Everybody's a dreamer, everybody's a star

It was ironic how Mystik Spiral could only take off after they were no longer Mystik Spiral. Nick was a worldwide sensation on the accoustic scene. Max and his new partner Dan Power had formed the act "Max Power" and were gaining fame rapidly. Jesse had faded into obscurity playing the piano bar circuit, but he seemed to like it that way. Only Trent remained frustrated and hopeless, wondering if he'd ever get his big break.

To those who are successful, be always on your guard.

"Nicholas Campbell, known for his hit album Just South of Anywhere, was found dead in his hotel room from a drug overdose," the TV news reporter said.

"Damn," Jane muttered. "I knew he was probably into that stuff, but I didn't think that'd be what killed him." She glanced at her brother. "You okay?"

"I dunno." Trent shrugged. "He and I kinda lost touch after the band split." The news went on to describe Nick's tragic fall from hit sensation to death by speedballs and Trent winced; all of them in the band had experiemented with drugs and he himself still smoked a little weed now and then. But Nick had been more into them than anyone; weed had just been the gateway to harder stuff and even back then he'd struggled with addictions. He'd been in and out of rehab more times than anyone could count. So this didn't surprise Trent in the least.

"He's not the only member of Mystik Spiral to lose his career so tragically. Maxwell Tyler of the duo Max Power lost the use of his arms in a car crash just this afternoon," the news reporter went on. "And Jesse Moreno's career may be just as dead thanks to the pianist's recent scandal." Trent sighed, leaning back against the couch cushions.

"Told him that threesome with Linda Griffin and Brittany Taylor would only lead to trouble," he snorted.

"I'm just surprised Kevin didn't barge in and kick Jesse's ass. Brittany never did properly break up with him," Jane said. Trent raised an eyebrow.

"You still talk to Kevin?"

"No, but Daria's run into him a couple times. He still thinks Britt's his babe," Jane said. "I almost feel sorry for the doof." She shrugged. "Oh well, he'll find some other bimbo to hang on his every word sooner or later." She became serious again. "Are you okay, though? I mean, you did spend your every waking moment with these guys for over five years."

"Eh." Trent shrugged. "I dunno how to feel, really. It sucks that Nick's dead and I feel bad for Max and Jesse, but I kinda realized something."

"What's that?"

"Success is a bitch, Janey," he said with a short laugh. "Sure, it's great at the top for a while but then all the bad stuff happens. Maybe I never will get my big break, but so what? I love my music and I've got...well, I've got you and Daria." Jane looked impressed.

"That's very mature of you, Trent."

"Plus, you have to do stuff and get out of bed before noon to be a success and we both know how badly I suck at that," Trent added, and Jane laughed.

"Yeah, I thought so."

Maybe he'd stay where he was forever, a struggling musician with a guitar and a goal he might never reach. He'd miss Nick, not to mention any chance of the band ever getting back together.

But he was alive, and in some ways that was better than being famous.