QUEEN OF SUBURBIA -5sos au- WORK IN PROGRESS -

CHAPTER EIGHT: PART ONE: "I kissed a boy and I liked it"

Michael, Luke, Calum, and Ashton were ecstatic. They had booked a legit gig at a pub! Of course, they had told the owner that they were older than they were. Not that it really mattered, tons of illegal things happened at the pub. It was quite dingy. Besides that, the boys were still excited! They were a small garage band, they'd never had a gig this serious before! Luke was the most excited, and nervous.

"Candace, can you believe this? Our first gig! I think I'm going to have a heart attack this is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me. Please promise me you'll come!"

Candace giggled at the tall boy,
"Of course I'll come, I wouldn't miss it for the world!" Candace said, smiling as the boy leaned down to kiss her forehead. They both got out from behind her car and parted their ways. Luke and Candace had become a thing since they'd hooked up, and although Phoenix had gotten used to it, Candace didn't think the whole school would. They'd been secretly dating now. Phoenix had to admit to herself, they were a really cute couple. But now that they were dating, and Charlotte and Calum were talking, Phoenix had barely anyone to talk to. Every time she was with Candace, Luke was there. Every time Charlotte and her were going to have a movie night, but Calum called and they'd talk for hours. Phoenix had become the designated third wheel. She was not about to third wheel again.

Phoenix rolled her eyes at Candace and Luke. Both of them were begging her to come to the gig!
"It'll be fun I promise!" Luke said.
"I know you guys don't realize it, but I third wheel so hard around you . It's ridiculous, and not a good feeling." Candace laughed at her, and said. "It's okay so does Ashton, you guys can third wheel together!"
Candace was tired of seeing her best friend being so lonely and having Netflix as her only company. Ashton nodded at that, because it totally was true, and he wouldn't mind third wheeling with Phoenix.
Ashton smiled at Phoenix,
"Let's make it a date." Phoenix rolled her eyes, "whatever."

"So, when is this exciting event happening?" Phoenix asked as they were walking to lunch. Luke spoke up and said, "Friday night, so we have all week to rehearse! You guys should come to some of our band practices!" Candace nodded with excitement, "I'm in!" She said.
Phoenix giggled at her best friend, and said, "I guess I'm in too!"

At the band practice Phoenix and Candace sat on the couch sipping beer, and other alcoholic beverages. Without Charlotte of course. Although Charlotte would have happily accepted one of the drinks, she denied for her sisters sanity. Even though Phoenix was drinking she would have thrown a fit over Charlotte drinking. This moment reminded her of just how much of a hypocrite Phoenix really was. Phoenix still saw her sister as a baby.
As the band was preparing for their gig in the rustic garage with their instruments . Calum on bass, Luke on guitar, Ashton on drums, and Michael on guitar also.

After an hour of practicing, the boys decided to take a break. "Hey Ashton do you want a beer while I'm up?" Phoenix asked loudly. "Nah I'm good." He said in a soft tone. Like always, Phoenix didn't listen. She grabbed two beers from the old fridge. She walked to the near by bottle opener, and popped the top of the two beverages. She let the lids clank and clatter as they bounced of the ground. Ashton winced at the familiar sound. Phoenix swayed her hips she walked to him. She smirked as she put one of the bottles to her pouty lips. She let the cold liquid linger in her mouth before she swallowed. She gestured that Ashton should take the fresh bottle from her. Her perfectly manicured hand held the bottle loosely. Ashton refused her offer once more only louder this time. "I told you, I didn't want one." Ashton said raising his voice. Phoenix laughed, he had to be joking. "Oh come on Ashton, just take it, it's not going to bite you!" Phoenix said laughing once more. her laughter was interrupted by Ashton slamming the bottle out of her hand. "I said no." Ashton's voice boomed as he stormed out of the room. Phoenix looked around shocked, and embarrassed.