You Don't Even Know Me... (Bennoda)

Chapter Ten

Mike's POV

I sat next to an adorably nervous Chester, who I can only assume was trying to focus on his lyrics rather than his nervousness.

"Chaz...?"

"Yeah?"

"I know how you feel, but you just have to believe me, don't be scared."

He put his face in his hands. "But what if they think I suck? What if they hate me?"

I tried my best to reassure him. "Well, for them to say you suck, they must be deaf because you have a beautiful voice."

He gave a weak smile. "I guess..."

As I leaned over to give Chester a hug, I heard someone pull up in the driveway. "Wow, they got here faster than I thought."

I got up to leave the studio and turned around to Chester. "Remember, Chaz...I'm right here." I pointed to my chest and smiled, and I saw him smile back.

I went to open the front door.

"Hey, guys."

"Hey," "What's up," "Hey Mike," they collectively greeted.

"So, what's going on?" Dave asked.

"Well, you know we've been looking for a lead vocalist, and I met a guy the other day that I really think you guys will like."

"Oh," Dave spoke up, "it must be that guy you showed me the other day, right, Mike? He was dope."

"Oh, yeah," Joe chimed in, "Phoenix was telling us all about this guy."

"We already have a lead vocalist," Rob said sternly.

The guys all turned to Rob.

"Remember? Wakefield?"

Mike scoffed. "He was weak. We needed somebody stronger."

"I don't think anyone could be stronger than him, but okay."

Mike gave Rob a look. "Well, just give the guy a chance, okay? He's kinda nervous."

I went to open the basement door and the group flooded in. I looked over at Chester, a considerable distance away from everyone else and friendly pulled him by his arm.

I stood Chester in front of the guys. "Guys, this is Chester. He's 17, and he has a killer voice."

"Hey, man," Brad said.

"'Sup," Joe smiled.

"Hey," Rob said coldly. I was really beginning to get irritated with him. He needed to give Chester a fair chance.

Chester luckily didn't seem to pick up on the way Rob was acted and smiled back to them.

Good.

"So, when do we get to hear this 'killer voice' of his?" Brad said eagerly.

I saw Chester quietly blush and handed him a revised lyric sheet and he went around the table into the booth.

As I walked over to the mixing board I could hear the guys muttering excitedly...except for one thing.

"This better be good," Rob scoffed.

I tried to only focus my attention on Chester and started the playback. He took a deep breath.

You kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of a time when I tried so hard

"I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter"

I stopped playback and saw Chester exhale with relief. I pushed the speaker button and spoke into the mic. "That was good, Chaz!"

The guys applauded happily and cheered for Chester as well.

"Alright!"

"Way to go, man!"

"That was dope!"

I smiled and relaxed. I had no doubt they would like Chester just as much as I did. I rolled my chair over towards them.

"So, what'd you think?"

"You were right," Brad said. "he really does have a unique voice."

"Real nice too," Joe added.

"Yeah, but..." Rob started. "He has a weird look."

"What are you talking about, Rob?" I said, firmly.

"I mean, sure he can hold a tune, but he doesn't look like a lead vocalist."

"Does it really matter?" Dave asked.

"Well, you know, his appearance doesn't exactly scream 'badass,' but more, 'bad excuse.'" He sneered.

"Rob! Shut the fuck up!" I yelled.

What the hell was his problem today?

"Just being honest," he shrugged and sat back.

"Um, Mike?" Dave started, "...where's Chester?"

I directed my attention to the booth, which was empty. What the-?
A flashing red light caught my attention on the mixing board.

Oh my god. I must have left my microphone on. Chester must have heard everything.

~~~~~