Heart's Tempo (Wattys2014) [EDITING]

Chapter 9

There were different set-up cars in that car show – from fully restored vintage cars, to engines, to interior set-ups, name it, you got it. Well, what are you supposed to expect in a car show? Nisa didn’t really understand car specs, she only went there with Christalle to see how cool cars can get when they were fully set up. And she was right. She wasn’t a car enthusiast but she was drooling just like every guy inside the building.

“How cool can this get?”

Fourth said as he went on raving about one car’s specs to the other while Christalle talked to some acquaintances not far from them. If Nisa wasn’t mistaken, she heard Christalle talking about the price of a certain European car they passed by a few seconds ago.

“You don’t understand a single thing I just said, do you?”

“The truth is, I only recognize a few cars here. Other than that, I know nada.”

“Well, I hope you have a lot of patience with Christalle and I when we go talking like that. And thank you too, for inviting me here.”

“No problem.”

“Yeah, that’s no problem.” Christalle said behind them. “I guess I have to thank Nisa here for bringing someone like you. Henry and I finally have a new friend who knows a great car when he sees one. Speaking of Henry, he called me a few minutes ago, he said he’ll be here in an hour.”

“I thought he can’t make it today.”

“Well, the moment he heard Fourth was here he quickly said he’s coming. I think I know why.”

“Why?” Fourth asked.

“I think it’s better that you find out from him yourself.” Christalle smiled the same time Nisa did.

An hour later, Henry came carrying his violin case.

“I reserved four seats at an Italian restaurant near here so we can have a nice long talk. And you, my friend, cannot say no.” with that Christalle threw her car keys to Henry and he placed his arm around Fourth’s shoulder and walked towards the parking lot.

“No way…this is a joke right?”  Fourth looked at his three companions. He had forgotten all about the food in front of him with the news Henry gave him.

They were all smiling. Not the kind smile when someone is playing a trick on you; it was a kind of smile that says they were happy for him and at the same time enjoying the reaction they were getting from him.

“Seriously?!” Fourth said again.

“Seriously, yes. You just need to complete the requirements and you can enroll to whatever music school you want.” Henry said then faced his seafood pasta again.

The smile on Fourth’s face seemed to be plastered with super glue. He was on a high, a feeling he has never felt before. He can never thank Henry enough for what he did. There really was nothing he can give him, he practically has everything.

“Just be a friend to my brother, that’s all I ask in exchange for this.” Christalle said when Henry left to go the restroom. “He doesn’t have a lot of friends.”

“That one, I can give.” Fourth said after taking a sip on his iced tea. Nisa was simply listening and enjoying her coffee hazelnut gelato at the same time. Now that Christalle has mentioned it, Nisa had to agree. It was either Henry was too careful choosing his friends or he’s just the type that weirds people out because of his love for classical music and books.

When Henry came back, he paid for everything they ate and asked if there was still somewhere they wanted to go. Christalle said back to the car show. Henry knew her sister had her eye on a car again and if that happens, there was no stopping her from buying one.