Jerry's Cousin // Jack Brewer X OC

•62•

||SCHOOL OF JACK||

|CAMI

"What are they doing?" Jerry asked as Milton and his Classical Music Club band thing or whatever started performing.

"Milton's classical music club thing needs to raise money for their program, so, apparently, this is how he's gonna do it," I replied.

"They'd probably make more money if they stop playing," Jerry deadpanned.

"Guys! You are not gonna believe it! Donny Parker is moving! Do you know what that means?" Jack asked excitedly as he rushed up to our table.

"Yes I do. He's not gonna be living here anymore," Jerry answered.

"No, the Gutter Rats, the coolest band in school, are gonna be looking for a new member!" I corrected.

"They're the favorites to win next week's Battle of the Bands and I'm auditioning to be their lead guitarist tomorrow," Jack told us.

"Ya know, I might audition too," Jerry nodded.

"Jerry you don't know how to play the guitar," I reminded him.

"And you don't know how to dance, but that doesn't stop your little freak show at the prom," Jerry bit back.

"I can dance! You're thinking of Kim," I responded.

"Alright guys, let's see how much we made," I heard Milton decide. "18 cents, 2 apple cores, and a note that says 'Please don't ever play music again'."

"Kids can be so hurtful," I heard Sydney choke.

"That was from our music teacher," Milton gaped.

•••

"Rudy, Rudy! I fixed it. I went down to the school and grabbed all the school newspapers there. Luckily not many people read it," I assured.

"See, Rudy. There's no problem. Cami got every copy," Jerry spoke in slight relief. Rudy sighed in relief, looking at the wagon I filled with newspapers.

"Not every copy," Albert said, hopping into the dojo. "I'm here for my lifetime membership for free, people." Rudy started squeezing his stress balls at an inhuman speed. "And that's gonna be a while. My grandpa is a hundred and fourteen and he lives with his father." Rudy popped the stress balls, making me jump as Rudy whimpered in sadness, looking at the remains.

•••

"Hup! Good job guys," Rudy praised as me and Jerry kicked the punching pad.

"Rudy. Rudy. Rudy. Rudy," Albert continued repeating. "Rudy Rudy Rudy Rudy Rudy Rudy Rudy-"

"He's a little busy Albert!" Jerry snapped.

"I want him to watch me hit the fake man," Albert responded.

"The fake man is called a dummy. And, apparently, he's not the only one," I implied.

"Bah!" Albert punched the dummy lightly as me and Jerry watched in annoyance. "Think I'm getting better."

"You're really not," I denied.