Blank Canvas

●Chapter 04●

"I thought stars were perfect,
But then my eyes found you.
I realized,
beauty has its flaws,
Just like the stars with scars.
But now...
I will sing you a... serenade.
A serenade."

I was impressed by that high note in the end.

My eyes almost bulged out of their sockets the moment I heard his voice. For the first time, it was not just the voice that took me to heaven but the lyrics too. It was like all my concentration was embedded on the lyrics whilst listening to him sing.

I've never heard this song before but it could be because I wasn't much into music. The only way I was familiar with songs was because Kristen wouldn't stop gushing about the latest singles being released by a singer or a band.

The way he was singing meant only one thing. He's in love. I was able to detect that because I saw a small smile playing on his lips which seemed to be reserved for that certain someone. I must say I was envious of him because I've always loved singing but I have been told that I should stop singing before the dead souls wake up and shut me up.

I was very much engrossed into listening to his song that I didn't feel someone tugging on my arm. I was brought out of my reverie when it didn't stop. Glancing to my right, I saw David looking at me with a confused expression. He was about to open his mouth but I widened my eyes to cut him from uttering anything. For extra measures, I even placed a finger on my lips. He must have gotten my message because he nodded his head without questions.

Woof was silent the entire time, his interest piqued too upon watching Atlas sing. I mentally thanked him for being a good dog.

I diverted my attention back to Atlas and saw him strumming his guitar but he was no longer singing. He was sitting a good distance away from us which was a good thing because I didn't want to get caught while invading his personal space and time.

'What if he didn't want us to listen to his secret song?' I mean, he might even go all bonkers on us if he saw us eavesdropping on him. I thought it would be better to leave him alone. I was reluctant to leave this place but I didn't have any other choice.

The mere thought of him sitting at my favorite hangout place riled me up a bit but I masked it. "Dave," I said in a hushed voice.

"Yes, Aria?" He asked, matching my tone.

"We need to get out of here. C'mon."

Nodding his head in agreement, we quickly but quietly padded our way out of the woods. I exhaled a breath of relief when we were safely out of the woods and especially out of Atlas's sight.

"He was a fantastic singer, wasn't he?" Dave commented gleefully. "I actually wanted to compliment him," he complained with a small pout.

I cleared my throat and told him, "I think it's better this way. I guess he clearly wanted some privacy... to come here in the quiet."

"You're right." There was a thoughtful look on his face which said he actually understood my words. I let out a sigh and unlocked my bike.

My plans about how I was going to spend my Sunday were ruined. When I actually think about it, I felt stupid to even come up with plans. At least, I wouldn't have been disappointed. I didn't want to go home so early. Which ruled out only one option for me. Kris's place. She is a pillar of my miserable and pathetic life. She is the only one who could understand me fully.

"Let's go," I said to Dave.

"Where are you going?" he asked me after a few minutes. I decided to walk alongside Dave with my hands on the bike's handlebar.