trying - m. jimenez

one

October. I was just getting involved with a new group of friends, it was going great. I was included, and these friends seemed like people who could give me what I needed. Less drama, more fun, laidback banter. It was tricky though, as I had met these people through my ex-boyfriend, who was technically still a member of this seemily exclusive group. The more I joined in on activities, the more he backed away. I knew that it was risky being with these people, as the break up with Andrew was not something easy. He had broken my heart by ending it through text message while I was on vacation. The petty drama from the end of the relationship continued to follow me. I was known to some people as emotionally abusive. Really, I had a big heart. I still have flaws, but who doesn't? I was over Andrew and our relationship, but I was quick to defend myself although I never did lie. I was ready to forget those July days begging Andrew to take me back. So, here I was. 

It was a school day, and on our lunch break we were all just eating and chatting at our casual place, in the hallway next to the music room. 

"Mikey, have you been practicing much?" asks our music teacher, Mr. Candow. I sit attentively, not knowing what he should be practicing for. I'm only new to the group, I don't expect to know every detail about everybody. Mikey and I are only beginning to speak a little. With his mouth full from his cafeteria pizza, Mikey only nods. Mr. Candow congratulates him and moves on to continue supervising teenagers. 

"Practicing for what?" I ask, seeing as no one else was going to.

"He's going to audition for this new show called Boy Band in Los Angeles. He made the top 30, and if he gets into the top 18 he has to stay longer and film a couple episodes, then go back in the summer for live episodes", explains Josh, nudging Mikey's shoulder and ruffling his hair. Mikey's cheeks turn red and he nudges Josh back, laughing. Then, the warning bell rings to get to class. I have math, so I walk with Josh and Mikey as their math class is next door to mine. They enter their class and I laugh as they make faces while I continue to the next classroom as the final bell rings. As per usual, I had just made it in time. 

After class, the day is over. I walk to my locker from class to gather my belongings and I run into Mr. Candow.

"Hey Amelia, are you busy after school? There's a group that rehearses on Tuesdays after school and they're in need of a drummer. Are you interested? You get school credit!" he asks. I tell him I'm interested, mostly to suck up, and follow him to the music room. Inside are none other than Josh, Mikey, and a guy from my English class, Nick. I smile and grab my sticks from my bag, taking my usual place behind the kit.

"So, what's this group about?" I ask, twisting my drumstick between my fingers.

"We play covers of whatever we feel, honestly. Mostly pop if we're being honest." explains Mikey. I nod in agreement. We go through some possible songs through Mr. Candow for the remaining hour, and decide to try a song called Rockstar by A Great Big World. Thirty seconds into the song, my drumsticks break. I groan and look around for some more. Much to my dismay, there aren't any around.

"Those were my lucky sticks!" I whine. The guys laugh at me and I grimace, trying to hide the smirk on my face. 

"We should all hang out today." suggests Josh, hiding a giggle at my pout. I agree, and Mikey offers up his house. We walk to our cars and then Josh's phone rings. He answers and it's officially his turn to groan. 

"Can't go guys. Mom freaked because I didn't do laundry. Gotta run, see you tomorrow." Josh rolls his eyes and drives away.

"Well, if you're down, I'm good to hang for a bit." I shrug at Mikey, swinging my keys around my finger. We agree to meet at his house and walk to McDonald's from there for ice cream. I grin to myself. Finally, I feel great. I drive. 

*** Authors Note ***

Hey guys!! Just a bit of an intro to see if you like the story idea. Give me some feedback and I'll continue the story!!

-Haley (@/oklahomanancy on instagram)