Stormy

Chapter 37

I look at Martijn, unsure what to say. Martijn catches the signs and pushes further: "So you're not a 100% against it anymore?" "Martijn... I'm not sure to be honest.", I say. "What's bothering you?", he wants to know. On the one hand, I'd genuinely love to do it. On the other hand... "I am just scared, I guess. Of not being up on your level.", I say and look away. Martijn turns me around and says: "That's an excuse. We talked about that already. Tell me the truth, Julie, please." I walk a few steps away from him and sit down on a nearby bench, burying my face in my hands. Martijn follows me and puts an arm around my shoulder: "Julie, heyyy. Need a friend?" "Actually... I do.", I repeat his answer from earlier today and can't help but chuckle. "What's bothering you?", he asks. "I'm not sure how to... explain.", I answer and bite my lip. "Please, give it a try for me.", he pleads gently. "Remember that one time you had to pick me up from the floor? Those girls I had an argument with? Who broke my guitar? I ran away from you that day.", I start. "I do. It's not about the shit they said to you, right?", Martijn says and his eyes have that stormy touch to them again. "I heard they talked to you today during the showcase?", I want to know and Martijn gives me a weird look. "No they didn't? Besides you and my team, Julian was the only one I had a proper conversation with today...", he adds. "But they made it seem like you were considering Maud to be the singer for your graduation project? I just don't want her to screw you over.", I exclaim and it feels good to finally put my feelings into words. "Maud? Nah, definitely not. She that arrogant blonde one, right? I think she was speaking to a few guys from my class today. But definitely not to me. She has a nice voice, yeah, but her attitude is poor. Was almost begging them to let her sing. You know, actually I'm considering to have Kris sing on my graduation project. I have an idea for a song already and we're allowed to bring in other vocalists as well so... A male voice just fits the idea better. It's definitely not gonna be Maud, that's for sure.", Martijn explains. One part of me is sad to hear him say that. Secretly, I had still hoped he would pick me to sing. But the other part of me never wanted that, so somehow, I am glad as well. "I'm glad to hear it's not true. Because you're right, her attitude really is poor.", I swallow hard, "They are still threatening me to 'leave you alone', or else... You know, they came up to me today while I was warming up my voice for the showcase, trying to distract me and ruin my performance. So you wouldn't pick me and they could be picked. I'm totally fine with you having Kris on your track, he's amazing. I just wanted you to know what they did. That's why I have been dreading to do the video with you. They'd definitely see that and then... I just don't know what to do." "Julie, heyyy.. Why didn't you tell me all of this earlier? I'm definitely not gonna let someone bully you out of opportunities you'd like to take on just because you're working with me. I refuse to....", Martijn protests. "What would you do, if you were in my position?", I interrupt him. "Well... You know, we have to announce the vocalists we picked in about a week's time. Maud will realize that I didn't pick her. And if she's ever gonna cause any fuzz again, I'll make sure she and everyone around her understand that I'm never gonna succumb to their level. I promise.", Martijn offers. "Thank you, Martijn.", I say quietly, "And really, I'm happy for you that you can work with someone as great as Kris for your graduation project. I'm sure the song you two are gonna make will be amazing." "I'm glad you're not mad I didn't pick you. That's something I really appreciate about you: You genuinely do understand how it's the art that counts the most.", he smiles. "True, it really is the most important thing in this crazy journey.", I agree. "Hey, can I maybe introduce you Damian sometime soon, who does almost all of my music videos? We could talk to him and see if we can come up with a concept that you feel comfortable with. No pressure, you can always step out if you feel like it.", Martijn says, "Just if you feel strong enough. I really don't want to pressure you into anything. But I promise, I'll make sure you won't have to worry about Maud and her sidekicks anymore. You deserve better." I nervously play with a strand of my hair, contemplating the options I have. "Okay.", I answer, "Let's meet with that Damian guy. See what he says. I just hope that Maud finally leaves me alone after that." "Did I just hear a yes?", Martijn grins. "Yes, Garrix, I'm in.", I repeat. He gives me a hug: "Thank you. I'm so glad to hear that. And Julie? Can I ask you one more thing?" "What is it?", I ask. "Promise me you'll talk to me should these girls ever cause you any trouble again? I care about you as a friend, you really don't have to hide this from me. Understood?", he asks and gives me his typical puppy eyes. "Understood.", I can't help but crack a little smile, "I promise. Thanks for being there for me, honestly." "You're so welcome. And hey, same goes for you.", he answers. Then we are suddenly interrupted by Emma and Julian who are approaching us. "There you are.", Julian exclaims, "We've been looking for you all over the place." "I'm sorry, we just had to...", I say. "Have a little talk.", Martijn finishes my sentence. "Anyways, Julian suggested we could go to the city center because apparently you guys know the best pizza place in town?", Emma turned to Martijn. "Are you guys in?", Julian asks. Martijn and I look at each other, then we answer at the same time: "Yes of course. Pizza sounds great!"