Behind the Shade

Taking the fastest shower in the history of showers after finishing her chores, Jasmine rushed to Katie's, knowing her bandmates would chew her out if she kept them waiting again."

"Hi, guys," she greeted as she entered.

She was met with murmured "heys." They were pissed. And rightfully so.

"I'm sorry I was late yesterday," she said.

She almost laughed at their shocked expressions. They were surprised she apologized without being scolded.

Usually, Katie would go off on her, and if it rubbed Jasmine the wrong way, they'd argue loudly, hurling insults until their friends intervened. They'd been told one too many times that they acted like they hated each other. Key word: acted.

"It's fine," Pauline answered first.

Daniel shrugged. "We did great anyway."

Katie huffed. "Yeah, but next time, pick up when we call or reply to our texts. You had us worried."

They all exchanged surprised glances--it seemed they wouldn't yell at each other this time.

"It won't happen again," Jasmine assured them.

Luke looked skeptical, making her laugh.

"I'll try to make sure it doesn't happen again," she added. He nodded, smiling, and she grinned, happy they had forgiven her.

"So, there's this competition I saw online," Pauline said, taking out her phone. She was the most experienced among them, at least in terms of music. She'd auditioned for several talent shows like The Voice, AGT, and Access the Stars.

"Let's see," Daniel said, peering into her phone. Pauline tapped the screen a few times before handing it to him.

"This looks lit, guys," he said, passing the phone to Luke, who passed it along until it reached Jasmine.

"How do we sign up?" Katie asked as she passed the phone back to Pauline.

"I'll take care of that--or my dad will," Pauline replied. Her dad was fully supportive of her music dreams; she was even planning to study music.

"Your dad is super cool. Never forget that," Jasmine said, offering a grin. Pauline's face softened as she met Jasmine's eyes. She was lucky to have such support--especially in a field like music.

"That's settled, then. What song are we going to perform?" Luke asked.

When no one had any ideas, Katie suggested Consequences by Camila Cabello.

They all exchanged looks. Katie had always been a die-hard Camila fan.

"Let's hear it, then," Daniel said.

Katie grabbed her phone from the nightstand and played the song:

"Dirty tissues, trust issues

Glasses on the sink, they didn't fix you

Lonely pillows in a stranger's bed

Little voices in my head..."

By the time the song ended, everyone was silent.

"Wow," Daniel found his voice first.

"Now I get why Katie's a fan," Pauline sighed.

"Let's hope we can capture the audience--and the judges--like that," Luke added.

"Who's going to play the violin--or was it a piano?" Jasmine asked innocently, just to mess with Katie.

Daniel snickered, Pauline coughed discreetly, and Luke burst out laughing.

"Of course, it's a piano," Katie said, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, ma'am," Jasmine said, laughing.

"Using a violin isn't a bad idea, though," Pauline added. "I'll bring mine next week."

"Great. Get the song and listen to it as much as you can before our next meeting," Katie instructed.

They played the song a few more times and divided the parts each person would sing before heading out. Jasmine stayed behind.

"Care to explain why you were late to church yesterday?" Katie asked, clearly not letting it go.

"I was stuck in traffic. The job was in Manhattan," Jasmine replied.

"You'd have made it back in time if you'd left earlier," Katie insisted.

"Katie, please. Let's forget about it. I apologized already," Jasmine said, exasperated.

"Alright, just don't do it again."

"I won't. So, what's up with you?" Jasmine asked, changing the subject.

Katie smiled, clearly something was indeed up

"Alright, spill."

"Aiden asked me out on a date," Katie said on a sigh

"Wow. Lucky you, girl. Not all of us get to go on dates with our crush," Jasmine teased, poking her ribs playfully.

"I know, right?" Katie sighed dreamily. "He's coming back from college for the holidays next week, so we agreed to meet for lunch on Saturday. And you're coming with me."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? It's your first date with him, and you want to bring an extra? Or is it that you don't feel safe with him?" Jasmine asked, genuinely concerned.

"Of course I feel safe, and you're not an extra. He's bringing a friend, so it's only fair my bestie comes too," Katie said with a smile.

"Aww, how sweet," Jasmine cooed. "Is the friend as good-looking as he is? You never know--it could be a double date," she added, wiggling her eyebrows.

Katie laughed. "She's a girl, though."

"I like girls too, remember? Who knows? She might be my type, and it could still be a double date," Jasmine deadpanned.

Katie burst out laughing. Jasmine always said the funniest things with a straight face.

She hoped she would meet someone who would love her and change her perception about men, Katie always suspected that Jasmine's lack of interest in love stemmed from the bad relationship she had with her dad, though she never talked about it. They were best friends, they talked about everything except that.

"You'll meet her soon enough, though. What am I going to wear?" Katie asked, flopping onto the bed.

Jasmine laughed. "I knew you'd be worried about that, but leave it to me. I'll have you looking like a goddess. Trust me."

Katie smiled. "I have no doubt."

"I gotta get home, babe. I've got kitchen duty for a week as punishment for yesterday," Jasmine said, standing up.

"Well, serves you right" Katie teased as they walked to the bus stop.

"Bye, sweetheart," Jasmine said, kissing Katie on the cheek before getting on the bus.