Chapter Ten: Rehearsals and Roommates

Around 3:30, the girls made it back to the Monkees' house, somehow managing to carry all of their purchases with them. Kath's arms were burning as she set down a handful of bags to turn the doorknob. Kicking her way inside, she realized that music was coming from the back of the room.

She looked back excitedly at the other three girls behind her, and jerked her head in the direction of the sound. As they stepped inside the door, they saw that the boys were standing in the alcove near the porch, playing their instruments and singing.

Kath hurriedly dropped her bags off near the staircase, and Yuki ran to put the food in the kitchen. The boys had noticed their entrance; as the song they had walked in on ended, Davy called out:

"This next one is for our resident time travelers." They struck up another tune. The girls exchanged grins and made their way to the couches, turning some of the chairs so they faced the raised alcove, setting the room up like seats in front of a stage.

Kath realized that there was no way these boys shouldn't be famous; they were good. She looked at Melany, who had an expression of unbridled joy on her face.

"What song is this, Mel?" Kath whispered.

"'Pleasant Valley Sunday,'" she said.

"Your favorite."

Melany nodded happily.

Before the beginning of the next several songs they played, one of the boys would announce the title. Kath especially liked "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You." The four girls were captivated by their music for the next fifteen minutes. When they finally stopped, the room burst into applause.

"Thank you, thank you," they said, Micky bowing over-dramatically. They all stepped down to join the girls on the couches. After a moment of pleasantries, the girls explained the conclusions they had drawn back in Caroline's, what their plans were regarding a place to live, and the next direction they were going.

The boys all exchanged a look after Yuki finished asking about renters. Kath saw their eyes dart over to the table, on which was probably more food than they'd seen in their kitchen for a long time. They put their heads together, whispered back and forth inaudibly, and then looked up at the girls and spoke in unison:

"Do you want to be our roommates?"

Kath was completely thrown off.

"Huh?"

"Well, things don't usually open up around here for renting until August, and that's little while from now," Mike began.

"And we could use the help with rent, to be honest." Peter spoke up.

"It would be a lot cheaper if all of us went in on it together," Yuki said thoughtfully.

"We've had boarders in the past," Mike continued. "And we're all sure you'd be better than any of them."

"Even if you might be crazy," Micky crossed his arms.

"We're willing to risk it," Davy added.

Kath nudged Barbara. "Those two don't believe us." She muttered, and Barbara nodded.

"We do," Micky and Davy said hurriedly.

Kath raised her eyebrows. "Really? You didn't seem so keen on the idea yesterday. Or five hours ago."

"We all had a heart-to-heart," Mike said flatly. "Don't worry ladies, we're all on the same page now. We trust you."

Kath felt relief spread through her. She hadn't realized until then how much it had been worrying her.

"What about you four?" Peter asked. "You think we're all right?"

"We had a heart-to-heart as well," she said with a smile. "And yes, we do."

Barbara looked over at the other three girls. "Does this mean we're saying yes to their offer? I've always lived with a lot of roommates, so I'm okay with it."

Yuki shrugged. "Seems like a good idea to me, especially with the rent thing."

Kath nodded. "I dig."

Melany sighed. "I'll give it a shot."

Barbara turned back to the guys. "Then it's settled."

As they all shook hands, Kath looked into each of the boy's faces and saw that they were genuinely pleased with the outcome of the conversation. It was strange; she had known them for less than a day and was already moving in with them, but it didn't seem like a bad idea at all. She looked around the room – her new home, at least for now, and exchanged smiles with the other girls.

"Welcome to the family."

In the next chapter, the Monkees encounter modern technology and they also play a gig. What could be better?!

Also, thank you to the newest follower, cheshirekadi! I appreciate you!