Options, but no solutions

You think for a moment, but the few friends from school that come in mind don't cut it. Max, your jogging partner, has fooled around with a guitar for some months, but the only time you heard him play, you had to use very gentle words not to hurt his feelings: he just doesnt have any sense for rhythm.

Benny Carpenter is also not much of a better option. Oh, he has been playing guitar for many years, and he really kicks ass... he just has one problem: He's got this aweful knack for latin music and insists on playing classic spanish guitar with his acoustic instrument. You recall an argument once about using electrically enhanced sound systems and the look on his face was like 'Heresy'. So, not the guy you'd want in a rock band. But maybe as guest appearance. Who knows.

Then there is Archie. Really a nice guy, quick thinking, always among the best grades at highschool classes. He's been helping you out with damned math at occasions, and you know his has a very small drum set in the cellar of his familiy's house. But as far as you can remember, he mainly uses his drums to vent off some frustration, rather than really getting in the groove with music.

Leave that Tim Conklin. You cringe at the thought of having to deal with that idiot. Tim is what you call a schoolyard bully. He's been a pest for all the weaker and younger pupils as long as you can think of. His father runs a martial arts dojo, and Tim knows a big deal of dirty tricks. Mind that, he's never hesitated to stand his ground against taller and older boys. Even when he was a freshman at highschool, he wreaked havoc among the older boys. You're inclined to give him that much. As well as that bastard is a terrific drummer. After he had mobbed Johnny Rattle out of the school band, he's been a tempest behind the drums, always catching the largest of applauses for his solo-parts. Too bad he's such an asshole.

And too bad that Johnny Rattle's father got a job on the other side of the States. Johnny woulda been perfect.

So, all in all, Archie looks like the least unbefitting option. You look at Allison and see those incredible green eyes full of expectation.

"Maybe Archie could play the drums."

Allison frowns. "Archie Parker? C'mon, he's a nice guy, but all he does is abusing his drums to piss his parents off."

You can't help but smile. "Got me there. I couldn't have described it any better. But he's the best I can come up."

"Don't you know anybody else who can player either guitars, bass or drums? How about people from your piano lessons?"

You shrug. "Nah, most of them either play piano too or are too young."

"Damned."

You smile. You really like it when Allison curses. She's so natural. And, yes, she's good-looking too. And she's your best friend. Okay, leave it there.

"Anyway" you say. "Maybe we can come up with a good solution in the next days. No need to hurry this. I've been waiting get this started this for 5 years, I can hold on a few more days to find the right jigsaw pieces."

"Right" Allison comments. "By the way, what are you doing this eve?"

"Why?"

"I've heard that there'll be a rock party in the youth centre, over at 3rd Ave. Word is they got two or three local bands playing there. Want to check it out?"

You think that really sounds like a good idea. There might be other teenagers who also share your passion for rock music. And some of them might be playing instruments. Maybe you can get to meet knew recruits for your band. Allison always has the best ideas. "Sounds great. When do you wanna leave?"

She shrugs. "How about 7 p.m.?"

"Sounds great." You smile at her. "I'll pick you up."