the fall | abel tesfaye

chapter three - the music

I am still in complete and utter shock at what just occurred only moments ago. Tears begin to well in my eyes as I see Ben hurry over to my table.

"Is everything okay over here? What just happened?" He asks, a concerned look spread across his face. "Do you know that boy?"

I shake my head frantically. "No. I mean yes, but no- Not really," I stutter. My head is spinning in confusion and shock. I can barely get a word out.

"Let me grab something to clean this up, and I'll be right back," Ben tells me, patting a light hand on my shoulder to reassure me. I nod my head as he hurries into the back, and I take a seat again in the booth.

He returns second later carrying some napkins and a towel, and begins to clean the mess that Abel made pouring his coffee everywhere.

"I'm so sorry about this," I tell Ben. I feel terrible about what Abel just did, even though I barely even know him.

"Don't be silly, there's no need to apologise. You shouldn't be treated that way by anyone." He says kindly, almost finished with the coffee spill.

I smile at him, appreciating his tenderness towards me. "Thank you," I tell him. "I'm just a little in shock."

He looks down shyly for a moment. "Can I ask your name?"

"Arabella," I tell him without hesitance. This boy is nothing like Abel, and I don't think twice in sharing anything with him.

"Lovely name," Ben replies, a small smile planted across his face. "What are you studying here?"

"I'm majoring in music at the moment. I'd love to own my own record label one day." I tell him.

Ben raises his eyebrows; he looks impressed. "Wow, that's certainly something to aspire to. I actually know a record producer not too far from here, and I think they're looking for interns. Would you be interested in applying?"

I nod my head enthusiastically. "That would be amazing!"

Ben grins widely. "Well great! I'll let them know you're keen."

My heart swells at the altruism of this boy. "Thank you so much. You're too kind."

He just shrugs and waves me off. "It's nothing, really. Besides, I'm taking some music subjects too, so I like to do a bit of work experience with them when I can."

I nod my head. "That's so good. Do you play any instruments?"

"I like to play the guitar, but I'm also trying to learn piano at the moment. I've never been much of a singer though," He chuckles. I nod my head. "Yeah, I wish I could sing. That would be amazing."

"What about you?" He asks.

"Oh, I'm kind of the same. Except I've been playing the piano since I was 6. I love it so much."

Ben shoots me a grin. "Maybe you could teach me some time then."

I blush but nod my head. "If you'd like, sure."

Someone calls his name from the kitchen, asking for help with some food preparation.

"I'd better get back to work," he tells me. "It was really nice meeting you. See you around campus maybe?"

I smile and nod my head. "Yeah, sounds good."

He grins at me before hurrying off to the kitchen.

Wow. So much is happening today in the little walls of this cafè that I'm having a hard time trying to take it all in.

I attempt to pack my things and frown at my ruined novel. Still, it's my favourite copy, and I refuse to just throw it out because some rude boy ruined it. I shove it into a plastic pocket from my bag and store it carefully in the front pocket. I'll deal with it later.