Theo is back

Chapter 28

<Hybrid Musicals>

<Live Audition>

(Screening stage)

 First Day

A total sum of 20 applicant including Mia and Ariel could be seen, sitting at the back stage of the company. Out of the 20 applicant, 10 people are student of the Hybrid musicals, while the others are perhaps from other schools or just some random people. They were all sitting on a long bench placed side by side, as they wait for the audition to commence.

Ariel shivered a little as a cold hand touched her neck, it was Mia. She laughed at her expression.

“Hey…you hand is cold…” Ariel muttered, removing Mia’s hand from her body

“Yea….the weather is cold, remember? I need a cup of hot tea” She yawned

“This is taking really long…I’m getting nervous” Ariel cooed. Mia scoffs

“I should be the one saying that, you sing better, you know”

“I can’t say for sure….let’s just hope we pass this first round” Ariel muttered softly, as Mia rested her head on her shoulder.

~~

Mrs. Brittany stood in front of the judges as she addresses them. They are present in a spacious office, where meetings are being carried out in the company.

“So…I once told you about the new judge the company has decided to add to you guys, and he is no other person but Theodore” she grinned, as Theodore walked into the room with glamour, smiling sheepishly, as he walk towards Axel.

“Oh my Gosh…who am I seeing here…” Axel exclaimed, standing up to give him a hug which he agreed to, as they pat each other’s back.

Theodore used to be Axel’s childhood friend when they were very young. He is an orphan but one won’t notice, being that he decided to come out of his shell. Axel met him once at the orphanage home when he and his mum visited, and they ended up becoming friends.  When the Hybrid Company started music contest for young talented teenagers, Axel advice him to apply, which he also did. They ended up passing all the stages and they both became members of the Triple boy’s band.

After they debut their first music, Theodore became more popular in the whole of Cape Town, while Axel was just more like a runner up. When a vote for leadership was cast, he became the leader of the Triple boys, and this earn him more popularity, but didn’t bridge their friendship; instead, the bond became stronger and they never wanted to let go, until five year back, when he wrote a letter to the Company telling them about his sudden wish to leave the country. He resigned as the Triple band leader, and gave it to Axel, while Nicki became the leader of the Triple girls.

No one heard about him, neither do they know his location until a year later, when he released a music titled ‘Never let go’ from Greece, which is his present place of residence. Only God knows why he left, was the word on everyone’s lips.

“What’s up guy…geez….it’s been a long time…I’m so happy seeing you all” Theo muttered, as he hugged Aiden too

“Welcome back bro…..” Nicki winked, as they had their usual chop knuckle

“Hey Barbie…..” he grinned referring to Sophia, who only rolled her eyes, folding her arms. No doubt, they used to be sworn enemies before he left

“Don’t tell me you still hate him after all these years” Aiden asked

“I don’t know…he just used to be annoying….” Sophia sparks, as Nicki chuckled

“Calm down comrade…..he isn’t gonna bite, just welcome him at least. For damn sake you guys were kids then when you do quarrel” She laughed

“Yea…..welcome white head” She bluffs, sticking out her tongue to Theodore, who spreads his hand for a hug but got none.

“Sophia is just the same….thought you will change..” he smirk

“We have a lot to talk about Theo and you ain’t leaving her today without giving us the full explanation of why you left…I was damn worried and..hmmm…” Axel exhale

“I’m sorry bro…I know that I owe you all an explanation, but I think that can wait for now….we are here for something else right…and Mrs. Brittany…”

“Phew…thank God you remembered me….thought I will just remain standing here, while you hug your friends” She pouted

“Awwnnn…I’m sorry about that…..mummy” Theodore joked, as everyone laughed, making Mrs. Brittany shake her head. One thing about Theodore is that, wherever he is, is always lively, he makes everyone happy.

“So back to our discussion; you are welcome Theodore, the contestant are here and the audition will start in few minute time.” She waited to see everyone’s expression

“So…here is the plan”…..

~~~~~

Ariel’s POV

The audition started in no time, as loud murmuring was heard among the contestant as the judges was called to seat. Some were murmuring a name, Theo..perhaps the new judges among them.

“Why are they whispering his name?” I asked Mia, who furrowed her brow

“Who?” She asked

“The Judge over there…or isn’t he Theo..” I asked, she smiled

“Oh…yea….he was one of the Triple boy’s bands some years ago, before he left. He is a genius in music and loved by many” She explained

“Oh..” I replied and waited for our names to be called to come on stage. This time, there was no audience, only the judges, but I believe that as time goes on; audience will be welcome. We are to sing without instrument for now, which means our voice needs to be audible for them to hear

The first contestant was called, and he sang a Michael Jackson song earning points from the judges for his good performance. He seems to be a student of Hybrid University, good for him.

The second contestant was a girl; she did a lot of dancing instead of singing, making her voice shutter. This didn’t earn her points, but I think her dance step was cool.

It went on and on until Mia was called, she was the 10^th contestant, and to be sincere, Mia was visibly fidgeting as she mounted the stage; what’s wrong with her, I thought.

“Hi…good day” She greeted with a smile

“Good day erm….” Theo replied

“Mia” She muttered

“Ok Mia….what song do you have for us” he asked, staring intently at her

“Ermmm……’Real friend’ by Camilla Cabello”

“Okay…fire on”

She smiled and started singing; she was already at the chorus part when Nicki stopped her

“Erm…Mia….are you ok….you seem nervous…” She stated

“Yea…just a bit” Mia replied glancing at Aiden

“Ok…you gat a very good voice but you need the confident, just try again and let’s see what you got” She smiled

“And…one more thing….you are not audible…try to sing out” Sophia chipped in with an evil smirk. I could mentally view Mia rolling her eyes, but she doesn’t dare do that right in from of them.

She finished singing and received a round of applause. The next contestant was called, and it shocked me being the last to be called.

Everyone had done theirs; shown their strength and weakness, now it’s left for me to show them mine. I climbed the stage steadily to avoid tripping. The number of eyes staring at me right now can actually make me slip if I’m not careful. I glance at Sophia who still had a smirk on; she looked away immediately our eyes met. Aiden winked at me, but it wasn’t visible for others to see, why Axel had no expression; he only stared at me, making my heart beat faster.

“Good day….I’m Ariel” I greeted in my softest voice

“Good day Ariel….i love your smile” Theo muttered, making me blush more

“Thanks”

“So what do you have for us….beautiful Ariel…hope your voice is as cool as your beauty” he complimented, and I could see Sophia scoff

“Yea…..I want to sing ‘Lost in the wood’ by Zel” I muttered, as he nodded and glance at Axel, who didn’t move a bit. Everyone dread singing Axel’s song without instruments, due to its complexity especially ‘Lost in the wood’; but I fell in love with the song the first time I heard it, and I’m gonna sing it with passion.

I cleared my throat and started singing with my sweetest voice; I haven’t gotten to half of the song when I heard ‘stop’

It was from Axel. What have I done wrong? I thought

“I love your voice…..but you are missing something. Do not close your eyes while presenting a song, you need to carry your audience along” He corrected. I sighed; sure, I was at fault. This time I braced myself up and started again, adding more live to the song.

~~

Axel’s POV

‘Lost in the wood’ is a song I wrote some years ago, it became one of the popular songs in Cape Town, but not everyone knows the mystery behind that song. I wrote it out of depression, sadness and emptiness. I was shocked when she chooses the song, and singing it just reminded me of my past. The passion in which she used in singing it felt like she was there with me when I write the song, and her angelic voice is just so mesmerizing.

She finished singing, and everyone applaud her, well she deserves it. This is the first time I will be please with someone singing my song with no error, even Sophia couldn’t sing this way. I’m looking forward to see her next performance.

~~~~~

After the whole show was over, everyone returned to their lounge awaiting the result. They were 20 applicants in all, but only twelve are needed, and the best twelve will be chosen. I believe Ariel and her friend will be among the twelve, they really fit in. I exhale softly as I walk out of the studio; well after everyone left, I decided to run some of my lyrics in the studio, it’s a new song I’m about publishing, and my manager isn’t helping matters at all.

He is busy receiving calls from one family or the other, not really paying attention to whatever information I give him. It’s not my fault that he is the breadwinner of his family, he really got a crazy family and they are always on his neck.

“I will be heading to the visitors lounge; wanna check up on Theo, you can leave when you are ready” I muttered, plugging my earpiece on as I connect it to my phone, clicking on one of my music

“Oh goodness…thanks Axel…my dad is really frustrating my life over here…..just don’t know the problem with the old man.” He scoffs

“Just know that you will grow old one day and need the help of your children” I muttered, he groans and rolled his eyes

“But I won’t be as frustrating as he is…damn..he is taking the breathe out of me. He won’t allow me to rest for one sec…..”

“You have no choice; he might need some money….”

“I wasn’t the one who asked him to divorce my mum, and live a life of a drunkard; spending the whole amount of money I sent to him, on drinks”

“He is still your father anyways…you can’t get one from the market”

“Yea…and that’s why I still care about him….else I wouldn’t hesitate to get one from the market” He replied, upset. I chuckled

“Can you imagine he asked me to come see him now…despite my explanation that I’m at work….” He bluffed. I shrug

“Just go see him”

“How do you expect me to do that….it’s late already, and the drive from here to Dung Town is a five hours journey when using a normal Taxi,  but two hours drive……..”

“When using a sport car….come on dude, stop beating round the bush and tell me you only wanted to use my sport car….f*ck you” I slammed cutting him short of his words

“Well…..can I?” He asked, pouting

“Whatever, just use it for today….collect the keys from my personal guard”

“Oh…thank you…thank you… you know what….”

“What” I asked

“If you were a girl, I would have kissed you a long time ago…because you are just so cute…and h-”

“Get lost Karl…before I change my mind…huhnn…you are such an idiot” I snapped jokingly

“I love you too” He replied and ran out

 “Don’t hurt my car one bit” I yelled after him

“She is gonna be ok, trust me” he yelled back

I chuckled slightly, shaking my head. Karl is just one sort of human; he flirts a lot but that doesn’t make him a bad boy, he actually do it for fun, and not just to girls, but also guys. He is one crazy guy. Sometimes I wonder why he hasn’t gotten a girlfriend, he seem cool to be with. He is smart, intelligent, jovial and hardworking; that was the main reason why I love him.

I tucked my hand into my pocket as I went towards Theo’s lounge. He was given a place to stay in the company, to pass time, before the contest will end. I entered without knocking and met him having a hot make out section with Nicki, on the couch, or should I say, they were just k**sing, geez.

“Oh….” I gasp about closing the door, but they’ve already seen me, perhaps they had the sound of the door, or my light gasp. Nicki chuckled lightly, getting off Theo’s body

“Come in dude…stop gaping at us like you haven’t seen a make out scene before” She snarled

“Oh..yea…just kinda surprise…” I drag my word. She shrug, picking up her purse, and pat my shoulder before heading out.

“You gat to be kidding me bro…what was that” I asked, rather surprised. He shrugged

“You met us k**sing…so?” He chuckled, going to pick a drink from the bar

“Yea…but isn’t that weird. When did this start…..don’t tell me you both have been seeing each other before now” I stated, as I collected the glass of drink he handed me, taking a sip of it.

“Nope….” He shrugged and I squinted, expecting him to explain more.

“Ok….the thing is, she walk in here to have a chat with me….”

“And you ended up k**sing her..” I asked

“Nope…she k*ssed me, and you know I can’t turn her down, she might feel bad. You know how Nicki used to be..” He shrugged

“What if she likes you, or perhaps has been crushing on you before you left…”

“Naa…that’s not it…she just needed a k*ss from me that’s all…hunh” He chuckled

“You know, I got cute lips” he muttered with a smirk, I rolled my eyes

“So are you back for real..or you are just here for the contest stuff” I asked, trying to bring up the main reason why I came to see him. He sighed softly

“I can’t come back here Axel…I ermm…just don’t think I can…this place holds lots of memories which I don’t need to remember” he frown, and this made me wonder what memory he is talking about

“What do you mean…did anyone hurt you Theo…you can tell me” I cooed. He smirked, raising the glass cup to his lips, as he takes a sip

“None of such happened bro…I just felt like leaving”

I nodded, not wanting to push further, it might be personal

“So tell me…about the contestant…”

“Well I think they are cool…” I mumbled

“What about the dark haired girl….”

“Ariel….”

“Don’t tell me you remembered her name..or is there..you know”

“What” I frown

“I noticed the chemistry, you were staring intently at her and she also, do you guys know each other, and to make it worse, she sang your song” He grinned, winking at me

I rolled my eyes

“She got a nice voice..and .erm..a good personality, it think”

“Seems like you know her from more than being a contestant”

“She attends Hybrid University” I stated

“She is so beautiful” he whispered dreamily, and I felt like punching him for that, but keep cool. He kinda noticed my reaction, and chuckled

“Are you planning to ask her out?”

“She is Aiden’s bae”

“Ouch…..his girlfriend…?”

“Perhaps; She lives with him, so what do you expect” I replied, a bit hurt. Sometimes I wonder why I feel this way when it comes to her matter.

“She might be Aiden’s bae, but I sense someone falling in love with her..”

“Who?”

“You know who am talking about Zel…don’t play dumb…”

“I can’t think about that…..I will check on you later, I need to see to some things…bye bro” I patted his back and headed out.

~~

After Axel left, Theodore picked up his phone, as a picture in his gallery popped up. A smile played across his face, as he blew kisses to the screen.

“I left because you left….I hope I can find you now that I’m here, but that’s if you are still alive. I wish you are, because I wanna spend the rest of my life with you.

He dropped the phone and suddenly remembers Axel’s reaction when he mentioned something about Ariel.

“I can sense two brothers falling for the same girl. Hope this Ariel won’t bring a disaster between the two” he thought, heaving a sigh…