Shy {Joshler} {On Hold}

{Part Twenty-seven}

We sat in Josh's car, with Josh driving. Dallon had graciously offered to sit in the back seat with some musical equipment, and so I got to sit up front with Josh, which was jut an amazing experience overall.

We were listening to a demo by Dallon's band, I Don't Know How But They Found Me. The CD only had a few songs on it, as the band was still working on it. They'd just formed, but already Dallon had been looking into minor performances at local bars and clubs; he was great at music and had plenty of experience with it.

"So, what kind of music do you play, Tyler?" Dallon asked me politely, after he'd finished explaining his band.

"I'm not in a band," I admitted a bit sheepishly. "But I played the piano while I was in school. I, um, I can play the ukulele."

It was a bit embarassing to admit, as the ukulele isn't really considered a masculine instrument. I'd gotten it at a garage sale when I was in the eighth grade, despite discouragement from my father. He didn't like me playing music at all, unless it involved the church. He thought it was a waste of time.

Anyway, he had made it clear that the ukulele was not an instrument I should be playing, but I had continued to in secret. When no one was home, I'd look up tutorials online and practice. I was nervous to play in front of others, obviously, but in private I grew better and better. When I moved into my apartment, I took my beloved ukulele with me, in part because I loved it and wanted it near me, and in part because I was afraid if I left it behind, my father might get rid of it.

I was nervous about what Josh and Dallon might say, but their reactions were near opposite to the ones my father had.

"Wow, that's really cool!" Josh exclaimed.

"Are you any good?" Dallon asked.

"I can play a couple of songs," I told him. I surprised myself with what I said next. "I should have brought it, I could have played it for all of you."

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Artist unknown, credit to artist