Lost Cause (Tyler Carter)

Chapter 41

What are you talking about, Tyler?

"You heard me Michael."

A band? Like, guitars, drums?

"Yes, Michael! Don't make fun of me, okay?" I said. "But, I think I can sing."

Come on, don't be ridiculous.

"I'm not, I didn't say 'get famous and fuck bitches'. Just start a band, see what happens, I don't know."

And you're telling me this, why?

"You're my best friend, I wouldn't do it without you." I said.

And be your drummer? Because, that's all I play.

"Yes, and we can talk to AJ, too. I mean, I can play the guitar, but not like he can—or at least says he can, I've never actually heard." I said.

Are you talking about the nerd you have in class?

"Yes, him."

I don't know, man.

"Just for fun, okay? Just for fun, then we can see what happens." I said.

He was silent for a few seconds. You know what? Why, not? It could be fun.

"It will be. We have all summer to have fun with this. Experiment with music and see where it takes us." I said.

Go ahead and come over. Bring the guitar you have.

"Well I'm gonna eat, then I will. I'll see you in a bit."

Alright, man. See you.

I hung up the phone and set it down. I went into the kitchen and sat down at the table, with my mom.

"So, what do ya think?" She asked.

"About?" I asked.

She chuckled and groaned. "You are so difficult, child." She said. "Music."

"Well, it could be fun." I said. "I'm going to Michael's here in a little bit."

I said before that my mom didn't like Michael. She knows he's been there for me, though. So, she's come around.

"That's good, hun. You need to get out." She said.
"I know." I mumbled.

It was silent for a moment as we ate.

"So, are you okay?" She asked. "What happened last night?"

"I don't really know. Dad called and it pissed me off, I just had a break down." I said. "I'm fine, though."

"Well, you know I'm here for you, Tyler. I'm always going to be." She said.

"I know, mom."

—

I sat in Michael's garage, with him and AJ.

"Let me hear your guitar, Tyler." AJ said.

I handed it to him. He strummed one chord. "Lord," He said.

"What?" I asked.

"This is the guitar you were playing when you decided to start a band?" He asked.

I chuckled. "Man, shut up. My uncle gave me that."

"No, don't get me wrong, it's a great guitar." He said. "But, did you think to tune it?"

"I was caught up in the moment." I said.

He tuned my guitar and played a few random chords.

"This is nice, I like it." AJ said.