On Monday, Alice had to work a bit longer, so unfortunately she was late to the rehearsal.
Pinky had been waiting for her for a while; they had agreed they'd practice a little, just the two of them.
Alice hurried as fast as she could, practically running, and when she reached the commercial building, she noticed Pinky sitting outside in front of the door, her back against the wall, one hand covering her face.
As Alice got closer, she saw blood dripping from Pinky's hand and immediately rushed over to ask what had happened.
Pinky pulled her hand away from her face and looked up at Alice. Her right eye was badly swollen, and her lip was split too. Tears ran down her face—tears and blood.
— What happened? Who did this to you?! — Alice was both furious and worried at the same time.
She crouched beside Pinky, who started sobbing, and Alice hugged her tightly to calm her down.
— I'm sorry, Alice… This is my fault…
— What are you talking about?
— I let him in... I thought it wouldn't cause trouble. I am such an idiot…
— Who did you let in?
— Rex… He wanted to talk, to apologize… I thought he'd leave afterward, but I was wrong. I'm sorry… I couldn't stop him. He broke your guitar.
Alice looked into the rehearsal room. There were signs of a struggle: a few cymbals had been knocked over and something had spilled onto Cornel's amp, but everything else seemed intact—except for one thing: Alice's bass guitar.
The neck of the guitar was snapped. The damage was too severe to fix. Alice didn't care about the guitar at all—Pinky was what made her truly angry.
She grabbed her phone and called Justin, then Cornel, to tell them what had happened and to ask them to come to the rehearsal room if they could.
Justin couldn't join them for a while yet, but Cornel was already on his way.
Alice went back to Pinky, who was still crying with her back against the wall.
She bent down, stroked the top of her head, and smiled at her to reassure her that everything would be fine.
— Listen, Cornel's on his way—ten minutes at most. I want you to lock yourself inside the rehearsal room until then, okay?
— Inside the room? Wait, where are you going?
— Don't worry about that, okay? Just lock it and don't open it until Cornel gets here.
***
Alice walked into a nearby dive bar, because she knew that's where she'd find Rex.
She didn't have to look long. Rex was sitting at a table with two buddies, drinking beer.
Alice walked up to their table. Rex only noticed her when she was already standing next to him.
Alice's cold stare threw sparks at him. Rex downed the rest of his beer and stood up from the table.
They went out behind the bar together, between two buildings.
Rex was ready to deal with Alice quickly. He took off his leather jacket, tossed it onto the lid of a dumpster, then cracked his knuckles.
— You still haven't gotten what you deserve for that little stunt last time, so I'm glad you came here. How's your guitar?
Alice didn't answer. She just stood a few meters in front of him and stared at him, rigid—her face didn't twitch even once.
— I'm not gonna shit myself just because you're acting like the tough girl. You'll get one under your fucking eye too, then I'm going back in.
Rex grinned smugly and approached Alice slowly. Alice still didn't move, just stood there.
— What? You dragged me out here so you could stare at me, you bitch?
Alice patiently waited until Rex got closer, and when he was close enough that she could smell his rotten breath, she suddenly pulled out her knife and pressed it up against him, right by his groin.
Rex looked down at the blade and swallowed hard—he was clearly scared.
— I'd be happy to get rid of these for you. — she moved the blade even closer to his balls. — Stupid worms like you shouldn't be breeding anyway.
— You stupid whore…
— Whore? Interesting. If I remember right, that's what people used to call your mother back in the day. Oh right—that was her profession.
The provocation worked. Rex was flooded with rage and got ready to hit her.
Before the punch landed, Alice drove the knife into Rex's thigh.
The right hook sent Alice down to the ground. She spat some blood in front of herself, but with adrenaline pumping, she didn't feel much of the pain.
Unfortunately, the knife buried in his thigh barely slowed Rex down. He stepped up to Alice and kicked her hard in the stomach.
Alice didn't have many chances on the ground. She couldn't even get up before the next hit came—Rex stomped down on her shoulder with his boot.
In the end, Cornel saved Alice. He appeared out of nowhere behind Rex and grabbed him, twisting one of his arms.
Rex tried to back up into the wall to shake Cornel off, but Alice pushed herself up from the ground and punched Rex in the jaw.
The blow made Rex stumble. Cornel slipped out from behind him, then tripped him so he slammed into one of the dumpsters.
The heavy body crashed to the ground, and the dumpster's contents spilled all over his face.
Alice didn't let him get up. She stomped his crotch and kicked him over and over until he started tearing up from the pain.
She bent down, pulled her knife out of his thigh.
— I'm taking this back.
Rex trembled, clutching his balls, his pants soaked with blood.
Alice straightened up, one hand holding her stomach—it hurt badly.
She spat a bloody wad onto Rex's face, then stomped him hard once more, and it looked like Rex passed out.
By the end of it, Alice nearly collapsed. Cornel supported her, and together they walked back to their rehearsal room.
***
Justin arrived at the rehearsal room with bags of ice and a first aid kit he'd pulled out of his father's car.
Pinky and Alice were sitting next to each other with their backs against an amp, icing their faces.
Cornel examined Alice's broken guitar, then put it back to the floor. He knew it couldn't be saved.
— Sorry, but it's done.
— Ah, who cares. The important thing is you're okay, right? — Justin said. — I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner.
— Alice, never do something like this again. — Cornel said to her. — What would've happened to you if I hadn't arrived in time?
— I would've figured something out.
— That idiot put you on the floor almost instantly, didn't it? And that damn knife just made him even angrier. What would you have done if he bled out?
— Come on, I know where to stab. Unfortunately, he didn't even get hurt from it.
— Next time, wait for me… I coughed my fucking lungs out running, because I knew you were about to do something stupid.
Alice stood up from the floor.
— Okay, okay, you're right. I fucked this up. Sorry.
Cornel placed a hand on Alice's shoulder and smiled.
— I'm not mad, you idiot.
— Hey, by the way, did you actually kick him in the balls? — Justin asked, laughing.
— I wouldn't be surprised if he starts pretending he's a girl after this. I don't think there's anything left of those little nuts.
— Now I'm even more sorry I didn't get here sooner.
They all laughed—Pinky too—and the dark, angry mood was replaced by something lighter. At least for a while.
***
— So are you finally going to tell me something about it? — her coworker asked.
— About what?
Alice was grilling burger patties, while her coworker was filling the register with change.
— About why you're wearing sunglasses at work. It looks good, honestly, but it got dark outside because of the storm, and it's not that bright in here either.
Alice took off the glasses and showed her black eye.
— Holy shit! Doesn't it hurt?
— Of course it does, it fucking hurts, you idiot but you should see the other guy.
— Other… other guy? You fought a guy?
— Yeah, I was kind of stupid, but he hurt my friend—and he broke my guitar too.
Suddenly the boss showed up to check something, then noticed the black eye on Alice's face.
— Jesus, Alice, put those sunglasses back on! If someone sees that face, nobody's going to eat here.
— I think it'll attract them. They'll think we've got a secret boxing club.
— Very funny. Just take that burger out to the customer—he's starving.
— I'm going, you slave driver.
Alice put the burger on a tray and started walking, but her boss stopped her and quickly put the sunglasses back on her.
— What would I do without you, boss.
— Next time maybe duck. See? I can be funny too.
— My appendix is laughing.
Alice took the burger to the table, set it down in front of the customer, wished him a good meal, and would've hurried back, but the customer asked her to stay.
Alice sighed quietly, then turned around and put on her nicest fake smile.
— Yes? What can I get you?
A strange guy was sitting at the table. His hair was light blond, his skin paper-white. He wore a studded leather jacket.
The guy grinned, holding a paper bill in his hand.
— You left this here, my dear lady.
Alice took the money from him, thanked him, and went back to the grills.
Only in the kitchen did she notice how generous the tip was. She didn't want to believe the money was real, so she showed it to her coworker.
— That's real. I know what fake money looks like because of one of my brothers in jail for exactly that.
Alice took the money back, thanked him, then returned to the grills.
It surprised her. She shoved the money into her pocket and kept working.
***
After Alice finished, she said goodbye to her coworker and lit a cigarette.
Her lighter didn't want to work, but the guy who had tipped her appeared and held out a Zippo toward her.
Alice took a drag, exhaled smoke, then thanked him.
— Are you walking home alone? — the guy asked.
— What, are you going to follow me or something? Are you some serial killer?
The guy laughed.
— Oh, of course not, my lady. I'd never be capable of harming others.
— Sure. And I'm not a lady. My name is Alice.
— You may address me as Ervin. — he bowed as he spoke. — A pleasure to meet you.
— Alright, what is all this? What do you want from me, Mr. Count?
— I'm sorry—where I come from, this is completely normal. I'm still learning local customs. I'm interested in your band.
— My band?
— Yes. You see, my uncle owns that commercial building where you rehearse on the ground floor, and I had business nearby one day. I heard your music and I liked it. Do you have a gig in the near future?
— We do, at the Crow's Nest, next Saturday. Actually… it'll be our first.
— Wonderful. Then we'll meet there next time. I can hardly wait for the performance. Excuse me, but I must hurry—however, I will give you my card.
With that, Ervin handed her a business card, bowed, and walked over to a sports car that looked quite expensive. He got in and drove off quickly, but before leaving he gave a smiling wave.
Alice looked down at the business card and learned that Ervin was some kind of manager. She wouldn't have guessed it—he didn't seem any older than Alice.
***
After her shift, Alice finally got home and couldn't wait to shower and then rest.
Before heading to the bathroom, she pulled the burgers she'd brought home out of her bag.
She put a few into the fridge for her dad, and with two of them she went to her sister's room.
She knocked. Lucy said she could come in, and Alice opened the door.
Lucy was doing her homework at her desk. She was so focused she even stuck her little tongue out, which Alice found really cute.
Since the argument on Sunday, they'd made up. Alice tried not to fight with their father, which wasn't easy, so she avoided him as much as possible.
She walked up to the desk and set the food down at the edge. Lucy immediately started on one of them.
— No chocolate shake? — Lucy asked.
— Shake? At night? Sorry, but no princess.
— Sugar stimulates the brain.
— Yeah, and it causes diabetes and hypes you up, and then you won't be able to sleep.
Lucy looked up at her sister, glanced at the black eye, and didn't like it—her eye was badly swollen around it.
— What? Girls can go to boxing training too.
— So you got hit that hard at training yesterday?
— Hey, you should see the other girl—both of her eyes look like this. — Alice looked down at the notebook; it had math problems in it. — Want me to help?
— Nah, I'm just practicing. The actual homework part is already done.
Alice stroked Lucy's little head.
— Good girl. Tomorrow you'll get that shake, okay?
— Double chocolate?
— Wow, straight to double? Then you can't even taste anything, just pure sugar.
— I like it.
— Alright, fine.
***
The next afternoon the band gathered in the rehearsal room to discuss what to do next.
Unfortunately, they couldn't replace the bass guitar, which would cost them a ton of money, so they brainstormed where they could get another one—and time was working against them, because they had to prepare for the concert.
Pinky still felt guilty about it, so she suggested they could sell a few cymbals from her drum kit.
— That's a bad idea. You need every part of your gear. — Justin said.
— Yeah, Pinky, forget it. We'll solve it some other way. — Alice added. — Maybe the music shop has a cheaper one, right?
— It can't be too cheap, that would ruin the sound. If we're going to perform with it, we can't go below mid-range. — Cornel replied.
They didn't get very far. They couldn't get that much money—everything they had went into their current equipment and renting the rehearsal room.
Alice remembered something. She pulled out the business card and showed it to the others.
— I forgot to show you this.
— A business card? — Justin asked. — Ervin Blue? What kind of name is that?
— No idea. There was a weird guy at the diner—he gave it to me. He's probably loaded; his uncle owns this building. He said he heard us rehearsing and he likes our music. Maybe he wants to manage us.
— A manager? We haven't even played a gig yet and someone's already interested? That was fast.
— Maybe he'd lend us money.
— Well, we've got nothing to lose. I think you should call him—right now.
They all thought it was a good idea, so Alice stepped up to the rehearsal room phone and dialed the number.
It rang, then Ervin picked up and spoke.
Alice briefly explained the situation, and Ervin went silent for a minute. Alice listened tensely, but she only heard his breathing—nothing else.
Ervin asked Alice to wait in the rehearsal room; he would come and introduce himself to the others, then he hung up.
— So what did he say? — Justin asked.
— He's coming here to introduce himself. He asked us to wait.
— Interesting. Fine by me.
***
Ervin arrived at the rehearsal room door.
Since the band was practicing, they didn't hear him knocking, but it wasn't necessary anyway—he could open the door.
He stepped into the rehearsal room, and everyone stopped playing at once, thoroughly surprised.
Alice had forgotten to mention that Ervin was about their age, which was pretty unusual for someone who claimed to be a manager.
Ervin bowed politely to them, then shook hands with Justin and Cornell as well.
— Sorry, but we can't really offer you a seat, it's kind of cramped in here. — Justin said.
— Oh, not a problem, gentlemen. So I hear there was a little accident with the lady's guitar, is that true?
Justin and Cornell were amused by Ervin's polite way of speaking, and Pinky was simply surprised, but she actually found him likable.
— Dude, why do you talk like that? — Justin asked. — You can just talk normally, you're not older than us, right?
— I am nineteen years old. Forgive me, I'm still new around here. I arrived from the Island Kingdom a few weeks ago. I don't know the local customs.
— From the Island Kingdom?
— Well, yes. The other day Alice called me a count, and it wasn't that far from the truth. My family does in fact have certain titles, estates, and such. I brought something with me—please come outside with me to my car.
They did, and together they walked out to Ervin's white sports car, staring in awe, because they had never seen anything like it.
The brand, imported from the Island Kingdom, wasn't familiar around here at all, and the neighborhood wasn't exactly known for luxury cars either—you'd only see something like that in the richer district.
Ervin opened the trunk, and inside was a beautiful black bass guitar. The light of a nearby streetlamp glinted off its body, its strings shining. It was clearly brand-new and a top-tier instrument.
Ervin carefully took the guitar out of the trunk and handed it to Alice, who took it in her hands in shock, almost unable to speak.
— This is mine?
— Yes. I heard your guitar— I mean, your bass guitar—was damaged. I went to the music shop and got another one. Is it suitable? The owner said it's one of the best, but I don't really understand instruments.
— Yes… it's a very beautiful piece. But why are you giving it to me?
— An investment. You see, I came from the Island Kingdom to make my dream come true. It's a simple dream, but my parents didn't really understand it, and they didn't want to support it either. I only wish to see a band rise. To help a band reach sold-out concerts and glory. I believe I was born for this—this is my calling, my destiny, if you will.
— And you thought of us specifically? — Justin asked. — Just because you heard us once from outside?
— Oh—well, I want an amateur band. I'm new to the profession myself, so the band should be new and fresh too. I want to grow together with you.
— Well… that doesn't sound bad, does it? — Justin asked the others.
It really did appeal to all of them—this was the next step. They just hadn't expected to be so lucky they could take the stairs two at a time.
— A contract will be ready by your gig. If the terms are acceptable, you can sign it that same evening. And consider the guitar a donation— a gift, a starting push.
— Thank you. — Alice said.
— So… may I listen to the rehearsal? I'm very curious.
— Of course, come on in, Mr. Count. — Justin slung an arm around him. — As soon as Alice tunes this beauty, we can play you all our songs.
Ervin still wasn't fully used to that kind of physical contact, so he didn't know what to do and just shifted awkwardly under Justin's arm, but he kept smiling the whole time.
Alice looked down at her new guitar, felt the thick strings beneath her fingers, and shivered—it felt so good to hold. She was thrilled, she could hardly wait to perform, and then write their names into history.