Ch 4 - Lucia

The school bell rings and students hurriedly get out of the rooms as if they’re running out of time. It’s hard suddenly being back in school when everybody has established their group of friends.

“Hi there, Lucia. Do you wanna come hang out with us? We’re all planning to have dinner together!”

“Sorry! I have to be somewhere today. I’ll make it up to you tomorrow! Promise!”

I stuff my books into my bag and pull out my phone and then my earphones. I wave goodbye to my other classmates and put on some music once I get off of school grounds. Nothing brings me at ease more than when I listen to my favorite bands while I’m out on a stroll.

“Just make sure to be careful with the equipment. Sure. Yeah, okay... Tonight it is…” A familiar voice is talking on his phone. A man wearing straight-cut blue jeans and an oversized band shirt makes his way down the street headed opposite of my direction. Ray rubs his temple as he talks on his phone. I nod at him, not expecting an answer, but he excuses himself from his phone and puts it down.

“Lucy, is that really you? How are you?” He pats me on the head just like he used to when I was younger.

“Hey, I’m not a kid anymore, you know!”

“It’s a force of habit! Hey, Lucy, would you come with me to the bar real quick? I just need to hand you something”

“Letting a minor into your bar now, Ray?” I tease.

“Hey, your brother’s gonna gimme hell if I— I’m sorry.” He stops and laughs it off. My smile drops for a second, but I shrug it off.

“I might end up a bit late. Sorry!” I hit send on my phone and place it back in my pocket as I follow Ray back to his bar.

My feet suddenly stop at the sight of The Underground. A famous bar for locals and passersby who love to listen to live bands no matter, good or uh… Not-so-good. A few good bands started out just doing gigs in this place. I have a lot of good memories just from this place alone and they all involve my brother.

“Sorry if I kept you waiting. I cleaned this up for ya. Figured this’ll be better off with you.” He hands me a paper bag filled with what seems to be clothing.

“I’ll see ya around, Lucy, okay? Take care of yourself.” He waves before heading back to the bar.

I wave back, before I take a peek at what’s inside the bag.

“This is…”