Jacob
I was on my way to the club in my new car. Why shouldn't I celebrate? While I was driving, turning my car to the curve of the road. I noticed something from the corner of my eye and slowed down.
My window slides down, leaned out and got a closer look. I saw her, my neighbour, Solana.
She was different, even though I met her a few times. I could tell from last night's dinner; she wasn't like most people. When I mentioned the word 'music', her eyes sparkled and at that moment I knew, I was meeting another music enthusiast, a lover of music.
Though many people appreciate music today, but so far only few have that genuine love. I could see it in her, she was just like me, only one thing that was weird, she was clueless about hip-hop and that is something I couldn't stand.
Under the streetlights, her hair glowed, she was standing next to a guy, they were talking and she seemed uncomfortable.
I put my foot on the brakes and before the car stopped, I shouted "Yo, Baby"
They turned to my direction; I was beginning to regret what I did? Since, what done is done. I said "Wassup? Solana"
Internally, I laughed, that dude face was unbelievable. And when I noticed Solana's relief, I continued to act cool. And lied, it isn't that new but still it was a week old. And there was no way she would know; it was a harmless, white lie.
"Yo, Solana! Check out my new ride! Sweet, right?"
Solana said "Yeah" she raised two thumbs up.
Jacob said "Solana you want a ride?"
Solana nodded, she walked closer, she said "Sure, but my cycle?"
I got off my car, said "We can put that in the back, let me help you" and helped her. While I carried her cycle to the back of the car, I got a closer look of the dude and overheard their conversation.
Solana said "No, Cameron it's time to move on and I already did!" So, that's the dude's name, what does move on mean? They must have a history together.
I saw that Cameron dude freezing up, with his hand out. I just ignored him and sat inside. Solana stepped in and slammed the door shut.
The breeze brushed her hair back.
I said "So, who was that guy?"
Solana without looking, said "Just some random guy from school" Shit! I shouldn't have mentioned that guy! Stupid! now, she is gloomy. Wait, an idea popped into my mind, I know music. I wasn't sure what type of music she likes but the only thing I have is rap.
"Oh, I see. Anyway..." I stuttered a bit and said, "You, don't mind if I change the track?"
She shook her head, said "No"
I tinkered with the stereo, I heard the beat and swayed my head to the beat. "Hmm, yeah?" "What do you think?"
Solana said "Different, I guess"
Maybe it wasn't good for her taste.
"Oh no, no. Not different but the best" I said and changed the channel. "Try this!" It played a song, I recognized the rapper, it was J.Cole. Man, he is my favourite!
Solana said "I am not used to it but It's not bad!"
"Oh, and are you going to the club with me?"
Solana said "No, I'm not in the mood. Maybe, some other time!"
Soon, from far, I saw the familiar cherry tree next to the house. And recognized her place. How can I forget her place? but just to be sure, I asked.
"Okay, so is this your place?"
Solana said "Yeah, sorry about it"
"Never mind, it's fine"
The car slowed and stopped in front of Solana's house She smiled, she said "Thanks" Jacob crossed her and opened the door for her, "It's fine! Don't forget to take your bike" before I unstrapped my seatbelt, she said "Oh, yeah. No worries, I will get it!"
"Wait! Here take this" I passed a CD cassette to Solana.
Solana said "what is this for?"
"It's an original and I wanted you to have it" I said and pushed the cassette into her hand. I had to, I wanted to show her the awesomeness of hip-hop and I didn't care even if had to be with some force. I didn't mind giving her my masterpiece.
Solana said "No, I can't"
I saw her hesitation, said "Please, I have plenty of them"
Solana smiled and accepted it.
"Bye, Good night"
"Goodnight! Thanks again and have a safe journey!" Solana said, waved her hand as I drove away.
While I was driving, beginning to have second thoughts. I gave her my demo CD sure it sounds great but I need to submit it next month for the yearly fresher rap contest. Wait, I still have time, I can always record it in the studio. It is not a big deal.
After Solana 's episode, I didn't feel like going to the club but since, I said to my Bros 'I will be there' and I will!
I parked the car and walked through the entrance. Loud music blasted into my ears, I searched for my friends in the crowd. Found them, they were chatting in a corner with dimly neon lights.
I walked closer, one of the girls took a glance at me, she waved and told rest of the group. They turned, my bro, Ray ran and fist bumped me.
Ray grinned, said "What's up? Bro"
Jacob said "Nothing much, bro!"
Tyrone walked in between them, he fist-bumped and said "Yo, Jason you are late!"
Our fists interlocked, he pulled me into a hug. A huge grin plastered on my face, I said "I was hold up with a few things, you know" raised my shoulder.
He looked at me "You mean your Dad?"
Absentminded, I nodded and thought of her, Solana. He laughed, said "I hope you aren't in trouble because of us." He loosened his hug; he kept his hand on my shoulder.
I briefly glanced at the girls that approached us, I internally sighed and turned on my swagger, my mask. I have no choice. I have to act cool, if I want to be popular, more than a local rapper. As much I hate to act, have to tolerate them. Yes, tolerate them. Act lowkey until one day, I strike the pot of gold and prove them wrong. My family, especially my Dad.
Tightened my fist, within the sleeves of my jacket. Loosened my grip as Solana's face flashed across my mind. Lightly smiled.
Who is that chick?
The others surrounded us, Ray also put his arm over me and headed back to our seats.
====
Solana
Next morning, after having a hearty breakfast, Solana was blindly strumming the guitar in the living room while she waited for the music tutor to arrive.
'I couldn't wait, I had to do something. I was too excited.'
Solana struggled to play, 'twang' 'twang' she let go, she blew her fingers and shook them. 'Ooh' 'Ouch, that hurts!'
She sucked her index finger, she thought. 'Huh, it isn't going to be easy!'
She rested the guitar on the table. Henry walked in with a phone in his hand. With an amused expression, he said "So, how's practice?"
Embarrassed, Solana blushed and looked away, said "Not so good!! It hurts" she showed her red fingers. He chuckled.
She shouted "Dad, it isn't funny!"
Henry said "Sorry, I couldn't help it. No worries you will get used to it, I heard from your teacher it takes one month for your fingers to develop resistance to the strings."
Solana silently comprehend, before she opened her mouth "If that is the case, then I won't be able to play for this year's admission."
"Not necessarily, you can always try next year if you aren't ready! You don't need to worry, I hired the best teacher, you will master it in no time!" Henry said.
"Oh, but I still don't want to wait another year!" Solana paused, she glanced at him and shifted her head down.
'I know, know it isn't like me to suddenly give up on an instrument! I love instruments and don't mind learning another one but it just that
I'm pressed for time. There is no way I waiting for a year! The sooner I enter, the sooner I can go apply for a record company. Besides from what I heard; my music is just too old, outdated for this generation. What better way to learn about music from than an institute of music? And since, I'm an expert on the piano and the flute, I think I should stick to my strengths.'
'I wonder how Dad will react when I tell him I want a piano'
Uncertain, she bit her lips, said "Dad, I was thinking... that"
Henry had his hands in his pocket, he waited and couldn't take the pause. He said "Yes. And??"
Solana closed her eyes, quickly said her piece "I want to play the piano"
Henry became stiff, he said "What? Come again, I didn't get you!"
'Come on, it was already hard enough to say that!'
In a soft voice, Solana said "I want to play the piano! I think I will be better at it"
Henry was puzzled, he said "You mean the piano?"
Solana meekly nodded her head.
"But how? We never had a piano before and I don't think you know how to play one!" His eyebrows furrowed, said with doubt.
Without waiting for Solana to speak, he questioned her. "What makes you think that you can?"
Solana contemplated. 'Of course, I can. When I do play it, I will shock the life out of you Haha' 'As much I want to brag, he will become suspicious and I don't want that!'
Determined, she gazed into his eyes and said "I just have a feeling that I can and will be better on the piano, Dad. Trust me"
Henry peered into her, in a few seconds, the atmosphere turned tense with his silence. Solana nervously tapped her foot. He thought with a finger on his lips, he comically said "Oh, Then, sure if you say so!"
Solana blinked her eyes. She said "What???"
Unbothered, Henry texted on his phone and said "Yes, If, you want one!"
'Seriously, does he mean it? I remember the Princess Ametria once said 'it was a bit costly for her father, the King to buy one' And I'm sure that Dad can't afford it, he isn't a ruler like Ametria's father!'
Suddenly, Solana stood on her feet, said "Really? but isn't it expensive?"
Without looking, he said "Nah it isn't! If you want something that you are serious about then I will buy it as long there is a good reason!"
He looked up and continued "It's good to take chances and try something new otherwise how will you know whether you like it or it is meant for you!"
Before Solana could reply, the doorbell rang.
Henry said "I guess that must be the teacher. I haven't met him yet but I heard from my buddies that he is good after all he is a professor of some university..." He pondered and continued "What is his name? Nah, I forgot!" He dryly laughed, the bell continued ringing, he went to open the door and said "I'm coming! One minute!"
Solana was left alone in the room. 'Oh, the teacher!! I hope I look decent enough for him.'
She nervously checked herself to see if she looked alright and smoothed her pink blouse.
She heard the sounds of the main door opening and the shuffle of heavy footsteps. She heard Henry say "Good morning, Mr. Pearson."
A rough voice, replied "Good morning to you, Mr. Van Gogh"
Henry lightly chuckled, said "Henry is fine!"
Henry said "Well, then I am sure you know why I called you, right?"
He said "Yes, you want me to teach your daughter all that's necessary to pass the college audition."
Solana heard them as they approached the room, she stood in attention and fixed her gaze to the passage. Her heart skipped a beat, she took a deep breath and calmed herself down.
Henry steeped in along with a stranger following behind him. She shifted her gaze to the strange man as he walked in, a cane in his hand. She studied his rough face lined with a stubby beard; his fierce eyebrows framed his dull eyes. Surprisingly, had dishevelled, curly hair, which was strange for Solana.
He pushed his spectacles back, on his long, sharp nose. She continued studying him, he seemed to be in his mid-forties, he was carrying a leather bag in his left hand, which Solana guessed it held his notes and music books.
While she was staring at him, the man coughed, bringing Solana back from her thoughts. She sheepishly smiled and apologized with her eyes. Mr Pearson gave a half-smile, said "Good morning, Solana. From today onwards I will be your personal music teacher."
He took a brief pause, walked ahead with his cane, his steps echoed in the room and stopped in front of Solana; he said "My name is Nicholas Pearson. Normally, you can address me as Mr. Pearson. But since, I will be teaching, call me Professor."
Solana blinked; his voice vibrated in her ears. She noticed he sounded different, unlike the hoarse voice he used, to greet Henry at the entrance. Curtly bowed her head, placid smile rested on her lips. She said "Yes, Professor."
Mr. Pearson leaning on his cane, the corners of his mouth lifted, he said "Then, let's begin our first lesson"
Solana beamed, excited. She energetically bobbed her head.