"I think that on choosing the first song you'll work with that is not mine, you should not look at the name of the person you'll be working with, rather you should base it on their song's merit." Serena suggested. It was a Saturday and she and Charlton were in their love nest's music room.
Charlton nodded as he sighed. "You're right. Although most of the songs in the list are good, some just have more potential. It's just that I'm tempted to select which would be more beneficial for me first."
Serena shook her head, "It would be more beneficial to produce the ones that would make a hit. That way, your name would be more pronounced and carry more weight. Aside from that, it would be nice to give others a chance, specially so when they deserve it."
Charlton smiled, "I thought you don't like others to overtake you?"
"Ha! As if! No matter how they try, they wouldn't have the chance." Serena proclaimed confidently. What? She has all the songs from the future, and they were all hits! Then aside from that, she was after all the prettiest girl in the empire and the daughter of a Duke. Let's face it, that's just how it is in the entertainment industry.
Charlton just chuckled at Serena's haughtiness, "Okay, okay, no one will ever beat you."
Serena smirked, "of course. Anyway, perhaps you could play their songs for me? I'll help you choose which one is the best."
Charlton nodded and started playing the songs one by one. Most of them have lyrics so he sang whatever the lyrics of the song was.
Serena was listening as Charlton played the introductory melody and sang the first stanza of the songs. Most of them were nice but nothing stood out in particular.
"Nothing caught your fancy yet?" Charlton asked.
"I particularly liked the 3rd one you played but let's hear the others." She said, then she took the other pile he was not playing yet to sift through it and see if she can recognize any of the songs.
Charlton continued playing again.
"There is a flower within my heart
Daisy, Daisy
Planted one day by a glancing dart
Planted by Daisy Bell
Whether she loves me or loves me not
Sometimes it's hard to tell
Yet I am longing to share the lot
Of beautiful Daisy Bell"
Serena's eyes widened as she stopped looking at the papers. Was she hearing the melody and lyrics correctly? Daisy Bell by Harry Dacre! A song that survived over a century. Anyhow, she scooted closer to Charlton to sing along with him.
"Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do
I'm half crazy all for the love of you
It won't be a stylish marraige
I can't afford the carriage
But you'd look sweet on the seat
Of a bicycle built for two"
The two of them grinned at each other. "I guess this song would be it."
Serena nodded excitedly. "I'm sure you'll be able to make it sound more beautiful."
After successfully selecting the song, Serena asked Charlton if he can squeeze creating the harmony of the song 'wannabe' before next week so that she can ask her friends to join them for the recording. She was also thinking of releasing the song after the signing event.
Since Charlton has already helped them last time, he was familiar with the song already and thought that he can manage. "Do you still have your student council meeting next Saturday?"
"Ugh… now that you reminded me, yes, I still do. It's the last meeting for the school year though."
"Alright. I will have to go to the studio early to finalize the harmony for all the songs so that when you arrive, all you have to do is sing."
"The girls would be so excited to hear that."
Charlton smiled, "It's good to bring them along with you on Saturday, that way I also don't have to worry about you travelling alone."
Serena laughed as she teased him. "you're becoming more and more of a worrywart every day. I won't be surprised if your hair turns white soon."
Charlton just shook his head as he chuckled "My father is already in his mid-50's and he doesn't have a single white hair. It doesn't run in our family. I think you'll be happy to know that."
--
On Sunday, Serena and the others went to the orphanage. It was their second to the last visit, however, the Seniors were unable to join them due to the fact that their final exam would be starting on the next day.
Anyway, their last visit was supposed to be scheduled on the 9th of June, however since that is the day before their final exam, and the next Sunday was between the Year-end ball and the graduation day, they decided to move it on the 19th of June.
Serena sighed in relief, good thing it was not scheduled on the 17th as that was the day of their signing event. Anyhow, before they went back to their carriage to go back to their dorm, Geoffrey called her to talk. Not having a choice, she was left alone with him again.
Geoffrey smiled at Serena, since he has been giving her space as she asked, he haven't talked to her much. That doesn't mean he's not paying attention to her though. Lately she has been all smiles, and he wondered what made her so happy.
"Yes?" Serena asked. Lately, Geoffrey has not been as pushy and just minds his own business, so she doesn't feel too uncomfortable talking to him now.
"I need to ask the color of the gown you'll be wearing for the year-end ball."
"Oh, that, I think I will wear light blue."
"Alright. By the way Serena, I was thinking the day after the ball, would you…"
"No, I'm sorry. I can't on that day."
Geoffrey frowned. He hasn't even asked yet. "Why?"
Serena did not want to tell him about it, but she has no choice now. "I need to attend the contract signing event set on that day."
"Contract signing?"
--
TBC