"Hi, Josh! Do you want to hang out or something?" asked Sam. "Well, it's a good time of year to catch up on all the sleep I've missed."
"Hey Sam," said Josh. "Yeah, as you get older, you start to realise that sleep is the best thing in the world."
"So, we're finally having a show!" said Sam. "It's going to be at Zuzu City, I actually used to live there. That place was always bright, even at night."
"Oh, you must be stoked!" replied Josh.
"Yeah, we're finally making our mark with the band," said Sam. "You know, it's been a while since I've been back in the city, I wonder what it's like now?"
"It's probably just the same old," said Josh. "But how did you end up in a small town like this?"
"My parents moved here about nine years ago, before my little brother was born," Sam explained. "I guess they wanted a change of scenery, so Pelican Town was perfect."
"And do you like it here?" asked Josh.
"It's alright, but I've grown to like the country more than the city. Though I might be biased, for a certain reason," replied Sam, with his hand behind his neck.
"Anyway, I hope you can make it tomorrow night, Josh," he continued. "We're meeting up at the bus stop at 4pm."
"No worries, I'll see you then!" replied Josh.
The following morning, Josh and Alex spend some time at the park. Alex's gridball is tossed back and forth between them.
"Wow, you've improved a lot, Josh. I'm impressed," said Alex. "Here, it's coming at ya!"
Josh catches the gridball, but then briefly focuses his attention to Leah and Elliott just walking past, laughing in a carefree manner, while holding each other dearly.
"Come on, buddy, it's my turn!" prompted Alex.
"Oh, sorry, I was just daydreaming," said Josh, before throwing the ball back to Alex. He catches it even more effortlessly this time.
"You up for a few more rounds?" asked Alex, eagerly.
"Um… maybe later," Josh responded.
He proceeds to sit on the grass under a tree. Upon noticing this, Alex does the same, and sits next to him.
"Josh? What's going on, my guy? Is everything okay?" asked Alex.
"Yeah, everything's fine," said Josh.
"Something must be on your mind," Alex pointed out, "this is the first time you've stopped playing ball, after only ten throws."
"Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry about me, Alex. I'm fine… really," said Josh.
Alex didn't take that as a confident answer, so he pushes harder, for Josh to let it out.
"I know I'm not a very smart guy, but you seem a little odd today, it's concerning me," said Alex. "Josh, please tell me what's wrong."
Josh could see the determination in Alex's eyes. He decides to give in.
"You know, it seems like everyone here has something going right for them," said Josh. "They are doing what they love, following their dreams…"
"What about you, Josh?" Do you have a dream?" asked Alex.
"Um… you wouldn't want to know," remarked Josh, "otherwise you'll just laugh at me if I told you."
"Oh yeah? Go on, try me," said Alex, listening intently.
Josh looks directly at Alex. "Well, I've always wanted to be in love, but… I don't think I know how," he said.
"What do you mean?" said Alex, confused.
"I've never actually dated anyone before, and even then, I don't have a lot of friends. I've always been by myself," Josh continued.
"I find that hard to believe," said Alex, trying to comfort Josh. "You're a cool, good-looking guy, surely everyone back home must be very foolish."
Josh smiles briefly.
"I'm not so sure about that… it's not them," said Josh. "I'm just not that interesting or charismatic compared to other guys. I feel like once people get to know me, I just repel them away from how boring I am."
"Josh, look at me," said Alex. "I've only known you for a short while, but I feel confident that you have a wonderful capacity for love."
Alex leans towards Josh, giving him a firm hug. His strong arms enveloped Josh with tender care and support.
"Thank you Alex," said Josh, with tears in his eyes.
"I'm here for you, Josh," said Alex. "If you ever need someone to talk to, or a place to go, you can always stop by. I'll do what I can to make sure you feel valued and loved."
Alex's sweet words continued to overwhelm Josh with great emotion. His body was still slightly shaking from crying, but Alex kept strong and steady. After a minute or so, Josh begins to calm down.
"What you just said, it was very articulate, but I think I needed it today," said Josh.
"Thanks, I learned it from one of those new books that I've been reading!" replied Alex.
"Oh, that explains it," laughed Josh.
"Hey, I'm a guy full of surprises," replied Alex, smiling.
"Thanks for not making fun of me," said Josh. "I usually don't talk about these sorts of things, let alone with people our age."
"Don't mention it, it's all good," said Alex. "I'm glad you were able to share something like that with me."
After saying goodbye to Alex, Josh returns to the farm to freshen up, before Sam's concert that evening. He heads over to the bus stop as the clock hit four, where a large crowd was waiting.
"Hey Josh, you made it! It's great to see you," said Sam.
"Hey Sam, no worries at all! I wouldn't want to miss your show," replied Josh. "Wow, there's so many people here!"
"Yeah, everyone decided to come support us for our first gig," replied Sam. "I'm actually a little nervous, to be honest with you."
"You'll do great, Sam," said Josh.
"Well, all our band gear's been loaded, we're all set," said Sam. "Alright everyone, let's get on the bus!" he announced, with great enthusiasm.
Sam's gig was being held at a small café in Zuzu City, which was still open, even during the night. It was located in a gentrified part of the city filled with lots of young people, who would seem to enjoy a night-time coffee. There were a few local patrons there to watch the band perform, but the audience was mostly everyone back home from Pelican Town. On the stage space decorated by hanging lights, Abigail sat behind the drum set, Sebastian stood behind a keyboard, while the blond frontman Sam stood in center, behind the microphone stand, with his guitar.
"Hi, everyone," said Sam, nervously, taken aback by the large number of people in the audience, as well as Josh standing right in front, as salient as could be. "We're from Pelican Town, and we're called The Pelicans."
Alex, Leah, Emily, and Josh cheered loudly after Sam mentions the band being from Pelican Town, before Josh chuckles at the bold but encouraging display of support.
"Well, here we go…" Sam continued, before the band starts to play.
The song that Sam's band were playing had an indie pop-rock vibe, with some slight dream pop and shoegaze influences here and there. Josh was surprised to finally hear Sam's pleasant, clear singing voice; Sam was able to hit all his notes without being off-key. The icing on the cake was Sam's captivating and ethereal guitar solo; Sam certainly felt accomplished and proud.
As the band's performance had finished, a large cheer soon followed, showering Sebastian, Abigail and Sam.
"Thanks everyone!" said Sam. "I'd also like to give a special 'thank you' to Josh! Without him, we wouldn't have decided on what kind of music to make. He helped make our dream a reality!"
Alex cheers even louder, before Josh bashfully smiles from everyone's endearing attention on him, especially from Sam.
"Oh, and don't forget to pick up one of our CDs before you go… only 10g!" Sam added.
He steps down from the stage space and walks up to Josh.
"Josh, that went well! Our show was a rockin' success, thanks again for all your help," said Sam.
"It was all you guys, you were awesome!" replied Josh.
"Oh, you're too modest," joked Sam. "I was actually really nervous, seeing you right there. I didn't want to mess up, and have you think I was a loser! Anyway, thanks for coming, Josh. I hope you enjoyed our gig."
"I really loved the music," said Josh, "it's definitely something I'd jam to and sing along with."
"Well, glad you liked it, because I wanted to give you this," said Sam, before giving Josh one of his band's CDs, signed by Sam himself.
"Oh, thanks Sam!" said Josh, in a warm voice. "It's so much more special that you gave it to me."
"That's not all," continued Sam, "I asked Emily if she could help us with some band merch, and she made this cool shirt! I'd like you to have one, what size are you?"
Sam gives Josh a white T-shirt, with 'The Pelicans' printed on its back.
"Sam, these are amazing. You really shouldn't have!" replied Josh. "I'll treasure these."
"Hope you enjoy it, Josh. We'll hang out again soon!" said Sam, before winking at Josh while clicking through his teeth, making a 'finger gun' hand motion.
Josh spends the rest of the night at the café with everyone, socialising and having coffee.