FicWad

Days went by after the idea for a new band began. We had everyone: a drummer, Andy, a lead guitarist, Joe, and a bass player, Pete, but we had no lead singer. I tried for a few days but after I screwed up at least 10 million times I evoked my title of lead singer.

After moping about Joe's house for ever we decided that we should go out somewhere.

Pete shrugged. "I could use some coffee."

We all agreed and soon we were walking into the local Borders looking for music and coffee. I took the orders from the guys and walked over to the counter.

A shy-looking red-blonde man with side burns and a trucker hat stood behind the counter, his back turned to me. He was casually singing to the Michael Jackson song 'Thriller.' I couldn't help but stand there and listen. He sounded so beautiful. He was just what we needed.

He turned around with a coffee and jumped at the sigh of me. The coffee spilled onto his shoes but he never stopped staring at me.

"Hi." I said. "Can I order four coffees?"

He nodded "Yeah-yeah." His voice cracked. "Ummm-how-how long have you been standing there?"

I smiled.

"Long enough." I replied "Two cappichinos, a frappichino, and a hot chocolate please."

He nodded and turned to make them. I looked over at Pete and Joe and Andy They were watching me intently. I winked at them and leaned on the counter casually.

"Listen, my friends over there are starting a band and we're in desparate need of a lead singer." I said.

He nodded half-heartedly his cheeks flushing red. "Well, why aren't you? YOu look like a good singer." He muttered.

I laughed.

"I already tried. You're much better." I said, "Just try it out."

He looked up at me finally, handing me the drinks, "$15.75, please." He said.

I handed him the money. "Well, I'll tell you what. Could I have your number and address so that after the 'try-out' we can take you out to dinner. Just give it a chance-?"

"Patrick."

"Patrick. You could be great." I smiled at him.

He stared at the floor for a minute and just as I was about to give up and leave he got out a napkin and wrote on it.

"Patrick Stumph*
342-7639**
13th W Avenue*"

I smiled and grabbed the napkin. "I'll be seeing you then." I said. "My name's Kendra."

I winked at him and grabbed my drinks and turned and left.

Pete sighed jokingly at me when I placed his cappichino in front of him.

"What?" I asked.

"What did you do to the poor cash register guy? He looked so red at first I thought he was a tomato man." he replied.

"He's an awesome singer. YOu need him." I said, I threw the napkin on the table. "His name is Patrick Stumph. Give him a chance."

Pete looked at Joe and Andy. They shrugged.

"We need a singer Pete. You said it yourself." Andy said shrugging again.

"Pweeeeeese Peter. One chance?" I stuck out my lip and he sighed.

"Tuesday. We'll go Tuesday." he said.

I hopped up squealing and circled my arms around Pete's neck.

He was stiff at first and then gradually he loosened up and hugged me back. I buried my face in his shoulder, breathing in his scent of Axe and coffee. I didn't want to let go and yet I didn't know why. There was a cough from Joe, no doubt, and Pete and I sprung apart. Pete picked up his coffee and his bag and motioned for us to follow him.

As we turned away I looked back at Patrick back in his little singing world and I couldn't help but think how awesome this band would be with him.

------

It took a lot of begging for me to convince Pete that Patrick could actually be something good but come Tuesday we drove up to Patrick's house and knocked on his door.

He opened the door curiously like he didn't know if it was the tax collecter come to take his money.

I raised a hand.

"Hey Patrick. This is Pete, Joe, and Andy. They're part of the band you'll be trying out for." I said.

He swallowed.

"Uh-ok, come-come in." He stuttered.

Pete and I glanced at each other So far, so good.

Pete sauntered in and Andy, Joe, and I followed. We sat in the living room and stared at Patrick. Patrick swallowed again.

"So-So'um, what do you want me to sing?" He asked his voice cracking.

Silence.Crickets chirped. A gay baby** was just born. I decideto break this gay baby bearing awkward silence.

"Just sing what you want." I offered. "Anything that comes to mind-"

"Smoke on the Water." Pete suddenly blurted out. "No,-" he smiled evily "Thriller."

Patrick and I locked eyes. He nooded, smiling. "I think I could do that." He said.

He opened his mouth and the most beautiful-sounding words poared out of his mouth. before I knew it, though, he was done and Pete was sitting on the couch, stiff as a board, his eyes wide."

"We-we'll keep in touch." He said getting up and walking out the door.

"Great job, man!" Joe exclaimed.

Patrick blushed.

"Thanks."

"You totally rock!"

"Thanks."

"Come on Joe." Andy called "Good job, Pastrick. Kendra was right, we do need you."

Patrick flushed even more.

"You're a shoe-in." I said and I turned to leave but before I got two steps away, I tuened back and attacked Patrick with a hug.

He froze and slowly and stiffly patted my shoulder and I pulled away.

"You're awesome!" I squealed and then bounded out the door not completely seeing Pete's jealous face.

Andy, Joe, and I wouldn't stop talking about Patrick on the drive back. Pete added a few good comments his eyes frequently missing or avoiding mine but that didn't stop me from celebrating. We had found our lead singer.

Patrick was called and he became our new lead singer. The No-Named Band now had a lead singer.

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*= yes, Patrick StumpH because Pete made him take the 'h' off.
*and**=Not actual address or phone number. I don't even know who's they are.
**=Thanks to Sarah and Kylie for that one. Every time there is an awkward silence a gay baby is born. That's when you have to start singing 'Row, Row, Your Boat' that's the only way.