I went to school in my own car. I didn’t feel bad enough to not drive and I was worried of having hot flashes in Damien’s car. It was too cramped and noisy.

I was supposed to receive my re-ordered syringes in three days. The first package had been lost. I definitely should buy back-ups once this month has passed and I have money again.

The drive to university was as usual - short. I parked near my entrance and made my way inside. I noticed Damien’s car was already there. 

There was a bit of a commotion inside. Everyone was gathered around the announcement board and their voices were mixed in a loud brouhaha. I ignored it, whatever this was, if important I’d hear about it. Either way, I could come back later when everyone had dissipated. I wouldn’t risk having hot flashes because I was surrounded by them.

I made a quick stop to the restroom to wet my face and neck and drink. I went to my class. I was a few meters from my door when a girl from my class accosted me.

“I didn’t know you did guitar” She said, smiling toothly, her hand on my shoulder. Her name was Ariel and she was known at school for having a music channel. 

While me doing guitar was not a secret, I wasn’t vocal about it to strangers with me not having played it in years. Even though, it was sudden.

“I did. How do you know?”

“I saw the festival program” She crossed her arms behind her back

“The festival program?”

“You didn’t see? They put all the performances on the announcement board - I can’t wait to hear your group’s performance. I know Lola is talented so I can’t wait to see you all on stage”

Lola. Festival. Me playing guitar.

“Yeah. Right” I spurted out and left her on the spot. I felt an uncontrollable anger bursting in me, draining me of all heat and boundaries.

I entered the class in a furry and directly went for Lola, she was seated and spoke eagerly with Lola while Damien was on his phone in front of her.

“I AM NOT PLAYING YOUR DAMN FESTIVAL!” I started unuable to control myself, “What did you do this?!”

“We didn’t have enough people to register and I thought-”

“You thought what? I told you last time!” I took the papers on the table and threw them.

“Calm yourself” Damien caught my arm

“Leave me” I ripped his arm off.

I went to my seat and dropped my head in my arms on my desk. I didn’t have it in me to care about the other people that had seen me yell. I didn’t think everyone was here yet. I may have overreacted but I blamed her audacity and my discomfort.

Nobody tried to talk to me after that. The teacher arrived and the class proceeded. I didn’t listen to anything and just waited for it to end. I barely tidied my material in my bag and went for my car. I was done for today. 

I passed in front of the announcement board. This time it was free of any public so I stopped to see it. Sure enough, there were three big posters about the upcoming festival.

The middle one was a purple promotional one, with FESTIVAL and the date in bold letters, it was decorated by a colourful and detailed illustration of the campus enlivened by stars, balls, music notes and other little designs.

The two others on the sides were a map and the programming. Surely, under the “Show case” column, was Lola’s band name written W-Um!, followed by the names of the members.

Lola:Main vocalist, Damien: Drummer, Elsie: Vocalist, Joven:guitarist