Mars Allen had gone through so much to reach the top. Summer programs, endless practicing hours, little shows in bars... Nothing the drummer wasn't ready to do to achieve her only dream, finally be freed from her miserable life. But what if her reun...
I awoke with a dull pain underlying the numbness in my right arm and was enveloped by the stench of rotting leaves. Even before I opened my eyes, I knew I wasn't home. The air was heavy and damp, pressing against my skin like a clammy shroud. Where was I?
I looked around, sighing in relief as I remembered. Last night, I had gotten on the roof for a smoke. Judging by the empty tequila shot bottle, I understood I drank too much and probably fell asleep because of the alcohol.
I've been drinking too much lately and smoking twice the amount I usually consumed. But I couldn't help it, I needed some kind of coping mechanism to relieve the stress I was in every second of every day.
The competition's nervousness had taken over my senses during the summer. It was a pretty big deal since it would offer the winner a scholarship. That price would also get you a spot at the International Youth Music Studio in Paris. And I had to get that if I wanted to leave this miserable life.
So, for the past five months, I had been practicing with my teacher and recording at the studio for my progress and the C.D. we had to give with our performance.
I climbed down to my bedroom window and jumped in. My room was pretty messy but I couldn't care less. I lit up a cigarette, slowly blowing out the smoke tiredly.
A light knock resounded from the door and my brother appeared. "Hey."
"What is it ?" I spat out.
"Look, times are hard and dad-"
"I'm not giving you a single cent, Arlo." I smashed the cig in the ashtray.
"Mars, it's really serious. I need at least forty." He brushed a hand through his black hair.
"Fuck off, Arlo. You're twenty-five, go find a fucking job. Now get out."
"Please, just listen. Please." He begged.
"Out, Arlo. I'm deadass." I hissed, clenching my fists. But he remained indifferent.
"I'll get a job as soon as I get my debts off, just forty-"
"I SAID GET THE FUCK OUT !" I screamed, grabbing the ashtray and throwing it his way.
He ran away and the ashtray exploded on the door. The pieces fell everywhere, along with the ash. I grabbed my face and groaned. Could never get an hour of peace in this house.
I brushed a hand through my hair and grabbed an outfit (☆), putting on my clothes in anger. I just wanted to get out of here.
Riding my bike to the music studio, I knew I still had time before my rendezvous with Kev as it was still eight in the morning. When I got there, I parked my bike and sat in my usual spot behind the building where a yard had a few broken benches and thick ciment poles that kids had fun covering in graffiti.
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I sat down to smoke and relax. It had only been ten minutes before a masculine voice kept getting closer and closer. Gustav appeared with a long haired dude. The stranger had a side part and wore streetwear-like clothes.
