Joe's Story

“Cross out my name from your list…1

Hmm…2

Cross my name off of your list3

I’ll hide the blades ‘fore you slit your wrists”4

“Oh, how Emo. What are you doing?”5

“Writing lyrics… for Johnny’s band. Hey, how does this sound?6

Cross my name off of your list7

I’ll hide the blades ‘fore you slit your wrists8

Can’t handle the pressure when you’re like this9

Cut my name… 10

Something, something”11

“It sounds… unfinished. I hope it’s not about me.”12

Sam sits down on the couch next to Joe, who is slouched over the coffee table chewing on his pen cap. He stares down at the paper he has down. Sam looks over to it. There are several lines scribbled out. There are even a few simple doodles.  13

“How long have you been writing this?”14

“A couple hours. I’ve only got three and a half lines. I seem to have hit a writer’s block.”15

“Maybe you should take a break. Rest your head.”16

“Hmm…”17

Joe finally looks up from his paper. It takes his eyes a few moments to realize the light in the room. He leans back and stretches his arms over his head, but quickly snaps back.18

“How’d you get in?”19

“Your sister let me in.”20

“Oh. Hmm. Thirsty?” 21

Joe gets up and walks towards the mini-fridge and opens the door.22

“No, thanks.”23

He grabs a Coke.24

“Johnny and friends are still looking for a singer. Those willing aren’t good and all the good ones are either all ready in a band or just don’t want to do it.”25

“Well, where are they now?”26

“Over at Johnny’s. Probably practicing in his garage.”27

“Let’s head over.”28

Joe grabs his paper before they leave the house. They knock on Johnny’s garage window. The drummer waves them in. 29

The room is filled with old boxes, the band equipment, and Sarah.30

“Hey Sarah, guys.”31

Sarah smiles and waves to Joe. The band gives a sluggish “Hey” and “Sup?”32

“What do you have there?” Johnny pointed at the paper in Joe’s hand.33

“Trying to write some songs for you guys. Can’t seem to get anything down, though. I’m guessing you haven’t had anymore luck finding anyone than I’ve had getting ideas, huh.”34

“Nah, we tried Sarah. She blows, though.” The band snickers.35

“Hey! I’m not that bad. I’m sick” She pretends to cough. “Hey Joe, why don’t you try? You all ready write music.”36

“Lyrics.” Joe butts in.37

“Yeah, whatever. But you all ready know the words for their songs.”38

“He did write them.” Sam smirks.39

“Yeah, Joe.” The drummer utters his few spoken words.40

The band collectively agrees. 41

“We have a mic set up. Try the one you gave us yesterday” Johnny picks up his guitar.42

“Nah, I can’t sing.”43

“Oh c’mon just try it.” The band’s bassist insists.44

The rest of the band picks up their instruments.45

“Yeah, Joe. It’s worth a shot. You really don’t have anything to lose. Even if you do bad, at least you gave it a try, eh?” Sam speaks her uplifting words.46

Joe’s face begins to redden.47

”Ah-” He stutters. “I guess I’ll give it a try.”48

Sarah, Sam, and the band clap. He walks up to the mic set up in front of the band. He grabs it and opens his mouth slightly. He starts to sing the words to the song. Everything is going smoothly. 49

His voice cracks on the fourth word. 50

“See, I told you I couldn’t sing.”51

Sarah and the band had grins on their faces.52

“Oh come on. Try it again.” Sam starts to insist.53

“Eh, all right.”54

Sarah, Sam, and the band clap again. Joe walks up to the mic and wraps his hands around the handle once more. He opens his mouth slightly. He gets pass the fourth word. 55

Soon he’s getting through the fifth, eighth, twelfth. The drummer clicks the drumsticks and mouths “One, two, three.”56

The band starts to play the music to Joe’s song. Sam sits down on a box next to Sarah. They watch as Johnny and Joe and the rest of the guys finally have their band. 57

“They’re pretty good.” Sarah whispers to Sam.58

“Yeah, they really are.”59