Désobéissance - Palaye Royale

Chapter 4

IV

CHOOSING TIME

A week has passed since the start of our search for musicians to reform our band. I had to fight with my parents to prove to them the usefulness of what Ellie and I plan. All they found to answer was that I should better spend my energy on something more constructive instead of constantly dreaming of becoming a musician. At least I would have liked to have had the support of my father, who also tried to be into music in his youth. But he followed my mother's advice. He probably doesn't want me to make the same mistakes as him. They definitely don't understand the place that this passion has for me. I await my departure for Los Angeles with even more impatience. At least, I won't have to bear their comment on my way of life on the other side of the planet.

The audition for the Palaye Royale's takes place in just under two weeks now. It's therefore time for Ellie and I to agree on the composition of our group. We meet at her place to discuss it.

"Alright, time to decide..."

Ellie collects in front of us the notes we had taken on the candidates. We quickly make two groups and eliminate most of them for a question of musical taste which doesn't correspond to ours. We focus first on the drummer.

"For me, they both have very different styles but fit the group very well in their own ways."

"True, but I still have a preference for her."

I'm handing one of the cards to Ellie.

"I think that on the music influences, she suits us more than the other."

"Right... And in addition we had a very good contact when she introduced herself..."

"So we agree?"

"Yep!"

We shake hands as if to seal the deal.

The future drummer of our band is called Carole. She is 21 years old and is graduates from a literary high school diploma. She's not very tall but slender, has long dark blond hair, big green eyes and have her arms covered with tattoos. Her passion for drums has followed her since she was nine years old, where she started taking lessons, but as far back as she can remember, she always liked to bang on things to bring out a rhythm. She has that in her skin. And it feels.

"Well, we just have to tell her."

I am about to dial her number but Ellie cuts me off in my tracks.

"Wait, maybe we should agree on the bass player too!"

"Yes you are right... But I think we have the same person in mind from the start right?"

"If you talk about Camille, for me she's my favorite!"

"I think it's decided then!"

Without necessarily doing it on purpose, we have just composed an entirely female group. A decision that may weigh in the balance on the audition day. In general, metalheads have respect for girls who know how to play music. And we intend to show that we can rise to the challenge.

I call Carole first to tell her that she's been chosen. Hoping that joining the group is still ok for her.

"Hello?"

"Hello Carole, it's Lexie! We saw each other a few days ago for an audition!"

"Yes of course Lexie! I was looking forward to this call!"

"Well, I have good news for you..."

I don't have time to finish my sentence, as I am forced to keep the phone away from my ear after Carole's hysteria cry.

"Hum... I understand that you are happy?"

She gives me her communicative laugh.

"And how! I can't wait to get to work!"

"We invite you to meet Ellie, Camille and I this evening to talk about it!"

"Camille? Is the other person also a girl?"

"Absolutely. We'll call her to tell her."

"OK! I look forward to getting to know her! Where do we meet tonight? »

I look at Ellie to see if she can meet us in the room where we had the audition. She nods.

"At the rehearsal room, at 8 p.m., is that okay?"

"It's perfect! See you tonight girls!"

"See you tonight Carole!"

We have a smile on our lips. We also can't wait to start working on the compositions with her. Ellie dials Camille's number.

"Yes! Hello Camille! It's Ellie! I'm calling you about our bassist research..."

Her expression changes quickly after a few seconds.

"Oh... Yes I understand... It's just very unfortunate... You really had us very impressed... Good luck in your research anyway... Goodbye."

I can't wait to know what's wrong.

"She has thought about it and she's afraid of not being able to be available if we're ever chosen."

A story about an internship for her studies, something like that... And she wouldn't want to screw everything up because of that...

"Shit... It sucks..."

"Yeah totally..."

We then go back into the analysis of our notes concerning the bassists. But the two of us are visibly disappointed and cannot agree. A phone call comes out of our heated discussion. Ellie picks up.

"Yes... Uh no actually the audition are over... Uh well, can you wait a second..."

Ellie puts her hand on her cell phone microphone to talk to me.

"It's a young woman who would like to audition for the bass!"

"Well why not!"

"Hello? Yes... Uh we hadn't planned to see someone else but we can say that your phone call is timely, because we are slightly in the dead end so..."

Ellie then gives her the address of the rehearsal room and asks her to come for 6 p.m.

"By the way, what's your name...? Ok very well Maxine, see you later then!"

I stretch. Who knows, we may come across the real gem. 

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