LMD Chapter 2

Chapter 2

                                    Aimi

            “Aimi, why didn’t you tell me you were going to do one of your original songs,” Hana shouts after the audition.

            “Hana, you would have been too excited if I told you. Now, let’s get out of here and go get some ice cream,” I say. I’m starting to feel a little down now. Ice cream always makes everything better. We decide to go to Icee Ice in town. Icee Ice is one of the best ice cream joints in town. Everything they make is homemade. They also have Italian ice on their menu. It’s one of my favorite frozen treats.

            “Sure, ice cream sounds great. Who is paying this time,” Hana asks.

            “I’ll pay this time,” I say. Hana sighs. I don’t let her pay for ice cream very often. Whenever Hana comes over, she always brings snacks with her. I tell her she doesn’t have to, but half the time she doesn’t listen to me. So, I try to treat her when I can. Plus, the ice cream is only a few dollars a cone. It’s not like it’s overly expensive. “You can pay next time we go out for ice cream. Deal?”

            “Deal,” she says happily. We run down the street to Icee Ice. We’re both very excited for one of our favorite treats.

            “What flavor are you getting this time,” I ask Hana.

            “I’m thinking about getting the raspberry lemon Italian ice. How about you?”

            “I think I’m going to get a pina colada milkshake today,” I say.

            “That sounds delicious!”

            “So does yours!”

            Hana and I sit down at one of the tables near the window. My thoughts start to wander back to Takumi. I can feel my mood starting to plummet again quickly. I sigh to myself.

            “Are you alright,” Hana asks with a worried expression on her face.

            “I’m fine,” I say.

            “Are you sure,” she asks.

            “Yes, I’m fine,” I snap. Hana frowns at me. Worry still written on her expression. I feel bad for snapping. “I’m sorry, Hana. I’m okay, I promise.”

            “It’s okay,” she says and looks down at the table.

            I look away from her and out the window. I know why she’s so worried about me right now. I lied to her last time and ended up in the hospital. Sometimes, I take things too far. Depression can be a real pain.

            After Takumi left, I felt a lot of pain and anger towards him. To cope with the heartbreak he caused, I would write songs. I would write to get the emotions out. Other times, I would turn to other methods to cope. Not all of them were good methods.

            “Takumi is on your mind again, isn’t he,” I hear Hana ask.

            “Yes, he is,” I say. I sigh a little too myself.

            “The song you performed for audition...that’s also about him,” Hana says.

            I nod. I knew Hana would pick up on it.

            “Well, I will tell you now, I felt the heartbreak in that song. It made the song raw. Everyone could feel emotions you were trying to convey. That’s what made the song beautiful to listen to,” Hana says smiling sadly.

            “Thank you, Hana,” I reply with a smile blooming on my face. Hearing her feedback on my song has honestly brightened my mood.

            “Hey, I just had a wonderful idea! Do you want to go do some karaoke? ” Hana asks.

            “Sure! That’s a great idea!”

            We finish our delicious treats quickly. Then we head over to our next destination, Drop the Mic. It’s one of our favorite places to hang out. Every other night, Drop the Mic, has a karaoke night. Today is one of the nights for karaoke. The other nights they dedicate to poetry slams. Sometimes, I will come after school to listen to some of the poets. A lot of the poems are really nicely written.

            “Hey, Hana, do you think I’m going to be in the talent show?”

            “Yes, you definitely should be. If you don’t, I would be very surprised. You did an amazing job today. Plus, I would give that teacher a talking to if you don’t.”

            I laugh a little to myself. I can already imagine how Hana would react. Sometimes she’s a little firecracker when angered. Although, I can be the same way myself. I’m very protective of my friends.

            “I still remember you telling off the one guy in class that annoyed you. He backed off pretty quickly.”

            “He had it coming!”

            We burst out laughing after that.

            “Hey, do you want to actually sing some karaoke tonight?”

            “Sure, I already sang for an audience today. Why not,” I reply. When Hana and I come here, we usually listen to the other singers. Other times, we’ll sing some songs together. I hardly ever go up to sing by myself. I might give it a try tonight. “What are you in the mood to sing today?”

            “Do you want to do “Defying Gravity” from Wicked? I know that’s one of your favorite songs to duet. Or do you want to sing “For the First Time in Forever?”  We can sing the reprise version. I know that’s your favorite.”

            “Oh, let’s start with “Defying Gravity”. We can always request “For the First Time in Forever” later. Do you want to do Elphaba or Glinda’s part today,” I ask. Hana is a soprano 1. She can hit higher notes than I am able to.

            “I’m alright with doing Glinda’s part. I’m more comfortable with it. Her range suits mine a little better than Elphaba’s.”

            “Alright.”

            I go up to the DJ to request the song. There are four people ahead of us. Hana and I listen to the songs people sing. The person that is on this stage now is doing just alright. He’s trying to sing a Michael Jackson song. He is having a harder time hitting some of the higher notes. The dude is definitely a bass.

            The next girl that is on the stage is doing a good job on stage. She chose to sing “I’m Like a Bird” by Nelly Furtado. It fits her vocal range perfectly. She knows her range well!

            As our turn approaches quicker, I can feel the nerves starting to kick in. My body starts to tremble again a little bit. Hana puts her hand on my shoulder. It helps calm me down. I sang in front of a bunch of people earlier. I can push myself to do it again.

            It’s finally our turn. Hana starts to sing. I join her with my lines. People start singing along with us. We are having the time of our lives. It’s so much fun singing with Hana and the crowd. When we finish, we get a lot of applause. It makes us both smile.

            We request our second song; we will be going again soon. As soon as I get to the table, I gulp down some water. I sit down to listen to some of the others sing again.

            “I think I’m going to do a solo song before we leave,” Hana tells me.

            “What song are you going to sing?”

            “I’m not sure yet.”

            “Hmm, you could sing “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins. I know you love that song. Or sing one of your favorite Disney songs.”

            “I don’t know if I can hit the notes in “Feed the Birds.” I’m thinking about singing “Part of Your World” from the Little Mermaid. Or I think I’m going to challenge myself and sing “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera,” Hana replies.

            “Girl, you’ll do fine singing “Feed the Birds.” I have heard you sing that multiple times and you do fine. I might do a solo song myself. I’m thinking about singing “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana. I have been listening to that song a lot lately. I should really watch that movie again soon. Hey Hana, would you like to come over this weekend?”

            “Of course, I would love to come over. We can watch Disney movies or anime. Whatever you’re in the mood for. Or we could go out and go bowling or something,”

            “I’m thinking anime this week. Also, you can help me choose and outfit for the talent show if I make it.”

            “Yes! That sounds like so much fun. Again, the teacher would be crazy if she didn’t allow you to perform.”

            “Thank you, Hana, that means a lot. Let’s go request our solo songs now,” I tell her. We request our songs. While I wait for my turn again, my thoughts drift back over to Takumi. I think about the way his smile lights up a room. I think about the way his voice sounds. I also think about other moments with him. It makes me wonder if I’ll ever see him again.

            I really hope I see him again. Just once. I would love to see him. Maybe one day, I’ll get my wish.