Blackmailed Into The Band

Punk Ariana Grande

The next day at school, Carter and I went to the counselor's office to explain what happened before we asked them to change his address in their records. Once lunch time hit, Phillip sent us a text message, telling us to meet in the library for a quick band meeting.

I ditched Emily and went to the library where I heard the guys in the back of the room. I took a seat beside Josh, both of us aware that my stomach was growling.

Phillip started talking. " Hey guys, it's come to my attention that our subscribers have been multiplying and attacking us. Although 'Lexia can't play the guitar yet, maybe we should post other covers for now..." We were all lost. He added onto his speech. " Um.. maybe I could do a drum cover of a song, Aidan and Alexia can do a vocal cover, we can make YouTube videos and um... Do stupid stuff, like high-note competitions..."

" That sounds ridiculous," Aidan snorted.

" The fans will like it," Carter said.

Aidan ignored him.

" I feel like it's better than doing nothing," Josh said, taking my hand under the table. " What do you think?" He asked me.

" I like it. Let's have a high-note competition."

We agreed to meet at Josh's house after school. As soon as the day stopped lagging and we found ourselves in his garage, Phillip set the camera up while we messed around. Josh and Carter were messing with Phillip's drums while Aidan was on his phone avoiding everyone. I sat by myself, trying to play a song on Josh's guitar. I was horrible.

" Okay, I'll edit this later. Stutter all you want," Phillip said before joining us and taking his drumsticks.

" One-" Aidan began counting as Phillip drummed on the pool table.

" Hi, we're Drea's Last Words," We said unevenly.

" Sorry for the lack of videos over the past few weeks. Lexia hasn't really mastered the art of guitar playing and honestly, we needed a break with all the stuff going on," Josh said.

" Should we announce things?" I asked.

" Yeah. Alexia's my girlfriend!" Josh smiled, raising our hands.

" Not that kind of stuff," Aidan said.

" Right. Um... Update on our personal lives, Alexia is my girlfriend," Josh said.

" And I came out the other day," Carter said, trying to keep a straight face. " I'm currently living with Alexia since my parents decided that they won't support me anymore," He said, giving the camera a thumbs up.

Aidan laughed, breaking the ice between them.

Carter shrugged, before we moved on with announcements. We were all happy that they were getting along again.

When we finished talking, we transitioned into a high note competition. Aidan sucked. His voice cracked every time he tried and we found it hilarious. Carter was pretty good, tied with Josh since they both had higher voices. Phillip didn't even try, he just sat there, laughing his butt off with the rest of us. I was as bad as Aidan. My low, monotone voice wasn't made for high notes or any type of singing.

When we finished making fools of ourselves, we went to Josh's room to edit. I sat beside Josh and showed him the progress Carter and I had made on the guitar.

He straight up told me that I was still bad. While he helped me out, I noticed Carter watching Phillip edit. Aidan was with them, laughing at our stupid video. It seemed like all was forgiven and I admired Carter for letting go of Aidan's nasty behavior so easily.

" Do you think Carter has a crush on someone?" I asked Josh.

" Why? We already tried it, didn't work out," He said bashfully.

" Shut up," I laughed. " Maybe we should get him a guy," I said.

" I'm a guy," Josh smiled.

" A real guy," I said, making him gasp.

Phillip smiled, gazing at Carter before going back to editing. In that small stare, I realized there was something there.

" Oh my gosh," I said quietly.

" What?" Josh asked.

" Carter and Phillip?" I suggested, lowering my voice.

" Phillip has a girlfriend. Long distance," He said.

" How come no one ever told me this?" I asked, turning to look at Phillip.

Josh laughed, placing a small kiss on my cheek. " You never asked."

" Shut the fuck up," I said. " Phillip!" I yelled.

He turned to look at me.

" You have a girlfriend?" I asked.

He nodded and looked down.

" You douche, you never told me. Who else is secretly dating someone?" I asked, looking at Aidan.

" I'm single," He said.

" 'Lexia I live with you. You know I'm single," Carter said.

But that doesn't explain the late night text messages...

" Shut the fuck up," I said.

" Go back to making the guitar cry," He retorted as Aidan laughed.

As they went back to editing, Josh and I kept track of how many times Carter and Phillip made eye contact. Even when it started getting dark outside, we continued counting the times they blushed together.

Josh was convinced that there was something going on by the time we had to leave.