The Popstar and the Bodyguard | Septiplier

Chapter 3

Jack's pov

What.
"Ethan Nestor?"
I blurt out, looking at Mark to see a reaction. And shit. I got a reaction. Mark turns his whole body towards me and stares wide-eyed.
"You know him? How? When?"
Mark spits out quickly.
"That best friend that moved to LA for a "stupid" dream..
That was me."
If his eyes could go any more wide, I would have been concerned. However, his mouth does open slightly.
"What?"
I nod my head.
"I remember dropping him off at the bar. He was really going through a tough time and I tried to help him out... He just looked at me blankly and told me he wanted dropped off there. Awhile after, One night I get a call from a guy that managed Peiji's band. After he watched one of my YouTube videos that went viral, he made a offer to let me be in a band with 3 others. He assured me that they were good at playing."
Mark nods and looks at the ground.
"So how did you tell Ethan about the deal?"
"I called him right after and asked him to meet up with me at a park that we would play at since we were in Middle School. He jogged from the sidewalk towards me, slowing to a stop next to me sitting on the old swing."

-YEP. IT'S YA BOI. FLASHBACK-

"Hey Seán what's up?"
I look down at my feet and dig them further into the mulch. I inhale through my nose and notice every last detail of my surroundings. I could hear every single sound from the insects hiding in the trees this time of night. The crickets making noise all through the park. I exhale.
"Do you remember how happy I was when I found out that my Death of a Bachelor cover on YouTube went viral?"
He let's out a small chuckle.

I turn my face towards him to see him looking up at the night sky with a slight smile.
"Yeah. You were so happy. It was past 3 in the morning when you called and woke me up about it. You were beaming. Ever since then, you've been extremely joyful and outgoing. "PMA" is what you say now right? I forget what it stands for though. Sorry."
"PMA. Positive Mental Attitude." I say with a smile and run my hand through my hair.
"So what about the video? You just in the mood to be nostalgic today?"
My smile starts to fade and I look back down at the mulch. It's covering my two year old shoes. I can't really afford a new pair. I don't have the money. I do donate plasma for cash though but it doesn't help. I let out a sigh, knowing what comes next.
"Don't you know that Popstar named Peiji? You know... that person that featured on every TV nightshow, the person that was interviewed by almost every magazine, and the person that made "special guest" appearances on the most popular shows?"
He scoffs.
"Obviously I've heard of him. He's my role model remember? I listen to his music every night. What do you think I was listening to on my way here?"
"I... I got a offer from his manager... I might accept and if I do.... I need to move to LA..."
I hear a small shuffle and I feel his eyes on me. I don't bother to look back though. I keep looking at my feet.
"Wait Seán you're gonna go? For this stupid dream?"
This time I turn to him. I look him straight in the eyes.
"It isn't stupid. I actually have a chance. I have no money and I can barely pay rent!"
"Are you kidding me Seán? 'Isn't stupid' my ass! You could lose so much!"
"Like what Ethan? I could lose what? Give me ONE thing that I could lose. Then I swear to you that I'll think about it before accepting."
"You could lose me. Your best friend."
With that, he gets up and starts to walk away.
"Ethan-"
I start to say to get cut off.
"Think about hard Seán."
He says without turning around. Soon he rounds the corner, leaving me, the swing next to mine, and the flickering street lamp. I sat there for a few beats, looking at the sky while the light shines on my face. Soon, the light flickers out.

-FLASHBACK END-

I continue with less enthusiasm, taking a drink of the warm and opened beer in front of me on the coffee table.
"So 2 days went by. He decided not to contact me. Honestly, it wasn't a smart idea. It wasn't something to help his case in my decision. The third night of us not talking I had to decide. The deal would have been off of the table. I dialed his number and pressed the call button. I told him that I was doing it. I was going to LA. With that in mind, he hung up."