Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2000 12:00:27 -0500 From: fsw99 Subject: Chapter 49 of One Big Happy Family Legal Notice: The following story contains descriptions of graphic sexual acts. The story is a work of fiction and has no basis in reality. Don't read this story if: **You're not 18 or over, **If it is illegal to read this type of material where you live, **Or if you don't want to read about gay/bi people in love or having sex. The author retains copyright to this story. Placing this story on a website or reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of that copyright. Legal action will be taken against violators. E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions or other 'constructive' comments or advice may be sent to me at fsw99@mindspring.com. Chapter Forty Nine "Isaiah, I am glad I found you," the Principal said. "Hi, Mr. Anderson. Yeah, we try to never miss a game. BD might beat us all up if we did," Isaiah said, kidding. "He might could do it, too." "BD is a very large man. I wouldn't want to have to take him on, either. Look, I have a business proposition for all of you. The booster club found out how many people came to you concert. They are always trying to find ways to make money. You know they paid for the new softball field for the girls, right?" Mr. Anderson asked. "Yeah, I know that. You have to now spend as much money on girls sports as boys, even though almost all your revenue coming in from sports comes from people watching the boys sports. Really, to me, it kind of sucks!!" Isaiah answered. Mr. Anderson just smiled at all of us. "Let's see how I can answer that statement and be politically correct. That is now a law, and it is a new challenge for a Principal to live up to. Now, you didn't hear me say it, but I think it sucks, too." Everyone laughed hard at that, even Paul. This might be the first Principal he liked in his life. "Anyway, here is the deal. People from our school have talked to other people at other schools. Word is spreading fast. Everyone wants to come and see you. We can have a concert tomorrow in our gym, if you want. Same deal, 50-50 split. I have cell phone numbers for the other Principals from the schools around us. They will announce the concert at half time. We might could completely fill the gym, including all the bleachers. Could make a lot of money for both of us. The other Principals will do this if you will agree to come and play at their schools, too. Several have gyms that can hold lots more than ours does. What do you say?" Mr. Anderson asked. Isaiah looked at all of us, and we all returned his stare with our own. All of our eyes were wide. "I say, let's rock and roll. When do we go on, and when can we start to set up?" "You will start at 7:00. I can let you in as early as 5:30. Is that all right?" "Perfect. That is a deal, as far as we are concerned. I hope we both make lots of money. Let me know any time when you want us to play again. We can play at any time you want us too," Isaiah said, looking at the others, who were shaking their heads vigorously YES!!!! "That is great news. Let me go call the other Principals and tell them before half time. See you at 5:30," he said, as he grinned at all of us and hurried off. We were all in shock. Someone is "after" us to play in front of people. We thought we might have to beg people just to let us play. Now, we might have people begging us to play!!!! The thought was mind boggling!!!!!!! *************************** When everyone got back from the football game, it was late, so Phill, Tim and Tom went to their house to sleep, and everyone else went inside Stan's house. Robbie was waiting up for them, and was disappointed that Phill wasn't with them. He had done a lot of thinking sitting by himself, and he really needed to talk to Phill before he could tell anyone else, even Stan. They did tell him about the new job for the next night, and the possibility of lots more jobs in the future. He was excited about that, but wanted to share his excitement with Phill. He knew he had gotten himself into this mess, though, and he had to get himself out of it. So, he didn't share his thoughts with the rest of them, and they didn't press him, either. Maybe in the morning. Everyone divided up the bedrooms and went to bed. At least the construction down stairs was scheduled to start on Monday. **************************** No one wanted to get up early the next morning, but they knew they had to be at the studio at 10:00 to meet their potential new agent. This was going to be a cereal morning for everyone. Stan got up early as usual, made coffee and two pieces of toast and was happy just reading his paper in silence. Damn Braves lost again. Would the Mets catch them? (Hehehe - We clinched the division last night!!!! Now, you know how far ahead I write. - hehehe) Everyone got up in groups, like always, except Robbie, who had slept with Stan. He had stayed in bed longer than anybody, trying to think of a way to apologize to Phill. Stan had to eventually make him get up and get dressed so they wouldn't be late. They arrived at the studio with only a few minutes to spare. They had barely opened the doors when their prospective new manager drove up in his Mercedes convertible. He got out and said, "Hi, I am Mike Johnson. Everybody call me Mike, OK?" He went around and shook everyone's hand, including Tim and Tom, as we introduced ourselves. We all liked him from the start. "I was very impressed with your music. I am really interested in hearing you play anything you have written on your own. You think you could do that for me?" he asked. "I think that can be arranged," Jimmy said, winking at Brian. This was a moment that both of them had been waiting for, for a long time. They knew the band was ready, and they couldn't wait. "Well, let's go see what you can do," Mike said, as we all entered the studio. The band played eight original songs that they had been working on. Mike stood in front of them most of the time. Sometimes, he walked around, thinking. His expression never changed. He never made a comment between songs. Everyone in the band was getting more and more nervous, since they had no idea what he was thinking. Did he think they were good? Did he think they sucked? Were they somewhere in between? Would he even want to sign them? They didn't play their best, but almost. The nerves sure didn't help matters. When they finished the last song, Jimmy walked over to him and said, "I hope we sounded OK. We really were pretty nervous, and we can do better than that, I promise." Mike looked up at him and said, "You did just fine. Who wrote the songs you just played?" "Brian and I did," Jimmy answered. "All of them. No one else helped you?" "No, just us." Mike just started laughing and walked away. "Jimmy couldn't take it as his heart sank. "What? You don't think we are any good?" Mike just turned around and said, "You're Jimmy Shepherd, right? Kenny Wayne's brother?" "Yeah. Why?" Jimmy asked, leery of the rejection he knew was coming. If Mike told him they sucked, and also threw up his brother's fame in his face at the same time, he didn't know if he could take it. "And he or your father didn't help the two of you write any of the songs? Not any little part?" Mike asked. "No, I just told you, just me and Brian. The guys in the band changed some of their parts as we rehearsed. All bands do that. Why? What's the matter?" Jimmy asked. "Sorry for holding you in suspense. What if I told you I think it is time for you to record your first CD? Maybe use one or two covers songs from the cassette that I have and the rest all the new songs. We would have to get permission from Boston and Styx, of course, but that is a formality," Mike answered. Everyone's mouth flew open. No one's bigger that Jimmy and Brian's, though. "And we can include `Coming To Get You`?" Jimmy asked when he had recovered. "Oh, definitely. I think that could be a big hit. It's about Kenny, isn't it?" Mike asked. "Yeah, how did you know?" Jimmy asked softly. Mike just laughed. "I had a big brother, too. Used to beat me up all of the time. When I finally got to be his size and strength, I beat the crap out of him. Only once, but it stopped all the abuse he had always given me. We actually get along really good now. He is a record producer, by the way. I might even talk to him about producing your CD. `Coming To Get You`. I really like that title. Let's take a break and talk a little, OK? I think it is time maybe for your band to go after Kenny's band. That is what you really want, isn't it?" Mike asked, laughing again. Jimmy laughed too, and said, "Yeah, more than anything. I'm glad you understand." "Well, that is one thing I think you will learn about me as we get to know each other better. I do understand kids. I have managed several young bands and we all get along great. I'll make sure and introduce all of you to the Hansons at their party in two weeks," Mike answered. "What?" we all said at once, as it finally dawned on us that he was going to sign us. "Keith, Mark, and Alex are going to throw a big party for the release of their new CD. How would you guys like to play for the party?" Mike asked. "That would be awesome," Jimmy said quickly. "So, you are really going to sign us?" "Oh, yeah. No one is going to steal you away from me now," Mike said, grinning. "All right!" Jimmy yelled. "Great!" Isaiah said. "We already have a concert tonight at our high school, and we have the possibility of several more at other high schools around here." Mike just laughed again. "I don't think that may be necessary." Isaiah had a hurt look on his face. He thought he was bringing good news. "Why?" "You can do that until we finish recording the CD. After that, you have to tour to back up the new release. You guys have some things to learn about the music business," Mike laughed. "All right!" Paul yelled. Everyone was immediately excited, except me. Shit! What had I got myself into? I had a house. 2 cars. A writing career. Already responsible for 3 boys, plus Robbie half of the time. My head was spinning. We all knew that this was a possibility, but now we were talking reality. "How long are you talking about until they would start to tour?" I asked softly. I needed some Advil. My head was hurting. "It depends. Maybe a month. Maybe longer. I am going to try for a month. I will try and contact my brother today, and start working on tour dates on Monday. I already have a contract out in my car. All the boy's parents will also have to sign it, so you can take it with you," Mike said. Oh, God! The parents!!! What are they going to say about all of this? I needed 4 Advil!!! "Well, let me get the contract out of my car, and then I have to be going. Make sure and don't play any of the new music until we get it recorded, OK? If someone hears the song and records their version before we do, it will belong to them. Lots of thieves in this business. That is one thing you won't have to worry about with me. I will have an accountant track every cent we spend. If you don't, that is the easiest way to get a bad reputation in this town. Any questions?" Mike asked. "Not from me," I groaned, as my head ache got a little worse. "Look, I have an appointment tonight, but I think I can postpone it until later. I would like to hear you play. Can one of you give me directions as I get the contact out of my car?" Mike asked. "I can," Isaiah said, as he followed Mike out the door. I was ready to find a Pharmacy. Wonder how many Advil you can take at one time before you run the risk of overdosing? *************************** When we got home, after stopping at a Pharmacy for Advil and Wendy's for lunch, I said, "Guys, we all need to talk. Let's go into the den. Some of you bring the chairs from the kitchen table, so we all can sit down." At least my head ache was starting to go away. When everyone was seated, I said, "Is everyone sure that this is what you want to do? You will all have to leave school. You will leave all your friends behind. Life on the road isn't going to be all fun and games. We will have long bus trips from city to city. You will be in some places just a few hours, then have to perform, then go to bed, and then get up early the next morning and have to do it all over again. It's a very big decision. You had better be entirely sure this is what you want. You might should think it over." "There is nothing for me to think over. I have wanted this chance for years," Jimmy said. "Me too. Jimmy and I decided what we wanted a long time ago," Brian said. "Me too, Dad," Paul said. "If Jimmy is going, so am I." "Me too," Ed said. "As long as Isaiah is going." "Well, I do have to convince my Mother. But I want to go," Isaiah answered. "My parents will let me go, I think," Phill said. "I don't know about Tim and Tom." "If they let you go, they have to let us go, too. It wouldn't be fair," Tom yelled. "Yeah," Tim yelled just as loud. "Guys, calm down. What about you, Robbie?" I asked. "Yeah, I want to go, too," Robbie said, looking at me and then glancing over at Phill, who was staring at him. "Nate, how about you? We consider you part of the band, too," Jimmy asked. "I would love to be able to go," he answered. "OK, if everyone is sure, we have to have a plan. I think we need to get everyone's parents in one room and explain everything to them. No one can let their emotions get in the way of being logical. We have to calmly explain what we have been offered," I said. "When?" Robbie asked. "How about tomorrow night? Is your Mother off that day, Robbie?" I asked. "Yeah, she works tonight but is off tomorrow." "Great. Why don't you call her before she leaves for work and ask her if she can come for a bar-b-q tomorrow night? Isaiah, Brian, and Nate, you do the same with your parents. Phill, Tim, and Tom, you can go ask your parents face to face. You can tell them it is about the band, but try not to tell them the whole story until we get them all together. I will work on the best way to tell them as a group. I will start out talking, and then you each can answer any of your parent's questions. If we try and be united, I think they will all take it better. What do you guys think?" I asked. "I agree," Robbie said. "I think we all agree," Isaiah answered, and looked around the room. Everyone was shaking his head yes. "OK, let's get started. There are two lines in my office. One can use the phone in here, one in the office. Let's see if we can contact as many as possible before we have to leave for the concert at school, OK?" I asked. "OK," Robbie said, getting up and going into the office to call his Mom. Phill looked at him walk away, and then got up and said, "Come on, guys, let's go home and talk to the rents, OK?" Tim and Tom followed him out the door, saw Isaiah and Brian walked towards my office. Ed, Paul, and Jimmy helped put the kitchen chairs back where they belonged, and then came back into the den to help me think of how to tell everyone that we wanted them to agree to let their sons quit school and travel around the country playing rock and roll. We all knew we had really better have our story down pat to even have a chance to convince them. ***************************** Everyone was able to contact their parents, and everyone agreed to meet at my house the next night. It was amazing that we got everyone to agree so quickly! (Course, it helps if all I have to do is type it out!!! hehehe) We met Mr. Anderson at 5:30, and he was there waiting on us. He let us in the gym, where the janitors were already pulling out all the bleachers. Mr. Anderson said they expected a huge crowd. We sure hoped so. We got busy setting up everything. Robbie hadn't had a chance to talk to Phill yet, but they caught each other's eyes several times and Robbie made sure to smile at Phill. The first time, Phill's eyes got big when he saw it, but from then on, he always smiled back. Both knew the ice was melting. Both looked glad. The band was about to go on. They only had a few more minutes to go, and Phill walked over to Robbie. "I have a surprise for you." "You do? What?" Robbie asked. "It is a surprise. You'll know about it soon," Phill answered, and walked away. Comments can be sent to me at fsw99@mindspring.com.