The Throw-Aways

My desk clock read 8: 23. I had gotten my notebook back and was doodling a sketch of Blest and the broken windows. Jake snored happily on my bed. Although it was early in the dark evening, my pug was asleep for at least twenty hours every day. I wish I could sleep as easily as him.

A piece of paper hit my head.

Kylar was in my room with me. We had been talking since after I came back from hanging out with the band. She was a little jealous, but I promised I would introduce her to Alan again tomorrow.

“So what did you say when you first met him?” I asked her and tossed the paper back at the girl, smirking a little before closing the notebook. The brown hair parted as she looked up.

“Um, hello?” She remembered. I sighed. Her shyness had gotten the best of her once again. To anyone on the outside, Kk was a quiet girl who enjoyed playing music and reading a magazine about bands. She rarely talked, but always smiled.

Sighing, I knew that the real Kylar that I knew was constantly bouncing off the walls. Alan didn’t know her, and even though she thought the world of the diva, she remained quiet. It didn’t surprise me.

“KYE! I’m going to force you two together one day so he can get to know the REAL you.” I tossed the paper that hit the back of my head again. It bounced off her knee.

The doorbell rang.

Jake sat up and wiggled his tail, but made no move to answer it. I sighed and stood up.

“My ‘real’ self?” She questioned. I nodded and grinned.

“Yes! The one that acts like she has Monster Drinks in her blood system.” I giggled. My dad was in the kitchen and yelled for me to answer it. I agreed and tromped down the steps in my socks and went to the door.

It was a little surprising to get visitors, especially this late at night. I think the last time someone came to the door was when mom died. Even our neighbors typically visited The Three Meatballs if they wanted something or requested an order.

“Ooh, mystery guests.” Kye responded from the top of the stairs. I stood in our little open hallways, big enough for a group to squeeze together and touched the door handle.

Something inside of me made my heart race. What was this surprise?

I pulled open the door and my heart stopped in surprise. I think Kk had just fainted.

“Who is it?” My dad asked after a moment of silence.

Austin waved and smiled. Tino, Phil, Aaron, and Alan shuffled around him. My dad was still waiting for a reply and Kye was dying on the top of the stairs.

I gestured for them to enter as I yelled back to my dad.

“It’s Of Mice and Men!” I could barely contain my excitement and surprise. Why would they be here?

Rapid footsteps hurried to the top of the stairs from the kitchen. My dad smiled and the boys waved like it was their own father.

“Hello Mr. Skarsson.” Aaron waved happily. He was a big fan of my dad’s food. My dad gestured for the boys to come into the living room. They all set their collection of Vans, Converse, and assorted brands on the rug and following me upstairs. I dragged Kye from her frozen shock.

“Oh, hey! You’re Kylar!” Alan fell behind the ground and smiled at Kylar.

Uh oh. I think Kk just melted on the floor.

“Hello, Alan.” She mumbled, instantly going into her shell. If Ashby played this right, she would be the beautiful, bouncing, energetic Kylar I always saw.

“Come on, Alan!” Austin called. Alan took Kylar’s wrist and dragged her with him.

Clean up in the living room: melted Kylar on the floor. Clean up in the living room!

They were all sitting around in the chairs and couches. My dad leaned against the wall. I took a seat next to Kylar and Alan. Everyone seemed to be smiling, but my dad looked just as confused as I was.

Kye was staring at Alan in admiration.

“So, we came to talk to you about a very important matter.” Austin started off. I tilted my head to look at him. His brown eyes held mine in an unescapable grasp. The room held its breath. I think Tino was trembling in excitement.

“Raven, will you be our new keyboardist for Of Mice and Men?”

Notes

YAYAYAYAY!!! But will Raven accept this invitation?!?!?! Find out for sure next chapter!