Twice The Trouble

Chapter 64: Warm Hearts

Sophia

Lucas played Bruno Mars' "Just The Way You Are" using the acoustic guitar.

When he opened his mouth to sing, heads turned to look at him. There were no more than fifteen people in the music store, and all of them listened to Lucas play and sing.

His voice was rich, well-rounded, and mesmerizing.. he was even able to hit the high notes.

The whole time he sang while playing the guitar, Lucas locked his brown eyes on mine.

In between lyrics, he would make exaggerated faces and gestures for dramatic emphasis, and I erupted in fits of giggles and laughter at his comical but impressive performance.

After he finished the last verse, I repeatedly clapped my hands, my applause joined by the other people inside the music store who also began to praise Lucas and his talents.

"That was awesome,man," whooped Jonas, an employee sitting behind the counter.

Lucas nodded at him. "Thanks. Could you ring this up for me? I'm buying it."

"You're gonna what now?" I gaped at my handsome friend holding up a guitar.

He gently poked my forehead as he chuckled. "You heard me right, Sophia. I'm getting this."

"But.." my voice trailed off, and I fixed Lucas with a curious look. "I thought you were just..."

"..going to play?" he supplied for me. "Nope," he said, popping the 'p' sound. "I'm buying it."

I lowered my gaze to the price tag dangling from the bottom half of the fret-board. I gasped.

Reaching for his purple sleeve, I urgently tugged at it, dragging him closer in order for me to mutter inside his ear: "It costs 2,950 pesos! You can purchase a similar guitar online for a reduced price! Is this even your first guitar or do you have a good, efficient one at home?"

I felt him tremble with laughter. "Sophia, my only and oldest guitar was given to me by one of my grandfathers." He paused,clearing his throat. "Okay, I'll be more thrifty from now on, but I really want to get this particular instrument." He slowly pulled away from my grasp, and I released him.

"Well, it's your choice," I mumbled as I witnessed him pay for the guitar. "But why THIS guitar?"

He had his back turned to me. "I have my reasons."

"Ooh. Intrigue. I'm so turned on," I absentmindedly said.

Lucas straightened up and craned his neck to send me a teasing smile. "Are you serious?"

My heart skipped a beat. "No? Yes? I'm confused. You know what, I'll just go ahead. Bye!"

I scurried away before he could interrogate me further.

My stomach grumbled. I was craving something sweet and soft. Bingo! There it is.

K.K. or Krispy Kreme---My favorite doughnut place. The walls were made of glass and the green sign was emblazoned with bold red text reading KRISPY KREME. It was rather crowded but I'll take my chances.

The heavenly scent of sugar and glaze invaded my nose the second I entered the establishment.

I noticed a piece of paper underneath my left sneaker, so I plucked it off the sole and I squinted.

ONE-DAY SALE! BUY THREE ORIGINAL GLAZED FOR ONLY SIXTY PESOS!

OR SIX ASSORTED DOUGHNUTS FOR 126 PESOS WITH PURCHASE OF ANY COFFEE!