𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧' 𝐆𝐮𝐲 ➺ 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓃 𝑀𝒶𝓎 & 𝒬𝓊𝑒𝑒𝓃

4. Her Majesty

Navigating through the maze of the streets, I finally arrived at the address. Why did Brian have to reside in such an obscure part of town? I raised my hand and knocked with enough force to alert someone inside. While waiting for a response, I surveyed the surroundings. The neighbourhood wasn't particularly threatening, but it definitely lacked security measures, and their front door seemed encompassed by bushes galore. I suppose students can't be too picky.

The sound of a lock turning, and a handle being pulled interrupted my observations. Peeking through the crack in the door, I met Roger's piercing blue eyes.

"Oh, it's you," he said, a hint of relief in his voice, though I didn't catch on immediately. He swung the door open fully, stepping aside to let me in.

"Good afternoon to you too, Roger," I replied, stepping into the modestly heated space.

"Who is it?" a softer voice called out from another part of the house.

"It's..." Roger stuttered, glancing back at me, "Sorry, love, what's your name again?"

"Maria," I sighed, slightly exasperated.

"It's Maria!" Roger called out.

Just then, a figure emerged from one of the rooms, holding a sizable case, presumably containing a guitar. There was no mistaking who it was, even with the case obscuring their face. Brian's voluminous mane gave him away as his face peeked out from the side.

"Hi Maria," he warmly greeted, adjusting his grip on the case. "I'll be with you in a sec, I just have to take this upstairs."

"I can look after her, you know," Roger interjected, sounding slightly offended by Brian's lack of confidence in his ability.

"And I'm sure you would," I heard Brian mutter as he ascended the stairs with the bulky case in hand.

Closing the door behind me, Roger flashed me a toothy grin, leading the way. "You can come in here, we don't bite," he assured me, gesturing for me to follow. I obliged, stepping into the designated space.

My eyes were drawn immediately to Freddie, engrossed in a game of Scrabble with another guy, his long hair mirroring Freddie's own. That must be the bass player, I thought to myself. Freddie caught sight of me, and his focused expression morphed into one of pure delight.

"Maria, darling, how are you feeling?" he exclaimed, remembering my name. Freddie's gaze darted back and forth between me and the Scrabble board, ensuring fair play with the bass player.

"I'm feeling much better, thank you F..." I paused for a moment, unsure if I got his name right. "...Freddie, was it?"

"That is indeed my name, dear," he beamed, revealing a captivating overbite. It was an intense feature, yet it suited him and added to his distinctive charm. "John, dear, don't be so rude. We have a guest," Freddie scolded the other guy, who instantly looked up at me. He too wore a smile, with a slight gap between his front teeth.

"Hello. You're the girl who's helping us, aren't you?" His voice possessed a sweet, childlike quality that simultaneously comforted me.

"Uh, yeah. I don't know how good I'll be, to be honest," I nervously chuckled, twiddling my fingers.

"Nonsense," Brian interjected from behind me, emerging to take a seat on their sofa. "It's nothing serious, so don't worry. We understand it's unpaid, and as I mentioned on the phone, we don't expect much." Brian smiled, his lips closed. "Oh, uh, would you like something to drink?" He seemed to notice the other's lack of hospitality.

"Umm... No, I'm alright, thanks," I replied, shaking my head while anxiety thumped in my chest. I was in an unfamiliar environment.

"Well, don't just stand there all the time, love. Have a seat," Roger called out from across the room, reclining in an armchair with one leg draped over the arm. He had a loosely hanging cigarette tucked between his lips, which he lit with a match.