Better Off {Revised}

I heard the distant sound of a guitar being tuned somewhere down the street. There was nowhere else I needed to be this Sunday afternoon so I walked closer. I’ve been playing guitar every single day after I was shown a few chords by the man who came to fix my computer. Guitarists are just so amazing, I thought to myself and smiled. Oh how I hoped to one day sing onstage while being accompanied by my very own band. But, sadly, this was not going to happen. I was just an unknown girl who had recently moved to Nashville.

          I slowly and the guitar sounds got clearer. Someone was just practicing in their yard, I supposed. I listened for a little, then dared peek through the fence to see who was playing. It was a boy, not much older than me, but probably a senior. I wanted to go up to him and introduce myself, but didn’t have the guts so I just stood leaning on the fence and continued being fascinated by this stranger’s guitar skills. Many people came and went, some stopping to listen for a minute or so, but none staying as long as me.

          The music had stopped. I looked through the fence to see what was up. The young guitarist was done for the day and was packing up his instrument. This was my last chance. It was now or never. If I don’t say anything, he’ll be gone forever. My heart started racing. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to become friends with this person, but didn’t know where to start. All I knew was that I’d have to make the first move. He hasn’t even noticed me yet. Was this really a good idea? I started questioning myself, then stopped when I remembered of my dream to be a world famous singer. I had to start somehow and somewhere.

          I casually walked closer and he turned around. “Hey, you’re very good at guitar,” I said shyly after a moment’s silence.

          “Thanks,” he smiled looking into my eyes, “I really want to be a well known guitarist someday,” talked of his dream.

          We have basically the same dream! I have to get to know this guy better. “That’s so cool! I’m Taylor by the way,” I introduced myself.

          “Enchanting to meet you. Call me Grant,” he said simply and we shook hands.

          I looked into his eyes and he gazed into mine. Was it just me or did Grant’s eyes have the sparkle that everyone else’s lacked? This was only our first meeting, but I could already see us becoming great friends in the near future.

          “Grant, dinnertime!” a woman’s voice called from inside the house.

          “Coming!” he called back and let go of my hand.

          My smile dropped a little. He was leaving me already? And I thought we’d maybe play a song or two together tonight.

          Grant started for the house, then turned around remembering me. Was he going to invite me in to eat? I knew this was false hope since we barely knew each other, but anything was possible. Instead, he just wanted to say goodbye.

          “Taylor, I’ll see you around, okay?” he asked.

          “Of course,” I smiled, but these words didn’t mean too much to me. As soon as tomorrow rolled around, he’d forget all about me and I’d become just another  girl he once talked to. I strived to change my fate.

          “Do you want to play guitar together tomorrow?” I blurted without thinking and immediately regretted it. What if he turned away? Then I would have lost a friend before even making one.

          Grant’s response surprised me, “I’d love to,” he said, “Let’s meet at this exact place at noon.”

          I beamed and he smiled back at me, but his face didn’t show nearly as much excitement as mine.

                   “Bye,” I waved as the door closed behind Grant and I was left standing alone in his backyard.

          I started walking back home. I knew the way by heart, but my mind was lost in thoughts. What exactly did today mean, if it meant anything at all. Who was Grant anyways? By the way he plays the guitar you’d think he’s Mr. Popular in school, but from his personality I could tell that he was a very sweet boy.

          I knew my parents would be happy for me because it’s only been two weeks and I had already started working hard to chase my dream. I didn’t know quite how I was going to achieve all this, but I knew that I wouldn’t  give up no matter how hard this would seem at certain times. If only Grant was with me on this! Then I would be able to tell him all my secrets and doubts without the fear of being judged. I just hope that Grant is willing to become my friend. Yes, he could already have all the friends he needs, but he seemed very lonely this morning.

          I walked the rest of the way thinking about tomorrow and how it would be the first time I would ever get to play with another guitarist and also how I might possibly make myself a friend. I wasn’t sure what I’d tell mom yet because none of this was certain. And if she thinks I’m going to get a record deal in a month, she’s crazy. Truth is, this was kind of what I thought when we first moved to Nashville. I thought this was going to be simple, but it turns out to be the exact opposite.

          What if Grant turns out to be completely different from who I think he is? What’ll happen to my dream and my career then? I decided not to think too much about the negative things since nothing is certain yet. I have no idea who Grant is yet and also I’ve got no clue about how I was going to get a record label deal and be permitted to sing my own songs.