After a few drinks with the mates, Richard drove me home and told me he'd pick me up in the morning.

As I walked inside, I realised my parents were home. I froze when I noticed me mum walking up the stairs with my folded clothes in her hand. I raced up and grabbed them from her.

"Oh um, thanks mum. I'll take em up myself." I laughed nervously. She looked at me strangely.

"Are ye okay?"

"Yes I'm perfect. Just feelin generious." I smiled. She just shrugged.

"Fine by me. Just promise me there's not dope, a girl, or pornography goin on in that room of yours." She pointed. I laughed.

"Ye crack me up. You know I'd never do such a thing."

She nodded. "Good. Well, i'm off to start dinner. I'll call ye down when it's time to eat."

"Alright." I said. I sighed in relief as she left. I made my way into my room. The smell of cannabis filling my lungs. I opened the window and sprayed some air freshener. Dammit Richard.

I threw out the cigarettes and joints in the ashtray and cleaned up a bit. I looked at the guitar Paul was playing and realised all of our notes were still on the floor. I picked them up and read over a few.

We had some good stuff I had to admit. It was  better than playing cover songs every gig. I need to prove myself worthy of bein in the band. Keith was great. But I can be greater.

I sat on my bed the rest of the evening, guitar in hand, pen in another as I wrote on blank music sheets and practiced on my own.

....

I sat in class the next day, almost falling asleep when I heard someone whisper.

"Psst!"

I picked my head up and looked to the open doorway to see the three mates standing about.

"What??" I mouth. They waved for me to come over. I grabbed my things, watching the teacher carefully as he turned his back to grab a stack of papers. I ran out, making my way to the three.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Look at this." Richard said handing me a flyer. I looked it over and read aloud.

"Lost kitten. Name Patsy. Reward fifty dollars?" I said confused.

"No not that! This!" John pointed at an ad.

"Battle of the bands?"

"They do it every year. Local bands from around 'ere enter in hopes of scorin a record deal. Gettin a label, a name for themselves. It's a fuckin riot." Paul said, arms crossed. John lit a cigarette.

"It's in New York." I said pointing at the location.

"So what? It's only a few hours drive."

"I dunno if me parents will let me go." I said a bit sad. I mean they still get nervous when I head out into town on my own. They're just grateful I made a few friends to watch over me. I'm sure if they met them, their attitude would change completely.

"It's not until another month. Come on. This is our chance to show those Rolling Stones bastards were just as great as they are." John said.

"I'll see what I can do." I said shrugging. "I um, looked over your guys's notes last night. I think we may 'ave something," I smiled.

"Yeah? Let's come around mine yeah? Nobody is 'ome anyway." John said patting my back. I nodded.

"Okay. Let's go."

....