“Do you think we should call the cops?”
“What is he holding?”
“I think it might be a small child.”
“In a body bag?”
Zeno glanced at the two mothers with their children standing at the side. He had a mask, a bucket hat, and his hood on, so he knew he looked suspicious.
Still, he wasn’t doing anything wrong, so he looked away.
The mothers, however, ran for their lives, telling their children to study well because they would end up like such a person.
Zeno scoffed and shook his head, clutching the keyboard piano with one arm. He had been waiting outside of Gaby’s music school with the intention of giving the instrument to her. He could have just given it to Bobby, but Zeno thought Bobby would be too emotional.
With that, he waited patiently until the young girl came out.
That sounded bad in theory, but he was doing a good thing! Yes, a good thing.
Just then, a man with micro bangs went out of the building and looked straight at Zeno.
Zeno didn’t hold his gaze and continued waiting patiently for Gaby to come out.
However, the micro bangs man walked toward him. He pursed his lips and turned to the side, not wanting to make any eye contact.
The guy, whom Zeno had resulted to calling ‘Bangs,’ stood in front of him. He kept quite a distance, appearing slightly fearful of Zeno.
“Excuse me, sir,” Bangs said.
Zeno turned to him and didn’t say anything. It was then that Bangs reached for his back pocket, causing Zeno to narrow his eyes.
“This place does not allow loitering,” Bangs continued, his voice shaking.
Zeno looked around for a sign but found nothing. “There’s no such thing,” he said.
Bangs pursed his lips and straightened his back. “This is a music school with CHILDREN,” he emphasized. “You’re scaring the parents who are waiting for their kids,” he whispered.
“I need you to go before they cause a ruckus.”
Zeno looked at the lanky guy and felt quite bad for him. It didn’t look like he could win a fight with anyone his age. Still, Zeno couldn’t go. He was determined to give the keyboard piano to the little girl today.
“I’m also waiting for someone,” Zeno said.
“Oh,” Bangs said, a small smile appearing on his lips. “Is it one of our students?”
Zeno nodded. “Gaby.”
Bangs’ demeanor changed right away. He became as friendly as a Golden Retriever and placed his hand over Zeno’s shoulder. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? Come on in! They’re about to finish, and you’re welcome to wait for your child there.”
Zeno didn’t know whether to thank or pity the young man. If Zeno was truly a bad person, then something atrocious would have happened inside that music school.
With that, Zeno shook his head. “I’ll just wait for her here. Thank you,” he said before turning away once more, focusing his gaze on the trees. This seemed to be a pretty rich neighborhood. Bobby must not actually afford to take Gaby to music school here but still decided to.
Just then, he felt someone’s arms wrap around his waist, making his eyes widen. He was about to karate chop the man’s neck when he realized it was just Bangs again.
“But I insist!” he exclaimed. “Our music school is extremely hospitable! It’s one of our greatest assets. Come on in. The other guardians are waiting.”
With that, he dragged Zeno toward the music school. Zeno wondered if he should go through with the karate chop, but he had already gathered quite the attention from bystanders, so he just let himself get dragged.
He could just wait inside, give the instrument to Gaby, then leave.
However, as Bangs opened the door, revealing the fancy interior of the waiting room, Zeno realized he should have proceeded with the karate chop.
Inside the room were a bunch of middle-aged rich people having afternoon tea. However, it didn’t appear so simple. It felt like a power struggle. Mothers wore their biggest pearls and shining gold jewelry. Fathers wore their flashiest watches with their car keys hanging from their belt loops like prized displays.
At that moment, Zeno realized why Gaby didn’t want to continue studying at this music school.
Even with one look, he could come to a conclusion.
As soon as the door opened, they all craned their necks to size up what seemed to be their new ‘opponent.’ When they saw Zeno in his simple, almost shady get-up, silent scoffs left their mouths.
Zeno wanted to turn back. However, at that moment, he felt that if he left, then he would lose.
With that, he entered and sat on the single-seater. Bangs smiled at him and gave him some bagged pretzels, oblivious to the situation. “I’ll get you some tea,” he said.
Zeno nodded silently and placed the keyboard piano on the floor. The bag had gotten dusty because he took the bus and walked there.
It didn’t take long before they turned to him, asking him questions that were clearly meant to demean him.
“It’s your first time here,” one mother said.
Zeno nodded, leaning against his seat.
“You seem pretty young to be a dad, although I might be mistaken because I can’t see your face too clearly,” a father chuckled.
“I’m not a dad,” Zeno muttered. “I’m someone’s… uncle,” he bluffed, nodding to himself.
“Oh,” another mother said. Zeno could feel all of their eyes, wanting to pry more and ask him more questions.
“Who?” someone finally asked.
Zeno pursed his lips before answering. “Gaby,” he answered.
It was then that looks of understanding passed through their eyes. It seemed that a collective thought went through their heads—’no wonder.’
“Gaby,” one chuckled. “That little girl is quite the happy one, isn’t she?”
“Hmm,” Zeno hummed, already disinterested in the conversation.
“I heard the other day that she wasn’t allowed to attend the dry run for the recital because her dues hadn’t been paid.”
Murmurs were heard across the room, and fake concerned expressions filled their faces.
“Oh, that must be sad for a young girl,” another said. “His father isn’t doing too well.”
“He has a company, but I don’t think he should continue with it,” another man chimed. “If it’s not making you money, then scrap it, am I right?”
“Clearly, it’s not doing anything for your daughter.”
They laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world. Zeno, however, didn’t find it funny one bit.
Were rich people always this corny?
He shook his head and clenched and unclenched his fists.
“I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
The laughter halted. They all turned to Zeno, eyes wide with his statement.
“What did you say?”
Zeno lifted his hood, showing his eyes a bit, and looked at the man in his late-30s.
“It’s none of your business.”