Chapter 1: Losing the Band

It's hard to live up to a good boy's rep. And when you occasionally slip up, things can get a little dicey. It doesn't take much to turn the public against you. This is the point I'm at right now. This good boy has gone bad; at least in the public's eyes.

But I'm different on the inside. So I say, hey, what the hell? Let them talk trash. So I busted up a movie set, so what? I've still got talent and no one can take that away from me.

Or so I thought.

I was sitting in the limo, squinting at the too-bright sun, texting Miley about the reason behind busting the set.

Nate got me this red frog picture thingy. One day I could've sworn it blinked at me. I was so freaked out by it; I threw it at the camera lights. Oops.

Sounds like an excuse. She texted back.

I turned my Sidekick off angrily. What was with everyone these days? The public had me labeled as dumb shit, Miley wouldn't believe a thing I said (well, it wasn't the whole truth, but partially), and my brothers kept repeating to me, "We don't know what to do with you." over and over.

Yeah? Then go do a cat, bastards. Nobody understands what this is doing to me.

As if on cue, Nate began to lecture me on ethics and respect for movie people.

"You have to understand how they feel. How would you like it if someone busted up your guitar?" I gave him a look of despair.

"My guitar? I'd cry." Jason joined in. I rolled my eyes. What did they know about ethics and movie people? Nate was the one who stole my Popsicle when I was two. No, wait, that was Jason. Nate wasn't born when I was two.

"And if you want to make them feel better, you're going to have to apologize." Nate continued.

"No thank you. If they want to feel better, they should go eat a Popsicle. I mean one that Jason didn't eat." I replied. Jason blinked. Ah, he didn't get it.

"Shane, snap out it, man. You need help." Nate said.

"What do you mean, help?" I asked, eyes narrowing.

"We're sending you to Camp Rock." Nate so helpfully explained.

"Dude, I'm too old for that sort of stuff." I said. Camp Rock? What the hell, I was eighteen.

"You'll be teaching, not learning. Though it would help if you did learn something." Nate said the last part under his breath.

"So, you're sending me there for a job?" I asked.

"Can I have a job?" Jason asked.

"You haven't been acting like yourself, Shane. Uncle offered and we said yes." Nate replied.

"That's not your decision to make. I won't do it." I said firmly. They wanted to send me away! Ridiculous.

"It's our decision as a band. Connect Three isn't doing well with all the bad press. You going to camp is like a fresh start." Nate answered.

"Make me a birdhouse when you're there." Jason joined in. Damn idiot.

"Look, we're here. Have fun!" Nate said half-cheerfully. He was smiling at my horror. I scowled at him.

"I won't!" I yelled at his face. They drove off. I was alone.

End of Chapter 1: Losing the Band