As I settled into my desk and started reviewing the notes that Max had lent me, I couldn't help but think about the amazing night I had at the Xefora concert. It was a welcome break from the usual routine of school and studying, and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it.
But now, it was back to reality. It was a Saturday, but I had still woken up early to catch up on the lessons I had missed the previous week. I was determined to keep up with my studies and make the most of my high school years.
I worked hard all morning, reading through Max's notes and reviewing the material I had missed. I felt a sense of accomplishment as I understood the concepts and was able to answer the review questions.
With my work done for the day, I leaned back in my chair and took a deep breath. I was proud of myself for staying disciplined and focused, even on a weekend.
As I made my way to Isla's room, I couldn't help but smile. She was always up for a chat, and I was looking forward to catching up with her over breakfast.
When I arrived, Isla was just finishing up her own breakfast of fruit and yogurt. We sat down together at the table and chatted about our plans for the day.
"What do you have planned for today?" I asked.
"I was thinking of going to the park to do some sketching," Isla replied. "I've been working on improving my drawings and I want to try out some new techniques."
I smiled, "That sounds great. I was thinking of going for a run later, maybe we could do it together."
Isla nodded, "Sure, that would be fun. I could use a workout."
We continued to chat and catch up, discussing our interests and plans for the future. Having Isla around had been a real blessing, and I was grateful for her presence in our home.
As we finished our breakfast, I felt a sense of contentment. Life was good, and I was looking forward to what the rest of the day would bring.
As we walked to the park, I filled Isla in on the details of our encounter with Xefora from the night before. She listened intently, a look of surprise on her face as I described the energy of the concert.
"Wow, that sounds amazing," she said. "I've never been much of a fan of concerts, but I'm glad you enjoyed it."
I smiled, "It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Max and I had such a great time. I can't wait to see them again."
Isla nodded, "I can tell. You two are always up for an adventure."
We continued to talk as we made our way to the park. It was a beautiful day, and I was looking forward to getting some fresh air and spending time with my cousin.
As we arrived at the park, Isla found a quiet spot to set up her sketchbook and charcoal pencils. I went for a run, feeling the wind in my hair and the sun on my face.
It was a perfect afternoon, and I was grateful for the time I got to spend with Isla. Our lifestyles may have been different, but it was moments like these that brought us closer together.
I was jogging at the park listening to some music on phone when i received a message from max. I opened my phone and read her messages. I laughed at myself when I read her message telling me she's coming with lance to go to the practice of xefora.
I stopped my jog and replied to Max, "You guys are so lucky! I wish I could join you at their practice. I'll be cheering you on from afar."
Max replied, "Don't worry Iris! You'll get to see them again soon enough. Just wait until their next concert. It's going to be epic."
I smiled as I put my phone back in my pocket and continued my jog. I couldn't wait to see Xefora perform again.
As I jogged, I thought about how lucky I was to have friends like Max and a cousin like Isla. They always made sure I was having a good time and kept me entertained. I felt grateful for the people in my life and for the experiences I had had so far.
It was a beautiful day, and I was excited for what was to come. I couldn't wait to see what other adventures awaited me in the future.
"You know, Iris, drawing is a skill that can be developed with practice," Isla said, noticing my admiration for her art. "Why don't you give it a try?"
I smiled at her offer and replied, "I've always wanted to try, but I've never been good at it. I'm afraid I'll just end up ruining the paper."
Isla chuckled and said, "There's no such thing as ruining paper. It's just a matter of learning the techniques and finding your own style. Here, let me show you."
She handed me a sketchpad and pencil and showed me the basics of sketching. I was amazed at how easy it was with her guidance, and I soon found myself lost in the moment, sketching away.
As the sun set, I looked at the page and was pleasantly surprised by what I had created. It was rough and far from perfect, but it was a start. I felt a sense of pride in my accomplishment and knew that I wanted to continue developing my skills.
Isla smiled at me and said, "See, you have a natural talent for this. Keep practicing, and who knows, you might end up being the next famous artist."
I laughed and thanked her for her encouragement. I felt inspired and excited for the new hobby I had discovered. I couldn't wait to continue practicing and see where it would take me.
we went home after, and while walking inside our village. I saw a familiar face.
it was red the drummer of the band. "i thought you have a band practice," i said to him, " we have, but I couldn't come today i ran some errands." he replied
with a warm smile. "It's good to see you again," I said. "Likewise," Red said as he walked with us towards our house. We chatted about the concert and other things, he was such a nice person. As we reached our house, I invited him inside but he politely declined saying he has to go back to the studio. We said our goodbyes and exchanged numbers. I couldn't believe I just had a conversation with a member of Xefora. This was definitely a day to remember.
Max was beside me when I wonder what school xefora's members were attending, so I ask her and she replied, "They all go to different schools, but Felix and Red go to Howard university. I heard they're pretty talented, not just in music but in academics too." I was surprised to hear that, it just goes to show how multi-talented they were. "Wow, that's impressive," I said. Max nodded in agreement. I smiled to myself when I remember that red ask for my number yesterday, so I told max about it. "did he message you already?" she asked, "No, not yet." I said. Max seemed a little disappointed, "Well, maybe he's just busy with band practice. Give him some time, I'm sure he'll reach out soon." I nodded, still feeling a little giddy about the whole situation. It's not every day that a member of a rising band asks for your number."by the way, max. how was the band practice yesterday?" i ask her again. She turned to me and smiled widely, "Felix was looking for you, but based on what you just sai
"Max, have you seen that Red and Felix both followed me on social media?" I asked her. She replied, "Really? That's interesting. I think they must have taken a liking to you. What are you going to do about it?"But red told me that felix likes me. I was kind of shocked when he said that to me. "oh my, is red playing cupid between you and felix? I almost thought he likes you too," she laughed."Well, I don't know what to think. I didn't expect either of them to be interested in me. I'm just enjoying spending time with my friends and getting to know Xefora," I replied to Max. I felt grateful for their friendship but also a little nervous about the possibility of a romantic relationship with someone in the band. "Iris, your life is going to be exciting now that xefora came into your life," she laughs once again on the other line."Yeah, I never thought this would happen," I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Well, what are you going to do about it?" Max asked."I do
"Anyway, let's talk about something." she fix her chair and sat in front of me. "What is it?" I smiled at her. "I wanted to do this for a long time. This has been a dream of mine and I want to share it with you." she said, "For the past years, I've written a novel called the sea of hope. I wanted to publish it, Iris, but I don't know how."
I received a message the next morning from red. he is asking how the date went.
max went to our house crying. I thought her relationship with lance would be fine now but i guessed not. Lance was asking for a break up but she declined.
Max and red decided to get some ice cream, and I decided to go home, but Felix insisted that he'd walk me home."Okay, that sounds great," I said, feeling a bit nervous but also excited at the same time. Felix and I walked home together."I guess max will have a great time with Red. He has been known for being like that, a good friend, " Felix said while we were walking."Yeah, he's a great friend. I'm sure he'll help cheer Max up," I said, nodding. It's always great to have friends like Red, who are always there to support you."by the way, iris. We will be busy in the coming weeks. We have some gigs at the end of the month, and we have to practice so we can deliver a great performance," Felix says"Oh, that's great! I'm sure you guys will do great," I replied. "Do you want me to come and support you?""I think it's fine, Iris. Finals are coming too. You need to get ready for that." he replied"Yeah, you're right, Felix.
I went to school early to catch up with lance because I needed to talk to him. I need to clarify some things. Good thing I found him at the university gym"What's up, Iris?" Lance asked when he saw me approaching him at the gym."I need to talk to you," I said, trying to sound calm despite the mix of emotions inside me."Sure, what is it?" he asked, setting down the weights he was holding, and giving me his full attention."I saw you at the mall with another girl yesterday. Who is she?" I asked directly, not wanting to beat around the bush.Lance looked a bit surprised, but then he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Iris, that's my cousin. We bumped into each other at the mall, and I was helping her pick out some clothes for an event she was attending.""Good thing max didn't see you because she might misunderstand it too. She's fragile at the moment. why did you break up with her?" I ask him directly. He let out a deep sigh and leans
finals week starts today. I kept familiarizing and memorizing because of our exams today. i kept studying til 2am. I am so early at school, so I can borrow some notes to max. Max arrived a little later and gave me her notes. "what time did you sleep?" i ask her, "12am" she said looking so bored, "are you okay?" i ask her again, she fix herself in her sit and faced me, "i felt like i studied lance instead of this damn notes," i laughed at her but i felt concerned too,"max, don't forget about your grades, this is our future," i remind her.Max nodded and we both started reviewing our notes. The exam was tough but we managed to answer everything. After the exams, we went to the school garden to take a break. As we were walking, we saw Lance sitting on one of the benches. Max looked at me and I knew what she was thinking. We approached him and said hi. "How did your exams go?" he asked. "It was okay, but tough," Max replied. We chatted for a while, but didn't bring up the p