Rough Patch

5

Tyler Joseph

I pull up to the front of the elementary school and turn to the back seat to see Ellie stating to unbuckle.

"Well, do you want me to walk you in?" I ask.

"Dad, it's not the first day of school! I'm a big girl now!" Ellie laughs as she grabs her backpack and opens the car door.

"Of course you are! But you're still my baby!"

"I know daddy."

"I guess I'll see you this afternoon! Have a great day!" I smile as Ellie slams the car door and I watch as she runs to the front doors and walks in.

I pull out of the school parking lot and decided to just drive for a little. I hadn't done that for a long time and it felt nice to be driving.

As I'm driving I spot the record shop that's a few blocks from my house. I pull into the parking lot and decided to go inside.

I hadn't been in here since Josh and I did a mini gig and signing for a few lucky fans of ours.

When I walk inside it brought back so many memories. I started feeling myself get a little sad from all the memories but calmed myself down and walked over to the alternative rock genre isle. I browse through all my favorite vinyls and at the end of the isle I spot my records. There were three of my albums on vinyl in this shop. The other one was "unreleased".
I grab my three records and look at them each individually.

"Those are great albums, my favorites actually. Can I help you?" A voice behind me says. I turn around to see a younger guy covered with tattoos and piercings. When I turn around his eyes go wide and his jaw drops.

"I'm alright. Thanks though." I reply.

"You're Tyler Joseph! I'm a huge fan! My names Nick, by the way." Nick smiles holding his hand out. I reach out and shake his hand.

"Nice to meet you Nick."

"Did you come here to get your records?"

"No, actually. I just dropped my daughter off at school and I thought I'd stop by. I haven't been in this record shop since--since we did a signing."

"Oh that's right! I was so upset that day because I wasn't able to go. I actually had a ticket to come here that day."

"Really? Why couldn't you come?"

"I had to go to my cousins birthday party and to my mother family is more important than my favorite band." I chuckle and Nicks response.

"Well, we are meeting now."

"I guess everything happens for a reason."

"I guess so. Well, I have to get going but it was really nice to meet you." I say putting the records back.

"Wait! You can take those records. All for free. You did create them." Nick mentions.

"Oh it's fine. I'll pay for them."

"No no! Please, just take them."

"I guess I will, if you insist."

"Also, before you leave could I get a picture?"

"Sure! Let's do this." I say and go next to Nick as he pulls out his iPhone and turns on the camera. I see our faces pop up and I can't help but notice how tired I still look. I haven't shaved, I have bags under my eyes, I'm wearing my hood up and beanie because I didn't bother doing my hair. I look terrible. I try and shake it off and try and give a small smile. Once Nick snaps a few pictures in a row I pull away.

"I better get going but thanks for the vinyls." I nod and head toward the door to leave. Just as I'm about to walk out Nick says one last thing.

"Hey Tyler? I'm so sorry about Josh. He will be missed for years and years to come." Nick says sincerely. I pause and turn to face Nick. He's shifting on his feet and looks a little nervous. Or maybe he's sad? I can't tell.

"Yeah I'm sorry too." I sigh and walk out to my car.

I set the vinyls in the seat next to me and start up my car. I glance up at the rear view mirror and catch a glimpse of my face again. I need to shave badly. Maybe that will make me look less gross and depressed.

//
I get home and Jenna is sitting on the couch in her work clothes reading. Luckily, she didn't have to work until later.

"That took you a while. I was starting to worry." Jenna says setting her book down.

"Sorry. I stopped at the record shop. I met one of my fans and he gave me my records for free. Nice kid." I reply.

"That was very nice of him. Was it a nice outing?"

"It was pretty nice. But I think I need to shave. Maybe go get a hair cut."

"A hair cut? I like your hair the length it's at."

"I know maybe just a little trim."

"Alright. You go shave then go get a trim." Jenna smiles.

"Will do." I smile back and give her a quick kiss. I run up to the bathroom and stare at my reflection for a few minutes. I do need a change. I really do.

I apply the shaving cream to my face and begin the process.

//
I go back down stairs to go and get a hair trim. When I come down Jenna looks over at me.

"Well there's my clean cut husband!" Jenna laughs.

"It feels nice to have shaved." I reply.

"You look very nice. You'll look so sharp after your hair trim."

"I think so. I'll be back very quick." I tell Jenna as I go back to my car and drive just a little ways down the road to the barber shop.

When I walk in the lady who usually does my hair looks surprised. She's a 70 year old lady named Martha.

"Tyler Robert Joesph. Why haven't I heard from you in ages? I was expecting at least a phone call!" Martha scolds.

"Sorry Martha. I'm here now." I shrug.

"Yes you are but it's been so long I barley recognize you! I'm surprised your hair isn't down to your ankles by now!"

"Jenna's pretty handy with some scissors you know. She's been able to give me small trims. But I need a change today."

"Well come! Sit! What are we going to do today?" Martha asks as I take a seat in the chair and she puts a smock on me. I stare at my reflection in the mirror in front of me. I touch my hair and said something I never thought I'd say.

"Just shave it."