Hidden Melodies

Chapter Two

Copyright Joelle Blue ©

Ellie

This room in the basement is my favorite place in the world besides my fluffy bed. I wasn't lying when my parents let me use however much money I want. I think they don't care because it keeps me out of their hair or maybe it's so they don't seem as negligent as they are. But they have plenty of it, so I don't ask. So, with that money, I created the ultimate practice room and recording studio. It's soundproofed with great acoustics, and it now includes my birthday present.

I can play lots of instruments. Piano, guitar, bass, banjo, cello, but my all-time favorite is the drums. And sitting in the corner is my new limited-edition Varus eight-piece kit drum kit with a double pass pedal.

Without waiting, I walk over to it, text Scarlet to let herself in when she gets here, and I start to play.

I start my warmup routine, which lasts about ten minutes, since drumming is a full body experience. Then, I decide Metallica seems like a good place start today. I'm feeling a little aggressive.

It's taken me a long time, but I love to sing while I drum. I'm not a very good heavy rock singer, but who cares? It's just me. I start with Master of Puppets and quickly get into it, loving the stamina I've built up to be able to drum and sing at the same time. My mom's wrong, we may have a gym, but I never skip leg day with this double pedal.

Towards the end of the song, I'm startled by someone screaming along with me "OBEY YOUR MASTER!"

I jump and scream "mother fucker!" only to realize it's Scarlet. I put my hand over my heart and try to bring my breathing back down. "Jesus, Scar, you wanna give me a heart attack?" I ask while laughing.

"Sorry, babe, you were so into it. It sounded awesome by the way on this brand new kit! It's beautiful, Oz!"

"Why, thank you. I happen to like it." I smile.

"Happy birthday, you beautiful thing," she says as she walks over to me and hands me a big box wrapped in lime green wrapping paper. One of my favorite colors.

"You didn't have to get me anything. Thank you," I whisper on the verge of tears.

"Yes, I did. Am I wrong to assume this is the only present you've gotten today 'cause your parents are absolute cunts and need a boot in their face?" I nod. "Exactly. So, yes, I did. You deserve it. You are my favorite person in the world and I love you. I'm not lying when I say you neeeeeeded these! Now open it." She demands, making me laugh away my tears. She was the first person to ever tell me she loves me and it still takes my breath away.

I slowly rip off the paper and open the box to reveal Doc Marten's that match the wrapping paper. They're lime green with black soles and laces, and I absolutely love them.

"These are incredible! Thank you so much," I beam and give her a hug.

"Right? And you will wear them young lady. It's my mission to get you to dress like yourself."

"Okay, okay. Just maybe not until next week?" I smile innocently. She rolls her eyes. "Okay, fine, but after that, we're going shopping!"

"Deal. Wanna play with me? I need to play Shaker on this set. It's a right of passage."

"Oh, hell yes! Let's do it," she agrees as she gets her electric guitar set up. Scar is an incredible guitarist. The solos she can do leave me in a trance.