Lilith had left, and I returned back inside my room. Once again, I was left alone with my thoughts. I had figured out a way to read the message in the short period of time after I woke up. On my way to the inn, I saw many coffee shops, all of which should have some sort of wifi available. There was one nearby, only a few roads down. I could go there to read the message, and I had a small amount of change left over I could use to buy something. I hadn't realised how long it had been since I'd eaten a proper meal. Rubbing my hands together, I gathered all of my things, laptop in one hand and a bag on my back. It was finally time to read the so-called 'important message' I had been agitated over.
On my way out of the room, I passed the desk which the man sat at. He scowled at me defiantely, taunting me.
To avoid further issues, I ignored him.
Just as I was about to leave the building, the man deliberately stretched his leg out in front of me, making me stumble to the ground. He burst out in laughter looking down at me, slamming the desk abruptly.
I had had enough.
Not once looking away from him, I stood up slowly tilting my head upwards. Grating my jaw, I walked up to him, fists clenched and eyes bulging. "Do you think I'm a toy you can play with whenever you want?" I said calmly, raising my eyebrows.
"N..no. Well, yes- but I-" he stuttered.
I let out a small chuckle. "Good. I'm already irritated because of you, and now you do this? I don't think I have many chances left to give."
"Chances? Do you think I'm a-afraid of you-" Before he could finish his sentence, I yanked the edge of his shirt, slamming his nose against the edge of the table. He yelled out, trying to escape from under me.
But of course, I didn't let him. I held his head down on the desk, seeing the blood from his nose dribble onto the ground.
"It's not just me. I want you to treat your wife with more respect." I said, rubbing his face deeper into the table.
The man's voice was muffled and scratchy, "Let..go!" he begged.
"First promise me you'll treat your wife properly."
"Why do you care? She's just an old hag!" he yelled, still struggling to be let loose.
His words made me angry. "And you're not?" I questioned, "Listen here you ungrateful brat, the most painful goodbyes are those which were never said and never explained. When she's gone, you'll realise how much you needed her."
I realised how my words were referring to nobody but me. However it was true. I never got to say goodbye to my mother. The last time I saw her she was on the ground, eyes bleeding and a knife jabbed into her neck.
I shook my head, remembering where I was at the present moment. Sighing, I let the man loose, and stared at him crawl on the ground. "Mess with me again and I won't stop at breaking your nose. If I see you disrespect your wife, your jaw is next."
I left the building, wiping the splatters of blood off my laptop.
Walking down the street, I remembered where I had to be. "Right. Coffee shop." I said to myself. I walked a few roads down, until I reached the small building: 'Crude's cafe'. Walking into the building was certainly surprising, the warmth of the aircon blew against the back of my neck, the smell of sponge cakes and coffee surrounding the room. I placed my bag and laptop down onto a seat, and went up to the front desk to order. "Welcome to Crude's cafe, what can I get you?" The woman said, handing me a menu.
"Can I get... A pineapple crumble and ice coffee?"
"Of course Sir, that will be 15.99$."
I looked at the loose change in my hand. I was a dollar short.
"Is everything alright sir?" The woman asked, looking down at my hands.
"Yeah, nevermind my order. I'm a dollar short." I said, disappointed.
"Oh don't worry about that! I can fill in the dollar for you. You can take a seat and I'll bring your food to you when it's ready!"
I smiled. "Thanks." I said, and went back to my seat.
I watched as the lady came towards me, a small plate and plastic cup in her hands. She placed the food down on the table, and watched as I pulled my laptop out of its case.
"You here for work?" She questioned, trying to peek at the screen.
"Something like that." I said, scrolling through my emails.
The woman placed her hand on my shoulder, "Well, good luck then." She made her way back to the front desk.
At last, I could check my email. 'Musician replacement' I read aloud.
The message read:
Hello Ryder Wyatt,
The Boston Hall music department was hoping to perform a live concert on May 25th, however one of our pianists, (Callum Reed), has called in sick and therefore will be unable to attend. We have been in distress for the past 2 days and were longing to find anybody who could replace Callum, unfortunately nobody could attend the concert in such short notice. But we found a famous pianist, who is also in this area at present- that will be you, Ryder. We have examined your magazines and seen some of your performances and therefore would love for you to be our new pianist in our concert on the 25th.
If you could do us this favour, you will be paid handsomely.
Thank you for taking your time to read this. If you have decided to help us, please contact us at 0121 345 o492.
We would appreciate it if you could make your decision by May 21st, 4pm.
Sincerely, the Boston Hall music department.
The shock robbed me of speech. I stared at the screen for a few moments, the light making my eyes water. Suddenly, I remembered that today was May 21st. My time was limited. I looked at the clock: '3:56'. Rising out of my seat, I quickly came up with a reply:
To Boston Hall music department,
Thank you for considering me as somebody who was qualified to play in your concert. I have decided that I can come to attend the concert. If you don't mind, may I know the time and place to meet? Also, I don't have a piano of my own, so I would appreciate it if one was provided for me.
Sincerely, Ryder Wyatt.
Almost immediately, the reply to my message arrived. It was almost as if they had it prepared before I had made my decision.
To Ryder Wyatt,
We appreciate your help! And of course, a piano will be provided, along with a suit and a meal. On the day of the concert, (25th May), we would like you to meet us at the Boston Symphony hall at 1pm, sharp.
You will be paid after the concert has been performed.
Once again, thank you for your help.
Sincerely, Boston Hall music department.
I shot up out of my seat and let out a silent cry. I was finally able to perform again and it's in the place I had my first ever job: Boston Symphony Hall! For somebody who hadn't had any entertainment for years, this was certainly a lucky day. It calls for a celebration! But first...I have to go back to the inn to get changed. I looked down at my clothes. I was still in my pyjamas and slippers. I couldn't go to a bar looking like this. "Let's go have some fun." I told myself. A large smile on my face, I grabbed the pineapple crumble and drink off the table and left the building, feeling accomplished.