No One But You

5

Madison

"How much for this one?" I ask John, looking at a used guitar hanging on the wall in the back of Earl's.

"More than you can afford," John tells me with a huff. 

I roll my eyes. Working as a math tutor has its perks, but it doesn't pay me nearly as much as I would like plus it is inconsistent as far as my pay goes. I haven't been called in for the last week and a half.

"What about this one?" I ask, pointing to a banjo. It looks well used.

"50 pounds,"

I groan loudly. 50 pounds is not horrible, but again it would put a damper on my food money for the week. I don't know why I have this vision that I will be able to find an instrument under 20 pounds. 

I pick up a light brown guitar, and begin to pluck at the strings. The House of the Rising Sun suddenly emits from the guitar. I didn't even know I knew this song, but alas here I am playing it. Sometimes I embrace the fact that I can hear a song and just play it. I don't know how, but it is one of the talents I have.

"I'm telling you, you could be famous," John tells me. "You should be the one in a band, not me,"

My face flushes and I put the guitar down. "I don't think so," I laugh. "I'm not original,"

"Have you heard your songs? Of course you are," he argues.

I roll my eyes and pick up a different guitar. This one is black and brand new. I strum a little bit of Here Comes the Sun, my new favorite song since it released fairly recently.

A bell sounds signaling that the door has been opened. I don't stop playing when I hear it, however I put my guitar down real quick when I hear who is talking.

"Madison, darling, I didn't know you would be here?" Freddie says, excitedly, although the tone in his voice leads me to believe that that is a lie.  Along his side are Brian and Roger.

"I came to visit Deaky during my free time," I say, putting the guitar back on its stand and walking over to greet them.

"Which is all the time," John huffs. I roll my eyes as Freddie gives me a hug. I smile at Brian and Roger.

"Oh hush," I say to him.

"I think you come more for the guitars than me," he complains.

"I can't afford one so naturally I will be in here when I can. Plus you're here so it's a win win,"

"You don't own a guitar?" Brian asks me, his eyebrows furrowed.

I shake my head. "No. Never have,"

"How'd you learn how to play?"

"She's a natural. Can pick up any instrument and play anything," John chimes in. My face heats up and I look away, avoiding eye contact. I don't particularly like talking myself in this way. I feel conceited almost. I don't know why.

"That's amazing," Freddie says. 

"Thanks," I say, quietly. "So what brings you in today?" I change the subject.

"Ah yes," Freddie says, clasping his hands together. "I came to ask John over here when he is free for practicing. We got called back this weekend,"

As John is discussing his schedule with the boys, I wander the store looking at all the instruments I wish I had as to not intrude their conversation. If I had it my way I would have a room full of every instrument imaginable. I would love to play them all, making my own songs as well as doing covers.

I run my hands over a dark brown guitar that is slightly used, but in very good condition.

"That's a nice one," I hear from behind me. I jump a little and turn around to find Roger standing there, shifting on his feet. He looks good, in a blue button down shirt tucked into jeans. "I like the color of it,"

I nod, unsure of what to say. Our last encounter together was...awkward to say the least. I wish it wasn't, but I can't change the past.

"It's my favorite in the store," I say softly. I've had my eye on this one for ages now and have been dying to buy it. But every time I set aside money for it, I wind up having to use it for practical things, like food or bills.

Roger moves closer to me, but he doesn't stand uncomfortably close.

"I - uh - I just wanted to say I'm sorry about the other day. I don't want to get off on the wrong foot and I feel like we did and I was wondering if maybe you wanted to start over?" Roger stutters.

I sigh and a smile creeps on my face. "I'd like that," I say. I do genuinely want to get to know him. As well as the rest of the band. I've known Deaky for a while now, and Freddie and I have just gotten to know each other. I barely know Roger and Brian so yes I would like to give them a chance, specifically Roger.

Roger holds out his hand and I take it, shaking it gently.

"I'm Roger Taylor," he tells me, a smile playing on his lips. His blue eyes sparkle in the light. 

"Madison Kayle," I say.

"How about I buy you a drink this weekend at the show?"

I bite my lip and look down, only to look back up at him. I try to fight my attraction for the man, but I'm finding it difficult. It's just a drink Madison, I think to myself. Just a drink. 

"That sounds lovely," I say, meaning it. 

"Oi, Rog," Brian says from the other end of the store. We both turn to look at the boys. "We're going to get set up. John's coming over after his shift,"

Roger gives me a smile and touches my arm lightly before following Freddie and Brian out, both of them waving at me as they exit.

"What was that between you and Roger?" John asks me when I walk back to the register.

I sigh and lean my elbow on the counter. "We got off to a rocky start and he apologized," I tell him. I push my fallen hair behind my ear. 

"He apologized?"

"He did indeed,"

John sighs. "I don't know, Maddie, just be careful. I don't want him taking advantage of you. He's been with a lot of girls," he whispers the last part.

The familiar twinge in my chest surfaces.

"I know, Deaky. I still want to get to know him you know? I want to get to know everyone," I explain.

It's not a lie. I do want to get to know the other boys. But theres something that draws me to Roger. I want to be his friend, but at the same time I worry that I'll want more and that can never happen.