Chapter 19: 019
After performing and doing a few runs of the song that resulted in being more of a training session to get the rhythm of everyone right, it didn't take long until they could do the whole song without major hiccups.
He did say they did play well together but that didn't mean that it was perfect. Only practice develops such a state.
By the time they were done Jack had to rub his throat lightly while taking slow methodical gulps from his water bottle.
"Alright, I think my voice is done for the day." He said to the other three. "We can still try to sync the instrumentals if you like?"
"Nah, dude. It's already nearly up to closing time." The guy called Tyrone who was the current drummer mentioned. "So we better pack up."
Jack looked at the time on his smartphone and saw it being 18:15. Time sure ran like the wind when you got something to do.
"Guess that's a wrap then. Thanks for a great time, guys." He then smiled at Julia and Annie. The latter of the two just looked at him stoically without breaking a smile.
At least his bassist was not made out of stone and gave him a warm smile back.
"Well done everyone! We will see each other tomorrow then." Now even Ms. Dewitt seemed to tell everyone to get ready for closing up as well.
When everyone started to store the instruments and placed everything where it should be another quarter-hour vanished.
The last thing that had to be done was push the piano back to its place on the stage. It was rolled to the side when they took their performance.
"By the way, Tyrone. You into rapping?" Jack asked now since he had the time and Tyrone was his partner in pushing the piano back.
"Huh? Yeah, I am. How did ya know?" Tyrone smiled now being talked to about his favorite music topic.
Jack first positioned the delicate instrument on its end position before answering again. "Just heard it from someone. What I actually wanna know is if you know Eve?"
"Eve? Oh, you man flat-ass?" Tyrone thought for a second and chuckled when knowing about who he was asking about. "What about her?"
"I heard you know where she hangs out? Though I wonder now how you know her with the way you address her assets. She ain't taking it kindly, I presume." Jack now raised a brow lightly. Not that he was taking it kindly either.
"It's not that I hang out with her or anything. She is just nagging me and my guys doing rapping sessions at the park." Tyrone shook his shoulders in innocence. By his behavior, it seemed more neutral than anything. "But what ya want from her, dude? Are you actually after her? Just a warning, she a feisty one."
That question made Jack stop in his track of thought for a second. He had to actually think about it. But it didn't take long and he ignored the question and smirked.
"Can't imagine why." That was of course a sarcastic remark on his last words because he could very well imagine how Tyrone talked to her by now.
"So she is at the park around this time?" Jack tried to reconfirm again.
"Yeah, she chills around there at this time doing her artsy stuff."
"Well, thanks for the info." Jack nodded now.
"Yo, you also doing rapping?" Tyrone now asked after thinking about something.
"No, that ain't my expertise. At least I ain't good at improvising, I think. Give me enough time then I could do something. But otherwise, nah." Jack did think about it.
Rap was when given time also possible for him. But doing improvised rap on the go was not his thing. Guess it had to do with the fact that he was more of the melodic type than the aggressive one?
At least he thought so.
"Shame, but if ya still want to practice those vocals in a fast manner. My guys and I are also at the park doing our thing."
"I will keep that in mind." Jack smiled. It wasn't all bad making connections actually. And he would come across him more often in the future anyways. "Well, see you guys until then."
When everything was done he walked over to Ms.Dewitt.
"Teach, I got a question. Is it possible to rent musical instruments for practice at home?" Jack asked her straight from the go. He wanted to take the guitar with him until he had the money for his own.
"Sure, sugar. Just fill out this paper so that I know it is in your possession for the time being." Melody took out a book that looked more like a fill-out form where various instruments were listed and right beside them were different names of students who currently have those rented.
After writing his name and current date down behind the acoustic guitar, as the others did before him, he returned the booklet to his teacher.
"Thanks, but be aware that each student can only rent an instrument for a month. And renting the same instrument twice to lengthen the duration is not allowed. So make the best out of it as long as it lasts." Ms. Dewitt smiled at him and explained that one rule so that everyone could get a chance in renting specific instruments.
Jack just accepted that rule since with it in place it made sure everyone had the chance to play the instrument. That included himself.
Just imagine it would have been rented by someone else because he was late and he could not get his hands on it. He would have been greatly disappointed. And his day would have been ruined...
"Got it. Then I will be back tomorrow, right?" Jack just waved at her and took his stuff and instrument.
"That's right. We perform daily, so come by anytime. It's good to have someone as talented as you join us. Take care, sugar." Ms.Dewitt smiled brightly at him.
---
A little bit later Jack was back at the apartments and carried his luggage into his room.
His aunt was seeing him carrying all that and widened her eyes. "That was fast, you got yourself an instrument already? How was your day?"
Jack stopped and looked over at her. "Oh, hey there. Yeah, it's just rented. Gonna carry this around to school as well but it's just an acoustic guitar. Not that heavy. And about how my day was. Let's just say it was kinda stressful?"
Leah chuckled now. "Make sure to pace yourself. I also didn't think you would keep there the whole day. If you want something to eat, I put your plate into the fridge. Just warm it up."
"Will do that later, thanks. Still got something to do outside. So I will be out again shortly for a little while."
"Is that so?" Leah raised a brow at that. It made her somewhat curious. But she quickly thought about something and just smiled. "Just make sure to not stay out all night long."
"Yes, mum" Now Jack rolled his eyes coupled with a small chuckle after hearing her say something so motherly.
Leah just picked up a small red rubberoid ball that was lying around near her on the couch and threw it at him. "I'm not that old yet, mister!"
With a skillful dodge letting the ball hit the wall he snickered and went into his room and unloaded the guitar only to skip by again with an outstretched tongue to leave the apartments.
That made Leah frown a little but she didn't say anything again and continued to read the book that she had in her hands at the start of their conversation.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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