Strings and Keys (Band Series #1)

Chapter 2: Test

Chapter 2: Test

 Maybe, it was just an unlucky day for Alfonso.

He's currently living alone in Baguio, while his family will be having a five-month stay in Dasmarinas. When viewed from its lovely facade, their house was situated at the edge of their lot. Aligned on the left perspective was their own refreshing farm, while on the right portion was an outside kitchen. At the same time, it precedes its way on a mini hill, wherein on its top was a space and shelter for their housemaids that can be easily seen from up close.

It was Monday morning when he prepared himself a tea and omelette for breakfast. He brought it to his room whilst finalizing his plates.

But minutes after, he accidentally swung his hand to the teacup, which made the spill spread on his works.

"Shit," he uttered.

He closed his eyes firmly while letting out a deep breath. The due date would be tomorrow after lunch, so the three outputs that he poured efforts for in the whole weekend were wasted in just a swift. He then discarded the plates, stood up, and went out for his next agenda, wearing his gray cashmere sweater.

His inner self whispered that it's better to worry about the problem later after work, he needs to fulfill his duty as the president of his music organization. The members of which he also considers as his family would be expecting him there. They needed to finish the five applicants to be interviewed after their performances.

Unfortunately, anyone would really feel that grumpy mood, not only because a bird pooed on his sweater, there was also a quick downpour that happened along the way. He almost released his anger to a group of strangers as he went to the waiting shed. They transferred to another area because of how he reacted.

It truly sums up that it was a bad day for Alfonso. There were too many to count when he marched his way ahead.

Hours passed, as he arrived at the studio, there were four applicants that were waiting in line. All of them felt nervous from his intimidating aura when he passed by them. It gave them a cue that the auditions and interview will begin soon.

One of those applicants had to memorize a quote just to make a good impression. The others had a script hidden on their phones. Maybe some of them had already expected the bad results in advance. That's how Alfonso's impact frightened them on the spot.

Through the hallways, he felt the continuous ring on his phone from his pocket. He knew that Nicole was usually the one who kept on calling him whenever he's not present or on time, just to make sure if he'd show up.

So when he opened the door in the meeting room, he surprisingly met Nicole's gaze while she was holding her phone. She gripped the rolled papers in her left hand before she slapped it on Alfonso's head.

"Seriously?! Where were you? I was about to pick you up if ever–"

Alfonso cut her off, "Okay, stop. The important thing here is I'm here and let's get this shit done."

Nicole rolled her eyes then lent him a towel, "Dry yourself first."

Alfonso took it before wrapping it around him. Cherry enters the conversation to warn them about the schedule for the applicants. They had to finish it before 1 pm because they'd be having some plans, afterwards.

So when Alfonso, Nicole, Cherry, and Cedric were set on their table, so far, all of the present applicants they had interrogated with were good but not as outstanding as the late applicant who tried to catch up before the closing time.

This applicant is a pianist whom Alfonso's been looking forward to meeting. Darzee knew that the only application form that picked Alfonso's interest was Migi. No other applicants had a good background in their forms. Migi started playing the piano in high school, he had quite a talent for learning the keys on his own.

When it was Migi's turn, he played one of Tchaikovsky's pieces. Indeed, it was beautiful because the way he delivered the piece seeks to touch the audience's hearts.

After Migi's performance Cedric clapped three times then said, "I don't think I should ask you further questions. You're officially part of the band!"

Migi faintly smiled, "Ah."

Cherry immediately butts in, "Cedric! Keep it serious, please."

"Just kidding," Cedric chuckled.

Although Cedric wanted to fool around. Nics started passing the evaluation papers as they were about to discuss their final decisions. Alfonso agreed and gave her a signal to begin with the questions.

"Mr. Lopez, am I right?" Nicole looked straight to Migi.

Migi nodded as a response. He had to hide the tremor that was about to occur in his hands at his back.

"How did you find out about us? And why are you applying?"

Migi looked down before answering, "I passed by its poster last two weeks, it caught my attention. So, I applied here because music is my way of comfort and I wanted some kind of exposure to share what I've got."

"I see," Nics nodded, "based from your performance, is that already what you've got?"