Living the Life: A Sleepyboisinc (SBI) MCYT Story

Chapter 6 - Bleak Skies

   "Wait, is it already ten?" Phil checked his watch, and stood up abruptly. "Sorry, Tommy and Wilbur have school tomorrow. We should probably leave." Everyone started tidying up the table, but Techno waved them off and sent them back to their apartment. He sat back down at his table, his mouth full off carrot cake cookie. He'd taken quite a liking to them.
   "What do you think of them Floof?" In response, Floof barked, and Techno rubbed Floof's head affectionately. "I could get used to them," he said, not to anyone in particular.

   Earlier that day, Techno had just finished moving around all his furniture. Luckily, he'd finally stopped putting off moving the boxes, since Techno hadn't expected guests. He, Phil, and Kristen had gotten along really well, chatting about his software company, Arctic Empire. It was the reason why Techno had moved here. And Techno had liked Tommy and Wilbur. He enjoyed their carefree energy, silliness, and teasing.

   Wilbur had a fantastic time yesterday. But today, was decidedly anything but. It was little things, like waking up late, the rain pouring outside, and forgetting his guitar. So when the Lovejoy band practice rolled around, he felt a little antsy without it.
   "You alright man?" Joe asked, looking up from his guitar. When Wilbur didn't respond, Ashley and Mark looked on in concern.
   "I'm okay," Wilbur finally said. "Just had a bit of a rough day, I guess."
   "You want to talk about it?"
   "Oh. Yeah, sure." Wilbur considered making something up, just so he wouldn't trouble his bandmates, but eventually decided against it. Joe, Ashley, and Mark would see right through him anyways.

   "It started with this morning I think. I woke up late. Forgot my guitar. I didn't do so well on Miss Kaylee's quiz." But after Wilbur said everything out loud, he realized that wasn't what was really bothering him.
"Actually," he continued, "I quit the robotics team last week. The team wasn't happy, but I just couldn't keep up with them, y'know? Half the things they say just sound like they're speaking Latin. But this is the... what- sixth club I've tried?"

   It had been a Monday afternoon, Wilbur's least favorite day. He'd trudged through his classes, and the clock's hands seemed to be moving slower and slower. When he finally walked into the robotics room, too tired to even think, their club president, who was also their team captain, approached him.
   "You're late. Again."
   "I'm sorry, but Mrs. Valentino held me back, and this classroom is all the way across campus from her room-"
   "Wilbur. If you're going to make excuses, and not put in the effort to get here on time, then maybe you should rethink your priorities. Robotics comes first."
   "But-"
   "I said, no excuses."
   "She was talking to me about a test make-up!" Wilbur exploded, tired of the same lecture the robotics captain always gave. Eacg time it grew even more infuriating since it seemed it was only ever him that was out of line.

   "I quit," Wilbur muttered, about to walk out the door.
   "We need you, annoyingly, for the upcoming state championships, and this is how you repay us? The only place you keep coming back to is that little band of yours." Wilbur said nothing, and slammed the door behind him.

   "My god. I'm so sorry, that's rough. The robotics captain sounds like a real jerk," Mark responded, after hearing Wilbur recount the story.
   "For sure," Ash echoed. "Do you... just want to jam out a little? We don't need to practice right now."
   "We have the gig coming up," Wilbur reminded him. "We should practice."

   "I'm sure we can go one day without serious practice. Besides, nothing good comes from moping around!"
   "I think Mr. Westreed has an extra guitar in his room," Joe chimed in. "I'll go ask to borrow it, and we'll do some light playing, okay?" It wasn't before long until Joe, Ash, and Mark had Wilbur singing, his spirits considerably lifted.

   At least Wilbur's friends could help alleviate his spiraling thoughts, even if it was only for an hour.