Unexpected invitation

Everything ended well. I was going home with my brother in silence. Then I heard him say, "I am thankful for your gift, I really am. But Raine, please, please do not play guitar anymore. Trust me, I am saying this for your own good." While saying this, his voice was void of any emotions.

Can't he be a good big brother just for one day? Why the hell he had to speak about guitar and spoil my mood? I thought he had changed, but no. I was wrong.

"I understand, brother," unintentionally, my voice became robotic. He didn't say anything further and drove the car in silence.

.....

Next day the result was announced. To be more specific, result sheet of the exam was attached on the wall of my school. I made my way and walked past the crowd to check my result. I searched for name on the list, and I figured I had scored 70 marks.

It was probably the highest marks I scored ever. But I didn't feel like celebrating. I was still in foul mood because of brother's restriction for the guitar. Why was he so against me being a musician? Ugh! Why can't things go normal in my life?

The class was about to start but I was in no mood to study. I skipped the class and went to the rooftop. The rooftop was empty, it seemed the luck was in my favour for now. I could finally have the time which I needed to calm down myself. But how stupid of me, I skipped the class even after knowing I was bad at studying. Oh, well, I wouldn't skip from the next time.

I closed my eyes and focused on the rythmic music that the wind was making. It was one of the therapy which always helped me to calm down. Though the calm and peaceful environment didn't last for long as I heard someone's footsteps which were marching in my direction.

When I turned back, I found it was Neil. Since my mind was in a mess, I didn't bother talking with him, and continued with my therapy session. He didn't say anything either, for quite sometime. Then I heard him saying,

"That music last night you played...it was magical." I blinked, and blinked and blinked again. Did he actually say that? Woah! Freaking awesome!

"Thank you," The two words were all that my boaring character could utter in a situation as such. But I was dancing with happiness from inside. One more person appreciated my music. I wondered when my family would give me their approval...

And once again, we were silent for at least two minutes. Then he said something which had my eyes raised in suprise.

"So... maybe...if it's convenient for you... then... would you like to join me and my friends for... lunch?" It was clear from the way he spoke, that inviting someone else for lunch was not something he did on daily basis. He was struggling with words. "We would be happy to have you!" He said the last sentence so fast that it took me a while to understand what he had said.

It was a good opportunity to befriend him and make him convince his grandfather. I just had to grab this one time offer! "Sure. But do you mind if I bring my friend Annie with me?" I said calmly as I don't wanted him to find my desperation to befriend him.

"That won't be a problem," he said. "You can bring your friend."

"Cool. Then... I'll see you in the lunch break." I said and he nodded.

....

I informed Annie that we were invited to join Neil and the gang for lunch. And her reaction was something like,

"Wow, you finally got the chance to make friends with him! I am happy for you. But why Raine? Why do you want me to join them? You know I can't stand the sight of that monkey boy!"

"Eh? Monkey boy who?" I really had no idea whom she had given such a weird nickname.

"Who else? It's William! bruh!" She said his name with so much irritation that it surprised me. I didn't know she had such a strong dislike for him.

"C'mon, Annie you are way too strong to be bothered by him. Besides, you can easily give him a piece of mind if he bothers you." I said and she let out an evil laughter.

"You are right! Today I'll show him who is the boss! Let's go!" And that's it, she was ready to go.

After the looong class, finally the lunch break which I was so looking forward to, came. And we headed toward the cafeteria. At first, no one paid attention to us. But when we walked toward the table which was specifically arranged for the members of student council, everyone started to look at us with curiousity in their eyes. They were eyeing us in such a way as if we had lost our direction or possibly our mind.

But their eyes went even more wide when Derek excitedly waved his hand toward us. "C'mon! here, here! We are here!" He shouted.

Once we were there, Samantha smiled friendly and patted on a empty chair next to her as she said, "Have a seat, Guitar girl," and I settled on it.

And what William did next, surprised me beyond the limit. He stood up, and pulled the empty chair, then said, "This is for you, Study bug." His statement was directed to Annie. Annie made irritated face at first, but she nevertheless sat down. William smirked and sat down too.

Then I looked at Neil who was sitting the other side of me. His eyes were already on me for god knows how long. When we met our eyes, he smiled and gave me a 'what's up' nod. He then whispered in a voice which only I could hear, "Thank you, for joining us, DiCaprio,"

"Thank you, for having us, Astors," I whispered back to him.