𝕯𝖊𝖆𝖉 𝕸𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘

Chapter Nine

Janet purchased tickets for a Korn concert. She'd been dying to see them since she was exposed to their music at the early age of ten.

With the last few days coming up she'd figured 'why the heck not' at such an opportunity not, but Janet ordered tickets for a much later date in Korn's tour.

At first she freaked out at the sudden mistake, but went with it. It was set in Iowa where she'd be returning to her see her Joey. And, she couldn't wait to see her bandmates again too.

Everything was packed within an hour, and Janet eagerly boarded a flight to Des Moines, Iowa. Each passing minute made her heart flutter with such happiness and excitement.

🥁🥁🥁

Back at SlipKnot headquarters, Shawn was head of the decoration operation, and went about instructing his fellow musicians like some mother hen.

"Nah, that streamer's lopsided. Bring it up a bit, Jim."

"Corey, you fucked up the sign."

"Chris stop jerkin'-off your mask nose and help Mick!"

"Sid! Stop staring at the cake, nobody's getting a piece 'til Janet gets here!"

"Craig, keep doing what you're doing."

The masked keyboardist sat back in a chair, simply observing the chaos around him.

🥁🥁🥁

Janet finally made it to the studio and was welcomed by a startling 'Surprise!' when she flipped on the lights. They all wore their masks, making her jump even more.

They all took her in a massive group hug.

"Thanks guys, this is amazing!" Janet beamed a grin ear to ear.

Corey gave her another hug, "and we're glad you're back, but..." He said pulling back, "We want you to meet the new drummer."

A moment of sudden realization hit. Janet had completely forgot about Joey having a new replacement- permanent replacement.

Shawn put a hand on the new drummers shoulder, "This is Jay Weinberg,"

Jay took of his beginners mask, and gave a boyish grin, even waving.

'Hi!'

Janet eyed him carefully.

He was standard height: 6ft. Deep brown hair and eyes. Young just like her. None of which was Joey.

She didn't know what to feel, or how to act. She stood there, frozen in place.

Corey waved a hand in front of her eyes, "Janet? You OK?"

"Uh, I think we broke her." Said Sid.

"I told you it'd be too much for her!" Claimed Jim.

Janet came back to her senses somewhat, blinking rapidly, "Oh, uh, hey, I guess."

It was soft. Nearly quiet.

Deep inside she wanted to cry her heart out, but Janet forced a smile to mask her true feelings for the new drummer.

Corey wouldn't hire some bozo, so she knew he had at least some talent.