Illusions From The Heart

An Awkward Silence or Two

By Shadow <3

Joel's Perspective-

It's Tuesday again and thankfully I managed to get myself ungrounded by "studying" all day everyday. Little do my parents know I'm not actually in my room. I've been hanging with the boys. But anyway, It's Tuesday again which means Bad Boys band practice.

My parents are out for work the next 2 days doing who knows what with their marketing jobs or something. We scheduled the practice slightly later than normal as Grian had an appointment so that gave me time to go home, grab something to eat and unpack my school bag of all the useless textbooks and random stuff my school forces me to bring.

I scoop up my phone, earplugs and wallet in case we decide to go out afterwards. I shut and lock my door and start on the walk around to Jimmy's place. I turn the final corner and walk two houses down. Jimmy has a really nice house. 2 storeys, a garage, a backyard and so many rooms. I swear I got lost at least five times the first time I visited. I can hear music blasting from the garage as I walk up to the door. I bang on the front door, hoping they hear, ready to see G open the door or Jimmy, but instead I came face to face with the Blonde guy from earlier that Jimmy won't stop obsessing over.

"I- um hi..." I say awkwardly. He returns a small smile.

"They didn't hear the door so I came for it," We both stand there for a moment before he shakes his head a bit and pulls the door open more. "Here, come in. Sorry," he muttered.

I slip into the house and walk straight to the garage. "Sup," I directed at Lizzie and she just rolled her eyes. Ughhh why can't she at least acknowledge it. Whatever.

"Oh Joel can you pass me a guitar pick?" Jimmy turned to face me from his stool.

"Sure thing mate, babe," I wink at him and toss him the pick, which he smoothly catches.

"Bad Babes? Is that what we're officially called now?" Jimmy laughs. "Thanks for the pick babe."

"This is a real Bad Boys maneuver right Jimmy?"

"Hell yeah Babe."

"No prob babe. GRIAN WE'RE CALLED BAD BABES NOW!" Grian shook his head with a small chuckle.

"Bad- Bad Babes?" I nod. I look to Jimmy to make another 'Babe' comment when I see his face a light pink colour. Without looking I can tell Scott just walked in just from Jimmy's face. Jimmy needs to stop mooning over him as much.

"WHEN DID THIS EXECUTIVE DECISION COME IN?!" Grian yelled.

"Oh just now Babe," I winked at him, causing Grian to yell out in frustration while clearly trying not to laugh.

"Hey Scott, can you play?" I try to move the conversation along. I hate long silences. Too quiet.

He shrugs, "I can play basic guitar but not enough to matter." A smile spreads across my face as an idea hits me.

"Jimmy could always teach you. He's been playing for years and is really good, as you saw before- of course not as good as me at drums-" Lizzie cuts me off.

"That's hardly a comparison Joel," She glares at me. Jeez okay, I was trying to help. She turned to Scott. "Anyway, the first half of that is true."

Scott fidgets with his hands awkwardly, unsure of what to say. "Uh maybe."

Once again an awkward silence followed. My Cod, what is with today and random silences! "ALRIGHT PEOPLE LET'S PLAY ALREADY!"

We practice for a while, laughing and throwing random objects from around the room at each other- the usual. Scott's more talkative than last time, actually contributing and making him seem more part of the group. Throughout the time, Jimmy still tried to flirt with Scott who essentially but politely rejected him every time. Jimmy was too oblivious to notice or noticed and kept trying anyway.

"Alright guys. It's 7pm, what do you guys want for dinner-?" Lizzie starts, only to be immediately interrupted by myself and Jim.

"MACCAS!" Lizzie laughs at us and shakes her head. I'm like 90% sure I heard her mutter 'Children' under her breath but you never know.

"Mk, I'll be back with some food for you kids," She smiles at us as she walks towards the door.

"Okay, cya Liz," I give her a tiny wave. When I turned around I came face to face to literally everyone giving me a look.

"What!?"

No one responds but I think Jimmy murmured 'failed attempt' with a small laugh..