Chords in The Wind (1)

Today I was calmer, but because of what happened yesterday, I decided to stay home for the day.

Not that I was scared of dealing with a stranger, but my quota for encounters has already reached its limit.

That Stuart guy is quite peculiar, but I quickly deduced the reason—after all, he's a teacher at GLT.

When it comes to this place, the Great Legacy Talents School, commonly known as GLT, it houses the most diverse figures one could imagine.

Of course, I made sure to look up his name on their website to see if he was telling the truth.

Even though that business card seemed excessive, he is indeed one of the many teachers at that place. It wasn't hard to find him since GLT has its own webpage.

In short, that talent school is what separates promising young people from their dreams. Most of those who want to pursue a career in the artistic world are forced to take tests for schools like this, and GLT is one of the most prestigious when it comes to discovering young talent.

It wouldn't be unusual to find aspiring stars or even people who have already debuted in commercials or participated in televised talent shows. In fact, that would be the lowest level I could think of at the moment.

It was a strange conversation that made me reflect. Now that I know he's a teacher, I can understand how he managed to mess with my mind.

Getting into GLT isn't easy. If it were, anyone could do it. A school like that could be considered private, but I bet the tuition alone is worth a fortune—probably equivalent to a prestigious university or a specialized technical school. The only way to enter that place is through a recommendation from former students—of course, there's a rule for that—or by passing an admission test.

The process itself seems like a headache. I've never taken an admission test before, but common sense tells me it's something complex and serious.

But suppose I took the test and actually passed—what would I even do in a place like Great Legacy?

I'm basically just an ordinary girl… No, I wouldn't even say ordinary—I'm bordering on pathetic. I can't have a decent conversation with someone, let alone interact in large groups.

At my school, I'm the type who prefers to keep to myself. If there's a group project, I just listen and do my part—that is, when I can avoid interactions.

I've been to several therapy sessions, but they didn't work out, so I gave up. Of course, Becca supported and helped me—after all, she's a doctor. Even though she's not a psychiatrist, she gives me some advice.

That said, it's unthinkable to try doing something to get into that place. It's not something I see in my future… I really am destined to remain in my misery.

[...]

Night had fallen, and I was mentally preparing myself.

I could be doing anything else right now, but I can't escape what's coming next.

Reading? Music? Staring at the ceiling for hours? I could do anything, but instead, I'm waiting for a video call.

This time, I was on my own. Sitting in my room in front of my computer, I turned it on.

I could postpone this call for any other day, but she would definitely find a way to chase me down.

Even though she's so "busy," she always finds time to bother me with messages and calls in the middle of the day—at the worst possible times.

I'm the kind of person who likes to be notified in advance when there's an appointment, so I can prepare myself. But when it comes to this woman, she'll definitely leave everything for the last minute and call at the most unexpected moment.

It's already 8 PM. Unfortunately, this time, she was punctual.

I can see her online. She knows I'm online too. Is she waiting for me to take the initiative?

Fine, let's get this over with.

Reluctantly, she decides to start the call.

Zoom… Zoom… Zoom… Beep!

The call was answered, but neither of them spoke.

The woman on the other side of the screen stared at her with a smile.

— Smirks "Look at my little girl. I almost thought you were going to ditch me." — she said teasingly.

— "I wish I had…" — Alex replied coldly.

As always, starting off with a teasing greeting…

You know, many people would envy me or wish to be in my position right now. After all, not just anyone has the "privilege" of having a direct conversation with the great singer 'Starlight' Lena… or simply…

— "Helena… just spit it out already." — Alex's tone showed her annoyance.

— "Oh, come on, why so cold? That's not how young people should treat their elders, especially someone you could call your mother!" — Lena continued to tease.

— "Don't push it, okay? What are you gonna do, punish me? Oh, wait—you're miles away."

— "I'll remember that when I get there, okay? If Becca keeps letting you off the hook, I'll teach you a lesson myself."

— "Yeah, sure…" — Alex responded in a challenging tone.

— "Pfft, haha, this is ridiculous, but it's part of your charm."

Charm… Maybe it's because you don't take things literally…

She seems pretty relaxed—too relaxed, actually.

I expected a flashy outfit like she always wears, but instead, she's dressed casually. I suppose she's in a hotel room.

Not too different from Becca, she could be considered my legal guardian in that sense—though I wouldn't say something as personal as… I can't even finish that short word.

Occasionally, I have to participate in these calls with her for some reason. I really shouldn't have made such a vague promise.

— "Whatever… You seem to have some free time. By the way, how much longer do I have my peace?" — Alex asked.

— "Two months, probably. Maybe three, depending on our schedule." — Lena answered uncertainly.

— "Why not extend it for another year?" — she suggested mockingly.

— "Pfft, I know you're joking."

— "Yeah… joking. But I think even if you stopped, people would still talk about your greatest hits and beg for more. For some reason, your name won't stop being mentioned anytime soon."

— "You should see the people here. I don't get a second of peace, especially during today's photo session. I sent you the album—did you check it out?"

— "Why would I want to see pictures of you? You're just going to clutter my gallery like always."

— "You know how valuable those photos are, right? You should feel privileged to receive them from yours truly!" — Lena said indignantly.

— "Oh, I feel so privileged…"

Saying it like that, you're overestimating yourself—but I guess there's a reason for that. After all, you are a "star."

As for the photos, they're just the ones that will end up on T-shirts, posters, and other band merchandise. Some are autographed, of course, but digital versions are useless. Then again, anyone would buy them for a certain price.

— "Speaking of albums, I sent you a teaser of our next song." — Lena suddenly remembered.

— "Why bother? Your show will be on TV… the internet… the radio… basically everywhere."

— "I know, but you deserve a little gift. I know you listened to it. So, what did you think of our rehearsal?"

— "Not bad. Lester kept the rhythm on bass, Cat nailed the solo, and Zach did great with that guitar improv."

Lena's bandmates—along with the entire team—did a great job.

— "Yes, great… and…?" — Lena was waiting for her to mention someone in particular.

— "…Oh, and you weren't too bad." — Alex said blandly.

— "Oh? Should I take that as a compliment?"

— "Think whatever you want."

Lester is her trusted bassist, and they seem to be good friends. Cat is the drummer of the group—she never seems to lose her rhythm, even when exhausted. Just like Zach, they are both the youngest in this quartet. He, however, seems to have fingers like an angel—his guitar work is nothing short of miraculous.

But every band needs a leader to coordinate the rhythm, and that's where she comes in...

The great Lena, with her voice, charisma, and stage eccentricity—the completely necessary center of attention. Of course, I never mention this out loud; it would only encourage her to tease me, even when I'm complimenting her.

In this case, I'd be lying if I didn't acknowledge her talent, but if I openly praised her, it would only give her an opening to continue with her sharp provocations.

— But you know, even after rehearsing, I felt like something was missing. For some reason, I always think about your sound. Too bad I can't bring you along—we could be playing together right now. — Lena suggested indirectly.

— Trust me, not taking me is doing me a big favor. — Alex immediately dismissed the idea.

— Hmph, one day, I'll convince you. — she replied with conviction.

— If you say so...

— Hmm... — Lena quickly noticed Alex's discomfort.

— What is it?

— I know that face, and of course, I have great ears. From that tone of voice, I can tell you have doubts.

— All humans have doubts in their minds.

— So philosophical, but these doubts are the kind that only I can answer, am I right?

Unfortunately, she's right.

I just need to try to hide my expressions better so she stops reading me like an open book.

Although my doubts were valid, they were part of a much broader question—one that would take much longer than a simple video call to discuss.

— How did you... how did you decide what you wanted to do with your life? — Alex asked.

On the other side of the screen, Lena made a few puzzled expressions, searching for a suitable answer to such an unexpected question.

— Damn, couldn't you have asked something easier? — Lena joked, avoiding the answer.

— It's just a test of cognition.

— Interesting, though it would be even more interesting if I knew what "cognition" means. But as I said, your question is really complicated. Everyone has their own way of deciding their future. My path was one way, just as anyone else's is different. The point is that each person chooses their own path in their own way.

A vague and predictable piece of advice. I already know that everyone makes their own choices about their future or whatever other predictable cliché.

— Now I'm curious. You don't usually ask this kind of question. Tell me straight up—what's on your mind? — Lena observed.

— It's complicated and really weird. It was kind of a random encounter with a complete stranger, but somehow, he got into my head.

— Hmm... sounds like you've been hanging around some sketchy places. But if one of these strangers ever offers you a ride, refuse immediately. Worst case scenario, you'll end up stranded at the end of a highway with your friend, two heavy speakers, and desperately trying to find a signal to call a taxi. — the older woman remarked, recounting a very specific situation.

— Uh... sure... — Alex replied, confused.

— The thing is, you're young, but you're at that phase where you have to decide what kind of person you want to be. Aside from all the puberty and teenage talk, this is one of the most important steps to take because it will shape who you are and who you will become in the future. So, the first thing you need to do is look around you. What opportunities does life have to offer for what you really want?

Strangely enough, that's a great question. Damn, this woman is making so much sense that it's kind of unsettling.

But I don't have much planned for myself. My future has always been a blank page—I never thought about looking beyond my reach. I just live in the present, unlike this woman, who always finds a way to surprise everyone.

In general, I have my hobbies, and I love all of them. But exploring them to shape my future is something I never would have imagined. I feel like I don't have what it takes... maybe I really need to learn from a different perspective.

This woman has taught me many things and even how to think for myself, but in the end, it feels like a waste of time. I don't have many options for myself, and I don't even know what I want. But still, maybe...

— GLT... — Alex murmured.

— What did you say? — Lena asked, catching her low voice.

— Suppose I considered the possibility of being at GLT. Would that be good for me? — she asked nervously.

— Do you really want to know the answer?

— I think it's obvious that I do.

— Then listen to me, girl. This world is big—you can't just stay stuck in one thing forever. Embrace change, do something different for a change. Who knows? You might discover something new, and with that, find the answer you're looking for. Despite my opinions about GLT, I won't try to convince you or force you down that path. That's something that has to come from you. Good or bad, amazing or awful, it all depends on your own experiences. Just live the moment and think about the future... later. — she turned her face, as if to conclude her logic.

What a terrible ending. Damn, she writes most of her own song lyrics—how can she be so repetitive with me?

But her advice to "live the moment" has always been a mystery to me. It seems so simple, yet at the same time, extremely complicated for someone with no motivation.

— The way you say it makes it sound so easy... — Alex muttered, crossing her arms.

— If you want another suggestion, do something bold. Try new things, discover new passions. Who knows? Maybe you'll even make a new friend for a change. Act differently once in a while. Don't take the same path every day—go another way and see what else this place has to offer.

— Seriously? Your suggestion is basically "take a different route around the block"? — Alex scoffed.

— The little changes are the ones that matter most. Ever since I switched from old Bessie to Beatrice here, hmm... my sound has never been smoother. — Lena said, referencing her guitars.

Whatever. I should've expected something metaphorical from this woman, so I'll just let it slide.

— Maybe this reflection is only happening because of your comfort zone. Don't you think you're stuck in your routine, and that's making you stagnant? Have you ever felt that way when you pick up a guitar, for example?

Stagnant?

There are definitely days when inspiration doesn't come.

I'm not much of a composer, but I've tried writing a few of my own pieces. Over time, I just stopped and stuck to playing popular songs that interest me...

— Now that you mention it... — Alex found herself lost in thought once again.

— Maybe a change of pace could give you a different perspective. But since you mentioned GLT, beyond its ads and reputation, it's a great place. Like any other school, though, it can be a drag. But if it means anything, my experience there was unforgettable. If you want to be there—or, as it seems, if you're questioning whether you deserve to be among the best—you first need to know if that's truly what you want. Look at where I am. How long do you think I worked to get here?

— So it all comes down to whether I want to be a star?

— Don't take it so literally, girl. Like me, in theory, that place will only guide your steps. The choices you make, the decisions you take, it's all up to you...

— Don't be so literal, girl. Just like me, in theory, that place is only going to guide your steps, the decisions you make, the choices you follow—it all depends on you. Whether you become a star, keep it as just a hobby, or find your own rhythm, that's up to you.

Find my rhythm...

— But I must say, as Lena, these are the words I should tell you. But as your m—

— Don't you dare finish that! — Alex cut in immediately.

— As your "legal guardian," — she corrected herself right away. — Just like Becca, I was concerned about this matter. Your future is at stake now, but that doesn't mean you have to grow with music or any other form of art. If that's your path, just like any other, you'll have to fight for it. And of course, you'll have to put yourself in situations you're not used to and swallow your pride when necessary.

— Wow… for a moment, that actually sounded like something a responsible adult would say. — Alex teased.

— Hey, you underestimate me too much, girl. Anyway, think about it carefully. But I have to say, if you stay on the runway too long, this rocket is going to take off and leave you behind. Take advantage of the opportunities life has to offer.

Opportunity...

Thinking about my future...

Finding my rhythm...

Two unanswered questions...

— I... I'll think about it...

— Do that. And one more thing—next time, call me earlier. You know my sleep schedule is sacred, especially when we have a big trip planned.

— Keep dreaming...

— *Smirks* Great… Talk to you later. We're leaving soon... I... Love... you! chuu

With that, she blew a kiss to her beloved protégé, who immediately hung up the call.

Ugh… spare me your kisses...

Finally, that call was over...

Starlight Lena... or my... ugh… I can't even say that word.

Our relationship is nothing but a big secret. Not that I have any real reason to hide it—I just don't want it drawing unnecessary attention.

So far, no one has figured it out, and honestly, I doubt they ever will. The advantage of not having many friends is not having to share things like this.

Even so…

Finding my rhythm… thinking about my future…

This is going to echo in my head for a long time... What is it that I... should do...?

Whenever I feel conflicted like this, I look at my guitar.

It was resting on its stand, a little away from my bed.

I ended up getting up and picking it up.

Since it's not even 10 PM yet, it wouldn't be a problem to play a little now...

Looking to the side, she grabbed her guitar from the stand and strummed a single note.

It was random, but I'm really exhausted. Better leave this for later.

My eyes landed on that card sitting on my desk. For some reason, I still kept it with me.

Doing something different… So be it, then...