Chapter 2

Over the course of the next few weeks, Melody and I became fast friends. She was always opening up to me about just about anything. She was one of the few girls I knew that didn't care about me being related to Nat, or me being in a band.

The only thing I did notice about her was that she never spoke of her family. I didn't really find that strange though, since we were near the teen age and plus, if her family's anything like my dad; I don't blame her.

The only things I found she did talk about were books, homework, politics or something that was boring like that, and the usual girly topics. She didn't like sports, or t.v or anything that sounded extremely fun, but for an odd reason, I liked that.

She was different. She was so calm and polite, like Ms. Sweet Potato Farmer; the girl I met at a county fair show once.

She kept on talking about this book she was currently reading. It was supposedly her favorite book, called The Outsiders or something, when we were rudely interrupted.

"School, School, School. Don't wanna go to, school, school, school, don't wanna go to-I don't wanna go to school-"

As soon as some of the upperclassmen found out I was in the Naked Brothers Band, they made it a habit to play some of our songs over the loud speaker during lunch, just to annoy me. They always picked the ones with the most repeating lyrics and the ones where Nat practically screams the lyrics. It was like a personal initiation into the sixth grade.

As the music died down lower Melody rolled her eyes. " No offense Alex, but that is one of the most annoying songs ever. I like you guys and all, but your brother has the most redundant lyrics. And a lot of his songs are meaningless, about random things, or about how much he's in love with Rosalina. I like your songs way better. They have deeper meanings, and more inspirational lyrics." She smiled at me as I smiled back.

"Are you just saying that because I'm right here? As soon as I leave are you going to go run to your locker and worship your Nat poster or something?"

"No, that's just creepy." She was laughing at this point. "Have people actually done that?"

"Yeah, one girl has actually asked me to bring in his used underwear for show and tell, and then asked if she could buy it from me."

She was in a fit of giggles. "Seriously? What'd you do?"

"I didn't bring it. He wouldn't let me."

"Oh." She put on a more serious face. "Don't you think its a little unfair how Nat gets all the attention? How the press only reports about Nat, or about his and Rosalina's current relationship. Don't you think it's unfair that we only get to hear the bad side of you, Thomas, David, and Qassim?"

I didn't want to hear her talk about the band like this; mostly because it was true. I mean, sure we had our fair share of fans, but she's right. Nat had the most of them. Nat had a majority of them.

"But we all have our fair share of fans, and we all do have input on the songs we want on the album. If we really wanted our song on the album I'm sure Nat would let us. He's not as controlling as the press says he is. Sure he can hog the bathroom at times, but he usually lets me perform my songs."

"Isn't that because you're his brother? Doesn't he have to be nice to you? After all, you guys are on camera, and your dad is watching. Alex, just think about it. Is he really that generous about the spotlight, or is he just nice because you're related?"

"I suppose you could be right on some spots, but Nat's my brother, and he almost always does what's best for the band. I couldn't think of a time when he didn't."

"No need to get defensive about it Alex. I'm just saying that Nat's not the only one in the band with talent. You all have talent, Nat shouldn't always be the center of attention. Sometimes he should be forced to the background a little. Just to know what it's like, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it." I kinda of like how the band is. They're all like family to me. I've been with them longer than any other person(besides Nat and Dad) on Earth.

"Anyways Alex, I've got to get back to class. I promised our English teacher I'd come in during the last five minutes of lunch to help her clean up the classroom a bit."

"Like a punishment?" I couldn't understand why anyone would volunteer to go to class early. Lunch in middle school is almost like recess in elementary school: it's the only free time you get. Gym doesn't count because you're in some smelly uniform that smells like Lucky when he's wet, and you're forced to run around until you can't breathe.

"No, Alex. It's not a punishment. It's fun. Teachers can be pretty cool when they aren't in a class full of kids. Plus, she was going to suggest more books for me to read, and I simply cannot wait to hear about them. See you later!"

"Wait, Melody?" I really couldn't believe I was going to ask her this. "You want to come by this afternoon for band practice?"

She turned around, and walked back towards the table." I guess so. I've just got to call--never mind. Yes, I can go. What time does it start?"

"Seven until Eight-thirty."

"Alright, I'll see you then. Bye!"

For the first time ever, I felt nervous about a girl coming over to my house.

I've officaly decided to not put slash in here. If any, will be a very small amount that won't contribute to the plot. Oh, but there will be Natalina. I'm really proud that with this story I'm going out of my "safe zone" and writing couples I've never wrote before, and to write non-slash.

Oh, and The Outsiders is byfar, my favorite book. I encourage all to read it.