Not a Melodious Harmony

Not a Melodious Harmony

(Book Two of Dream Trilogy)

Kristine Cuevas

Not a Melodious Harmony is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales are purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2013 Kristine Cuevas

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If we continue believing, there’s no need to doubt about what will happen next.

The Author

Some things are meant for a short period of time only.

- June Isabella Peyton

Prologue

Falling in love is like music. There would be times where you want to hear a particular song and times that you would just want to pull out your hair for hearing the same song over and over again. I get that, you know. It’s kind of sad and happy at the same time that music can do so much more. Falling in love can do so much more as well.

I had a song in my head that kept on playing, which was kind of irritating and awesome at the same time. I didn’t want to think that I was going insane for saying those two contradictory words, but that was true. It’s a song about him. You know, my best friend? I was thinking if I would eventually fall out of love to him.

I could hope, right? Right.

* * *

Call me everytime you’re not busy, okay? I told my best friend for the umpteenth time. I could feel that my eyes were starting to water but I blinked it away everytime I felt like crying.

We’re currently here at the airport, waiting for Chad’s flight. I still couldn’t believe that my best friend just told me about this. He didn’t even bother to spare a day just so he could tell it to me.

I stared at the locket in my hand. He was right. I would love to see our photos when we were kids in this locket. I would keep it forever in my heart.

The love that I was feeling for him would always be in my heart, too, without him knowing a single thing about it.

I should be the one saying that to you, he muttered, elbowing me to my side. When you’re with your friends, you always forget me. At least be a nice best friend sometimes.

I scratched the back of my head, lowering it down. He didn’t know that whenever I was with my friends, it was him that we were talking about. He would always be the topic in our conversation that Oliver would sigh exasperatedly in an over-exaggerated manner.

My friends bugged me about not telling Chad my feelings for him. They also tried to blurt it out during our Senior’s Ball but I told them not to. I begged and fell right down on my knees just so they wouldn’t do anything stupid.

I smiled right up to my best friend. Of course. I told you, I’m definitely going to miss you no matter what happens. You know that I love you, right? When those words slipped out of my mouth, my hand shot back up to it. My eyes widened as well. I just blurted it out like it was nothing at all.

He chuckled before bursting out into fits of laughter. Of course, I know that.

You do? My head snapped to him that my neck almost cricked. His answer was like he was telling me that he knew. But if he knew, then...

Of course! You’re my best friend! I love you, too, he chirped with so much enthusiasm.

The four words that left his mouth was like a melody in my ear.

I love you, too.

I hoped that I would hear those words again. Not with him, though. I wanted us to stay best friends forever even if I had this secret love for him.

So, with one last hug, Chad walked his way to his boarding flight..

My unrequited love for him...

Hopefully I could fall out of it.

The voice

Have you packed everything? mom asked as she wiped her wet hands with a towel. I just nodded as I continued to eat my breakfast. That’s good... she trailed off. I could already sense a drama here.

Mom...

Are you sure about this? she inquired.

Very. Mom, this is what I want with my life. I gave her a reassuring smile. And besides, Aunt Carly will be there if you want a company, I told her.

She rolled her eyes. I know that, sweetie. It’s just... It’ll be quiet here. There’s no more you and Chad bickering.

I sighed. Obviously, she didn’t want me to go just yet. Aunt Carly had a rough week adjusting being alone, and now mom had to do the same. As much as I wanted to stay here for the whole summer, I couldn’t. And I couldn’t afford of not going there. We’re talking about my dreams here.

I stood up from my seat and hugged mom, the tightest hug I could give her. Don’t worry, mom. I’ll give you a call whenever I have vacant time, I said, pulling out from the hug. She just gave me a sad smile. Don’t worry about me, mom. I’ll be okay. I promise, I assured her, raising my right hand like taking an oath.

She kissed me on the cheek. I know you will, baby. Just don’t forget that you have a mother worrying about you, kay? she jokingly scolded me.

I chuckled. Of course. You’re the best mom. I went up to my room and get dressed. I have to be at the camp at eleven a.m. tomorrow. The camp was called Camp Musica. I heard that there were a lot of students who go to that camp every summer. Some had joined the camp for just training, while some had to because it’s a requirement. In my case, I was going to the camp for both reasons—for training and requirement.

After fixing myself, I grabbed my things and went downstairs. Mom had helped me put my things in my car. Glancing at the house before I slid inside my car, I felt a stray tear rolled down my cheek. I had so much memory here that I felt like I didn’t want to leave. Abruptly, Chad’s face came to my mind. I missed my best friend and everything about him.

I sighed before getting in my car. Mom looked at me through my open car window, smiling. I smiled as well.

Bye, sweetie. Take care, she said, kissing my forehead.

I will, mom, I responded as I started the engine of my car. I peeled out of the driveway and made my way to my summer camp at Fort Ridge.

I saw mom waved her hand at me through the rearview mirror. I knew that I would be missing her. This camp would consume all my summer, then I had to fly to New York to confirm my entrance at McDowell’s. I wouldn’t have the time to bond with my mom after that because school would start rolling. The thought brought tears to my eyes.

Sometimes it’s sad to think that you had to move out from your parents’ house for college. I knew that I didn’t have to do it and just attend the community college, but it’s my dream to attend McDowell’s. And since I got accepted, I couldn’t afford to lose it. Not when it’s almost within my reach.

When the red light flashed, signaling for a stop, I turned on the radio. I tapped my finger on the steering wheel as the music played. I stepped on the gas when the green light flashed. I was getting excited now. The idea of being in a summer camp was sinking in my head. There would be a lot of music for sure. But the one thing that made me squeal in over joy was summer romance.

That’s one of my to-do lists.

I wanted to fall out of love to my best friend. I really wanted to. But the thing was, I think it would take a lot of time before I could fall out of love to him. Whenever he called me every night, I always felt the butterflies crazily fluttering in my stomach. Hearing his voice says my name felt like I was in Wonderland. That’s how I was in love with him. And anytime soon, my heart would surely burst out of my chest for too much loving him.

I was halfway through my way to Fort Ridge. It’s already nine in the evening so I decided to stop by at some motel. I wanted to just take a short nap and then drive again. There’s a little part of me that was regretting for not taking a plane ride instead of driving. But since I wanted to bring my car, I had to drive it all the way to the camp.

I lay down on the bed after I took a quick shower. Just then, my phone rang. I picked it up and pressed it to my ear without even bothering to look at the caller I.D.

Hello, I answered in a fake British accent.

Oh! You’re getting good at that, his voice reverberated to the phone as he chuckled.

Chad! Hey, how are you? I queried enthusiastically. Hearing his voice again made the smile on my face grew wider.

We just talked last night! Now you’re asking, how am I... again? Don’t you think you should avoid that question every time I call you? he asked.

I hesitated for a moment. He was right. Whenever he called me, I would ask the same questions. Over and over again. I scratched my head as I felt my cheeks to heat up. It was a good thing that he wasn’t able to see me. Because if he did, he would surely make fun of me. Sorry, I finally said.

It’s okay. At least you’re worried about me, he responded.

What made you call anyway? I asked. I glanced at the wall clock and it read nine forty. I sighed and stood up. I hadn’t even closed my eyes when I got here. Now I had to fix myself and head out of this room and continue my way to Fort Ridge. Chad, you still there? I queried, adjusting the earphone to my ear.

Yeah. Where are you anyway? he asked. I could hear a little noise in the background.

Driving. On my way to Fort Ridge for the summer camp, I responded nonchalantly.

Summer camp? At Fort Ridge? Wow! And you’re driving right now? he questioned, a sound of amusement filling his voice.

I nodded, then I realized he couldn't see me. So I replied, Well, yeah. I don’t want to leave my car.

Uh huh, was all he could say.

What about you? Aren’t you supposed to answer my question, too? What made you call? I repeated the question.

Just the usual, he answered.

Look, Chad, I have to go now. I wanted to talk to you a little longer but I couldn’t concentrate with my driving, I told him calmly.

I wanted to tell you a lot of things today, he said to me, more like whining.

I’ll call you as soon as I arrive at the camp, kay?

Okay. Bye. Take care, then he hung up. As much as I wanted to talk to him, I couldn’t. Hearing his voice just made me weak.

The time on my phone clearly read that it was ten past midnight already. I was now yawning. Just few more minutes and I would arrive soon at Camp Musica.

I pushed on the brake when I saw that I had to enter a dark forest. I leaned forward to have a good look at the GPS. It read that I had to turn to the right. And that’s what I almost did. But seeing that I had to pass a forest, I think I would be sleeping in my car for tonight. I wasn’t planning on turning the wheel and driving into that dark forest. Who knows, maybe there’s someone lurking in the dark and even though I was in my car, I was still afraid.

I sighed deeply. The forest seemed scary. Why did the camp have to be in this place? I collected all the courage I could get and then I started turning to the right and into the woods. I turned on the radio so that I could have something that would drift my mind off. As I was getting closer, there had lights on, and then I saw the camp.

My shoulders sagged and I felt myself relax when I saw a man waving at me. He knocked on my window so I rolled it down.

I.D. please, he said.

I grabbed my I.D. on the dashboard and showed it to him. I smiled as he smiled at me, too.

Welcome. The parking’s around the corner. Then you’ll see the entrance of the office just near that one, he pointed a cabin that was just straight ahead.

Okay. Thank you, I responded, rolling my window up. I parked my car to where he told me to park, and went out once I cut the engine. I saw the office immediately because of its lighting. I walked towards it and knocked on the door. It opened on the second knock and a lady greeted me. She looked like around thirty. Her hair was light brown with a little shade of blonde on its tips. She was wearing glasses and it’s almost falling on the bridge of her nose. She looked very professional with what she was wearing—pencil-cut skirt and puff-sleeved blouse.

Hello, she greeted enthusiastically.

Hi, was all I could say.

Come in, she opened the door wide enough for me to enter. You must be a new student, she continued once we were seated.

I nodded, offering a shy smile. I was fiddling with my fingers on my lap. I was feeling kind of nervous about this one. Was she going to interview me?

Calm down. I’m not going to bite you, she chuckled. What’s your name, by the way? she queried.

I cleared my throat and responded, June... June Isabella Peyton. She nodded as she scanned my I.D. Then she went to a room. After five minutes, she went out with an envelope in hand.

Welcome to Camp Musica. Here’s your I.D and your cabin key, she handed me my I.D and a key. I stood there still didn’t know what to do next. She was stamping the papers she took in the envelope. When she’s done with it, she returned it inside the envelope and looked up at me, smiling. You’re done here. You can go now, she said.

I nodded. Thank you. Then I left the office and went out to search for my cabin. The key had a tag along with it. It had a writing that said, Cabin13. It must be my cabin number. So, I searched for it. I looked at my watch to see that it was already four and I hadn’t gotten any sleep yet.

There’s cabin seven... eight... nine... ten. In cabin eleven, someone went out. He’s a guy with brown curly hair. His body built was okay for him and he looked like six feet tall. He noticed me staring at him because he waved his hand to me.

I smiled at his action and waved back before continuing to my cabin. I wanted to sleep now.

After a short walk from cabin eleven, at last, I finally located my cabin. I inserted the key into the keyhole and then I twisted the knob. When I got inside, I saw two beds in it. One on the right and one on the left that had someone sleeping on it. She had a night light on. I had to be friends with her since she’s going to be my roommate for the rest of my stay here. I’d do that first thing in the morning. But for now, I had to rest.

* * *

I woke up with the sound of a beeping. I lazily grabbed my phone that was on my nightstand. Slowly, I opened my eyes, squinting it as a ray of sunshine shone on me. I took a look at my phone. It was my mom.

How are you there? Eat properly, okay? Love you.

The perfect way to start my day. I replied to my mom’s message as a smile tugged on my lips.

Just woke up. Love you too, mom.

I yawned and stretched my arms and legs before getting out of bed. I noticed that my roommate was already up because her bed was now fixed.

I grabbed a V-neck shirt and jeans for me to change. After changing, I unpacked my things and put it in the closet near my bed. Just before I finished unpacking, I heard the door opened.

I turned to face it and saw a girl who was wearing a very cute sundress. She had a summer hat on her head, too, and a sunglass on her hand. She was red-haired and it reached up to her chest. I blinked. The girl I saw when I got here was not red-haired, she was brunette, I think. She finally noted me as she walked towards me.

Hi. Do you know where Bethany is? she approached in a nice way. Oh! So my roommate’s name was Bethany. I had to remember that.

I answered, Sorry. When I woke up, she’s not there anymore. Maybe she went out already.

She nodded. Okay. When she comes back, can you please tell her to meet me at my cabin? Thanks. Then she started for the door.

Wait! I called out to stop her. What’s your name if she asked me?

She raised an eyebrow at me, a mischievous smile plastered on her face. You must be new here. Tell her Colette is looking for her, kay? See you around. And without another word, she left.

Colette. Hmm, her name’s cute. I wondered if we could be friends.

Setting the thought aside, I decided to wander around the camp first. It’s only eight o’clock in the morning. I grabbed my key and cell phone, and headed out of my cabin.

Once out, I noticed that there were people already playing their instruments. Some were singing and some were just chatting. I walked around the camp to memorize the area. I didn’t want to get lost in this camp, you know.

I passed by some people who gave me nice smiles. I smiled back at them before walking away. I noticed that the guy near the lake was looking at my direction. His smile was taunting and it bothered me.

As if on cue, he started to walk to where I was. He stopped a few good feet in front of me. Hey! he greeted.

An awkward smile formed on my lips. I waved a hand to him before saying, Hi? but it only came out as a question.

You were the girl I saw earlier, right? he queried.

I thought about it for a moment. Then just like a thunderbolt, it hit me immediately. You were that guy who waved at me? I finally asked.

His face lit up. Yeah, that’s me. I’m Nicholas Green. But for you it’s babe, he winked at me.

I rolled my eyes while smiling. Yeah, talk about overconfidence. I think I’ll go with Nic, I told him.

You sure? ‘Cause I think you’ll be perfect for me, he put his arm around my shoulder but I yanked it away.

O…kay. I think I’ve spent enough time with you. I’m going now, I said, pointing to the other direction.

Wait! he grabbed my wrist which made me stop on my tracks. Aren’t you going to tell me your name? he asked with a glint in his eyes.

I slowly removed his hand and smiled sweetly at him. It’s for me to know and you to find out. And with that I started to walk away.

I smiled to myself as I noted his expression. He was obviously flirting. But I was not interested. Then I passed by some group of boys who wolf-whistled at me. Why was I feeling that my stay here wouldn’t be boring?

I noticed that I was at the back of one of a cabin. I eyed it cautiously. It had a back door that had a sign that said, Guitar Area. I had to remember this cabin because