Twisted Strings [MONSTER EDITING - Read at your own risk]

All the Strangers

Chris Reed was going to produce a song and the winner, which could be any of us might sing it? My cheeks were turning red, I knew without seeing and my skin was tingling with excitement. When Ms. Forman told us all about the Camp, we assumed the winner will get a chance to perform somewhere big, like a concert or something. Rhodes thought the prize was money, which wasn't bad either. He had his eyes set on digital music classes at the local community college but it cost a lot. But this, this was completely out of our perspective. I was blown away. 

Rhodes hand found mine and he squeezed it tightly, his skin was warm against mine and his hand was big, we shared a grin, unable to contain ourselves. In that moment, I could only think about music and Chris Reed and this Camp and totally forgot about Oliver Parker and his annoyingly perfect hair. I wanted to jump around the room with Rhodes but if I did that, he would stop talking to me. Instead, I squeezed back and we held our hands tightly. The thrill of the news was just too much to handle and Mr. Flynn seemed to know that as well. 

''We'll discuss the details and rules in our next session. I need to evaluate you guys before going further. For now, take a form each and fill in your details.'' He set down a stack of forms on his desk and stepped back. For the rest of the session he talked about what was expected from our side and the importance of this opportunity. 

''Is this for real? I can't believe this!'' I told Rhodes, giddy and out of my mind. His grin mimicked mine, 

''I know right? Who could have thought?'' He sounded elated, 

We had always talked about our dreams intimately with each other, we shared the same goal. We wanted to be heard, we wanted to get out there and sing for the world. We had spent many nights, making corrections over the songs we wrote together, helping each other to correct our pitch, teasing each other about who could hit higher notes. Rhodes and I were bound with music and dreams, this opportunity was a step towards our goal. It meant so much for us, both of us. Our joy was beyond words. 

''Can you move over Princess?'' Before I could express my happiness further, Zombie stuff said to me. I gave her a heated look and scooted over so she could pass. 

''We'll be competing with people like her.'' I whispered to him as she passed. 

''Him too'' Rhodes nodded towards Oliver who was filling his name at his chair, brows furrowed. He looked utterly concentrated, whilst most people were glancing at him. That most included me as well. 

''Him too.'' I whispered. 

*              *                *                          * 

After the session, Rhodes and I took another bus to the cafe. It was already two in the afternoon, which was when the place became busiest. At two, it seemed like the whole town was short on coffee and sometimes there was barely any place to sit. Fortunately, it meant business got a boost and unfortunately it meant a bad day for my legs. Rhodes had nothing else to do at home, since his parents were at work and he was pretty much a loner, so I asked him to tag along. We could use some extra hands for help. 

On our way, we kept discussing the news of the competition, making new guesses about how it was going to work. The possibilities were endless. And couldn't wait to tell Dad everything. 

''We know that Stella Baker has most chances to win, have you ever heard her voice? She's gifted.'' Rhodes said as the bus neared our destination. From our music club, there had been Stella, us, Brooke, Melissa, Lars, Indigo Brown and that Japanese guy whose name I forget. Ken? Kai? Something along those lines. He was right about that, Stella had a very mature voice, soothing and beautiful, she also had magic in her fingers.