Lost Stars

Chapter Four

She was about to say something when her phone rang . She tried to see who's calling then she looked back at me. She seems nervous or maybe even scared. I'm not sure of it. I continued to develop her pictures. I was waiting for her to pick up the call but she didn't.

"Can I have a smoke?" She asked as she gets my cigarette from the table.

"Yeah, sure." I replied.

She went out of the studio and closed the door. My studio is actually in a hotel's rooftop. My dad's bestfriend owns the hotel and I asked for a little favor if I can build a little room beside the hotel's helipad. He said yes and it became my little sanctuary. It consists of two rooms, one for my photgraphs and paintings, and another for my bed and a small kitchen.

I followed Hansel outside because I don't want to ruin this day. She was sitting on this wooden swing just near the door coughing as she puff the cigarette into her mouth. I sat beside her.

"Stop it. You don't smoke." I said as I grab the cigar from her hand and I took a puff.

"He is not my boyfriend." She grabbed it back, puffed and coughed again. She looks hurt saying those simple words and I want to hug her but I know it's not what I'm supposed to do.

"So?" I want her to continue her story. I want to know everything about her. I stole the cigarette again and this time I threw it on the floor.

"You know a place we can go? Somewhere..different." She hesitated.

"Why don't you choose where?" I suggested.

"But, he knows where to find me then." She answered.

Damn it! He knows everything about her. I felt envious again. I fell quiet thinking of a place where I can take her. A place where she can feel safe and comfortable.

"You in for a long drive?" I asked and gave an inviting smile.

"Better." She smiled back.

We decided to drop by at McDonalds and order a takeout so we can have lunch while on our way. She sat on the passenger seat of my car quietly. This isn't how I picture our day would be. I mean, I got up early to surprise her in her clinic and all so I have to think of something to make her mood change.

We drove off another five blocks before I thought of turning on the music. It might bring a good atmosphere.

...say it's alright...say it's alright...it's alright have a good time 'coz it's alright whoa it's alright... (Music playing ) 🎶

The song playing on my playlist was The Impression's billboard top hit "It's alright". I'm an Rnb enthusiast when it comes to music especially the 70's and 80's. I turned it louder so she can hear it while I sing and dance along with the lyrics. I'm not good at singing nor dancing but that's what it is, to try to make her laugh.

...we're gonna move it slow...when lights are low...when you move it slow, it sounds like more..and it's alright whoa it's alright... (Music playing) 🎶

"C'mon Hansel sing with me, this is the best part." I said to her after seeing her watching me in awed feeling of surprise. I was laughing at myself too but the song got me caught up, and it felt good.

...when you wake up early in the morning...feelin' sad like so many of us do...hum a little soul...make life your goal...and surely something's gotta come to you...and say it's alright...say it's alright... (Music playing) 🎶

I found her singing with me and she was laughing while my upper body is dancing and my head banging to the beat. She has a better voice than I am.