Serj left LA early this morning and went back to his home in New Zealand he said it was urgent, hopefully everything is okay and he doesn't change his mind on bringing System back. I sat in my living room, writing lyrics, Shavo actually gave me some inspiration yesterday, I'm set for this, so is Shavo and John. I usually type my lyrics out on a computer, saves time. Shavo said he was recording bass tracks and John was writing drum tracks. I should be writing my guitar parts and fitting them all together, but it's best to have lyrics in case Serj actually does bail on us again. I got an email from John, two drum tracks, starting with a drum track makes song writing much easier, it's the back bone to a song. John never lets us down with his drum tracks, he creates the most complex sounding yet simple tracks, that always add that kick to our songs. I pick up my guitar and start tuning it.

My phone started ringing, buzzing my table. I answered, it was K'noup.

"Daron, hey man. Got you a gig, Friday at the Troubadour" He said his voice rasping into the phone.

"You'll be playing with a new band, ya know, give them some hype... promote them in a way"

"Friday? Why so sudden? " I responded sighing slightly.

"Just the way things happened man, you want it or not?"

"Yeah yeah, I do... Thanks"

Of course K'noup now replies with something, it's been 2 months since I asked him to book me a gig. I love how he books it NOW when I'm busy getting System back together, and how he tells me 3 days before the actual gig. I don't even know the band I'm playing with, or what songs to perform. More stress, great.

I texted Shavo and John explaining what's happening, I don't wanna tell Serj in case he uses this as an excuse to not bring System back. They are more understanding. I set my phone down and started typing up a set-list I was debating on whether or not to just play new songs or not... Maybe Scars songs? System? I wrote down some of my Scars on Broadway songs. I'd rather not play new songs, especially for a small gig. My phone buzzed, it was Shavo

"Congrats man! Wish you luck"

I smiled at the text, he gets me.

She's like heroin, that's a song that Shavo and I wrote actually. We were talking about hookers and drugs, childhood memories, what we see on a daily basis here in California. That's what sparked the idea of this song. I added that to my set-list. Serj didn't like that song for some reason, so we never performed it. But he can't tell me no this time.

I don't know how many songs K'noup wants me to perform, and what this other band is gonna perform, or even if they are even going to play my songs. Hopefully this doesn't get too crazy.

I tuned my guitar and strummed some cords, trying to figure out a new, but not so new cord for System. For some reason I'm worrying about everything that's happening. I never worry about making a new album. Maybe it's because it's been so long? Maybe I'm not ready? Maybe I'm just paranoid over it sounding different, will the fans like it? I've never really worried about what people think, whether they like it or not. I wrote some lyrics down, trying to mix and match different cords with the drum track playing in the background and hoped for the best.

- Time Skip -

It was almost 7 pm, I moved my computer away from me, setting my guitar down and sighing. I've been playing/writing all day non-stop. I got up and grabbed my keys and set myself to get some food. Not sure where to go. I pulled outta my drive way cautiously not to hit my Hummer. I made my way to a nearby pizza place and parked.

My phone buzzed.

"Hey Daron, I'm Orbel. You will be playing with my band on Friday. We are called the Millennials, we're a small band and just recently started playing around at gigs. So for the gig we are planning on having you singing about 7 of your songs, and perhaps sing 5 of our songs. I can send you the songs we have set and the lyrics of course. Please send us your half of the set-list as soon as possible. Thanks!" I looked at the text and ignored it.

I took a bite outta my pizza, going through Instagram. I checked Serj's page and saw a post about one of his dogs passing away, I guess that's why he left LA so early. I looked through my tags, so many photos of me and the other guys, people are still care about us, they take the time to post about us every day. It really amazes me.

I felt someone tap my shoulder.

"Hi, um. Daron! Nice to meet you. I'm sorry to disturb you" they continued saying while practically jumping up and down.

"Oh, no you didn't disturb me. Nice to meet you too."

God I'm so awkward when it comes to meeting fans, although I love meeting the people that support and care about me, I'm just so dead at conversations.

They sat down across from me.

"How's everything been? Hoping for some new stuff possibly?"

"Everything is alright. I'm actually performing on Friday at the Troubadour, so if you want to come check it out, you're welcome. As far as new stuff, I can't really say."

I didn't wanna say that we've been talking and bringing System back to anyone yet.

"Oh for sure I'll be there, thank you so much. Your music really changed my life for the best. Could I possibly get a picture and autograph?"

Her eyes darted around me.

"Yeah for sure"

I smiled as she pulled her phone out and snapped a photo. She held her arm out and happened to have a marker with her.  I signed my name and a smiley face.

Classic

She looked up at me and smiled, trying to contain her excitement.

"Thank you so much" she gave me a final hug and left.

She was nice I thought to myself as I grabbed my pizza and took another bite out of it. I sipped my drink as I finished my last slice and got up to leave. I got into my car and drove around, lighting a cigarette and putting it between my lips as I turned up the volume to the radio. KISS was on, one of my favorite bands and inspirations as a little kid.

- Time Skip -

Shavo POV

I got Daron's text about his gig on Friday, I was really proud of him. He has been practically itching to play on stage again. Although he planned on getting Scars on Broadway back together, but with John and I in it this time if Serj had said no to getting System back. I've also been really in the mood for touring again, I miss seeing the fans, the chanting, hearing the music at a really loud volume, feeling the stage booming when John would hit the bass drum. The thrill of it all, it can get stressful sometimes but in the end, it's really worth it. My wife walked into the room and whistled to get my attention.

"What's going on here?" She said smiling while holding my youngest boy in her arms.

"Planning on getting System back, tinkering with my equipment."

I stood up and greeted Hayk.

"Hey there little man" I took him from her arms and smiled at him.

"Wanna learn some bass?" I said jokingly.

"Lil' Shavo and I are gonna go out to the park, be back soon" She said leaving, waving to Hayk and I

I picked up my bass and set it on Hayko's lap, he played with the cords, running his fingers across, the bass let out a small noise. I grabbed his hand and helped him strum, he smiled at me when the bass amplified through out the room. It's nice seeing your kid following in your foot steps. I just hope what comes in the future is good and everything goes as accordingly.