Unexpected [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter Nine

Saying Yes

   Here I was, at the second Starkid meeting I had ever been to, seriously considering going with them on tour. It was a week after Lauren and Joe had first proposed the idea that I join them and I was still unsure. I did and didn't at the same time.

   "So, Maia? Have you made a decision?" The guy who led the meetings, who I learnt was called Brian (or sometimes Brolden when the other Brian was around), asked.

   "Uh, I have. I talked to both Lauren and my physio about everything. I've played the piano with Lauren a few times over this past week and she says I'm good enough--"

   "She's just as good as AJ," Lauren interrupted. "If she practiced enough she could easily be better. No offence, AJ, you're still my number one." She smiled at the guy opposite her, who I can only guess was AJ.

   Brian nodded.

   "Anyway, before Lauren so rudely interrupted," I joked, "I think I could be a backup pianist if you need one. And Vanessa, my physio, gave me a bunch of exercises that I could do by myself; ones that I could do without her or any major equipment. Ones I could do on a bus or at a hotel."

   "So is that a yes?" Brian leant forward, his palms face down on the table and his eyes gleaming with hope and excitement.

   "It's a yes."

   To think, here I was, twenty-five years old and about to go on tour with a group of amazing actors, singers, dancers, and musicians. I couldn't believe it.

   The meeting ended soon after, with the major details being organised and a promise of a survey being sent out to decide on who'll take planes and stay at hotels, and who'll take the bus.

   "I suggest that we celebrate," Lauren spoke up as the stragglers left the restaurant. A few of us had stayed behind after the meeting was finished to eat desert as well. "Come over to our place and have a few drinks? I'm thinking very chill, just some music and alcohol."

   The few of us that were there (Joey, Meredith, Dylan, Joe, Brian, AJ, Jaime, Lauren and I) all cheered. Sure, I couldn't drink but I could still have fun.

...

   In the Lopez-Beatty-Pikari household, I was sitting on a kitchen stool, chatting with Dylan and Joey. They were talking about the first musical they had performed together: A Very Potter Musical. They had been surprised to learn that I had never seen it and I had promised to watch it at some point.

   "I'm really glad you're coming with us," Dylan said. "You're super fun to be around and, trust me, we need someone who's fun to be  around when we're all stressed. Last tour was organised really well but we all found ourselves so tense the entire time. On stage was fine but as soon as we got back to our hotels and buses, it was a disaster."

   "I'm glad I can help." I smiled. "I'm sure it'll be fun."

   "Plus AJ gets sick so much, we really need someone who can play the piano. I think other than you and AJ, it's Darren."

   "I've heard a lot about Darren. Who is he?" I leant my elbows on the bench, resting my head on my hands.

   "He's one of the founding members of Starkid and he's in Glee. He's got quite a big role and he's one of the most amazing singers, actors, musicians that I know. He's also an amazing person, with such a big heart." Joey sounded like he knew Darren really well, as if they were best friends and only had good things to say about him.

   "He sounds like a great guy."

   "Oh, he is," Dylan interjected. "You're going to love him. Pretty sure he'll like you too."

   The rest of the night was filled with the Starkids singing for me, and me watching them. I couldn't really sing and I certainly didn't know the words to the songs they were singing. But it was still fun.

   Nearing the end of the party, around two in the morning, Joey and I were sitting on the couch with my legs resting on the couch arm and my head on his lap. Joey was singing softly, a song he said was from a Starkid musical he had been in. My eyes were closed and I was drifting off into sleep, with Joey's fingers sifting through my hair.

[sorry for the incredibly long wait. life got incredibly busy for me and then i kinda lost my love for writing. i still haven't gotten it back tbh but i'm trying]

[i hope that you guys liked this chapter. i know it's kinda boring atm but it will pick up soon]