thewritingengineer

[thewritingengineer]

Forte (Pt. 4)

IV Eddie

“Six weeks!!??”

Edward might as well go on his way to awake the neighborhood.

Eddie was actually pretty sure that his brother would be pissed. He just did not want to patronize Jude even further before the storm even began.  

How would Edward not be pissed? He’s losing one of the main parts for the recital he’d been preparing for months. Preparing a recital is no small matter, even if you’re a genius like Edward Baker. No, even more so if it’s Edward Baker. Because he’s going to be perfectionist about it. And Edward being perfectionist might as well be Edward being a sod.

“You’re saying you’re going to be on crutches for six weeks? Wow Jude, thanks a lot for ruining my life!”

See? What a sod.

Jude let out an exasperated sigh.

“I am not ruining your life, Ed. Besides, it’s not like I want things to be, but the doctor told me to refrain using my right leg. I’ve got no choice but to be on crutches.”

Edward did not reply to that, but he kept his irritated face, and refused to look at Jude. Indeed, being on crutches meant that Jude would not be able to perform on Edward’s recital. It would be impossible to sing while being on crutches, because if you’re going to work hard just to keep your balance for standing, how would you expect to make an effort for singing? And singing an opera needed all the concentration you could muster. And even if she could do the singing just fine, which was highly unlikely, being on crutches while performing in a recital was just unsightly.

“Look, I’m really sorry, okay? and I promise you I’ll find you a replacement. If you want, I’ll even teach her to sing the song exactly just like you wanted, okay?”

“Need I remind you that the recital is in three weeks’ time? Do you really expect to find someone to agree singing opera on a recital only three weeks away?”

At that, Jude lowered her head.

And this dead-end is cue for Eddie.

“Brother,” Eddie spoke carefully, “you and Jude are both in Artem Conservatory. Everybody there must be capable to sing opera like it’s Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Jude isn’t even a vocal student yet when you asked her to participate in your recital it only took her a week to master the song. And she mastered it so well that even you being the perfectionist that you are is pleased. Not all hope is lost, you both just need storm your brains out to figure out another name. You, brother, especially have collaborated with many of the vocal students on so many occasions. Don’t you think it’d be a piece of cake to just ask for help from one of them? With your reputation I’m sure many would be willing.”

Eddie offered a smile for both Edward and Jude. After that the tension between the two seemed to ease a little.

“You’re right Eddie. At least about everyone at the conservatory would be able to sing opera. But that’s not the only problem here. I’ve chosen who I would like to be singing on my recital since last semester. And I’ve approached each of them for the part by the end of last semester.” Edward looked at Eddie right in his eyes, “Eddie, you know about it.”

Eddie nodded. He did remember that Edward come home late for Christmas last year because of the people he said he had to meet first. He insisted it was urgent, and could not be done in a later date, despite their mom threatening she wouldn’t buy him a ticket home if he didn’t come home together with Eddie and Jude.

In the end she still bought the ticket though, no way she passed a chance to see her precious baby.

“And it wasn’t that easy too. Just like you said, I actually thought that my reputation alone would be convincing enough. But some of the people I asked actually said no. They said that other than my stellar reputation, I was apparently also infamous of being demanding and difficult, I don’t know how they got the idea.”

Eddie and Jude shared a knowing look. They both know exactly how.

“By now everyone would either have taken part on someone else’s recital or being the one holding the recital themselves. Brother, you keep talking about how perfectionist I am, and I’ll admit that it’s true. I don’t want my recital to be a mere something someone squeezed in their already full agenda. The chance of me finding someone willing to participate and make sure they’re giving me their 100% might as well be zero.”

“No Ed, it’s not.” Jude suddenly stated.

Edward raised a brow, “No?”

“No.”

Jude raised from his seat, her face now fully determined, she said confidently, “You, Edward, are going to have someone to sing that bloody I Dreamed a Dream. And I am going to find you that someone. I’ve promised, and we Taylors keep our promises to the Bakers.”

Eddie was bemused by her newfound confidence, “Few moments ago you were full of doubt. Whatever changed?”

Jude smirked, “I’ve just remembered something from a few years back that might just be our chance at finding that willing someone who’s going to give Edward her 100%.” After saying that, Jude turned to smile at Eddie, and surprised him by her suddenly putting her hand on Eddie’s arm and squeezed it.

“But your encouraging words are really what got me into thinking the idea. So thank you, Eddie. You really helped me there.”

Eddie did not want to know why he felt a funny feeling in his stomach all of a sudden.

“I’m going back to my dorm for now. I’ve got to make a few phone calls and talk to some people, but Edward, you can sleep peacefully now because I guarantee, by tomorrow you’ll have another Fantine.” Jude winked at Edward then went on to open the apartment’s door.

“Will you make it to your dorm on your own?”

“Please, Eddie. Give me some benefit of the doubt, will you?”

And she continued on her way, not looking back even once, nor did she called them asking for help. Even with her right leg not functional and having to rely on crutches, Jude seemed to be on fire to be on her way to do whatever it was she was about to do.

Eddie glanced at his brother, and though not as gloomy as before, the irritation was still pretty apparent on his brother’s face.

“Brother, you shouldn’t be too hard on Jude. She’s really doing all she can to find you another singer. And based on what I heard from her, I think you also got something to do with causing the accident. And yet, she’s the one on crutches now.”

“Are you saying I’m the one who should be on crutches?”

Again, what a sod.

[thewritingengineer]

Forte (Pt. 3)

III Jude

“I’m down here, Ed!”

Eddie was just about to get into the coffee shop when he heard Jude’s sound and turned towards her, or rather, looked down to see her. Unlike Edward though, he couldn’t help but laugh an irrepressible laughter, and he didn’t even try to stop himself. Not that Jude actually bother to try stopping him. She’s not annoyed as much as she’s embarrassed, and she wanted to say something, anything really, to get him to stop laughing at her, but she could not bring herself to say a thing.

Not when Eddie is laughing like that.

So instead, she shut her mouth and looked down. She never thought there would be a day when she’d met Eddie when she’s in this sorry state.

In just a moment Eddie was already at her side.

Jude pleaded, “Please stop laughing at me, I’ve had my fair share of embarrassment today, what with these folks glancing at me. Some children even got to laugh at me.”

“Right, sorry.”

Eddie stopped laughing and raised a brow, “So, has it got anything to do with my brother?”

Jude could only smile sheepishly before Eddie helped her to stand and get her into his car.

Eddie was a lot like Edward, in so many ways. They were two sides of the same coin, and it’s not an exaggeration on her part. They are of the same height—five foot eight and proud thank you very much—, the have got same blonde hair and the same pair of green eyes. The only distinct physical feature from the twins were Eddie having a stocky build, while Edward who was more on the slender side. They also share the same kind of passion on music—and although Eddie did not pursue music like Edward did, he did have the same God-given talent that his brother possessed. And they were both equally pleasing to the eyes, too. They were both top students in their respective school, and Jude knew by heart that they both will be going places anytime now in the near future. The cherry on top would be that they came from not just any family. No, they came from a very distinguished family. They’re crazy, old money rich.

Having known not only them but also their family since practically forever, she’s fully aware that in social standing, she’s way below them. Her family had been the servants of the Baker family since the generation of her great grandfather, and since she was a child her family had instilled the idea into her: that their family’s sole purpose is to be the loyal servant of the Baker family. And it’s not a bad arrangement at all—it’s certainly not as unsatisfactory as it sounded. The Baker family was really generous, and they had always treated her family well. With her mother gone and her father retired, the duties fell on her brothers and sister-in-law now. Her brothers and sister made more money than most office workers; and they got a lot of more benefits too. They lived in the Bakers’ enormous house, so paying rents or properties is no longer an issue. They made more than enough to get their father into a retirement home. And when a member of her family got married—like her first brother already did—his or her spouse naturally tied themselves to the role of the Bakers’ servant, but then they’d also gain so many benefits that it’s more of a blessing than a burden.

Back then, Jude often wondered why her family who were mere servants could live as well off as her family did. She couldn’t grasp the idea of the Baker being this giving to their servants. But after a while, she’d see how her parents—and now her brothers and sister—did their job, and then she’d understood. Her family were simply the best, no doubt about it. There were never any error, blunder, or miscalculation. Each of her family was meticulous, punctual, and diligent. She witnessed firsthand just how much her families ensure the welfare of the Baker household, that the Bakers need not to hire another soul. No other servants could possibly handle the jobs better.

Despite the fact that she and her brothers would most likely be spending their whole life dedicating themselves to the Bakers, Mr. and Mrs. Baker insisted on them having a college degree. Jude had always thought that is was not necessary at all since she’d been training for her job as a servant since she was a child, and by the time she finished middle school she was confident enough that she has mastered her future job to at least perform as well as her mother did. But it was what Mr. and Mrs. Baker wanted, and because of that her brothers had a degree in English and Hospitality each, and Jude herself was currently pursuing her Arts degree.

She always thought that she was the luckiest of all her siblings. Having been born in the same year as Edward and Eddie, Mrs. Baker insisted they all went to the same school. And so, the three of them had been going to the same school since kindergarten. They were together at home, and they were together at school. All through the years until the end of high school. Edward and Eddie were constants in her life. The one she knew for sure and she believed in. Her entire life she’d always had one purpose: to make sure Edward and Eddie were happy. It’s what drove her then, and it still did until now. They were part of her duties—yes, as servants of the Baker family it was her obligation to commit herself to be of service to them—but they also meant so more than that to her. And it would not be until later that she’d come to terms with it.

***

“Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God, what am I going to do!”

Jude clenched her shirt.

After meeting with a doctor and got her ankle the treatment it needed, Jude got into a panicked state. She and Eddie were already inside Eddie’s car, and he’s just about to start driving when he heard her mumbling.

“Jude? Your ankle okay?”

Jude brushed a hand through her hair.

“It’s not my ankle, Ed. I mean, yes, it is about my ankle. But no, it doesn’t hurt.”

She then turned her face toward Eddie. Her face filled with panic.

“I don’t how I’m going to tell Edward about this.”

Eddie furrowed his brows, “That’s what you’re worried about?”

Jude let out an exasperated sigh, “Eddie you know how he is! And you know how important the recital is to him. Oh God this is a disaster. He’s going to be pissed! I’m going to disappoint him. God, I’m such a failure.”

Jude could not stand the idea of her possibly letting down Edward. It was literally her job to keep the brothers satisfactory, and it was one simple job that Edward requested of her. With this sprained ankle she would not be able to be of service to him. She had failed him.

Jude turned her face to look outside the window, “I’ve got one job and I blew it.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Lady, I think you’re being too harsh with yourself.”

Eddie placed a hand on Jude’s shoulder to get her to look at him.

“Listen to me, Edward is not going to be pissed. You’re not disappointing anyone, you’re not a failure, and you’re not blowing anything. Accidents happen, and you know that there’s nothing we can do about it. It’s no one’s fault.”

“But it is, Ed. It’s my fault! Why was I being such a klutz? I should’ve paid more attention to where I was going.”

It was a few passing moments before Eddie started talking again.

“Look, Jude, if you are that worried about Edward, I’ll help you talk to him okay? Why don’t you just call him now, say that you’ll come over tonight. Just tell him that you’ve got something important to tell him, okay? How about that?”

Jude did not respond, but instead pursed her lips. Thankfully, Eddie had got a lifetime with her to know exactly what she was thinking.

“Yes, Jude, I’ll be there too. I promise, I’ll be beside you all the time. Cross my heart.”

Only then did Jude took out her phone to call Edward.

***

For the record, Edward did get pissed.

[thewritingengineer]

Forte (Pt. 2)

II Edward

“Jude? Jude?  You still there?”

Edward held the urge to raise his voice, it’s one week to midterm and the library is packed with people. He knew better than to make unnecessary noise.

Edward knew something must have happened when in the middle of her laughter Jude stopped laughing, and then came a loud noise. There were some other noises that followed, sounds of people murmuring at the end of the line. What the hell happened to Jude? And then he heard Jude cussed.

“Hey Jude, something happened? Hello?” Edward was getting worried. What could possibly happen in the middle of broad daylight?

“Baker! Come and pick me up right now!”

“What happened? I heard a noise after you suddenly stopped laughing.”

“Just… please pick me up? I’m in front of my usual coffee shop.” There was a bit of a pause before she added, “I think I sprained my ankle.”

Edward’s worry turned into panic.

“What!?” Edward hissed. No. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. “How the hell did you manage to sprain your ankle? And now, really? Are you really sure it’s sprained ankle? Not exaggerating?”

“Okay first, it’s actually your fault for making me laugh so hard I tripped. And second, sorry but I’m no doctor so I cannot be sure if it’s sprained ankle or not, but it really feels like it. Although there’s one thing I’m really sure about, and that is the pain in my ankle. And I’m also sure as hell can’t stand up right now, let alone walk on my own. I’m currently sitting on the sidewalk getting weird glances from people. Now would you please, please, pick me up? I’m dying of embarrassment here.”

Edward had the urge to laugh, but thankfully managed to stop himself, albeit not after a single chuckle escaped his mouth.

“Something funny?” He heard Jude snapped.

“No, ma’am.” Edward answered quickly. “Look, I don’t think I can pick you up right now, I’m about to meet with Mrs. Weinstroff. Can’t you pick a cab or something?”

“Are you forgetting about me not being able to walk alone? I’m not sure cab drivers offer carrying passengers service.”

“Okay, okay,” Edward looked at his watch. 12.48. He should start walking to Mrs. Weinstroff’s office now to not be late for their weekly appointment. He started gathering his things from the table and put them on his bag. “I’m sorry but I really can’t pick you up. I’ve got an appointment with Mrs. Weinstroff at precisely one a.m, and you of all people know exactly how Mrs. Weinstroff is with people not showing up on time. And you know I can’t afford being on her bad side now.”

Edward heard Jude sighing. “You’re right. Meeting with her is of most importance right now. Guess I’ll just call someone else.”

Edward cringed a bit. He actually felt bad. He knew that he indirectly was also the reason she fell and now hurt her leg. “Look, I’ll call Eddie and ask him to pick you up. I think he doesn’t have any class today, and I’m sure he’s willing to help you.”

“You do know that when I say I’ll call someone else I mean Eddie, right?”

“But of course I do, so predictable of Jude with her almost nonexistence group of friends.”

Edward moved his phone away from his ear a bit when Jude started rambling on all kinds of protests.

“Hey Jude?” Edward stopped walking for a moment.

“Yeah?”

“Please don’t let it be sprained ankle. We really don’t need to deal with that kind of problem now.”

“Ed, I also really, really, hope it’s not.”

***

Edward knocked on the door of Mrs. Weinstroff’s office. “Mrs. Weinstroff, this is Edward. May I come in now?” After hearing affirmation from Mrs. Weinstroff, he opened the door and came into the office.

Mrs. Weinstroff was a petite woman in her sixties, with a few extra pounds on her podgy figure. She was his counselor and has been guiding and supervising him for all three and a half years he’s been studying in the conservatory. Edward loved Mrs. Weinstroff, and every day he’s thankful for having her as his chancellor. She made him feel welcome, always greeted him with a bright smile, and on top of that, she’s really good at what she does, too. Her chubby fingers didn’t stop her from performing Turkish March perfectly.

“Edward!” There it is, her big smile. “Always looking forward meeting you dear. I’m hoping you’re here with another progress of your masterpiece?”  

Edward couldn’t help but laugh. What Mrs. Weinstroff just addressed by masterpiece was actually his senior recital; his final step toward obtaining his degree, his one step closer for him to achieve his dream. It’s really one small step, a step he and a hundred something other students in the conservatory take each year, but he’s got to admit that hearing Mrs. Weinstroff addressing it as masterpiece gave a giddy feeling in his stomach.

“Yes, Mrs. Weinstroff. I’ve come to inform you that I’ve finally found every person to fill each role, and I’m hoping to have hold the first meeting by the end of this week.”

“Oh, finally,” Mrs. Weinstroff clapped her hands, and if it’s even possible, smiled even wider, “Marvelous news indeed. Would it be right for me to expect the first meeting you will start with rehearsing right away? I know how perfectionist you are, dear.” Mrs. Weinstroff winked, and Edward laughed again.

“I wish I could, but sadly I don’t think I’m going to do that. I’m fortunate enough to be able to get the people that I actually know, but I’m not sure that all of them know one another. So, for our first meeting I’m thinking of just taking them out for a nice meal.”

Mrs. Weinstroff’s eyes glinted, “My, my, take them out for a nice meal? Am I sensing you being generous now?”

“Rather than being generous, I think it’s more of an investment really.” Edward smiled mischievously. And he meant it. It’s not like he’s willing to just throw his money away, but, he needed to make sure that these people are as invested in his recital as he did. Of course, he’s the only one actually gaining benefits, and he’s the one needing them right now. His resources. And he’s going to treat each of his resources very carefully.

[thewritingengineer]

Forte (Pt. 1)

I Jude

“You’re going to be the death of me,”

Despite what just came out of her mouth, Jude couldn’t help but laugh. By how many times Edward had repeated the same old joke, one might think she should have gotten used to it. But every single time, it still got her stomach turning and the giggles would come.

She adjusted her bag strap on her shoulder, moved her phone from right to left hand, and with her right hand she took the coffee cup from the bartender; barely mumbling a thanks, and continue on her way to exit the coffee shop. “You know, one of these days you really should stop making that joke. We’re being mean to Eddie.” And she meant it. She knew the joke was mean, but on the other hand it’s just too funny that she couldn’t help but blame Eddie for bringing the joke upon himself. And also, you know, a bit thankful he did because it is that funny.

But of course, instead of agreeing with her, Edward replies with yet another joke. A joke so funny she tripped on the sidewalk and fall flat on her stomach. Thank God the phone didn’t escape her fingers, unlike the coffee cup that’s already spilled in the middle of the road. She heard Edward’s voice calling her name from her phone.

The embarrassment came, of course, but the horror that came upon her when she tried to move her feet and met with excruciating pain, she could care less about her surroundings.

“Shit.”

So not death, but definitely sprained ankle.

[thewritingengineer]

suddenly...

This blog must’ve been my 101st blog.

I have loads of blogs; tumblr, livejournal, wordpress and whatnot. Each one I created with their respective purpose. there’s one for fan fics, other for pissing about daily life, another for posting fandom related posts, and yet...

Being the bookworm that I am, I guess it’s no surprise that one day it occurred to me: what’s stopping me to write my own story?

I used to, at least in a way, with my numerous fanfics. but just a few days ago I thought to myself; how magical would it be for me to be able to create my own universe, build my own characters, and actually make a story on my own?

I've always felt my heart out to all of the writers out there whose books I've read; I kinda feel like sharing a bond--I've been into their head, their ideas, their own world.

And I kinda want to know how it feel being on the other end of that feeling.

So yeah, one thing led to another, and here I am with my very first own story.

Ain’t gonna lie, I’m putting my hope in the story. and I really wish it could reach more than just the people I actually sent the story personally. hence, this blog.

The aforementioned blogs of mine are either already full with other non-writing-related-things, has an embarrassing url, or is just not befitting to be uploaded a story into.

And it all brings me here. A new blog. I’ll dedicate this one for all the writings I’ll write in the future, not only for stories I’ve created of course (God knows how long it’ll take for me before I get another breakthrough idea), but also thoughts, reviews, personal life, and others.

Why Tumblr? because I really can not bother to bring myself to make yet another e-mail that I won’t ever be using again. And Tumblr has this amazing secondary blog feature. Thank God. And so yeah, this is a secondary blog. Also, Tumblr is very generous as not to charge with anything in case I'd want to change my url in the furute. Tumblr, you rock.

the writing engineer means just that. I'm not an actual engineer, yet. or maybe ever if I don’t work as one in the future. I'm currently an engineering student, but I'll be graduating very near in the future. so maybe I'd change my url very soon too (?) or not lol I actually like how the word writing and engineer surprisingly blends well, hehe.

I really, really hope this would be my last blog ever.

Jiao!