I've already been to four different instruments stores but found nothing. So far I've found nothing that was vaguely suitable or reasonably priced. The old antique store was the last place I would have expected to find a good violin. The shop bell gives a resounding ring as I push open the door of the shop. I have expected this antique store to be like the others, cluttered with furniture and items from last year to decades back, but this one was different. It isn't cluttered nor was it over-flowing with many unwanted stuff. It looks very much like a proper shop that sells new things that are not owned by anyone before.

'Welcome, how may I help you?'

'Umm,'  I respond as I walk over to the counter where a hippie red-haired  sales assistant appeared and smiles cheerfully

'It's the violin in the front window, can I have a closer look please?'

'I'm sorry that one is not for sale, it was put out here by mistake.'

I turn around to see where the voice is coming from. There is a man with the most striking, wild mustache, a kind of man you wouldn't want around your kids, walking downstairs, carrying a large box written on either side fragile in red to indicate there is something could easily get broken. I shake my head disappointed murmuring to myself how too bad it was as I was going to pick it to check the price. He clears up that flowerchild who works here picked up the wrong piece and place it on display. He gives her orders to put the violin back in the small room inside the store.

I watched the girl walking with the instrument heading to where she was told. I felt my throat tighten, I need that violin by all what the word mean. To get my life back on track again. I was mentally exhausted. My energy has been drained while roaming around inquiring for the instrument that could bring joy into my life again, not to forget how much my feet are sore. I decide right then and there that I have to negotiate with the mustache man over the violin, maybe if I'd plead to him, telling him how I lost my own instrument in the auction couple week ago and how much I need it to get back my life, maybe then I could make him change his mind. Just before to start with my monologue the tinkle of the bell over the door distract my thoughts.

I peered behind me after the owner of the shop saluted the new visitor, calling him Jeffrey. Judging on the way they greet each other I assumed he'd frequently visiting the old store. The owner asks him if he came to sell something. The later who was wearing an office wear, a medic eyeglasses and in what it seemed in his late 20s, shakes his head no. The bespectacled man looks at me raising one of his thick brows when he caught me scanning what he was carrying in his hand. A very familiar black shining case in shape of a violin. I couldn't resist to not overhear his conversation with the mustache man, not after the black case got all my attention. Something deep inside told me that is Mahogany. I have that feeling.

The guy who goes by name Jeffrey said he came to check if the viloin was in its best condition and produced music properly, he pauses his words, staring back at me, analysing my features. I must be given the air of an intruder, otherwise, it is awkward standing there doing nothing but eavesdrop on the guy. I cast my eyes down, trying helplessly to avoid his gazes behind his glasses.

He put down the case on the counter and opened it to a very, much, familiar red wooden violin.

'The wood is positively exquisite, spruce for the soundboard, maple for the back, neck and sides, ebony for the fingerboard tailpiece and tuning pegs, all being of surprisingly high quality. The spruce has been harvested from a cold, high altitude which makes the soundboard stronger and resonant. The separate pieces had dried for at least thirty years maybe, making more durable. A thin coat of varnish over the fiery red wood finished off the violin perfectly and makes the whole thing gorgeous.'

I blurt it out. The guy steps back instinctively, pushing his glasses up to his nose and the mustache man looks at me amused. It is then when realisation hit me, my eyes bulge like if they've doubled in size. The thrill chocked the breath out of me. I froze in my place, feeling the cold run down my spine. The violin was not just familiar, looking like my lost baby. It is my baby. It is Mahogany itself. I must be dreaming. The two letters"GF" that were engraved near the chin pad shone bright. Oh my goodness that is my very violin that I lost in the auction. I feel like I am suffocating. And now it is with that guy who seems to know nothing about the instrument. The owner of the store lifts the instrument up and studies it closely then nods

'It seems you know a lot about violins, don't you?' he asked casually

'Yes. Very much indeed. Because I had one and lost it in the auction little time ago'

I let out an exasperated sigh, he nods understanding the situation

I couldn't help not to speak with the guy again

'Well as long as the wire strings aren't that much worn and the bow looks good then it needs ricin to ..' I pause midspeech as I noticed he is staring at me again, this time annoyance shines on his face

The owner of the store agrees with me and goes upstairs then back after few moments, bringing something with him. He smiles at me, couldn't hide his amusement

'Actually... THIS is the VIOLIN I lost.'

Gesturing with my index toward the instrument in his hand, I couldn't hold it back anymore. The guy glares at me, before he could say a word I am first to speak

'Please, sell it to me!'

I approach him somewhat quickly, pleading with my eyes

'Umm .. sorry for your loss, but this is not for sale.'

'How much?'

I insist

'You're weird, I was clear that this violin is not for sale!'

'It could be a good investment and it looks like you don't know how to handle it properly and it will only tire you. How much would you like for it?'

I must get it back even though I've never been good with the whole  negotiating thing. He steps back, chewing on his inside cheek, I wondered if he would sell it then how much he would want for it

'I'm prepared to pay full price for it!' I stated simply

'Are you kidding me?'

'I've never been more serious.'

'Which word in " IT'S NOT FOR SALE " you don't get?'

'The whole thing.' I purse my lips.

'I want that violin back. I can afford the money.'

I look hard at him. Realised that I've never been such a persistent but hey that's my violin, not just any instrument, its a part of me and I couldn't just let it go, not after I found it.

The guy shakes his head in disbelief, puts the violin back to its case, murmurs something to the shop owner

'Sorry, there is no way you could get it.'

He confirmes and storms out the store quickly. Leaving me behind him all flashed. I didn't pay much attention to the mustache man when he suggested to sell me the other violin I saw when I came in before I'd encountered with man who took Mahogany away from me. I decline his request and I did what I mostly good at. I decide I had to run behind the guy, to track him down and get my violin, maybe even steal it from him, if it becomes necessary to. I have to fight for it. Mahogany worth the hassle.

The guy has already gotten in his car and pulls away. I didn't know what best I could do at the moment. Luck was definitely on my side at the time a cub just rolled in next where I was standing, gliding in the vehicle quickly was like stepping into the most exciting scene of James Bond movie, the sound track of daring music was playing in my head. I told the driver to follow the white Volvo SUV as it was a matter of life or death. He did, and as we drove I couldn't help thinking about what had just happened. In the space of few minutes my world had changed and a glimpse of hope shines in the horizon.

🎻🎻🎻

In my mind I saw a standing ovation as we made it in short time, well thanks god we haven't been caught in rush hour. I descended the car, paid and thanked the driver to get me in time. I saw the guy with my violin parked his Volvo SUV near the entrance of a tall building going up all three stories. It's hard to not be impressed with it to be quite honest.

Situated on the Bridge Road thoroughfare, 'The Rose' stands out as one of Melbourne most iconic pubs, yet I've never been here before. It's far too big. It was built back in the 19th century as a Hotel but then ordained as a pub in the beginning of the millinium. I kept eying the place while wondering why he was here but I quickly let my legs guide me behind my violin. I walked up the wide front stairs which led me up into the palatial front bar. There's a large ground-level bar that has been split down the cavernous space. The original chandeliers and the dark turned wood from the hotel time survived, giving the air of the victorian design. High bar tables run the length of the bar side while the main part of the room was a dining area filled with comfy booth seating. Behind the bar, there was two separated staircases leading up to the rest of the building levels. In between, there was a door which I assumed it takes either outdoor garden or it belongs to the staff.

I noticed the guy headed up, taking the stairs which were a little bit asolate in the corner, and there was a guard standing there which came to mind that it was certainly a VIP area and clearly I couldn't made it there. Very obvious with my barely five hours of sleep, my panda dark circles, my messy bun and an AC/DC t-shirt with biker jacket on couldn't have passed for the VIP. But I tried my luck, anyway.

'I am actually here meeting someone'

I said out of breath

'You're not allowed if you don't show me the pass'

he replied simply

' I didn't know that I needed a pass'.

The guard shot me a look as if to say don't-try-this-route.

'My partner assured me that you'd have me escorted inside'

Sure my tan cheeks turned a shade darker due to my nervousness, he kept eyeing me, he was taller up close and I instantly got in the impression that he was leaning over me to scare me out. I thought for a moment, what if I seemed annoying enough, maybe the man might just let me pass then, he looked overworked and the job didn't seem to pay much enough, considered the irritation in his eyes

' I am sorry but you very much need a pass to be here'

'Well my boyfriend did tell me that I'd just have to tell the security that I was his girlfriend'

Even with this obvious lie I doubt this guard would have been peaceful for much longer. The guard after a moment broke out in a slight grin, clear sarcasm shining in his eyes and tone as he tilted his head, asking me

'...and who is your boyfriend if may I ask?'

I panicked badly at his question. I had to admit that I know nobody and that I'm screwed. I couldn't help but felt even more like an utter failure, then the name Jeffrey came to my mind. If I remembered his name earlier I would at least spare myself the humiliation. I know I put myself in a huge mess. The guard smiled at me with an obvious "I got you" in my eyes.

'I highly doubt that'  he muttered

'It would be truly better if you get out immediately. If you keep bothering and trespassing, you'll get yourself in trouble, little girl'

Could I get in serious trouble for this? I hadn't thought about this, but it just worsened my anxiety. I tried to drive further my conviction to make this plan work.

'I am not lying'

I muttered with my most bewildered expression at his obvious disbelief

'Are you saying I'm a liar?'

'I am just saying that if Jeffrey had a partner, I'd certainly know'

he shot back annoyed

'Please don't waste anymore of my time and just turn back and leave, you tried and you failed'

'Are you accusing me of being untruthful and of trying to use this situation to my favor?'

Maybe if I built a dramatic situation the guard would let me go despite he looked like his headache was just worsening and he was closer to just exploding.

'Let 's cut this out, why don't you call him?'

To be frank, I was not expecting he would actually take on my proposal. I was aware that I was screwed the moment he grabbed his phone out his pants pocket. I just hoped the mention of that guy name might convinced the guard to let me pass.

He dialed the number, showing me the screen as it was ringing in the other side of the line, three rings and the other one answered the call, the guard cleared his throat eyeing me carefully, putting on speakers. I gulp, now I'm in trouble indeed. I'm so dead. What should I do. Hit and run my subconscious suggested. How easy to say that, it wouldn't work with this large dude, which brought to mind why the freaking hell they'd always hiring huge dudes as security guards. However I still have the element of surprise. I turned around readying myself to do what I'm best at, kick the man's leg and flee upstairs for my dear life. I had no choice, not after I know Mahogany was not that far and I just could't let this chance slip away of my hand when I got the perfect opportunity to get it back. I had to fight for it. Mahogany worth the hassle as I stated before.