Lab Rats: Chasing Pavements {not edited}

Chapter Twenty: Concert in a Can

Mission Creek High...

Janet's POV:

Chase, Adam, and I watch as Marcus plays on his guitar before us. As Marcus finishes, Adam laughs from beside me, "Oh, sweet! Look at your fingers go! It's like each one has a little brain of its own." He smiles.

"Thanks." Marcus looks at the three of us, "You know, you guys are the only people who have talked to me at this school. I hate being the new kid."

"Yeah," Chase agrees, "we used to be the new kids that no one talked to." He gestures to Adam and himself, "Now we're just the vaguely familiar kids that no one talks to."

"Oh, yeah." I laugh, "I remember when you two first came here. I thought you had been homeschooled your whole life."

Chase glares at me before I give him an innocent look. Leo walks over, "Hey, peeps. What's the deal-io?"

"Hi. I'm Marcus." He introduces himself as he holds out his hand.

"I know." Leo states as he gives Marcus a fist bump, "We have gym together." Marcus knits his eyebrows together as Leo continues, "And study hall. And also chemistry." Marcus gives Leo a blank stare, "We're lab partners."

"Oh. I... did not know that." Marcus states before turning to Chase, "Chase, you ever play guitar?"

"No, but I've always wanted to." Chase answers.

"Well, I'm a jammer as well." Leo speaks up. What is he talking about? The only jamming Leo can do is on his peanut butter sandwich. He continues, "My rocking is only eclipsed by my rolling."

"Leo, your mom said you played the clarinet for three weeks until you swallowed the reed." Chase tells him flatly.

Leo pauses, "I passed it."

"And remember that time in first grade you broke your arm playing piano." I add.

Leo gives me a glare, "The keys wouldn't go down."

Marcus turns back to Chase gesturing to his guitar, "Here, Chase. You want to give it a go?"

"Yeah-- yeah." Chase stammers, obviously nervous to play the guitar for his first time, "Sure. Why not?"

Marcus removes the strap from around him before giving Chase his guitar. Chase holds the guitar in his hands before putting the strap around him. He takes a deep breath before looking down and playing. I must say, I'm remarkably impressed by how well he's playing. I would've assumed he's played before if he hadn't told me he hasn't. Our eyes widen in shock of how well Chase's fingers dance across the strings. Chase slides onto his knees before playing on his back and ending. As he sits up, he freezes as everyone in the hall looks at him. Chase stands hurriedly, "Uh... What do you know?" He shrugs before removes the strap off him and holding the guitar out to Marcus, "Beginner's luck." As the bell rings, the five of us part ways and Chase and I walk to our next class, as usual. Chase looks at me, "So, how's Brian? I hear his dad is feeling better."

I nod and give him a smile, "He's great."

Chase nods before changing the subject, "Y'know, I never did stop by The Hideout. I'll be sure to give it a visit when I get the chance."

"Hmm." I nod, "I think that's a great idea."

***

Chase, Adam, and I sit at the lunch table as Marcus continues, "So me and my dad moved around a lot. I was homeschooled for most of my life."

"No way! So were we!" Adam starts. Oh, so I was right. "We are so similar! Do you have a third nipple too?"

Marcus raises his eyebrow as I shake my head in disgust, "Ew."