Dead On Time (maylor)

Chapter 11

20th July 1973

Brian's P.O.V.

After Tim left the band, Roger somehow convinced me to organize an audition for a bass player. The singer issue was already solved, Freddie joined the band three days ago. Fred was Tim's friend, we've met him a few times before and he seemed nice, a little bit exentric I had to say, but his vocal abbilities conpensed it. Our bassist search didn't go as well, most of them were either or really bad or had a mean personality, and we needed an  open minded bandmate due to mine and Rog's relationship. Smile has been meeting to practise and try to solve our little problem, without going too far, today we were all three of us in John's café ready to have another boring talk.

I was sitting with Roger beside me, waiting for Freddie, that was late again.

"Do you think we'll ever find a damn bassist?" I anxiously asked.

Roger readjusted himself enough to look at me, his eyes widdening and soon after the biggest smile I've seen on him appeard "YES" he shouted, not caring about all those people suddenly looking at us "John! He knows how to play bass!" he celebrated, earing a lost glance from me.

"What are you talking about? You mean this John?" I asked. He nodded, and smiled. I turned to see what he was smiling to when I saw Freddie come in through the door.

"Hey, Fred!" I shouted, waving my hand seeing he was a bit lost "We're here!"

By the time Freddie sat on the table with us, John was already making his way to us to take our orders.

"Right on time, John" Roger said "Y'know, we're in a band" he paused, checking if John was listening ", and our bassist/singer quit last week. We found a singer" he pointed to Freddie ", and we were wondering  if you'd like to audition for us as a bassist"

John looked very nervous suddenly "Uhm, I don't know, I've never played in front of people before..." he said, shyly "I think you'll need a professional bassist for a real band"

I spoke up, trying to keep my voice the most gentle I could "I think there's no harm on trying, right Fred?"

I looked at Freddie, it was his turn to try to convince the shy boy. But he was too busy mesmerized by the sight in front of him "Fred" I snapped my fingers in front of him.

"What? Uhm, yeah" he blushed "Yes I think you should try, at least. I'm positive you couldn't be half as bad as the other ones we've tried even if you wanted, darling" 

The singer's words seemed to work magic on the boy when he syly agreed and asked when his audition would be. The rest of our stand in the café was filled with normal conversation between young men, as it should normally be. Roger and Freddie left running earlier than me, they just didn't want to pay. 

Sighting I asked John for the bill, I payed and quickily went to the bathroom. Only to find a note.

Hello there, little Brian

It's me again. Maybe you remember that other letter I left you next to the watch's box 9 years ago today. I warned you about telling anyone the truth, you didn't do as I expected. I'm dissappointed, Brian, I thought you knew better, that's why I chose you. Now your dear boyfriend will have to pay his price, too. And don't you dare SPEAK a word to him about this.

By the way congratulations for you both, you really are in love, it's been eons since I've had a relationship like yours, but you know humans, you die young and quickly. Congratulations for the band too, you already know you'll go far with John. I just wanted you to contemplate all the life you have ahead, a long human life with people who love you and care for you. If that wasn't enough you work doing what you love most, such a lucky man. Maybe you should share your luck, with Roger for example, he'll need it.