Enjoy Things While We Can

So...Am I In?

"You want to join a band?", Joey questioned.

"Yes", Carter answered.

"Are you sure?", Joey questioned again.

"Yes", Carter answered monotonously, crossing his arms.

After the jamming session with the Meerkats at Santoro's Music Store, Carter returned home in the afternoon. He returned in one piece as per Kokomi's promise to his elder brother, Joey. Carter had inform Joey of tomorrow's audition after dinner. At first, Carter intended to ask for permission by force but soon extinguish the idea. Carter's 18 year's old now, he can make his own decisions if he wanted to.

After hearing his little brother's request, Joey sat Carter down on the dining table's chair and proceeded to discuss things further with him.

"Are you really sure?", Joey questioned him for the third time, making sure he heard his little brother correctly.

"For the third time you deaf baboon, YES", Carter shouted, he then realized his mistake and let out a small 'sorry'.

Joey let out a gentle sound resembling a sigh, shaking his head lightly. Joey felt a little worried for Carter, especially with his disability. 'What if he got lost somewhere? What if he got hurt and no one will help him? What if he got kidnapped? What if he falls and breaks something? Will there be anyone who can take care of him like me?'

All of these thoughts were going through Joey's head. He had his hand to his chin. thinking to himself. Carter is starting to get bored waiting for a minute now.

"You're overthinking again. I don't like it", Carter said.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry, I'm just really worried about you", Joey said.

Silent fell around the room as the two decided to stay silent. Then Carter spoke up.

"I'm bored with my routine. It's been the same for 3 years now, until that night when you took me to that concert", Carter revealed his frustration and reason.

"I see now, you feel trapped here. I'm sorry that I can't give you everything that you desire", Joey said.

Carter's face fell into a sad frown. A frown that Joey would misunderstood for normal begging instead of guilt.

"I haven't finished. Since you told me all of this, I will let you audition for the band", Joey said, smiling.

Carter's frown turned into a small smile, he felt happy, excited even.

"Really?", Carter asked as he stood up from the chair.

"Of course, I only want to see that smile of yours everyday, Mary and I both. Please forgive me for not realizing this sooner", Joey apologized, hugging his brother.

"It's not your fault, but technically it is. I do understand though, you can't understand someone truly unless you've been through their problem yourself", Carter reassured.

"Alright, you have an audition tomorrow so go rest up. I'll see you in the morning", Joey said.

"Okay", Carter said.

Carter then walked into his bedroom and shuts the door. He climbs into his soft bed and laid down on it. He then told SIRI to call Kokomi.

"Hello?", Kokomi answered.

"Hey Miss, it's me", Carter said.

"Oh pretty boy! What do you need?", Kokomi aksed.

"My brother will be giving me a ride to Santoro's tomorrow. You don't need to pick me up", Carter informed her.