Casa Musica
Casa Musica tells the story of a group of friends that chase their dreams. Michiel and Thomas are the two musicians of the band that are able to envision their dream, becoming a solid music act at cruise lines. With their music they are touring the world along with their friends who joined them as helpful crew.
The story focuses on the band’s journey together and the bonds between all of them.
Chapter one: Casa Musica.
The coldest day of winter so far was drawing to a close. The sun dipped behind the snow-covered peaks of Etely Mountain, casting long, violet shadows across the motionless village. A thick blanket of snow covered the rooftops, its pristine surface glistening under the faint glow of the streetlamps. Smoke curled lazily from the chimneys of tightly shut houses, and the cobblestone streets, adorned with intricate patterns of frost, were utterly deserted. Even the smallest hint of life—footprints or the distant bark of a dog—was swallowed by the weight of the icy silence.
Strings of golden fairy lights and evergreen garlands adorned windows and doorways, their delicate shimmer creating an enchanting contrast against the empty streets. Icicles hung like ornaments from the eaves of the buildings, and wreaths with bright red ribbons punctuated the frosty stillness. It was as if the entire village had leapt out of a Christmas card, frozen in time.
On Violins Lane, number 44 stood out not for its size or grandeur but for its warmth. The quaint, stone cottage was wrapped in festive cheer, with twinkling colored lights strung along the gabled roof and a bright red star illuminating the frosty windowpanes. The snow-laden shrubs in the front yard looked like frosted cupcakes, and the faint glow of a Christmas tree inside added to the cozy allure.
Inside, the crackling fireplace filled the living room with a golden warmth, and the smell of cinnamon and pine lingered in the air. The Van Heerden family’s Christmas tree, adorned with handmade ornaments and silver tinsel, stood proudly in the corner, its lights casting gentle shadows that danced across the walls. But the true vibrance of the house came from below, where the steady rhythm of music pulsed through the floorboards.
The Van Heerden basement, once a forgotten storage room, had been transformed into a rehearsal space for Michiel and Thomas. The walls were lined with faded posters of their musical inspirations, a mix of jazz legends and rock stars. A drum kit occupied one corner, and a keyboard stood proudly near the center, accompanied by a tangle of cables and a makeshift recording setup. Despite the clutter, the room radiated creativity and determination.
Michiel sat at the keyboard, his fingers dancing effortlessly across the keys, creating an intricate melody that filled the room. Across from him, Thomas kept a steady rhythm on the drums, his face a picture of concentration. The two of them were perfectly in sync, their chemistry as bandmates honed over years of playing together. Each note and beat seemed to flow seamlessly, as if they shared an unspoken connection that words couldn’t capture.
Casa Musica was their pride and joy, a dream that had grown from childhood jam sessions into something far more meaningful. Every Saturday evening, they gathered here, braving the icy roads and the demands of daily life to rehearse. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the friendship, the memories, and the shared vision that kept them coming back, week after week.
For Mr. and Mrs. Van Heerden, these rehearsals had become a cherished routine. The vibrant music below offered a comforting backdrop as they sipped hot tea in the quiet of their living room. Silently enjoying the warmth of the crispy fireplace, they watched the snow fall gently outside the window, exchanging occasional smiles as they heard the muffled sounds of laughter and applause drifting up from the basement.
‘It’s amazing how far they’ve come,’ Mrs. Van Heerden said, her voice soft with pride. Mr. Van Heerden nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. ‘It feels like just yesterday they were playing toy instruments in the living room. Now, look at them.’ He chuckled. ‘Our own little Casa Musica.’
As the evening deepened, the village remained still under its snowy blanket. Only the faintest hum of music escaped from the Van Heerden home, carried away by the biting wind. Inside the walls of number 44, Michiel and Thomas played on, their music a beacon of warmth and creativity in the coldest night of the season.
Maria sighed contentedly as she nestled deeper into the plush sofa, letting the warmth of the crackling fire and the soft glow of the Christmas lights lull her into a moment of peace. She closed her eyes, the faint echoes of Michiel and Thomas’s music drifting up from the basement filling the air with a sense of calm.
“They make such wonderful music in there,” she murmured, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Herbert, seated beside her, folded his newspaper neatly and placed it on the side table. He paused for a moment, lost in thought, before standing and moving to the window. His hands clasped behind his back, he gazed out into the snow-covered street, the world outside painted in soft hues of moonlight and shadow.
He didn’t need to respond; Maria’s words resonated deeply within him. The music the boys created truly was something special. It wasn’t just the melodies or rhythms—it was the passion and soul they poured into every note. Herbert sighed deeply, his breath fogging the glass.
Turning back to Maria, he asked, his voice low and thoughtful, “Do you think they’ll make it out there? In that big world, I mean?”
Maria opened her eyes and turned her head toward him, her expression gentle and reassuring. “I sure hope so,” she replied with quiet confidence. “I mean, every performance they’ve done so far has been a success. The audience always loves them, and you’ve seen how they light up when they play together.”
Herbert nodded slowly, but he remained silent, his thoughts drifting to the challenges that lay ahead for Michiel and Thomas. The world beyond Etely Mountain was vast and unpredictable, a stark contrast to the safety and familiarity of their small village. He admired their courage, but as a father, he couldn’t help but worry.
His gaze shifted to the photo on the mantelpiece. There stood Michiel and Thomas, arm in arm, beaming with excitement after one of their first performances. It was a memory Herbert held close to his heart, but now, a new chapter was about to begin—a chapter far removed from this cozy home.
In a few short months, Michiel and Thomas would embark on their first major adventure as musicians aboard cruise lines. It was an opportunity that had come about almost serendipitously. Just weeks ago, they had nervously submitted an audition video to a recruitment agency, their hopes riding on a single performance.
Herbert remembered the evening they received the news. The email had come through just a few days later, confirming their selection. He could still hear the boys’ shouts of joy and see the way they had hugged each other in disbelief, their excitement filling the house like a burst of sunlight on a cold day.
“That was already a good start,” Herbert thought, his lips curving into a faint smile.
But despite the promising beginning, Herbert’s mind lingered on the unknown. The life of a musician was unpredictable, filled with long hours, tough audiences, and the constant pressure to stay relevant. Would they be able to handle it? Would their friendship withstand the challenges of a career that often demanded sacrifices?
Maria seemed to sense his unease. She rose from the sofa and joined him at the window, slipping her hand gently into his. “Herbert,” she said softly, “we’ve raised Michiel to be strong, to follow his dreams, and to believe in himself. And Thomas? He’s always been like a second son to us. They’ll be okay. They have each other, and they have their talent. That’s more than many people can say.”
Herbert looked down at her and gave a small nod. Deep down, he knew she was right. The boys had a rare gift, not just in their music but in their bond. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
The faint sound of laughter and a sudden crescendo of music rose from the basement, breaking the quiet moment. Herbert chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, one thing’s for sure,” he said, his voice lightening, “they’re going to leave this house with a lot of noise.”
Maria laughed, leaning her head against his shoulder. “And a lot of memories,” she added.
As the snow continued to fall outside, the Van Heerden home stood as a sanctuary of warmth and hope—a place where dreams took root and prepared to take flight.
Michiel and Thomas had known each other for what felt like forever. At the age of 24 and 25, they shared a bond that had started back in primary school, where they’d first met as kids with a shared love for music. Over the years, their friendship had grown into something unshakable, built on laughter, trust, and countless hours of shared experiences.
It had been Michiel’s idea to form a band. “We’ve been playing together for so long, why not take it a step further?” he’d suggested one afternoon, his acoustic guitar perched on his knee. Thomas had readily agreed, and their first jam session had been a revelation. The connection between them was instant and undeniable, as though their instruments were speaking a language only they understood.
From that moment on, Casa Musica was born. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was a shared dream. For both of them, becoming professional musicians wasn’t just a distant goal; it was the future they wanted to create.
Over time, they poured their energy into writing original songs, weaving together melodies and lyrics that felt true to who they were. Michiel was a multi-talented musician, effortlessly switching between acoustic guitar, bass, piano, and vocals. His voice was a gift—rich and emotive, capable of captivating an audience with every note.
Thomas, meanwhile, was the rhythm that held everything together. Though he could sing beautifully, his heart belonged to the instruments. He was self-taught on the drums, acoustic guitar, ukulele, and banjo. Together, they crafted tunes that balanced Michiel’s heartfelt melodies with Thomas’s energetic beats, creating songs that felt vibrant and alive.
Their performances quickly gained attention. At their very first gig—a free podium at the local youth center—their friends and families had filled the room. The energy was electric, and their original songs had stolen the show. It was a moment neither of them would ever forget, the first real taste of what their future could hold.
Their journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of those around them. Their parents had been their biggest supporters from the start. Herbert and Maria Van Heerden, Michiel’s parents, and Thomas’s parents had always been there, front row at every gig.
The fathers had taken on the role of roadies, tirelessly hauling equipment from one venue to the next, while the mothers had designed a custom banner with Casa Musica’s name and logo. The banner became a symbol of their journey, proudly displayed at every performance.
Their friends were equally committed. Samuel, who owned a disco bar at home, had become their go-to sound engineer. When Michiel and Thomas saved up to buy their own PA system, they asked Samuel to handle the technical side of their gigs. He had a knack for it, and they’d agreed to pay him a small cut for his work.
Then there was Giel, the wordsmith of the group. Whenever Casa Musica played a gig or released a new song, Giel would write detailed reviews and post them on their social media accounts. His words captured the essence of their music, drawing in new fans and helping their online presence grow.
With everyone working together, Casa Musica had become more than just a band—it was a community.
When they submitted their audition video to a recruitment agency specializing in cruise ship entertainment, neither Michiel nor Thomas expected much to come of it. They’d recorded it late one evening in the basement, their nerves palpable as they played through their best set.
But then came the email. “Congratulations! We are pleased to invite Casa Musica to perform as part of our entertainment team.”
They had stared at the screen in disbelief before bursting into cheers. Their parents had come running, and the living room turned into a scene of celebration. It was the breakthrough they had been waiting for—a chance to take their music beyond the borders of Etely Mountain and share it with the world.
With their cruise ship contract secured, Michiel and Thomas began preparing for their biggest adventure yet. For the first time, music was no longer just a passion; it was becoming their full-time job. It was a dream come true, but also a daunting step into the unknown.
As they packed up their gear for yet another rehearsal, the banner rolled up neatly and tucked into the corner, they couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest people on earth. They weren’t just chasing a dream—they were living it.
“Well, I think we’re through the most important songs,” Michiel said, setting his guitar down with a sigh of relief. “Let’s take a break.”
“Good idea,” Thomas replied, quickly putting his guitar away and heading straight for the refrigerator. “Do you want a beer too?” he asked, rummaging through the drinks.
“Yes, please,” Michiel answered, stretching out on the couch. “By the way, what are we going to do about Samuel?”
“I’m not sure,” Thomas said, cracking open a beer. “He does a great job with the sound adjustments, but do you think he’d be up for it? I mean, we’ll be gone for quite a while. It’s a lot to ask.”
“We can always ask him,” Michiel said, nodding thoughtfully. “After all, he’ll get paid for it, just like us. He’ll be at the youth center tonight anyway, so we can talk to him then.”
“That’s a good idea!” Thomas responded with a grin.
The two of them sat back in their chairs, taking small sips of their beers, letting the quiet settle in. After a while, they quickly ran through the playlist again, double-checking their set for any last-minute adjustments. They made sure their rehearsal space was tidy, then headed upstairs.
“Mom, Dad! We’re going to the youth center. Samuel’s playing there tonight,” Michiel called as they entered the living room.
“Sounds good,” Maria replied from the couch. “Just be careful. And behave!” she added with a playful tone.
“Always!” Thomas said with a mischievous grin, earning a knowing look from Maria.
“And that’s exactly why I said it!” she laughed. “Now go, and have a great evening.”
“We will!” Michiel called back as they stepped out the door, heading for the garage.
Brrr, it’s really incredibly cold and slippery,” Michiel said, struggling to keep his balance as he carefully navigated the icy path.
Thomas, riding alongside him, couldn’t resist the urge to play the role of the bogeyman. With a mischievous grin, he gave Michiel a little nudge.
“Come on, man, race you to the youth center!” he challenged, accelerating ahead.
Michiel, always up for a bit of friendly competition, quickly pushed his pedals harder, following Thomas’ trail. The two of them raced down the street, the cold air biting at their faces, but the thrill of the race keeping them going. It didn’t take long before they arrived at the youth center, both a little out of breath but grinning from ear to ear.
Ha! Won!” Thomas yelled in excitement as he stopped his bike with a flourish. Michiel, still catching his breath, parked his bike beside him.
“Yeah, but I let you win. Just wait until tonight, when I’m going to finish you!” Michiel laughed, trying to sound confident.
“Ha, in your dreams!” Thomas shot back. “You couldn’t possibly keep up with me!”
Michiel smirked, silently agreeing with Thomas, but not willing to admit it out loud.
A few moments later, they entered the youth center. Thomas went straight for the bar to get drinks while Michiel looked for a place to hang their coats. Just as he found an empty hook, Elise approached him.
“Hi, Michiel! Are you here alone?” she asked with a bright smile.
“No, Thomas is grabbing drinks for both of us. We’ve just arrived,” Michiel explained. “Are you here long?”
Only about half an hour. My dad gave me a ride and will pick me up later. He said it was too dangerous for me to ride my bike alone, like I’m still a child,” Elise said with a little roll of her eyes.
“Well, at least you’re comfortable,” Michiel replied with a chuckle.
“Giel is behind the bar, helping out. He was kind enough to get our drinks quickly,” Thomas said, returning with two beers.
“Oh, hey, Elise! I didn’t know you were here. Sorry, I didn’t bring you anything,” Thomas added when he noticed her standing with Michiel.
“Never mind,” Elise replied, waving off the apology.
If you want, I can go grab you something. Want a beer?” Michiel asked.
“That would be great!” Elise smiled.
“I’ll be right back!” Michiel said, heading off to the bar with a grin.
I think he likes you,” Thomas said teasingly, giving Michiel a mischievous glance as he watched Michiel walk off to the bar. “He’s just getting a drink for you.”
“Oh! You bully!” Elise replied with a playful smack on his shoulder.
Thomas laughed heartily, enjoying the teasing moment. A few moments later, Michiel returned, drinks in hand.
“Hey Michiel, do you have to tell me something?” Thomas said with a grin.
What? No, why?” Michiel asked, slightly confused.
“You just went and got a drink for her. Is there a reason for it?” Thomas pressed, still teasing.
“No, I just wanted to be nice. There doesn’t need to be a reason for it, right?” Michiel replied, trying to brush it off with a smile.
“Oh, of course not!” Thomas said, but in his mind, he couldn’t help but feel like there was something more to it. He thought to himself, I feel like there’s more behind this.
An hour later, more people had arrived, including Samuel, who joined Michiel, Thomas, and the rest of their group of friends already gathered at the youth center.
“Hi Samuel! Everything okay, buddy?” Thomas asked, grinning as Samuel settled next to him.
“Besides the freezing cold weather, I’ve got no complaints!” Samuel replied. “And you? How’s everything going with Casa Musica?”
Well, it’s good that you ask because we wanted to talk to you about that,” Thomas said, leaning in. “You’ve helped us out a few times with the sound, right?”
“Oh, that? It wasn’t too much work,” Samuel said with a modest shrug.
“But it was really good,” Michiel chimed in. “And we wanted to ask you something. Casa Musica got selected to perform on cruise lines. We’re going to be a solid music act there.”
“WHAT!” Samuel yelled, his eyes wide with surprise. “You’re joking, right?” He added, his jaw nearly hitting the floor.
Yeah, just a joke,” Thomas replied sarcastically, smirking. “Do you really think we’d joke about something like that?”
“Ignore him, I think he’s feeling the alcohol,” Michiel said, rolling his eyes at Thomas’ antics. “But seriously, we thought you might be interested in joining us as our music technician. That means you’d be doing our sound during the cruises. Now, we understand it’s a big commitment,” Michiel continued, “but we wanted to ask if you’d be up for it.”
“Of course I wanna do that!” Samuel said without hesitation. “That’d be a dream come true!”
“You’ll be paid, just like us,” Thomas explained, his tone more serious now.
Exactly, you’ll be a part of our band. But you’ll also need to come to our rehearsals a few times so we can get used to working with the sound setup,” Michiel added.
“Of course,” Samuel said eagerly. “Just let me know when you rehearse and I’ll be there.”
“Great!” Michiel said. “We’re aiming to rehearse as much as possible since we’re heading on the cruises soon. How about tomorrow afternoon?”
“Sounds good! Two o’clock?” Samuel asked.
“Yeah, two o’clock works for us,” Michiel responded.
Perfect, I’ll be there!” Samuel said. “Now I’ve gotta get ready, I’m deejaying tonight!” he added as he made his way to the DJ booth.
“Just play some good tunes!” Thomas yelled after him.
“Absolutely, as always!” Samuel replied, flashing a big grin before disappearing into the booth.
“Well, that was arranged quickly,” Michiel said, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.
“Yeah,” Thomas replied, “But I didn’t expect him to…” His voice trailed off as he suddenly paused, his eyes fixed on something behind Michiel.
“What’s wrong?” Michiel asked, noticing Thomas’ sudden shift. “It’s like you’ve seen a ghost!”
Thomas remained silent, still staring. Michiel turned around, following his gaze, and his heart sank. There stood Elise, looking ghostly pale, her face drained of color, her expression hollow. She had apparently been standing there for a while, and it was clear that she’d overheard their conversation.
“Elise? What’s wrong?” Michiel asked softly, stepping toward her.
Without a word, Elise turned and bolted toward the door, her footsteps hurried and unsteady. In that fleeting moment, Michiel caught a glimpse of tears welling in her eyes. Panic shot through him, and he rushed after her, Thomas right behind him.
When they arrived outside, they saw Elise sitting on a bench, her face buried in her hands. From the tremor of her body, Michiel could tell she was crying. He sat down beside her and gently draped his arm over her shoulders. “Elise?” he asked softly, “What’s wrong?”
Elise slowly lifted her head, her eyes swollen from crying.
“… Is it really true… sob… what you just said… sob… to Samuel?” she choked out between sobs.
“About the cruises?” Michiel asked, his voice soft but steady.
She nodded, and Michiel let out a long, deep sigh.
“Yes, it’s true,” he said, his voice almost a whisper. He nodded toward Thomas, who understood immediately and gave a slight nod in return. “Well, I’m going to check on Samuel and see if Giel is still around,” Thomas said before turning and heading back inside.
“I’m sorry,” Michiel continued, turning back to Elise, his voice heavy with regret. “I didn’t want to tell you yet… because, well, I was afraid of this.”
“So that means… I’m going to have to miss you for a very long time?” Elise’s voice trembled, and her eyes filled with more tears.
“Yes,” Michiel sighed deeply. Before he could say anything else, Elise suddenly threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly. He stood still, feeling her trembling against him. He wasn’t sure how to react but simply wrapped his arms around her.
When she finally loosened her grip a little and pulled back, she looked into his eyes, her gaze intense and full of emotion. For the first time, Michiel truly noticed the depth of her eyes—her beautiful blue eyes that seemed to hold so many stories, so much unspoken. It felt like he could see straight through them, into her soul—so pure, so innocent, and above all, so beautiful.
Before either of them could say another word, they instinctively leaned in closer to each other. Their lips touched, and in that fleeting moment, Michiel felt a surge of something magical, something he’d never experienced before. He had never been this close to a girl, not like this. But with Elise, it felt right—it felt like something they had been unknowingly moving toward for years. She had been his best friend, someone he could always turn to when he needed to talk, someone who always understood.
After what seemed like an eternity, they finally pulled apart.
“Wow…” Michiel whispered, his mind racing with the overwhelming feeling of the moment.
But before he could say anything more, Elise gently placed her finger on his lips, silencing him.
“Let’s just enjoy this moment,” she whispered, her breath warm against his ear, as she wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him close.
A few hours later, when they decided to go home, Elise joined Michiel and Thomas. She walked arm in arm with Michiel, while Thomas strolled beside them, a grin on his face. The cold air was filled with laughter as Thomas kept cracking jokes, but Michiel and Elise barely noticed. They only had eyes for each other, their shared smiles and quiet glances saying more than words ever could.
Out of nowhere, a snowball hit Michiel square in the back.
“Haha! Bullseye!” Thomas laughed, doubling over as he pointed at Michiel.
“Oh, that’s it! You’ve just signed your death warrant!” Michiel shouted, grinning as he scooped up a handful of snow. With one swift motion, he launched the snowball straight at Thomas’s head. It hit its mark, and Thomas stumbled back, feigning shock.
“Right, you asked for it!” Thomas yelled, already gathering ammunition.
Within moments, the quiet street transformed into a battlefield as the two best friends flung snowballs at each other with reckless abandon. They ducked and dodged, laughing so hard that they could barely stand upright. Snow flew in every direction, and their breath came out in clouds against the cold night air.
Elise stood to the side, her arms wrapped around herself, watching the scene unfold. “Boys,” she thought with a small smile. “They’re still just kids at heart.”
But as she watched them, her smile deepened. There was something so pure, so timeless about it—the way two lifelong friends could find so much joy in something as simple as a snowball fight. It was carefree, unfiltered happiness, and to Elise, it was the perfect end to a night she already knew she’d never forget. For her, it wasn’t just any evening—it was the best evening of her life so far.
In the weeks that followed, Michiel and Elise spent a lot of time together. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, except when Casa Musica was rehearsing. Elise respected their need for focus and privacy, rarely interrupting. She only attended one rehearsal during those weeks, quietly observing from the back. But during their performances, she was always front and center, cheering them on with pride.
The band had rehearsed with Samuel several times, and tonight was the first time he would manage their sound for a real show. It was a special event organized by Michiel’s and Thomas’s parents—a trial run for Casa Musica’s cruise line performances, which were rapidly approaching. The band was set to preview the playlist they would perform onboard, as their first trip was only two months away.
Earlier that week, they had received confirmation from the recruitment agency coordinating their cruise contracts. Their first performance under a record deal—it was a dream come true, something Michiel and Thomas had never imagined would happen. The weight of that reality made tonight’s gig feel even more significant.
There was even more good news. Casa Musica had been allotted three additional crew spots for the cruise, and they would be paid positions. After some discussion, they decided to bring Samuel, who was already their sound technician, along with Elise and Giel. Both would join as roadies—a role they had already taken on unofficially and excelled at. In addition, Elise would handle the band’s accounts, a task neither Michiel nor Thomas had much aptitude for. She, on the other hand, was organized, skilled, and genuinely enjoyed it. Giel eagerly took on the role of PR and marketing. He would be the right person to share Casa Musica’s journey with the world, crafting their story perfectly in writing.
The decision was a win for everyone. It meant that Elise and Michiel wouldn’t have to be separated during the long months at sea, a fact that made them both immensely happy. Thomas was relieved too. Over the past few weeks, he’d worried about how a long separation might affect Michiel, fearing it could distract him or even lead to homesickness. But now, with Elise onboard, he felt confident that everything would work out.
Though their relationship was still new, Michiel felt certain that Elise was the best thing that had ever happened to him. She brought out the best in him, and he couldn’t imagine life without her by his side. The feeling was mutual. As the band prepared to take the stage that night, Michiel glanced over at Elise standing nearby, her warm smile steadying his nerves. He knew in his heart that this was just the beginning—not only for Casa Musica but for the life he and Elise were building together.