Monster Band Part Five: Arlo the Orc (special preview)

It still left its mark on Arlo though. He had always struggled with his self esteem but this was almost too hard a hit for him. He thought his singing wasn’t good enough, his looks weren’t good enough, and so he let the spotlight fade away from him. Even as the band started to fight and the first fissures of the break up happened, he stood back. 

That evening when I get home I go to Arlo’s house first. Inside I can hear the TV on and I find Bibi and Arlo passed out on the sofa together. Bibi’s homework is spread out on the floor so I pick it up and place it in her backpack.

“What time is it?” Arlo grumbles. He rubs his eyes and turns the TV off. Bibi remains asleep on the sofa as he gets up.

“Late,” I smirk up at him. “Did you talk to Peri.”

Arlo looks away and remains quiet. “Bibi’s got a presentation next Monday,” he says. “She’s gotta do a report on Charlotte’s Web.”

“Arlo,” I put my hands to my hips.

He scoffs and goes to the fridge. “No,” he grunts as he pulls out a beer. 

“Do you want me to call him?” I step close to him and shut the fridge as he goes to the bottle opener on the wall.

Arlo frowns and shakes his head.

I take a deep breath and motion to the porch. “Let’s go outside and talk.” I move to the door and open it. 

“What’s to talk about?” Arlo grumps as he follows me outside. “There’s no way I can possibly do this. Nyx maybe, but I can’t.”

“Why not?” I take a seat on the patio and slip my feet into his pool. “You’re still talented. You still know the game. Doing a reunion tour could be fun.”

Arlo stands back and sips his beer. 

“What are you so afraid of?” I ask. “Most people don’t even get to fail at doing the thing they love.”

Arlo sits down close to me and putting his feet into the water.

“So Saturn broke up before? Big deal. Lots of bands do and reunite. Everyone expects it. Now that you’re song has gotten popular again, take the chance. Better yet-” I poke his arm. “Take chances on the things you didn’t when you were young and stupid.”

Arlo grins and laughs. 

“You’re awfully quiet.” I scoot close to him so we’re side to side. “I’m doing all the talking here.”

“It’s helping,” Arlo grumbles. “Listening to you talk like when we were younger. It helps me a lot.”

I lean against his arm. “You’re my best friend.” I relax with Arlo. “I would do anything in the world I could for you.”

Arlo grins and puts his arm around me. “I know.” He presses his cheek to the top of my head. “I would do anything for you too, Penny.”

I put my hand into his and he closes his fingers around it.