Play your guitar Sophie
A Manager
Grandma came in with four cups of a toebroek that were still puffing smoke. It is perfect to be a chatter when the cold has crept down from Mount Panderman. The tall guy named Stan brought a cup of toebroek up to his nose. Sniff it then little by little inhale it hot –.
“It feels like I'm in love,” he said with sparkling eyes.
Grandma chuckles, “It's usually young people. I don't think a toebroek has such a great effect.”
“I'm not kidding Madam. I've never tasted coffee this good.”
“Alright, thanks then. But don't call me madam. The mention is too much,”
“I have to call what then ?” Stan asked while inhaling the scent of a toebroek with his pointed nose.
“You can call me Aunt if you want.”
“Good. The coffee is so good Auntie,”
“Thanks Nak,”
I thought, Stan is one of the few people who can quickly get along with a lot of people. With a trendy appearance and an alluring speech, who does not like to hang out with him.
“Live Stan. You want to talk to Sophie khan ?”
“Ah Yes. Toebroek was so delicious that I almost forgot my destination here,” he said trying to joke. “Begini Sophie's. From some people, I heard that there is a new miracle in this toebroek.” Stan put a toebroek cup on the table then reached into his pocket bag to remove a cigarette.
“Ehem ... ahem,” Small throbbing Granny. Grandma doesn't like people who smoke. Frans gave Stan a sign not to smoke through his eyes.
“Ah sorry,” Stan said as he put back the cigarette he was holding into his pack. “Not only that, you know Nando khan ?” stan asked, looking at me.
“He ... uh,” I nod my head.
“She told me that your guitar playing was good even though it wasn't perfect. In addition, Frans,” he paused while looking at Frans, “tell me that you have something in you. Something you've been carrying since birth that even Frans or your Grandma doesn't have,”
“Iya. Sophie inherited her Mama's charisma,” Grandma said in a proud tone.
“Not everyone has that Sophie. Many people want to have it with great effort. But you, without difficulty, have you got that charisma from birth. People like you have a bright future.” This time Frans stopped his words with a sharp eye toward me. As if – would he want to emphasize something to me.
“Sorry. I still don't understand.”
“You know what my job is Sophie ?” stan asked while leaning his body forward. I'm shaking.
“I'm a manager. I can get a singing job for you and Frans. Besides, if we're lucky I'm ready to orbit you into a star.”
Hearing the word ‘star’ come out of Stan's mouth, it felt like my eyes were twitching – fireflies and my heart was soaring with excitement. I have often dreamed of singing on a large stage complete with beautiful lighting. Hearing the sound of thunderous applause and feeling happy. Maybe I can ask the magenta orchestra to accompany me to sing. Maybe it won't just be a dream.
“How's Sophie ?” frans's question broke my daydream. I hesitate to say ‘ya’ directly. I looked at Grandma, asking for her approval. And it seems, without saying, Grandma as if – would understand my doubts.
“Stan, do you know that Sophie is still in school?” grandma's voice sounded calm.
“Ya Auntie, I've thought of that,”
“Then ?” ask Grandma again.
“I will make sure that Sophie will sing only on Saturdays and holidays,”
“Can you make sure it is ?”
“Tante can hold my greeting,” Stan said convincingly.
“I've talked about this with Stan Mami. I got assurances from him about this. Anyway, Sophie won't sing by herself. I will sing with him too. Of course if Sophie wants to,” Frans chimed in.
“Now it's up to Sophie then,” Grandma turned to me. “How is little Miss ?”
“If Grandma allows and Brother Frans does not mind. Sophie is very happy to accept this offer,”. I felt like I was gradually reaching for things that I could only dream of.
“You are still young Little Miss. Opportunities rarely come twice. You understand that khan ?
Again I nodded happily.
The night began to come when the conversation was over. Some customers started coming so I was back busy helping out at Toebroek. As usual Mr. Suko came with Nek Irma. They look more friendly. There were also one or two new visitors this time I saw. There is also a man who always comes with a laptop. Said Frans, the father was a writer who always got the mood to write when he was in Toebroek. I am proud to know that Toebroek has become a comfortable place for many people.
“Father wants me to sing ?” I still have a tray in my hand.
“Of course. I used to sit here too when your Mama sang,”
“Father ever saw my Mom sing?” many wonder. I don't know this father very well. As I recall, from the first time I helped in Toebroek, this father has been here many times. But I rarely talked to him because he always seemed busy writing.
“Your mom is an awesome singer. I think you inherited his talent,”
“Thanks. Hopefully I'm right – correctly inherited his talent,”
“But you're a little bit more son. You have a different charisma. That's why you're always yourself when you sing. Not influenced by anyone. Even Frans and Your Grandma.”
“Thanks. I don't know the name of Mr.”
“Tom, just call Mr. Tom. You sing khan ?”
“Of course I will sing.”
I walked towards Grandma who was counting the money at the cashier table. “Many messages toebroek Nek ?”
“Lumayan. Grandma's hands until sore. You want to sing ?”
I grabbed and picked up my guitar. I've created a song that I've rehearsed with Frans. Without Frans' help, my song would not be pleasant to hear.
“You're ready Sophie ?” ask Brother Frans who has been sitting in a high chair a little behind me. I nodded and started picking my guitar.
…
Samar – faint can I hear
When you play your guitar at night
When the moon is flaming round
And the sky is clear because of the stars
Your guitar sounds clinking
Your fingers are dancing on the guitar
Singing a song dear
So I can fall asleep
In the arms of your love
…
When I finished singing my song, I realized that Nek Irma was wiping her wet eyes. It looks like Mr. Suko patted Nek Irma's back patiently. Grandma looks at me with – glassy eyes,
Singing with Sophie's heart. That's what matters
Arrived – arrives Stan standing with tissue in his left hand. The tip of his nose turned red.
“Sophie, you were right – is really great,” he said loudly. Everyone there seemed to agree with what Stan said. They clapped loudly, making my face hot with embarrassment.
“True khan Sophie. I'm not wrong. You're right – really have something in you that not even me or your Grandma have. You make me envious,” Brother Frans whispers near me while rubbing – wipe my hair.
Today passed very well for me. When the work at Toebroek was done, I went back to my room. Singing for a while with my guitar and seeing Hardin running fast – as I was about to close my room window. It seemed, every night I went through would not be complete without seeing Hardin walking in a hurry – hunt next to the apple orchard. Good evening.
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Check out other stories written by Eveningtea81 in Noveltoon
1. Play your guitar, Sophie
2. The Sun Becomes a Star
