Goth Boy (on hold?)

Hell's Got No Remorse

Just as Jose had said, the garage door was open bearing witness to a scene Coal only thought existed in movies and music videos. Three people lounged among a catastrophe of instruments and cords. A teenage hang out had been created from an old coach, a particle board desk, and a card table. A dark green fridge blocked what could of been a usable door. Band poster and spray painted emblems decorated the walls, setting the mood exactly 90% rocker and 20% garage punk.

In the far back, half hiding an American flag, a girl sat perched behind a drum set. The sticks, extensions of her hands, tapped a steady beat. Her bleached hair, naturally highlighted with a rainbow of colors cascaded down her shoulder. Hazzel eyes watched the far away space in between flecks of dust and moisture.

A boy, about coals age laid on the worn carpeted floor with a guitar resting on his stomach. His dark brown hair, longer then coals had been, messily splayed on the ground. His eyes were closed, his breathing even as if asleep.

Another boy stared at a wall with magazine and news paper clippings clustered together. His appearance, black dreads and only slightly lighter skin, reminded Coal of a bob Marley poster he had seen.

"Who are you?" The girls voice knocked Coal out of himself nearly making him trip as he had been attempting to find a way to introduce himself with out sounding like a little girl.

"Jose sent me." He swallowed, placing his hands in his pockets, which stung from the days work.

"Where is Jose?" Bob Marley asked, an accent Coal couldn't place thick in his voice.

"Here." Jose leaned against the door frame drenched as much if not more so then Coal. "Amigos, this is Coal. He's gonna be our vocals for this weekend."

"Wait this weekend? What do you mean?"

"Gringo, " Jose put a hand on Coal's shoulder. "It's nothing to worry about. It's not a big performance, it's just in front of some locals at the Frio club."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Bob Marley asked.

"Yeah I'm with Donny, do you really think he's good enough to replace Trev?" The girl at the drums had moved, standing over the one sleeping. She casually dug her foot into his side startling him awake. "Come on Alex, time for practice."

Alex groaned nearly rolling over on his guitar.

"You won't doubt me after tonight." Jose looked at Coal, his eyes confident. Coal swallowed not knowing what he had got himself Into.

The girl walked up to Coal, her hips swaying with each step. Her eyes, he saw now, were not just hazel but a mix of green brown and yellow like the beginning of spring. They looked Coal over as if sizing him up. She was only maybe an inch taller then him, but with the ferocity in the way she stood she seemed to tower over him.

"Well let's see what you got." Her voice caused him to shiver and for a moment he thought he might have to check himself. "Donny toss me a mic!" Donny did with little hesitation. She caught it with ease and handed it to Coal.

For a moment he stared, his attraction for the girl overcome by anxiety. If he took it he'd be committed. If he asked Jose to take him home, that he didn't want to be apart of a band or any gig, he'd loose his only friend up here. If he chickened out life would be the same. No change, no new Coal. All this would be for nothing. He wouldn't beat Brent when school started up, he wouldn't be able to face his own mother and he would shame his father. Worst of all the girl of his dreams, Sam, would never be reachable.

Coal took the mic.