Welcome to Café Luxe

"I told you, I can't go." Trixie had been repeating the same line over and over again for the passed 20 minutes. Somehow, I couldn't take it in.
"Why? Just because you're grandmother's coming home from Brazil doesn't mean you can't kill off some time with me," I whined.

She sighed, "correction: she's my GREAT grandmother. I'm really looking forward to meet her. Plus, my mom already told me not to set up some schedules on that day. You can go to that concert alone, right?"

I shook my head. Tomorrow is a family day, I knew that clearly. But tomorrow is also the concert of Metal-G and I have tickets: front row seats. My mom decided to give it to me since she knew I would cry and beg for those tickets.

"Metal-G would just have to wait, Maddie," Trixie stood up, books in her arms, "anyway, I have to go now."
I shrugged, "fine. I'll ask my other friends to go with me." I sneered at her as I said the word "other".
"Who?" She chuckled, "friends from your violin class? Please. Those people don't even know who Metal-G is."

"Everyone knows Metal-G," I waved her off as she took two steps back, "you'll see."

* *
"...who in this freakishly huge world is Metal-G?" Mara asked as I held up the tickets in front of my face. It was late in the afternoon. The usual lessons at the Montgomery Studio.

I turned pale, "y-you don't have any idea?" Mara, Jeanne and the twins shook their heads. Frances, on the other hand, was sitting on the piano seat, reading her piece like a book. "They're the best rock band in history! You guys don't know 'em?!"

"Not a clue," Jeanne sighed and took off her glasses, "just to remind you, Madison, you're the only one who's a rocker here." I hate it when she calls 'Madison' in front of everyone.

I turned to Mara, "you don't know them?"
She shook her head, "sorry."
The twins patted my shoulder, "we're sorry, Maddie. It's just that, rock isn't our thing."

"How about you, Frances?" I asked the girl, lying on the piano seat.
She sat up, "Rock, my dear friend, is a message from the dead. Hate it and will never EVER love it."

All of a sudden, "Daddy can go with you, Maddie!" An echo came out of nowhere. Sensing the gayness aura of the room, I hid behind the old couch before he could even enter the studio.

"Where's Maddie?" Vance asked as he skipped his way inside the class, "I thought I heard her."
They all pretended not to hear him and got their violins out. I, on the other hand, was not in the mood to see his idiotic face today. Not right now.

It was nice of him to compliment my cooking a few nights ago but somehow, after that, it was awkward seeing him in class. Whenever I came home, I would hear him practicing in his room and because of that, my curiosity of "what does he look like when he's playing his violin?" grew bigger every single day. The girls and I have been secretly talking about it. Because of that, I isolated him from the class, having a students-teacher boundary...which just made him even more irritating.

"Oh, my cute little Maddie, I, as your father, will voluntarily go with you to that rock concert!" He skipped his way and pulled me up from the back of the old couch. Drats. I thought I was able to hide from him. He carried me lightly and without effort and guess what we're doing in this afternoon?

...dancing waltz.

"Let me down!" I shrilled as he took the initiative for that dance. The girls chuckled while Frances was playing almost-soundless tune in the piano. When he finally let me down, he smiled at me, "then I'll meet you tomorrow!"

"Not only me," I frowned, "since you're coming with me even though I don't want you to, you'll meet my brother and my dad and mom."
"You have a brother?" Mara asked.
I smiled, "yes, an unsociable and inactive little brother who's the only one in the world who cares how far pluto is from earth."

"Super genius?" Jeanne asked, "how interesting."
"INTERESTING?!" I chuckled, "he's the weirdest kid I've ever met!"
Vance smiled, "then-" he lightly pat my head, "-I'll be looking forward to it."
I blushed. He's such a loser--flashing his sensitive side whenever he wants to.

* * * * *
I opened my sleepy eyes as a door slammed. Old people in Cherry Apartment are early risers but as I blinked at my clock, it was 9 am. Not very early to me.

I stumbled out of my bed, walked across my tiny room and opened my door to see who it was. To my not-very-surprise, I saw Vance, locking his apartment door with shaky hands. "Late as usual, teacher?" I asked with sarcasm.

"Oh, good morning, Maddie!" He waved with a smile. As you can recall, he's a room away from me and the room between us is currently empty since the old couple living there moved out a couple of months ago. Why would he have the time to wave at me when he's late?

"Try NOT to slam the door next time, will you?" I frowned at him, "and stop waking up late. Sheesh, I've never seen a college student this clumsy!"

He put his keys in his pocket, "sorry," he grinned, "I'll see you later for the concert, right?" He didn't wait for my reply, "then excuse me for now."

Somehow, I wanted to ask him a question but I couldn't think of any. "Oh, breakfast!" I called at him, "did you eat already?"

He looked back with his cheerful smile, "yeah! Thanks for asking."
"O-Oh," I felt my face turn red. How stupid of me to ask, "then, take care!" I slammed the door before he could even reply. Why would I ask that STUPID question anyway? It's not like I care for that idiot, right?

I sat on my bed, looking really stupid. I grabbed my laptop and opened it to the usual site. My eyes scanned the screen, reading the schedule for The Montgomery's next concert. "Vienna is a nice place," I mumbled to myself. well, it is a nice place and that's their next destination.

I'm not being a stalker. I just am interested in his family. He seemed so distant to us, his students. Every meeting, we only learn lessons and he learns more about us. We never actually learn anything ABOUT him. His smile always seem sad even though he acts so cheerful.

He's gay and yet, there's something in him that says he isn't. Everything about him is a blur to me.
"Stalker much?"

I flinched as I closed the laptop, "Trixie? When did you get in?" I smiled up at her.
"Oh, a few seconds ago," she laughed, "you really want to know more about him, huh?" she smiled.
I shook my head, "nah. I like his family, though."
"Really, now?" she sat beside me, "anyway, so, who are you going with for tonight's concert?"

"with Vance," I simply replied, keeping my laptop.
She elbowed me, "oh, interesting! Why didn't you tell me last night?"
"Because I knew you'll say that today," I smiled, "it's not like I had a choice. No one wants to go with me."

"Such sacrifice," Trixie wondered aloud, "He hates rock and yet, for your sake, he'll go with you."
I remained silent. I feel bad for him. If he didn't want to, he shouldn't force himself, right? I mean, I respect his dislikes so it's not really a problem if he doesn't want to go too.

Seeing my expression, Trixie added quickly, "but I think he really cares for you so no need to worry," she grinned, "he IS an amazing person."

"Anyway," I stood up, "I have backstage passes so I get to meet Metal-G. What do you think I should wear?" I opened my wardrobe which I painted black..so, yeah, almost everything in there is black. Almost. The day I did that, my dad got a heart attack and my mom agreed for me to move out of the house.

As soon as I did, I asked Ms Landlady if I could do some re-painting and with a good-mood face, she agreed. So currently, my room's gray with those glow-in-the-dark stars in the ceiling. I love watching stars glow and someday, I want to go somewhere and just watch them.

"Well, since everything's black," Trixie smiled as she stood beside me, facing my dark closet, "how about we mix and match?" She rampaged through my clothes and pulled out something least expected.

"Oh no," I crossed my arms, "I am NOT wearing that."
She shove a sweater dress and leggings, all black of course. "Jeez, try it on! We don't have all day!" she laughed.
"No! I am not getting into this!" I shoved the clothes back at her. She crinkled up her nose and gave me "the look". I stared back at her, "what?"

* *
"I can't believe you got me into this!" I stood in front of a full-body length mirror. After a few hours of arguing what to match, she decided to settle on the only choice we had: sweater dress, leggings, boots and necklace; all in black. Well, at least it's black.

"Anyway," she glanced at her watch, "30 minutes to go and you're going out with Mr Gay Teacher," she grinned.
"Are you actually enjoying my misery?" I asked in disbelief, "and we're not 'going out'. He'll be accompanying me."

"Yeah," she rolled her eyes, "whatever."

I tied up my hair and I was set to go. I grabbed my slouchy Hobo bag. If you're wondering what's inside, it's the tickets, a pack of tissue, wallet, cellphone and the backstage passes. I know, these are so wrong for a girl to carry. It's all so plain. But don't forget, I don't really care what I look, so the comb, mirror and camera will have to leave the bag.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Trixie perked up, "alright! Good luck, my dear!" She winked at me and pushed me to the door.

I opened the door and as I did, a guy with spiky hair and wearing gray top with white jacket and baggy jeans with matching shoes stood there. For some reason, I got a "Trixie Disease" where I actually care what a person wears and gets really "describe-y" about it.

"You look normal," I frowned at Vance, "unusual." Usually, he wears bright colored clothes but right now, it was almost like he's in my world: a rocking fellow, for what I can say. He doesn't look like a violin teacher at all!

He smiled, "thanks. I tried my best."
Oh, so he tried and an effort was used. No wonder he looks as if he's nervous or something. "Sorry, Trixie's inside so we'll have to leave now," I shrugged, slamming the door behind me. I could almost hear my best friend's evil smile creeping behind me before I closed the door.

* *
The car ride was awkward so let's just skip that part all the way to the concert itself. Miraculously, he blends in with the crowd of rockers but he doesn't FIT in. During the show, everyone stood up, jamming with the song.

It was awkward because right beside him was a couple having a long french-kissing and beside me was another couple having sweet-talk. Yes, very awkward. So I sat there, very still and properly for the first time, and I didn't really paid attention to the concert...or to Aldric who kept dedicating songs to someone...if God loved me, then those dedications would be for me...too bad fate doesn't really comply with me.

Vance, on the other hand, had his legs crossed, cupping his cheek with one hand, his elbows on the arm-rest. He was bored and the bad news was, he's not the only one. If he wasn't the one I'm with right now, I would have jumped on stage again like I did last Christmas concert.

...not that I care what I'll look like in front of him. For some really weird reason, I had my attention secretly on him. Making quick glances at him was a sign that I was desperate to know if he likes the songs or did it suck. I wanted to know his opinion because I think, in the world of serious musicians, his opinion matters.

But of course, he would say it sucks since he doesn't "do" rock. Everything around us, especially the concert itself, I didn't mind at all. I was nervous for no reason and my heart was pounding like crazy. I really didn't want to think about it but there was a little--just a little--chance that maybe--just maybe--I was nervous because HE was there. No, not Aldric but because VANCE was there. Why? I didn't know as well.

Finally, he faced me with a smile, "are you okay? You don't seem to enjoy yourself," he smiled. I can tell that he's feeling really weird with the french-kissing couple and the sweet-talking couple as well. Because I do feel really awkward too.

"W-Well, I just want to go backstage...maybe later," I smiled. I was lying and as I can see his eyes, he knew I was lying. He furrowed his eyebrows but shrugged with a smile. He faced the stage again where Metal-G was performing their 5th song "Rock My World".

* *
I pulled his arms as I made my way through the backstage. a big bodyguard stood in front of us and I could tell Vance was surprise when the guard crossed his arms. But of course, being the daughter of Mrs Holmes...

"Hey, Dudley!" I waved at the big guy, "rough day?"
Dudley, the band's bodyguard, laughed heartily as he spotted me, "oh, it's little Maddie! How'ya holdin' up?"
"Peachy," I smiled, "say, let us in, will you? I have passes!"

"Even if Maddie doesn't have passes, I would let in the band's number one fan," he smiled and let me through. Although, he eyed Vance but I told him he was with me or else, he'll be chewed on.

As soon as we entered the official backstage, crews carrying boxes and stage managers (they have 5 of them -crazy, I know) filled the room. Everyone was busy, shaking hands and all. Of course, Teen Magazine reporters were there too, making some big fuzz and all.

"Maddie! Over here, honey!" my mom waved. As usual, she was wearing something I wouldn't dare touch with my hands--a really fancy dress and matching high heels--and with a fake smile, I pulled Vance's arms as I made my way through.

"Hey, mom," I smiled. I noticed her staring at Vance so I didn't bother thing twice, "this is Vance Montgomery, my teacher."
"Yes, we've met," she smiled and shook hands with him, "thank you for taking care of my daughter."
Vance flashed a smile--those rare smiles I don't usually see--and nodded, "it's a pleasure." I guess those smiles were his 'business-slash-superstar' smile.

"Oh, Honey! This is Maddie's teacher," my mom pulled dad towards us. Dad is a government official and I don't usually see him.
Joseph, my dad, laughed heartily, "well, nice to meet you finally, Mr Montgomery! You're family, I heard, is currently in Vienna! They're wonderful."

I quickly glanced up at Vance. I expected him to show some emotional side but instead, he smiled professionally at my dad, "it's very nice to meet you, sir."

"So, I heard what you did, Maddie," my dad grinned, "I'm proud of you! My girl's getting good at business."
I smiled proudly but then, I spotted a boy trotting his way through. "Oh, hello, Marvin," I sneered and hissed. "He's my younger brother," I whispered to Vance who nodded with wide-eyes.

"Hello, sister," he made an alien-wave, "this is...?" he stared up at Vance.
"Vance Montgomery," my teacher knelt down in front of my small brother and shook his hand, "it's a pleasure to meet you." I never knew he was good with kids, and for the first time, I actually saw my brother smile like a real kid.

Marvin pulled me down--since I was too tall for him; he's too petit for his ag, just like me. "I like him," Marvin whispered to me, "it's good that you found someone who's NOT Aldric. I hate that jerk."

"He's not a jerk," I whispered angrily back at him, "...and Vance is my violin teacher!"
Marvin faced Vance, "Marc van Clementi Montgomery," he smiled.

"Stop that, Marvin!" I pulled him back; figuring that my stupid brother was saying stupid stuff again.
He frowned at me, "stupid sister! That's his real name." In surprise, I stared at Vance, demanding an explanation.
Vance nodded, "it's true. But no one really knows that 'Vance' is a nickname I made up for my middle name 'van'. How'd you know that?" he smiled at Marvin.

Now that he mentions it, he DID say his name on my first day. Weird thing was, I never really thought of calling him by his real name--like "Hey, Marc" or something like that.

"You're family is amazing, that's why," my dad suddenly butted in. Okay, whoa there! Is it just me, or is my family just too much of a Montgomery-freak? Since when did they start listening and knowing more about Montgomery than I did?

As much as I'm glad that my alien-born brother smiled like a real kid would, why do I feel as if I don't know anything about Vance--or his real name? Well, he did mention it..just once,though. Everything is messed up.

"Hey, Maddie!" Out of the crazy crowd, Aldric stood there with his guitar hung on his shoulder. He looked really cool when he stood there and in a mental-slow-motion by me, he walk towards me with imaginary wind blowing in his bangs.

I turned red, "hey, Aldric. I enjoyed the show!" I lied. I wasn't even paying attention earlier because I was busy thinking about Vance.

...correction: busy thinking about his opinion.

I glanced at Vance who slipped out of my dad's persuasion of letting him have dinner with us and out of my brother's repeating questions. His smile faded when he spotted Aldric and he stood behind me, one hand on my shoulder. "You remember Aldric?" I smiled at Vance, "from last week at the park...?"

"No, I don't," he frowned, crossing his arms. He was doing it on purpose so I elbowed his ribs. "Ow!" he whined.
"Sorry," I faced Aldric, secretly glaring at Vance, "this crazy person doesn't know what he's talking about."

"It's alright," he smiled, "so..."
There was an awkward silence. Now, let me give you some tips when you're in front of your crush: NEVER EVER bring your crazy violin teacher with you. Or else, you'll end up frozen with his cold glares and heavy aura.

"Anyway, if there's nothing to be talk about-" Vance pulled me away, "-excuse us but we need to go NOW."
I smiled and waved back at Aldric as his smile faded, "bye, Aldric! It was an awesome show!"

* * * * *
"You didn't pay attention to the concert and you know it!" Vance voiced out as soon as we reached the highway. For the longest time, I've been regretting that I even agreed for him to accompany me. It was my fault and right now, I'm mentally kicking myself for it.

I looked out the window, crossing my arms, "whatever." Suddenly, he turned the wheels sharply making the tires scream for help. "Whoa! Watch it!"

He parked the car in a corner and turned off the engine, "listen here, you twirp. You can't go lying just to impress that no-good guitar dude. You think it's cool but it's not, you got it?" he yelled. "For the record, this wasn't the night I expected it to be."

"I don't care what you expect! If you didn't want to come, then you shouldn't have come!" I shot back. "Why are you getting all worked up? Is it because Aldric was there?!"

There was silence. He turned on the engine and drove again. This time, his eyes, as I can see whenever a car passes, were greenish in color. Was he mad? I didn't have a clue. All I knew was that the car ride was long, hard and silent. The usual orchestra was playing in the radio and if I could, I would shoot it with my imaginary laser gun.

* *
He climbed up the stairs first and I was right behind him. It was weird that we're going in the same direction since our rooms are just a room apart. I walked passed him when he reached his room. But as I reached for my keys in my pocket, he grabbed my wrist.

"What?" I hissed.
"Tell me why you're upset," he said seriously, "why you kept showing that frowning face of yours when I was talking to your family."
I kept silent, looking down on my boots.

"Isn't it better to say it out loud, rather than keeping it to yourself?" he said as he opened his room. He stepped in, "you're gonna get hurt someday with that kind of attitude."

But something inside of me, stepped out and stopped him from closing his door, "wait," I sighed.
He opened the door, kept his listening ears open. "Earlier, I felt as if they know about you more that I do. I felt really useless and stupid in front of you so I thought that maybe if I talked to someone who had more power than you, maybe they'll notice."

"And you think that guitar-kid is higher than me?" he asked with an unbelievable-smile.
I simply nodded.
"Well," he smiled and patted my head like a dig again, "since you feel that way, it seems as if you like me as your teacher and you want to know more about me, right?" Before I could answer, he closed his door, mumbling a "goodnight" to me.

I stood there motionless. I can't believe he thinks I like him! It was stupid and unreasonable. Everything in my world makes sense and ever since he came in, it's all mixed up! He's such a pain. I entered my room and slammed the door behind me.

He's still gay, so I don't have to worry if he thinks I like him.