Long Live Us

Holey shit. That's all I've been thinking since the night at Stella's house. Holey fucking shit we got a deal. We were all destined for fame, one way or another, I always knew that. But having the offer waved right in front of my face was an entirely different feeling. Someone should pinch me, just pinch me real hard so I know if I need to wake up or not.

I watched closely as my friends passed around the paper. Aubree was first, but I could see it in her eyes that she was hesitant. I don't blame her. The rate she's been going, how hard she's been working her ass off, she'll graduate by Spring semester. I couldn't even begin to imagine how hard it was to have her dream dangle in front of her face while she constantly fought for a spot in a good college at the same time. If she did graduate in the Spring (though she would still walk the stage with the Senior class in June) she would be set to start college immediately after graduation. She would be away from us for weeks at a time. We would honestly probably only see her for practice and shows, then with the stress of having to plan out her courses for tours so that she knew which ones needed to be done online.. That's rough.

Next was Nate. Cute, quiet little Nate. Sometimes, I found myself thinking that maybe he's the rock of this band. Our beat wouldn't sound the same without his original playing style, though he's not often included in our group gatherings. I'm close enough to him to call him my best friend, but not close enough to call him at two in the morning if I need a cover or something. That was more Tom's departement. I've noticed since he started dating Aubree, he's gotten close to Nate. That was a good thing. However, Nate was equally as hesitant. Tom had told me about his mom, how much he felt like he needed to be there for her, and it broke my heart. But I knew once we got this deal and started to tour, Nate and his dad could provide better things for her.

Then, there was Stella. God, have I mentioned lately that she's the most beautiful thing to grace this planet? Look at her, with those big brown eyes, how excited they are just to touch the pen to the paper. The mess of hair that she somehow usually manages to keep under control. How flawless her skin and smile are. I'm going to marry that girl one day, once we've fought long and hard for what is rightfully ours, she'll be mine for the rest of our lives.

Holey shit. It was my turn. My hands were trying to move faster than I was, but that's okay. Quickly and messily, my signature slide across the paper. It was official- We were a signed band. The next moment almost happened in slow motion. Our parents all cheered out. Aubree ran into Tom's arm and Stella's body knocked me backwards out of my chair. Even Nate took out his phone and I heard him mumbling something to his mom. I chuckled to myself, wrapping my long arms around my girlfriend's tiny body. I planted kisses all over her face and even a few on her neck. This was intoxicating. The deal, the girl, the life we were going to have.

Holey fucking shit, I'm not asleep.

"Well, guys," Mr. Gaskarth clapped his hands together, distracting us from our joy. "We did this so you'd still have time to record your EP. Are you ready?"

"Fuck yeah!" The words flew from my lips before I could stop them. Stella punched me in the shoulder, forcing me to smile while my dad laughed at me from the corner of the room. Naturally, my mom mocked Stella and punched him as well. "I-I mean frick yeah. Frick yes, we are ready."

Stella helped pull my body from the ground. She linked our fingers together and began leading me towards the door. As we passed my dad, I heard Mr. Gaskarth say something about how I was too much like him. Neither my dad or I thought it was much of a problem. Turns out, the rest of the world would disagree.

"Hey," I pulled Stella aside as the rest of our friends climbed in the back of the van. I would be driving us to the stuido while our dads followed in another car. "Have I had the chance to tell you how happy I am to be doing this with you?"

"Doing what?"

"Getting signed. Making my dreams come true. None of this would be the same if I didn't have you to love."

"Well, I love you too, Jack," Stella grinned. "Now get your butt in the van, I don't want to be late!"

"Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" I jumped in the air and planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek as I came back down. Running past her, I yanked open the passenger door and motioned for her to get in. "For you, my good lady."

"Why thank you, sir Jack."

For good measure (and because I was so excited I couldn't stand myself) I slid my body across the front of the van. With a loud 'thud' my body hit the ground, but I hoped I recovered quick enough for no one to see.

"Let's fucking do this!" I shouted, slamming the door shut.

"Jack, just promise me you won't drive like your dad."

"Oh, I promise," I smirked. "I'll get us there ten minutes faster than he could!"

And with that, we were gone.

Notes