Ruel Imagines // paused

•chocolate cake and adventures•

RUEL'S POV

It was the third Thursday of November.  And like every other week dinner at Antonio's was established. The round, five chair and next to the window table was reserved for the Van Dijk's. Exactly, for me and my family.

The dinner every Thursday of the week at Antonio's, seating in the same table, became a tradition for my family when my father's company took off, I was sixteen. Antonio's is one of the most expensive restaurant in Sydney since it is located right next to the beach and the menu is amazing and diverse. Mostly wealthy families and businessmen enjoy Antonio's food and entertainment. Yes, there is also entertainment. Since we went only and especially on Thursdays, the only entertainment we were spectators of was a young girl playing the violin or the piano. Sounds boring, and that was what I thought at first, but as the years went by and my family and I continued our tradition, this girl grew. Her talent was shown in every piece her fingers played and her beauty caught everyone's eyes at Antonio's. She never talked or introduced herself to the crowd, and that only increased my intrigue. I tried to reach out to her various times but as soon as she left the stage, she would disappear through the kitchen's door.

That Thursday I was wearing a white shirt and a black pair of dressing pants. I swear I tried to dress elegant because of the restaurant's atmosphere but that was just simply not me. We were all enthusiastic, we loved Thursday's dinner, especially me as I got to see her perform. But unfortunately, by the time our order got to our table, she was not there. Usually, she performed the whole dinner. I tried to let that slip and enjoy the meal and my family's company, but still something inside me was upset. Those were the only two hours and a half I got to see her per week, why was life so harsh on me? I know, I get obsessed with the girls I like. I get very attached very quickly.

We ordered dessert (something chocolatey to heal my pain) and waited for it. Suddenly, the restaurant doors swung open. My eyes caught her walking around the restaurant. She was wearing a black jean skirt, combat boots and a black tank top, her neck full of cute tiny necklaces and she was carrying an electric guitar. Definitely not elegant and definitely not what she wore when she performed, but I loved it. Her outfit was so sick. Her eyebrows frowning and her lips pursuing demonstrated she was pissed. She walked to the stage, she connected the guitar to the amplifier and stood in the middle of the stage clapping her hands. Everyone stopped whatever they were doing and turned to her because of the noisy claps. "Hello! If you are a regular customer you might know me, I play the violin or piano from Thursdays to Sundays. But tonight, I'll be dazzling you with another type of masterpiece. Please enjoy!" She was exclaiming but smirking proudly and everyone inside the restaurant was just simply confused, surprised.

The sound of her guitar echoed in the restaurant. Women wearing designer dresses and expensive pearls gasped at the deafening sound of the guitar and curse words, while men in suits frowned at such misbehaviour. But, me? I was smiling from ear to ear, like a dork. I said I liked that girl but I was completely wrong, I was fucking in love with her and I had never talked to her. I found the song familiar but I did not exactly know its name, it was not the type of music I listened to. She looked exhilareted and proud of her rebellious performance. The song went on explaining music is her aeroplane and something about pain. Suddenly, the music went off and her face fell, just like mine. Her voice was amazing and her guitar skills could easily run over mine, I wanted to keep on hearing.

Antonio, the head chef, friend of my parents and owner of the restaurant, stood up in front of her saying something we couldn't hear because of the distance. He looked pissed as fuck but she remained in her position, very determined. Until he signalled the door and she walked out hitting his shoulder. That was the first time she went out through the actual doors of the restaurant and not the kitchen door. 'It 's my chance! I can catch her in her way out!' Those where the only thoughts filling my mind as I stood up from the chair and, ignoring the questions and confusion of my family, I run through the door, like literally running.