Time And I

Thirty-Four

Henry was part of the Clubhouse's writing group. He stopped by on Sundays and one random day of the week, always depending on what worked with his schedule. I was glad he was there that day, because while Nate and I worked on a new song for the band, Devon could talk about short story ideas with someone.

Nate was already at the Clubhouse when we arrived, playing my drums. He was talented, probably having taken lessons in the past, but guitar was what he was best at. It was the instrument that he took the most time learning to play. It was the one that he clearly felt the most comfortable playing, because as I watched him drum, he was deep in thought, trying to remember what came next.

"I think someone's trying to steal your crown," Brody teased as he turned the page of his book. "You're still my favorite."

"Gee, thanks," I snickered.

"Welcome back, Devon." Brody glanced at our hands and smirked. "I take it things last weekend went well?"

"They did," Devon agreed, as he smiled down at me.

"He's back at school now, too."

"Good," Brody stated. "I don't like the idea of you not going to school."

"I mean, I was still doing the work-"

"It's not the same thing," he deadpanned, glaring at him. "If anyone is going to date Mel, they have to be going to school. They have to understand what the future holds, both for them and for Mel. And they have to be approved by me."

"That hasn't stopped me in the past," I lied, just wanting to get a reaction from him.

"Darling, you have never dated anyone in your life," he scoffed, still staring at Devon. "So, you're going to school. Good. What about the future?"

"Well, I don't know what it's going to be like for Mel and I. I'm going to go to college while she's making music. So I guess if we can make things work, then that will be great. But if they don't, I can't exactly get mad at it." He looked at me. "I mean, you said you didn't want to date anyone until you were comfortable with your time schedule in a band. But you're making an exception for me, so I'm going to honor that and accept whatever has to happen in order for you to succeed."

I blushed, smiling as I glanced from him to the floor, to Brody, and back to him.

"What are you going to school for?"

"Going to become a doctor, hopefully."

"Hopefully?" Brody questioned, his voice no longer mockingly serious.

"It's expensive. I'm working to get as many scholarships and loans as possible, but if I can't afford it, I may not finish, you know? And even if I can afford it, what if no one wants me for an internship? Then what?"

"Continue to work hard," I stated. "You want it, take it. That's what I'm doing. You can do the same."

He smiled and squeezed my hand. "That's what I'm hoping for."

"Alright, alright," Brody dramatically sighed. "I accept you two dating."

"Thank you, sir," Devon smiled. "And I know you'll be watching us, and I take that statement seriously."

Brody cackled. "Oh, I definitely like you."

Nate quit drumming mid solo and called out, "Oh, hi, Mel!"

"Hey, Nate." I squeezed Devon's shoulder before skidding to Nate's side. "You said you had some lyric ideas?"

"Yeah. I have an idea for a song to go with that solo you did. I just need to see if it works."