I'm a Walking Travesty (Adopted by Tony Perry)

Chapter 1

I send a text message out to my band. We're really small still, since we're all only sophomores, but I had got an email from a record label and we haven't been signed yet.

"Hey Clay, Kyra, and Reggie. I got an email from Fueled By Ramen relating to our band. Do you want to do a video call as I read it out or do you guys want to meet at my house and we can have band practice after?"

I get quick responses from all of them. "I'm down for doing practice after. I'll be there in 30 minutes." There are two more texts of agreement. I pull my car out of the garage and park it where my dad's truck normally is. My dad put extra soundproofing in the garage because he didn't want us to get in trouble from our neighbors.

The guy across the street waves and talks, "Are you having band practice?" I nod.

"Do your parents know?" he asks. I shake my head.

He waves and goes into his house. I set up the amps and drum kit. I take out four water bottles as well. I put on my leather jacket so Clay especially doesn't see my newest scars. Kyra knows I used to cut, and Reggie actively does, so I don't want to trigger him.

I see Reggie's mom's car pull in. Reggie hops out with his bass. "Are your parents home?" his mom asks.

"My mom is," I easily lie. She nods.

"I'll be back later, Reggie," she says before driving off.

Reggie looks at me. "Is your mom actually home?" he asks.

"Nope, but I know she wouldn't let you stay without an adult," I reply quickly.

"Smart," he says with a smile. I notice he is wearing long sleeves and I frown.

"Do you have more?" I ask, referring to the cuts I'm nearly positive lie underneath. He looks at his arms and nods.

"Please stop, Reggie. I know it's hypocritical, but it's extremely addictive," I tell him with deep rooted concern. He nods.

"What are we starting with?" he asks.

"I was thinking we can go through the whole album, front to back and then work on what we need to from there," I reply. He nods and tunes his bass for the first song. I tune my guitar as well.

"Rachel, have you stopped?" he asks with seemingly the same concern. I shake my head. He gives me a light, friendly hug. I see Clay and Kyra pull up at essentially the same time. I close the garage after taping the sign on the door just in case my parents come back early.

"Alright, are you guys ready?" I ask them all, getting increasingly anxious with anticipation.

Clay looks at me before responding, "Let's agree beforehand. If this is an offer for a recording contract or to tour with a band, we will ask Mr Sunich to play in our assembly. Ms Ryan has asked both Rachel and I to play to her during class." We all nod in agreement.

"Does that mean I get to take a day off?" Reggie asks, since he doesn't go to the same high school as us.

"If your mom agrees to it," I reply quickly. He rolls his eyes.

I click the email, reading it aloud as I go,

"Dear Dire Chaos,

We have came to recognize your band through All Time Low and they have confided in us that they would like to have you guys join them as their front band on tour. We would also like to offer you a recording contract.

Since you are all under 18, each of you, as well as a parent each, must sign the contract. We're doing that virtually right now, so we will attach the contracts for you to sign.