Stormy

Chapter 9

We keep working on our melodies for the next hour, changing little things here and there. Martijn also gets down a first draft of it in Fruity Loops. As the bell rings, Martijn explains: "I'll probably be very busy this weekend, but I might have time to work on the song on the plane. We're playing Croatia on Saturday and Serbia on Sunday! I'm so stoked for the shows though!" "Show-off.", I mock him. "Hey!!", he protests with a laugh. "What?", I reply, laughing as well. As we head out to the schoolyard, I remember my conversation with Emma from earlier and turn to Martijn: "Actually, I have a favor to ask from you." "Sure. What is it?", he immediately replies and gives me a smile. No questions asked, he just agreed to do me a favor without even knowing what it was about. That is pretty special. I get lost in his eyes for a split second, before I answer: "I know that you're really close with Julian. I was speaking to Emma earlier today and she's really struggling with their project. Let's say, Julian doesn't really realize that she isn't made for his hard drops and aggressive melodies. She has basically lost hope already, and I figured maybe you could have a word with him and see if you could give him a little nudge into the right direction?" "I don't know if it really helps, but sure thing, I can definitely have a word with him.", he offers. "That would be really kind of you to do.", I say, "Thank you, Martijn." "I actually have something I wanted to ask you as well.", he says. "Oh? What is it?", I ask. "It's just... Did you realize that we have never spent time together apart from music until now?", he asks me. "Oh, you're right!", I realize, "That's crazy." "As I said, I am super busy this weekend with shows, but would you maybe like to do something with me on Monday?", he asks and I can see that it takes him a lot of courage to do so. As I don't immediately respond to his question, he quickly adds: "Just as friends, of course. I don't want you to get a wrong impression of me. Like I really just want to get to know you better. You don't have to, of course." "Martijn!", I interrupt him. He looks at me with his stormy eyes and a questioning look on his face: "What is it?" "You're second-guessing way too much stuff. Of course I'd like to.", I explain. His face lights up with a relieved smile: "Really? That's great. I'm happy to hear that. If you want to, you can pick what to do." "That is really kind of you.", I reply and return the smile, "What about grabbing something to eat somewhere in the city and then just enjoy the sun outside and talk?" "I'd like that. Sounds peaceful to me.", Martijn replies, "I have to get going now. We're leaving for Croatia tonight. I'll see you Monday after class?" "Yep. See you Monday, and good luck for the shows!", I answer and give him a small hug. "Thank you! Have a great weekend, Julie!", he says and then quickly heads off to the parking lot, where a fancy car is already waiting to pick him up.

I spend the weekend enjoying the sun outside together with Emma and also with scribbling down some first ideas for lyrics into my notebook. I come up with several families of words, including the idea of togetherness. It all spins around this one line in my head: "The one shot that you fire at the sky, hoping someone else can see it." After obsessing over the idea for hours, I decide to send a text to Martijn, presenting the above to him as a basic idea for our song.

Julie: Hey Martijn! Been working on figuring out the lyrics for our song. I had this basic concept in my head and I'm kinda obsessed with it. There's this one line I really love: "The one shot that you fire at the sky, hoping someone else can see it." Would love to know what you think. Julie

He replies, hours later of course, with a picture of him in front of a huge crowd.

Martijn: Hi from Serbia! Had a great show tonight, but can't wait to get back home. I like your idea, we'll talk about it tomorrow, alright? I have some stuff to show you as well.

On Monday, I find a tired looking Martijn waiting for me outside of the school building. I smile when I see him and ask: "How's your day been? You're looking super tired." "Oh believe me, I am damn tired. And a little stressed as well. Due to touring I always have to hand in my assignments earlier than the others and... I'm a little behind on some stuff, I guess.", he replies. "Oh, so if you have work to do, I mean we don't have to do this now? Like we can always do something on another day, when you're free.", I suggest. "No, please, I've been looking forward to this for the whole day. I need some time off.", he answers. "Alright. Shall we go then, Garrix?", I laugh and mock him a little. He yawns and nods his head. "You look like you need some coffee.", I say and his eyes light up. "Yes please haha, let's grab some coffee. Otherwise I might not survive this day.", he pleads. "Oh, that would be a pity.", I agree and we head towards a café close-by. "Would it really?", he smirks. "Come on Martijn.", I laugh, "You know how I meant that." "Do I?", he asks innocently. "Oh yes you do.", I answer, I need your opinions on my lyrics. And also, you said you had something to show me." "That is true, actually.", he finally gives in. As we reach the café, he holds he door open for me and we sit down in a comfortable corner next to the windows. Martijn orders a large Latte and a slice of chocolate cake, while I order a Caramel Frappé and a slice of strawberry cake. While we wait for our orders to arrive, Martijn gets out his laptop and says: "I know this wasn't supposed to be about music again, but I just couldn't resist." "It's fine. I know you just live and breathe music. Did you work on the track?", I smile. Martijn proudly nods and hands me his headphones: "Would you mind giving it a listen? I want you to feel good about it as well. It's just a first idea, though, nothing finished yet."