Repeat

Chapter One

Almost every little girl dreams of a big white wedding, marrying Prince Charming. I know I did. That was until I meet Calum. Calum was everything I wanted growing up he was sweet, caring, gentleman like, he made me laugh and he made me feel wanted in a world that made me feel otherwise, but what I learnt when he left was that there are Prince Charming decoys out there and they make you laugh, they say all the right things, they are everything you wanted and more. Then they leave you and you realise real life is not like fairy tales because in fairy tales the bad guy wears a cape and has a evil smile where as in real life they are not easy to spot. Calum never believed in fairytales though, a heart so cold it made the darkest and snowiest of winters look warm. We were opposites bound to break and fall apart. In my mind we were supposed to live happily ever after, whilst everyone else mocked my dreaming of fairytales, Calum embraced them. Then the band took off and Calum's priorities changed there are many benefits to touring and the temptation of girls, drugs, a lavish lifestyle far away from the small suburb town we both called home was far too enticing for Calum.

On the drive to my studio I turn the radio on rolling my eyes as an all too familiar song begins to play "no matter where I go" I quickly change the channel sighing takin my hand and pushing my short black hair off my face.
"Must suck having an ex whose song is everywhere" my best friend and co-producer Briar jokes
"what sucks even more is that I didn't help write it, imagine the money I'd be rolling it right now if I had" we both laugh. I hardly thought about Calum in the six months we'd been separated consuming myself in my work and focusing on anything else. A local indie band were Briar's and I's main focus at the minute helping them with pretty much every process of their debut album 'Outer Rays'. We are not allowed to question the name at all but what do expect from a band called Alien Silence. Matt, their bassist is stood casually leaning against his beaten up '96 VW Jetta when we arrive at the log cabin studio a cigarette pressed firmly between his lips, the low morning sun illuminating the freckles that are scattered across his light milky skin, he often joked about how Australian's have the stereotype of been tanned and then you get him. "Morning Matt" I smile brightly at him before turning the alarm off and turning the lights on. "Thanks for coming in early we just need to re-track the chorus bass for 'Pastel'" I inform him pooping the kettle on and brewing the three of us coffee. "That's cool, I was wondering if we could try layering it as well to really make it stand out and boost it a bit." I take a sip of my coffee leaning back it my chair behind the main desk, smiling to myself satisfied that this is my job and proud of the little cabin studio my best friend and I have nurtured in the middle of dusty suburban Sydney, a tranquil home-base for us to create it. "Good idea Matt that will really make it stand out and make the transition to playing it live easier, gotta remember the end goal is the audience loving it as much as we do". I run a hand through my dark hair still getting used to it's new shirt length "looks good Nina" Matt nods at me referring to my new cut, I blush turning my gaze to the floor embarrassed I'd be caught. "Right let's get this going" Briar rolls over next to me pulling out a notepad to take notes. I watch as Matt's eyes close as he plays his eyes scrunched together, body swaying in time his fingers moving expertly along his beautiful Fender Percussion bass, it takes me back to watching Calum's daily practice. He would sit shirtless on the bed his tattoos standing out against his tanned skin I always admired the dedication and hard work that he put into perfecting his craft. Sasha the band's vocalists arrives a short whilst later and Briar and I spend the afternoon with the two dipping between writing with them and answering emails. Neither of us realise that it's almost seven by the time we're locking up. "I'm going on another date with Tris so don't wait up for me" Briar informs me her hazel eyes beaming at the thought of seeing Tristan, her most recent infatuation. "Ooooo things must be heating up, look at that smile". I tease pointing at her chubby cheeks which have gone slightly rosy from my mimicking. She gently pushes my hand away grinning "shut up Nina". Minutes later Tristan's pick up truck appears outside the studio "your husbands here" I tease as she races over to him "see you at home" she waved goodbye and I'm left to lock up the studio alone. My 1968 Ford Mustang is the love of my life gifted to me by my parents for my 21st birthday it's something I treasure. I had decided I was going to go for a surf after work wanting to unwind. The beach is practically empty by the time I get there and the sun is setting low telling me I haven't got long before it's dark. The water is cool, fresh and I instantly feel better once I'm in, I float peacefully for a moment allowing the waves to gently push me into shore before racing out again and catching the next good wave.