1 01: The Day I Lost My Guitar

JADE

Running footsteps echoed through the school halls as a girl of sixteen ran through.

The afternoon sun cast its rays through the windows, the air hot and humid as summer slowly rolled in. The school hallways were wide, which the girl appreciated as her heart raced with the effort to bring oxygen to her lungs.

"HEY!"

She stumbled at the sudden call, shoes squeaking against the tiles. She forced herself to come to a stop, breathless. Her eyes found the janitor whose eyebrows were knit in confusion and irritation. He leaned on the mop he held.

"School hours are already over, missy. What the heck are you doing still inside?"

"Yeah I know but I need to check something really quick." She placed her palms together in a prayer-like position. "Please sir, I won't make a mess or anything. If I don't see what I'm looking for, I'll be out of the school premises right away!"

She earnestly looked at the janitor, who seemed to mull it over. The teen waited for his response with bated breath, hoping for his consideration. The middle-aged man ultimately sighed, gesturing with a hand for her to continue on.

"All right, make it quick."

"Yes! Thank you sir!"

She squealed in delight, darting through the halls once again.

As she turned a corner, she rammed into someone, metal rods falling from his hands and cascading to the floor. He grunted and she stumbled but regained her footing rather quickly and called over her shoulder as she veered past him, "Sorry about that!"

Upon reaching her classroom, she panted and took a moment to catch her breath. She ducked under chairs, checked every cabinet, and rounded the teacher's table twice.

Nothing.

Dejected and tired from the sprint, she plopped herself on one of the desks and fished out her phone from her pocket to contact someone.

The call was picked up on the third ring and her best friend's voice floated through.

"Hey girl. Any luck?"

She sighed and swung her legs, which didn't quite reach the floor when she was sitting on a desk in this height.

"No luck, B."

"Aww that sucks. What are you going to do now, Jade?"

Jade sighed and looked out the window where the sports clubs were having their after-school practices.

She directed her gaze to the floor again.

"I still don't know."

"You could of course tell your dad. I'm sure he won't be mad you lost your guitar."

"Yeah but then Dad will spend money to buy me a new guitar." She sighed. "I don't want him spending so much money on me."

"Then would it help if we all saved up to buy you a new guitar?"

Jade swallowed. She gave a soft smile even though she knew the other couldn't see it.

"I appreciate that, Briar, but I'll still look around the area. If there really is no sign of my guitar, then I'm gonna have to take you up on your offer."

Briar on the other end giggled.

"All right then, girl. Now come home; your siblings are asking me where the heck you are. Maya, the little brat we all love, is asking if you're dead."

They both laughed.

Jade hopped off the desk and walked toward the door.

"Tell her too bad I'm still alive and kicking."

Briar laughed again.

"Well, text me when you get home or something."

"Or something," Jade agreed.

After ending the call, Jade lowered the phone and placed it back in her hoodie pocket. The momentary joy was gone as she worried over her missing guitar, not knowing what to do.

She didn't want to ask her father to buy her a new guitar when they were already struggling to pay bills. Her twin siblings had also just started high school and were naturally adjusting to the change of environment after completing middle school. Of course, they also needed money for their supplies and needs.

Maya would need materials for her hobby of tinkering with things. Nicholas (aka Nick) would need funds for his art materials whenever he had the spur to paint or draw something.

Well, guess that was a problem for another day.

She reached home and called out while opening the door, "I'm back!"

Maya appeared from the threshold dressed in an oversized orange sweater and black leggings, feet in mismatched socks; one had a Christmas design and the other had candies. Her lips formed into a pout and she placed her hands on her hips.

"Took you long enough! We thought you ran away or something."

Jade giggled, setting her bag on one of the chairs.

"And where will I go? Who's gonna go teasing you when I'm gone?"

"Well you have a valid point." Maya chuckled. She sobered up as Jade walked around the house. "What's for dinner?"

"Chicken and pasta."

"Sounds good."

Both sisters turned toward the newcomer.

Nick wiped his glasses using the hem of his shirt, replacing the pair over his eyes and smiling at Jade. She smiled back.

"I'm starving."

Jade rolled her eyes in good nature as she headed for the stairs.

"Give me a second to change then I can prepare dinner." She paused and addressed the twins. "What about Dad?"

"Still at work. But he said he'll be home for dinner."

Jade nodded before fully going upstairs and taking time to change her clothes.

She enlisted her siblings' help in preparing dinner and by the time she was plating the pasta, the doorbell rang with Nick running forward to open the door and greet their father.

"Daddy!" Maya also hurried to be by their father, throwing herself on him.

Ryan Alderson laughed and heartily and scooped her up in his arms, one of his hands coming over to ruffle Nick, who visibly swelled with joy at being touched.

"Hey sweetie," he said to Maya. To Jade he winked. "How's dinner preparations, hon?"

"You're just in time, Dad. Everyone, dinner's ready. Come sit down."

"Don't mind if we do." Nick scampered back toward the dining area where freshly made pasta and chicken sat on the table.

"How was work, Dad?" Jade asked as all of them started to eat.

"It was productive, thanks for asking." He chewed a bite of pasta and moaned. "Mmm you did this well. Good job."

Jade grinned. "Thanks Dad."

In such a setting like this some may consider mundane, Jade was content and satisfied.