Her Sempiternal (Sequel to Oliver's Smile)

Our December (Oli's POV)

So, let me get this straight. You want to take voice lessons,” Matt asked. I nodded.

“I think it’s important. We have to have a new sound. I mean, we’ve been around for how many years now? Nine years? We have to do something. Bands do that. They evolve. Besides, how long have the fans been asking me to sing?” I said.

“I dunno Oli. Should we really be doing this right now?” Lee said. “I mean, yes, the new stuff is great, really, but we just lost Jona. Should we be worrying about that?” he said. I shook my head.

“There is nothing we can do about Jona. I miss him like mad, believe me. But he isn’t coming back. So the only thing we can do is move forward. Start fresh. And I think the way to be doing that is with a new sound. I really think this is a good idea,” I said. Matty sighed.

“Oli, you know I love you, but this just isn’t about Brodie, is it? I mean, why do we have to go to America? Don’t get me wrong, I love Brodie. I miss her every single day, but we can’t just all pack our bags and move to America. Not just for Brodie.” he asked.

“Our new label is in America, and it would only be for a little while. It won’t be forever,” I said.

“But why record there?” he asked. I glared at him.

“You wanna know something? If your girlfriend up and left you, what would you do? You would want to be with her, no matter what. But this isn’t about Brodie, as much as I love her. This is about the band and doing what’s right. We have a new label. We have a bigger fan base than we had ever anticipated having. We have to give back to them. Besides, Warped Tour is this summer. I thought maybe after the album was done, we could go. We haven’t been in a few years. We have to move forward guys,” I said. I was practically begging them now.

“Okay. Okay Oli. If this is really what you want, then this is what we’ll do. But if this falls through, then we’re done. Okay?” Matt said. I nodded.

“Okay, that’s fine. But this is going to work. I promise,” I said. “There is also something else,” I said. The guys looked up at me.

“What?” Matt said. He didn’t look thrilled. I knew they were upset. Moving to America would be really rough, but I knew it was the thing to do.

“Well, I’ve been working with this guy for a while, trying to add some new stuff as far as instrument wise. He’s been really great, and I’d like to ask him to become a member of the band,” I said.

“Who is it? I mean, what does he do? We can’t just have anyone in the band,” Lee said.

“He isn’t just anyone. I mean, I don’t think so. He’s a great programmer, and not to mention, he’s a pretty bad ass keyboardist,” I said. The guys all laughed loudly. I frowned.

“A keyboardist?”

“A piano player you mean!” Matt snickered.

“Guys, really. Some of the stuff he’s been suggesting has been really helpful. The guy is a musical genius. Will you just give him a chance?” I begged.

“Alright Oli. But again, if this doesn’t work, we’re done, okay?” Lee said. The guys went back to watching TV. I smiled. This was the first time we had actually hung out together  since Brodie left, and we were actually getting along pretty well. I knew the guys were ­upset about moving, but it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve moved to America. With Epitaph being based out of America, recording and writing would be much easier than doing it from here. And with Warped coming up, it would be the best kick of concert for us.

I left the room and called Jordan.

“Hello?”

“Hey Jordan, it’s Oli. Do you think you can come over to my place? I need to talk to you about something,” I said.