The Throw-Aways

I stared at him in shock. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening! No way, they all chose ME out of everyone else!

“Um…” I thought out loud. My brain basically went blanket with excitement but a twinge of fear. My dad beamed proudly at me.

“It’s entirely your decision. You don’t have to accept this offer.” Alan reminded me kindly. I glanced over to Kylar, who was basically having a panic attack in her mind. I could tell that if I didn’t give my answer soon, she was about to spontaneously combust!

“Honey, you can do whatever you want. I didn’t know you still played!” He told me, but I could tell he was screaming for me to say yes on the inside.

“So you said that you’ll give me the month to get to practice before we go on Warped?” I asked the group. A thousand thoughts raced through my mind.

“Of course! Here’s the thing: At the end of them month and you really just don’t feel like you can do it, just let us know and you don’t have to go on Warped yet, or don’t have to officially join either. In that month, you can back out anytime.” Phil put gently. I nodded and thought for a moment, not caring that Kylar was about half a second away from signing for me!

Okay, I had a month to get settled, know the guys better, practice, and memorize the lyrics and pieces I needed. I didn’t worry about the actual memorizing because I basically had all the pieces down to the last beat! All I was worried about was playing in front of crowds.

But this was what I wanted, right?

On the other hand, I would be leaving my friends, although I could visit them often enough. My dad would be alone, but I could always Skype him. I would also be leaving Jay behind.

Okay, that was a HUGE bonus!

Wait, that meant if I joined….

I could finally prove her wrong. I could finally live out my dreams without worry. I would finally make up for that one screw up at the funeral!

My mom could smile own on me and say, “That’s my girl!”

I could almost hear my mother bragging to Mitch Lucker about me finally going on stage.

“So…?” Austin asked curiously. I must’ve been tucked away in my thoughts longer than I realized. Glancing around the room to the expecting face, I eventually landed on Kylar’s. Her eyes looked like they were about to pop out of her head.

“Yes.” I whispered excitedly. Her mouth dropped open.

“Yes!” I repeated, this time getting louder! Yes, I would join! Yes, I wanted to be part of something greater! Yes, I wanted to live my dreams! Yes, I wanted to make a difference in someone else’s life!

“Great!” Austin cheered. Everyone seemed to be relieved. Some part of my brain, the one that was scared of what others thought of me, said that I shouldn’t do this.

No, I’m not going to succumb to that anymore. I’m going to make my own path.

“I’m so proud of you, R. Your mother would be to.” My dad got up and gave me a hug. I could feel him try to not cry as he was about to watch his little girl leave him for a while.

“You know I’ll always come back and visit you.” I whispered to him, shaking from the excitement. He nodded, numb from the accomplishment. That’s when Jake came out into the room and bumped into my leg. He wagged his tail and barked happily.

“Oh Jake, I’m going to miss you, buddy!” I laughed and rubbed on his head. He whined and sneezed again. Everyone gave me a hug, thanking me for being such an awesome pianist. In return, I thanked them for including me in the band.

“We’ll leave later tomorrow since we have to get back to California. The guys decided as part of the bonding experience, we’ll take a two week long road trip before we have to be back at the studios to practice.” Aaron explained. My dad seemed to pale at the thought of his little girl leaving so soon, but I was excited.

I knew I would have to leave my friends soon for college, but at least I could say I was doing something more exciting….

“I just sent a text out to Dante, Nico, and Skars telling them we have big news. We’re partying tomorrow!” She cheered. Of course, Kye was the one to organize the big social gathering.

“We’re crashing your party, whether you like it or not!” Alan affirmed. We all knew to meet at our usual spot at The Three Meatballs. Kylar looked so happy when he smiled down at her.

I couldn’t wait to be on the road with these guys!

Notes