put down his book.

"Hm." I nodded. "I think I better get going," I said and I slip my guitar up my back.

"I'd walk you out."

"Thank you. I really appreaciate it. There's also something I want to tell you along the way."

We started walking side by side. The tapping of our shoes are constant, reverbarating in the emptiness we're in. The white light that's illuminating our silhouette made us look like wisps paving it's way against the winding darkness.

"Mr. Wae?"

"Yes?"

"About what you asked-- If I want to stay here?" I looked away briefly then looked back at him. "I think I'll pass."

He stopped walking and so am I. His smile is still plastered on his face.

"Because of you and Viane, I finally decided to sing for the people outside. I will make them hear my voice!" I said, determination flowing out of my voice.

He still didn't move.

"Mr. Wae?"

He finally turned his head towards me and he smiled. It's warm and soft; different from the others.

"Miss Sina."

"What?"

"Are you really sure about that?" His eyes drooped even more.

I paused.

Why does it sound like he's asking for a confirmation?

"Yes." I nodded.

He stood in front of me and kneeled.

"Then it doesn't matter if I changed my phrasing."

What?

He looked me in the eye and asked: "Miss Sina, do you want to stay here with me?"

My brows creased. This is really weird but...

"No. But that doesn't mean I won't--"

He suddenly lunge at me and hugged me.

"That answer is good enough for me. Don't add anything more," he said as he ran his hand on the back of my head. Every stroke is gentle and careful it gave me peace and comfort, just like the other head pats he gave me.

I can't really understand anything that he's sayin--

There's a pause and my eyes grew wide when I realized something. Is this what he wanted me to say? Is that why he's upset before when I told him I wanted to stay here? All this time... he's been pushing me to put myself out there.

"You did the right thing, Miss Sina. I'm so proud of you."

"What's with the hugging Mr. Wae. I'm still coming back."

I hugged him back and snuggled my head against his chest-- and no matter how hard I tried... I can't hear a heartbeat.

No heartbeat. Oh, yeah... he's not of this world. Why am I even surprised? My very first listener is an unknown being-- how cool is that? I'd never ask for more. Oh and...

I giggled at Mr. Wae's antics. Why is he making this look like a melodramatic parting?

I looked up at him and smiled wide. "I got a place to play my song! And this one right here." I let go of the hug and raised the paper in front of him. "Is the very piece I'm gonna play."

He laughed his glasses slid down his nose as he did so and I paused as I stared at it.

This is the first time I saw him laughing up close. His glasses is immaculately gleaming and his eyelids are long-- even in the downpart where you would put the eyeliner.

I breath out in astonishment.

Wah.

He finally opened his eyes.

"Then it's a good thing I fixed it. Good luck... Miss Sina."

--------

Allie

Miss Sina finally went out into the world.

"Goodbye, Mr. Wae!" Her voice echoed back to me as she waved. I smiled and waved back.

I'm happy for her.

When the crowds weaved her out of my view, I stepped back into the darkness. It's ebony seeped into my features as I sunk deeper and deeper.

She's finally out of harms way.

I'm glad I changed my phrasing when I asked her.

If I didn't...

My mouth opened and fangs pertruded out, saliva fell in streaks and a red glow came out of my eyes.

Then... she would've died.