Deadly Dynasty

9

October 2019

We were going on The Howard Stern Show. Those are words I never thought I'd say. I stared at myself in the mirror in front of me as the makeup artist put the final touches on my face. I was gorgeous. I opted for a more nude look as opposed to the dark makeup I normally did myself. Eight months ago, while I laid in a hospital bed in a coma, Autumn Skies was on the same show. They performed on the same stage that we were going to perform on. Eight months ago, they managed to put on one of the worst performances in Howard Stern history. They also managed to alienate several celebrities. They've always been messy, but this time it was becoming more obvious. And as ashamed as I am to admit it, I was loving every second of it.

"On in 5." One of the producers called out from the hallway.

I was nervous. My hands shook with jitters and excitement. This was our second chance. Four years ago, Wyatt and I decided to leave LA and regroup. Now we are back. This time we were in a band, Armor For Fire. This time, we didn't let anyone try to change us. This time, we were determined to make it big. We are going to show the world what we are capable of. We are going to prove all the doubters wrong. 

"Winter, let's go!" The producer said while knocking on my dressing room door.

Oh my God, this was it! I took a deep breath and opened the door to join the rest of the band in the hallway. We walked down the gray corridor and followed the producer who spoke frantically on his headset. Wyatt was a few steps ahead of me. He glanced back at us before holding his hand out for me. I reached forward and for a few seconds, our index fingers interlocked. It wasn't a full on hand grab, but it was enough to comfort me. It was something we always did when we were nervous. It was comforting to know he was just as nervous as I was.

We all made a right turn and walked down a shorter corridor until we entered the warm interview room. It was dimly lit with a big black glass table in the middle where Howard Stern was seated. To the left was the stage where we were going to perform. The violet colored carpet softened our footsteps as we approached the table and sat down. Howard eyed all four of us through his dark shades. I was curious how he was able to see with them on when the room was already so dimly lit, despite the studio lights that surrounded us. But there was no way I was going to embarrass myself and ask. Besides, the interview was about to start.

"We're on in 5, 4, 3, 2..."

Howard: Welcome back to The Howard Stern Show. Today I am sitting here with Wyatt and Winter Rodriguez, Viktor Larrson, and Chris Arthur. They are in the up and coming rock band, Armor For Fire. They just recently signed a record deal with Creative Arts Agency. How is everyone today?

Everyone: We're doing pretty well.

Viktor: A little tired from the jet lag, but it's something we're gonna have to get used to.

Howard: I like the optimism. Jet lag can be an absolute bitch. So anyway, Wyatt and Winter, I am assuming you two are brother and sister.

Winter: Twins, to be exact.

Wyatt: I'm 11 minutes older though. 

Howard: 11 minutes! Wow! Winter, what were you doing in there for 11 minutes?

Winter: No clue! I was just in there, floating and sleeping, not wanting to come out!

Howard: I do not blame you at all. The world is a cold place. Especially with what you and your brother have went through.

Wyatt: Uh, yeah, but everything is alright now though.

Howard: Well I mean, I wouldn't say EVERYTHING is alright. One of your friends died and another one is being charged with her death. That must weight heavily on you two.