—-- thursday a week later
The normal scene a week later in the "The Basement Project '' Miller, Jim and Clay had been practicing for the past 15 minutes or so. That's been the new routine this week, Miller sings songs he wrote and Jim plays the drums. Miller wasn't used to incorporating piano keys into his song but Clay didn't mind teaching him and looking over notes together. Victor leaned against the wall, sat on the floor and watched as everyone prepared themselves for the future. Looking like a tired but fulfilled teacher, looking over his respected talented students.
"Guys, we should hang out sometime soon. But not just to play instruments." Victor said out loud. Clay looked up from the piano, "And do what? Go to someone's house?" Victor sighed deeply into the wall. "No, I mean sure if you guys want. Just not my house"
Miller stood up adjusting his sweater, "Why don't we go eat somewhere?" Pulling out his cracked phone, he checked the time. "We could go today. It's still pretty early."
"Hello?" The door swung open, again. Everyone looked over to the person who just opened the door almost in sync. "Is this The Basement Project? I saw your flier."
Jim sprung up from his seat at the drums, nearly knocking over the drumset in process. "Yes! Yes! We're The Basement Project, why?!"
"Well if you're still open to new band members, I'd like to join! I play the banjo. My name's Nick by the way."
"No way, Lucille's boyfriend!!! Of course we're still open! Sit down, we'll just ask you a few questions and make a decision afterwards." Jim said. Under his breath Miller scoffed, he knew Jim was going to let anyone in. He jumps at the idea of making new friends and band members.
Nick walked, wearing a smile all the way. He pulled out a chair from under a desk, one Jim motioned to and sat down. He tapped his fingers patiently as Jim shuffled through his backpack to find a list of questions he had previously prepared. Clay and Victor stared at each other and then back at Miller who hadn't moved since Nick entered the room.
"Alright! How long have you been playing the banjo?" Jim spoke, breaking the silence.
"Since 6th grade? So 5 years almost."
"Do you have any other musical talents?"
Nick paused thoughtfully. "Well I tried to get into writing songs but I gave up pretty fast. I think I sing decently though and I wouldn't mind picking up another skill."
"Woa! Another singer! Miller, watch out."
There was a faint knock at the door. Miller sighed as he walked over and opened it. "Hi?" Miller examined the face until changing his own reaction once he realized it was a good friend of his. "Oh hey Lucille! What's up?"
Clay gasped, "Oh my god hey! I thought you left school already."
Lucille gave a toothy smile. "Nah, I've been looking around the clubs. Ma wants me to spend more time at school." She eyed Miller up and down, "So YOU started a band?"
Jim coughed loudly. Miller turned around smirking. "Well Jim and I started a band."
"Thank you, I came up with the idea and Miller came up with the name."
"The Basement Project? Of course that was his idea."
"Wow thanks guys. Glad my creative talents are being recognized." Miller spoke flatly and soaked in sarcasm.
The room went quiet and Miller suddenly felt a twinge of guilt for the sarcastic comment. Nobody actually took offense, he knew this. Still, he worried. Zoning out he focuses on the floor, tuning out the others who had started talking about the bands future. He didn't intend to space out, it's just been happening a lot recently and he can't seem to snap out of it. He looked up from the floor to Victor who looked back. Examining each other in silence, Miller noticed the color of Victor's eyes. The messy ponytail he always wore looked to be messier today, strands of hair laying on his shoulder, flying in different directions. He wanted to reach out and tame Victor's bedhead, he'd imagine it'd be soft yet tangled. And at that moment, everything else was blurry. The next moment, so was he.
