The Truth in the Stars

Part 7: Guitar

It was Saturday, April seventh, when I finally went to pay for my guitar. Having reserved it a few weeks ago, I wasn't worried about someone else buying it. I had called Jason early this morning to ask if he could have it ready for me when I arrived. As I walked in the store Jason was busy packaging my guitar in a cardboard box.

"Good morning, Jason!" I exclaimed as the bell rang.

"Good morning,  Mark. It'll be ready in just a second."

"That's fine. Take your time."

I could hear the sound of an acoustic guitar coming from the back room. I assumed it was Fiona, because she was playing the same songs last time she was here. She tends to play songs by Ed Sheeran and Alan Jackson.

"Okay," Jason said handing me the package. "Are you sure you don't want a guitar bag?"

"I'll come back when I can afford one. I barely had enough to pay for the guitar!" I laughed.

"Well, stop by when you need one. Are you gonna get lessons elsewhere since my free ones are done?"

"I can't afford lessons either. I'll probably just practice on my own for a bit. I shouldn't have too much trouble finding tutorial videos."

Fiona finished playing her song and was going to leave when she saw me.

"Oh, hey Mark!" she began. "What's up?"

"I'm here to pick up my guitar."

"Awesome, Mark! 

"Here to practice again?" I asked.

"Yeah."

Over the past couple days I ran into Fiona a few more times, and we actually get along pretty well. We don't talk at school, but whenever we are at the guitar shop we talk some. At school she hangs out with a bunch of the more popular kids.

"Well, if you need help with something stop in," Jason insisted as he went to go tidy up some things in the store.

The morning sun shone through the window brightly, making it hard to see. Although it was only fifty-six degrees outside, the sun seemed to burn me just standing in the light. I followed Fiona out the door and moved to her side to walk beside her. The single green ash tree that grew on the sidewalk had fully grown green leaves showing that spring was here.

"You're gonna need lessons now aren't you? I mean you spent all your money buying that guitar," she asked.

She was right. I could definitely learn faster from a live person than a video.

"Yeah, but are you suggesting you know someone who could teach me?"

"Of course I know someone. She's me. I always wanted to teach guitar, and this would be the perfect time," she laughed, but she also had a serious tone in her voice.

"Are you sure?" I asked making sure she would be okay with this.

"Yes, but I can only give you lessons on the weekend."

"Well, that works for me as I can only take lessons on the weekends anyway."

"Well, I'll see you next weekend then," she yelled running off.

Walking along the sidewalk, I began to think about why I wanted music in my life. I looked at the guitar in my hands. Although it was in a box, I could feel the way it felt in my hands. I remembered the sounds and feel of each chord I had learned. I wanted music, because it was something my body felt and could relate to. Both your mind, body, and soul could influence the sounds you can make and hear. What I wanted was to show that to other people.

The houses in my subdivision were all identical white and tan houses. Each house had two garages and a small yard. Some of my neighbors were already cutting their grass for the first time of the year, creating the smell of wet grass throughout the neighborhood.

Running along the sidewalk I quickly made it home. I was really excited about having my own guitar. I bolted up to my room, and took it out of its packaging. Strumming down on the strings, I played a G-chord and quickly transitioned to a C minor-chord making a musical sound that almost sounded like a song.

I was enjoying the sound so much, I didn't hear my mom come up the stairs or open my door.

"Sounds nice, Mark," she acknowledged.

"Thanks, mom!"

Her approval meant a lot to me. I could feel my face turn red, but I was also proud. This would be another step toward my dream.