Band Meeting

Fiona's POV

I stayed up way too late last night. Now I'm running late! But my assignment is done so there's a small favor. 

Music Theory was my favorite class and yet my hardest one. There was so much work involved with it, and with everything else going on in my life, I was drowning. 

Professor Braun looked disappointed as I slipped in the classroom.

"Sorry Professor, it won't happen again." I promised. 

He continued teaching and I really tried to pay attention, but all I could think about was the fact that rent was due in two weeks and I barely had a third of it. Could we do enough gigs in that time to get enough?

God why didn't I just live with Uma? She said I could stay there for free and her mom would take care of everything for us. But I didn't want to lean on Uma for a damn thing. Then I would always be indebted to her. I couldn't have that.

But struggling was getting out of hand. I'll have to call him, I just know it. He'll give me more than I need but that means getting involved all over again and I was trying to get out of this life. It was not ideal and it was very inappropriate.

I spent the whole class crunching numbers. If I didn't do something quick I would be getting evicted. 

Isn't being eighteen supposed to be fun? Wasn't this supposed to be the best time in my life? I guess I wasn't one of those lucky teenagers.

Professor Braun looked surprised to see me turning in my assignment. "Ms. Simmons, I'm pleasantly surprised."

"Thank you Professor."

"Now what about your other seven missing assignments?"

"Um, I'm working on them, I promise. It's just between my other classes and the band things have been hectic." I explained. 

"Ah yes, the band. Maybe you should spend less time doing that?"

"I can't Professor. It's my only source of income. I don't have time for another job. I need it."

Professor Braun sighed. "Look, Fiona when you do the work, you're pretty good at this. I understand being overwhelmed, but maybe use some resources to help yourself. Uma Leonidas is the star of your band right?"

"Um yeah."

"She's acing my class. Ask her for some help. And get those assignments turned in hm?"

"Of course, Professor." I nodded. 

Ugh. I would not be asking Uma for help. She'd probably be a terrible tutor anyways. I would figure this out on my own just like I always did. 

"Fiona!" Charlie Richardson called. "Heard it was a sick show last night! Heard Uma broke a guy's nose! She's so epic!"

"Yeah, she's something." I muttered. 

She's a pain in my ass.

~~~

I was so happy when it was time to have lunch. I was starving! As I was walking to our table, someone stopped me. 

"Fiona, you drive a red Honda right?"

"Yes." I said slowly.

"Some boys were being dumb and playing catch in the parking lot and well…" She showed me my side view mirror. 

"Do you know who it was?" I asked. 

"No, they all ran. Sorry."

How the hell was I going to pay for this and rent on my own? I wasn't.

I pulled out my phone. The other line rang four times. 

"You ready to come back baby?"

"Yes, sir."

Olivia's POV

I bought some cigarettes. Sure they stink, but they'll make me thinner. I had a little break between classes and decided to take a smoke break since I was craving something from the vending machine.

"You smoking again Oli?" Uma asked joining me.

"Yeah, I'm stressed." I sighed. "When are you going to quit?"

"I don't know." She shrugged. "I'm stressed too."

"What's going on?"

"I might have a sister."

My eyes widened. "Your mom is pregnant?"

She laughed. "No. Some girl messaged me last night saying she's pretty sure she's my sister."

"Crap. You gonna message her back?"

"Don't know yet. What do you say to your possible sister?"

"Our dad sucks, wanna get coffee?" I suggested. 

Uma laughed. "You always make me feel better Oli. What are you stressed about?"

"Oh, you know. Classes and my mom is always on my ass about eating and stuff."

"She's just worried, babe. We almost lost you." Uma said quietly.

"Well she doesn't have to worry. I'm fine." I insisted. "I ate some cake last night. I'm good."

"That cake was good as hell. Raquel should be a baker."

"Oh her parents would never allow that. Too bad. She's talented."

"Yeah. Well, I gotta get to class. See you at lunch. Love you Oli." She kissed my cheek 

"Love you too."

Lying to people you love is hard.

~~~

"Liv, you're only having that salad?" Raquel asked. "Do you want some of my soup?"

"Oh no thanks, I'm having soup tomorrow." I smiled. 

That might be true. Soup is very low in calories. 

"Guess what I have." Uma grinned, putting her bag on the table. "Mommy made me some food!"

Oh no! Uma's mom, along with being an amazing designer was also an amazing cook.

"What is it this time?" I asked.

"Lasagna and garlic bread. And I brought enough for everyone!"

"Forget this soup!" Raquel laughed, putting it away.

"Oli?" Uma asked. "Want some?"

It would be suspicious if I don't. One piece each.

"Sure."

Oh it's so good! How did food taste so good to me and yet disgust me at the same time?

Fiona finally joined us, carrying a side mirror.

"What happened?" Uma asked. 

"Some dumb idiot broke my car!" Fiona groaned. "So that's another thing added to my plate."

"Well Professor Braun talked to me about helping you with some assignments, so you don't have to worry about that." Uma offered. 

Fiona sighed. "Thank you Uma. I appreciate that."

"Anytime, Fi."

I was starting to regret eating. My calorie intake was probably incredibly high and that's not the way to lose weight.

"I'm going to the restroom." I announced. 

"Okay, when you get back, band meeting." Uma stated. 

"Sure."

I threw up the lasagna and garlic bread. The lightness returned to my body. I have stop eating all this crap!

I exited the stall.

"You okay?" A girl asked. 

"Bad sushi." I winced. 

"Oh yikes. Need some gum?"

"Yes, thank you."

Oh, I forgot how nice gum was. It feels like you're eating even though you're not. 

Hm. That could come in handy.

Uma's POV

I stared at that message for at least an hour before I decided I was not in the right mindset to answer. I need to think it over. But I would make a decision by the end of the day. I had other matters to attend to.

Breakfast with my mother for one.

"How was the show last night, darling?" She asked.

"I broke a guy's nose." I smiled. 

She shook her head. "Girl, you are nothing but trouble."

"I get it from you."

"Probably. Other than that?"

"They wanted an encore. It was really good!"

"I'm glad honey. And all your instruments are okay? You don't need any new equipment?"

"No, Mom it's okay. We're fine."

"I made you some food." Mom smiled. 

"You spoil me." I giggled.

It was true. Mom would do absolutely anything for me. She bought me whatever I wanted, paid for everything, and supported the band completely. I was the most important thing in her life. Sometimes I felt bad for wanting more when I already had so much. 

I guess nothing could truly fill the void in my life that not knowing my dad had.

"Hey mom...do you think dad has other kids?" I questioned. 

"I don't know what that man has."

"But do you think it's possible?"

She sighed. "Yes I suppose so."

"Do you think he's in their lives?" I asked. 

"Honey, where is this coming from? Did something happen?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm just curious. Been thinking about him lately."

"You are much better off without him, Uma. We both are. Never forget that. He's missing out, not us, remember?"

"Yeah, of course." I nodded. "I don't need him."

But I want him.

~~~

"Oh Uma!" I turned around and saw our band manager, J.T. Edwards.

"Hey babe. Killer show last night right?" I asked. 

"Oh I loved the nose break. Genius. Very rock and roll."

"When's our next gig?"

"Saturday night at Cloud Nine."

"Cloud Nine?! Oh you beautiful genius!"  I squealed. 

"That's not all I have." He showed me a flier. "Battle of the Bands baby."

"You think we could win?"

"You're the best band in town."

"You're not wrong, but I think we need something more. I have an idea."

"Why am I scared?" J.T. asked.

"Cus you know me too well."

~~~

We waited for Olivia to return from the restroom.

"Thanks for the food, Uma." Raquel smiled. 

"Repaying you for that amazing cake last night."

"You really liked it?"

"I would die for it." I stated. 

"It's not that good."

"Oh, but it is."

Raquel giggled as J.T. sat down. "Did I miss the meeting?"

"No, shockingly not." Fiona rolled her eyes. 

"Fi-Fi what's wrong this time?" J.T. asked.

"Shut up J.T."

"Yikes." I laughed. 

Olivia returned. 

"Alright ladies. J.T. has brought to my attention that the Battle of the Bands is happening in April. We are entering!"

The girls cheered. That brought Fiona out of her funky attitude.

"And there will be another thing. We're adding a member to the band."

Raquel's POV

David lied. 

He kept me up way too late last night. Begging for another round and touching me and kissing me and telling me I was perfect and he worshipped my body. 

I'm glad someone enjoyed all of that. 

Why don't they tell you in health class that sex is wildy exhausting? Especially when doing it with someone you don't feel attracted to.

When Elaine and I would do it, I liked it. It wasn't exhausting and it didn't feel like a chore. Too bad Elaine is out of her mind and not someone I could be with. 

I wonder what Uma would be like as a girlfriend. I've seen her date a girl. Uma is so doting and sweet. She's very affectionate and likes touching them. I think touch is her love language. I could deal with that. I was sure I would love touching her.

She has soft skin. I could see myself completely melting into her. Becoming one with her. Being safe from the world and other people's judgments. To be with her would be to truly experience love.

But it was probably something I would never get to. 

~~~

Crap, I didn't have enough time to avoid her! I saw her too late. Elaine waved at me furiously as she approached me. 

"Hi Raquel. You looked amazing last night."

"Oh you were at the gig?" I asked. 

"Yeah, I was doing an article on it."

"Did you need a quote?"

"Sure. What did you think of Uma assaulting that guy?"

"I'm sorry, assaulting?" I asked. "He assaulted her first. What she did was self defense."

"Well she's fine and his nose is broken." Elaine pointed out

"Serves him right. Hopefully he doesn't grope another girl ever again."

"Thank you for your quote. We should get dinner."

"I have a boyfriend, Elaine." I reminded her.

"That'll only last so long darling. You and I are meant to be."

"Elaine!" Uma walked up to us. "Getting a quote from my dear Raquel?"

"Yes, on you breaking that guy's nose. Do you have quote for me Uma?"

"Yeah. That guy is lucky I didn't do worse to him. It's my biggest regret. Now we have lunch. Have the day you deserve Elaine." Uma pulled me away. "She's obsessed with you."

"I know. It's weird." I laughed nervously. 

"I don't blame her. You're perfect."

~~~

"We can't add a person!" Fiona exclaimed. 

"Why not?" Uma asked. 

"We're The Fab F.O.U.R. emphasis on the four!"

"Yeah we picked that because of our names." Olivia said. "Fiona, Olivia, Uma, Raquel. Another name doesn't work."

"It could be like an ironic thing." Uma said. "Five members, but four is in the name. Raquel, what do you think?"

"She always agrees with you." Fiona pointed out. 

"She knows I'm always right."

"What would this person play?" I asked. 

"Bass." Uma said.

"It's actually not a bad idea to have bass. That could give us a fuller sound."

"What's so great about full?" Olivia muttered.

"Ladies, I think this is a good idea." J.T. said. "And we think it should be a guy."

"We're a girl band" Fiona exclaimed. 

"Yes, and that's amazing, but I've looked at the statistics and we severely lack female fans." Uma pulled out her folder. "The whole girl power thing only goes so far. Guys love us because we're hot and talented. But girls would love us if we had a hot bass player."

"I like hot bass players." Olivia admitted. 

"Who doesn't?" I asked. 

That sounded straight right?

"We won't if everyone doesn't agree." Uma said. "As usual, we have to be unanimous. Fi?"

She groaned. "Fine, we can add a hot bass player. But I'm not thrilled about adding another cut of the gig money."

"Don't worry, I'll just get you more expensive gigs." J.T. smiled.

"You better." She snapped.

"We start auditions next week." Uma smiled. "Meeting adjourned."

"Hey baby." Cassius slid on the bench next to Uma and pulled her between his legs.

Ugh, he's so grabby with her. His love language is being clingy.

"Hey babe. Big news, we're adding a guy to the band."

"Ugh, why? Enough guys leer at you, why does one have to do it upclose?"

"Cassius this is not about that, it's about the good of the band."

I tuned out. Hearing them argue was worse than seeing them make out. Uma deserved a much better partner. 

I would never treat her like he does.