11 "I bet she doesn't"
He grabbed the wrong hand. He should’ve just asked, and I would answer. I winced because of the cuts under his hand aren’t that old. He left my side the second our eyes met. I shifted my gaze to the others, avoiding his piercing stares.
“From where you heard this song, Sarah?” Adam asked gently.
“Why? Is there something wrong about me knowing these sad melodies?” I asked. I am not giving information before getting answered.
“This is the damn song that I wrote with my mom before she died!” The angry guy yelled in agony. I felt his pain. It was visible in his voice.
The realization heats me hard. I always wanted to meet the guy I saw his back only.
“In my previous school, the kids at the class bullied me every time I get in the music class. It was one reason that made me stay away from playing the piano again. When I came here, I always walk by it to get in the rooftop after everyone went home, and I never had the urge to get in there anymore. I tried to avoid looking at the piano. It was my passion and even I couldn't put my fingers on it, I was drawn to it. One day a melody stopped me from walking. It lured me to the front of the room. I stood there, savoring every note hitting. It helped me lessen the longing I had for playing the piano. But, after several times, the guy disappeared,” I explained, looking at the stitches in my fingers.
“I wasn’t a student back then. I just went because it was peaceful with no nosy people lurking to know what I am up to,” Noah murmurs.
“Look, I am sorry I played your song. I never played it before in front of anyone, so it’s still yours. It just that the first thing popped up in my mind since I didn’t let my ears listen to any music with piano on it.”
“Let me sum this, you played a song that you heard only several times and a long time ago,” Daniel spoke in disbelief.
“Yeah, I can play from only hearing. But, that was a long time. I can’t be as perfect as him playing it.”
“You are kidding me, right?” I looked at Adam, who gave me a half-laugh. “You heard this song a long time ago, you never played it before today, and he recognized it while you were playing it. What’s more than that to show us you’re talented? Yes, you need practice, and that why Noah is here. To make sure that you’ll play his song better than him. I told you; an artist always stays artist no matter what,”. He concluded with a smile. I felt a hint of confidence and relief after hearing his words. Their belief in me made me smile.
“Noah, apologize for hurting her before knowing her side of the story. Even if she was wrong, you should not be harsh on a girl, young man!” Daniel scolded.
“Oh!” Noah let out. That’s what he has to say? Oh?
Our eyes met, and I didn’t like the mixed feelings I got from it.
“No! He doesn’t have to. Can you show the kitchen? I need water!” I babbled. Adam shows me the direction, and I went out of there as fast as I can.
**
This place is cute, all white, and everything in order. I can imagine Daniel yelling the guys not to make a mess. He has that big brother feeling on him. I sensed it, and I like the warmth of it.
“You look different, Ser.”
I almost shock myself and spelled water from my mouth. I never thought that I'd see dad in another kitchen, not that I was in any other before. My brain is taking it far!
“Dad? I can see you here too?”
“Well, I am always with you daughter,” He smiled.
“How do I look different?”
“Are you asking me this? You’re the one that is suddenly surrounding herself with handsome guys, not mentions smiling at them,”. He shrugged his shoulder. Me smiling? When?
“Not exactly, my dad is more handsome than any guy I met. But aren’t you angry? A dad shouldn’t like his daughter surrounded by guys.”
“I admit I don’t, but you smiled again, you touch the piano again, and you played it with genuine love and raw emotions. That girl up there was the girl I know and raised. I am sorry that you have to pass through all this in your life. You deserve the best. Just try to enjoy yourself and forget about everything.”
Again, the optimist part that I buried in the back of my brain is pep-talking to me unconsciously in my dad’s figure.
“You took so long for just water,” Daniel said a step away from me, I turned and pressed an awkward smile at him.
“I was just thinking about some stuff,” I lied but, technically I was.
“You were thinking out loud? I heard you murmuring,” He raised his eyebrow, suspecting my excuse. I nodded hesitantly, and he smiled, ruffling my hair, saying I was cute. I turned to where I saw my dad, and as always, he wasn’t there anymore. Even though it’s just a figure my brain creates, I still like to see him in front of me. I won’t try to heal from it no matter what I’ll be called if someone figures it out.
“Sarah! You still here?” I snapped from Daniel, flicking his fingers in front of my face. “Oh, sorry! Spacing out is one of my weird habits,” I spoke in a quiet voice.
“Want to help me with lunch?” He requested. "Noah won't let me listen to his song?”
“He approved working with you, so he has to complete rearranging the song. Let us make something to eat before you get in the proper work,” He suggested.
“I am not that good at cooking but, I’ll help,” I said.
“Sure, it’s not your specialty! Let’s start with peeling and cutting vegetables,”. And he knows my specialty?
I never chatted, talked, or laugh this much for a long time. Cooking feels more fun with more hands doing it. It was the same amount of enjoyment I had when I cooked with my dad and his friend. I don’t remember him much, but I remember that he has a son older than me. His name was a bit strange for me, so I called him brother. He took care of me and was the big brother I never have, and strangely, Daniel gave up the same vibe. I feel the warmth and care a brother would give me. I guess it’s because he’s the oldest of the guys and he takes care of them.
“Do you want to hear another joke?” Daniel exclaimed. He’s enjoying cracking lame jokes for me. He laughs at them before finishing telling them, and it makes me laugh in response. I guess the guys don’t let him tell them jokes.
“I bet she doesn’t.”
