Dumbstruck

Chapter 2

“All you need to do is smash this guitar against the sofa that you are currently sitting in,” Mr. Windle explains as he acts out the correct form to smash the guitar.           

He places the guitar in my hands and I give him a doubtful look. “Yeah, I know how to smash things, but are you sure this will rouse the media? Guitars are expensive, do you really think I should break one?”

“It’ll be fine. This is just a prop. Also, of course this will get the media buzzing. They just need something to talk about. A controversy, a scandal, a juicy story-anything goes,” He explains before pointing to a corner in the ceiling. “That’s where the camera will be. It’ll look like security camera and we’ll be using that footage to send out to the press. I’ll edit it and everything so it won’t look professional or fake.”

I follow him out of the room and get into position before I smash the guitar. He points at me, signalling that the camera is rolling, and I march into the room. My hands reach for the neck of the guitar and soon it comes crashing down onto the dingy sofa. Wooden debris flies and I stare down at the crumbled guitar pieces before kicking what’s left of it at the wall for good measure. I grimace and seethe as I stomp out of the room. That should do it.

Mr. Windle starts clapping when I come into his view. His lips turn up into a smile and he gestures to the empty seat across from him. “That was great Ryan, and I’m not just saying that because I only bought one guitar.”

“Uh, thanks I guess. This was a completely life changing experience.”           

“Good to know. I believe that leaking that video to the press will cause the greatest stir if I do so later once there already is something out there. I suggest that you go out later tonight. Hit up the clubs with your friends or whatever. I want your name in the papers and I trust that you know what to do.”

“So does this mean girls and drinks and-”

He cuts me off when I stop to take a breath. “Yes, all of that. If you get back together with Abigail that’d be great as well. Make sure you get a lot of camera time, but don’t overdo it. Also, don’t get too upset with the paparazzi because the more publicity you get, the more money you’ll get through album sales.”           

“All right, I’m on it.”

><><><><           

Neon lights flash from all the buildings around me and a combination of various electronic songs echoes through the air. I turn around and my bright grin falters when I see Anna, a few feet away from Matt and me. What is she doing here?         

“I thought you broke up with her,” I hiss over the noise.           

“It’s just that I don’t know what to say,” Matt sighs. Out of all the things we’ve lied and talked our way out of this would be the one thing he can’t do. She’s just a person, there’s not much to be afraid of. “I just don’t want her to explode or something.”          

“You can solve just about anything. Solve this and you can have a great time tonight without all that dead weight. If you don’t like her, then you’re wasting her time and yours being in this relationship. Break up with her and you’ll both be free.”          

He nods and I pause for a moment to watch Matt awkwardly shuffle over to Anna. He gets to the point quickly and Anna’s hand connects with his cheek before she struts away, swinging her hips as much as can. Matt jogs back to me and a smile forms on his face.        

“Thanks for the motivation,” He says. “Now are we going to have a good time tonight or what?”          

“Yeah, I will,” I reply. “You’re the designated driver for tonight.”