Strings

-Chapter 11: You said what?-

"3 Covers???" I exclaimed at Mr. Adams. We're in the backstage and the show had finished. A lot of things happened after my performance; Jack's in the school's clinic because a problem with pyrotechnics or something, more people took advantage of the 'talent' show—like we're the one of the only people that sang—and obviously we didn't win cause it went to the guys that did Happier.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Well you see Mr. Monroe—Mr. Adams scratched his head—the school is already running on a budget and the band supposed to perform called in last minute to say they couldn't do it."

"The whole band? What happened to the lead singer?"

"He broke his leg."

"Drummer?"

"At a funeral"

"GUITARISTS?"

"One is out of country but the other is free, actually. Except that the school needs a band and not a single person."

"So, the talent show was just to find a decent artist for the ball?"

"Well, it served as a contingency plan, but it also proved the talents of our students. You caught my eye and I don't change my mind. You'll need to fill in the songs you'll be doing 3 days before the event and also the school is willing to pay you if you can captivate the crowd."

Then he dismissed me and I met up with Chriss.

"What did Mr. Adams tell you over there?" He said clutching his bag.

"The guy was just sounding like a NPC giving out objectives or something, but he said that I'm going to perform on the Ball on Friday."

"Mmm. Hope you gon' ask Aubrey out?" Chriss said with a smile.

"Yeah, I thought about it but then I don't know so let's just wait till Thursday or something."

"Anyways, I have practice in like—Chriss checked his watch—20-ish minutes and my Uber is here in like a minute or two, so..."

After that, we left the school.

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"After that, we left the school."

"Ok! Thanks for those of you who have still been listening! We need to go on a short break and we'll be right back."

"And we're off." One guy in the back said.

I stand up from my seat and go to the restroom.

After a minute, I'm done and head back to my seat.

This stuff is really exhausting, I think to myself as I settle down. To my left, I see that the producer is in a chat with one of the crew guys.

The screen shows that I have about 4–no, 3 minutes left till we go back. Free time.

I whip out my phone and enter my private messages.

Summer: Tf are you doing there for so long, im a finger away from binging the whole season without you

Me: I did say that it was 24 hours long smh 🤦‍♂

Summer: yeah anyways chriss dm'd me and said he's returning tomorrow so you better bring some pizza

The crew person that spoke earlier now announces, "Two minutes."

Me: did I miss anything, no spoilers

Summer: no not really plus I just started listening to the podcast you're on i know im 5 hours behind but f*ck it

Me: alright I'll leave you and your KFC.

Summer: how did you know

Me: i have my ways anyways see you later

Summer: byeee

"You know, this is my first time doing this." The producer whispers

"I could tell, but you're doing great, I guess?" I hunch my shoulders which makes her laugh.

"Thanks for the compliment" She says between chuckles.

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"And we're back! Welcome back to those still listening to the podcast. We are here with Zach Monroe–"

"Hello." I say, softly.

"–And we're here as he recounts his story. You will still perform for us right?"

"If I still have the energy to."

Laughter.

"So how's has life been so far, in a relationship? Trying new hobbies? Visiting places?"

"Umm yeah, I am in one, sorry ladies I'm not single. And I'm also not gay either. Not really, comfortable disclosing information though. What else? Oh! I started skydiving. Posted it on Instagram @zach but yeah, not much."

"Anything you'd like to say else?"

"Yes," I inch near the microphone. "I'm performing soon in Sacramento, tickets out now. Alright I'm done."

"Ok, thanks for that, a disclaimer for you guys. We have a question here from @srtgawd who says 'How do I become a good rapper, i freestyle a lot but they're mainly about a minute long' "

"Well, you know coming up, I listened to a lot of XXXTENTACION and I loved the way he could switch from one genre to another like from Rap to Country. So when I really started focusing on music, I was like 'If I became one, I'd like to be like that.' In the end it's up to you, look for inspiration and practice."

"Ok! Thank you for all your questions, we'll answer the others later. You were telling us something, weren't you Zach?"

"Yeah, this one I'm about to say is like a continuation from the last one cause it happens a day before the ball."

"Alright."

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And we back!

Keeping it short, here you go, still in school but trying my best.

You know what to do, vote and comment, if you've made it this far.

Constructive criticism is always appreciated.

But that's basically it.

Gone.