Sequel to "Attracted to Death"
It was as if someone had ripped my heart from my chest. The band and I were in the old abandoned factory we practiced twice, sometimes three times a week.
Iggy, my brother, was strumming his guitar humming 'Rock and Roll Radio' by Ramones. Sam was twirling one his drumsticks in his hand thinking. Gasman was doing late World History homework, and Ari...he was taking a nap on top of two boxes with his sunglasses on, arms folded across his chest.
Me...well I was sitting on an old chair, chin resting on my fist, and my song book open in my lap, staring into the ceiling.
Fang, my first and only love, had left two days ago, after I discovered he was a vampire.
"Maaax...Max!" shouted Nudge in my face. I shook my head, snapping back to reality.
"So?" she asked.
"Huh?"
"I said, would you and Fang meet Iggy and I for a movie tomorrow?" she asked.
"Uh...we can't," I stalled, placing my song book inside black cross-body cotton hobo bag. "Maybe next week."
"Next week? But I haven't even seen him since the gig."
"I told you, Fang's studying for exams."
"Well, I'm sure he'll ace them," she said.
"He's been cracking the books all day and night."
Of course, I couldn't tell anyone, even Nudge or the guys, why Fang had disappeared. I wasn't even sure of the reason myself.
But mostly, I couldn't admit to myself that he had gone. I was in denial. Gone-the word turned my stomach and choked my throat. Just the thought of explaining to my friends that Fang had left Dullsville brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't bear accepting the truth, much less telling it.
And I didn't want another rumor mill circulating throughout Dullsville. If word got out that Fang had moved without warning, who knows what conclusions the gossip-mongers would jump to.
At this point, I wanted to maintain the status quo: keep up appearances until I had a few more days to figure out a plan.
"Max! Iggy! You got a letter guys!" shouted dad, as we walked through the door. I furrowed my eyebrows as dad handed me the purple envelope. In the front, was 'The Franchise' written in cursive. I raised my eyebrows at Iggy and he shrugged. I sighed, and opened it with a butter knife and read it out loud.
To the band 'The Franchise,'
My name is Nino Pierport, and I went to your last show, and I must say I was astonished by your performance. Being the mayor of the town, Hypsterville, I would like you to give an amazing performance, in front of the whole town just like your last one. If you choose to indeed perform please contact me at the number provided {(XXX)-XXX-XXXX} to schedule the date of your performance and give you the address of the town's stage, I will also reserve three rooms in our finest hotel, for you all.
Yours truly,
Nino Pierport.
I dropped the letter in astonishment. Iggy was the first to break the silence in the kitchen.
"Whoo! Our first out of town performance!" shouted Iggy. I laughed. I was so happy! This is another step to our career. Iggy and I looked at each other and broke into our happy dance.
We wrapped our arms around each other and spun around.
"H-hold on a minute guys," warned dad.
"You guys have school, and tests are coming up and-" I grabbed dad's hands and squeezed them hard.
"Dad, come on! This is another step towards our future. You know we've been doing good in school and-"
"We're very committed to make the band move forward," interrupted Iggy tomorrow. Dad looked at us both, thinking.
"Fine...But!" he stopped us from jumping on him.
"Since you're both responsible, the six of you are going alone, after tests and I am going to expect a call from either of you daily, got it?" we nodded and before I could move, Iggy jumped on dad, which resulted dad carrying Iggy bridal style, with his arms around dad's neck. I burst out laughing. I laughed and laughed, until I started snorting. I gasped and covered my mouth and nose with one hand.
Iggy and dad laughed, when I blushed. Whenever I laugh a lot, I tend to snort.
"Now I just have to convince your mother," mumbled dad when we all calmed down.
"Convince me for what?" mom said as she walked in to the kitchen.
"Uh-" started dad.
"Gotta go do homework!" I shouted and ran up to my room. Now all I had to do was call Nudge and the guys to give them the news. Hopefully Nudge won't turn into the NUDGE CHANNEL...