Enjoy Things While You Can

The four members of the band performing tonight stood around in a circle behind the stage.

"Looks like it won't be a full house tonight," Kokomi crossed her arms disappointedly.

"Cheer up, Koko. At least we have an audience tonight. The loyal patrons of the music store are not to be forgotten," Simon reassured her.

"I suppose that is true," Kokomi smiled softly.

Soon, they heard Mr. Santoro making introductions of this week's band which was the four of them of course.

"Oh, it looks like we're up; let's make this a show stopper! I hope it doesn't mess up like last time, though," Beyond exclaimed.

"Come on, don't ruin the mood," Simon complained, holding onto his drumsticks with an extra pair in his satchel.

"We'll give it our all! Right Albert?,"Kokomi cheered as she turned to look at Albert, who silently stood beside her.

"Yes", said the new pianist in a monotone voice. He didn't show any other expression besides his poker face.

That's Albert, he had soft brown hair in a straight cut, making him look sleek and stylish. He also had some freckles on his fair skin at the bridge of his nose, spreading out to under his eyes. he had thin pink lips and green eyes that looked like a hunter's.

Way too serious!, Beyond and Simon thought.

"It's time to get going. Mr. Santoro's going to introduce us now," Kokomi optimistically said, hands on her hips.

All three boys nodded and began walking onto the stage. Kokomi grabbed her blue bass from its stand and strapped it around her left shoulder. She beamed at the boys before her as they walked onto the small stage. She took center stage, standing in front of a microphone stand with a microphone already plugged in. Simon sat at the back near the drums, and Albert stood behind the keyboard to her left. Beyond had his brass trumpet all shined up, standing by her right.

Carter decided to close his eyes while waiting for the performance to start. He awoke when a loud but gentle female voice spoke into the microphone. The lights became dim which clouded his vision but it didn't really matter, he was used to it. 'Her voice sounds calming, I wonder what's her role in the band' Carter thought, as he crossed his arms in anticipation.

"On the drums, we have Simon", she announced. Simon did a filler on the drums to showcase his skills.

"Albert on the keyboard", Kokomi introduced. Albert waved at the crowd still with a poker face in his expression.

"Beyond on the trumpet," Beyond nodded politely at the crowd, he felt a little nervous given what happened during their previous session.

"Vocals and bass, I'm Kokomi. Together we are 'The Meerkats' ", Kokomi said with confidence.

Everyone applauded politely so Carter followed suit. When they stopped clapping, Kokomi soon announced the title of the song 'The Meerkats' was going to perform.

"Midnight", she said shortly into the mic.

Carter felt shivers run down his spine. He felt excited for the first time about something as mundane as this. The song started with a jazzy intro with the hi-hat starting the beat. Carter shut his eyes as he began taking in the roaring sound of jazz music. The trumpet played its complex melody along with the rhythm of the drums and bass. The piano joined in the composition after that, filling in for the trumpeter to take a breather.

When Kokomi started singing, Carter opened his eyes, even though he still saw darkness, he felt colours going through his ears like a car speeding through a dark tunnel. Her voice echoed through Carter's head.

Her singing voice sounds so catchy, I feel like dancing, Carter thought as he instinctively tapped his foot to the catchy beat. He was enjoying the performance nonetheless. Joey smiled to himself proudly after knowing that his brother was enjoying this. This was how Carter was soon introduced to the colourful world of live music at its finest. Soon after, he would fall in love with it, or perhaps fall in love with it for someone.