Hidden Notes

Hidden Notes

The hustle and bustle of the renowned Los Angeles, known by locals as the "City of Angels," was not only an excellent place for business, boasting numerous skyscrapers occupied by the most famous companies and corporations in the country, but it was also a city rich in culture and, most importantly, valued other aspects such as entertainment and the arts.

The city was a place of contrasts, where the modern and the old blended together, and where people from all social classes coexisted side by side.

It was a city where anything was possible, where dreams could become reality.

While some already had goals and a path to follow to achieve their objectives, others simply lived their lives with no idea what might happen the next day. But one thing was certain: it was a unique city, one that never left anyone indifferent.

A city where business and the arts coexist, it is a place where anything is possible. The city is known for its hustle and frantic pace, but it is also a cultural and entertainment hub and a cradle for promising talents.

It was a city of dreams. A place where anything was possible, where anyone could become someone. It was a city of opportunities, filled with people willing to work hard to achieve their goals and others who were even searching for something...

[...]

Everywhere, it was easy to find a young dreamer thinking about their future—a remarkable city.

In the afternoon, in a quiet square, people strolled peacefully. Due to the city's general commotion, the movement there was lower compared to weekends, yet it was the perfect place to spend some time or simply forget one's thoughts and rest a little.

Despite the beautiful view, there was little to appreciate in that place. The local nature lost some of its prominence due to the towering skyscrapers, yet it was not an environment to be disregarded. The air was cold and humid, and the scent of wildflowers filled the air—a perfect climate for an afternoon like that.

Some young people saw that opportunity as a chance to escape their obligations; after all, that place was perfect for a moment away from the hustle and bustle. Others just wanted to find peace.

One young girl took advantage of it. Even with the cold late-afternoon weather, she still chose to appear in that square wearing closed clothing, even donning a black mask over her face. Even in a public environment, she did not want to be recognized for some reason.

On her back, carried by two straps, was an instrument of considerable size. From the shape of the bag, it could only be a guitar.

Even though she wanted to hide her identity, she chose to remain in one of the spots with constant movement in that square.

Some people passed by, glancing at her while she prepared. She took her guitar out of its case, leaving it on the ground close to her feet. Positioning it correctly with the strap over her shoulder, she sat on a bench near a beautiful water fountain.

From the pocket of her jacket, she retrieved a black pick with a red tip. She plucked a few notes and continued tuning the strings to a sharper tone. Once done, she sighed.

A little insecure, she began playing a few scattered notes. At first, they did not seem to connect, which was odd since the intention was to create a melody.

After another pause, she sighed again and continued, this time with more harmonic notes.

Some people simply listened from a distance, while others observed her a bit closer but only for a few seconds. The music continued, steady and pleasant for those who heard it.

She kept playing for a few more minutes. Overall, they were popular songs, many of which people immediately recognized. For them, an artistic cover in that city was quite common, so she managed to go unnoticed.

[...]

Meanwhile, in that same square, Sullivan, a middle-aged man, wandered through the place, scanning the people as if searching for someone.

His search ended when he heard a beautiful melody.

Though he did not show it, Sullivan was the analytical type when it came to musicality in general. He subtly noticed the small improvisational notes the girl used to adapt that song.

It was a complicated chord for an amateur to play, and it was clear that this was her first time performing it.

But that was a detail only he noticed. The other passersby stopped briefly to watch her before continuing on their way.

As she reached her final note, she opened her eyes, and all she heard was the sound of a solitary applause.

— "Great choice of song," he praised.

Upon receiving the compliment, she acknowledged him properly.

— "Thank you, I'm glad you liked it," she responded calmly.

— "It wasn't just a compliment, well, not entirely. Apologies for the judgment, but usually young people prefer popular music, you know, rap, all those rhymes, or even electric guitars. Don't you think this song is a bit too complicated for you? It's quite difficult to play on the guitar—translating it into chords is a demanding task, isn't it?"

— "Yes, which is exactly why it's perfect for practice. Challenging but harmonic. Besides, not just any song should be played in a place like this," she replied.

— "Explain."

— "Just look around."

She suggested.

All that could be seen were people walking in all directions and others lingering in the square, whether for casual conversation or simply to relax from the city's constant hustle.

— "In a place like this, heavy music is not suitable. The environment and the audience dictate the music."

— "That's an excellent perspective. A sharp insight for someone young. Did someone teach you that?"

— "Well... in a way."

— "You must have had some tough lessons. From what I know, GLT manages to get into you young people's heads in a frightening way—a complete brainwashing!" he gestured.

— "Actually, I'm not part of GLT," she directly denied.

— "No? Curious..."

The man found it strange, though he already suspected she wasn't part of that talent school. It took him a moment to realize he was being completely intrusive, bombarding her with so many questions.

— "Oh? Of course, where are my manners? My name is Stuart—Stuart Sullivan, at your service."

From his pocket, he pulled out a card and handed it to the girl, who hesitantly took it.

— "Talent developer?"

— "I need to make new cards... but it's just for formality. You have talent, girl. You should think about your future while you're still young."

She realized that this man might be a talent scout. However, instead of getting excited about this sudden encounter, she showed some unease.

— "Well, I... I have to go now. It was a nice conversation... I guess," she said, putting away her guitar.

— "Hey, relax. Let's just say I'm on a break. Don't be mistaken, as I said, I need new cards, and talent scouting isn't exactly a lucrative job. The salary is terrible. I was just curious after hearing your performance and decided to see you in person. For a brief moment, I thought you were one of my students."

— "You're a teacher at Great Legacy?" she asked.

— "Not just a teacher—the best one there. Though I haven't received an award yet, I will be recognized! Someday... However, I'd like a minute of your time, if you allow me."

Although she seemed uncomfortable, the girl couldn't find a way to escape the conversation and found herself forced to follow the man. She knew she had a hard time refusing a direct request.

They both sat on the benches in the park, side by side.

— So, Miss Anonymous, may I know your name?

— Alex... – she answered in a soft tone.

— Alex... so, is this the name of the new talent that will be recognized by everyone?

— What?! No way! I wouldn't go that far! – she said, waving her hands.

— You seem to have something to offer. Moreover, you have a visual identity, but don't you think this mask is a bit flashy? – he criticized.

— About that... it's a long story.

She tried to change the subject.

The reason she wore the mask wasn't only to hide her identity but also to encourage herself. If her face was hidden, she could perform without any problem. However, she didn't feel the need to reveal this detail to a stranger.

— You know, I'm picking up some good vibes from you, which is strange. Usually, this kind of thing only happens after I get to know someone for a while. Don't you think that's strange too? – the man asked, raising an eyebrow.

— Yeah... in many ways.

— Tell me, what would a young promise like you never even think for a second about being among other great talents? At your age, with this skill, it would be at least questionable not to imagine you in an audition for GLT. – he questioned.

For a brief moment, she reflected.

She knew that GLT wasn't an ordinary talent school. Most of its students had a much higher chance than other young people of being introduced to the artistic world, both due to experience and the recommendations from that place.

However, she couldn't see herself in such a scenario.

— I'd be lying if I denied it. A place like GLT is a dream for anyone who wants to expand their talents, but I feel like it's not my place. – she answered.

— Oh, I understand. So, we didn't meet your expectations?

— No, far from it, of course not! But someone like me wouldn't be well-received there. I mean, I feel like I wouldn't fit in for several reasons.

— Well, you're being hasty. How can you be sure if you've never tried an admission? Or even been to the place? – he questioned.

For a moment, she reflected on the man's words.

Alex had already formed an opinion about that place, which is why she firmly said she couldn't be accepted in such a place. Not because she felt superior—far from it—but because she didn't recognize her own abilities.

Sullivan, with his analytical gaze, noticed this and decided to use his charm to convince her.

— I understand you have your thoughts about GLT, a wonderful place that houses young talents who can show their voices to the world, which isn't a lie, of course, there's the annoying bureaucracy part and all the selection process, but I can assure you, it's much more than that. It's not just a place to mold and discover talents, but also ideal for finding your own rhythm. – he explained, snapping his fingers in a sequence of short intervals.

— Rhythm?

— Honestly, what I heard isn't something an amateur would do, I must say. It seems to me that this has already been refined in you, but not through conventional lessons, oh no, someone personally taught you, I wonder who that could be? – he asked, looking sideways at her.

— ... – she preferred silence rather than responding.

— Maybe all you need is to find yourself. Tell me, how do you feel when you pick up an instrument? What do you think when you're playing a melody like the one you just did a little while ago? Reflect for a moment; if you have doubts, I'm sure I'm right about the search for rhythm.

Even though he demonstrated peculiar gestures and mannerisms in his speech, she found meaning in his words.

— Look, I'm not going to persuade you, much less try to convince you of something, but if you want advice from a handsome middle-aged guy like me... Just enjoy the moment and take advantage of the opportunities you have.

Imposing a vague moral lesson, he handed her a voucher for the Great Legacy.

— Think about this. If you have an answer, who knows, next time, this strange unknown person could be your teacher. That said, I wish you good luck in your search, young promise!

In an eloquent manner, he bid her farewell, placing a hand on her shoulders and heading on his way, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Although his advice was questionable and his morals as dubious as they come, it was enough to make Alex reflect. Still, she couldn't help but have one thought about that man.

What a strange guy...

[...]

After an unusual afternoon, having exhausted her daily quota of social interaction, she returned home drained.

She could have opted for the subway or even taken a bus to save a few minutes, but she preferred to walk.

She lived in a residential area, which wasn't new, but it was located in one of the more luxurious parts of the city, a high-cost apartment complex.

Upon reaching the building entrance, she used the elevator after confirming her identity via the intercom.

After going up a few floors, she arrived at the top, precisely at the penthouse level after waiting a few minutes.

At the entrance of her residence, she grabbed her keys and opened the door. Hearing a click, she stepped inside.

Exhausted, she put her things aside for a moment and laid down on the couch, her face turned to a cushion.

Beside her, a woman holding a book shifted her attention to the girl.

— To be this tired, either you ran a marathon or had to interact with someone. Which of the two is correct? – she asked.

— What do you think? – Alex asked, her voice muffled.

— You're not the athletic type, and of course, interaction, according to you, would be the last thing, so I'm really curious to know, did you decide to make the most of your winter vacation?

— Please don't remind me of that...

She spoke calmly and indirectly, hinting that her vacation was coming to an end.

Her classes would resume soon, but the terror she faced wasn't even comparable to the shifts this woman worked during the week.

As for her, well... one could say she was her legal guardian, even though she seemed quite youthful, she was almost in her thirties.

— Alright, leave the complaints for later, take your shower at least. Maybe that'll help you relax.

— I think only a pizza with lots of mozzarella will make me relax now...

— Nice try, but we had pizza last weekend. If you keep eating so much cheese, your veins are going to explode.

— Dying from eating too much cheese... doesn't seem so bad... – Alex said.

— Don't say nonsense like that, there are better ways to die. – she replied, playing along.

— That's strange to hear, especially coming from a doctor.

— Smiles then stop with the nonsense, refresh yourself, and change your clothes.

— Fine~~

Submerging my head in the bathtub might help me enter a state of forgetfulness.

Whether I like it or not, I have a certain social quota to get through each day, and it just ran out in one afternoon.

I don't think I have the strength for another long conversation.

— Oh, almost forgot. "She" sent me some messages. – the woman commented, recalling vaguely.

— Please spare me from that. Knowing her, it's the same old nonsense.

— Nah, she's not that predictable. She just said she misses us. Of course, I'm summarizing her long text, and she's going to talk to you tomorrow.

— Damn... I can't avoid this. Can we do it another time, or maybe next year? – she asked, trying to find a way to avoid the conversation.

— You know it's pointless to ignore her, right? Besides, doing that would just give her more reasons to talk to you.

— ...You're right...

— Don't get discouraged. After all, no daughter can escape her own mother in situations like this.

— Please, don't use that word, like, ever...

Talking about it this way just gives me more headaches... The more I try to avoid that woman, the more she wants to get closer to me.

She'll probably start with some small talk until she gets to her main point... Speaking of which, I think I went through a similar approach today.

— I ended up meeting a weird guy today. – Alex commented.

— You're in Los Angeles, you'll have to be more specific. – the woman said, generalizing.

— I don't know how to describe him. He's weird, soft-spoken, and seems like a talent scout, but for some reason, he reminded me of her.

And the fact that he reminded me of her makes this thought even more concerning.

[...]

That night, Sullivan arrived at his apartment, a single man coming home late with a small shopping bag.

As soon as he got inside, the first thing he did was feed his pets—three multicolored fish in a small aquarium and a turtle in a larger one.

After finishing, he went to his small kitchen and placed the slice of pie he bought on a plate. With the plate in hand and holding a fork, he sat in his armchair and decided to enjoy the first bite.

Zoom Zoom

However, his phone vibrated incessantly. He remembered that an old friend was supposed to call him when she found time

Zoom Zoom BEEP!

When he answered the video call, he was greeted by the image of a woman of similar age but with a slightly more youthful appearance.

She was known worldwide by her stage name, "Starlight" Lena...

But for this man, his relationship with her was much more personal and complicated.

— What's up, Helen? Calling me during my pie time is a low blow! — the man complained.

— "Big S" should feel privileged to speak with me, it's been a while since I last called you. — she replied, complaining.

— You seem lost with your tour, you spoke to me two days ago!

— Really? Well, maybe I erased it from my memory, you know how busy my schedule is, but I didn't call you for nothing, let alone to interrupt your "pie time."

— Not reminiscing about the old days then?

He went back to eating his pie.

— So? Did you manage to fulfill our agreement? — she asked.

— Hmm? Oh sure, but still, you tricked me. You said I would find a rough diamond, a talent to be polished, but it seems like you've already done part of the work. — he commented.

— Haha, I told you I was good.

— But I must say, using that same analogy of course, although she's a diamond, she doesn't have the sparkle.

— You noticed?

The critique was made indirectly.

The girl he had met earlier had been taught by that woman for some time, but despite her talent, she was wasting her opportunity, highlighting again that she hadn't found herself yet.

— But at least she has her own identity, the mask adds a peculiar touch, but she seems quite confident if I may say so. — he added to his critique.

— Appearances can be deceiving, her confidence is nothing but a facade. If it weren't for her anxiety, she could surprise everyone around her. — she praised her apprentice.

— That can be good in a way, some of mine live with their heads in the clouds because they are aspiring, plus, considering she was taught by you, I'm surprised she hasn't done something crazy yet.

— Come on, "Big S", in life you have to take some risks once in a while.

— Some? I was dragged along with you, practically every day at GLT was a big crazy adventure! You're lucky to have been recognized, in the worst-case scenario, you could've just been a singer for a fat-free yogurt commercial.

For a brief moment, he remembered the craziness that woman had dragged him into during their school days.

Both were students at the prestigious GLT. When reminded of their old school, she took the opportunity to change the subject again.

— Do you think you can convince her? — she asked, concerned.

— Who knows, I've been rejected by many girls for less.

— Don't talk like that, in any scenario do you think you can see her at Great Legacy?

— And do you? — he asked in return.

— Unfortunately, it depends on her, I'm not here to encourage her, and honestly, she's at that phase where she doesn't listen to her guardians, what a shame! — she said, dramatizing.

— As always, I'll cover for you, but I don't understand, why not just put her in GLT? Being your supposed apprentice, she'd definitely gain a lot of points with the young crowd. — suggested Sullivan.

— The girl can't hold a long conversation with anyone, how do you think she would behave receiving attention for simply being the one who was personally taught by Lena since she was a brat? — she countered directly.

— You're right.

— Besides, she doesn't like favors, if it comes to that, she'd rather do it on her own.

She knew the young girl wouldn't accept any favors from her, out of pride.

Lena knew Alex wouldn't do well with all the attention from being recognized as her apprentice, even though Lena didn't consider her that way. Rumors would spread, and that would be bad for the girl for several reasons.

— Do you think she'll take any action? — he asked.

— About that, my friend, I'm not sure. Let's just let the chords of life guide my girl. — Lena responded with a metaphor.