♫ Lemon ♫
The next day, when I came to the studio, the practice is about to start. Before, I usually show up earlier than scheduled, but now, I decided to leave just in time for the start of our day.
It’s rather hard for me to come to the studio earlier than I used to. I might get into trouble again. I’ve already heard enough, I don’t want more.
“Partner! You’re almost late!” Kevz greeted me with a wide smile but I just smiled at him lazily.
“Sorry, I woke up late,” I lied.
They looked like they’ve already warmed up and are currently on break while waiting for me. So I decided to prepare quickly to not make them wait longer.
I sat on the couch and it was only then that I saw Anne next to me. I smirked when she smiled at me, but to not be rude, I forced myself to smile back.
‘Who cares if she’s here? I don’t care too!’
I took off my sneakers and wear my slippers. I then removed my jacket, leaving just my sleeveless on, then I stood next to the mic stand.
“Woah! Partner, you’re too sexy, it’s distracting!” Kevz commented but I chose to not pay attention to him.
I just focused on the music sheets Kip gave me. I checked the lineup of songs before placing the sheets on the stand and turning to them. “Let’s start!”
Kip and Homme exchanged glances before turning to Kevz who just shrugged at them. Whatever it is they’re talking about with their eyes, I paid no heed to it.
Kip positioned himself on his spot and the rest do the same. But then my phone started ringing so I had to excuse myself.
“Yes?” I asked as soon as I answered the call.
“Fille, I’m having dinner with my staff tonight, do you wanna come?”
“No Mom, I’ll just go home after practice.”
“Are you sure? You used to join me on these?”
“Mom! I’ll be tired after practice so I'd rather rest" I snapped at her.
“Hey, calm down Leslie Monica. Since when did you learn to raise your voice on me?” she asked.
“Sorry Mom, I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” I answered before letting out a sigh.
“Alright then, you go get some rest after. You’re probably stressed too,” she said before ending the call.
I inhaled and exhaled several times before turning to go in. I even caught Kip and Homme peeking thru the window, eavesdropping.
“Let’s start,” I announced as soon as I came back and they all nodded.
We started practicing until Kevz suddenly stopped. “Can we take a break? I’m hungry,” he pouted before looking at us, one by one.
“Great idea actually. Lemon’s so into it, we won’t survive if we’re all hungry,” Roj jested and they all laughed. Ignoring the silliness, I slumped on the couch as I take my phone out.
“Are we going out or should we just ask Guido to buy us food?” Kip asked and they all decided to just ask the caretaker to buy it for us.
“Kip, can you order for me please?” I asked sweetly and headed upstairs when he nodded.
I sat on the chair and put my earphones on. I was leaning far back while looking for the song we were supposed to practice.
Enjoying what I’m doing for almost an hour, I was disturbed by someone who pulled the earpiece off. I opened my eyes and suddenly felt irritated when I saw Drew.
“The food’s ready,” he told me.
I snatched my earphone from him and stood up to go downstairs. I’d only taken a few steps when he grabbed my wrist.
He looked like he wanted to say something but he changed my mind and withdrew his grip on my wrist. I was just glaring at him.
We ate quietly. At times, Kevz and Roj will make jokes and tease each other or someone else, but most of the time, no one speaks.
When I was done, I quickly clean up after myself and went straight out to the veranda. “Cuz, are you ok?” Kip asked from behind me, tapping my shoulder to get my attention.
“Of course, do I look like I’m not ok?” I asked back and he shook his head.
He didn’t ask again. We just stayed there for a while until I heard someone strumming the guitar so I invited him back in.
“Game?” I asked Homme who was quick to raise his hands.
“Lem, let’s rest for a bit,” he answered so I just went out again.
After a couple more minutes, Roj called me from the window. When I got in, we started practicing again.
We spent hours trying to perfect our lineup until it was dark outside. We only stopped when Kip told us that we’ll continue tomorrow.
I went to the restroom and when I came out, I heard Kevz saying something, “Partner’s a little scary today, she’s too serious!”
I went out when no one replied to him then I sat on the couch and took my phone out. It’s funny how they all seem to be weighing on my mood.
“You’re not going home yet?” I asked as I look at them one by one, except for Drew and Anne.
“Maybe later, it’s still early,” Roj said.
“Same,” Homme echoed.
“Why Partner? You’re going how already?” Kevz asked, pouting his lips.
“I’m still thinking about it. I can stay here overnight right?” I asked and they all exchanged looks before facing me. All their foreheads are wrinkled as if I said something terrible.
“Why cuz? Did something happen at home?” Kip asked worriedly.
“No,” I chuckled. “You guys are a bit overreacting. It’s just that there’s no one home aside from Gemma,” I grinned.
“Oh, ok. I thought you’d packed and left Auntie Tori. What about Kale? Where is he?” Kip asked.
“Silly! Kale left with his mom. They said they’re visiting a relative and will come back tomorrow.”
“Then why don’t we have a drinking session and let’s all sleep here!” Roj suggested while jumping up and down.
Kevz and Kip's faces brightened as if Roj just suggested something awesome. I looked at Homme and even he is smiling.
“It’s fine with me,” I answered and they all shouted like they just won the lottery.
“But since it’s still early, let’s start drinking later,” then Kevz carried the flat-screen TV. “Let’s do this first.”
He put out his Nintendo Switch and started setting it up. I shook my head in disbelief. But in reality, this is how we were in France too when we were having sleepovers.
I went out to call Mom and let her know I’m sleeping at the studio. She gave me her permission since she knows Kip is there too, as well as Lyra.
We even called Kellen so she could join us, along with Audrey. I also asked her to get the clothes I asked Gemma to prepare for me.
We started playing Just Dance and when the clock strikes six, we asked Guido to buy our drinks. They opted for Vodka but Anne wanted some ladies’ drink.
When Kellen arrived, I decided to take shower first and changed into my pajamas. “Even your pajamas are sexy, Partner!” Kevz told me off when I stepped out of the bathroom.
“Silly!” then I stuck my tongue out at him which caused them to laugh.
We were already seated on the floor when Guido came back. We also ordered pizza as none of us had dinner yet.
When we started drinking, they switched the game to Mario Kart. It was the last man standing challenge so we took turns playing and I’m the last one.
I will be playing against Drew and I managed to beat him. Then the line went back to Kevz but then I beat all of them until it’s Drew again.
“Leslie Monica, are you cheating?” Kip yelled after they all lost to me.
I'm feeling a little tipsy and I can’t control my laughter anymore. “You guys do your best so you could win,” I answered and my words were a bit slurred.
The game went on for three more rounds but they can’t still win over me until I decided to surrender. After that, I went out for a while as my phone keeps ringing but it gets cut off whenever I try to answer it.
When I was on my way back in, someone was standing by the doorstep with his arms crossed over his chest, leaning on the doorframe.
‘What does Drew want this time?!’