My Reality (Fourth in the "Baby Brother series)

1

Andy had sat next to Bill while he strummed his guitar and added new lyrics to his notebook. Bill was singing softly, stopping to write tabs and replay them to make sure the melody flowed. Andy adored that his social work homework was treated to the repetitive but rewarding music coming from Bill's instrument. Unexpectedly, Bill had begun erasing all the tabs and lyrics he had noted down. He huffed through his hair and put the guitar to the side. Ariel hopped up into his lap and let him play with her ears.

"Pet? What's wrong?"

"I can't get that melody right, it sounds like amateur hour," Bill replied. "I'm either going to try retuning or I'm getting a new fucking guitar."

"Take a break. We can have lunch and..Bill?"

Ariel had reached a paw over to touch Andy who had already noticed something was wrong. Bill was still, too still. Before he could start hitting the couch, Ariel placed herself between Bill's hand and the soft surface. Andy kept his face clean, knowing he hated when the drool would get in his hair or on his arms and legs.

"Hey, back with us," Andy asked when Bill had stopped quivering.

"Mhmm. I've been writing and playing all day," Bill yawned, leaning back on the dark sofa in his studio.

"Did Professor Jackass like the other demo you submitted?"

"No. He claimed I cheated since I handed in a demo that I did for Sumerian."

"Well you could've made something new for the class," Andy shrugged.

"You're supposed to be on my side," Bill whined.

"I am on your side," Andy chuckled. "But that is kind of lazy."

"Ugh! It's not like I didn't spend hours working on that demo. It should still count towards my grade."

Andy only shook his head and put his laptop next to him. He pulled Bill into a cuddle and kissed his forehead. Bill moaned tiredly and rested his head on Andy's shoulder. He told Bill that Tom was coming over with Billy and Maddie after he picked them up from daycare. Bill only nodded and sat up on the couch. He kissed Andy and picked his guitar up again.

Andy sat and listened to the dulcet tones coming from the wooden instrument. He loved when Bill would play even if he couldn't listen to the electric guitar he played from time to time, Bill was still an amazing guitarist. Bill stopped playing when his phone rung, pulling his attention to the number that appeared on the screen.

"Shit. Nikhil, I still haven't even started that new track."

Bill picked up the phone and groaned before answering the call. He stood and walked over to his keyboards and computer. Andy watched his fiancée as he rubbed his arm while talking to the man that discovered Bill on YouTube. People were impressed by his debut single, Rescue Me. Andy was proud that Bill had been getting the chance to share his music even if Bill was insecure. He only posted the song because Tom, Miley, Andy, hell every fucking person that heard the song thought it was a good idea.

Andy could see that whatever Bill was discussing with Nikhil made him anxious. He started rubbing his elbow and picking at his shirt at the same time. Bill nodded and Andy could hear the quivering in his voice. He could not tell if what he was getting was good news or bad news. When Bill hung up, he stared at the phone, the dark little screen haunting him.

"Are you okay, pet?"

"Yeah, um," Bill looked up and wiped away his tears. "If I don't get them the demo track tonight I would be voiding the contract I signed with them."

"That doesn't sound right," Andy replied.

"No, it is. I read the contract, I wouldn't sign some shit I didn't read," Bill shrugged. "I don't have to get the assignment in until next week, so I can get this done tonight."