*Jaime’s POV*

♪ Nobody’s gonna love you if you can’t, display a way, to capture this. Nobody’s gonna hold your hand and guide you through, no it’s up for you to understand. Nobody’s gonna feel your pain, when all is done, and it’s time for you to walk away. So when you have today, you should say all that, you have to say ♪

Wow, what a beautiful voice, I thought to myself. I wonder who’s singing like that?

The boy walked out of the restroom, bashing the door aside. Looking up at me, he seemed very embarrassed to be heard by someone.

“Please tell me you didn’t just hear that…” the boy with the raven black hair said. I think his name was Kellin. That’s Vic’s best friend.

“Why, what’s wrong with it?” I asked washing my hands.

“It was complete shit.” He walked over to me, staring in the mirror and picking at a pimple.

“What? That wasn’t complete shit. That was amazing! I didn’t even know you could sing.”

“Well,” he started, “I’m in a band so…” He washed his hands and went over to dry them.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the name of your band?” I’m so stupid. Why am I asking him these questions in the bathroom? Why can’t I ever have a regular conversation with someone that’s not somewhere awkward?

He picked up his backpack from the dirty floor and threw it over his shoulders. “It’s called Yesterday’s Mistakes. You know Vic, Mike, Jesse, and Alan?”

How could I forget them? “Yeah, I know them.”

“All of us are in a band together. I’m kind of the screamer.”

“You’re a screamer? But those lyrics you did were so great and soft. Are you sure you’re meant to be one of those loud people?”

“That’s what I was thinking. I actually like singing more than screaming but Vic is the boss so I can’t say no to him.”

Vic is the boss? Uh, fuck no. There is no boss in the name band. “I think you said that wrong. Cuz I just heard you say Vic is the boss. If you’re in a band with him, there is no such thing as a boss in a band. Everyone is equal.”

“He claims he’s the boss because he’s the oldest, by like 3 months, and he’s the singer. So yeah, I think he kind of is. He wants everything his way. I want to add my own lyrics into the songs we do and he won’t let me.” We both walked out of the bathroom, discussing what should happen with their band. Vic wants to control everything and he wants to make damn sure everything they do is perfect. No band is perfect. “You know? And I just want him to take into consideration my ideas for singing. Even though I scream, I really want to add how I feel into the lyrics. But he won’t let me.”

“Maybe you should quit the band. He’s an asshole and I’m pretty sure you know that,” I said, kicking a leaf that was on the ground in the hall. Kellin swiftly turned to me.

“Are you kidding me? I can’t quit the band! Vic will kill me! He’s not an asshole all the time. In fact, he’s a sweet guy but likes to intimate people. And besides, we just went to a band audition the other day and if we make it, we’re throwing a party for everyone to come. But if we don’t, I know that Vic will be devastated. I won’t be as much but I for sure will be sad.”

“Oh…damn.” I’m terrible. I wish I could help him but I have no clue what to do.

“So I gotta go. I’ll see you 4th hour,” Kellin said walking in a different direction.

The day went by super fast and I felt like I was missing something or there was something I forgot to do. Even though I couldn’t think of it, I’ll pretend that it was nothing.

So Vic is in a band? And he’s the singer? Why didn’t he tell me? I mean I am too but not technically band material but I got a cords I can strum. And I play a mean bass.

2 days later: Saturday

“I need a job,” I told Tony, slouching in my chair. Now that I think about it, I need to stop depending on Tony for everything. I need to learn how to drive. I need my own money. I gotta get my own apartment! I need a fucking job! I need to talk to him about it. I don’t want him driving me everywhere. I’m not a little kid for him to do these kinds of things. I don’t want to sound all mad and shit about it but it’s aggravating. “I need driving lessons, too,” I said slamming my fist on the table.

“Slow your role, Hime. You’ll get it,” he replied, sipping his tea. “I’m giong to be working late for the next week and I don’t want you being bad.”

Being bad? Good use of your words turtle, but I‘m never bad. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh but I am,” he said. “I don’t want you having any parties or bringing over any douche bags while I’m gone during the day. I work very late and I want to come home to a clean house.”

“Are you still intent about me renting my own apartment?” I asked. I already have a feeling that I know what his answer is. I was just making sure.

“When you get a job and make enough money.”

“But I won’t be able to go to my job without a license, Tony. That’s why I need lessons.”

“I’ll pay someone to teach you,” he said.

“Who?” I questioned, not knowing who will be up to the task.

He stood up. He rested his hand on my shoulder.

“Ask someone if they will teach you and tell them you’ll pay them for it. I’ll give you the money, but only this time.” I smiled and thanked him.

“When can I start?” I jumped, overjoyed. I can’t wait to start driving. I can finally get my own car and go where I want. No more waiting around for Tony. I can be where I want, when I want and it’s gonna feel great.

“Whenever you can,” he replied, walking up the stairs.

I heard a quick knock at the door. I’m not expecting anyone in particular and neither is Tony. Although, company is quite amazing for me because I never get it.

I stepped towards the door and twisted the knob. There stood a small guy with a loose beater. His hair was stuck to his face and his head was slightly tilted down. His arms were chiseled and the definition in his sides were tight. He stood there staring at the ground until I cleared my throat. He fixed his glassy eyes on me. His face was drenched in stained tears and his cheeks were a deep red.

I can tell something terrible happened but why is he coming to me?

“Vic?”

*Vic’s POV*

I was desperately waiting for the mail to arrive. Today is the day we found out if we made the band audition. It means everything to me and if we don’t make it, I just might cry a river.

I’m sitting here tapping my leg on the ground harshly and twidling my fingers. I’m waiting on this letter like my life depends on it. Well…it does…

“Vic, get the mail!” Mike shouted from his room. I told him to be vigilant and watch out the window for the lady or man in uniform.

I jumped up and zoomed out the door. I shuffled thorugh random papers and advertisements. And there I saw it; that wonderful envelope that had my bands’ fate inside. I skipped back inside and saw Mike jumping up and down with excitement like a fan girl going to her first concert.

“Open it! I can’t wait any longer!” Mike screamed in my ear, practically shoving me against the wall. But now that I have this piece of information in my hand, I wasn’t determined to open it anymore. I was so nervous and exicted at the same time that I couldn’t force myself to rip it to shreads.

“You do it,” I said, placing the envelope between my brother’s fingers. He tore it open and dropped the wrappings to the ground, grasping the paper close to his face. “Well?” I asked. He looked very…angry.

“Maybe you should read it,” he sighed. He didn’t sound too happy. In fact, the expression on his face was dreary and glum. I took the paper from his hand and read it in my head.

I couldn’t believe what I was reading.

Tears formed in my eyes and waterfalled right out. My stomach had a bad feeling inside. Negative engery filled my head. I had a lump in my throat that I tried to swallow but wouldn’t gulp down. Fire burned my chest and I wanted to drop to the floor and just cry. Why is this happeneing to me?

“We didn’t make it,” Mike reminded me. All I could do was stare at him with innocent, sad eyes. “How are we going to tell the others? They aren’t here right now.”

“I don’t know,” I choked. “But it isn’t going to be pretty.”

“Do you wanna be the one to tell them when they come home?”

“No,” I said flatly with hurt in my voice. “I need time by myself. I’m getting outta here for a little.” I snatched the keys from the hook and sprinted outside. I ducked my head inside the car. I sat there for a second, just thinking. Before I knew it, I felt a burning sensation in my eyes and it started to form warm puddles of tears. They streamed down my face every time I blinked.

I feel like such a failure; that I let the band down. Was I not putting forth enough effort into succeeding? This meant everything to me and I let us all down.

I forcefully shoved the kets into the ignition and drove off. I didn’t know where the hell I was going. There was only one person I could think of and maybe turning to him won’t be so bad. I’m stupid for doing this but I need to let my feelings out somehow. I’m not gonna sit back and watch Mike chuck things out the window and flip tables around the house. I needed to go to somebody who might care enough to just listen to what I have to say.

I arrived at his house. I pressed my foot on the break and halted the car. I sat in the driveway, wiping away any remaining tears that fell from my eyes. I don’t want it to be obvious that I was balling out.

I knockd on his door, hoping he would answer and not his family. When the door slightly opened, tingles ran down my spine.

“Vic?” Jaime said confused.

I stared at him with gloomy eyes. He directed me inside to talk. I sat on the couch and looked around He sat next to me.

“Are you ok?” Jaime asked. I rubbed circles around my eyes just in case anything was suspicious.

I looked in his eyes. “Do I fucking look ok to you?”

“Then why are you here?”

“I’m…irritated.”

“So you decide to bring your irritation and madness into my house?”

“Woah woah woah,” Tony said, descending from the stairs. “First of all, it’s MY house, and secondly, no offense, but why do I always happen to catch you here?”

Jaime stood up. “Tony, this is Vic Fuentes.” I stood up as well. Tony’s eyebrows lifted and was stunned.

“Ohhh, you’re Vic? I’ve heard so much shit about you.”

From the way Jamie was glaring at Tony, he was giving him a what-the-fuck-you-dumbass look. It was actually kind of funny.

“You’ve heard shit about me? Hmmm, I wonder who from?” I directed my question towards Tony but stared at Jaime. “I didn’t know you were talking crap about me, Jaime. How thoughtful that you were talking about me at all,” I said sarcastically. He rolled his eyes and turned away. Tony went back upstairs.

“So you gonna tell me why you’re here?” Jaime asked, placing his hands on his hips.

“Well,” I began, running a hand through my hair, “I’m in a band…and…we went to a band audition about 2 weeks ago. I just got this letter in the mail.” I handed it to him so he can read it.

Jaime’s POV*

I took the letter out of Vic’s hand and red it.

Oh wow.

‘We’d like to confirm your audition. You all did such an amazing job and this was a difficult decesion. But unfortunately, there were bands that were better. Due to lack of practice, which you guys probably didn’t have, we’re sorry to say that you didn’t make it. Thank you for your decidation and time. You guys are very inspirational and we know that you boys will make it to the very top one day. You’re effort can self-motivate thousands but it will take time. Thank you very much and good luck in the future.’

The talk I had with Kellin reflected on me reading this. He told me that Vic likes to control the band and have everything his way. That’s probably why they didn’t make it. No offense to them but it feels like I cursed them. They didn’t work as a team to finish the job.

I stood there motionless while Vic teared up. I stared in his eyes. I couldn’t stand to see him cry. I leaned in closer to him and wiped away his tear. I pressed my body against his and squeezed him tightly.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Giving you a hug…what else does it look like I’m doing?”

“I don’t need a hug. I need a miracle. Now get off me.”

I stepped back a couple feet away from him. “So that’s why you’re sad? Because you didn’t make a stupid band audition?”

“It’s NOT stupid! This was going to be the beginning of a new life for me! You have no clue how much that meant to me and now it’s gone. I had to hump a sheep to get here. Don’t ask…”

I chuckled but covered my mouth so Vic didn’t see me laughing. “So what are you gonna do with your band?”

“I don’t know. All I know is that Alan is leaving the band to go work with his friend Austin. He told me that if we didn’t make this audition, he’s heading over to Of Mice and Men. No one knows about it. Only me and Mike. Mike is gonna be the one to tell them. I don’t know what’s gonna happen with Kellin or Jesse. I hope they don’t leave.”

I bit my lip. He has no clue how Kellin feels. “I think they will.” I turned around to get something from the kitchen but he pulled my arm.

“What? Why would you say that?” Vic said.

“Kellin doesn’t only want to scream. He wants to sing.”

“How would you know what Kellin wants?! I know him more than you do!” he said, raising his voice.

“Do you ever stop to think…hmmm…maybe I should let my band give their ideas and take them into consideration; instead of ignoring them completely and only giving what you have to offer?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I talked to Kellin the other day and he likes to scream but he wants to sing as well. He also wants his ideas in the music and his own lyrics combined with yours. But you won’t let him. You only want your shit to be put out there.”

“He never told me he wanted his ideas! How the hell was I suppose to know?!”

“Maybe because he’s scared of you and sometimes I can see it in his eyes. It‘s like if he wants to add his lyrics in, he won‘t ask you because he knows your “the boss” and you might yell at him. And there is no such thing as boss in a band. Everyone should give their ideas and contribute equally.”

“What do you know about a band? You’re not in one, are you?”

“No, but…I play bass. I work on it with Tony. He plays guitar…wait, why do you care?”

“Maybe I can hear some of your stuff? See what you got? Alan is our bassist and he’s automatically leaving and I just thought-”

“That I would replace him? Yeah right, Fuentes. I’m not getting bossed around by you. It’s not gonna work like that.”

“I won’t boss you around, I promise. I just figured that if you play bass, maybe we can practice sometime?”

Is he really asking me if we can practice sometime? I think he’s losing it. “Practice? You mean like…join the band?”

“If you’re good, sure. We kinda need a bassist. But not I’m saying that you’ll replace Alan. But…you know…”

“Yeah,” I said, looking at my laces.

“Would you consider joining if I like the way you play?”

“Only if you give Tony a shot too. He’s my best friend and he’s beast at playing guitar.”

“Fine.”

"And I need driving lessons...I'll pay." I pointed out.

"You can't drive yet?" he asked.

"No, my parents never taught me and I'm stuck having Tony drive me everywhere. So lessons and giving Tony a try?"

"Sure."

“Great!” I was so excited. I might be able to join a band! I’ve always wanted to be in a band but I never thought it would be with Vic. And he’ll give Tony a try too! This is just so great. I know I was like not into it before but now I’m just flabbergasted.

Before I turned around again to go to the kitchen, he forced me to turn around and face him. He pushed me against the wall and pressed his body against mine. He parted my lips with his and slid his tongue in my mouth. There was no fight for dominance because we swirled our tongues together and indulged in the passionate kiss. He pulled away from me and licked his lips.

“I……what?” I said, obviously confused. Why the fuck did he just kiss me? “What about the girl you like?”

“What girl?” he winked, making it sound like I was crazy. “See you tomorrow, Preciado.” and he walked out of the house.

Victor Vincent Fuentes kissed me and it was out of his own action! Maybe he does like me. Considering the guy that just told me to get off him from giving him a hug, he surely seems like he wants to get all up on me. And tomorrow was Sunday. what does he mean 'see you tomorrow?' Are we meeting up or something? Da Fuk?

Oh Vic, the things I would do to you. You have no clue...

Notes

*title credit and lyrics: Sleeping with Sirens;)

*Cry Me A River reference;)