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

Battle of Bands

6. Battle of Bands

Sunday was full time work day, which meant I was stuck at the half empty Café, praying for anyone to pop in. Most of the folks were probably enjoying a family day at the beach, while others had already packed up and gone away for summer, leaving the streets of Lakesville empty. Linda was leaning against the counter, bobbing her head along with the song playing on the radio.

I was dressed in my uniform, my notebook was opened in front of me, the page was cluttered with random scribbles, and incomplete were scrawled over the page. I wrote the first verse of the song, when Rhodes and I went to the beach a month ago. There was something about the sea that always prompted my feelings, the scent of salt and the feeling of sand sinking beneath my feet, made me want to grab my pen and write the words.

This particular song didn't have a title yet, but it was about a girl waiting on the shore, for her lover to return. Rhodes said it was cheesy and didn't help much, but for me, the lyrics were just so right. I was stuck after the first verse though.

Walking on the sand, when my feet are naked

I hear the wind, from a million miles away

I hear your voice, from a thousand years away

Waiting on the sea, when my eyes are open

I only wish for this longing to disappear

I had only gone as far as that, and had several lines scribbled in the margin, as side notes. The song was still a draft and needed gazillion additions and a good round of editing. I wasn't particularly happy with the verse, but I had a good feeling about it. The tune was already in my mind.

After graduating high school, I wanted to learn composition and song writing, so I could produce my own music. Rhodes aimed to major in English though, but he was also interested in learning a little about digital music. If we got second or third place in the competition, we were going to have enough money to pay for the sessions.

As I was lost in my thoughts, the door of the Café opened, ''Violet! Hey!'' I nearly groaned when I saw Melissa Corner and right behind her was Oliver Parker. Why were they together? No, the important question was; what the hell were they doing here?

Linda who had been only half asleep at the counter, woke up with a start, ''Morning!'' She greeted them, unnecessary loud.

Oliver also seemed surprised when his eyes landed on me, his dark brows furrowed and he tugged Melissa's sleeve, ''Hey, I don't think I want coffee. Let's go eat somewhere else.''

My anger flared when I heard him. He didn't have to be that loud and clear about our disagreement. And the said disagreement was stupid and started from his side, not mine. I had tried to be nice to him and he kept crossing the line. Asshole.

I stood up from the lone table I sat at, scraping back my chair. Melissa smiled at him, teeth and all,

''They have killer shakes! And you have to try their Cheesecake.'' She sounded like she was endorsing us, which was fake and gross. Melissa's acting all nice and dainty around Oliver was putting me on edge, especially when last year I overheard her badmouthing our Cinnamon Mocha, the words she used were 'cardboard crap'. It had taken a huge amount of willpower and lots of sweet talking from Rhodes, for me not to stab her with my pencil. Anyways, this was Oliver's loss and it was what he deserved.

While they made their decision to sit or not, I rolled my eyes and walked over to the counter, ''Make the worst coffee you can muster.'' I muttered to Linda.