Chapter Forty Five

There was no breathing space for me in my room. My roommates, well, they don't believe me. And I do not care. I found a coffee shop nearby to stay in and probably practice. Since the school field and my room were a no go. It was my first time at the coffee shop that early and it was quite empty. I braced myself and walked in. 

"Hi pretty. Morning."The young lady at the counter said to me, eyeing my guitar bag. Her brown hair was packed in a dough and she was quite pale. She had an apron on and a strange tag on, with the inscription "I love you, I mean you." Why has she put that on her dress?!

"Hi. Black coffee please." I said.

"Wow."She smiled, picked up a cup and got the coffee. "Still at college?"

"Yeah."

"You play..."She dropped the cup of coffee on the counter. "Let me guess. It looks like a viola or a guitar. Yes, guitar, right?"She has this infectious smile, I had to smile.

"Yes. Thanks."

"Oh wait."She stopped me. "Can you play?"

"Sure. Will I be allowed to practice here?"

"Sure."She smiled, more or less, blushed. "As you can see, no customers to complain. Besides, I'd love to hear you play. I love music."

"Oh..."

"And!"She snapped as if remembering something. "You're my first customer today so, this is for you "She pointed at the tag on her dress. "I love you, God loves you more. That's the message."

"Got it."I said.

I picked a table and sat down. She soon went out of sight and I had time to myself.

After a while, she was back at my table.

"May I?"She asked with a smile I couldn't resist.

"Sure." I was writing a song and I went on with it. Somehow, I felt unusually comfortable being watched by her.

"I'm Kim."

"Paige,"I said.

"You're really good!"She shrieked. "Can't believe you wrote that song!"

I smiled. "No. I could have..."

"It's awesome Paige!"She said. "I really haven't seen anyone play so perfectly."

"Thanks."

"Yeah. Do you sing in a band? I see you're a Christian."

I've always written about God, that's obvious enough.

"I'm not the band type,"I said rather slyly.

"How long have you played?"She arched her brow.

"Two years."

"And..."She almost yelled. "Oh my... You mean you've always played with yourself alone?"

"Not really, but kind of."

"That's ridiculous!"

I frowned.

"I'm really sorry, but I just couldn't help it. You're a gem Paige. Why hide? Is there a big reason..."

"No."

"Haven't you thought of it yet? That maybe God gave you this gift to play outside of your room. Wait, I'm not saying you should go all around the streets and play, or go to American idols or anything. But, maybe, you should make your music available to others. Like joining a band. You'd do great."

"Actually ehm. I just haven't found it." I remembered Damien's letter. He had said the same thing. I was ready.

"I play the piano in my church,"She said. "And we need a guitarist badly. You could also join the church band. We make music. I'm not a part of that because I can't write songs. You're making music Paige!"

I blushed. "I'll think about it Kim. I gotta go now. "

She wrote her number on a piece of paper and gave it to me.

"See you tomorrow, huh?"

"Sure. Thanks anyway."

I left. Playing in a church band? Hmm.

*

That evening, I was trying to catch up on some essay assignments that were due to be submitted when I heard a knock on the door. I was the only one home so I got to get it. Henry was at the door.

"Hey Paige!"

"Sandra's not home."I was about to slam the door on his face, but he held it in place.

"I've come to see you, Paige."

"What do you want?"

"Can we go out to talk? Take a walk or something."

"I'm really busy right now."

"It won't take much time." 

"Wait a sec." I brushed my hair and got slippers on.

"Okay, let's take a walk then."I said to him. He smiled and followed me. I had no idea what he wanted to say, but I no longer had that initial nausea when I saw him. He's not Damien, he's Sandra's lover. Period.

"You're not gonna join my band?"

"Oh, is that why you called me out?"I laughed.

"Not really." He said.

"I can't join your band. I now have a band." I went to Kim's church that evening.

"Wow. What is it like?"He seemed more excited than myself.

"I can't tell you much. Cause I haven't spent a day on it."

"It's okay anyway. I understand", he said. "I'd love to watch you perform and this is a great start."

"Thanks."

"What are you studying here?"

"Business Administration."I chewed on my words to make it obvious that I was forced. "And you?"

"Journalism," he said flatly. Then I remembered Damien again. I bit my lip hard. What is this?!

"So why did you call me out? I have a lot to do in there."

"Ehm. "He stopped. "I think I like you..."

"Of course, you like my music!"

"No. I love Paige. I'm serious."

I stared into his eyes. I shouldn't have because I could not take my eyes off again. Damien, this can't be a trick. Why would you send your carbon copy to trick me?!

"So..."I breathed out. "What you saying then?"

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

So straightforward! Was Damien like this?

I licked my dry lips. "That's impossible. I can't!"

Walk away! My subconscious screamed. I would have obeyed if he hadn't held my hand. I flinched.

"Why?"He asked.

"Must there be a reason? I can't date at school. I need to focus on studying. Relationships are a no-go for me."

"I won't be a distraction. I promise."

"I'm sorry. I just can't." He tried to stop me again. "Hey, let go of me. You know what? I know someone who would die to have you. Come get her tomorrow morning."

"It's Paige I like."

"Unfortunately, Paige is engaged with someone else!"