Classes went smoothly after lunch.
Well, I managed to limit my terrible streak to a minimum. Things were going quite well.
I glanced at the clock. It's already 3:30 in the afternoon. Only thirty minutes left.
I'm trying to sit tight but my ADHD's really acting up. Gods, why can't it just stop for thirty minutes. Then, I heard the door open. I quickly straightened from my seat and saw Mrs. Dodds enter the room.
"Now Mr. Jackson, I thought you went out already. Detention's already over half an hour ago." She said while getting some things from under the teacher's table.
'What?!' I didn't waste any time. I picked up my things and bolted for the door. As I passed Mrs. Dodds, I heard her mumble about batteries. I quickly went to the gate where I found Nico and Frank waiting for me. There are also two people with them.
"What took you so long, Perce!?" Frank asked as he saw me going towards them. I was out of breath with all the running so I was not able to answer.
"Anyways, meet Jason and Leo." Nico said gesturing to the two new guys with them.
"Hi, I'm Jason Grace. I heard you're forming a band for the talent show. I was hoping I can be part of it" the blond guy named Jason said. He was tall, probably the same age as me but just an inch taller. Looking closely, he looks familiar. Awfully familiar, if I must say.
Nico noticed and said, "He is Uncle Zeus's son. He's our cousin."
I nodded, remembering him from the family reunions I've been before. You see, my father doesn't get along with his brothers, even Nico's dad. Reunions always end up in shouting and useless banter. I shook my head, trying to forget those memories for the time being.
"Nice to meet you, Jason" I said. I turned to the other guy, who was upper energetic. 'Too much sugar' I thought.
"I'm Leo Valdez and I'm smokin' hot", the Latino with elfish ears and curly hair said. I glanced at Nico.
'Seriously dude!' I whispered as Leo was talking with Frank about some random stuff.
Nico just shrugged. I sighed in defeat and adjusted my glasses.
"Okay guys, let's continue this talk at my house." I said. They all nodded and followed me home.
A couple of minutes later. We arrived at my house. Mom's not home yet. We then sat at the living room.
"So guys, we decided to enter as a band, right?" They all nod. "Does everyone know how to play any instrument?"
"I play the guitar", Frank said. "Me, too!" Jason added. Okay guitars: check
"I'll play the bass", Nico said. Bass: check
"I'll do the drums then!" Leo added enthusiastically. Really, even for someone with ADHD, this guy's too high strung. But whatever, at least the drums covered.
"That only leaves the vocals, Perce." Frank said.
"Think you're up for it?" Nico asked.
"I have no choice, besides how hard can it be?" I said. They just gave me a look.
"Anyways, when's the contest going to be?" I asked Frank.
"That'll be next week, so that gives us enough time to practice what song we're going to play." He said.
"We need to practice at least two songs. You know, just in case." Jason suggested. He has a point.
"Okay let's do that." I said. Then, the front door opened and my mom entered the house.
"Oh, you're back Percy. I just picked some stuff from the store." She said as I helped her place the groceries at the counter.
My mom is the best person in the world. She always smelled like cookies and it always calmed me down whenever I was at home. She is nice to everyone and she always understands me. She's an author and she published a couple of books.
"Hello Aunt Sally," Nico greeted.
"Nice to see you, Nico", she answered, smiling at him. "How's your dad doing?"
"He's doing great"
"So what are you boys up to?" She asked while she placed the cookies inside the oven.
"We're planning on joining the talent showcase at school, Mom", I answered as I prepared some drinks for my friends.
"Really? That's great kids. Enjoy your school life while it lasts", she said as she went to her study to get something.
I went back to the living room, where I found the guys choosing what songs to play.
"So, have we come up on something yet?" I asked. Everyone shook their heads.
I noticed Leo was fidgeting. A lot. I sighed. Again. I've lost track on how many times I did that today.
"Okay, Leo out with it"
The others looked at him expectantly.
"I'm just wondering if, you know, what's the name of our band?" He said, smiling sheepishly.
Oh, I almost forgot. The band name. I looked at the others and they seem to just realize this now as well.
"Gods, I can't believe I forgot about that. Thanks for bringing that up Leo!" I said.
We brainstormed for a cool name to describe our band. We came up with a lot but most of it came from Leo, like Hot Bods and many others. Of course, Nico shot them down. Finally, we decided on calling our band 'Among Nobody's' since it seemed to please everyone.
Not a few moments later, my mom came with a tray full of freshly baked cookies and some juice. We literally had to fight for the last piece, which was won by rock-paper-scissors by none other than Leo. He was jumping up and down like a kid getting what he wanted. Actually, scratch that. He really is a kid who got what he wanted.
After the snack, the guys prepared to leave. Though we haven't chosen a song to perform, knowing these guys, we'll find a way. I slept that night early, hoping that tomorrow would be so much better than what happened today.
And for the third time that day, I was wrong.