He took a few moments to point out and explain all the parts of the guitar. I already knew a lot of them, but the head...well...I didn’t know that part was called a headstock. Now that I know, well...yeah...it was freakin’ obvious.
After Derek had patiently explained, I was now more familiar with the parts of a guitar, learning terms like: tuning pegs, position markers and frets.
“Okay, as you can see the guitar has six strings starting with number one being closest to the bottom and up to number six at the very top. Now pluck each string to hear its sound.”
I did what I was told.
“Do you know the basics of sheet music?” he asked.
“Kind of, I took singing lessons in school. We had to learn beats and rhythm, but I don’t really remember. I remember something to do with face though, you know f-a-c-e and ‘even good boys do fart’ or was it ‘every good boy doesn’t fart’. Shit! I can’t remember.”
Derek lost it and threw himself back on the couch laughing hysterically. Even Lucy lost it and rolled on the floor next to Alexander.
“What now? Oh, I give up. This was a bad idea anyway.” I went to put the guitar down next to me.
“No, Alexis. No, I’m sorry.” He chuckled a little more before he composed himself. “It’s not a bad idea. It’s a great idea and Bryce will love it. I just think we will need to practice as much as we possibly can. That’s all.”
Lucy stood up. “I gotta go. Don’t give up, Alexis.”
She laughed and mumbled something to herself as she headed upstairs.
“Now where were we? Oh yeah, the boy who farted.” He chuckled again, so I glared at him. “What you are referring to is the mnemonic for the notes and spaces on the treble clef. It’s actually more commonly known as ‘Every Good Boy Does Fine’.” Oh, Alexis you stupid, stupid idiot.
“Oh,” I giggled. “Fair enough.”
He continued on and cleared up the basics of sheet music including the time signature, measures, and half, quarter and whole notes.
Before I knew it I was strumming notes in rhythm and in beat, tapping my foot as I went.
“You’re actually a quick learner, Alexis.”
“Thank you. I might get my mnemonics mixed up but I recover gracefully.”
“You do,” he smiled.
“What’s the time?” I asked as I didn’t have my watch on.
“Nearly a quarter past one.”
“Shit! That went quick. Luce should be back soon to take me to my appointment. I’m getting this horrid thing off today.” I pointed to my cast. “Do you want a drink or anything?” I went to get up.
“Yeah, but I’ll get it. Can I get you one?”
“Yes, please. Just some water is fine.”
He headed over to the bar to pour us a drink.
Just as I was thinking Lucy better hurry up, my phone rang. I hopped over to my bag to fish it out and speaking of the devil, it was Lucy.
“Hey, where are you?”
“I’m stuck in traffic. A truck lost its load on the Bolte Bridge. Shit! I’m not going to be able to get you to your appointment on time. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry, it can’t be helped. I’ll just ask Danny to take me or get a taxi. It’s no big deal. I’d better go and organise it though, so I’m not late. I’ll see you when I get home.”
I hung up and flicked through my phone in search of Danny’s number.
“Is everything all right?” Derek asked as he handed me my glass of water.
“Lucy is stuck in traffic and can’t take me to my appointment. So I need to track down Danny and see if he is available.” I found his number and went to press dial.
“Never mind Danny. I’ll take you.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m sure Danny can quickly drop me off and pick me up later.”
“Alexis, it’s fine. It really isn’t a big deal. And anyway, I’ve got nothing better to do.”
I stewed on it for a second. “Well, if you really don’t mind then thanks, I appreciate it.”
“Okay, let’s go then,” he swung his keys round his finger. “Hope you’ve got a helmet.”
“What?” I shrieked.
“My ride is a Harley.”
“Absolutely no fucking way. Thanks for the offer, but I humbly decline.” I went to dig my phone back out of my bag.
“I’m kidding,” he joked, and he gently placed his hand on the small of my back as I hobbled past him on my crutches and through the front door.
***
Derek’s ride was actually a bright blue 2012 Ford Ranger, pretty much the perfect height for me to get in and out of without assistance.