[Here I Go Again by Whitesnake]

Are you sure that's what you want, Riley?" I thought for a second and remembered what my mom told me.

'If you change your mind about psychology, that's fine Riley. Your dad and I will understand. Follow your heart.'

"Yes, James. I'm sure. I wouldn't dream of doing anything else." I was in my parents' garage having another heart to heart with my best friend James Hetfield. "But Riley, you love to sing. And I think you have real potential." He said. "Oh please. You're just saying that because you're my friend." I replied shaking my head. "Think about who this is coming from, besides your friend."

I stopped for a second and looked at him. He wore an Iron Maiden shirt that fit him just right and a black belt with chains held his blue jeans up. His dirty blonde hair fell down onto his shoulders, some of it was in his face, but he didn't brush it off. He stood there looking at me with one foot forward and his hands in his pockets.

I thought about what he said. James sings professionally. If he says I'm good, I'm good. I should stop putting myself down. I had a really bad tendency to do that.

"You're right James. Thank you." I smiled at him. "Of course." He looked over at the calendar in the garage. "Are you excited for your birthday coming up?" He asked me. It was June 19th today. My birthday is June 25th. "Fuck it's in six days. I'll be 20 in six days." I said looking over at the calendar. "Aren't you going on tour like right after that?" I asked. James nodded his head and I frowned. He was leaving again. He would be many miles away from me until the tail end of November.

I didn't have many friends since I was kind of a loner. I preferred to keep to myself. I just found that I didn't have much in common with the people around me. I liked listening to metal, writing, drawing and singing. Most people around me didn't like any of those things. James has been my best friend for the past few years. I was there when he formed his band. Even though I've never met his band mates, I've heard they're great. I hope I can meet them soon. I wonder why James hasn't introduced me.

"It'll be okay. You know I always come back." James reassured me that it would be just fine. I hate to admit it but I was worried. Last year, James's friend and band mate, Cliff died while on tour. I wouldn't know what to do if something happened to James on this tour. It wasn't going to be a big tour, but still. "But Cliff..." I just thought about life. "Life can be gone in an instant. Cliff was sleeping when the bus flipped and he died. He didn't know it would be his last day. You don't know what will happen, James." James came up to me and hugged me. "Look, I'll only be a few states and one call away. I'll even give you Kirk's number in case I don't answer. I promise I'll be okay. Trust me Riley." I treasured the moment and took my best friend's words to heart. "Thank you James." I smiled at him and he let go. I thought for a second and realized I had something to ask him. "Hey James?" I asked him and he hummed in reply. He sat down against the wall and patted next to him. I went and sat down next to him. "Why haven't I met your band mates?" I turned my head and asked him. He seemed to freeze up at that. "Uh, I just haven't gotten around to it." "Sounds to me like you're hiding something." I replied crossing my arms, looking him in the eyes. He was definitely hiding something. I wonder what it could be. He looked up at the clock on the wall and quickly got up. "I have to go. Bye Riley!" Then he just ran off. He got into his car and drove away.

What the hell just happened?