A Guitar's String

Chapter I

“Monday! Yay!” Of course, I meant that sarcastically. Who loves Mondays, anyway? Crazy assholes.

Alarm went off at 6:30, giving me enough time to do my morning routines. However, I’ve been awake for like an hour and a half already. Crazy as it sounds, but I’ve been staring blankly at the ceiling, thinking of how productive this day could be.

After doing the morning routines, I fought with my alter ego on whether I shall take the train or drive myself off to work. I would want to walk, but that will take me long (and it will tire me out for sure) so I disregarded that option.

“Should’ve brought my car instead.” I murmured. The train is already 10 minutes late, and I’m not on the best mood. I plugged my earphone on, then as always, decided to get lost in my own little world.

**

“Ms. Woodley, you’re late.” Says Mr. Windsor. Way to go to greet me upon my arrival, Mister. I’m starting to think that this guy’s very time conscious. I’m not even 5 minutes late and he’s starting to get cranky. Taking my jacket off, which happens to be filled with snowflakes, I walked towards the stage, in front of the grand piano. I looked at Mr. Windsor, examined him from head to foot discreetly, before letting out a loud and heavy sigh. I started to hum as a way of recalling the melody from the practiced set on Saturday, but before I knew it, the piano guy plays in accordance to my hums.

Four hours or so went by fast. As stated on my schedule, and as what I’ve practiced, it’s time to go to the studio for duet rehearsals; my least favorite part of the practices. Not because I get to be with a guy, which I definitely feel awkward about, but because it’s one of those practices where you would have to be as prim as possible with the guy, and do stuffs together so chemistry will build up.

Hopping on the trailer, I once again started to get lost in my thoughts, then drifted off to sleep.

**

“Ace.”

“Mhm..” I opened my eyes and found Rob grinning down at me. I moved my face away from his gaze, feeling my cheeks heat up slightly.

Robert Harrison, my friends. He is my best friend, or so at least, I still consider him as my best friend. We’ve been friends since our first Broadway show together. I broke his heart (unintentionally, because we were young… And well, I was in love with someone else) a few years back and nothing’s been the same since then.

I don’t know if this is how destiny plays, but me and Rob are playing couple on this musical, and truth be told, neither of us is comfortable with shit.

“Tire yourself out this weekend, eh?” He asked, his British accent hard. “Perhaps hittin’ it with the guy?” He asked as he extended out his hand for me to reach.

I looked down on my iPod and fuck that, battery empty. Nothing to keep me company except this scumbag. “Shut up,” I hissed then ignored his hand as I struggle to get up from my comfortable position. “I have no one to hit it with, so shut that goddamn mouth.” I said, clearly irritated, but as I turn around, a small smile formed my lips. I swear, I am not this… Foul when it comes to words. It’s not how I was raised. But people change. And sometimes, change is good.

We walked our way to the studio in awkward silence, but from my peripheral vision, I can see him looking at me every now and then and I can feel my cheeks heat up some more.

The walk seemed to go on forever ‘til we saw the studio for the two main characters – Vanessa and Dylan. I pointed it out to him and he cocked an eyebrow before mouthing “I’ve seen. I can read.”

Letting his cockiness go, I opened the door and found us on a relatively large room than the previous studios. Same positioning of the pieces of furniture. A grand piano at the middle, a long piano chair and two high chairs on both ends of the piano.

We’ve been told that there would be a new duet director assigned.

“He’s on his way.” Mr. Windsor told us after opening the door. He didn’t knock, did he? Suck an ass. “He’s nice and he’s got a few new songs for the both of you as well. Relax guys and be comfortable with each other.”

“We are comfortable. It’s not like we’d have to do naughty deeds during the show, right?” I asked. Of course, I haven’t been to a musical with lots of making out and stuff. Musicals are about music, not, well, uhm, porn. Hah.

Instead of answering, the scumbag gave us a smile then shut the door. Not that I mind, but with Rob, really? I can’t. I mean, I can. But, no. I looked at Rob who was talking to someone over the phone, then rolled my eyes.

As thoughts race through my mind, I was brought back to reality when the door opened.

“I take it that you guys are the –”

“Mike?”

No. It can’t. He wasn’t supposed to be here. Not now. Not soon. Not ever. Right there and then, my heart started beating fast – the kind of fast I haven’t felt in years.