Seven

Tripp

I walk into the toilet sluggishly.  "Good morning," I say to Audrey, who's sitting on the toilet seat. She clenches her legs together the second she sees me walk in, and she stops peeing. She awkwardly rests her arms on her thighs.

She always does this. After five years, she still can't get used to this, to us. She can't get used to us. I don't mind if she walks in when I am using the toilet or having my bathing.

She says she feels unsexy in situations like this, which is crazy. She is the most beautiful woman ever.

I think she feels the mystery in their relationship is slipping away. She is still the most interesting woman I met, if only I can get into her mind and understand her.

"Good morning." She mutters.

I turn on the tap and splash water on my face. The cold water on my face brings me out of my sleepy state.  I look at my image in the mirror for a second then I quickly look away. These past few years, I can't seem to look at myself.

This is not where I expected to be at 27. I don't even know what I am doing with my life.

"River's party had me up all night." She complains.

River, our neighbor also the landlord's son, a college student who loves to throw parties that has residents of our crappy apartment housing awake till early hours in the morning. He never listens to complaints and neither does his father.

Lucky for me, I am a deep sleeper. Once I am asleep, nothing can wake me.

"I'll try talking to him again." She says, still sitting even though she isn't peeing anymore.

"No, I'll talk to him this time," I say, turning to her.

"Don't forget you are coming home early tonight"

"I am?" I ask with an eyebrow raised.

"Yeah, you are. Daisy is coming today and we are all having dinner together. You haven't forgotten have to you?" She asks, already worked up.

Fucking hell, the dinner tonight, I forgot. I have already promised to sing at the bar today and I am actually looking forward to it.

"I haven't, but babe I am playing at the bar tonight-" Audrey sighs in frustration as I start talking. I notice this but keep on talking. "The band that is to play this Friday canceled and big Jeff asked me to perform."

I also notice that Audrey doesn't share in my excitement, as she usually does years ago.

"The bar has been packed these past few days. We never know who might be in the crowd when I perform this night."

I know I am being hopeful and it usually doesn't turn out great when I get like this but I cannot help it.

"Well, I need you here tonight. So promise you are going to make it for dinner." Audrey sternly says.

I try to hide my disappointment. "I promise," I mumble.

That's all Audrey needed to hear to get her to finally stand up from the toilet seat.

~~~

"What songs are you playing tonight?" I hear Jean's voice from where she is cleaning the wooden tables of the bar.

"I won't be performing tonight," I say from the bar as I restock drinks on the shelf.

After a few seconds, I hear her drop the damp cloth and a bottle of vinegar on the bar counter, right behind me. "Why not? You were so excited about it yesterday night."

I turn to her, "I have to go home early at night; I have to attend to something." I say, trying to look as nonchalant as possible.

"You are kidding, right? Do you see how this place has been packed this past week? You never know who will be listening." She says, looking me in the eye, trying to read me.

She always does this.

I try to suppress a smile that is emerging on my cheeks as a result of her enthusiasm. "I know, but I really should go home."

"Cancel whatever you have planned. Come on, I invited all my friends to come watch you, and also Axel's friend, who just started his own record label is coming."

"A record label you say?" I raise an eyebrow up.

I know that this feeling should get old, the excitement that I feel when I get opportunities that will help my musical career. My excitements are usually met with disappointment. But here I am, still having this flutter of hope in my chest as I mentally pray tonight, would be the night.

Jean smirks knowing she finally convinced me "Yes." She says slowly.

"I guess, I can sing one song," I mutter, mentally trying to calculate the time and how I will get to Audrey on time.

"Great," Jean claps. "Start with my personal favorites."