Lindsey covers up a yawn as she prepares to take notes. She took a seat down front, so she could hear and see what the professor was saying and writing. She wishes she had grabbed a cup of coffee, before coming to class.

Lindsey looks behind her as the rest of the college-age students come walking into the room. She was the youngest among them and shorter than most of them as well. She covers up another yawn and is surprised when a guy sits down next to her. He had a short-boxed style beard that frames his jaw. He also had a nice mustache that joined his beard.

Robert was surprised to see a young girl sitting next to him. She looked like she should be in high school or something. He notices that she was ready to take notes right away. Which, in his view gave her high marks.

“Hi, I’m Robert.” Robert extends his hand when he sits down.

“I’m Lindsey. It’s nice to meet you as well.” Lindsey shakes Robert’s extended hand.

“So, why are taking this class?” Robert was curious.

“Well, one is a required class for me to take. Secondly, I’m studying to become a music director.”

“Cool. Do you play an instrument or anything?”

“Yes, I play six different instruments.” Lindsey has been practicing since she bought the cello and violin.

She loved her cello and the sweet music that came from it. She still couldn’t get over the fact that it was a missing Stradivarius.

“Six instruments?” Robert was amazed that this small girl in front of him, played six instruments.

“How many instruments, do you play?” Lindsey was curious.

“At least three.” Robert knew he needed to learn how to play some instruments.

Their teacher comes walking in and everyone gets quiet. The teacher looked like he was in his late forties, maybe early fifties. After going through the roll call, the instructor tells the class what he expects from them and goes into the lesson.

Two hours later, Lindsey’s first-class ends. She took a lot of notes during the class. She has another class that started at ten o’clock. So, she had an hour to kill.

Lindsey spot the coffee machine and heads straight to it. Lindsey looks around and spots Tessa talking to someone from their former high school. She walks over to a bench and sits down and looks around her.

Lindsey just couldn’t get over the fact that she was the shortest girl among all the people there. She did spot a few people that look like they could be as young as she was. She finishes her coffee and heads towards her next class. As she is walking in, she spots Robert.

She saw how well he took notes during their first class. She walks over to where he was about to sit down.

“Do you mind if I sit next to you, Robert?”

Robert looks up when he hears Lindsey’s voice “not at all.”

“Thanks.” Lindsey sets up her note pad and mini laptop.

Her original laptop, that she had in high school. The heat fan in it stopped working and melted the CPU. Luckily, she managed to recover all her original programs and transfer them to her new laptop.

“Robert, are you a full-time student or part-time?” Lindsey grabs her favorite pen that had the band’s name printed on it.

“Full time. How about you?”

“Full time as well.” Lindsey decided that she wanted to be a full-time student, even with her busy schedule.

“So, how long have you wanted to be a conductor?”

“Since my music teacher suggested it might be a good path for me. I have an ear for music and can tell when someone messes up when they are playing. Plus, I hear music in my head.” Lindsey didn’t know how to explain it.

“You hear music in your head?” A puzzled look appears on his face.

“Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but I can hear how a piece is supposed to sound. It’s like I can tell what notes and composition it should be
played in.”

“Wow! You must be some sort of musical prodigy.” Robert figures that explain why she was in college.

“I am.” Lindsey brushes aside a lock of her hair.

Lindsey watches as the instructor comes walking in. This time, she had a female instructor. The woman looked to be in her late thirties, maybe early forties.

When she starts writing on the whiteboard, Lindsey starts coping as well. The instructor takes roll calls of the students in her class and what she excepts from them. In the next two hours, her teacher gives them a lot of information and assign several chapters to read.

By noontime, her class ends. She watches as Robert meets up with several people. She grabs her backpack and heads towards to meet up with Tessa and Kaja.

As she approaches the meeting spot, they agreed on. She spots Kaja talking to a few people. She walks over to Kaja to stand next to her.

Kaja spotted Lindsey standing next to her. A smile appears on her face “guys, I would like for you to meet my girlfriend, Lindsey.”

Several of the people standing in front of Kaja, look at Lindsey. They noticed how young she looked standing next to Kaja.

“I know she looks young but believes me. She’s extremely smart and is a member of the Dusty Gasket band. She is also a songwriter and plays several different instruments.” Kaja was proud of Lindsey.

“You write music?” Lacey was curious.

“Yes, I write music for my band and several other bands. Several of my pieces have been bought by a few well-known artists.” Lindsey has sold a few pieces to a few popular artists.

“Wow, so Kaja works for you?” Kelly was curious.

“Yes and no. Kaja owns the advertising company my band and several other bands our production studio record use.” Lindsey was happy when she asked Kaja to handle their merchandise.

Kelly and a few others look at Kaja. They just met her, but she has already made an impression on them.

“You should see some of Kaja creations.” Tessa had walked over to where Kaja and Lindsey were standing.

“Do you have a website, Kaja?” Larry wanted to see what Kaja made.

“Yes, here’s one of my business cards.” Kaja pulls one of her business cards out and hands one to each person.

“I’ll check it out.” Larry slips the card into his pants pocket.

“Let’s go and get some lunch.”

“Sounds good to me. See you later Kaja, and Lindsey.” Kelly walks off with the others.

“Lunch does sound good.” Lindsey was feeling hungry.

“Let’s go.” Tessa was feeling hungry as well.

Lindsey walks with her friends out to her car. Tessa lets Lindsey take the passenger seat, while she sat in the back. Kaja puts the car in
reverse and heads towards the nearest fast food joint.

Lindsey couldn’t believe it was raining outside. She was walking around the house in her Hello Kitty panties and one of the t-shirts Kaja designed for the band. The slippers she had on covering her feet, were a new pair of kitty slippers.

She yawns as she walks into the kitchen and uses the step stool to grab the instant coffee. Kaja had woken-up early and had to go to the bank. She was going to set up a new business. Tessa had morning classes, so she had the house to herself.

She spoke with her mother last night and her new baby brother was doing fine. He missed his big sister. Sure, he was only two years old, but he knew she wasn’t home. He was already showing signs of being intelligent.

Lindsey was glad she didn’t have any classes today. She covers up another yawn as she brews a cup of coffee. She stayed up late last night, while Kaja slept working on her homework. She met some interesting people in her classes.

Robert was in three of the required classes she had to take. Then there was Arnold, in her Wednesday and Thursday class. He was a nice guy and didn’t treat her like a little kid. That was some of the problems she faced in some of her classes. Some of her classmates thought she was in the wrong place. Hell, two of her instructors thought she was in the wrong class.

She still hated the fact that she looked like a teenage girl. The past two years she grew two inches and her breasts had come in, but they weren’t very big. Hell, she could go braless, and no one would know.

Lindsey takes some instant grits out and starts boiling some water. While the water starts boiling, she takes two eggs out and starts making sunny side up eggs. She loved runny yokes and mixing the eggs with the grits.

Once the water was boiling, she adds the instant grits to the water. She pours them into a bowl and then adds the eggs she cooked to the bowl, on top of the grits. Lindsey pours herself some orange juice and head into the living room to watch the news.

While she is enjoying her breakfast while watching the morning news. The house phone starts ringing. She picks up the handset “hello?”

“Lindsey, is Kaja around?” Alice needed to get Kaja’s permission for special order for Silver Dust.

“No, she’s at the bank right now. Is there anything I can do for you?” Lindsey was curious why Alice was calling.

“Only if you can give me permission to place a special order for Silver Dust.” Alice needed to place this special order.

“What does Ronald want now?” Lindsey knew the lead singer of Silver Dust.

She wrote several of their songs and had to rewrite some of their songs. Some of them border on copyright infringement. She warned him and his bass player several times about borrowing parts of other band pieces and tunes from other artists.

“He came up with a new t-shirt design that a friend did for him and he wants to sell it at their next gig.” Alice already checked to make sure it hadn’t been done by another artist or band.

“Send me a picture of it.” Lindsey puts her bowl of grits and eggs on the living room table and grabs her tablet from her and Kaja’s bedroom.

She hears her tablet ding, letting her know an email arrived. She opens the email and looks at the picture. It was nicely drawn and inked in. It represented the band pretty well.

“Do we own the rights to the image or are we paying the artist a percentage of the sales?”

“We own the rights to the picture. He gave the picture to Ronald.” Alice made sure they owned the rights.

“Kaja is probably going to chew my butt out for this but go ahead and place the order. I’ll take the heat for this one.” Lindsey will tell Kaja when she gets home.

“Thanks, Lindsey.” Alice ends the phone call.

Lindsey puts the handheld back on the receiver. She normally doesn’t interfere in Kaja’s business, but this time she didn’t see why she couldn’t. She picks her bowl back up and finishes eating her breakfast.

After breakfast, Lindsey grabs her laptop and start working on the rest of her homework. She got most of it completed last night. She had to
write an essay on a topic from her music theory class.

Lindsey starts typing away on her laptop. She had several of her books open and the notes she took from the class. She had turned the television off and was listening to some music from Pandora while she worked.

She had a special list of artists she liked listening too while she worked. Sometimes, it was jazz and blues. Other times, it was the music she wrote, and the band played. However, there were times she would listen to other steampunk artists and groups.

Lindsey concentrates on her schoolwork, still wearing her little girl panties and t-shirt. She doesn’t hear Kaja as she pulls up into the driveway. She also doesn’t hear the front door open, either.

Kaja couldn’t believe all the paperwork she had to bring with her or signed. She needed to open another business account for her merchandising company. She was also soaking wet, from the downpour she got caught in when she had to run out to her car.

The rain had slacked off on her way home. Tessa texted her and informed her, that she was catching a ride with one of her new friends. She grabs her briefcase and walks into the house. She hears music playing and coming from the living room. She recognized the song playing as being The Cog is Dead with Dr. Elemental in the Gumbo song.

She peeks into the living room and notices Lindsey was wearing one of the Dusty Gasket t-shirts she designed and sitting in her little girl panties. A smile appears on her face because Lindsey looked so cute as she worked on her schoolwork.

“How’s it going?” Kaja walks into the living room.

Lindsey jumps when she hears Kaja’s voice. She was concentrating so much on her schoolwork. She blocked out everything else. Because of the damage, she took to her bladder, a few years ago. A little pee escapes and wets her panties.

“Don’t do that! You know what happens when I’m surprised like that.” She didn’t need to change her panties, but she could feel the wetness between her legs.

“Do I need to grab one of your diapers and change you?” A smirk appears on Kaja’s face.

“No. So, how was your bank meeting?” Lindsey wanted to change the subject.

She still felt embarrassed that she needs to wear diapers at times, because of the injury to her bladder. She only wore them if she was going on a long trip or was playing for a long time. She was still recovering from her SRS surgery. When she turned sixteen years old, she was allowed to get the rest of her surgery.

“It went well. How much homework do you have left?” Kaja walks over and sits down next to Lindsey on the sofa.

“I’m almost done with this essay. Oh, by the way. Alice called to get permission to have some t-shirts made up with this design on them.”
Lindsey brings the email up on her laptop and shows Kaja.

Kaja looks at the email and the picture. She liked the picture and she reads the email. Kaja turns to look at Lindsey “did you give her permission to go ahead with this idea?”

“Yes, I did. I figured you wouldn’t mind.” Lindsey watches Kaja’s face.

Kaja looks at Lindsey “I don’t mind, but next time ask me first, please?”

“No problem. Merchandising is your department. Mine is making music.” A smile appears on Lindsey’s face.

“Let me change and I’ll make us some lunch.” Kaja stands up to walk away.

“Alright and thanks.” Lindsey was glad Kaja was home.

Lindsey listens to the other people around her, as they practiced a new song. Her lips were starting to get sore from playing her saxophone.

“Stop!” The orchestrate director looks at several people.

“Robert, I want you to play the third score again.” Director Barlowe looks over towards Robert.

Robert starts playing the piece that director Barlowe wanted him to play. He gets halfway through the piece.

“Stop.” Director Barlowe couldn’t believe how flat sounding the notes were.

Robert stops playing and looks towards director Barlowe. He wonders how he messed it up this time.

“Robert, your playing is flat sounding. There’s no emotion in what you are playing. You need to inject some feeling into what you are playing. I want you to listen to Clair and how she plays that piece.” Director Barlowe looks at Clair, who was sitting next to Robert.

Clair starts playing the piece that Robert has been playing. It sounded different from how he played that piece. You could tell there were
feelings in the notes.

Lindsey listens as Clair plays the same piece Robert did. She could hear the difference between the two people. She sits and watches as director Barlowe continues to point out different students, who weren’t playing too good. She feels her bladder urging her to release.

She finally starts peeing into the diaper she wore to practice. She had no choice in the matter. Her bladder wasn’t what it used to be. She knew the practice was going to be long and wore one of her diapers under the dress she had on.

The next hour or so, she plays the music they were practicing. When practice is over, she rushes to the women’s bathroom and changes. She hated the clammy feeling of the wet diaper against her skin. She cleans herself and slips on a pair of panties she brought with her.

Once she was done changing and washing her hands. She heads out of the bathroom and goes looking for Kaja. She was her ride home.

As she is looking for her, she spots Robert talking with a few people. She walks over towards him “how are you feeling?”

“Like a fool. Director Barlowe made me feel like a fool in there.” Robert hated being called out like he was.

“He wasn’t doing it on purpose, Robert. You can’t just play a piece of music without putting some emotion into it. It makes you sound like a tape recording or something.”

“Now you starting to sound like Barlowe.” Robert looks at Lindsey.

“Look, I write music and play in a band. The music I write comes from the heart and touches something in people. Here, listen and tell me what you like.”

Lindsey starts singing. She sings one song first without putting any emotion into it. When she is done with that song, she sings a different one
and puts the proper emotions into it. She watches Robert observe his reaction.

When she gets to the end of the song, she notices that he was touched by what she sang. A smile appears on her face “see what I mean? So, when you play your instrument, you need to put emotions into it.”

“I see what you mean. Thanks, Lindsey.” Robert had to admit she was right.

“You’re welcome, Robert. I’ll see you tomorrow in class.” Lindsey spotted Kaja walking towards her.

Lindsey picks her saxophone case and backpack up and starts walking towards Kaja. She was glad that Kaja had shown up.

“So, how was practice?” Kaja had heard Lindsey singing and followed her voice.

“It was too long. My bladder decided to release itself, halfway through practice.”

A concerned look appears on Kaja’s face “you were wearing a diaper, I hope?”

“Yes. The last thing I would need is to be embarrassed.” Lindsey follows Kaja back to her car.

As they are driving towards the nearest Kentucky Fried Chicken “Terry called and said we have a gig in two weeks.”

“Oh? Where is it at?” Lindsey turns to look at Kaja.

“A new restaurant that just opened. It has a steampunk theme to it.”

“Do that want us to play our music or a selection of their own?” Lindsey knew some of their clients had music they wanted them to play.

“Our own song set. You might want to get with Terry and pick out what songs you guys should play.”

“I will.” Lindsey watches as Kaja pulls into the drive-thru for Kentucky Fried Chicken.

She lets Kaja order for her. She knew Kaja knew what she liked and didn’t like by now. She also listens as Kaja places an order for Tessa as well.

Once they have paid for their order. Kaja drives them home. As they walk into the house “food delivery.”

“Thank goodness. What took you guys so long?” Tessa comes walking into the kitchen.

She had on her favorite lounge around the house clothes on. Her big breasts were bouncing up and down as she walked. The estrogen she was on, was different then the stuff Lindsey herself was on. She tried talking her doctor into putting her on it, but it didn’t react well to her body chemistry. So, she was back on her old stuff.

“It’s Kaja’s fault. She was late picking me up.” Lindsey smiles at Kaja.

Kaja just shakes her head as she lays everything out for dinner.

“Come on lazy bones. You’re going out with us tonight.” Kaja looks at Lindsey as she worked on some school.

Lindsey stops writing and looks up at Kaja “you know the clubs aren’t going to let me in. I’m sixteen years old.”

“So, use your fake driver's license. You paid enough money for it.” Kaja had gone with Lindsey to see a friend of hers that worked at DMV.

He changed the information in the DMV database to say she was older than she was. She had paid good money for the new driver's license.

“You know I don’t like using it. What if I get caught?” Lindsey didn’t like using her DMV license.

“You won’t and I’ll make sure no one serves you an acholic drink.” Kaja wanted to go out and have some fun.

“Okay. Let me go and change out of these clothes.” Lindsey saves her work on her laptop and closes her notebook.

She heads into their bedroom and changes into her clubbing clothes. It wasn’t often she went out with Kaja to a club unless they were playing there. She applies some light make-up to her face and transfers her driver's license, credit card, and some cash into a clutch.

Once she is ready, Lindsey heads back to the living room, where Kaja and Tessa were waiting on her. She looks at Tessa and couldn’t believe how sexy she looked “are you looking for a date tonight?”

“Nope, alright got one. He’s going to meet me at the club.” Tessa had a smile plastered on her face.

“So, what is the name of the club we are going?” Lindsey follows Kaja and Tessa out the front door and over to Tessa’s car.

“The TENN Nightclub.”

Lindsey sits in the back seat and watches as Tessa drives them to the club. The parking lot was almost full. Tessa managed to locate a close parking space.

“Alright, ladies. It’s time to party.” Tessa was in a happy mood.

Lindsey gets out and follows Tessa towards the club. She notices that there was a line going towards the back of the club. When they played at the clubs, she has seen lines like this form.

Kevin, Jake, and Lawrence were standing in line, waiting on Tessa to show up. Jake’s girlfriend just texted him and she was bringing a date for Lawrence as well.

“So, where’s this hot looking goth girl you found?” Jake looks towards Kevin.

Kevin spots three women walking towards the club. As he kept watching them, he spotted Tessa and she was dressed in a knockout black dress. The low cut of the dress showed off the mounds and cleavage of her big breasts.

Another girl was walking beside her, that looked like she might be Asian or something. She had short black hair and a nice figure and was about Tessa’s height. A teenage looking girl was walking next to her. She was wearing a nice dress that showed off her petite body frame.

Something about her was familiar, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He knows he has seen her around the college campus. As Tessa and her companions approach them “hey, Tessa. You look incredibly sexy, tonight.”

“Thanks, I brought some friends with me. I hope you don’t mind them joining us.”

“Not at all. The more the merrier.” Kevin smiles at Kaja and Lindsey.

The girls join Kevin in line and a few minutes later, two more women show up. They join Jake and Lawrence. They introduce themselves as
Rose and Heather. They were studying at the same college as Lindsey, Kaja, Kevin, Tessa, and the other guys.

Rose looks at Lindsey, “what’s your major?”

“I’m studying to become a conductor.” Lindsey brushes some of her hair away from her ear.

“You’re into music?” Heather looks at Lindsey.

“Is she into music? She’s the main songwriter for our band and plays several different instruments.” Tessa had answered for Lindsey.

“Really?” Heather and the guys all look at Lindsey.

“Yes. I write all our music or help my other band members write music as well. I also play several different instruments.” Lindsey moves when the line starts moving.

“Cool. So, have you guys ever been on television or opened for another band?” Jake wanted to know more about the band.

“We’ve opened several times for some popular bands, and we’ve been on television several times. We’ve played on the Late Show, The
Tonight Show, and a few others.” Lindsey couldn’t believe how popular they got when she was in high school.

They stand in line for another twenty minutes, before they finally enter the club. The music in the club was loud. Lindsey and the others end up paying a five-dollar cover charge per person. Their hands are stamped, so they could tell they were eighteen years old.

The music sounded familiar to Lindsey. She knew the tune and it dawns on her, that it was one of their songs. It was being played in a style she wouldn’t have chosen for it.

Their group managed to find two tables close together. They make a claim to it and after placing their drink orders, all of them go out onto the dance floor. Kaja and Lindsey dance close together as their bodies rub against each other. Kaja holds Lindsey against her body.

They bump and grind against each other, as their bodies moved to the music playing. It's been a while since Lindsey has gone clubbing with Kaja. The two of them dance for a while, before heading to their table to grab something to drink.

Lindsey spots Tessa out on the dance floor dancing close to Kevin. Tessa was enjoying herself as she danced with Kevin.

“I’ve never seen Tessa this happy before.” Lindsey takes a sip of her drink.

Kaja looks over towards Tessa and a smile appears on her face. Since she met Tessa, she has never seen her as happy and slutty as she was acting tonight. She could tell Tessa was enjoying herself out on the dance floor.

“Come on, let's go and enjoy ourselves some more.” Kaja takes Lindsey’s hand and pulls her out onto the dance floor.

Stage:
The band Twodust was taking a short break in the VIP section when one of their members spots Tessa and Lindsey out on the dance floor. Craig couldn’t believe that two members from Dusty Gaskets were listening and dancing to their music.

“Hey Charlie, guess who is out on the dance floor.”

Charlie looks at his guitar player “who?”

“Two members from Dusty Gaskets.” Charlie was watching the two girls.

He noticed the synthesizer player was dancing with her boyfriend and the guitar/saxophone player was sitting at a table with another girl. He didn’t know who the other girl was, but he recognized the other girl.

“Maybe we should invite them to come up on stage and play with us?” Milo has heard their music and loved some of it.

“Where are they?” Charlie kisses the dirty blonde hair girl hanging on him.

“One is dancing and the other looks like she is taking a break with her girlfriend.”

“Maybe we should let them have some fun to themselves tonight.” Charlie figures the two members were out enjoying themselves.

After a short break, Twodust gets back on stage and start playing again. They play a few of their songs that they wrote and hope the two members from Dusty Gaskets like them.

The TENN Nightclub:
Lindsey and Kaja continue to dance and enjoy the night. It wasn’t often Lindsey got out and enjoy herself. Lindsey spots Tessa and Kevin, enjoying each other’s company.

Lindsey listens as Twodust play some of their original songs. The songs sounded nice, but they didn’t grab you as good songs should. She figures she could rewrite some of them, to make them better. She figures Twodust might even like the rewrite to them.

Around two in the morning, they head home. Tessa left with them, instead of going home with her new boyfriend.

“You two seemed to enjoy yourselves tonight.” Tessa turns around to look at Lindsey in the back seat.

“So, did you.” Lindsey saw how happy Tessa had been.

Tessa's cheeks blush because she did enjoy dancing with Kevin. She couldn’t believe how much her life has changed since Lindsey asked her
to audition for the band. She knew her mother was proud of her and that they were doing better as well.

“Well, I’m glad everyone had a good time.” As Kaja pulls into the driveway.

Lindsey covers up a yawn before she gets out of the car. She follows behind Tessa and Kaja as they head inside the house. Kaja and Lindsey head upstairs to their bedroom.

“Kaja, can you unzip me, please?” Lindsey couldn’t reach the zipper on the back of her dress.

“Sure.” An evil smile appears on her face.

Kaja unzips Lindsey's dress and slides her hands inside the dress. She brushes her fingertips against the side of Lindsey's breasts. She steps closer and starts kissing Lindsey’s neck.

Lindsey moans as Kaja teases her nipples and kisses her neck. She shivers when Kaja starts nibbling on her ear. She wiggles against Kaja, as her dress starts to slide down her body. She turns around in Kaja’s arms and starts kissing her. She had to stand on her tiptoes, but that was fine with her. She starts removing Kaja’s dress as they slowly move towards the bed.

Lindsey wakes up early the next morning, because of her bladder. She slowly extracts herself from Kaja’s arms and heads towards the bathroom. As she sits down on the toilet to do her business. She thinks about her relationship with Kaja. She loves her but misses Ian being with the two of them.

While Lindsey is sitting on the toilet, Kaja comes walking in and straddles her lap. She looks down at Lindsey “spread your legs open.”
Lindsey spreads her legs open, so Kaja could pee. She felt the stream as it started.

“You know how weird this feels?” Lindsey looks into Kaja’s eyes.

“I know, but it beats waiting for you to get off the toilet.” Kaja leans down and kisses Lindsey on the lips.

They end up taking a shower together and fooling around inside the shower. By the time they get out, Lindsey was sore between her legs and her nipples felt sore as well. She slips on a pair of silk boxers and one of her favorite t-shirts. She noticed Kaja was wearing the same thing she was.

“You do know when you’re a couple don’t you?”

“No, how do you know when you’re a couple?” Kaja looks at Lindsey.

“When you start dressing like each other.” Lindsey walks out of their bedroom with a little sass in her step.

Lindsey starts making some cinnamon buns for breakfast. She was glad her mother took the time to teach her how to cook. Now, whenever they went on tour or were staying at a hotel that had a kitchenette, she could make meals for her and Kaja.

Tessa comes walking into the kitchen. Her hair was kind of messy and she still had some of her make-up she wore last night on. She waves to
Lindsey and Kaja as she fixes herself some coffee.

“You look like you slept with your make-up last night.” Kaja was drinking her coffee.

“Yeah, I should have washed my face, but I was so tired last night.” Tessa picks her coffee up after it was ready.

Lindsey puts the buns in the oven and sits down near Kaja. She takes a sip from Kaja’s coffee cup.

“Hey, that’s my coffee.” Kaja looks at Lindsey.

“I only took a sip from it.” Lindsey had a playful smile on her face.

“What am I going to do with you?”

“What didn’t you two do last night?” Tessa loved teasing Kaja and Lindsey about their love life.

“I won’t answer that question on the grounds it will incriminate me.” Lindsey enjoyed what they did. She always enjoys Kaja taking charge of their lovemaking.

“I bet you won’t. If you’re not busy later, I might need your help with my math assignment. The pages my teacher gave me, is kicking my ass.” Tessa knew Lindsey was good at math.

“Sure, no problem. I have to practice some music on my sax, but I should be available later.” Lindsey wanted to go over what they were playing at school.

“DING!”

Lindsey gets out and pulls the buns out of the oven. She places them on a plate, to let them cool off before applying the frosting. After the buns were cool enough to apply the frosting. She adds the frosting.

“Buns are ready.” Lindsey licks the frosting she got on her fingers off.

“Oh, thank god.” Tessa grabs a few and put them on a saucer.

Kaja grabs a few as well. Lindsey picks on up and takes a bite from it. As she is eating, Kaja’s cellphone starts ringing. Lindsey picks it up to see who was calling and notices it was Terry calling.

Lindsey presses the accept button on Kaja’s phone “hi Terry, what can I do for you?”

“Lindsey, is that you?” Terry has been trying to call Lindsey all morning.

“Yeah, I left my cellphone in the bedroom. What’s up?”

“We have a gig next weekend at Spinor’s.”

“How many nights?”

“Just two nights. Saturday and Sunday, also I managed to get us a nice tour bus as well.”

“Oh? How did you do that?” Lindsey was curious.

“A former roadie and bus driver. He owns a touring business and is downsizing some. This bus was one of his that he uses to use when he
worked as a roadie for some famous bands.”

“Cool, when are you picking it up?” Lindsey knew Terry always like to inspect their new purchases.

“Mike and I are going tomorrow to pick it up.”

Mike was their new bus driver and head roadie. The list of people he had roadie for in the past, was impressive.

“Alright, so when do you want to meet?”

“How about we do a video conference practice on Thursday. I’ll pick you and Kaja up in Florida on Friday afternoon.”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll let Tessa and Kaja know.”

Both women look at Lindsey when they hear their name spoken.

“Alright, see you then.” Terry ends the call.

“What’s up?”

“Terry is picking us up on Friday afternoon and we’re doing a video conference practice on Thursday.”

“Where are we playing?” Tessa was curious.

“A place called, Spinor’s.”

“I’ve never heard of it.” Kaja tries to keep up with all the Steam Punk restaurants and clubs.

“We can look it up later, after breakfast.” Lindsey takes a bite of her bun.

“Sounds good.” Kaja finishes her coffee.

Five-Tone Bar:
“Order up, Lisa.”

“Alright, Charlie.” Lisa picks up the order for table twelve.

She moves through the crowd gracefully, as she heads towards table twelve. She balances the tray in her hands like she has been doing it for years. She hopes she gets a lot of tips tonight.

“Here you go, guys. one club sandwich, one Philly cheesesteak, and one Pastrami on rye.”

“Thanks, Lisa. Are you going to play tonight?” Ralph looks up at Lisa as she stood nearby.

“If a time slot opens up. We’re booked solid tonight.” Lisa was hoping to play the drums for the crowd, but they had several people schedule to
play tonight.

“Well, hopefully, something will open up for you.” Jeffery loved hearing Lisa play.

“I hope.”

Lisa turns and goes back to waitressing. She so wanted to play tonight, but she needed to make money as well. She goes back to taking orders and delivering them. Around eight o’clock, one of the people who had booked the time slot hadn’t shown up.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time to rock this joint.” Lisa sits down at the drum set and starts playing Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi.

She goes from playing the Bon Jovi song into, Thunderstruck by AC/DC. Rock and Roll by Led Zeppelin. When she finishes playing, she stands up to the applause from the customers.

Lisa looks out at everyone and bow to them. She loved the applause from everyone.

“Thank you.” Lisa turns the drums over to the next player.

Lisa works for the next few hours and heads home afterward. She opens the door and walks into the apartment she shares with two other people.

“Alicia, I’m home and I brought your favorite sandwich.” Lisa sticks her head in Alicia’s office.

She notices that Alicia had her headphones on and was playing her favorite game. Lisa walks up to her and taps her on the shoulder. She
waits for Alicia to acknowledge her.

Alicia felt a light touch on her shoulder. She pauses her game and looks at Lisa. She was holding a white bag in her hand.

“I got you, your favorite sandwich.” Lisa hands the bag over to Alicia.

“Thanks.” Alicia accepts the bag.

“So, how was work tonight?”

“Same oh, same oh. However, I did enjoy performing for everyone at the bar.”

“Why don’t you think about joining a band? You enjoy playing and your good at it.” Alicia has heard Lisa playing her drums in her bedroom.

“I’ve been looking, and I haven’t found any band willing to give me a chance.” Lisa has auditioned for several bands and none of them wanted to accept her.

“You’ll find a band.” Alicia was sure Lisa will find one that had the same taste as she did.

“I hope so. I’m going to bed.” Lisa kisses Alicia on the cheek.

Alicia has been like a mother to her. Her birth mother had done a lot of stuff to mess her up. When she was ten years old, two of her mother’s
johns had sex with her. Her mother was high as a kite when they raped her. After that incident, her mother started pimping her out. Sometimes, her mother would force her to please her, while they were being filmed.

When she was fourteen years old, her mother got her breast implants. The doctor that did the surgery, was john of her mother’s. The size he gave her, wasn’t meant for a fourteen-year-old girl. Her mother didn’t even give her time to heal before she was sent to an important client her mother had.

The client beat her and would have killed her if she hadn’t stabbed him in his privates with a fork. She twisted and turned it until he passed out from blood loss. After that, she ran away from him and kept running.

It wasn’t until Alicia and her husband took her in and let her live with them that she learned what family meant. Alicia treated her like her very own daughter. Alicia’s husband Steven treated her like their little girl. She didn’t mind being their little girl.

She gets to undress and put on her favorite baby doll nightdress. She crawls onto the custom bed she shares with Alicia and Steven. She normally sleeps between Alicia and Steven.

Lindsey, Tessa, and Kaja House:
Lindsey had her face buried between Kaja’s ample breasts. They were naked under the blankets covering them. She was happy and satisfied with their lovemaking. She could still taste Kaja juices on her lips. As she was drifting off to sleep, her cellphone starts ringing.

“You get it, Kaja.” Lindsey was comfortable and didn’t want to move.

Kaja reaches over to Lindsey’s side of the bed and grabs her cellphone. She looks at the number and notices, it was Terry calling Lindsey.

She presses the accept button “hello?”

“Kaja, is Lindsey nearby?” Terry recognized Kaja's voice right away.

“Yes, she’s right here with me.”

“Good, can you put her on please?” Terry needed to talk with Lindsey.

“Here, Terry wants to talk with you.” Kaja hands the cellphone to Lindsey.

“What’s wrong, Terry?” Lindsey had turned to lay on her back.

“Angela was in a car accident and won’t be able to join us on the road. We need a replacement drummer, right away.” Terry hopes Angela makes it.

“I might know of someone. There’s a place here near us that I can recruit from.” Lindsey was thinking about Five-Tone Bar.

“Well, see if you can find a good drummer. There’s no way we can do our gigs without a drummer.”

“Okay, I’ll go up there tomorrow. Also, what hospital is Angela in?” Lindsey figures the person she was thinking about might be there.

“I’ll send them information on where she is.” Terry still had to get the information from Angela’s lover.

“Okay. I’ll be in contact with you in a few days.” Lindsey ends the phone call.

Lisa couldn’t believe that she was on the road traveling with Dusty Gasket. She had been given a list of their songs and have been practicing before they left and on their new tour bus. She was practicing on a portable drum set that Alicia and Steven had gotten her to practice on, while she was traveling.

Lindsey had her head resting on Kaja’s lap as they sat on the sofa. She had a headache that wouldn’t go away. It was unusual for her to have one this bad. Terry brought his new girlfriend with them. Jamie and his girlfriend and lead singer Cindy were cuddled up on the other sofa.
Tessa and Jermaine were going over the new songs the band had come out with since he went to boot camp.

He was available for ten days before he went to his new assignment. So, he was traveling with them until he had to leave. Maxine was traveling with them this time around. She finished training the new sound engineer traveling with the other bands their production company handle.

“So, Jermaine, how did you like boot camp?” Jamie looks over towards Jermaine.

“It was hell. I couldn’t believe how many people from our hometown signed up for the military.” Jermaine had counted at least twelve people from their hometown alone.

“What do you expect? There’s nothing around us that would want you to stay. We’re out in the sticks.” Cindy has been trying to get Jamie to move from where they are.

“The town has us and they are very proud of us as well.” Lindsey looks in Cindy's direction.

“Look, we need to move our operation to one of the bigger cities. That way our popularity will increase.” Cindy was enjoying the attention she got from the magazines and podcasts.

“You don’t get it, Cindy. The more popular we become, the more attention is drawn to us and that means photographers and news reporters
watching us like hawks. You’ll never have any peace.” Lindsey was glad they didn’t have that problem right now.

Cindy just glares in Lindsey’s direction. She knew that out of everyone in the band, Lindsey gets the most press. There have been several magazines that have done articles about her. The rolling Stone alone has done over four articles on Lindsey. Sure, the band got coverage as well, but some of the articles focused on Lindsey’s musical talent.

Lisa takes her headset off, after finishing the last song she needed to learn. It was called Drum Storm and it was written just for the drummer in the band.

“Hey Lindsey, do you mind if I change drum storm up some?” Lisa had a few ideas that would make it better and a little bit more of her taste in music.

“What changes do you want to make to it?” Lindsey knew Ian had helped her write that particular piece.

“There are a few sections in the song that could use a more upbeat piece to it and maybe a tweak to some of the others.” Lisa liked the piece.

“Let’s hear, what you want to do to the piece.” Lindsey sits up to listen to Lisa.

“Okay.” Lisa turns the volume up on her portable drum set and plays the song with the changes in it.

“Damn, that does sound better.” Jermaine liked the new changes to the song.

“I agree.” Terry was listening to the group.

“Since everyone likes it. Let’s make it permanent then.” Lindsey had to admit it did sound better than her original piece.

“I’ll make the changes on the original.” Kaja brings the music file of Lindsey’s on her laptop up and makes the changes to the piece.

“So, who are you seeing now, Maxine?” Tessa was curious.

She and Maxine have fool around a few times. They weren’t serious and enjoyed each other’s bodies.

“I’m currently going out with two people. The new secretary at our office and a roadie that works at Houser’s.” Maxine liked both of them.

“That’s spreading yourself wide opened.” Lindsey had a smile on her face after saying that.

“I can take it. Stretching it won’t hurt me any.” Maxine had a smirk on her face.

Tessa just shakes her head back and forth from the corny sex jokes. She knew the new secretary at their office. She recommended the person.

After a few more hours of driving, they finally arrive at the basketball arena they were going to be playing at. They were impressed by the staff and everything they had put in their contract. Why Brenda was starting to put little things in their contract they didn’t need, confused Lindsey.

“Lisa, I need for you to put your costume on, so I can make the final adjustments to it.”

“Okay, Kaja.” Lisa grabs her costume and put it on in the back bedroom.

She comes walking out and stops near Kaja. Her costume was similar to Lindsey’s but in a different style. It showed off her chest and long legs.

“Wow! You look nice, Lisa.” Tessa liked how Lisa looked.

“Thanks, I kind of feel weird wearing this costume.” Lisa felt a little uncomfortable in it.

“You’ll get used to it.” Lindsey stood nearby in her new costume.

Kaja walks over and makes a few minor adjustments to Lisa’s and finishes up on some decoration on it. She was careful not to stick Lisa with the needle.

“There, that should do you.” Kaja stands back to look at Lisa.

She liked how the costume showed off Lisa’s figure. She also liked how its matches Tessa’s and Lindsey’s outfit.

“Well, since your dress. Let’s go and start setting up everything.” Terry unlocks the trailer attached to the back of the Rv.

Lindsey snuggles closer against Kaja’s body. She had her head resting on Kaja’s left shoulder. On the other side of Kaja’s sleeping form was Lisa. She was lying next to Kaja with Kaja’s nipple in her mouth. She was dressed as a little girl with knee-high pink socks with lace at the top of the sock and a pink lacey nightgown, that looks like it should be on a young girl. She also was holding a light brown color bear that was wearing a light blue t-shirt with writing on it.

The writing said, “Lisa, I love you beary much. Love Momma Alicia.”

The three of them were the only ones in the hotel room they were sharing with Tessa and Maxine. Their bags were in the room, but Tessa and Maxine weren’t. Kaja wakeup and notices her right nipple was inside Lisa’s mouth. She carefully removes her sore nipple from Lisa’s mouth.

She strokes Lisa’s cheek softly and looks at her. Lisa had asked her and Lindsey if she could sleep with them last night. She explained to them that she was so used to sleeping with her adopted parents. That she didn’t feel comfortable sleeping by herself.

Kaja did like the fact that Lisa’s breasts were about the same size as her own. She glances over towards Lindsey to see how she was doing and notices she was still asleep. Kaja slowly extracts herself from between Lindsey and Lisa. She heads towards the bathroom to clean her nipple and pee.

Kaja sits on the toilet peeing. She saw the scars on Lisa’s chest, under her breasts where she had her breasts enhanced. Once Kaja is done peeing and cleaning her nipple. She heads back into the room and notices Lisa had changed how she was sleeping.

She looks over at Lindsey and saw she was still asleep. She knew Lindsey’s headache had dull some after taking some Advil, but this was the third time Lindsey has had these headaches. There was Urgent care just down the street from where they were staying.

Kaja pulls out her laptop, after getting dress. She looks up Urgent Care to set up an appointment for Lindsey. She spots they have a two o’clock slot available today. Kaja glances at the time and notices it was only nine in the morning. So, they had time to get ready and get some brunch.

Kaja goes ahead and makes the appointment for Lindsey. Once she is done making the appointment, she checks her email and answers some of it. She spends a while answering emails and paying bills.

Lisa slowly wakeup and notices Kaja already awake and dress. She gets up out of bed and walks over to Kaja and places a kiss on her cheek “thank you for letting me sleep with you and Lindsey and sorry for suckling on you.”

“It’s alright, Lisa. Lisa, if you don’t mind me asking. Why did you have your breasts increased?” Kaja knew Lisa wasn’t much older than Lindsey.

“I didn’t. My birth mother did it to me when I was just twelve years old. My birth mother had a plastic surgeon that was her john and in
exchange for performing breast enhancement to me. He got to take my virginity. I was the only twelve-year-old with a triple DDD chest.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. So, why do you dress like a little girl at night?” Kaja was curious about that.

“Because I like it and Alicia, and her husband treats me like their little girl. They lost their daughter to cancer when she was very young. So,
I’ve become their little girl. I have a question for you. Why does Lindsey wear a diaper under her clothes/costume?” Lisa had noticed the diapers in Lindsey’s carry-on.

“A few years ago, she was attacked by some burglary’s and one of them stabbed her, damaging her bladder. So, she has bladder problems now because of it.”

“That just sucks.” Lisa would hate to have to wear a diaper.

“It's more of an inconvenient at times.” Lindsey had woken up and heard Kaja and Lisa talking about her little bladder problem.

She walks over to Kaja and sits on her lap. Lindsey looks at Lisa “what she didn’t admit to you, is she likes to pretend she is my mother and change me.”

“Because you are so cute when you’re wearing them.” Kaja places a kiss on Lindsey’s cheek.

“How long have you two been a couple?” Lisa saw how Kaja looked at Lindsey.

“At least four years now.” Kaja figures that have been how long she, Lindsey, and Ian had been a threesome before he left them.

“Wow, that’s a long time.” Lisa was impressed.

“Yeah. Why don’t the two of you go and take a shower? Lindsey, I made a doctor's appointment for you today.” Kaja looks at Lindsey.

“But we're nowhere near my doctor’s office.” Lindsey wonders why Kaja made an appointment for her.

“There’s Urgent care near us. So, go and take your shower.” Kaja pops Lindsey on her butt.

“Ouch!” Lindsey stands up and rubs the spot.

Lisa just smirks as she grabs Lindsey’s hand “come on, you can shower with me. It will save time and it will be quick.”

Lindsey looks towards Kaja to see if she was okay with it.

Kaja nods her head yes to Lindsey’s unspoken question. She wasn’t jealous that Lisa was inviting Lindsey to shower with her.

“Let’s go.” Lindsey follows Lisa into the bathroom.

While Lindsey is in the shower with Lisa, Kaja looks through Lindsey’s clothes and pick out something simple for Lindsey to wear to the Urgent Care.

Dr. West examines Lindsey as she sat in a chair across from him. Her headaches have been getting worse.

“Physically there’s nothing wrong with you. However, everything you have told me so far about your daily routine. I would say that you are suffering from tension headaches. You need to cut back on some of your activities. If you don’t, your tension headaches will increase and cause you more discomfort.” Dr. West had noticed that Lindsey’s blood pressure had been high when he took it.

When Lindsey started describing what a typical day/week was for her. Dr. West pieced together what was causing her to have the headaches she was having. He saw was amazed at everything she was doing at the tender age of sixteen years old.

Lindsey takes a breath and looks at Dr. West. She wonders if it is common for girls her age to suffer from tension headaches.

“Is it common for someone my age to suffer from tension headaches, Dr. West?”

“For some girls who have strong periods or who have a busy schedule like you do, yes. Boys, normally suffer from tension headaches, more than girls do.”

“So, it's more common among, boys?” Lindsey was curious about that.

“Yes. I’m going to recommend that you cut back on some of the things you do and eat better as well. Also, do you wear ear protection when you perform on stage?”

“No, where I stand on stage, I’m not near the speakers.”

“Okay, if any of your band members are, they might want to wear ear protection.” Dr. West write down a few notes on his clipboard.

“I’ll suggest it, at our next practice.” Lindsey wonders how they are supposed to hear what they are playing if their ears are blocked.

Dr. West escorts Lindsey out of the examination room. Kaja spots Lindsey as she was walking out of the back. She gets up and walks over to her.

“So, are you going to live?” a teasing look appears on Kaja’s face.

Lindsey signs the final paperwork and looks at Kaja. Dr. West didn’t prescribe her any medication but did recommend over-the-counter pain medicine she could take.

“I’m going to live, but I’m going to have to make some changes to my lifestyle. Dr. West said I was suffering from tension headaches.” Lindsey walks out of the MD Express building with Kaja behind her.

“Tension headaches? I don’t think I’ve heard of that before?” Kaja was wondering what that was.

“He said, because I have so much going on in my life right now, it is causing my headaches. I need to reduce the stress I am under. Normally, boys are more affected by tension headaches, more than girls. Which, if he knew I use to be a boy. It would explain my headaches.”

“But girls do suffer from the same thing, right?”

“Yes, especially girls with strong menstrual periods. However, boys suffer more from it. He also suggests I start eating healthier, instead of the way I have been as well.” Lindsey gets in on the passenger side of Kaja’s vehicle.

“Boy, it sounds like you have some serious decisions to make.” Kaja starts her vehicle.

“Yeah.” Lindsey sits back in her seat and thinks about what she needs to do.

Hotel Room:
Lisa had stayed behind while Lindsey and Kaja went to the doctor. She took her practice drum unit out and started to practice some of the songs they were going to play tonight. She was thankful for the portable drum unit.

While she was playing away on the unit, Tessa and Maxine come walking into the hotel room. Lisa stops playing when she notices them.

“You didn’t need to stop.” Tessa searches through her suitcase for some clean clothes.

“I get the water going.” Maxine walks by Tessa and slaps her on the ass.

“Owe!” Tessa rubs the spot Maxine smacked her.

“What were you two up to last night?” Lisa had some idea what they did.

“Getting laid. Where’s Lindsey and Kaja?” Tessa looks at Lisa for an answer.

“Kaja took Lindsey to MD Express for the headaches she has been having lately.” Lisa wonders how serious things were with Lindsey.

“I hope everything is okay with Lindsey. She has already been through enough for someone her age.” Tessa has heard the stories from the
other band members.

“Me too.” Lisa puts her headphone back on and watches as Tessa heads into the bathroom with Maxine.

She starts playing on her drum unit as she practices the songs. By the time she gets done going through the list of songs for tonight, Maxine and Tessa come walking out of the bathroom.

“Did you two enjoy yourselves in there?” She knew how long it took for her and Lindsey when they showered together.

“Yes.” Tessa was a little flush from their playing in the shower.

Maxine looks over at Lisa “you don’t have a problem with two women enjoying each other, do you, Lisa?”

A smirk appears on Lisa’s face “not at all. It’s safer and better than having sex with men.”

“I don’t know about that. Men can be just as enjoyable as having sex with women.” Maxine enjoys both.

“To each his own.” Lisa hasn’t always had a good experience with men.

“Hey, we’re going to try out the pizza place across from this hotel. Do you want to join us?” Tessa was putting her bra on.

“Sure, I’ve gone over the songs we are playing tonight.” Lisa gets up and changes out of her slumming clothes and into something nice.

Once everyone is dressed and ready, Maxine, Tessa, and Lisa head downstairs and out of the lobby. They run across the busy highway to the pizza joint across from the hotel they are staying at. The inside was decorated with a lot of different pieces from different eras.

They were standing behind a young couple looking over the menu mounted on the wall behind the counter. There were a lot of different choices to choose from.

“Why don’t we get a twenty-six-inch pizza and split it?” Tessa looks at Maxine and Lisa.

“Sounds good with me. Whatever is leftover, we can take back to our hotel room.” Lisa didn’t mind cold pizza.

“I’m game.” Maxine didn’t mind.

When it was their turn to order, Tessa orders a twenty-six-inch pizza. One half was just pepperoni and the other half was supreme.

“That will be fifteen dollars, ladies.” Ted looks at the three young women standing on the other side of the counter.

Tessa was about to pay for it. “I got it, Tessa.” Maxine pulls her credit card out and pays for it.

“It’s going to be ten minutes, ladies.”

“That’s fine.” Maxine didn’t mind.

“Let’s get a booth.” Tessa leads everyone over to an empty booth.

The next two weeks the band does four gigs and head home. Even Lisa was worn out from the pace they had been keeping. She had to buy a new box of drum sticks from a music store after their third gig. One of her sticks had split right in half while she was performing. Luckily for her she had a spare on hand.

She looks over towards Lindsey and notices she was sound asleep on the sofa across from her. Kaja was sitting at the small table with her laptop opened working on inventory and sales. Jamie and Cindy were in the back of the bus asleep.

Jermaine had been dropped off at the nearest bus station so he could head to his next assignment. He told them he might not be available for a few months. Which was okay, because Lindsey and Tessa could cover for him. Especially, Lindsey, because she could play so many instruments.

Terry was looking over the next set of gigs they had been contracted for, which was in a few months. Brenda hired a new person to act as their band manager, to take some of the stress off Terry.

Angela, their full-time drummer wouldn’t be coming back to the band. There was some nerve damage done to her hand and it made it impossible for her to play for long. The good thing was, she had money their investor has been investing for each band member. Terry and
Brenda had felt it might be a good idea to set-up some sort of retirement fund for each band member.

“How are sales going, Kaja?” Tessa looks over towards Kaja.

“We made a good profit for once. With the way the economy is right now, I wasn’t expecting much.” Kaja looks over towards Tessa.

Tessa noticed Kaja looked tired. She knew Kaja has been keeping long hours, while the rest of them have been sleeping.

“What do you guys do when you’re not doing gigs?” Lisa looks at Terry for an answer.

“We write new material, put together a new album and practice a lot. Our record label wants us to put out another album by next month. So, we need to come up with some new material.” Terry was thinking about some of the songs Lindsey wrote and some Tessa wrote as well.

His creative juices has been drying up lately and the material Cindy wrote or wanted to sing wasn’t their style of music. It was more along with Taylor Swift and artist like her. They could take it and some how change it some, but he didn’t want to cause problems with her. She was already upset that Lindsey got most of the attention.

“Hey Lindsey, what did the doctor say about your headaches?”

Lindsey opens her eyes and look over at Terry “he said I needed to cut back on my activities some.”

“Have you decided what you are going to do?” Terry would hate to lose Lindsey.

“No, not yet. I might cut back on my courses after this semester. I want to finish the classes I’m taking now.” Lindsey didn’t like quitting anything.

“You could always take time off form the band.” Tessa looks at Lindsey as she laid on the sofa.

“You have to be kidding me, Tess. I love playing and singing.” Lindsey loved being a performer.

“Well, I for one hope you don’t.” Lisa liked playing in the band with Lindsey.

“Oh, she’ll never leave the band. She owns half of it.” Kaja looks at Lisa.

“You’re kidding, right?” Lisa didn’t know Lindsey owned half the band.

“Nope, she owns half of the band. Jamie and Terry own the other half.” Kaja knew the arrangement Lindsey had with them.

“It’s no big deal. Everyone contributes to the band. That’s what makes us so successful.”

Lindsey covers up a yawn as she watches everyone. She was tired and just wanted to get home and take a nice relaxing bath. She closes her eyes and slowly go back to sleep.

Few Days Later:
Lindsey was out walking in the neighborhood they were currently living in, when she hears terrible music coming from a house three houses down from where she was. She walks in that direction and notices that the garage door was opened. Inside the garage were five girls trying to play a song from Heart.

She stands there in the driveway listening to the teenage girls. They were about her age and were trying very hard to get the song right. When they come to the end of the song, she claps.

Vicky had spotted a young girl standing and listening to her and her sisters play. She didn’t know who the girl was, but she has seen her in the neighborhood.

“Thanks. I know we aren’t very good.”

“But you will be with more practice and someone to direct you.” Lindsey could tell these girls liked playing.

“Practice is something we really need right now. There’s a band competition coming up in a few months and we want to enter into it.” Vicky looks at her two sisters and her best friend.

“Well, if you don’t mind some help, I could help you. I’m pretty good on the guitar and keyboard.” Lindsey figures she could help prepare these girls.

“You want to join us?” Karen looks at the young girl.

“No, I don’t want to join you. I want to teach you and help you. I have some experience at performing.”

“What do you get out of it?” Brandi looks over her drum set towards the brown hair girl.

“Nothing, except helping a group of teenage girls how to play. Oh, by the way I’m Lindsey.”

“What can you teach us.” Heidi was curious.

“May I?” Lindsey walks over towards Heidi and motions to the bass guitar she was playing.

“Sure, but be careful. It’s my fathers.” Heidi hands the guitar to Lindsey.

Lindsey puts the guitar strap over her shoulder and pluck the strings. She adjust the knobs to tune it properly. Afterwards, she starts playing a song she wrote just for the bass guitar.

Diana, Vicky, Heidi, Molly and Brandi couldn’t believe how well Lindsey played. They could see she knew what she was doing, and the music sounded wonderful.

“Wow! You really do know what you are doing. Who wrote that music, you played?” Molly was curious.

“I did. I wrote it for my band.” Lindsey hands the guitar back to Heidi.

Heidi looks at the guitar and couldn’t believe that the music has come from it. She couldn’t wait to tell her father.

“So, are you girls willing to let me teach you?” Lindsey looks at all five girls.

“If you can make us sound like that, yes!” Brandi was excited.

“That makes two of us.” Vicky liked what she heard.

“I’m in sis. I want to sound like that.” Diana wanted to play like Lindsey.

“Okay, we’ll start tomorrow after you get home from school. I’ll print up some basic cords and rifts for you to learn.” Lindsey was going to start them off the same way she did things.

“Cool.” Diana couldn’t wait.

“Oh, by the way. What is the name of your band?” Lindsey looks at the girls for an answer.

“We don’t have one yet. We were going to wait until, we got better.” Heidi knew none of them could agree on a name.

“We’ll discuss it later then. Until then, you need to start practicing on your instruments for at least an hour or two hours a day, everyday after school. I will expect you all to follow that rule.”

“We will.” Diana and Heidi were going to practice till their finger bled.

“We’ll see.”

Lindsey listens as the girls play their instruments. It has been two weeks since she has taken over being their instructor. She found that two hours a day wasn’t enough for the girls. So, she increased it to four hours with the girl’s parent’s permission.

The girls wanted to be good enough to send in an audition video to the company sponsoring the band competition. Lindsey listens as the girls play the Heart song, she first heard them playing. They were getting good with it, but they still needed more work.

“You girls are doing good, but you need more practice. Let’s continue and we’ll call it a night.” Lindsey knew the girls must be tired from practicing.

“Okay.”

The girls start from the beginning again and put more effort into the song than last time. By the time they finished. They were tired and ready to call it a night.

“That was better, ladies. You need to put that type of effort into your music practice all the time. Now, go ahead and pack up your instruments and we’ll continue this again tomorrow when you get home from school.”

The girls all moan when Lindsey says that. They were hoping to have some me-time. They put their instruments away and leave the garage they have been practicing in.

Lindsey walks home and notices when she walks into the house, that Kaja and Tessa were working on their schoolwork. Normally, Tessa was out with her boyfriend or other friends.

“Well, this is a surprise.”

“I know. How is your girl band doing?” Tessa knew Lindsey has been teaching a girl band.

“They are getting there. A few more weeks and they will be ready to send in a video for the competition they want to enter.” Lindsey hopes the girls keep up the dedication they have shown so far.

“You know, this is like the other band you helped.”

“It’s different this time. I’m using what I have been learning to be a conductor to teach these girls.”

“Well, if you succeed, Brenda will have another band she can add to our label.” Kaja was hoping the girls will want to be on a record label.

“Why don’t we leave that up to the girls. I think they have something else in mind.” Lindsey knew the girls had other ideas.

“You should sell the idea to them, Lindsey.” Kaja knew Lindsey didn’t like pushing ideas onto people.

“I’ll think about it.” Lindsey heads towards hers and Kaja’s bedroom and strips out of the clothes she wore to school.

She was going to keep her current course schedule until next semester. Next semester, she’ll cut down on what courses she’ll be taking. Once she is undress, she heads into the bathroom and takes a nice relaxing bath.

“Mind if I join you?” Kaja comes walking in after a few minutes.

A smile appears on Lindsey’s face “no, not at all.”

Kaja walks in and gets in the tub behind Lindsey. She wraps her arms around Lindsey’s body as Lindsey rest against her body. She notices Lindsey had shaved her groin area bald.

“When did you start shaving your groin area?” Kaja liked how bald and child-like Lindsey’s groin area looked.

“Yesterday, I thought you might like it.” Lindsey guides Kaja’s hand down to her groin area.

“Maybe I should shave mine, as well.”

“Let me trim it, for you. I have an idea in mind.” Lindsey had a wicked idea of how she wanted Kaja’s groin area to look.

The next hour Kaja and Lindsey spend in the tub. There was some fooling around, but mostly they wash each other’s hair and body. Afterward,
they head into the bedroom and crawl into bed.

Two Months Later:
Lindsey stands before the girls as they play, and they were sounding good. She couldn’t believe how much improvement the girls had progressed. She bought a custom-made bass guitar that had been built by Richard Bachmann that she saw in a pawnshop for Heidi.

Heidi’s father had didn’t want his daughter using his bass guitar so much. So, when Lindsey found out, she started visiting music stores and pawn shops. She saw the bass guitar hanging in the pawnshop with some dust on it.

She managed to get it for a decent price and gave it to Heidi. The sound that came from it was good. She was happy that Heidi loved it.

“Alright ladies, you are sounding good and I have arranged for you to play at one of the clubs my band plays at. You’ll be playing cover songs. So, I’ll need you to select at least two sets of songs to play. Also, have you decided on a band name, yet?”

“Yes, we settled on Paper Dolls.” Vicky and the girls had talked about it.

“Good. I’ll let the manager of the club know your name, so he can draw up the contract.” Lindsey was going to act as their manager for now,
before talking to Brenda.

“Now, let’s hear what you ladies can do.”

Lindsey sits back down on her favorite stool and listens to the girls play. The girls were big Heart fans, so they choose a few Heart songs to play. Afterward, they pick a few Spice girl songs, Bon Jovi, and a few others.

When it starts getting late, Lindsey ends the practice. She looks at the girls “you ladies are sounding extremely good. Let’s call it a night.”
Brandi looks at Lindsey “how do you want us to dress for our performance?”

“That’s up to you guys. Do you want to look all the same or do you want to have your own look?” Lindsey looks at all the girls.

“Our own look,” Heidi spoke for all the girls.

“Okay, tomorrow we will do some shopping and put together your own look.”

“Yes!” All the girls were happy.

Lindsey looks at the matching faux leather outfits that Diana and Heidi had picked out to wear on stage. They were similar in appearance, but different as well. They showed off the young girls’ breasts and hugged their bodies. She looks at Diana and Heidi as they stood before her.

“What do you think, Kaja?” Lindsey looks towards her girlfriend for her opinion.

“I think the outfits make them look cute and sexy. Are you two sure you want to look like each other?” Kaja looks at both girls.

“Yes ma’am. We thought it might be cool. Plus, our outfits are different in design.” Heidi liked her outfit and the shoes she chose to go with it.

Kaja and Lindsey kept looking at both girls. They didn’t see anything wrong with the outfits. Some well-placed jewelry will separate them. They look at the drummer Brandi as she stood nearby. She had feather earrings that hung from her earlobes and was wearing a muscle shirt that had their bands design on it. Kaja drew up several designs for the girls and showed them to them. The girls saw one they liked and asked if they could have a few t-shirts and such made up.

Vicky was dressed in an oversized t-shirt that had the band's symbol on it and tight leggings. She had heels on with silver feathers earrings dangling from her ears. Molly, their synthesizer player, was wearing a tight pair of faux leather pants and a camisole. She had gotten her hair cut and had a pixie cut down to it.

“Well, what do you think Kaja? Will they pass the mom test?”

“Mom test, no. Crowd test, yes. The girls look like rock chicks with their outfits. We just have to work on their make-up and hairstyle.” Kaja felt the girls were looking good.

“I recommend that Brandi doesn’t wear too much make-up or it's going to run when she cut loose on the drums.” Lisa has been tutoring Brandi on the drums.

Under Lisa’s instruction and training, Brandi has gotten really good at playing. That was one area that Lindsey didn’t know much about. So, Lisa was willing to step in to help.

“I think I have a nice make-up idea for the girls in mind.” Kaja walks back to her SUV and grabs her make-up case. She brought it along with them when they left the house.

Lindsey had told Kaja and Lisa that she was preparing the girls for a gig she arranged for them on Friday. The owner at one of the places they performed at was willing to let the girls play. If he liked how they sounded, he would be willing to let them come in every weekend or every two weeks to play.

She heads back into the house where the girls normally played. Vicky, Diana, and Brandi were all sisters. Molly was Diana’s best friend and Heidi was Vicky’s best friend.

“Vicky, since you’re the lead singer, I want to do you first. So, come over here and sit down.” Kaja pats the chair at the dining room table she
set her make-up kit at.

Vicky walks over and sits down in the seat. She had a smile on her face as Kaja puts a barber cape on her. She mentally prepares herself for the transformation.

Kaja goes to work applying the make-up. The first colors she applied were alright, but it wasn’t what Lindsey was thinking for the girls. She goes back to work and tries several more times. It wasn’t until her fourth try, that they found the right colors and style.

“I like that style.” Lindsey looks at Vicky’s reflection in the mirrors surrounding her on the table.

“You’re right. This style is perfect for the group.” Kaja looks at the colors she used.

“Alright Diana, you’re next.” Kaja takes the cape off Vicky.

Vicky gets up and lets Diana take her place. Diana sits down at the table. She shivers when Kaja puts the cape on her.

For the next two hours, Kaja works on developing unique make-up styles for each girl. By the time they were done, all the girls had a unique style and they looked good.

“Kaja, you did a wonderful job on these girls.” Lindsey had a smile on her face.

“Thanks, sweetie.” Kaja was proud of herself as well.

“Alright girls, let's hear how well you play and come up with some moves.” Lindsey hopes the girls don’t freeze up on stage.

All the girls moan as they head out to the garage and pick up their instruments. Everything was already set up for them to play.

“You are a hard taskmaster you know that Lindsey?” Lisa looks at Lindsey.

“If I wasn’t hard, they wouldn’t sound like they do now.” Lindsey was proud of the girls.

“From the beginning girls. Vicky, you choose what order you want to do the songs on Friday.”

“Thanks, Lindsey.” Vicky smiles as she signal for the band to play.

The girls start playing and have fun coming up with moves for the songs. Vicky, Diana, and Heidi get into it as they interact with each other
during the different songs. All their voices sounded good together and no one was overpowering the others.

“They sound almost as good as us.” Lisa liked how they sounded.

“Almost. I think within a few more months, they could give us a run for our money.” Lindsey had a smile on her face.

The girls practice for two hours playing songs and dancing. When they were done playing, they hear clapping coming from behind Lindsey, Kaja, and Lisa.

“You girls sound really good.” Kimberly had just pulled up in the driveway when she heard the girls playing.

She looks at the outfits and the make-up they had on. It was a little much for them, but it fit the music the girls played.

“What do you of them, Mrs. Loggins?” Lindsey turns around when she hears Vicky’s mother’s voice.

“You did a good job with them, Lindsey. I can’t say I approve of the outfits, but they look good.” Kimberly thought the girls looked too mature and grown-up.

“Told you, Lindsey.” Kaja had a smile on her face.

“That’s their stage costumes, Mrs. Loggins. All the girls picked out how they wanted to look.”

“Well, it is a little too sexual, but they are a rock band.”

“Wait until you hear them at the club. They are going to rock the place.” Lindsey was positive that the girls were going to do a good job.

“Lindsey, how long will the girls be playing?” Kimberly was curious.

“They go on at 9:00 pm and end at 1:00 am. They will get fifteen-minute breaks in between each set. All their drinks are free, but I recommend that the girls stay away from sodas and stick to water only. Also, the bartenders that work there know not to serve the girls any alcoholic drinks.”

“How much are they getting pay and are you going to be there?” Kimberly knew Molly’s parents were coming along with her as well.

“They will be paid six hundred dollars per night and I’ll be there along with Lisa and Kaja.” Lindsey had arranged everything for the girls.

“How many nights are they playing?”

“Friday night and Saturday night. Aaron is willing to make it three nights, but he’s going to have them play two nights for now.”

Kimberly looks at the girls “are you girls ready for this?”

“Yes ma’am,” Vicky answered for the group.

“How many songs are we going to need to play per set?” Vicky was curious.

“For now, twelve songs per set. Later, it will be fifteen to twenty songs per set.”

“That’s a lot of songs.” Heidi hopes they can remember the lyrics to all the songs.

“Yes, but I’ve been doing it for a while. So, if I can do it, you girls can do it.” Lindsey looks at the girls.

“If you say so.”

“I do. Well, that’s it for today. Remember, you need to be up at the club at eight o’clock, so we can get you girls set up. I would recommend, wearing your costumes to the club.”

“I’ll make sure the girls are there, Lindsey.” Kaja was going to do their make-up before getting there.

“Okay. Well, remember there is no practice tomorrow. I want all you girls relaxed and ready for Friday. So, spend the time going over the music your going to play and making sure your instruments are tuned properly.”

“Yes ma’am.” All the girls answer at one time.

Lindsey helps Kaja pack up her make-up kit, while Lisa shows Brandi a few tricks before they leave. Kimberly watches as the girls take care of their instruments. She was impressed by how well the girls behave for Lindsey.

Once, Kaja, Lisa, and Lindsey are load into Kaja’s SUV. Kaja starts heading towards one of their favorite restaurants.

“Damn, Lindsey! You look hot.” Kaja looks at Lindsey as she stood before her.

The black corset she was wearing along with the tight black faux pants showed her figure off. Her hair was styled wild and full. The make-up she had on gave her a nice rocker look.

“So, do I look like a rocker or a slut?” Lindsey wanted to dress like the girls tonight.

“Both! You look like a petite rocker chick and a hot slut.” Kaja moves close to Lindsey and wraps her arm around Lindsey’s waist and pulls her close.

She leans down and starts kissing Lindsey. She loved how Lindsey looked in tight leather. After a few minutes, Kaja stops kissing Lindsey.

Lindsey felt a little lightheaded from Kaja’s kiss. She loved when Kaja stuck her tongue into her mouth. She holds onto Kaja until her head clears. She knew she was moist between her legs.

“A little lightheaded?” Kaja holds Lindsey in her arms.

“Yes.”

Kaja places a kiss on Lindsey’s forehead. She just holds her against her body. She feels Lindsey rest her head against her shoulder.

Lindsey rests her head against Kaja’s shoulder as they stood in the middle of their bedroom. They just stand like that for a few minutes, before Kaja lets her go. She knew she needs to fix her lipstick.

“I’m going to go ahead and head over and check on the girls.” Kaja checks herself, before grabbing her purse.

“Alright, I’ll meet you up at the club.”

“Okay.” Lindsey watches as Kaja walks off.

She walks over to their make-up table and fixes her make-up. She hopes the girls are ready for tonight. She remembered her first time performing before a bunch of people. She was nervous until she started playing.

Lindsey uses her Lyft app to have a driver come and pick her up. She goes downstairs to wait for the driver to arrive. Once it does, Lindsey gets into the car. It was a nice car as she sits back and let the driver take her to the club.

Lindsey spots Kaja’s SUV when the Lyft driver pulls into the parking lot. She gives the driver a nice tip as she gets out of the car. She spots a line going down the side of the building.

She walks up to the bouncer at the door. She noticed he was a big man and she has seen him here before.

“Hey, Miguel.” Lindsey smile at the bouncer.

“Lindsey, I didn’t know your band was playing tonight.” Miguel knew Lindsey was a member of Dusty Gasket.

“We’re not. I’m the manager of Paper Dolls.”

“You mean the new band playing tonight?”

“Yep, I’m their manager. So, is it okay if I go in?” Lindsey knew the people standing near her were giving her a dirty look.

“Sure, no problem. However, next time you might want to use the employee entrance.” Miguel opens the door for Lindsey.

“Thanks, Miguel.” Lindsey walks past him and into the club.

When Lindsey walks in, she heads towards the band room and knocks on the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me, Kaja. Open the door please.”

The door opens and Lindsey walks into the room. She walks into the room and notices all the girls were dressed in their outfits. Their instruments were ready to go.

“Who set up the stage?” Lindsey noticed the stage was already set for the girls.

“My cousin and his friends did.” Brandi had invited her cousin and his friends.

“That was nice of them.” Lindsey hasn’t met them yet.

“They volunteered to act as our roadie and help us.” Brandi also promises to pay them for helping them.

“Okay, well it's time girls. Go out there and knock them dead.” Lindsey steps aside to let the girls walk past her.

She follows them up to the stage and stands nearby. She gives them two thumbs up as they get ready to perform. She knew the girl's first song was a Heart song.

“Go for it, ladies.”

The girls start playing. Lindsey heard a few miss notes, but after a few seconds the girls sounded great as they played, and Vicky sang.

“The girls are doing good.” Kaja was standing near Lindsey.

“They had a rough start, but they are doing better now.” Lindsey had noticed the missed note, but no one else did.

Kaja just looks at Lindsey “you and those sensitive ears of yours.”

Lindsey just smiles and keeps listening to the girls perform. The first hour goes by fast and the girls head to the band break room. She follows the girls into the room.

“You girls are doing excellent up there. You had a rough start, but no one noticed it.”

Brandi looks at Lindsey “you did.”

“That’s because I have an ear for music. Now, you girls need to keep the pace up and play music for the crowd to dance too.”

“We got that covered.” Vicki switched up their play list.

“Oh? What are we playing?” Brandi wanted to make sure she knew.

“We’re playing the third list, instead of the second list. We’ll play the fourth for the third set and the second list for the last set.”

“Cool.”

“Alright girls, your break is over.” Kaja was keeping the girls to their schedule.

The girls head back out into the club to the sound of applause.

Lindsey wonders how the girls were doing at their gig tonight. She couldn’t be with them tonight. Because the school orchestra was performing on the same night the girls were playing. She wasn’t playing her saxophone, but her cello tonight.

The string section was missing one of its cello players and since she knew how to play one. The conductor asked her to fill in and since she owns a Stradivarius cello. It would bring a unique sound to what they were playing.

When Lindsey brought out her cello and was tuning it. The other cello players were surprised and in awe. They had never seen an actual Stradivarius cello before and when she tunes it. They loved the sound it produced.

Lindsey plays along with the other cello players as they played the selected music. Their section was sounding amazing because of her cello.
The other players were surprised she knew how to play the cello. They knew she could play the saxophone and the guitar. But they didn’t know she knew how to play the cello.

Conductor Davis was surprised that Mrs. Weathers had a Stradivarius cello and when he heard her play it. It pleased him to no end. He has only heard a Stradivarius violin before, but never a cello.

He listens to the music as the orchestra played. He noticed that the cello section was taking their cue from Lindsey, and he knew she had an ear for music. She was going to make an excellent conductor.

The rest of the performance goes well and when the orchestra was done. They get loud applause. The audience loved the music generated by the Stradivarius cello. Not that they knew there was one among the orchestra.

As Lindsey was putting away her cello. One of the other cello players sitting a few seats down from her walks over to Lindsey.

“Where did you find such a fine instrument?” Jacqueline was curious because she has never heard such a beautiful sound like it before.

“Believe it or not, I found it at a yard sale. A lady was selling it along with several other instruments, that her son uses to play.” Lindsey remembered the day that she, Tessa, and Maxine had gone to a yard sale and the old woman she had bought the instruments from.

“Unbelievable.” Jacqueline couldn’t believe that Lindsey had bought a nice-sounding cello at a yard sale.

Lindsey finishes wiping the cello down, before putting it back in its case. She had to special order the hard case for it. Even the bow was a custom-made one for her cello.

“I know. I couldn’t believe how lucky I had gotten.” Lindsey loved her cello.

“Well, if you ever decide to sell it. I might know someone who would buy it off you.”

“They better have very deep pockets. Because it would be very expensive.” Lindsey found out how much her cello was worth.

“Why do you say that?” Jacqueline was curious now.

“Because this is a rare, reported destroyed Stradivarius cello.” Lindsey had found out from the research the Smithsonian did on it.

“You’re bullshitting me?” Jacqueline couldn’t believe it. Her eyes were wide from the surprise.

“It was supposed to have been lost at sea aboard the Laconia when it was sunk by a German U-boat. As it turned out, one of the survivors had managed to save it. After that, they sold it thinking it was a normal cello. It passed from one owner to another owner with them not knowing what they had.” Lindsey had been surprised by the findings.

“And you can back all this up?” Jacqueline looked skeptical.

“Yes, I sent it to the Smithsonian to have it certified and they sent me all the information they gathered about it. So, it's genuine.”

“I can’t believe it.” Jacqueline looks at the black case the cello was in.

She notices it had a combination lock on the locks. The locks themselves looked simple.

“I know. I was surprised as well. Well, I better get going.” Lindsey picks the cello case up and starts heading towards the front.

The Lyft driver she had requested was waiting for her. She couldn’t wait until she got her car, instead of paying for lifts all the time.

“Hey Marshal, thanks for coming for me.” Lindsey climbs into the back of Marshal’s SUV.

“No problem, Lindsey. So, where are you heading, tonight?” Marshal loved the little black dress Lindsey had on tonight. She looked so cute in it.

“Take me to Club Deviant, please.” Lindsey hopes the girls are doing okay.

“You know, you’re the tenth person tonight, that has wanted to go to that club.” Marshal wonders what was going on.

“Maybe, it's because the new band called Paper Dolls is playing there this weekend.” Lindsey had heard bar traffic had increased since the band started playing there.

“I’m going to have to check them out.” Marshal heads for the club.

While Marshal is driving, Lindsey pulls her cellphone out and dials Kaja’s number. She hopes she has her phone with her.

Club Deviant:
Kaja feels her cellphone start vibrating. She presses her earbuds to answer.

“Hello?”

“Kaja, it’s Lindsey. I’m on my way to the club. How are the girls doing?” Lindsey could hear the music in the background.

“They are rocking this club, tonight. Traffic has increased big time, in the last two weeks.” Kaja walks towards the band room to talk with Lindsey.

“Good, maybe the girls can cash in on it.”

“They already have. I renegotiated the contract for them. Not only are they getting all weekend now. They are getting a percentage of the cover charge as well.” Kaja was proud of the new contract.

“That’s wonderful. Just make sure the girls don’t let this go to their heads.” Lindsey knew what more money and frame could do to a group.

“Oh, their mothers and fathers have already laid down the ground rules. How far out are you?” Kaja knew Lindsey had a concert she had to go to.

“I’m about fifteen minutes out. I should be there soon. Where did you park, so I can drop my cello off?”

“Forget about dropping it off. Bring it inside and you can place it in the band room.” Kaja figures Lindsey’s cello would be safer there.

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you more.” Kaja couldn’t wait for Lindsey to show up.

Lindsey ends the call and enjoys the ride to the club.

Lindsey rubs her eyes as she finishes up the last paragraph of her report. She had to do a research paper on a famous music conductor. The person could be from any period of history and the report had to include as much detail about the person.

She did her report on Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi. He was a famous Italian opera composer that lived from 1834-1901. The report was ten pages long and had all the citations and references she used to look up the composer. Her notes were spread all over the coffee table she was sitting at.

Lindsey leans back and stretches her arms above her head. She was so glad she got this assignment out of the way along with the music she was supposed to write. She knew Kaja was busy with the Paper Dolls.

She and a video team were working on a project with the girls. Was happy that Kaja was taking more of a manager role of the girls. It freed her up to start work on another project. One of the requirements for her degree as a conductor was to volunteer to help a choir.

Her instructor knew of a community choir that needed a conductor. So, she met up with them the other day to find out what type of music they wanted to sing. Also, she wanted to get a feel for the choir as well. At first, the people in the community choir didn’t think she was serious, but
when they learned she wrote and performed music herself. They warmed up to her.

Lindsey starts gathering all her handwritten notes up and puts them into the vanilla folder she kept them in. She glances at the clock on the wall and notices it was getting close to when she needed to attend her evening classes. She closes her laptop and puts it back into the backpack she uses to carry her books and laptop.

Lindsey grabs her backpack and sets it on the sofa, as she heads towards the kitchen. She heats some sandwiches she and Kaja brought back yesterday from the sub shop down the street. While Lindsey is eating her late lunch, she loads the dishwasher and gets a load going.
She turns the little Charlie Brown sign with Pig Pen on it to clean. Pig Pen represented if the dishes in the dishwasher are dirty.

She, Kaja, and Tessa came up with this system to let each other know if the dishes were clean or dirty. That way, one of them could empty it and get another load going. Once Lindsey finishes her late lunch. She heads upstairs to her and Kaja’s bedroom and changes her clothes. She always tries to look nice when she attended her classes.

Once Lindsey had changed clothes and left a note for Kaja. She heads back downstairs and grabs her backpack. She also grabs her keys from the little bunny key holder and heads outside. She just recently bought a moped to get back and forth from college.

Lindsey grabs her helmet and heads out to her moped. It takes her a little longer to get to the college, but it was worth it. She didn’t need to wait on Kaja as much. She knew Kaja now her hands full running her merchandise business and acting as a manager for the Paper Dolls.

The girls from the Paper Doll were doing good and had several gigs lined up. Several of the parents of the girls were watching over them at the clubs and such. Just as her mother and some of the other parents did when Dusty Gaskets were formed.

Lindsey arrives at college and parks her moped. She secures it and heads towards the lecture hall. She notices Carolyn and Robert were sitting at their favorite spots.

“Hey, guys.” Lindsey sits down at her favorite seat.

Carolyn looks at the youngest student in her class. Lindsey recently joins the same class she was in when the second semester started. According to people she knew and trusted. Lindsey was sixteen years old and one of the few youngsters on campus.

There was another student close to her age, but he was only thirteen years old and was studying physics. Lindsey was the musical genius on campus.

“Hey, Lindsey. How was your day, today?” Robert pulls out his legal pad to take notes.

“Busy, I was finishing up my report for Professor Leake.”

“You’ve finished already?” Robert looks at Lindsey with disbelief on his face.

“Yes, aren’t you done yet?” Lindsey looks at Robert.

“No, I haven’t even started on it yet.” Robert plumb forgot about the assignment.

“Well, you need to get it to finish because it’s due on Monday.” Lindsey was glad she had hers done.

“Are you always so annoying, Lindsey?” Carolyn looks at Lindsey with an annoying look on her face.

“What do you mean, Carolyn?” Lindsey wonders why Carolyn was annoyed with her.

“Don’t you know, when you’re in college. It’s your time to party and get away from your parent's controlling influence?”

“That’s not why I’m here, Carolyn. I’m here to get an education and play music. I can party later in life. Or when my band goes to parties.”

“Which reminds me. When was the last time your band played?” Carolyn looks at Lindsey with an eyebrow raised.

“Two weeks ago. We played at the Pirate Festival. Then we had a Steampunk convention to go to afterward.”

“Doesn’t your band play normal music?” Carolyn heard what Dusty Gaskets played.

“Yes, and we have seven platinum records and several gold records as well.” Lindsey was proud of those.

“You have seven platinum records?” Robert didn’t know that.

“Yes, I have four awards for several songs I wrote.” Lindsey was proud of them.

“Damn! So, why are you here, instead of touring and playing music?” Robert wonders why Lindsey was wasting her time in college.

“Because I want to be a conductor as well. All the great music artists have other skills, besides playing music. Plus, I won a scholarship that pays for my education.” Lindsey looks at Carolyn and Robert.

“That’s a good reason.” Robert wishes he had gotten one when he was in high school.

“Alright class, let’s get started.”

Lindsey turns her recorder on when Professor Wilder starts her lecture. She also writes down any notes or information Professor Wilder puts up on the whiteboard. After a few hours, the professor calls for a break.

“God, I could go for a coffee right now.” Robert had fallen asleep twice during professor Wilder’s lecture.

“You fell asleep twice during professor Wilder’s lecture.” Lindsey looks at Robert as she spoke.

“She is so boring.”

Carolyn was walking with them as they headed towards the vending machines. She gets a soda for herself. She watches as Lindsey gets
herself a coffee with cream and sugar.

“How much longer is our class?” Robert takes a sip from his coffee cup.

“Another few, hours.” Lindsey was getting tired herself.

“Well, we better head back to class, unless you want to skip out?” Carolyn looks at Lindsey.

“No, let’s go and finish the class.” Lindsey didn’t like skipping out on her classes.

Lindsey heads back to class with Carolyn and Robert following her.

“All we want to do is make sweet love to you.”

Lindsey watches as the girls stood before the crowd in their costumes singing to the crowd. They were getting paid to perform for the next few days for the grand opening of the Jazz music store. Kaja had arranged for the performance with the owners. They were giving away from hot dogs and Bratwurst.

Lindsey spots Kaja and walks over to her. She has been getting a lot of gigs for the girls lately and doing a lot of studio filming to post videos of their songs on YouTube.

“Are you proud of the girls?”

“You bet. You did a good job putting them together. I found out what they want to do.” Kaja learned what the girls were working towards.

“What’s that?” Lindsey was curious.

“They want to perform on America Got Talent.” Kaja had found out from talking with the girls.

“They keep doing what they are doing, they will do good.” Lindsey listens to the girls as they start their next song.

“I think so. They are going to need their parent's permission to perform. If they go, do you want to go with them?” Kaja looks at Lindsey.

The past few weeks, Lindsey has been busy with the new choir and she knew their first performance was coming up. She wouldn’t mind going with the Paper Dolls if they do go.

“Yes, I wouldn’t mind going with them.”

“I know they would like for you to come.” Kaja knew the girls missed Lindsey and so did their parents as well.

The rest of the afternoon Lindsey and Kaja help out serving hot dogs and Bratwurst. Kaja was enjoying being the Paper Dolls manager. She managed to get a few more gigs for them.

After everything was done, Lindsey helps the band load their equipment. As she is helping them, she could tell that the girls were tired from playing all afternoon. Lindsey knew how they felt from some of their past performances.

“It will get easier, girls.” Lindsey climbs into the SUV they came in.

“I feel like I have been working out all day long.” Brandi was soaking in sweat from all the drum playing she did. Her arms were heavy and she went through a lot of drums sticks.

She leans back against the backseat with her eyes close. Hiedi leans her head on Brandi’s shoulder and closes her eyes. She was tired as well. The bass guitar Lindsey bought for her started getting heavy after a while. She loved her new bass, but after today. She doesn’t want to play it for a few days.

Molly and Vicky were leaning against each other as well. They were tired as well and all they wanted to do was get home and soak in some nice cold water. The rest of the girls were slowly falling asleep as Kaja drove them home.

Lindsey glances at the girls and a smile appear on her face. Most of them were around her age or close to it.

“I think the girls are now realizing what it means to be in this business.” Lindsey knew if the girls were going to stay as a band, they’ll need to get used to it.

Kaja drops the girls and the trailer off at Hiedi and Diana’s place. The girl's parents didn’t mind the other girls staying. Also, four of the girls were related to each other.

“Let’s go home.”

“I agree.” Lindsey covers up a yawn as Kaja drove.

The drive back to their place didn’t take long. Kaja pulls into the driveway and notices that Lisa’s scooter was parked next to Maxine’s SUV.

“I wonder what Lisa is doing here?” As soon as Kaja parks, Lindsey exists from the SUV.

“Let’s find out.” Kaja walks side-by-side with Lindsey towards their place.

When they enter the house, they spot Tessa, Lisa, Maxine, and a few other people they know having a little party. There was music playing from a makeshift band that had set up.

“It looks like you guys are having a party.” Kaja spotted Maxine when they walked in.

“Just a small one. Everyone is done with their final exams and we thought we would party some.”

“Well, let’s keep the party going.” Lisa grabs a few drinks and hands them to Lindsey and Kaja.

“So, much for a quiet night of relaxation.” Lindsey was hoping to relax some.

She takes a sip of her drink. It was a sweet fruity drink. Lindsey takes a couple more sips of it.

The party continues well into the night. Kaja notices Lindsey acting kind of strange after drinking at least four of the fruity drinks. A smile appears on her face, as she takes Lindsey upstairs to their bedroom and prepares her for bed.

Lindsey didn’t want Kaja to leave her. She wraps her arms around Kaja and starts kissing her.

“You’re drunk.” Kaja returns the kiss.

“I’m not drunk.” Lindsey was slurring her words.

“Yes, you are, sweetie.” Kaja looks down at Lindsey as she laid in bed.

Lindsey didn’t want to let go of Kaja. She tries to pull her down to her again to kiss her.

“Lindsey, let me go and get some sleep.” Kaja manages to free herself.

Kaja tucks Lindsey into bed and places a kiss on her forehead. She should have kept a closer eye on Lindsey when she kept getting a new drink. She walks out of their bedroom and heads downstairs to help clean up.

“How is Lindsey?” Tessa saw how drunk Lindsey got.

“She’s going to be feeling it in the morning. Who’s bright idea was it to spike the drinks?” Kaja was a little piss about Lindsey getting drunk.

“I don’t know.” Lisa had stayed behind to help out. Plus, she was a little tipsy as well.

“Well, we need to be more careful. Lindsey and you, Lisa are minors. Which means we need to be careful about who we invite to parties here.”
Kaja didn’t want what happened to Lindsey, to happen to Lisa either.

Kaja, Tessa, Maxine, call it quits after a few hours of cleaning. They find Lisa passed out on the sofa. Maxine covers her up with a blanket and heads towards Tessa’s bedroom.

When Kaja goes back to her and Lindsey’s bedroom. She finds Lindsey sound asleep and snoring. She gets undressed and gets into bed.

Lindsey slowly wakes up feeling terrible. Her head was pounding from the alcohol she consumed last night. She felt herself being held from behind. She notices she was naked and felt that the person that was holding her was naked as well. She removes Kaja’s arms and crawls out of bed. Her bladder was full and if she didn’t make it to the bathroom. She was going to pee on the bed. She stumbles towards the bathroom and feels some leakage. She hurries to the toilet and sits down. Just as she does, her body decided it wasn’t going to hold by anymore and release its contents.

Lindsey lets out a moan as she bends forward as her bladder empties itself. She felt better now that her bladder was emptied. She wipes herself and flushes the toilet. She washes her hands and pops two aspirins before heading back to bed. Her head was still hurting her. She lays back down in bed facing Kaja.

She cuddles up to Kaja and closes her eyes. She inhales Kaja’s scent and holds it. She loves how Kaja smelled. She falls back to sleep.

She is woken up sometime later from Kaja kissing and fingering her. She looks into Kaja’s eyes and returns the kiss. The two of them end up scissoring each other and finally ended up with Lindsey laying between Kaja’s. She had her head resting on Kaja’s stomach.

Kaja runs her hand through Lindsey’s hair as she looks down at her. She was still having aftershocks from Lindsey bring her to an orgasm.

“Let’s get married, Lindsey.” Kaja has been thinking about asking Lindsey to marry her for the past few months.

Lindsey moves up Kaja’s body, so she was laying on top of her “are you sure?”

Kaja wraps her arms around Lindsey’s body “I’m sure. I’ve been thinking about this a lot and me and you are great together.”

“Still, are you sure, Kaja? You’re older than me and you might find someone who you prefer.” Lindsey knew lesbian relationships don’t normally last as long as hers and Kaja have.

“I’m sure. I’ve found my soulmate in you.”

“How about if we find a third person that likes both of us? Do you want to introduce that person into our marriage?” Lindsey knew Kaja enjoys having a third person in their lovemaking.

Kaja looks at Lindsey “as long as both of us agree to it.”

Lindsey just stare into Kaja’s eyes. She loved Kaja and hopes they aren’t rushing into things.

“Yes, I’ll be your wife.” Lindsey kisses Kaja.

Kaja holds Lindsey tight against her body. She loves feeling her small petite body resting against hers. She kisses Lindsey and squeezes her ass cheeks.They stay in bed most of the morning. Lindsey just wanted to stay in Kaja’s arms. She felt so comfortable in Kaja’s arms and didn’t want to leave them.

As the two of them are laying in bed together. There is a knocking sound coming from their bedroom door.

“Enter!” Kaja watches as the door opens.

Tessa comes walking into their bedroom. She spots Lindsey being held by Kaja.

“I see you two are enjoying each other.” As a smile appears on her face.

“I was feeling cold and Kaja volunteered to warm me up.” Lindsey smiles back at Tessa.

“Right, Maxine and I are making a run to McDonald’s for breakfast. Do you two want anything?”

“Yeah, I would like a sausage and egg biscuit combo with a second hash brown. Kaja likes their sausage and egg English muffins. She’ll have two of them with a small coffee.”

“Boy! You do know what Kaja likes.”

“We’ve known each other for a while now.” Lindsey always paid attention to what Kaja ordered when they went to McDonald's for breakfast or lunch.

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Tessa has been with the band for a while now.

“How bad is the house?” Kaja knew they still had some work to do with cleaning it.

“If all of us tackle it, we can get it done in about two hours.” Tessa and Maxine have been working on it for the past hour.

“Alright. We’ll be down to help out.” Lindsey starts getting out of bed.

“While you two and Lisa work on the mess. Maxine and I will make a breakfast run.”

“Do you need any money, Tessa?”

“Don’t worry about it. Maxine and I have it covered.” Tessa turns around and leaves Lindsey and Kaja’s bedroom.

Lindsey looks at Kaja “I guess it's time for us to get out of bed.”

“If you say so.” Kaja kisses Lindsey before she gets out of bed.

Kaja pulls out a pair of panties for Lindsey to wear that have kittens on it them chasing a ball. Since the weather was nice, she pulls a pair of matching shorts and tank tops with the Dusty Gaskets logo on them.

“Trying to tell me something?” Lindsey holds up the tank top.

“I thought it might be a good idea since we own so many.” Kaja didn’t mind wearing the top.

Lindsey just smiles as she puts the tank top on. She didn’t need to wear a bra underneath the top. She puts on the panties and shorts next.

“I’m heading downstairs.” Lindsey puts her hair into a ponytail as she walks out of the bedroom.

“I’ll be right behind you.” Kaja brushes out her hair and leaves the bedroom.

Lindsey looks around at the mess that was left. Most of the trash has been picked up. She grabs the vacuum cleaner and starts vacuuming the living room. She spots Lisa in the kitchen washing dishes that were too big to put in the dishwasher.

Kaja grabs the portable steam cleaner and starts cleaning the furniture. She couldn’t believe how messy some of the furniture got. She picks the remote up and turns the music up that was playing.

She notices it was Lisa’s playlist that was playing. She was into Metallica, Van Halen, Jon Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Kiss, and other bands or singers from the ’80s and ’70s. Kaja knew Lisa had an eclectic collection of music she liked.

While Kaja is steam cleaning the sofa, her cellphone starts ringing. She stops and pulls her cellphone out of her back pocket and notices it was Vicky.

“Hey, Vicky. What can I do for you?”

“They want us to come to Los Angeles, Ca.” Vicky was excited because she just received word that they were selected.

“That is great news. Did they give you a date and time?”

“Yes ma’am. I’ll send it to you. Could you and Lindsey come?” Vicky wanted the two of them to be there.

“You bet we’ll be there with you girls.” Kaja knew Lindsey would want to be there for the girls.

“Thanks, Kaja. I’ll send you what we have to do.” Vicky had the requirements they sent to her with the letter.

“Okay. And Vicky, congratulations to you and the rest of the girls.” Kaja ends the call.

Kaja goes back to steam cleaning the furniture. While she is cleaning the furniture. Tessa and Maxine come walking into the house with breakfast.

The weeks leading up to when the band was supposed to be in Los Angeles, California was busy. Lindsey and Kaja had looked over the rules and regulations for the band competing if they are chosen to go through. Tickets were being provided for the band members, and one member of their family. Anyone else, they had to pay for their tickets. As for their instruments, the competition didn’t pay for the cost to ship them. So, that had to come out of the money the girls made from their gigs.

They couldn’t wear anything that had any kind of logo on it. Which Kaja could understand. However, she suggested that the girls wear ordinary clothes for the audition. They should hold off wearing their performance outfits until the end. That way, they can cut loose with their music.

“What music should we play?” Vicky looks at Kaja and Lindsey.

“You’re going to play a song I wrote for you. You girls have a unique sound that will go with it. Remember, you only have two minutes to impress the judges and the audience. So, impress them, but save the fancy performance for the end.” Lindsey knew the music she wrote for them was two minutes long and will get the attention of the judges and the audience.

“What are we going to play for the next stage?” Vicky was curious.

“Don’t worry, I have you girls covered for that as well.” Lindsey had a handful of music she has been working on for Dusty Gasket and Paper Dolls.

Lindsey and Kaja have the girls practicing the new songs and a little dance step to go with the music. The first run-through, with the new song, was alright, but not perfect.

“Do it again and this time, put a little bit more emotion into the song.” Lindsey could tell the girls could do it better.

The second run-through was a little bit better. The timing was on the mark and the girls sounded more confident with the song.

“Better, but I want perfect. I want to feel like dancing when you play this song.” Lindsey could tell the girls were trying.

The girls run through the song two more times. Each time the song got better and better. By the time the girls finished the song. They were tired and also proud of themselves.

“That was a lot better. If the judges pass on you girls, then they don’t know music or your talent.” Lindsey hopes the girls do well.

“What do we do if they don’t like us?” Brandi looks at Lindsey and Kaja.

“Then, you enter another competition and practice more. I know you girls can do it.” Kaja was proud of them.

“Thanks.”

The girls go about wiping down their instruments and putting them away. Brandi checks to see if she has enough drumsticks and that the skins on her drums were in good condition. She wanted to take her drums, instead of using the ones at the audition.

The rest of the day, the girls pack. Their mother double-checks their reservations and such. Kaja and Lindsey double-check their reservations as well. They were staying in the same hotel as the girls.

The flight from Florida to California was going to take them about five hours. They were going to stay for two days. There wasn’t a time slot selected for the girls, so they would be backstage waiting to go on and perform. The rules suggest they bring snacks to munch on.

The Day of The Flight:
The girls are excited as they board the plane taking them to Los Angeles, California. The hotel they were staying at was near the theater they would be auditioning at. Lindsey and Kaja watch the girls as they enjoy the flight. Vicky and Diana were looking out the window as they flew above the clouds.

The flight to Los Angeles was nonstop. Lindsey pulls out a wedding gown book and looks at the gowns. She already knew Kaja has decided what type she wanted to wear. Lindsey was looking for something that her small stature would look good in. She turns to look at Kaja “you know the worst thing about being small?”

“No, what?” Kaja looks at Lindsey as she sat next to her.

“It’s hard as hell to find something nice in my size, without looking like I’m a child.” Lindsey hasn’t found a dress, yet she liked that would fit her small stature.

“You could always have one custom made for you.” Kaja squeezes Lindsey's hand softly.

“True.” Lindsey puts the magazine she was looking at in her carry-on bag.

For the rest of the flight, Lindsey rests her head against Kaja as she works on a new design on her laptop. Occasionally, Lindsey would make a suggestion to the design Kaja was working on. She liked watching Kaja work on new designs for their merchandise.

She just watches Kaja until they start landing. Once they are descending, Lindsey watches Kaja put everything away.

“This should be fun.” Lindsey grabs her carry-on and follows Kaja off the plane.

The rental van they rented was waiting for them. Vicky’s mother drives them to the hotel they are staying in. The girls check in first because their reservation was done by AGT. Lindsey and Kaja check-in after the girls do. Once they are settled in. The girls change their clothes and freshen up. They double-check their instruments and make them have everything they need.

Lindsey and Kaja change their clothes as well and freshen up. Kaja was wearing her favorite business suit since she was the girl’s manager.

“How do I look?” Kaja looks at Lindsey.

“Like you belong in a high-end office.” Lindsey couldn’t believe how professional Kaja looked.

“Good, that should impress the judges and such.”

Lindsey, Kaja, the girls, and Vicky’s mother head to the theater. They had their instruments with them. Once they check-in and have the drum set all set up. They sit and wait. They couldn’t believe all the people there for their auditions.

Lindsey looks around and notices a lot of singers, ballet troupes, and other people hoping to continue or get picked. Kaja was trying to calm the girls and keep them from being too nervous. Occasionally, everyone would hear the red buzzer go off. Sometimes once, other times all four would go off, one after another. The performers coming off stage looked disappointed.

Kaja watches as the girls are interviewed for the show. Kaja had coached them on what to say. She wanted them to put out there they were a garage band that have been playing for months as a cover band and such.

Near the end of the night, their chance to go out and impress the judges finally comes. Vicky’s mother waits with the host as the girls go out to introduce themselves and play.

Lindsey listens to the girls as they rehearse their number. Tonight, was a big night for them. The past few performances impressed the judges a lot and the viewers at home as well. They have performed in their street clothes. In their second performance, they stepped it up and went out in outfits the producers suggested. However, Kaja upgraded the outfits, so they stood out.

“You girls need to do better. This is the final performance I want you to bring down the house. So, let’s do it again and put more emotion and energy into the song.” Lindsey wanted the girls to win.

“I agree girls. So, let's show everyone what you can do.” Kaja knew the girls were excited that they were at the finals.

Lindsey couldn’t believe the girls were tied with another contestant. She wanted the girls to win. Tonight’s performance is going to be the biggest challenge.

Lindsey listens and when the girls finish the song. She looks at them “that is a lot better, and it should win you the competition.”

“Girls we’re done practicing for the day. Go ahead and rest for tonight. I want you to wear your gear and show these judges and the world how good you are.” Kaja felt the girls deserve this.

“I agree, girls. So, go and spend the rest of the day relaxing and make sure all your gear and outfits are ready for tonight’s performance.”
Lindsey was so proud of the girls.

Kaja looks at Lindsey “so, what is your plan for today?”

“I thought we would spend the day by the pool?” Lindsey looks at Kaja to see what she thought.

“I think we can do that. Let’s go and head back to our hotel room to change.”

Kaja and Lindsey head back to their hotel and change into their swimsuit. She puts on a tiny bikini. She looks at Lindsey “what do you think of my bikini?”

“I love it.” Lindsey loved how Kaja looked in it.

“Let’s go down to the pool.” Kaja takes Lindsey’s hand and leads her out of the hotel room and down to the pool.

Kaja and Lindsey head down to the pool area and claim two loungers. They put their beach bag between the loungers.

“Lindsey, can you put lotion on my back, please?” Kaja winks at Lindsey.

“Sure.” Lindsey straddles Kaja’s body and sits on her barely covered butt.

Lindsey rubs the suntan lotion onto Kaja’s body. She feels Kaja up when she rubs nears her breasts. She couldn’t believe she and Kaja were getting married after all of this.

When Lindsey is done, feeling Kaja up and putting lotion on her. She lays down and lets Kaja have her fun. She loves when Kaja hands glide over her body.

Kaja and Lindsey spend the rest of the day relaxing and swimming. They see members of the Paper Dolls come down and spend time by the pool. Lindsey and Kaja watch them as they relax.

By the end of the day, everyone heads towards their hotel room and starts getting ready for their performance. All the girls check their instruments and make sure they are tuned. They check their make-up and outfits.

Kaja dresses up and so does Lindsey as well. Before they head to the theater to perform. Lindsey gives the girls a look “no matter what happens tonight, you girls have already done the impossible. So, go out there and bring the roof down tonight.”

“We’ll do our best, Lindsey.”

“That’s all we can ask of you, Vicky.” Kaja looks at Vicky with a smile on her face.

Kaja, Lindsey, the girls, and Vicky’s mother head over to the theater to perform. Once the girls are ready to go on. Kaja looks at them “go and kick some ass.”

Kaja and Vicky’s mother watch as the girls go out on stage to perform. Lindsey was watching from the audience as the girls get ready to perform. A smile appears on her face as the girls start and they rock the theater. She watches as people around her, stand up and start singing and dancing to their music.

She was feeling proud as she watches everyone. If the girls don’t win with this type of appreciation, then something is wrong. She continues to watch the girls as they finish their song.

By the time all the acts have finished. The host of the show comes out on stage. For the first time in AGT history, they have a tie. Paper Dolls tied with a single singer. Both of them have the same number of live votes.

It comes down to the judges to decide the winner. All four judges make a statement about both groups. By the end of it all, the Paper Dolls win the competition.

A huge smile appears on Lindsey’s face as she goes backstage to join Kaja and the girls. She looks at all the girls.

“You girls did it and I am very proud of you.” Lindsey looks at the girls like a proud mother.

Epilogue:
Lindsey and Kaja get married several months before they leave college. After college Lindsey accepts a job as a conductor assistant with Athens Symphony Orchestra. She also continues to write music and sell them to other bands and performers.

As for Kaja, the small merchandise business she built-in high school explodes as she takes on more clients. She hires more staff and starts operating out of a warehouse. Her company makes all the items and personalizes them instead of outsourcing the work like they use to.

The Paper Dolls get a Vegas residence show for a year. After their contract ends with the hotel they play at. They do a world tour afterward and Kaja and Lindsey are invited to come with them.

Dusty Gaskets put out two more albums and do some touring. Because of Lindsey’s job as an assistant conductor and writing music for people. She doesn’t perform that much with them. However, she is still a major shareholder of the band.

The recording studio Dusty Gasket first used and went on to be used as a band management company. It has also gotten into producing and recording new artists. And becoming a distribution business working with the major music labels.

Lindsey, Tessa, Ian, Jermaine, Kaja, and Jamie couldn’t believe the reception that they got when they showed up for the first day of school. They were barely able to get to their first bell class. Because of the students and staff that knew them and who wanted to shake their hands or get their autographs.

Lindsey got one of the security officers that worked at their school to escort her down to see Mr. Simmons. She received his message and was curious what he wanted to talk about. As she walks into the band practice room, she noticed that Mr. Simmons was busy recording the new instruments the school received.

“You wanted to see me, Mr. Simmons?” Lindsey approaches his desk.

Mr. Simmons looks up at Lindsey’s voice, after checking off the new trumpet the school received. He has been busy checking the new serial numbers for the new instruments and wanted to get them done before any new students showed up.

“Lindsey, yes I wanted to talk with you. Also, congratulations on winning the songwriter contest as well.” Mr. Simmons was proud of his student.

“Thank you, Mr. Simmons.” Lindsey didn’t know he knew about the contest.

Mr. Simmons saw the surprised look on Lindsey’s face “What? You didn’t think I wouldn’t keep up with my favorite student?” A smile graces his face.

Lindsey just smiles because she didn’t know she was his favorite student. She figures Leonard or Gracie was. They had been playing their instruments longer then she had.

“I didn’t know, sir.” Lindsey felt honored.

“I have to be careful about having favorites. However, the reason I called you down here. I gave the music sample you gave me of just you and the one with you and Ian to a friend of mine to listen too. He is the Executive Director of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and would like for you, and Ian to join them. I told him about the other band members and he would love to hear from them as well.” Mr. Simmons knew Tessa would be a good addition to the Orchestra.

“It sounds interesting and I wouldn’t mind knowing more. I think Tessa might be interested, but I don’t know about Jermaine. Ian, on the other hand, is thinking about joining the wrestling team.” Lindsey wouldn’t mind playing in an Orchestra or learning.

“Well, he would like to hear you and anyone else from your band that might be interested. If you decide to join, he’ll wave the tuition for the school.” Mr. Simmons knew his friend Don Alexander would love to have Lindsey and her bandmates in his school and Orchestra.

“It sounds interesting. When do they practice and have class?” Lindsey was curious.

“The symphony meets on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., The Jazz group meets on Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.” Mr.
Simmons knew Don wanted Lindsey for the Orchestra and the Jazz group. He loved her saxophone playing.

Lindsey didn’t know what arrangements have been made with the record company yet. So, she needed to talk with the band. She wanted to talk with Tessa and Ian as well. She knew Jermaine was going to join ROTC.

“When can I talk with him?” Lindsey wonders if he would come here or would she have to go there.

“He’ll be here Wednesday. He wants to hear you play during practice.” Mr. Simmons arranged it with him.

“Okay, I’ll know more by then what the band is going to do.”

“Good, oh, one more thing. There’s an advertising company that wants to use one of the samples you gave me. The creative director liked
what he heard and wanted to know if he could use it.” Mr. Simmons was listening to the sample when his friend called and heard it.

“He has my permission, Mr. Simmons. If he wants to buy that sample, let me know.” Lindsey adjusts her book bag on her shoulder.

“Thanks, Lindsey, I’ll tell him. He’ll probably pay you for the sample. Let me write you a pass and send you on your way to class.” Mr. Simmons writes a pass for Lindsey and hands it to her.

“Thank you, Mr. Simmons.” Lindsey accepts it and heads towards her first class.

Lindsey had American Government first thing in the morning. Since it was a college-level course she had to work a little harder. Her next class after homeroom is Algebra II. Then she had Physical Education. This week they were in the gym, so she needed to change into her gym suit.
She does get odd looks occasionally, as she changes into her gym clothes.

Lindsey just ignores them and heads out of the locker room. She had a new coach and she worked the class. Only a handful of students weren’t worn out by the end of class. Lindsey wasn’t out of shape as the other students. Her knee was bothering her, and she would have to wrap it up after class.

When lunchtime comes around, she meets up with the other members of the band and claims a table for themselves. Lindsey sits next to Kaja
“how has everyone’s classes been so far?”

“Great, once everyone stopped asking me for my autograph or how I felt while we were on stage.” Jermaine wasn’t used to the attention he was getting from his friends and other classmates.

“How many girls were giving you their phone numbers?” Jamie sits down with his girlfriend.

“Too many. How about you Tessa, how many boys wanted your number or wanted to be your man?” Jermaine looks over towards Tessa.

“I didn’t have too many boys hit on me. I think I scare them with my gothic look.” Tessa had come to school dress in her gothic outfit.

She liked the outfit Maxine wore at their concert and was thinking about making an outfit like that. She looks over towards Lindsey and Ian “are you two a couple?”

Lindsey just smiles at Tessa. She and Ian were still dating and planned on staying together.

Tessa notices the smile on Lindsey’s face “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“You do know we have band rules about dating other band members.” Jamie looks at Ian and Lindsey.

Lindsey turns her attention towards Jamie “we do?”

Jamie just smirks “nay, I just wanted to see the look on your face.”

Lindsey wanted to punch Jamie.

“I do have some news from Mr. Simmons. The director from Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra is going to be here Wednesday and he wants to hear how well we play. He’s extended an invitation for me, Ian and Tessa to come and join the Orchestra. He extended it to you Jermaine, but I know you said you were joining ROTC and wanted to play Basketball.” Lindsey hopes she didn’t mess up.

“That’s fine and your right. I joined ROTC and will be trying out for the basketball team this year.” Jermaine didn’t mind not being asked or not joining the orchestra.

“I’m going to have to decline as well, Lindsey. I’m joining the wrestling team. Also, we have several football games were going to have to play at this year.” Ian looks at Lindsey to remind her of their band schedule.

“Damn! I forgot about our band schedule. Maybe it won’t interfere with the orchestra. Has anyone heard from Terry about practice this Sunday?” Lindsey looks towards Jamie.

“Practice is still Sunday. However, we might want to start looking for a studio for our band. My parents have been talking about tossing us out of the garage. My father and mom want to park their cars in the garage.” Jamie overheard his parents talking.

“I’ll talk with my mom tonight. She might know of a location we can either rent or maybe buy.” Lindsey hopes Barbara might know of a location.

The bell ring telling them lunch was over and they needed to head to their classes. Lindsey had band practice at the end of the day. When Ian,
Tessa, and Lindsey show-up for band practice, they are met with applause from their fellow band mates.

As Lindsey takes her seat with her saxophone, she notices Henry coming in. He was still first chair. She goes about getting her sax ready for practice.

As Henry sits down next to Lindsey “are you going after my seat this year?”

“Nope, I’m willing to follow your lead, Henry.” Lindsey played because she loved music.

She could careless about what chair she held. Music is what she enjoyed.

“Oh, come on. Do you really expect me to believe that?” Henry puts a new reed in his mouth piece.

“Yep, I play music because I love hearing the notes and how they all go together. It’s like hearing what in here,” as she points to her head “and
hearing it manifest for real.”

Henry just watches as Lindsey prepares her sax. Hers was an older model and he remembered last year when she traded in her school one and brought her new one out.

“We’ll see how well you do this year.” Henry didn’t want to lose his seat.

Lindsey watches as some of the new people get their papers to take back to their parents to sign. She remembered taking hers last year to Barbara. She looks over towards Tessa and saw that she was familiarizing herself with the new piano.

“Alright students, let’s see how rusty you guys and girls are from your summer vacation.” Mr. Simmons looks proudly at his old students and the new ones.

Lindsey, Ian, and Tessa walk towards the front door of their school. Lindsey kept yawning as she kept pace with her friends.

“How late did you stay up last night, Lindsey?” Tessa glances towards her friend.

“Till two in the morning. I finished all my homework, so I thought I would work on one of our songs. I had a few new ideas and wanted to see how it would sound. It took me a little longer then I thought, but I managed to make the song better.” Lindsey covers up a yawn.

“Your mother let you stay up till two in the morning on a school night?” Tessa couldn’t believe it.

“Her mother would have made her be in bed by midnight.” Tessa knew her parents had a hard time at first with her being trans. However, after her father left. It brought her and her mother closer.

“My mom is used to it. She knows unless I get what is inside my head out, I won’t sleep.” Barbara didn’t mind Lindsey staying up to work on her music.

“If I stayed up that late banging on my drums, my mother would kill me.” Ian knew his mother would send him to bed.

“Your mother should soundproof your bedroom.” Lindsey’s mother soundproofed the spare bedroom for her. That way she wouldn’t bother her mother with her practicing.

“We talked about it and planned on doing that soon.”

“Well, now we need to find a studio to practice at. Oh, that friend of Mr. Simmons is coming in tomorrow to check us out. Also, has anyone talked with Terry or Brenda?” As Lindsey heads towards her locker with Tessa and Ian following behind her.

“I haven’t heard from them. However, I did hear from Kaja and according to what she heard. We have a lot of gigs after Thanksgiving lined up.” Ian saw Kaja in one of his classes yesterday.

“How many gigs?” Lindsey looks towards Ian.

“Don’t know, but we have a few. Just like we are going to be in the Christmas parade this year with our school.” Ian heard about it from one of his instructors.

“You got to be kidding me. We are going to be in the Christmas parade?” Tessa and Lindsey look at Ian.

“Yep, so you better dress warmly.” Ian just smirks as they stop by his locker.

Tessa and Lindsey head towards the class they have together, while Ian heads towards his. The first part of the day goes by like the other day. New students arriving in class and a few changes to the classes.

Around lunchtime they meet again in the cafeteria at a table they were claiming as their own. Jermaine, Kaja, and Jamie join them. Kaja sits on
one side of Lindsey, while Ian sits on the other side of her.

“So, how have your classes been?” Lindsey looks towards Kaja because she didn’t join them on their first day.

“Oh, I’m doing fine. We have a new drama and art teacher this year.” Kaja loved art and will also miss her old art teacher that she had last
year.

“Any new ideas for our merchandise?” Lindsey knew that Kaja, Brenda, Terry, and their manager at Universal Music Publishing Group.

They had arranged for Kaja to still handle all their merchandise. If the record company wants to add anything or sell with the bands name or members on it, had to get permission from her.

“Yep, I’m working with a new vendor that promise to give us a good price on our merchandise. I’m also expanding what we sell as well.” Kaja had a few new ideas for them.

“Well, we need to get together and talk about things.” Lindsey missed being around Kaja and sleeping with her. She loved both Ian and Kaja.

By the time lunch was over everyone heads towards their next class. Tessa, Ian, and Lindsey had band class as their last class. Mr. Simmons had them practicing a new piece they were going to be playing after Thanksgiving.

“Lindsey, Tessa and Ian could you stay behind, please?” Mr. Simmons wanted to talk to them.

Lindsey, Tessa, and Ian stay behind after all their friends and fellow students leave. Once it was just them and Mr. Simmons. They look towards him.

Mr. Simmons looks at the three students “tomorrow, Mr. Alexander will be here tomorrow to see how well the three of you play. I know you said, Ian, that your thinking of joining the wrestling team this year. However, why don’t you try out for Mr. Alexander and see, just in case you change your mind.”

“I’ll think about, Mr. Simmons.” Ian wanted to see if he could make a career outside of music.

“That’s all I ask. So, I’ll see you three tomorrow.” He smiles at them and watches as they leave.

The three head towards their school bus. As they walk outside, they notice their band’s bus waiting for them. Krist was driving and had the door open for them. They notice that all the band members were on the bus., except Jamie and his girlfriend.

“Come on and get in. We have a meeting to get to.” Krist had been sent by Terry to pick-up Tessa, Ian, and Lindsey.

“Where are we going?” Lindsey takes a seat and buckles in.

“The Station. Terry and Jamie are already there.” Krist closes the door after Lindsey, Ian and Tessa are aboard.

The ride to The Station didn’t take long. Lindsey sent a text to her mother and Tessa’s mother letting them know that she and Tessa were with the band at The Station.

“I wonder why we are meeting here?” Krist pulls the bus into their assigned parking space.

Lindsey unbuckles her seat belt and follows behind Ian towards the restaurant. They are greeted by Amanda, one of the new hostesses that manager Val Green recently hired.

“Hey Val, how’s your day been so far?” Lindsey liked Val. She was heavily into the Steampunk culture and was married.

“It’s been okay so far. My shift just started, and things have been a little slow. Oh, by the way, Terry and Brenda are expecting you guys.”
Amanda turns to lead them to the private room they use for special occasions.

“Do you know what this is about?” As Lindsey follows behind Amanda.

“Nope, all I do know is, I’m to bring you guys here when you arrived.” Amanda opens the door to the private room.

As Lindsey walks in, she notices the rest of the band was there. Jermaine, Terry, Jamie, Brenda, Maxine, Christy, were waiting for them.

“Why don’t you guys order yourself a drink. We have a lot to talk about.” Brenda watches as everyone takes a seat.

A waitress named Kelly comes in and takes their drink order, along with any snacks they wanted. Once their order was placed “alright, as you know, we signed with a company called Universal Music Publishing Group. They want us to get some personal photos done and shoot several music videos. On top of that, they want us to produce another album. The first two we did, are still licensed under us. We also have been hired by the management company of our local mall to play Christmas songs and the Mayor wants us to have a float in the Christmas Parade.”

“Our school band is going to be marching in that parade.” Lindsey looks towards Brenda.

“Well, you're going to have to ask your band instructor if you, Tessa and Ian can miss that. The Mayor really wants us to be in it. The town is very proud of us and for what we have done.” Brenda was surprised to receive the request from the Mayor’s office.

“Alright, I’ll talk with Mr. Simmons.” Lindsey figures Mr. Simmons won’t mind, it's just the rest of her band mates that might take it personally.

“What does the mall want us to dress like for that performance?” Kaja saw an interesting opportunity here.

“They would like for us to dress festively.” Brenda knew that they were going to need to hire a tailor or someone to make new outfits for them.

“I’ll handle the design. I have a few ideas in mind.” Kaja already had something in mind for Tessa and Lindsey.

“We also have our obligation here at The Station and The Airship.” Brenda had contracts with both restaurants.

“We might have additional problems as well. Mr. Simmons shared some music I did before joining the band with the Executive Director of the
Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. He’s coming by tomorrow to hear how we play during band practice at school. I know he wants members of our band to join the Orchestra. I have also been thinking about playing some jazz as well. The school has a jazz class I might be interested in attending.” Lindsey wanted to broaden her knowledge of music.

“Well, we will cover any problems that might spring up.” Brenda knew they had some flexibility.

“We have some more gigs as well. Some of them are to promote our music, which means we will be attending signings.” Terry forgot to tell Brenda about a couple of signing opportunities that has been set-up for them.

“You better send us a calendar with all these gigs on it. Also, I have a few new songs for us to play. I think we might want to work on some Christmas songs played in our style.” Lindsey had her plate full of songs she was working on.

“Practice is still Sunday. Lindsey, can you speak to your mother about a list of places we can rent to use for practice? My parents would like for us to find another practice place.” Terry was approached by his father about the band getting a place of their own to practice.

“I can do that, I think my mother has a few suggestions for us.” Lindsey needs to remember to talk with her mother.

The rest of the afternoon they discuss some small stuff and have dinner at The Station. It was compliments of the manager since they hardly ever ask for anything when they perform.

“Remember, I’m picking you up after school today, Lindsey.” Barbara watches as Lindsey walks out the front door.

“I will mom.” Lindsey yawns as she walks to the bus stop.

She stayed up late last night when she got back from The Station. Lindsey spots Ian as he approached the bus stop.

“Hey, you look like I feel.” Ian spotted how tired Lindsey was.

“I stayed up practicing late last night.” Which wasn’t unusual for her.

“How about you? You look like you didn’t sleep well last night.” Lindsey saw bags under Ian’s eyes.

“I stayed up late working on my math assignment. My math teacher gave us three pages of math problems to do.” Ian covers up a yawn.

“I know the feeling.” As Lindsey covers a yawn.

The school bus finally arrives. Ian and Lindsey board and sit together. They arrive at Tessa’s bus stop. Once she comes aboard, she sits in the seat in front of them with a friend of hers. She was dress in one of her long sleeve maxi dresses and wearing her favorite silver necklace.

Tessa turns around in her seat to look at Lindsey “so, did you talk to your mother last night?”

“Yep, she’s picking me up after school today and we're going to go and look at a few places.” That’s was why her mother was reminding her that she was picking her up.

“How’s your part-time job dealing with your popularity?” Lindsey knew Tessa worked part-time after school.

“They said that any day I need off for band performances or for school, I can have. I just need to let them know that day.” Tessa was glad that Stefano was willing to give her the days off.

“Sounds like your boss is enjoying your popularity.” Lindsey knew if she worked after school, her boss would enjoy having a popular band member working for them.

The ride to school was quick and over with. Ian, Tessa, and Lindsey wait until everyone is off the bus before they depart. They all head to their lockers and change their books out. They put away anything they don’t need for their next few classes.

Their morning classes are intense. Lindsey has several pop quizzes her teachers spring on them. By the time they head to lunch, Lindsey is tired.

Kaja plops down next to Lindsey “you look tired.”

“I am.” Lindsey could use a Red Bull or something to give her some energy.

“Here, drink this.” Ian hands Lindsey a Pepsi.

“Thanks, and where did you get this?” Lindsey looks at him.

All the soda machines and snack machines had been removed from their school. The teacher’s lounge was the only place you could grab a soda or snacks.

“I brought it from home. I keep a six pack in my locker.” Ian pulls one out for himself as well.

“Thanks.” Lindsey pops the seal and takes a sip. She had two more classes to get through, before band practice.

Band Room:
When Ian, Lindsey, and Tessa walk into the band room, they noticed that there was a new guy in there talking with Mr. Simmons. He was an older gentleman and lean looking. He was taller than Mr. Simmons by a good six inches or more.

Tessa leans close to Lindsey as she puts her saxophone together “is that Mr. Alexander?”

“I guess. Mr. Simmons said he was going to be here today.” As Lindsey finishes putting her sax together and wetting her reed.

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I would like for you to meet Don Alexander, he is the Executive Director of the Georgia Youth
Symphony Orchestra. He is visiting us today to see who would like to audition for a spot in the Orchestra. He has ten spots open and he has other schools to visit.” Mr. Simmons had glances towards Lindsey, Tessa, and Ian.

Henry glances toward Lindsey “let me guess, he’s already chosen you?”

“Mr. Alexander has, but I haven’t said yes, yet.” Lindsey flips through the music they were going to play.

“Since your band became popular. It seems that you and your band members are getting all the opportunities.” Henry was starting to hate
Lindsey.

“Henry, you’re a good musician. If you wanted to join a band or even a jazz group, they would be lucky to get you. There’s no reason to be
jealous of me or my band. We work hard and practice till we get our songs right.” Lindsey knew Henry was a good player and would make a good addition to any band.

Mr. Alexander listens as the band plays their instruments. He could identify the students he had come to listen too, because of their playing and the sound of their instruments. The gothic looking girl that was playing the piano in the band and the sax player. He could hear the drum
player doing a good job of keeping everyone on tempo.

He listens carefully to everyone and picked out a few others that would make a good addition to the program. He stays till the end of class and when all the students have left for the day.

“You have a good group of students here, Williams. How long have some of your students been playing?” Don enjoyed what he heard.

“Some of them, since they got to this school. The rest for a few years. Lindsey, Tessa, and Ian are sophomores, Henry is a junior. He’s good but is a little competitive with Lindsey.” Mr. Simmons had spotted that.

“How come?” Don was curious.

“Well, first she is the youngest student in this school. She’s only thirteen years old. Secondly, she’s a natural when it comes to music. She hears music in her head and can put it to sheet music without any problems. She can play several different instruments. She puts a lot of practice time in to be proficient in the instruments she plays.” Mr. Simmons knew how Lindsey loved music and the instruments she plays.
Don looks at his friend “who writes the music for her band?”

“She writes most of it and corrects what other members of her band write. She’s a natural. Her friend and bandmate Tessa is really good on the piano.” Mr. Simmons loved how Tessa played.

“Do you think either one of them will accept my offer?” Don would love to have the two of them.

“I think they will.” Mr. Simmons knew how Lindsey enjoyed music.

Outside of School:
Lindsey watches as her friends get on the school bus. She wishes she was going with them, but she was waiting for her mother. She looks around and finally spots her mother. She was stuck in line, behind four cars.

Lindsey just waits, till her mother pulls up. Once Barbara stopped, Lindsey, climbs in.

“Hi, mom.” Lindsey fastens her seat belt.

“Hey, sweetie. So, are you ready to go and look at a few places for your band?” Barbara had a made a list of places that met the band's requirements.

“Yes ma’am, I’m ready.” Lindsey adjusts her seat belt as Barbara follows the traffic away from the school.

Lindsey yawns as she gets out of bed. Her arms were sore, and her bad knee was bothering her. They finally found a place that would be perfect for the band to practice, record and choreograph their dance moves. They signed a lease with Barbara’s rental agency to lease the place, with the option to buy it.

They spent the last few days after school cleaning and renovating it. They managed to track down some used and brand-new recording equipment from the music store. They bought all the equipment from the same store that they bought all their instruments from. Maxine was
put in charge of hooking everything up and making sure it worked.

Lindsey and Tessa joined the jazz and orchestra classes. Their first days of class were interesting.to say the least. The style of music was different from what they were used to playing. Both were enjoying their classes and playing at The Station and the Airship. Lindsey socialized with the jazz group that performs at The Station and The Airship about the different styles of music.

Lindsey walks out of her bedroom and into the kitchen. She had a slight limp to her walk because of the temperature change. Her knee was reacting to it. She grabs an orange and starts peeling it. Barbara had to leave early to show a couple of houses.

She turns the television on in the kitchen and watches the news. Her band was in the news again from their performance in the park and how they will be playing in the upcoming Christmas parade. Kaja hasn’t gotten back to them about the Christmas costumes they were going to wear when they performed. She finishes her orange and fixes some coffee for herself. She walks over to the refrigerator where she posted the calendar of events they had planned for November and December.

They had six football games between October and November. Then they needed to go and get new group pictures for their third album coming out around Christmas time. She cleans up the mess she made in the kitchen

Once Lindsey finishes her coffee, she heads back into her bedroom and starts getting dress. Lindsey examines her body in the full-length mirror on the back of her door. Her body was developing faster than she thought. Her breasts were getting bigger. She was already up to a B cup. She outgrew her A cup bra. She puts her knee brace on after she finishes getting dress.

Today they were going to practice at the new studio. Terry and Jamie’s parents were happy when they finally found it. It took them about a week to find the perfect place. Then another week to get it ready, while they honored their obligations.

Lindsey hears a car honking outside her house, she peeks out the window and spots Krist in their Band bus. Lindsey grabs her bag and heads out to the band bus.

“Hey, Krist.” As she walks in.

Tessa and Ian were already on the bus. Lindsey waves to them as she takes a seat.

“Hey, guys.”

“Hey, Lindsey.” Tessa was looking over some music she came across in her mother’s stuff.

It looked like her mother started writing it, but never finished it. She wouldn’t mind finishing it for her mother. She wonders why her mother never finished the piece.

Ian was tapping on the seat with his drumsticks. He was trying to work out a piece that Lindsey wrote for their third album. He notices that she was wearing her knee brace today.

“Is your knee bothering you?” As he spots tapping and looks over towards her.

“Yep, it started hurting this morning when I got up.” Lindsey took some aspirin to dull the pain.

“Is it the one you injured last year in gym class?” Ian couldn’t remember if it was her left or right knee.

“The one I injured last year in gym class.” Lindsey rubs her knee.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen were here,” Krist calls towards the back.

He installed a camera, so he could see what was going on behind him and an intercom to talk with everyone.

“Thanks, Krist.” Lindsey gets out first, followed by Ian and Tessa.

The outside looked like it used to be a medical office. They kept the reception area like it was and converted one of the large medical rooms and the room next to it into a recording studio. The other medical room, they converted that into a practice room and the last room was big enough for them to choreograph their dance moves.

They also had a room that Kaja could put their merchandise they ordered in and store spare parts for their instruments. They had storage shelves for keeping the studio cleaned and ready for use. The rent on the place wasn’t too bad. The gigs they do on the weekends for the Steampunk restaurants cover the cost of the building and the electricity. The building itself sat on 1.5 acres of land and was out by itself. The parking lot could hold twenty cars and had a small kitchenette.

Krist parks the tour bus and heads inside as well. He liked the new place, especially the reception area. He could watch the football game on the big screen the band put in there.

The smell of fresh paint and cleaner assault his nose as he walks in. All the band members were standing in the reception area. He walks over to them to find out what they were going to do.

Terry looks at everyone and couldn’t believe they finally got a building that was theirs. They had worked hard setting up everything and now it was ready to be used.

“Today, we will have our first rehearsal in our new studio. So, let's go and have some fun.” Terry leads the way to the practice studio.

The smell of fresh paint assaulted their sense of smell. Their instruments were already set-up and ready to go. Tessa takes her spot and Lindsey’s takes her spot. Everyone else takes their place and they start playing.

For the next few hours, they practice their old songs and some of the new ones that were written. They practice a few Christmas songs with their own style and twist to the songs. By the time they stop for a break, all the band members were a little wipeout.

“Who wants cold water?” Ian grabs a towel and wipes the sweat off his body.

“I’ll take one.” Lindsey walks over to Ian.

Ian hands her bottle water “anyone else wants one?”

“I’ll take one.” Tessa walks over to Ian as well.

Terry and Jamie look over towards the three “can we continue?”

“Yes.” Lindsey walks back over towards her instruments.

“So, which songs do you want to play on the float?” Lindsey looks towards Terry since he is the leader of their band.

“Well, since it is a Christmas float. We can play Here comes Santa Clause, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, I saw Mommy kissing Santa
Clause, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Tessa figures those songs would be good for them.

“Don’t forget Jingle Bells.” Jermaine knew the kids love that song.

“Okay, so let’s play those songs and put our twist on them.” Lindsey starts off with Jingle Bells, but she puts a little twist to it and Tessa follows on her synthesizer.

The guys picked up on Lindsey’s and Tessa’s twist and add to it. When they transitioned from that song, they go directly into the next one with
Terry burning the way. He gives the song his special touch with Tessa adding a special touch of her own to it. By the time they were done, it was late in the afternoon.

“Dam! We need to load the bus up and take our gear over to The Airship.” Lindsey was sitting on her bar stool she keeps at her synthesizer rubbing her knee.

“Which instruments do you want to take with us?” Terry looks towards Lindsey and spotted her rubbing her bad knee.

“Let’s take our backup instruments with us tonight. Tessa can use my spare synthesizer and I’ll play my sax and the Gretsch resonator tonight.” Lindsey didn’t feel like jumping all over the stage.

“Lindsey, is your knee bothering you?” Terry walks over and looks at it.

“The aspirin I took has worn off.” Lindsey reaches down for her purse.

“Here, let me get them for you.” Terry reaches into Lindsey purse and grabs the aspirin bottle.

He hands the small white bottle to her after opening it.

“Thanks.” Lindsey pops two aspirin into her mouth and takes a sip of her water.

“You sit and rest for a while, Lindsey.” Terry knew Barbara wanted him to look after Lindsey.

Even his own mother told him to make sure he lookout for her. Jamie and Jermaine help with loading the bus up with their spare instrument.

Tessa leans in close to Lindsey “are you going to be able to play tonight.”

“I’ll be able to play, I just won’t be able to do a lot of bouncing around and dancing tonight.” Even with her wearing her brace, she knew she better not do a lot of movement tonight.

Lindsey double checks the instruments and make sure they have everything they need tonight. Once she is done, she gets on the bus and takes a seat where she can stretch her leg out. She lays back against the seat and enjoys the ride over to The Airship.

“Lindsey, let me set your instruments up.” Jermaine was concern about their youngest member.

“Thanks, Jermaine.” Lindsey closes her eyes and relax.

Twenty minutes later, they arrive at The Airship and come in from the back entrance and set-up for their performance tonight. The place wasn’t as busy as it normally was on a Saturday night.

“Stay here, till we're ready to play, Lindsey.” Terry escorts Lindsey over towards a table near the stage.

Vicky, the shift manager comes walking over towards Lindsey “hey Lind’s, how are you feeling?”

Lindsey looks up at Vicky “sore, my knee is bothering me.”

“What did you do to it?” Vicky knew Lindsey was a good musician.

“It’s the one that I injured last year in school.” Lindsey could still remember the girl who pushed her hard that fractured her kneecap.

She wasn't in school this year. What Lindsey heard, she got shipped off to a private school that has reputation for being extremely strict.

“Will you be able to perform tonight?” Vicky didn’t want Lindsey to injure herself more.

“I’ll be able to play, I just won’t be jumping around on stage.” A smile appears on her face.

“Okay, but if you need anything, let me know.” Vicky knew the patrons came to see Lindsey bounce around on stage and play different
instruments.

The band starts playing on time. Lindsey sits behind her synthesizer and play. She changes instruments throughout their gigs.

By the time they were done with their gig. Lindsey was ready to go home. She checks her knee and felt fluid inside it.

She figures her mother will have to take her to the doctor tomorrow and have it taken care of. Once they were loaded, Krist takes Lindsey home and drop her and Ian off.

“I'll take care of your instruments, Lindsey.” Krist could tell that Lindsey wasn’t feeling well.

“Thanks, Krist.” As she limps towards the front door with her sax.

Lindsey couldn’t believe she was missing school because of her bad knee. The doctor had taken a sample of the fluid in her knee to see what it was and what might be causing it. She also took more x-rays and MRI’s of her knee and was hoping they didn’t have to operate on her knee again.

Once she was dressed and sitting in the doctor’s office with her mother. Her doctor walks in and sits down behind her desk. Dr. Hollander looks at the x-ray and the MRI that had been taken of Lindsey’s knee. She compares it to the one she took five months ago when Lindsey broke her knee cap in gym class. Lindsey’s knee had healed properly, but the MRI detected inflammation that had formed in Lindsey’s knee.

“Lindsey, have you been very active during your performances?” Dr. Hollander knew Lindsey was in a band and danced around a lot while she performed.

“Yes, ma’am.” Lindsey did do a lot of dancing on stage.

“Have you been doing any other heavy activity lately?”

“The band just got their own studio and have been renovating it.” Barbara could see where Dr. Hollander was heading.

“Did you do any heavy lifting?” Dr. Hollander watches Lindsey’s facial expression.

“Not much and I lifted whatever I was moving with my legs.” Lindsey had help moving some of the heavy items they had while she was doing it.

“You might have aggravated your knee too much between your performances and moving heavy equipment. What I want you to do is to stay off your feet for a few days and I’m going to prescribe some pain and anti-inflammatory for you to take.” Dr. Hollander starts writing a prescription for Lindsey.

“I can’t stay off my feet for a few days. We have several performances this weekend and next week as well.” That wasn’t counting the performances she had with the orchestra.

“Lindsey, you can play without jumping around. You did last night.” Barbara watched a YouTube video that had been posted of their performance.

Lindsey looks at her mother and wonder how her mother knew “I’ll try, mom.”

Dr. Hollander hands Barbara, Lindsey’s prescription. She looks towards Lindsey “just try to stay off your feet, Lindsey.”

“I’ll try Dr. Hollander.” Lindsey follows her mother to her car, after saying good-bye to Dr. Hollander and her staff.

“Mom, can you drop me off at the studio please?” Lindsey looks at Barbara as they head for the nearest Pharmacy to fill Lindsey’s prescription.

“After I fill your prescription young lady. You can go ahead take the rest of the day off from school. Just make sure you get any work you
missed today tomorrow from your teachers.” Barbara didn’t mind dropping Lindsey off at the studio and letting her miss the rest of her classes.
Barbara stops at a nearby CVS Pharmacy near the studio to fill Lindsey’s prescription. She also picks up an ice pack that Lindsey could keep at the studio.

They stop at Wendy’s and pick up some lunch. When they arrive at the studio, Barbara helps Lindsey inside and since she hasn’t toured the place since the band took over. She explores the place to see what they have done to it.

Barbara looks at what the band and their friends had done to the place. She had shown the place to Lindsey, Terry, and Brenda originally. Now the place looked better and like a studio fit for a band. It didn’t look like the medical clinic it originally had been. She knew all the parents of the band helped with labor or donating money to buy equipment and construction supplies for them.

Barbara spots the security cameras they had installed in the place. She checks out the recording studio and the practice room. She loved how the kids had redone the place. She could see Kaja's artistic touch in how they painted and decorated the place. When she goes back up front to check on Lindsey, she hears Lindsey talking with Terry.

Terry had been surprised that Barbara’s car was at the studio when he pulled up in his mother’s car. When he went inside the place and heard music coming from the small kitchenette they had. He investigates and finds Lindsey sitting at the table in there with her leg propped up on another chair. She was eating a salad and drinking a drink from Wendy’s.

“What brings you up here so early and why aren’t you in school?” As Terry sits down at the table next to Lindsey.

“I went to the Doctor’s Office this morning to have my knee looked at and was told to stay off my feet for a few days.” Lindsey takes a sip of the sweet tea she got with her lunch.

“So, what did the doctor say about your knee?” He had been a little concern about Lindsey.

“She said that it was just inflammation in my knee and that was causing the build-up of fluid. Dr. Hollander took a few samples and asked me if
I have been doing a lot of physical activities on stage and when we renovated the place. She thinks all the physical activity I have been doing, might have aggravated my injury.” Lindsey had gotten hurt five months ago when she first came to live with Barbara.

One of the mean girls in her gym class knocked her to the gym floor and caused her to land on her knee. The fall broke her knee cap in half. It’s only been about five months since the accident.

“So, does that mean you have to continually wear your brace?” Terry wonders how Lindsey’s knee injury was going to affect the band.

“No, but she does want me to take it easy. I'm supposed to stay off my feet for a few days.” Lindsey takes another sip of her sweet tea.

“Hhmm, that might present a problem on stage.” Terry knew Lindsey loved dancing around on stage behind her synthesizer.”

“She could do what she did last night, Terry.” Barbara comes walking into the kitchenette.

“Hi, Mrs. Weathers and yes you are right, but we have several performances coming up this weekend and next week as well.” Terry was
worried about Lindsey performing.

“So, she can do it behind her synthesizer sitting on a stool.” Barbara figures it won’t hurt Lindsey.

“True, she could.” As he looks at Lindsey “Your mother is right.”

“I know.” Lindsey puts her trash in Wendy’s bag and limps over to the trashcan.

As she is limping back to the table “Tessa and I have four performances next week with the orchestra.”

“I know. Tessa sent me an email when she got the schedule. I was waiting to hear from you.” Terry looks at Lindsey as she sits back down.

“I was going to inform you after I saw the doctor, Terry.” Lindsey had meant to send him an email.

“It’s okay.” Terry looks towards Barbara. She’s been kind of quiet as they spoke.

“So, are you going to let Lindsey perform?” Terry hopes Lindsey was going to be performing with them.

“You said that the performances are this weekend?” Barbara watches Terry.

“Yes ma’am. We have four performances this weekend. One on Friday after school, another two on Saturday and one on Sunday after Lindsey and Tessa gets out of class.” Terry knew they had a busy weekend.

Next week was even worse for them. Especially on Thursday night. Lindsey and Tessa had a performance they had to do with the Orchestra and Lindsey had a performance with the Jazz group she was in on Friday and then with the band afterwards.

Barbara already knew about the concerts Lindsey was going to be involve in, because they went out and bought a nice new black dress for her to wear. Tessa and her mother had gone shopping with them. Tessa has been spending time with Lindsey, since the two of them were transgender.

Lindsey was helping Tessa cope with the hormones she was on. Lindsey has been on hers for a while, but Tessa just started hers. So, Tessa was adjusting to the emotional roll coaster she was having with her emotions. She knew what she was going through and wanted to help Tessa.

Barbara looks at Lindsey and could see she wanted her to say yes. She looks back towards Terry “Alright, but you make sure she isn’t lifting anything heavy or dancing around either.”

“I’ll make sure Mrs. Weathers.” Terry will talk with the rest of the band and make sure Lindsey doesn’t lift anything heavy or dance around a lot.

Barbara had an appointment she had to attend, so she leaves Lindsey with Terry. After her mother leaves, Lindsey heads towards the practice room and start working on some music. Terry joins her as she plays. They spend the rest of the afternoon working on a new piece for the album.

Lindsey looks at the others as she laid face down on the lounge seat in the back of their band coach. She was extremely tired and could barely keep her eyes opened. They have been busy since going back to school.

Her and Tessa had been busy with the orchestra and the jazz group she had been playing in. Terry didn’t mind her playing in the group. They only got together once a week to play at some of the jazz clubs in town.

She was happy Henry joined a jazz group. The jazz group that played at the two steampunk restaurants they played at, took Henry on. Now, they were playing at some of the high-end restaurants.

Since she has gone to the doctor about her knee. She has been taking it careful and wearing her knee brace more often. Even when she has gym class, she has been taking it easy. She opens the drawer under her seat and pull out some blankets and pillows out to curl up under. They were on their way back from a gig they did in Huntsville, Alabama.

They had done four gigs in three days. The last time they had been busy was around the holidays. They did a few gigs near and around Thanksgiving. Then they were busy during the Christmas holidays. Not only had they been busy, but they had to fly to New York for a television interview with some of the late-night shows.

The Christmas parade they were involved in, was cold and the costumes they had chosen to wear. Didn’t provide much warmth when the wind blew. Lindsey got chapped lips and it was difficult for her to play her saxophone.

On New Year Eve, the band was invited to a party sponsored by the record company. Someone spiked Lindsey’s drink and when she woke up the next day. She found herself lying naked in bed between Kaja and Ian in a hotel room she didn’t recognize. Kaja and Ian were naked as well.

She felt Ian’s manhood resting against her butt cheeks and his arms around her. Kaja was facing her and had her arms around her as well. On top of that, her mouth tasted funny and her anal opening was hurting her.

She felt nauseous and her head was hurting her. She had a difficult time slipping out of bed, without waking everyone. She made it to the bathroom in time, as her stomach upchucked everything, she had in it. She was sitting on the bathroom floor, throwing up everything in her stomach.

To this day, she couldn’t recall everything that happened that night. All she knew, was Kaja had seen she was acting weird and took her back to their hotel room. On the way up to their room, they ran into Ian and he was wasted as well. The three of them ended up in bed with one another.

Lindsey’s mother had brought her boyfriend with her and they had done some celebrating as well. When she found out what happened to Lindsey, she was concerned about her and then a lecture followed afterward. She was glad that Ian in his drunken state had put a rubber on when he had sex with her and Kaja.

According to Kaja, she kept coming onto her while they were in bed with Ian. So, the two of them had some lesbian sex. The dynamics between the three of them changed some, but they were still seeing each other or were together.

“Krist, how much longer before we’re home?” Lindsey uses the intercom in the back to speak with Krist up front.

“Another hour and a half. I have to stop at a gas station and fill the tank.” Krist had glanced at the gas gauge and noticed they were almost out.

“Okay, well wake us when we get home.” Lindsey had glanced around the back and everyone was either asleep or plugged in playing games or watching a movie.

Lindsey curls up under the blankets after fluffing the pillow. She closes her eyes and let sleep claim her. She was out so fast, that if someone tried to wake her, she would ignore them.

Krist spots a Circle K gas station that was opened and pulls into it. He pulls up to the pumps and shut the engine off. The Invertor that powers the back of the coach was still providing power.

He gets out and starts pumping the gas after he got approved. As he is standing there pumping the gas. A State Trooper pulls up and notices the bands coach. He walks over towards the bus and Krist.

“This your coach, boy?” Officer Jenkins had spotted the band coach.

He noticed it was pulling a small trailer behind it. Both vehicles had the bands name on the side and on the back.

“Yes, sir. I’m the driver for the band.” Krist finishes pumping the gas.

“I want to see the ids of everyone inside.” Officer Jenkins loved messing with performers.

“On what grounds, Officer?” Krist knew how some police and state troopers could be.

“It doesn’t matter. I want to see all the ids of everyone inside.” Officer Jenkins wanted to see if they were using drugs and such.

Krist opens the driver side and opens the side door to let the police officer hear what he said.

“Guys, we have a state trooper out here that wants to see everyone’s ids.”

Officer Jenkins had stood by the door and watched as it opened. He didn’t smell anything coming out. He gets closer and watches as the coach moved.

“Lindsey, wake-up.” Kaja shakes Lindsey’s shoulder gently.

Lindsey opens her tired eyes “I just fell asleep.”

“I’m sorry to wake you Lindsey, but there’s a state trooper outside that wants to see everyone’s id.” Kaja had hers tucked in her back pocket.

“Alright.” Lindsey sits up and grabs her wallet out of her purse. She shivers when the cool air hit her warm skin.

She slips on a pair of slippers she keeps on the couch and walks out into the night air. She looks around and notices they were at a gas station. She stands next to Kaja as she spots the state trooper that made them get out of the coach.

“Is that the jerk, that I was woken-up for?” Lindsey was feeling angry she was woken-up because some jackass was harassing them.

“Yep, that the jerk.” Kaja had to agree with Lindsey.

Officer Jenkins heard the two girls and walks over to them first. He looks at the first one and notices she was smaller than all the people who came off the bus. She also looked to be young enough to be in junior high as well.

“How old are you?”

“I’m 13 yrs. old officer.” Lindsey looks directly into his eyes as she stretched the word officer out.

“Are you being smart with me young lady?”

“That depends, sir. On what your IQ score is.” Lindsey was upset about this jerk.

Terry and Maxine couldn’t believe Lindsey was being a smartass towards the state trooper.

Officer Jenkins ignores Lindsey’s smartass remarks “aren’t you supposed to be home right now?”

“I would be if you weren’t being a jerk.” She shivers as a light breeze blows by them.

“Let me see your id.”

Lindsey hands Officer Jenkins her state identity card. She also hands him her entertainment work permit card as well. This way he couldn’t say anything about her traveling with her bandmates.

Officer Jenkins looks at the id cards Lindsey handed him. The first one was the standard state issue identity card given by the state of Georgia. The second one was an entertainer’s permit issued by the state of Georgia.

He looks at Lindsey “you’re an entertainer?”

“Yes, sir. I play and write music for my band and for the Georgia Symphony.” Lindsey just wanted to crawl back under her blankets.

“Aren’t you a little too young traveling around with this group?” Officer Jenkins motions towards the others.

“Aren’t you supposed to protect and serve? None of us have done anything wrong.”

“You’re being a little smartass.” Officer Jenkins was getting tired of Lindsey’s smart mouth.

“You would too if you just got woken-up for no reason. I’m tired, I’m cold and all I want to do is get home and crawl into my bed.” Lindsey was feeling grumpy.

Officer Jenkins hands her cards back to Lindsey and checks the others. Terry, Krist, and Maxine were 18-years old, which meant they were responsible for the minors among them. He inspects the bus but doesn’t find anything. Everything was up to date and they had all the proper permits.

“Alright, you can go. However, young lady.” as he looks at Lindsey “you need to be more polite when talking to a police officer.”

Lindsey was about to say something when Kaja puts her hand over Lindsey’s mouth. She looks towards Officer Jenkins “we’ll make sure she remembers that next time.”

Officer Jenkins watches as she and the others board the coach. He wonders what parent allows their child to travel around with a bunch of older teenagers. He heads into the store to get a cup of coffee.

“Lindsey, what got into you?” As Kaja follows Lindsey into the coach.

“He woke me up for no reason, other than to harass us.” Lindsey yawns as she lays back down on the bench.

She punches her pillow a few times and covers back up with the blankets. She slips her slippers off and let them fall to the floor.

“You need to remember, Lindsey. He could have locked us up.”

“He was just harassing us because we are musicians.” Lindsey yawns and closes her eyes.

Lindsey, Kaja, Tessa, and Maxine were out enjoying the warm day. They had gotten together and decided to have an all-girls day. Tessa and Maxine loved hitting yard sales and thrift stores. Maxine saw several people having yard sales and pulled over to explore them.

One person was selling some musical instruments and that got Tessa’s and Lindsey’s interest. Another person had some beautiful artwork and stained-glass windows and such for sale. Kaja loved things like that. Maxine saw a few leather jackets and dresses that were vintage but would still look nice.

All the people that were having the yard sale had bunches of cd’s, records and a recorder player for sale. Between the four of them, they end up spending six hundred dollars. Lindsey bought a French horn, cello, and another saxophone that the seller was selling. She found out that the ladies late husband used to play in a jazz group a long time ago before his health started failing him.

The woman showed Lindsey pictures of her husband when he uses to performed. That’s was how they had met. He played at an event she went to and they started dating. He played in an orchestra and a few big bands. The cello Lindsey bought needed some repairs but would be a
nice instrument to learn how to play. She figures that it would be good to use to help Tessa’s song along.

Tessa was stuck on where to go with it and the instruments in their music collection didn’t have the right tone for it. The electric guitars and synthesizer just didn’t sound right. They played around with several different ways to play the song and tune, but something was missing.

As for the French horn. Lindsey has been curious about playing one. She loved how it sounded and wanted to see how hard it would be to learn how to play it. All the records and CDs they bought were records that they had heard and loved how they sounded when they were playing.

Lindsey wrote a song about the state trooper that pulled them over a few days ago. She didn’t remember his name, but Krist did and she included it into a song called Bad Cop. She made sure to describe him perfectly in the song, so everyone will recognize him.

They loaded Maxine’s SUV up with their purchases. They stopped to have lunch at one of their hangouts. The owner of the restaurant loved it when they stopped by. While they are waiting for their meal.

A young girl comes over towards their table “can I have your autograph please?”

Alisa had spotted the women from Dusty Gasket sitting and waiting for their meal. She had two of their cd’s and a t-shirt she got when she went to the concert, they put on in front of city hall. She couldn’t wait to show her friends when she sees them in school.

All the girls write their name for the little girl. When she looked at the names, she wonders who two of them were. She looks up at the other two girls and wonders who they were.

Lindsey saw the confused look on the young girls face “Maxine is our sound engineer and Kaja makes and design all our beautiful merchandise.”

The little girl looks at each woman and smiles. She didn’t know they were part of the band.

“Thank you.” As turns around and head back to her mother.

“Geez, I feel unimportant all of sudden.” Maxine takes a sip of her drink.

“I'm used to it.” Kaja knew Lindsey and the others got all the credit and praise.

“You know we couldn’t do our job without you guys.” Tessa knew how it felt to be left out of things.

The pizza place she works at, always undervalued her. She helped make the dough, pizzas and other Italian dishes. The thing was, she never got any credit for what she did. Now, the restaurant was doing extremely well, thanks to her reputation with the band.

After lunch, the girls head to the spa for some pampering. All of them get a massage and soak in the hot tub. Since they all were under twenty-one, they receive non-alcoholic champagne.

By the time they leave the spa, it was dark outside. They decide to go to a karaoke bar and have some fun. They choose a variety of songs from the ’80s and ’90s. They pick I miss the rains in Africa by Toto, Is This Love by White Snake, U can’t Touch This by M.C. Hammer, A few Culture Club songs, Joyride and Listen to Your Heart by Roxette. They also sing I’ll Do Any Thing For Love, But I Won’t Do That, by Meatloaf.

When the girls go back to their table after performing for the crowd. A slender man with black hair comes over to them “excuse me ladies, but I couldn’t help to hear the four of you singing up there. I was wondering if you four ever thought about forming a band and performing for real?”

A playful smile appears on Lindsey’s and Tessa’s face. Kaja just smirks and Maxine was trying very hard not to laugh. Lindsey looks at the guy “thank you for the comment. Why don’t you leave your card and we’ll think about it?”

Jacob digs his business card out and hands it to Lindsey. He wonders if they will call him or not. He turns around and leaves the bar.

All four of them start laughing once he was gone. They couldn’t believe that he didn’t recognize two members of the Dusty Gasket. It’s not like they wore a lot of make-up or anything.

They all head back to Maxine’s place and party until around midnight or so. Everyone slowly starts to fall asleep. Tessa takes the sofa, Kaja and Lindsey sleep next to each other on the floor and Maxine sleeps in her bedroom. Sometime during the night, Lindsey ends up spooned against Kaja.

Maxine is the first one awake and stumbles through the living room towards the kitchen. She notices Kaja was spooned against Lindsey.
Which wasn’t nothing new. When they travel, Lindsey normally slept with Kaja. She checks Tessa and she was still out of it. Maxine heads into the kitchen and brew some coffee for everyone.

While the coffee brewed, Maxine was thinking the morning breakfast buffet at Golden Corral would be nice to go too. She’ll give the others a few more minutes to wake-up, before waking them. Once the coffee was brewed, she poured herself a cup and enjoy it.

Tessa wakes up next and notices Lindsey in Kaja’s arms. She has woken up before when they had shared a room and found Kaja and Lindsey like that. She stumbles towards the bathroom and relieves her bladder. She smells the aroma of fresh coffee in the air.

Tessa completes her business and heads to the kitchen, where she spots, Maxine. She was enjoying her coffee “morning.”

Tessa sits down at the counter next to her on the bar stools. She looks at Maxine “have Lindsey and Kaja always been that close?”

“If you mean, have they always slept in each other’s arms, yes. It didn’t really start till our fifth gig. Kaja is bisexual, just like Lindsey is, I think.
Lindsey is still learning things out about herself.” Maxine knew how people like Lindsey and Tessa had to decide which way they swung.

She had a cousin that used to be female and always thought she was the dike type of lesbian but later learned that she was really trans. Once she accepted that about herself, she started transiting from female to male. She wonders if the relationship that was forming between Kaja, Ian and Lindsey were going to last.

Lindsey wakes up next, followed by Kaja. They do their morning business and join Tessa and Maxine in the kitchen for coffee.

“I was thinking, breakfast at the Golden Corral might be a good idea. What do you ladies think?” Maxine was refreshing her cup of coffee.

“Sounds, like a plan. Afterward, can we go by a place that repairs cello’s and drop the one I bought off?” Lindsey wanted to get her new cello worked on.

“No problem. I know the perfect person for the job.” Maxine knew an old man that owned a shop that specialized in string instruments.

They get dress and head out for breakfast. Maxine was walking behind Tessa and was watching how she walked.

“Tessa, sweetie. You need to put a little more wiggle in your walk.”

“What do you mean??” Tessa was curious.

“Walk like this.” Maxine walks in front of Tessa showing her how to put a wiggle in her walk and turns around and walks back.

Tessa watched as Maxine’s ass wiggled. She watches her hips and arm movement.

“Do you mean like this?” As she starts walking as Maxine did.

“Yes, but more fluid and graceful. Watch how Lindsey’s moves.” Maxine motions for Lindsey to walk.

Lindsey does what Maxine wanted her to do. She never thought about how she walked before. It all came naturally to her.

Tessa watches Lindsey and notices what Maxine was talking about. She copies how Lindsey walks.

“That’s it, Tessa. Just like that, put a little shake in that ass.” Maxine smiles as she watches Tessa.

They all pretend they are walking on a runway with an exaggerated wiggle to their walk. When Kaja starts her walk “shake those butt cheeks.”

They all laugh as they head inside the restaurant and have breakfast. Lindsey has her normal, which is a fruit bowl and then a load of bacon, eggs, and sausage.Tessa has grits mixed with eggs and plenty of bacon. Maxine and Kaja have hash and hash browns with theirs.

When they get back to their table, Maxine looks at Lindsey “why did you buy a French Horn and Cello?”

“I thought it would be neat to learn how to play. Plus, the piece Tessa is writing is missing something. We have tried all our instruments and different ways to play them to see if we can get that special tune, her music needs. I’m hoping the rich sound a cello make will fit in.” Lindsey
didn’t have any other suggestions.

“Man, how many instruments do you play?” Maxine knew Lindsey play a few.

“Mmm, four right now. The cello and French horn will make six.” Lindsey figures she should keep developing her musical talents.

“When do you find the time to practice with all your instruments?” Kaja looks over towards Lindsey because she was an honor student at school. She was taking college-level courses, while most kids took normal courses in school.

“I practice an hour per instruments. So, I try to set time aside to practice before and after school to practice.” Lindsey bites a piece of bacon.

They continue to make little chit chat while enjoying breakfast. When they are done, Maxine takes Lindsey to the person she knew that repaired string instruments. An old fashion brass bell rings when they walk in.

Tessa and Kaja look around, while Lindsey and Maxine take the cello to the counter. There was an old man standing behind the counter, wearing an old black apron.

“How can I help you, young ladies?” Lawrence looks at the four young women in his shop.

He recognizes Maxine, but the other three were new to him.

“I would like to drop this cello off for repairs and tuning.” Lindsey lifts the cello up onto the counter.

Lawrence unzips the cloth case that had been protecting it. He pulls his little flashlight out and starts examining the cello. He stops when he reads the markings inside it. He looks up and at Lindsey “do you know what type of cello you have here, young lady?”

Lindsey looks at him with a puzzled look on her face. She was confused by the question.

“What do you mean sir? Isn’t it just a normal cello?” Lindsey didn’t know the differences in string instruments.

Lawrence couldn’t believe this young lady didn’t know what she had. He wonders where she got it from. This one was one of the lost ones,
“you have here a 1709 Stradivarius cello. If I remember correctly, its name is Romberg Boccherini and it has been missing for years.

“Are you saying that it is stolen?” Lindsey had heard the name before but didn’t know much about it.

“Actually, it was presumed, destroyed. I don’t know who sold it to you, but it is very valuable.” Lawrence couldn’t believe he had a lost Stradivarius cello in his shop.

“Well, I would like it repaired and tuned. Also, if you have a hard case for it, I would like that as well.” Lindsey wanted to protect it as much as possible.

“Ma’am, you know it will be expensive to repair. It has been neglected for a long time.” Lawrence had spotted several bad spots and other items that needed replacing.

“That’s fine. I don’t mind spending the money on my instruments. You wouldn’t happen to know a good shop I can drop a saxophone off, do you?” Lindsey wanted to have the other sax she brought looked at and cleaned.

“You can leave it here and I’ll have it looked after for you.” Lawrence’s friend Sam a few doors down from him could handle the job.

“Okay, let me go and get it for you.” Lindsey walks outside to get the saxophone and takes it back in.

“Here you go.” As she sets the saxophone down on the counter, gently.

Lawrence knew right away whose saxophone this use to be. The previous owner was a good friend of his. He looks at the young girl “do you know how to play the sax?”

Lindsey just smirks at the question “yes sir, I know how to play the saxophone. I have one that I play in my school band and in my band as well.”

He looks closely at Lindsey and it finally dawned on him, who she was. He saw her and heard her play in front of City Hall, and out in the park.

He smiles at her “I’ll make sure both your instruments are well taken care of. I just need for you to fill this card out, please.” He passes her a registration card to fill out.

Lindsey fills the card out and gives it back to him. She made sure her signature was readable. Her cursive was a little hard to read.

“Thank you.” Lawrence attaches it to the saxophone and the cello.

“Well, that’s done. What’s next?”

As all of them walk out of the store together.

Just as Maxine was going to say something, all their cellphones beep letting them know a message had come through. It read:

Band meeting at the studio at 2:00 pm., Terry

“Well, that answers that message.” Lindsey wonders what the meeting was about.

“Who knows. Lets go and unload the SUV at your places, before we head there.”

“Okay.” Lindsey takes the passenger seat.

Tessa and Kaja take the back seat. Maxine heads to Kaja place since it was closer to them.

Once everyone was back at the studio and seated in the reception area. Terry looks at everyone seated before him.

“I’m sorry for spoiling your day off, but I have a special request. My uncle and his partners have a restaurant in Atlanta and would like for us to come and play for them. The drawback is, they want us to play a certain style of music we don’t normally play, except for you Lindsey and Tessa.” Terry looks towards both girls.

“You mean, were being hired to play jazz for your uncle?” Lindsey was surprised.

“Yeah, and he gave us a list of songs he wants us to play as well.” Terry holds up the printout and hands it to the nearest person.

Jermaine accepts the papers and looks at the list of music that Terry’s uncle wanted them to play. Some of them he recognized and some of them he never heard of. He passes the list around the room. When it gets to Lindsey and Tessa, the two recognized the music.

“Terry, these are Jazz and Big Band songs. Jazz music we can do, but the big band music isn’t something we do.” Lindsey didn’t know people still did big band music.

“I know, so we are going to practice the music. We have a week to learn that list.” Terry didn’t want to disappoint his uncle.

“How much are we getting paid and what are we supposed to wear?” Ian was curious about that.

“We are getting paid twelve hundred for the gig. We’ll be staying at a house my uncle owns while we are there. As for clothes, we are going to be dress in old-style suits and the ladies will be wearing evening dresses.”

“Is this a weekend gig?” Lindsey and the rest of the band needed to know.

“Yes, but we are going down there Thursday night. So, you’ll need to get permission from your parents to miss class on Friday.” Terry didn’t think everyone’s parents would mind.

“So, when is the gig?” Tessa knew she had to plan with her boss.

“End of next week.”

“Are you saying we have only four days to learn all this music?” Lindsey shakes the papers in her hands.

“Yep, we have to learn all that music and...” As he looks at everyone “you, Tessa, Maxine, Kaja need to get a black evening gown you can perform in. I’ve made arrangements with a men’s suit shop for me, Krist, Jamie, Jermaine and Ian to get fitted for suits for the gig.”

“How come me and Maxine need to buy evening gowns?” Kaja was curious about that.

“Because the band is going to need you and Maxine. Maxine, because you will be handling our sound system. You because some of these pieces will require an extra player and we all know you play the piano. You can replace Lindsey on the synthesizer and Lindsey can play the trumpet.” Terry looks at Lindsey.

“Terry, I haven’t practiced on the trumpet.” Lindsey just bought the French horn.

“I know, but I also know how talented you are as well. It shouldn’t take you long to learn how to play the trumpet. You have a natural talent,
Lindsey.” Terry figures Lindsey will be able to play by the time they leave.

“Flattery will not help you this time, Terry. Also, where am I going to get a trumpet?” Lindsey didn’t know anyone who had one.

“Already got you one. I called Mr. Simmons and he recommended the music store our school uses to fix and refurbish our school instruments. The owner said that it has been in his store for several years and it is a Bach 180S43 Stradivarius Series Bb Trumpet. Whatever that means.” Terry wasn’t familiar with trumpets.

“It means its one of the best trumpets around. A lot of famous professional trumpet players play that trumpet.” Lindsey had done some research on that trumpet.

It was next on her list to learn how to play. Now, it looks like her plans have been moved up.

“So, we have a week to learn how to play all the sheet music and I have to learn how to play the trumpet as well, plus get a nice evening dress to play in.” Lindsey didn’t like this at all. It meant, she wasn’t going to get any sleep this coming week and be missing school on Friday.

Tessa looks over towards Lindsey “we could wear the black dresses we got for the orchestra.”

“True, I hadn’t thought about that.” Lindsey forgot about the black dresses Barbara bought her to perform in.

“That still leaves me and Kaja.” Maxine looks over towards Lindsey and Tessa.

“That’s no problem, there’s a nice dress shop in downtown that will have dresses you and Kaja will like.” Tessa knew the owner.

She was into the Goth and Steampunk culture. She made nice dresses and clothing that was perfect for both cultures.

“Alright, let’s check it out after the meeting.” Maxine figures they might as well get it done today.

“Is there anything else you would like to spring on us?” Everyone looks at Terry.

“Nope, that was all.”

“Before everyone leaves, I have a request for all of you.” Jamie had stood up with his girlfriend Christy beside him.

“What’s that?” Lindsey was curious.

“I want to join the band.” Christy knew she needed the band's approval if she intended to join.

“What position are you thinking about taking?” Terry and Lindsey were curious.

“Lead singer. Right now, it’s split between Terry and Jamie. Along with you guys. You need a lead singer for the group.” Christy has traveled with them and knew how well they work together, but they have been missing something.

“Well, the rules are you have a 90-day probation period. I have no problem with it. How about you Terry?” Lindsey looks over towards Terry.

“As long as the rest of the band has no problem, I’m willing to give her a try.” Terry looks at all the other members.

“Let’s see how things play out during the ninety days.” Ian didn’t see a problem.

“I agree.” Tessa figures it couldn’t hurt the group unless Jamie’s and Christy’s relationship cause problems.

“Well, since that has been settled, you need to come with us to buy a dress.” Maxine starts heading towards the front door.

The rest of the ladies follow. Krist turns the game on and heads into the kitchen to fix a snack tray for him and the guys.

“Ugh!” Lindsey stops playing when she hits the wrong note again for the fourth time.

She puts the trumpet down and walks out of the spare room she uses as a studio and practice room. She was frustrated that she couldn’t get that one note right. Her lips were sore from practicing for the past three hours.

She had the house to herself because her mother was out hosting an open house event. She was just wearing a loose pair of shorts and a muscle shirt that was a little too big on her. She didn’t bother putting a bra on. Her mother said it was okay if she was just going to be around the house.

Lindsey had the day off from school today because it was a teacher work day. She wasn’t behind any of her school work and she managed to talk her mother into letting her miss school on Friday. However, after what she has been hearing from the rest of the band members, they might not be ready by Thursday.

She grabs a bottle of cold water out of the refrigerator and heads back towards the living room. She walks over to the sofa and flops down on the sofa. If her mother had seen her do that, she would have given her a lecture about how girls don’t flop down on furniture.

Lindsey stretches her mouth to keep her mouth from becoming too sore. She has been practicing the trumpet since Terry gave it to her last weekend. While she is sitting and relaxing, she hears someone knocking on the front door.

Lindsey gets up and walks over to the front door. She peeks through the peephole to see who it is. She spots Ian on the other side of the door. She opens the door to let him in.

Ian had been practicing on his drums when the skin on his snare drums ripped. He asked his friend Larry to come by and pick him up. He figures since he was heading to the music store they use, that Lindsey might like to go with him.

He was surprised when the door opened and saw that Lindsey was slumming it. He has never seen her dressed so relax. The muscle shirt she had on, was drooping low and he could see the top of her breasts. Not that he hasn’t already seen her naked already or had sex with her.

“I like your new look, Lindsey.” Ian had a big ole smile on his face.

Lindsey just shakes her head at her goofy boyfriend “come on in.”

Ian walks into the house and notices that Lindsey was the only one home. He wonders where her mother could be.

“So, brings you by here?” As Lindsey shuts the door behind him.

“Larry is taking me up to the music store to buy some new skins for my snare drum and thought you might want to come along.”

Lindsey thinks about it and figures the break would do her some good “let me change into some decent clothes.” Lindsey heads towards her bedroom.

Lindsey grabs a pair of tights and puts those on. She slips on an oversized t-shirt that had their bands logo on it and her black fur lined ankle boots. She grabs her purse and cellphone. She sends a text message to her mother letting her know she was going to the music store.

She runs a brush through her hair and put on very little make-up. She grabs her purse and heads back into the living room.

“Alright, I’m ready.”

Ian looks at Lindsey. She was dress like most of the girls at school now.

“Cool, let's go.” Ian walks with Lindsey towards Larry’s car.

“Hey, Larry.” Lindsey climbs into the back of the Chevrolet Chevelle SS that Larry was still in the process of restoring.

She was surprised to find that he had put the backseat in. It had a brand-new black vinyl covering that looked like it had been custom made for the car.

“Hey Larry, did you have this backseat custom made?”

“Yeah, Billy did it in his garage at his house.” Larry looks in the rear-view mirror towards Lindsey.

“Well, he did a good job on it.” Lindsey was examining it.

“I think so. So, any new gigs for you guys?” Larry tried to keep up with them, but he was busy at the shop he worked at.

“Yeah, but I don’t think we are going to be able to do it.” Lindsey knew four days to learn the music they were asked to play and with her trying to learn the trumpet wasn’t enough time.

“How come?” Larry has never known their band to turn gigs down.

“Let’s just say the gig we need to do. It needs more time for us to practice.” Lindsey looks towards Ian.

Ian turns around in his seat to look at Lindsey “you think so as well?”

“Yep, I think we need to talk with Terry and see if something can be done about the gig.” Lindsey was all in favor of what Terry’s uncle wanted.
But they didn’t have the people or the time to practice the music he wanted them to play.

“I’m with you, Lindsey. We need more time and more people to pull this gig off.” Ian was frustrated with the deadline and what Terry wanted as well.

“Why don’t you guys voice your concerns to Terry, then?” Larry looks at Ian and Lindsey.

“I’ll contact him right now and have him met us here at the mall.” Lindsey sends a text out to Terry.

A few minutes later, they pull into the parking lot at the mall and as they were getting out of the car. Lindsey’s cell beeps, letting her know she had a text message. She notices it was from Terry. It said he’ll meet them at Steak and Shake at 1:00 pm. and lunch is on him.

“He’s meeting us at steak and shake at 1:00 pm. and lunch is on him.” Lindsey tucks her cell in her purse as they head towards the music store.

Music World:
When they walk into the store, they noticed that Jamie was working. He was helping a customer with a guitar. They walk up to the counter and wait till he is done.

Jamie had spotted Larry, Ian and Lindsey walking into the store, while he was helping a customer. He walks back to the counter with the customer to ring them up.

“Hey guys, what can I do for you?” Jamie looks at his bandmates.

“I thought you were off today?” Lindsey was curious why Jamie was working.

“In return for taking Friday off, my boss is letting me work today since we don’t have school.” Jamie didn’t mind.

“Oh!” Lindsey was surprised by that.

“I need some new skins for my snare drum. A tear appeared in it this morning while I was practicing. Also, some new drum sticks as well.” Ian figures he would pick up some new ones while they were at the store.

Jamie looks over towards Lindsey to see if she needed anything “how about you Lindsey?”

“I’m fine, Jamie.” Lindsey was informed by the guy she took her cello and sax to. That it was going to take a few weeks.

She told Mr. Simmons about the cello and he went to the music store she dropped it off at, to verify that it was a Stradivarius cello. He had a museum friend that could authentic the cello and give her papers on it. He suggests she might consider renting it out for special performances and such.

“Do you want to pay for them Ian or put it on the band account?” Jamie knew they had that choice.

“I’ll pay for it. They are for my practice drums at home.” Ian had spent some of the money he made with the band to buy a second set of
drums. He kept his touring drums at the studio and his practice drums at home.

“Alright, let me see what we have in stock.” Jamie disappears into the stock room.

Larry had gone to look at a guitar that was hanging on the wall. It was a triple neck guitar. He didn’t play an instrument. He just liked how they looked.

“You have to be really talented to play that thing.” Lindsey liked it, but she wasn’t as good Terry or Jamie.

Larry looks at Lindsey “are you thinking about playing something like that?”

“Nope, I’m too short to play that. That’s more for someone like Terry, Jermaine or Jamie. They are talented enough to play it.” Lindsey did like
it, however.

She walks around the store looking at things, seeing if anything would catch her interest. She finally heads back to the counter to stand next to Ian. Nothing interesting caught her interest. She did see that they had sold a few of their cd’s.

Jamie comes back with what Ian wanted. He also had a few more items he thought Ian might like.

“Hey Ian, I found these items in the back that I thought you might be interested in.” Jamie had a couple of air drum modules. He also had some
neon color drum sticks that changed color, plus a device to tune his drums.

“How much for everything?” Ian liked the color changing sticks. Lindsey gave him a set for his birthday last year.

“How about, $50.00 dollars for everything? I’m also including our discount on the price.” Jamie knew their band got a discount when they
bought stuff at the store.

Ian hands over his bank card to Jamie. Fifty dollars was more then he wanted to spend, but it was worth it. He watches as Jamie rings him up.

“There you go, Ian.” As Jamie's hands Ian his card back and his purchases.

“Thanks, Jamie.” Ian accepts them.

“Any time. So, where are you guys off to now?” Jamie was curious.

“To meet your brother for lunch.”

“Where at?” Jamie wonders what was going on.

“At Steak and Shake. Do you want to join us?” Lindsey figures Jamie might as well come with them.

“Can’t, my break isn’t for another few hours.” Jamie wishes he could.

“We’ll stop by on our way out to let you know what is going on.” Lindsey walks out of the music store with Ian and Larry following her.

“Guys, I have something to tell you.” Terry interrupted their planned practice to tell them the bad news he received.

“What is it?” Lindsey was tired, and her lips were hurting her.

“My uncle contacted me, and they have to move the grand opening back till next month. Since most of you have managed to get Friday off
from school. I managed to book us at the Steampunk Expo that is going on this weekend. So, pack for the whole weekend.” Terry hated hearing that they lost the gig with his uncle, but Brenda had this Steampunk expo lined up for them just in case.

“Good.” Lindsey was glad that she would have longer to learn the trumpet.

“Let’s go ahead and practice some of our normal music.” Terry could see the band was happy going back to their normal music.

The next few hours the band jams on their own music. Terry noticed that they were happier and enjoying themselves more, now that the
pressure had been lifted. By ten o’clock, they stop practicing and started loading their equipment onto the trailer.

Before everyone left “I need everyone to be up here at 10:00 am tomorrow morning.”

“We will Terry.” Lindsey was catching a ride home with Ian and his mother.

Mrs. Smith had gotten to know Lindsey well since she’s been going to their gigs and traveling with them. She was one of the most creative people in the band. She knew Barbara was proud of her.

“How is your mother doing, Lindsey?” Mrs. Smith hasn’t seen Barbara lately.

She knew Barbara was a real estate agent and spent a lot of time either at the office or showing houses. When Mrs. Smith pulls up to Lindsey’s house. She notices there was another car there.

A smile appears on her face. She has seen that car before at Lindsey’s place.

“Thanks, Mrs. Smith.” Lindsey spotted Greg’s car parked in front of her place.

She knew that the relationship between her mother and Greg was getting serious. She hopes she wasn’t interrupting anything.

“Thanks, Mrs. Smith.” Lindsey gets out of the car and heads towards the front door.

Mrs. Smith watches as Lindsey heads inside the house. Once Lindsey was inside the house, she notices her mother’s bedroom door was closed and she could hear her mother moaning. A smile appears on her face as she heads towards her bedroom to change out of her clothes and head towards the bathroom.

She liked Greg and if he made her mother happy, she was happy. She checks her suitcase and changes out the dress she was going to wear for the gig with Terry’s uncle and replaces it with her standard performing costume. She strips and head to the bathroom and fills the tub up.

Just as she was about to step into the tub. She receives a text message from Tessa. She was asking Lindsey if it would be alright to wear a different costume, instead of the one she normally wore? Lindsey texts her back she could if she wanted to. Afterward, Lindsey slips into the tub and enjoy the hot water. By the time it turns cold, she gets out and heads to bed.

“Lindsey’s come on sweetie. It’s time to get up.” Barbara gently shakes Lindsey’s shoulder.

Lindsey slowly opens her eyes. She was having a nice dream and didn’t want to wake up from it. She looks up at her mother and could tell she was glowing.

A smile appears on her face “you had fun last night, mom.”

Barbara blushes at Lindsey’s statement. She hadn’t realized she was that loud with the door close.

“It’s okay mom. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“I know. What do you think of Greg?” Barbara wanted to see what Lindsey thought of Greg before she told her the news she had.

“I think he is a nice person and makes you happy.” Lindsey wonders why her mother was asking her this question.

“How would you feel if he became your father?” Barbara looks into Lindsey sleep-encrusted eyes.

“I don’t have a problem with that. If he makes you happy mom.” Lindsey hugs her mother.

“Thank you, sweetheart, because he asked me to marry him.” Barbara shows Lindsey the engagement ring and returns the hug.

They stay hugging for a while when Barbara notices what time it is. She releases Lindsey.

“You better get up and get ready to go, sweetie.” Barbara stands up off the bed.

“I will mom.” Lindsey gets out of bed and starts changing out of her night clothes.

Barbara fixes a sausage, egg and cheese sandwich for Lindsey to eat before Krist shows up with the bands, van. Barbara helps Lindsey’s with her luggage and watches as the van drives off.

“You guys won’t believe this, but my mom is getting married again.” Lindsey was happy for her mother.

Even though Barbara had her, there were times she saw her mother unhappy during the holidays or on a certain day. She knew her mother missed her first husband.

“Congratulations, Lindsey. You’re finally going to have a father.” Ian and Tessa were smiling at her.

Jamie was busy kissing his girlfriend. This was going to be her first gig with them. During practice, she wasn’t too bad, but now she’ll be before an audience.

They had to pick out a steampunk costume for her. It was a nicely constructed Victorian pants set that went with Jamie’s outfit. It was funny watching her walk around in the tight leather pants and high heel boots.

It took them a few hours to arrive in Atlanta and to get settled in their hotel room. Once everyone was dress in their costume, they had a meet and greet with their fans. Some fans wanted to take pictures with them and others just wanted their signature.

There was one teenage girl that looked like she had been in a fight. She had a cracked Cd case of theirs that looked like someone had stomped on it. When she stood in front of Lindsey, she could tell, someone had abused her. She saw bruises on the girl’s wrist.

Lindsey looks into her bloodshot eyes “is everything okay?”

The girl nods her head yes. Shirley didn’t want her heroes to know her parents didn’t approve of their music. She was just happy to meet them.

“Well, how about, I give you a backstage pass and more of our merchandise.” Lindsey felt sorry for the girl.

“Thank you.” Shirley accepts the items and the pass.

She felt better and couldn’t believe she had gotten her birthday wish. She wished to have a nice birthday. Her aunt Jenny gave her the money to come to the Expo to meet her favorite band.

“Hey, why don’t you stick around and come to lunch with us?” Lindsey figures she might enjoy that.

“Thank you.” Shirley couldn’t wait.

After Lindsey and the band was done with the signing and picture taking. They head to a conference room that had been set up for the luncheon. Brenda thought it would be a good publicity opportunity for the band.

Shirley filled a plate up and during the luncheon, she took pictures with all the members. She was enjoying herself. This was the best birthday she has ever had.

Shirley accompany the band after the luncheon as they went to prepare for the gig. She sat and listen as they did a sound check and tune their instruments. Lindsey and Tessa invites her up on stage and let her play on their synthesizers. Shirley enjoyed that and even surprised them and played one of their songs she had practice on the piano at school.

Lindsey and Tessa were surprised and enjoyed it The rest of the band enjoyed it as well.

"Now we know who to get to substitute for you Lindsey." Jamie looks at the girl with a smile on his face.

Lindsey looks at her body as she stood nude before her full-length mirror. She was enjoying the three-way relationship she has between Kaja and Ian. She liked how Kaja made her feel when she touched her and when she touched Kaja. She also liked it when Ian and she made love. She liked feeling him sliding inside her body.

She gave him her first blow job last weekend. Kaja showed her how lesbian women made love as well. She glances down at her hidden cock “I wish I had the nerve to cut you off myself, so I can get a woman’s bottom and be like Kaja and my mother.”

Lindsey hated her penis and wishes all the time it would disappear. She looks at her breasts and hopes they get bigger. She wanted her breasts to be as big as Jessica Collins are. All the girls in her year were envious of how big Jessica’s breasts had gotten. She was wearing a D cup bra, while the other girls were either A cups or B cups. There were at least one or two girls that had C cups.

She checks under her arms and her legs to make she didn’t need to shave. She loved the fact that it took time for her hair to grow back after she had her pits and legs waxed. She had very little arm hair. It was baby fine.

Lindsey gets dress and fluffs her hair. She decided to wear a short skirt today at school. The weather was nice out and she liked showing off her toned legs. Barbara was taking her to school this morning. She grabs her backpack, her saxophone, and head towards the kitchen.

When she walks into the kitchen, Lindsey spots her mother drinking coffee. She noticed her mother was dressed in a business suit.

“You look nice, mom.” Lindsey walks over and pours herself a cup of coffee.

“Thanks, sweetie, you look nice as well.” Barbara looks over how her daughter was dress to make sure she didn’t look too tartly.

“It feels weird wearing something so short.” This was the first time Lindsey has worn a skirt this short before.

“Just remember to do what I taught you about sitting down and keeping your legs closed.” Barbara made sure to teach Lindsey the proper way of sitting in a skirt and dress. She also taught her the proper way of getting in and out of a car while wearing a skirt. She finishes her coffee and rinses out her coffee cup.

“Come on sweetie, let’s go.” Barbara had a meeting with a couple looking for a nice ranch property for sale.

Lindsey follows her mother out to the SUV she owned. Lindsey took a little bit of the money she earned performing and helped her mother buy a new car. She couldn’t wait till; she could get her learners permit. She sits back and enjoyed the ride to school.

Twenty minutes later, Barbara pulls up to Lindsey’s high school. She gets in line to drop her off.

“You have a nice day, sweetie.” Barbara leans over and places a kiss on Lindsey’s cheek.

“Thanks, mom.” As Lindsey gets out of the SUV and grabs her instrument and backpack.

Lindsey stands and watches her mother drive away, before heading inside the school towards her locker. As she is walking towards her locker, she spots several posters up on the wall announcing a battle of the band's contest.

“Lindsey, Hey Lindsey can I speak to you please?” Jacob spotted Lindsey walking towards her locker and wanted to talk to her.

Lindsey stops when she hears her name called. She turns around to see who was calling her and notices a light brown short hair teenage guy coming towards her. She stops and waits for him to catch up.

Jacob manages to catch up to Lindsey. He stops and looks at her.

“Hey, the school is putting on a battle of the bands contest and the student council wants you and another member of your band to act as
judges.” Jacob and the council president had talked about it at their last meeting.

“What if my band wanted to compete in it?” Lindsey thought the idea might be nice.

“Well, the contest is really for admirer bands and the council felt your band are professionals. So, you guys aren’t allowed to compete.”
Jacob thought the council was wrong, doing this to the band Lindsey was a member of, but after being on television and performing in the park and such. They felt it wasn’t fair to the other garage bands popping up.

Lindsey didn’t know if she felt insulted or honored. She looks at Jacob “when does the council meet, so I can talk with them?”

“This Friday after school in the council room.”

“Alright, let me talk with members of my band and we’ll see you on Friday.” Lindsey was going to send a text message to the group during lunch.

“Cool and thanks.” Jacob heads off to his first bell class.

Lindsey heads towards her first bell class as well. Throughout the day she gets compliments about the way she was dressed. She was enjoying wearing a skirt. She had to be careful going up the stairs because a few guys tried looking up her skirt.

By lunchtime, she was ready to sit down and enjoy lunch. She goes through the lunch line and grabs her lunch and milk. She spots the members of her band along with their friends sitting at their favorite table. She walks over and sits down next to them.

“Hey guys, how have your classes been today?”

“Good so far.” Kaja and Tessa had some classes together.

“Not me. I was informed today that I have to attend a JROTC event this weekend, so I won’t be available for anything.” Jermaine wasn’t looking forward to the event.

“You wanted to join the JROTC Jermaine.” Lindsey smiles sweetly at him.

“I know.” Jermaine wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.

“Don’t forget Lindsey, we have a performance this Friday evening.” Tessa just checked her cellphone to see what she had going on this weekend.

“I haven’t forgotten. I was approached today by Jacob this morning. If you haven’t noticed, the school is sponsoring a battle of the band contest and they want two of us to be judges for it.”

“Why don’t we enter into it?” Tessa looks towards Lindsey and the group to gauge their reaction.

“Because they have said we can’t. They consider us to be a professional band and it wouldn’t be fair to the other competitors.”

“That’s not fair to us. I was thinking about entering us into the contest.” Jamie thought it might be nice to enter.

“I know, but the student council is right. We have had a lot of exposure and such and it would be unfair to the other contestants. Plus, we would have to find someone to replace Terry. The rules say that the band has to be composed of members currently enrolled in school.” Ian had inquired about the contest.

A few of his friends had approached him to play in their band for the contest. He wouldn’t mind doing it, but he needed to ask the group about it.

“I have been approached by some friends and asked to play in their band for the contest.” Ian wouldn’t mind playing with them.

“I don’t see any problems with you doing that.” Jamie didn’t see why he couldn’t.

“Look, if any of you want to help your friends out during this contest, that is fine. The student council said that we couldn’t enter, meaning Dusty Gaskets.They didn’t say as members we couldn’t join other bands and help out.” Lindsey figures it wouldn’t hurt them any.

“So, you don’t mind us helping our friends out?” Tessa looks towards Jamie and Lindsey for an answer.

“Nope, if you want to help your friends out, go ahead. Just remember, I won’t show any favoritism.” Lindsey decided she would be a judge from their band.

“That goes double for me as well.” Kaja decided she would be a judge as well.

“Well, that matter is settled.” Lindsey finishes her lunch and heads to gym class next.

This week they were in the gym. Tessa was in Lindsey’s gym class. They changed into their gym clothes next to each other. Lindsey noticed that Tessa was finally growing some breasts.

“Looks like you finally are getting your wish.” Lindsey points towards Tessa’s chest.

“Yep, but they hurt when I move my arms.” Tessa was just getting used to her growing breasts.

“It won’t last long.” Lindsey knew from experience.

They go out and check in with their teacher. They were doing physical fitness this week. The coach has them run around the field. Lindsey had her knee brace on as she runs next to Tessa.

They do some short sprints and run some more. By the time they were done, Lindsey was sore, and Tessa was tired. They drag themselves to the locker room and freshen up some. Lindsey brought a package of baby wipes to freshen up.

“Try these, Tessa.” Lindsey hands her the wet napkins.

“Thanks.” She wipes herself down.

“I carry them with me, so the other girls don’t feel uncomfortable around me.” Lindsey starts getting dress.

When the bell rings, Tessa and Lindsey walk out of the girl’s locker room and towards the band practice room. They spot Mr. Simmons setting out new music for them to play.

“New music, Mr. Simmons.” Lindsey puts her instrument case down near her chair.

Tessa walks over to the piano Lindsey bought for the school. She asked Mr. Simmons who she should arrange to maintain the piano. It belonged to the school, but like their musical instruments, she wants to make sure it stayed tuned.

“Yes, you are going to be performing during half time at the football game.” Mr. Simmons picked a piece that would please the crowd and pump up the school spirit.

Lindsey looks over it as the other band members come walking in. The music looked interesting as she starts humming a few notes. She gets her saxophone out and fingers the notes on the saxophone without blowing air into it. Once everyone comes in and roll is taken. The class starts practicing new music.

Lindsey watches the football game from her seat. Her saxophone was resting on her lap, until they had to go out and play. Their marching uniform was making her hot. She hated playing at the football game and she found the game boring.

She looks over towards Tessa. She was playing the keyboard percussion instrument. It took her a while to get use to playing it. It made a nice tone as you struck the keys on it.

“I will be glad when this football game is over. We’re losing by ten points.” Sara had leaned over to talk to Lindsey.

Her band was entering the Battle of the Bands contest. So, far there has been over sixteen bands that have entered. Most of them were made up of members from every grade level.

“Well, we still have the rest of the game to attend to.” Lindsey checks her mouth piece on her sax.

By 10:00 pm. the football game was over. Lindsey couldn’t believe her school lost the game by three points. She gets on the school bus that brought them and secure her instruments. Sara sits next to her.

Lindsey looks at her “you know, you normally don’t sit next to me. What’s up?”

“I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind listening to a demo me and my friends made. I know you can’t show favors while judging, but we want your impression and what we can do to improve our music. This is our first time playing before a crowd.” Sara hands Lindsey a thumb drive.

“Alright, I’ll listen to it and make some recommendations for you. Are you and your band available this weekend?” Lindsey had an idea to help the group play in front of a group of people.

“I can ask them. What do you have in mind?” Sara was curious.

“I’ll let you know. Bring them up to the studio tomorrow. If any one needs to be picked up. Let me know and I’ll send Krist to pick them up.” Lindsey hears her cellphone beep.

She pulls it out and notices that it was Shirley in Atlanta texting her. They have been texting back and forth with one another. Shirley had been taken and placed with her aunt Jenny. Her birth mother and father had been found dead when she got home from the concert. They had overdose on heroin mixed with fentanyl. Lindsey helped her through everything and even attended her parent’s funeral.

Shirley was like a sister to her. She was only a year younger then Lindsey herself.

The text read: Q: What is the difference between a drummer and a vacuum cleaner?

“I don’t know. What is the difference between a drummer and a vacuum cleaner?”

A: You have to plug one of them in before it sucks.

ROFL! Lindsey had a smile on her face.

“Do you have any more?” Lindsey liked that joke.

Q: What's the difference between a saxophone and a chainsaw?

“I don't know, what is the difference between a saxophone and a chainsaw?”

A: You can tune a chainsaw.

A smiley face shows up on Lindsey’s screen.

“What am I going to do with you?” Lindsey liked Shirley’s jokes.

“Teach me how to play the guitar.” Shirley wanted to learn how to play.

“Alright, I’ll skype with on Sunday, after I come back from practice.” Lindsey figures she could help Shirley learn by Skyping.

“How was the football game?” Shirley knew Lindsey was going to be playing during half time at the game.

“We lost by three points.” Lindsey figures she’ll be honest to Shirley.

The school bus she was on, arrives back at the school. Barbara was waiting for her.

“See you on Sunday, Lindsey.” Sara waves at her, as she walks over to a silver pick-up truck.

Lindsey waves back to her. She walks over to her mother’s car and spot Greg in the car as well. Lindsey gets in the back.

“How was the game?” Greg was curious.

“We lost by three points.” Lindsey takes her marching jacket off.

“You sound like you were bored.” Barbara looks in the rear view mirror at Lindsey.

“I was. I really don’t like watching a bunch of guys run around on a field trying to hurt one another entertaining.” Lindsey leans back against the back seat.

Barbara just smiles at her daughter as they head home. She was amused by Lindsey’s statement. She pulls her car up into the driveway, next to Greg’s car.

“We’re home sweetie.” Barbara had noticed that Lindsey had fallen asleep on the way home.

Lindsey wakes-up and head inside the house towards her bedroom. She puts her saxophone on the floor near her bed and strip out of her marching band uniform. She grabs a clean pair of panties, her night shirt and head into the bathroom and take a bath.

She gets the water just like she likes it and soaks for a while. She was listening to the music Sara and her band made and could tell where it needed improvements. She makes some mental notes to add a different cord or version to the song. By the time it gets to the fifth song, the water was cold.

Lindsey gets out and slip her nightshirt and clean panties on. Instead of heading to her bedroom, she heads into her practice room and hook her laptop up to her sound mixer and replay some of Sara’s band music. She plays the original tune and then make changes to it, so it flows better. She hopes Sara like it.

Once she was done going through all the songs and making some modification to them. She shuts down all her equipment and head to bed. She hopes Sara will like some of the modifications to the songs. It seemed that they were heading in the direction she went with the song.

She covers up a yawn as she crawls into bed. It was two in the morning by she lays down in bed. She grabs her teddy bear and hugs it.

When Lindsey gets up the next day. It was around ten in the morning. She stumbles into the living room and waves to her mother and Greg. She walks over and sits on Barbara’s lap.

Barbara puts her arms around Lindsey and could tell she was still waking up. Her poor baby had a bad habit of staying up late working on music.

“You, know something sweetie, I might have to give you a set bed time when you’re not performing.” Barbara was concerned about Lindsey’s health. She was on a special diet and taking medication for her blood.

“I was working on some music for Sara and her band. I have no idea what they are calling themselves.” Lindsey covers a yawn up.

“Well, I think for now on, if you’re not practicing or performing. Your bed time is going to be ten o’clock, Lindsey.” Barbara was going to make sure gets some sleep.

“Okay, mom. How about on the weekend when I’m not performing?” Lindsey was resting against Barbara’s shoulder.

“Eleven o’clock. Midnight, the latest.” Barbara figures Lindsey could stay up later to work on her music.

“There’s some muffins in the kitchen, that will hold you over till lunch. We’re going out for lunch, Greg’s treat.” Barbara looks over towards Greg.

Greg has been watching Barbara baby Lindsey, which was fine. She just turned thirteen a few weeks ago. The band threw her a nice birthday party.

“Hope you like Chinese food, because that is what were going to be having.” Greg was thinks about taking them to the new place that opened.
So, he could do a review of it.

Lindsey looks over towards Greg “I love Chinese food.”

“Good, because this is a new place and I think you’ll like it.” A smile forms on Greg’s smooth face.

Lindsey gets up and heads towards the kitchen to grab a muffin and a glass of milk. Afterwards she heads back to her bedroom and gets dress to go out with Greg and her mother.

Lindsey was in her bedroom asleep, when she heard some noises coming from her practice room. It was directly across the hallway from her bedroom. She looks at the clock and notices that it was three in the morning. She slips out of bed and opens her bedroom door and appear into the hallway. She doesn’t see anything as she walks out of her room and across the hallway and turn the light on in the practice room.

Just as she turns the lights on, she spots two guys in her practice room. They turned around when the lights come on. They had been busy dismantling her audio recording equipment.

“MOM CALL THE POLICE!” Lindsey was screaming at the top of her lungs.

One of the guys rushes towards her. He pulls a knife from his pocket.

“Why you LITTLE BITCH!” As he tries to stab her.

Lindsey falls backward into the hallway, just as the guy tried to stab her. She shuffles backwards towards her bedroom. She feels her foot grabbed as the guy manages to grab her left ankle.

The other guy in her practice room, wasn’t going to leave empty handed. He was tearing the cables out of the audio recording equipment they decided to steal. They had already taken the entertainment system and gaming system out of the living room. They had put those items in their van.

Barbara and Greg were woken-up when Lindsey screamed for her mother to call the police. Greg was busy calling 911, while Barbara grabs her gun from her purse. Her first husband taught her how to use it. She had gotten it for protection, after a few female real estate agents had been raped and murder in other states.

She went out into the living room and towards Lindsey’s bedroom. She sees Lindsey being attack by a guy from the night light in the hallway and from the light from the practice room. She takes aim and fires at the guy, just as he plunged the knife he had into Lindsey’s left leg.

Lindsey tries kicking the guy that had her ankle again, but she couldn’t. She tried to free her leg, but he had a good grip on it. His fingers were digging into her flesh. She saw and felt as he plunged the knife into her upper thigh. She also saw him jerk from being shoot.

The guy pulls the knife out and plunges it again into her leg. He hadn’t even felt that he had been hit by a bullet. He pulls the knife out again and plunges it a third time, as his body jerks two more times from Barbara shooting him.

Barbara saw that the guy didn’t stop after being shot. So, Barbara shoots him two more times as he plunges his knife into Lindsey’s upper leg.
Barbara feels a bullet hit her right shoulder, as the second guy comes out of the practice room with the audio equipment under one arm and a small handgun in his other hand.

Lindsey screams as the first guy pulls his knife out of her leg and instead of plunging it in her leg again. He plunges it into her groin area, because of all the squirming around she was doing. She watches as he jerks from her mother shooting him. She felt it as he twisted the knife.

Barbara shoots at the first person and then shoots at the second person, just as he shot at her again. His second shot misses her and hits the wall behind her. Her bullet on the other hand hit him squarely in the chest.

The first guy finally collapses onto Lindsey, burying the knife deeper into her groin area with the weight of his body. She was in pain, but she was concerned about her mother. She couldn’t move because of the dead guy on top of her. She looks over towards her mother and saw she got shot in the same shoulder she had been injury before. Greg was by her side, holding her.

The police come rushing inside and see Lindsey pinned under one guy. The second guy was slumped in the door way of the practice room. Paramedics are called as the police try to get statements from people. Lindsey wasn’t in any condition to make a statement. She was losing blood from a nick to her main artery in her legs.

Officer Thomason tries to slow the flow, till the paramedics arrived. She looks down into the face of the teenage girl as she applied pressure. She could tell the girl was on the verge of passing out, due to blood lost. When she removed the guy that had fallen on top of her. She saw the knife buried in the girl’s groin area.

The perp had managed to plunge the knife right between her legs and into the floor underneath her. There was blood pooling under the girl. She was afraid to pull the knife out of the floor.

Lindsey saw the officer and a weak smile forms on her face “how is my mother?”

“Sssshh, don’t try to speak. Conserve your strength. Your losing blood.” Officer Thomason moves aside a strand of Lindsey’s hair.

Lindsey passes out do to blood lost. She falls into a peaceful sleep where she wasn’t feeling anything.

Officer Thomason watches as the young girl passes out due to blood lost. She could hear the second set of sirens as the paramedics finally show up and relieve her. Paramedics rushes over to where Officer Thomason was tending to Lindsey. The other paramedic rushes to Barbara to tend to her shoulder wound.

Ian heard the commotion from his bedroom window and looked out to see what was going on over at Lindsey’s house. He saw police cars and ambulances. He runs downstairs and towards the back door in his boxers. His mother had been woken as well. She had pulled her robe on and slip her tennis shoes on and followed her son.

She couldn’t believe there were police cars and ambulances at Lindsey’s house. Ian manages to make his way towards Lindsey’s place and saw her being carried out on a stretcher.

“Lindsey!” As he tries to make his way towards her.

Officer Thomason spots a young man trying to get to Lindsey. She intercepts him “she needs immediate medical attention. She’s lost too much blood.”

Ian felt his arm grabbed and then hears a female voice. He turns around to look at the woman who just spoke to him. He saw a young woman with brown hair dressed in a police uniform.

“How bad off is she?” He was concerned about.

“Before I answer your question, who are you?” Officer Thomason saw that the boy was only in his boxers.

“I’m her boyfriend and bandmate, Ian.” Ian was concerned about Lindsey.

“She’s been badly injured and needs immediate medical attention. If you want to see her, you’ll need to go to the hospital. You said you are her bandmate, what is the name of your band?” Officer Thomason was curious.

“Dusty Gaskets.” Ian was surprised the Officer didn’t recognize him or Lindsey.

“You might want to get dress first as well.” She looks at Ian and had to admit he had a nice build. However, he was still too underage for her.

Ian spots Greg helping Barbara to another ambulance. He walks over towards them “Mrs. Weather are you alright?” He saw that the paramedics were tending to her shoulder.

“I’m okay, Lindsey is in serious condition.” Barbara was concerned about her daughter.

“Is there anything the band can do?” Ian was going to call the other bandmates and inform them about Lindsey.

“We’re fine right now. You might want to wait and see how Lindsey is.” Barbara winces when they pack her shoulder. There was a bullet lodged in her shoulder.

Ian and his mother head back to their house, while police block off the crime scene. Ian pulls his cellphone out and calls every band member. Jamie and Terry are the first ones to call him back asking about Lindsey and which hospital she had been taken too.

Fairview General Hospital:
Barbara’s shoulder had been taken care of. They had to dig the bullet out of her shoulder. The damn thing hit her in the same shoulder the rebar had gone through. The round that had hit her had been a .380 round.

She found out that the person who had been stabbing Lindsey, was high on an 8 ball. She was lucky one of the bullets she shot at him had sever an artery or he would had kept on stabbing Lindsey. As for Lindsey herself, she was in serious condition right now. Not only had the guy sever a main artery in her leg, but also sever another artery in her groin area.

Lindsey was in the operating room right now with the doctor trying to save her life. She had lost too much blood. They almost lost her on the way to the hospital.

The band members were waiting out in the waiting room with Barbara and Greg. Barbara was worried about Lindsey. She couldn’t get over the fact that the guy kept stabbing her repeatedly.

After five hours, the doctor comes out of the operating room. Dr. Lang walks over to Barbara.

“How is she, Doctor?” Barbara was concerned.

“She’s in critical condition right now. We managed to repair the damage done to the artery in her leg, put we had a problem with her reproductive organs. The damage done to her groin was extensive. Right now, she has a catheter so urine can pass from her bladder to the bag. We can rebuild her penis, but she will lose her testicles.” Dr. Lang figures that the girl would rather have a girl’s bottom.

“Can you give her a woman’s reproductive organs, doctor?” Barbara knew Lindsey would prefer it over having her birth defect.

“In the condition she’s in right, now? I wouldn’t recommend it. However, once she has recovered some, we can do the operation. Until then, she’ll have to use a catheter.”

“Can I go in and see her?” Barbara wanted to see Lindsey.

“She’s still unconscious. So, she won’t know you are there.”

“Alright.” Barbara and Greg head to the room the nurse took Lindsey too.

When Barbara walks in, she sees that they had Lindsey hooked up to all sorts of machine. There was several Iv’s going into her.
Lindsey was still unconscious and looked so peaceful as she slept. Barbara just stands there and look at her daughter. She feels like she has let her down. That she should had done more to protect her. She walks over and places a kiss on Lindsey's forehead.

"I'll be here when you wake-up."

Lindsey wakes up three days later. At first, everything is blurry as she tries to focus her eyes. She felt a fuzzy object on one side of her and her left hand being held. She turns her head to see who was holding her hand and spots her mother.

She had something going into her nose and felt something sticking her in her right hand. Her vision starts to clear as her eyes come into focus. There were flowers, teddy bears and balloons in her room. She squeezes her mother’s hand.

Barbara wakes up when she feels Lindsey squeeze her hand. She was surprised when she felt Lindsey squeeze her hand. She’s been unconscious for the past three days.

“How are you feeling, sweetie?” Barbara leans forward to look at Lindsey.

“What happened?” Lindsey looks at her mother.

“You don’t remember what happened to you?” Barbara watches her daughter’s face.

“No, ma’am. I don’t remember anything.” Lindsey couldn’t recall what happened to her.

Barbara was worried about Lindsey. She normally doesn’t forget things. Lindsey’s bandmates have stopped by several times to check on her. She knew Ian and Kaja were concerned, she saw it in their faces.

“You were an attack, sweetie. Two guys broke into our home and you spotted them. One guy attacked you and stabbed you, multiple times.” Barbara brushes a strand of Lindsey’s hair aside.

“Why do I hurt so much?” Lindsey noticed she couldn’t move or feel her legs.

Lindsey starts to panic and squeezes her mother’s hand. She didn’t want to be stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

“No! I don’t want to be stuck in a wheelchair.” Lindsey tries to move.

“Sweetie, you’re not going to be stuck in a wheelchair. Calm down, sweetie.” Barbara tries to comfort Lindsey.

She holds Lindsey’s tight, even though her injured shoulder still hurt. She feels Lindsey cry against her shoulder. She knew her baby loved performing and writing music. Lindsey falls asleep from crying against her shoulder.

Barbara lays Lindsey down and put her favorite teddy bear next to her. It was dress like a Princess. Barbara asked her once how old the bear was. Lindsey told her; she has always had it.

Lindsey wakes a few hours later and finds that she has visitors. All the band members and the young girl she met at their last gig. The young girl was sitting next to her.

“Lindsey, you’re awake.” Shirley hugs Lindsey.

She missed talking to Lindsey and got worried. When she turned the news on and saw that Lindsey’s place had been broken into and had been injured, she called Terry. All the band members gave her their numbers should she wanted to talk to them or was at one of their gigs and wanted a backstage pass.

When Terry told her that Lindsey had been hurt. She wanted to come and see her. She begged her Aunt Jenny to go and see Lindsey. She told Terry that she was coming to visit Lindsey. Shirley and her Aunt Jenny were invited to stay with Ian and his mother. Ian knew how much Shirley meant to Lindsey. Plus, his mother was being reimbursed by the band.

Lindsey looks at Shirley as she held her. She returns the hug and just holds Shirley. She thought of Shirley as her little sister.

“How did you get here?” As she releases Shirley.

“My aunt brought me. We’re staying with Ian and his mother. Terry arranged everything.” Shirley wipes the tears away that had leaked out of her eyes.

“Yeah, we know how much this little squirt means to you.” Jamie looks at Lindsey and Shirley.

Shirley just sticks her tongue out at Jamie. If it wasn’t for Lindsey, she wouldn’t have been giving to her favorite aunt to be taken care of. She was learning how to play guitar from Lindsey by facetime video.

She was taking dance lessons and she was learning how to write and tell jokes. She already learned that she was pretty good at comedy. As for the guitar, she loved playing it. She only knew basic cords, but she was willing to put the work in.

The band and Shirley stick around for a few hours. The nurse comes in and with Barbara’s help, gives Lindsey’s a sponge bath and change her dressing. Lindsey was frightened when she saw the tube coming out of her body. She saw it went to a bag that was filled with yellow liquid.

Lindsey looks at her mother “what is that?”

“You have to wear a catheter for a while sweetie. The knife went through your groin and all the way through you. It damaged several of your organs. Until you are healed up some, you’ll have to wear a bag for a while.”

Lindsey looks down at her groin and could see, her birth defect had been removed. She looks at her mother “do I have a vagina as well?”

“Unfortunately, sweetie, no. It’s still illegal to perform the surgery to give you a neovagina. Your penis was already small, and the knife damaged all the nerves. Even if they had reconstructed what you had, it wouldn’t work right. So, the doctor went ahead and gave you that part.
You’ll have to wait, till you are sixteen years old for you to get a neovagina.” Barbara had talked with the doctors and their hands were tied. Lindsey couldn’t get a vagina, till she was of legal age. Even in the situation, she was in.

The nurse finishes cleaning Lindsey and changing her bedsheets. Barbara was concerned about her baby as she lays back in bed. Shirley comes back to visit Lindsey.

A few hours later Sara and her group come to visit Lindsey. She heard what happened and was wondering what she and her group were going to do now.

“Hey, Lindsey. How are you feeling?” Sara has never seen someone so young, so pale.

“I’m doing okay, I guess. How is your band doing for the battle of the bands?” Lindsey needed something to get her mind off her situation.

“We’re practicing and getting better. We still can’t agree on a name for our band.” Sara and her group have been tossing names back and forth
trying to agree on one.

“How does Lady Zombie sound to you?” Lindsey did some research, and no one had that name and they could have fun with it.

Sara looked at her bandmates "what do you ladies think about the name?”

A few of them look at each other and started talking it over. They were enjoying the idea about how they could capitalize on the name and such.

“I did one more thing for your band. I listened to your music and made some suggestions for you to try and added those ideas to the samples you gave me. They are all on a Scandisk thumb drive on my dresser. Ask my mother if she can give it to you?” Lindsey was going to give Sara the music on Sunday before she was attacked.

“You are still thinking about others, even in the shape you're in.” Sara just looks down at the young girl.

“Music is my life.”

“Well, you need to get better, so the school can see you. All your classmates and other bands really miss you.” Sara knew the kids at school were worried about her.

“She needs to get some rest.” Nurse Jenkins looks at Sara and her friends.

“Just think about that name and let me know what you girls think.” Lindsey watches as they leave.

“We will and get well, Lindsey.” Sara follows her bandmates out.

Nurse Jenkins takes Lindsey vitals, before giving her something to help her sleep.

Lindsey was a little timidity when she stepped through the front door of her home. She was using a cane to walk because of the surgery done to her leg. She had to spend a week in the hospital. Tessa and Ian got all the school work she was missing and if there was a lecture, her teacher allowed her to watch it by video. It also allowed her to ask questions as well.

She could tell the carpet had been replaced and the walls had been redone. According to what her mother told her, the robbers had come in through the back door. They had put precautions on the front door with cameras and such, but her mother didn’t think about the backdoor.

Their neighbor across the street from them had security cameras that faced the street towards their place. They had caught the robbers casing their place a few nights ago. Lindsey had opened the window in her practice room to let some fresh air in. She hadn’t left it opened, but you could see everything she had in the practice room while she worked on her music.

Barbara took the opportunity while Lindsey was in the hospital, to have a crew come in. She had them take up the carpet, repair and paint the walls.The place where the knife went into the floor was fixed. She had a security firm her company dealt with to come in and update the security system of the house. She wasn’t taking any chances with Lindsey’s safety or even her own safety ever again.

“I changed your bedroom and your practice room around. Plus, we had to replace some of your audio equipment. I accidentally shot the equipment.” Barbara couldn’t believe she had shot the audio equipment the other robber had in his hand.

Lindsey peeks her head into her bedroom and saw that Barbara had gotten her a new bed and bed set. She had also redecorated her bedroom.

“Now, I’m going to have to relearn where everything is.” She had a playful smile on her face.

“I also organized that pile of shoes in your closet, so you can find everything.” Barbara couldn’t believe that Lindsey hadn’t organized her shoes and boots.

Lindsey walks across the hallway to her practice room. She was careful where she put her hand. She could still remember the second crook standing in the doorway. She looks down at the hallway floor where she stood. She was standing where the first crook had tried to kill her.

Lindsey closes her eyes and clenches her fist as the memory of that night surfaces. Her breathing starts to become shallow. Her sight becomes blurry and she loses control of her bladder. Since, the muscles of her bladder was weaken, she pees herself.

Barbara notices Lindsey having a panic attack and wraps her arms around her. She holds her and rubs her back “you’re safe, Lindsey. He won’t ever hurt you again.”

Barbara just holds Lindsey and continues to rub her back. The counselor Lindsey was seeing, said she might experience panic attacks. The memory of what she experienced was still fresh in Lindsey’s mind.

After ten minutes or so, Lindsey relaxes and her breathing returns to normal. She just holds onto Barbara. She could feel the diaper she was wearing under her skirt was soaked. Until her bladder became stronger, she would need to wear a diaper under her clothes or wear depends.

The doctor said that she was going to need to relearn how to control her bladder. One, because she no longer had the same control she did when she had a penis and secondly because the damage that had been done to her from the knife going completely through her abdomen. The knife had damaged some of the nerves that allowed her to control her bladder.

She should be wearing a catheter right now, but Lindsey wanted to work on making her bladder stronger. The doctor could understand that and took it out. He did say until her bladder control was stronger, she might experience leaks or even total bladder lost. So, he recommended that she wear pads like Poise or Depends. Because of how small in height and petite she was, she could get away with wearing baby diapers. She was only 4 feet 4 inches tall.

“Mom, I need to change my diaper.” Lindsey felt embarrassed saying those words.

“Come on, let’s get you changed.” Barbara escorts Lindsey into her bedroom and changes her diaper.

“I feel embarrassed about having to do this.” Lindsey looks up into her mother’s eyes.

“Don’t be sweetie, you’re giving me practice for when your sibling is born. Plus, you didn’t ask for this.” Barbara finishes changing Lindsey’s diaper.

Lindsey gets up off her bed and straightens her skirt out. She takes her dirty diaper to the trash and gets rid of it. She still hated the fact that she had to wear one, but it was better than walking around with a catheter.

Lindsey was done with her school work. So, she goes into her practice room and works on some music. It was the only thing that she wanted to do, after being stuck in the hospital for a week. She had her laptop with her music program, but it wasn’t like having her synthesizer there with her.

Lindsey sits down at her synthesizer and starts working on some music. She loses herself to the notes as she plays them.

“That sounds, beautiful.” Ian had come over to see how Lindsey was doing.

He didn’t want to interrupt her while she was playing. Whatever she was working on sounded different then what they normally played. He wonders how long she has been working on it.

Lindsey was surprised when she heard Ian’s voice and peed her diaper again. She was hating the fact she couldn’t control herself. The doctor did warn her that it would happen.

“Ian, you scared me.” Lindsey wasn’t going to let Ian know about her little problem.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean too. That piece you were working on, sounded so nice.” He walks into the room and over to a spare seat that Lindsey keeps in the room.

Lindsey was glad, that only a little bit came out of her bladder. She was just glad she didn’t have a panic attack when he spoke. She still felt a little jumpy and nervous in her own home.

“So, is that for our band or something else?”

“It’s my homework for the Orchestra. My instructor wanted me to compose a piece that the orchestra could play. He felt since I have missed a few sessions, that this should make up for it.” Lindsey shifted on her stool.

“Well, I’m glad you are home and doing better.” Ian was happy Lindsey was home.

“How is the band doing that you are playing in?” Lindsey knew Ian was helping a band who needed a drummer.

“They are doing okay, but they could really use your help in writing songs. The lead singer of the band sucks at writing music and the rest like to copy pieces from other bands.” Ian didn’t mind helping them out.

“What is their style of music?” Lindsey wonders if she should write something for them.

“Heavy Metal. If you took our songs Anvil and Hammer or Thunderstorm and amp it up some, that is their style.” Ian didn’t mind playing their music, he kind of liked it.

“I’ll see what I can do. Heavy Metal has never been the type of music I enjoy.” Lindsey writes a reminder on a sticky note.

Ian gets up walk over and just hold Lindsey. He was happy she was doing better and was home safely. They stay like that for a while.

Ian leaves after two hours, leaving Lindsey working on the piece she had been playing. She tries to create a new piece for the band Ian was helping. It wasn’t her style of music, but she thinks about it.

At four in the afternoon, she goes and lays down for a nap. She’s gotten into a habit of taking naps during the day, since she wakes up during the night from memories of the attack.

Barbara and Greg check on Lindsey while she slept. Barbara knew Lindsey might need to be changed when she wakes up. The doctor said she might wet the bed, like she did when she was little, till her bladder control got better.

“She’ll be fine, Barb. It will just take time.” Greg puts her arm around Barbara.

“I know. Lindsey is a tough little girl. I just wish bad things would stop happening to her.” Barbara knew all about Lindsey’s past.

They watch Lindsey for a while, before going back to the living room.

Lindsey looks at herself in the full-length mirror mounted on her closet door. She was wearing a dress to school to cover up the fact she had a diaper on, instead of panties. All her pants and blue jeans showed or puffed out, showing she was wearing one. She felt embarrassed and humiliated that she had to wear it.

She tried a poise pad, to see if it would be possible to wear it. But it turned out that when her bladder went, she filled up the pad beyond its capability. They were meant strictly for light leaks. So, that left her the choice of depends or baby diapers. The smallest depends had, were too big for her small slim body.

She wipes the tears leaking from her eyes. She looks at her left leg which was still bandaged. The stitches she had wouldn’t be coming out for another few weeks. Her mother rewrapped her left leg last night. She grabs the cane she had been given as a get-well gift by her music instructor. It was like the walking stick flute from Kill Bill and was Native American made.

She grabs her backpack, purse, and saxophone. Ian’s mom was taking her to school today. Lindsey grabs a juice can from the refrigerator and walks out on to her front porch and wait.

She glances towards the driveway, which was empty. Greg had left early in the morning and her mother had just left a little while ago. She spots Ian’s mother car pull into the driveway.

“Morning Lindsey are you ready for your first day back to school?” Mrs. Smith knew how much Lindsey liked school.

Lindsey looks at Mrs. Smith as she gets into the back seat “I think so.”

“Don’t worry Lindsey. A member of the band will always be with you. Even some of the students from the school band have volunteered to be by your side.” Ian had been told by some of the band members that they would help in helping Lindsey.

The ride to school was uneventful. Lindsey just watched as the different farms, homes, and businesses past by as Mrs. Smith took her and Ian to school. The thing she was worried about, was someone finding out she was wearing a diaper. That was her biggest worried.

“Alright, you kids have a good day.” Mrs. Smith watches as Ian and Lindsey gets out of the car.

“We will Mrs. Smith.” Lindsey carefully slides out of the car.

Ian comes around to take Lindsey’s saxophone. He could see she was moving slowly, because of her left leg. He notices her walking cane
“that is an interesting cane.”

Lindsey looks down at her cane “Mr. Simmons gave it to me. He said if I get bored, I can play my cane.”

“Well, I have to say, it is an interesting walking cane.” A smile appears on Ian’s face as they walk inside.

As she is heading towards her first bell class, several students come up and welcome her back to school. Lindsey was surprised at how many students had been concerned about her. She finally makes it to class.

Mrs. White looks up when Lindsey comes walking into the classroom. She wasn’t expecting Lindsey to be back so soon. She had made up all the work she missed last week.

“Welcome back, Lindsey. Why don’t you sit up here in front of me today?” Mrs. White figures it would help Lindsey’s leg.

“Thank you, Mrs. White.” Lindsey sits down at the desk in front of Mrs. White’s desk.

Her first bell class goes by, without any problems. When it is done, she is met by Jamie and his girlfriend. She knew Jamie and his girlfriend had come up to the hospital and visited her.

“Hey Linzi, its good to see you back on your feet.” Jamie takes Lindsey’s books for her.

“You didn’t need to do that.”

“I know, but I figure it would be easier on you.” Jamie follows Lindsey to her next class. His girlfriend stays next to him and Lindsey.

At the end of each class, a band member from Dusty Gaskets or from the school band meets Lindsey and helps her with her school books. One student tapped her from behind and caused her to jump some. She hurt her leg and wet the diaper she was wearing.

“Guys do you mind if we could go by a bathroom.” Lindsey dislikes the fact she was wearing a wet diaper.

“No problem Lindsey.” Kaja was escorting Lindsey.

“Thanks.” They stop at the girl’s bathroom.

Lindsey goes into the handicap stall and takes out a fresh diaper and the wet napkins. She quickly changes the diaper she has on to a fresh
one. How she is going to get the dirty one pass, Kaja.

“Is everything okay, Lindsey?” Kaja was touching up her make-up.

“Yes, I’m coming out now.” Lindsey walks out of the stall and notices Kaja wasn’t watching her. So, she manages to drop the ball up diaper in
the trash without any problems. She steps up and washes her hands and check her make-up.

“Well, let's get you to class.” Kaja escorts Lindsey to class.

Lindsey follows Kaja towards her next bell class and as they are walking down the hallway. One of the school perverts that like taking pictures of up shots of girls wearing dresses and skirts. He manages to take an upskirt shot of Lindsey. He and his friends stop and look at the photo. He looks towards Lindsey and back at the picture he just took.

“Do you need your baby bottle, Lindsey?” Alex couldn’t believe one of the popular girls in school was wearing a diaper.

Lindsey stops and turns to face Alex. She was wondering how he knew she was wearing a diaper. She looks at him and his friends “I have no idea on what you are talking about.”

“Oh, you don’t know anything about wearing a baby diaper?” A smirk appears on his face.

“What are you talking about, Alex?” Kaja was curious. She saw that Lindsey’s cheeks were turning red.

Lindsey saw him glancing at his cellphone. She raises her cane and smacks the phone out of his hands. ‘

“That was my phone.” Alex goes to grab it but is stopped by another student.

Kaja walks over and picks the phone up and saw a picture of an upskirt picture of Lindsey’s dress. She looks at Alex “you pervert. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“What did he do, Kaja?” The student that had grab Alex was curious. He knew Kaja, from his gym class.

“He took an upskirt of Lindsey.” Kaja saw what Lindsey was wearing under her dress and was going to ask her later about it.

Scott looks at Alex “you took an upskirt shot of Lindsey? Don’t you have any respect for girls?”

“Hey, its all in fun. You get to see what nasty or sexy some of the girls are. Plus, there’s no law that says you can’t do it.” Alex was trying to
escape from Scott’s grip on him.

“We’ll see about that.” Kaja flags down one of the security people.

Howard was watching the students as they moved about. This high school very rarely had any troublemakers. As he stood and watched, he saw Kaja wave him over towards her and four other students. He walks over towards them and noticed that one student had another by the neck.

“What’s going on over here?” He looks at all the students. He saw Lindsey holding a cellphone.

“This creepy took an upskirt picture of Lindsey.” She points towards Alex.

Howard looks towards Alex and the boy holding him by the neck. He looks at Alex “haven’t you been warned before about that?”

Alex looks at Howard “I don’t recall sir.”

“Show me the pictures.” Howard turns around and looks at Kaja.

Lindsey hands the phone to Kaja, so she could hand it to Howard. She watches as Howard looks through the picture gallery and saw several other female students Alex had taken pictures of. Lindsey didn’t say anything, she just watched him.

Howard saw the one of Lindsey and saw she was wearing a diaper. He swipes through some more of the pictures and notices Alex has been busy. He had taken pictures of several other girls.

“I think we need to talk to your parents.” Howard takes Alex by the hand and leads him away.

Kaja escorts Lindsey to her next class. She stops Lindsey before she enters the girl’s locker room.

“Look, Lindsey, if you don’t want to talk about it, I understand. But I think the others need to know.” Kaja was concerned about Lindsey.

“I’ll tell everyone at lunch. It’s rather embarrassing and I don’t feel comfortable about it.” Lindsey heads into the locker room.

She didn’t have to wear her gym suit, because of her leg and her gender change. She walks through the locker room and out to the gym. Her instructor already had her doctor’s note excusing her. She takes a seat on the bleachers and works on some schoolwork.

“Hey lazy, watch you doing?” Tessa comes over to check on Lindsey.

Lindsey looks up “just some schoolwork. I’m excused from any physical activity till my leg heals and my groin area heals.”

“So, if you don’t mind me asking. Did they make you a fully functional girl?” Tessa couldn’t wait till she had her operation.

“Only partially. They said I couldn’t get a vagina, till I turn sixteen. Something about my body still developing and that they wanted to wait.”
Lindsey couldn’t believe that she had to wait till she was sixteen.

“That sucks. When class ends, wait for me. I’m supposed to walk with you to the lunchroom.” Tessa was asked by Jamie to watch over Lindsey.

“Okay.” Lindsey smiles as she watches Tessa run back to join their class.

At lunchtime, she joins everyone at their table. She brought her lunch, instead of going through the line. She waits for the others to show up, before eating her lunch.

Once everyone sits down at the table. She looks at them “guys, I have to tell you something. Because of the damage done to my bladder and the reworking of my plumbing. I was given several choices. I need to wear a diaper till my bladder muscles are working as they use too. Also, I freak out when I’m stress or surprised. So, if you see me freaked out, that’s why.”

All of them look at Lindsey and could tell she was embarrassed about what she just admitted to them. She hated the fact she couldn’t wear a Poise pad or depends.

“So, you're saying that was your only option?” Ian was looking at Lindsey.

“No, the option I had available was wearing a catheter and a drainage bag. I didn’t want to do that, so I choose the baby diaper. Depends
doesn’t make any my size and the pads only hold a small amount. The rest would soak through to my pants and underwear.” Lindsey's cheeks were feeling warm.

“Don’t worry Lindsey, your secret is safe with us. Are you going to be able to perform in a few weeks, because we have several gigs?” Jamie had been informed by Terry they had several gigs lined up.

“I think so. If nothing else, I’ll just have to sit at my synthesizer and play.” Lindsey could hind behind Tessa and her instruments.

“Don’t forget, you and Kaja are also judging the battle of the bands as well.” Jamie thought he should remind Lindsey.

“True.”

The group finishes their lunch and Tessa walks Lindsey to her next class.

When Lindsey showed up at school the next day. She found all sorts of baby accessories at her locker. Everything from pacifiers, baby bottles, diapers to baby wipes and toys. She didn’t let the objects affect her. Someone had printed the picture of the upskirt shot of her, wearing her diaper.

Tessa was heading towards Lindsey’s locker when she saw Lindsey picking up items off her locker and the floor in front of it. She rushes towards Lindsey, when she fell to the floor, because of her injured leg.

“Lindsey, here let me help you up.” Tessa helps Lindsey off the floor.

Tessa saw how upset Lindsey was, but she was trying not to show it. She saw some of the items Linsey was picking up. She spots the image that someone had printed and taped it to Lindsey’s locker door.

A few more of Lindsey’s classmates come over and help her and Tessa. Some of the girls that had pictures of them taken by Alex. They come over to Lindsey and help her as well. They hadn’t known who had taken the pictures and shared them online. They learned the identity because of what happened to Lindsey.

Lindsey used to this type of treatment. She has faced it most of her life. She feels Tessa take her arm and escort her to the girl’s restroom.

Once they were in the girl’s restroom. The tears Lindsey was holding back, come bursting out. She holds onto Tessa and just cries.

Tessa holds Lindsey and stroke her back. It was hard for a fifteen- year teenager to deal with the harassment in high school. Lindsey was thirteen and was dealing with it. The first bell rings “I think we are going to be late.”

“I don’t care.” Lindsey didn’t feel like going to her first bell class.

“Yes, you do. You would never skip a class.” Tessa knew how dedicated Lindsey was to her studies.

Lindsey takes a deep breath and tries to get her emotions under control. It takes her several tries to compose herself. She looks at her image in the mirror. Her make-up was ruined.

“Here, let’s fix your face and get you to your class.” Tessa helps Lindsey with her make-up.

“You’re going to be late.” Lindsey didn’t want her friend to be late.

“Don’t worry about it. My teacher is understanding.” Tessa finishes the make-up job on Lindsey.

Tessa takes Lindsey to her first bell class and explains to Lindsey’s teacher what happened and why she is late. Lindsey’s teacher writes a pass for her. She takes one more look at Lindsey before heading to her first bell class.

Lindsey tries to concentrate on her studies and taking notes. She pushes through her first bell class. She is met by one of the girl’s from the girl’s swim team.

“Hey Lindsey, I heard what happened this morning. Me and the other girls from the team, are going to be picking you up and watching your locker for vandalism.” Kathy liked the music Lindsey’s band played and would hate to see Lindsey stop playing music.

As Kathy was escorting Lindsey to her homeroom, there was a commotion in the hallway near Lindsey’s Locker. They head over towards it and spot three guys fighting in the hallway. The door on Lindsey’s locker was bashed in. The two guys had the third guy pinned up against the wall.

“Let me go. You don’t have the right to restrain me.” Jacob had stopped at Lindsey’s locker and was going to leave a nasty picture he had photoshop of Lindsey wearing a diaper and dancing around.

The next thing he knew, two guys grabbed him and took his large frame down to the floor. He tried to escape their grip, but one guy had him in an armbar and the other one, had him in a headlock. They finally managed to get him pinned against the wall.

“You mess with Lindsey or any of the other girls who were violated and we will come after you.” Teddy had found out one of his female friends had an upskirt photo taken of her.

His friend Carlos, his little sister had been a victim as well. Except, someone had gotten into the girl’s locker room and took the photo. She and the other girl’s felt violated. Whoever took the photo was circulating them on the school's network and on a site called school sex sluts.

The security guards show up and escort the three guys away. Lindsey looks at her hall locker door and saw how badly dented it was. She also notices the picture on the floor. She tries to pick it up, but it is picked up by a guy in one of her classes.

He looks at the picture and then at Lindsey “hey Lindsey, why don’t I take this picture to the principal.”

“Okay, thanks, Billy.”

Lindsey heads towards her next class. In between classes, she notices the maintenance guys working on her locker and the other lockers on either side of hers. She grabs her saxophone and head to band class. They were practicing a new piece for half time. The game wasn’t till next week, but it still meant she wouldn’t be able to take part in it.

Mr. Simmons spots his favorite student walking into the classroom. He notices that Lindsey wasn’t her normal happy careful self. He walks over to her ‘is everything okay, Lindsey?”

“No, Mr. Simmons. The picture Arnold took of me and the other girls are circulating on the internet and people have been leaving baby items at my locker.” Lindsey watches her teacher’s face.

Mr. Simmons heard what happened at the last teachers meeting. He was surprised someone would do such a thing.

“If you need someone to talk to or just a quiet place to spend time at. You can come here as long as you want.”

“Thanks, Mr. Simmons.”

“You’re welcome, kiddo.” A smile forms on Simmons’s face.

Mr. Simmons goes and stands before his music stand and wait as the rest of the students show up. Once everyone has shown up, He starts
class. He watches Lindsey as she plays during class.

Class goes by pretty quickly. Lindsey’s lips were a little sore from not playing for a week. She has an accident during class. She waits till, class is over before heading to the girls restroom to clean and change her diaper.

“You alright in there, Lindsey?” Kaja had spotted Lindsey going into the bathroom and followed her in.

“I’m fine Kaja, I’m just trying to change.” Lindsey was having a hard time getting the fresh diaper on.

Kaja takes a peek through the gap between the door and the frame. She could see Lindsey was having problems.

“Lindsey, unlock the door so I can help you.”

“I got it, Kaja.” Lindsey tries again and rip the diaper she was trying to put on.

“Fine.” She was frustrated from trying to put it on.

Lindsey reaches forward and unlock the stall door. She stood there with the bottom of her dress bunched up around her waist.

“I feel so embarrass and frustrated.”

“Why? I’ve seen you in your panties and I have slept next to you when we share a bedroom. Plus, don’t forget about our group sex on New
Year’s Eve.” Kaja walks into the stall.

“I know, but this is a little different.” Lindsey digs in her backpack and pulls out the share diaper she carries with her.

Kaja takes the spare diaper from Lindsey and opens it. She make Lindsey spread her legs and slip the diaper between them.

“It looks like your doctor did a nice job of giving you the bottom part of a girl.” As Kaja fits the diaper around Lindsey’s waist and fasten it.

“Except I don’t have a vagina like you and the other girls.” Lindsey drops the bottom of her down and smooth it.

“Why didn’t they finish the job?”

“Because they said I have to wait till I’m sixteen years old. All because I am still growing.” Lindsey drops the soil diaper and ruined diaper in the trash.

She washes her hands afterwards. She so hated the fact she has to wait.

“Well, that sucks.” Kaja smacks Lindsey on her diapered behind.

“Hey, stop that.” Lindsey didn’t like it.

“Maybe, we can play house one day and you can be the baby.” A mischievous smile appears on her face.

Lindsey couldn’t believe the week she had at school. First, it had been the guy taking pictures of her wearing a diaper. Then it had been the harassment she faced because she was wearing one. The principal and vice principal had to hold an assembly treating to make anyone who harasses her, wear diapers in school or be suspended for a week. Also, threatening that anyone who received a suspension that they wouldn’t be allowed to come to the Battle of the Band competition. Even if they are in it.

Lindsey had gotten up early and was still in her favorite nightshirt. She was still using the cane from her music teacher to help her get around. She had a performance tonight with the orchestra. It doesn’t take Lindsey long to fix a simple breakfast for herself.

Greg and her mom had left early to attend an open house event. She didn’t mind and preferred not to go to them. She takes her breakfast into the living room and sits down on the sofa to watch television. She turns the television on to see what the weather was going to be like tonight. While she is eating and watching the weather channel, the doorbell rings.

Lindsey gets up and walks over to the door and check who was outside. She notices it was Kaja and Maxine. She opens the door for them.

“Hey, guys, what’s up?” As she steps aside to let them in.

“Well, we were going out to pamper ourselves and we thought you might want to come along.” Kaja walks in first, followed by Maxine.

“Where’s Tessa?” Lindsey looks outside to see if Tessa was there.

“She’s spending time with her mother today. We called her first thing this morning to see if she wanted to join us.” Maxine thought it might be fun to have a girl day.

“Well, we need to go by the cleaners and pick-up my black dress for tonight.”

“We can do that. Now, let’s get you dressed and changed.” Kaja follows Lindsey to her bedroom.

“Come on. Upon the bed, so I can change you.” Kaja had laid a towel down on the mattress of Lindsey’s bed.

“Kaja, I can change myself.”

“I know, but I figure since you had a hard time at school, I would help you. Now, upon the bed, so I can get you changed,” Lindsey lays down
on the towel so Kaja could change her.

Kaja grabs a diaper and lay it next to Lindsey, take her old diaper off and clean her. She stops and looks at Lindsey “too bad they are making you wait until you turn sixteen years old to get your vagina.”

“I know, I was hoping that I could get it sooner.” Lindsey really didn’t feel comfortable letting Kaja treat her like a baby.

“There, all done. Now, why don’t you get dress.” Kaja helps Lindsey up off the bed.

“Thanks.” Lindsey walks over to her dresser and pull out a blueberry color Bohemian Gauze skirt, she also pulls out a nice light blue crinkle
gauze top to wear with it.

Kaja helps Lindsey with putting on her two-inch dark brown ankle boots. She knew Lindsey still had problems with her left leg.

“Grab your purse and let’s go. Once you get your hair and nails done. You’ll feel better afterward.” Kaja knew Lindsey enjoyed being pampered.

Kaja grabs her purse and follows Maxine and Kaja out to Maxine’s car. It doesn’t take Maxine long to drive to their favorite salon. Her favorite parking space was available, so she parks her car in it.

The three of them get out and head inside the place. They noticed two of their favorite hair stylist were working. There was Flamingo Pete and Karla Young.

“Hey, girls, what brings you in today?” Karla looks at the trio as they came walking into the salon.

“Well, Lindsey has a performance with the orchestra tonight and will need a total makeover. I need a new hairstyle. This one is getting old and
Maxine wants a cut and color done.” Kaja had already talked with Maxine and what she wanted.

“Hey Maxine, if you just want a cut and color done, I can take you.” Jerry looks over towards the girls. He was new, but he was slowly building a client base and reputation.

“That sounds fine with me.” Maxine walks over towards his chair.

“Come on Kaja, I’ll give you something new for the school to talk about.” Flamingo Pete pats his chair.

Kaja walks over towards Pete. She liked how colorful and flaming he was. The reason everyone called him Flamingo Pete, was because of the huge Flamingo he had a tattoo on his back and the fact his hair coloring matched the birds natural color. His hairstyle was spiked with a pixie cut.

“Come, Lindsey, let’s pretty you up.” Karla shakes her black cape.

Lindsey walks over and takes a seat. She feels Karla put the cape on her and begin brushing her hair.

“Are you getting the works today or just a hairstyle?” Karla was curious.

“She’s getting the works.” Maxine looks over towards Karla.

“Good.” Karla motions for the Beverly to start working on Lindsey’s toes.

The next two hours, Lindsey is pampered and taken care of. Maxine got a nice haircut and a weird out coloring. Kaja got a new style as well. Hers was a long pixie cut with highlights. It made her look different.

After the salon, Maxine takes them to their favorite restaurant and enjoy a nice meal. The manager on duty loved it when members of the Dusty Gasket showed up. Some of the staff takes pictures with them. Kaja was watching Lindsey make sure she was alright. She really needed this day with the girls.

Maxine takes Lindsey by the cleaners to pick-up her black dress she was wearing for the performance. Once Lindsey had her dress, they head back to Lindsey’s place so she could get ready.

“Hey Lindsey, is your mother going to take you or do you need a ride?” Maxine could go by her place and Kaja place and change.

“That’s a good question. Let me text her.” Lindsey sends her mother a text.

A few minutes later she gets a response. Her mother said that they were running a little late. Lindsey tells her Maxine was at the house and she could take her. A few seconds later her mother gives her the okay.

“Maxine, my mother said she is running late. Would you mind giving me a lift?”

“Not at all. Why don’t you get dressed and we’ll go back to my place and drop Kaja off as well.”

“Okay.” Lindsey heads into her bedroom and change with Kaja helping her.

After Lindsey was ready and had her instrument loaded in Maxine’s car. They head to Kaja’s place to let her change clothes. Afterward, they head to Maxine’s place, which was right around the corner from Kaja’s place.

Once Maxine was ready, she and Lindsey drove around the corner to pick Kaja up. Kaja had put on a nice little black dress that was slinky and hug her figure.

“You’re all dressed up.” Maxine was impressed with how Kaja was dress and so was Lindsey.

“We’re going to hear the orchestra.”

“Let’s go.” Maxine drives them where the orchestra was playing at.

“I feel naked wearing this bikini.” Tessa looks over towards Lindsey as she finishes putting her bikini on.

“Don’t worry about it. You look good in your bikini.” Lindsey walks over and looks Tessa over.

The fake glued on breast forms they got Tessa to fill her top out looked fine. Kaja blended them to Tessa’s skin tone perfectly. Since Tessa wanted the same size breast Maxine had. They got the most realistic ones they could find. The bikini bottom fitted her properly and you couldn’t tell she was tucked. Lindsey used the same trick she used to hide her birth defect.

“There, no one can tell if your real or not.” Lindsey steps back to check Tessa out.

“Why do we have to dress and perform like this?” Tessa felt uncomfortable being dressed like she was.

“Well, this car dealership puts on a big sale every year. Last year they sold a lot of cars when they booked us to play here. So, they wanted us to come back and play again for them. Their only request is for us to be dress in bikinis and speedos. Plus, they pay good money for us to play.”

They walk over to check Kaja and make sure she was alright. Tessa and Lindsey couldn’t believe the bikini she was wearing. It showed more skin than theirs.

“Wow! If I didn’t already have a woody because of the two of you. I would have one now. Kaja’s bikini is smaller than the two of yours.” Jermaine was drooling after seeing Kaja.

Maxine was at the sound control board and she was wearing a bikini support her big breasts. Tessa decided that she wanted hers as big. All the guys were wearing matching speedos.

Jamie and Christy finally showed up. Christy was wearing a bikini that showed her curves off. Jamie wore a speedo just like the other guys.
They must have gone and gotten their speedos at the same place.

“Hey Terry, how long are we playing?” Lindsey was sitting on her stool at her synthesizer.

“We’re here till six tonight. We’re taking an hour break between sets.” Terry arranged for them to be at the event all day.

“Alright, let’s get this party going.” Ian starts them off on one of their songs.

The band plays for four hours and take a break for lunch and to relax for a while. They had come in their van, so they were inside the van cooling off and resting. Kaja comes walking into the van looking hot sweaty.

“Who’s watching the merchandise stall?” Lindsey looks over towards her.

“A friend from school. She transferred from another school recently and is in the same art class I’m taking. She’s like you and Tessa.” Kaja grabs cold water from the mini-refrigerator.

“Why did you introduce her earlier?” Terry looks over towards Kaja.

“Because she just got here. She works part-time for McDonald’s on the weekend in the morning.” Tessa felt sorry for her. McDonald’s was a shitty ass job.

She tried it once and after her first week, she said the hell with it. She takes a nice long swallow of the cold water. She sits down near Lindsey and looks at her “how’s your leg?”

“It’s alright for now. I’m not jumping around on stage like I normally do.” Lindsey hated that she couldn’t perform like she normally does.

While they were enjoying the cold air inside their van, someone was knocking on the doors of their van. Krist opens the doors and steps aside as one of the salesmen comes walking into their van.

“Wow, the air in here feels good. The manager said if you guys are hungry, to come and get some food. We also have cold drinks for you as well.” Rudy was impressed with the band's van and with all the young women in the band.

“Thanks, Rudy.” Terry knew Rudy from his visits to the car lot.

Rudy turns around and heads out of the van. Krist looks at the others “I’m going to grab some food. Who wants to come with me?”

“I’ll come.” Maxine stands up. She had a few guys hit on her.

“Let’s go, everyone.” Terry didn’t think it was wise to go individually.

“Do I have too?” Lindsey was comfortable and didn’t want to get up.

“Yes, you have too.” Jamie helps her up off the sofa.

They go where the food was being served as a group. When they showed up, they got big applause from the crowd. That made Lindsey feel all warm and fuzzy. Their applause helped Lindsey feel better after all the crap, that has been happening to her.

The rest of the day the band plays and hang around a little bit afterward. The girls feel someone tug on the back of their bikinis and when they check to see why. They find three hundred bills stuff in the back of their bikini’s. They look around for who did it and spot an old man with a smile on his face as he gets into a limo.

“Who was that?” Tessa pulled the bills from her bikini.

“That’s the owner of the car lot.” Lindsey pulls the money from her bikini.

Everyone helps break down the equipment and put it in the trailer that was attached to the van. By the time they were loaded up and ready to go. They noticed Terry was missing.

“Where’s Terry?” Tessa was looking around for him.

“He’s talking business with another business owner. I overheard them when we were loading up.” Christy was cleaning her hands with some wet naps.

“I hope it’s not another car lot.” Kaja was counting out some cash for the new girl.

“Oh, Shelly. This is Lindsey, Tessa, Christy, Maxine, Jamie, Ian, Krist, and Jermaine. Guys, this is Shelly. She’s going to be helping me from now on.” Kaja was happy she had someone to help her.

“Nice to meet you, Shelly. That one piece your wearing is nice. Did you make it?” Tessa liked the one-piece swimsuit shelly had on.

“Yes, I want to be a fashion designer and make clothes or transgender people like us.” Shelly had been informed that Tessa and Lindsey were transgender students.

“I never thought about that. It does make sense to have clothes made just for transgender people.” Lindsey never gave any thought to what Shelly was doing or wanted to do.

Terry comes back fifteen minutes later with a big smile on his face. He looks at everyone “we have another gig at a tire store next week. They heard us play here and liked us.”

“Do we have to wear our bikini’s again?” Lindsey was wondering what the company had in mind.

“Nope, the owner doesn’t want to copy the car lot. He wants us in costume like we did the concert in the park.”

“Cool, can we head home, please? I’m all burned up.” Lindsey was red, along with everyone else.

“Nope, we have one more place to go.” Terry walks up to Krist and whispers something to Krist.

Afterward, the van starts moving. After twenty minutes, Krist pulls their van into the parking lot of the Smoke Barn.

“The owner is treating us to a free dinner. He gave me a ticket for everyone.” Terry hands the tickets out.

“I didn’t bring anything else to wear.” Shelly looked at Kaja.

“No problem, you can be a walking advertisement for us.” Kaja grabs a t-shirt and a pair of shorts out of the boxes of merchandise for her.

Shelly takes the clothes and changes in the bathroom. She didn’t feel comfortable changing in front of everyone. She comes out, once she was dressed.

“Let’s go and eat.” As Terry leads everyone out of the van.

Lindsey couldn’t believe how red she got after performing for the car lot. Her mother had sprayed her body with solarcaine, so the pain wasn’t that bad. As she was packing up her sheet music and her saxophone.

“Ms. Weathers, can I speak to you, before you leave please?” Director Rattle has been keeping his eyes and ears on Lindsey since she joined the orchestra.

He also has gone to some of the gigs her band had done. The piece of music she composed for extra credit, was very good. He has been thinking, that Lindsey would make a good conductor and was willing to take her under his wing and teach her.

“Sure, Mr. Rattle.” Lindsey finishes putting her saxophone away.

She walks over towards Director Rattle and wonders what she did wrong. She practiced the piece they were going to perform several times. She knew it couldn’t be her playing.

“Did I do something wrong, Mr. Rattle?” Lindsey was nervous as she stood and waited for Mr. rattle to answer her.

“Oh, you’re not in trouble, Ms. Weathers. I’ve been watching and listening to you. The piece you wrote for extra credit was really good. You have talent when it comes to music. What I want to know, is what are your plans after you graduated from High school and with your band?” Director Rattle watches Lindsey facial expression.

“Well, I haven’t really thought about it, but I was hoping to continue with my band after I graduate and maybe continue my musical education. I was thinking about going to one of the colleges that specialize in musical degrees.” Lindsey hadn’t started looking at what colleges she wanted to go too.

She wanted to stay in the band, but also get a degree in music. She loved music and couldn’t think of doing anything else.

“How would you like to learn, how to conduct an orchestra?”

“I think that would be neat. I’ve never thought about it before.” Lindsey hadn’t considered being a conductor.

“Well, I think you would enjoy conducting others and making the music flow for others to enjoy? I can already see how passionate music is to you. The way you play, and how passionate you are when you perform in front of people. Those qualities are traits the best conductors possess.”

“And you think I would make a good conductor?” Lindsey watches Director Rattle’s eyes.

“Yes, how about this. I’ll take you on as my assistant and let you see if you would like it or not. If after a month you don’t like being my assistant, you can call it quits.” Director Rattle figures Lindsey would be able to see if being a conductor would suit her.

“Okay, when would you like for me to start?” Lindsey was game and wouldn’t mind learning to be a conductor.

“Let’s get you started next week. I have to get permission from the Director of the school to allow you.”

“That’s fine and thank you Mr. Rattle for the opportunity.” A big smile appears on Lindsey’s face.

“Don’t thank me yet. I can be a very demanding taskmaster. I’ll call you once everything is arranged. Now, go and enjoy the rest of the evening.” Mr. Rattle returns the smile.

Lindsey waves good-bye and head outside to her ride. Her mother and father were handling an open house, so she asked Krist to come and pick her up. She steps outside and spots Krist’s custom mustang he and his father built from the ground up.

The thing was faster than any Shelby Mustang ever built and was painted brunt red color. Krist had several people in the local muscle club challenge him to a street race and lose.

“Thanks for picking me up, Krist.” Lindsey walks over towards his car.

“No problem. I was at a club meeting and didn’t mind coming to pick you up.” Krist was a member of a custom car club. He had been a member of the local muscle car club, but he got tired of being challenged all the time. So, he quit and joined the custom car club.

“Well, since you were such a nice gentleman. Can we go by a Taco Bell and I'll buy you dinner, please?” Lindsey gives him her puppy dog eye look.

“Alright, cut it with the puppy dog eyes.” Krist was a sucker for a pretty face.

He goes through the drive-thru and let Lindsey place her order and an order for Krist. Once they have their order. He drives her home.

“Come on in and stay for a while.” Lindsey exists form the car.

“Right behind you.” Krist follows Lindsey into her house.

“You know, this is the first time I have been in your place.” Krist looks around the place.

It was neat and tidy. He saw pictures of Lindsey’s adopted mother and some of the places they went. A smile appears on his face when he notices a picture of Lindsey being surrounded by a crashing wave.

“Where was this picture taken?” Krist points towards the one he was looking at.

“That’s was taken down in Kill Devil’s hill. My mother rented a cottage for a week and I spent most of my days down at the beach. I also went to Jockey Ridge and the Wright Brother’s memorial that week.” Lindsey enjoyed that trip with her mother.

Krist sits down with Lindsey on the sofa and eats the meal Lindsey bought for him. He normally didn’t spend this much time with her, unless they were traveling.

“How was your club meeting?”

“It was fine. We’ve been invited by another club for a get-together.” Krist couldn’t wait to go.

After dinner, Lindsey shows Krist where she practices her music and writes the music she puts together for the band. The saxophone she bought at the yard sale was polished and clean. She had that in her practice room.

The cello she bought and paid to restored was shipped to the Smithsonian to be verified and documented. The person who restored it did an exact job on it and said it was an original. However, Lindsey was told by her mother to have the Smithsonian verify it and have papers drawn up proving it.

“Well, I need to leave Lindsey. You take care and lock-up behind me.” Krist starts heading towards the front door.

Lindsey follows behind Krist and locks the front door once he leaves. She arms the security system, before stripping out of her clothes and hopping into the shower.

Lindsey snuggles closer to Kaja as they laid together in their hotel room. She was still tired from their drive last night. She had just left her Jazz practice and was picked up by the band. They had a gig that the record company they signed with had gotten them in Virginia Beach, Virginia.They were one of four bands playing on stage.

They had driven from Georgia to Virginia Beach and were going to be playing at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. They were booked into The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. The record company was picking up the tab as part of the deal they had with them.

Tessa had slept with Maxine like usual. Shelly was sleeping on a cot in the room. Christy, Jamie, Annie, and Terry were all sharing a room. Krist, Ian, and Jermaine were sharing a room. Annie was Terry’s new girlfriend and was studying fashion.

They all are woken at ten in the morning. Terry had asked the front desk to wake them at ten, so they could go and prepare for the concert later in the evening.

“Come on Lindsey, you need to get up.” Kaja smacks Lindsey on her ass.

“Owe!” Lindsey rubs her ass.

“Will you two keep it down over there?” Maxine looks over Tessa’s sleeping form.

Tessa looked so peaceful sleeping next to Maxine. It didn’t bother her to sleep with Maxine. She enjoyed sleeping with her. She didn’t know which way she was going to swing. She knew Lindsey was bi and enjoyed sleeping and making out with Kaja and Ian.

Maxine was bi as well and enjoyed sex with whoever she finds. She liked sleeping with Tessa. Now, they had to find out what Shelly was, but she thinks Shelly might lean towards being a lesbian.

Lindsey and Kaja head into the bathroom first to take a shower together. After the two of them come out. Tessa and Maxine go in. Tessa squeals when Maxine gooses her.

“Do you guys always take showers together?” Shelly looks towards Lindsey and Kaja.

“Me and Lindsey, yes. Tessa, until recently no. Maxine, no as well. The thing is, there are five of us in this room. If we all took individual
showers, we would be a while. So, taking them together helps. Plus, your partner can reach parts of your back you can’t get too.” Kaja figures Shelly is going to get an education on how they do things.

“Welcome to the sisterhood, Shelly.” Lindsey slips on a part of panties with kittens on them.

She looks at Kaja as she slips on a pair of thongs “how can you wear those? It’s annoying feeling like you have something in your butt crack.”

“They are comfortable and make me feel sexy.” Kaja finishes getting dress.

Lindsey finishes as well. She was ready to go down to do a soundcheck and tune their instruments. They meet up with the guys and Jamie and Terry.

They head to the restaurant for their all you can eat breakfast brunch. Lindsey fixes a light breakfast because they were going to be putting on a show around two in the afternoon. After everyone has eaten, they head towards the concert room they were practicing in.

As they were practicing their third song, two of Jermaine’s guitar strings break. Terry stops the band, while Jermaine looks in his case for replacements, but doesn’t have any.

“Hey Lindsey, do you have any replace strings in your guitar case?”

“I think so.” Lindsey couldn’t remember if she kept any.

“Is it okay, if I look?” Jermaine had walked over to Lindsey’s guitar case.

“Go ahead. If I have any, they will be in the pouch under the top.”

Jermaine spots the pouch and saw that she had two brand new packets that hadn’t been opened. He takes one and closes her guitar case. After a few minutes, he has his guitar restrung and tuned. Terry restarts the practice and by they finished up with two hours to spare.

“Alright, let’s get changed and grab a snack.” Terry looks at everyone as they put their instruments down.

Maxine and Krist were staying behind to watch the room. As they all leave to take a break, they meet all the other bands playing. Members of Disruption and Slipknot were also playing at the same event as they were.

“Okay, I want to stay and hear them play.” Lindsey heard the Sound of Silence sung by Disruption.

She loved the remake of it and the video that went with it. She couldn’t wait to get their signature.

Tessa noticed how excited Lindsey was. She wonders why she was excited.

“Hey Lindsey, why are you so excited?”

“Disruption is here tonight. I love the remake of Sound of Silence and Land of Confusion.”

“I haven’t seen or heard them yet.” Tessa has been busy with work and helping her mother.

“When you get a chance, listen to them.”

“Okay, let’s get dress for our show.”

Battle of The Bands:
Lindsey couldn’t believe how many bands had signed up for the band competition. Her and Kaja were sitting at opposite end of the Judge's table. A stage had been constructed outside on the football field for each band to perform. If they had their own lighting and sound crew they could use the equipment that had been set up. If not, sound engineers and lighting engineers were standing by to assist.

Each band had to be registered and submit two songs for consideration. The first song had to be the one they were going to play and an alternate, just in case they couldn’t play that song. The second song was their playoff song, should they tie.

“Man, today is going to be exciting.” Lindsey looks towards Mr. Simmons and Mrs. King from another nearby High school.

“You can say that again. Look at all the television stations setting up their cameras and such.” Kaja points out the news teams that had arrived to record the competition.

“So, I heard Ian is playing for one of the bands today?” Mr. Simmons looks at Lindsey for conformation.

“Yep, he’s competing with them. They needed a drummer and they asked him to join them for the competition. I can’t wait to hear what they are going to play.” Lindsey wonders which of the songs she wrote for them, that they were going to play.

The Mayor steps out onto the field and walks up to the stage to make an announcement. The bleachers were filled with students and parents who came to hear the bands compete against each other.

“I want to thank everyone who has shown up to hear and support all these talented musicians competing against each other. I want to thank our panel of judges who will be judging each band. Now, let’s get this competition going.”

The first band comes out onto the stage and start playing. Their style was more pop-rock and was pretty good. Lindsey heard where they either missed their timing or the rhythm was off. The music they played was really good.

The next band was so-so. They really needed to practice more. The band after them really needed to practice with each other. Band after band comes on stage and play. By late afternoon they had four bands left to listen to. One of them was the band Ian was in and the last band was Lady Zombies.

Once all the bands were done playing, they had four bands to compete in a playoff. The band Ian was playing in and Lady zombies were two of the bands of the four. Lindsey was proud of both bands and made sure to be neutral in her judgment.

After the four-way playoff. It came down to the band Ian was in and Lady Zombies. The two bands were brought out. Lindsey could tell Lady zombies were amazed that they had made it to the end. The band Ian was playing in, goes first in the playoff.

They play a remix of Thunder and Hammer. A smirk appears on Lindsey’s face, Ian must have suggested it because it was heavy on drums and guitar playing. The band does a wonderful job on the remix of the song.

“Next.” Lindsey wanted to see what Lady zombies were going to play.

They come on stage and jump right into a song, Lindsey knew they wrote and she helped improve. She listens to the song and it was really, really good. It was better than the remix of Thunder and Hammer. By the time they finished playing the song, she knew right away who the winner was between the two. She gives her vote to the Mayor, who looks at the piece of paper and refold it.

The Mayor steps back up on stage and looks at the two bands that were still there. He looks at everyone present. He clears his throat and picks the mic up “The winner of the first-ever Battle-of-the- band competition is Lady Zombies”

The girls up on stage jump around and scream as they base in the winning. Afterward, they join the band Ian is in and put on a massive performance. They jam till, late in the evening.

By the time they stop playing and everything is wrapped up. It was midnight when Lindsey walks into her home. Her parents were home and in bed.

She strips out of her clothing and crawls into bed. She hopes that when she finally graduates from school she’ll be able to make it big and become a successful conductor as well.

Lindsey adjust the shoulder strap of her backpack. She couldn’t believe that this was her fourth school in the last six years. She has been bounced from one foster home to another since her aunt put her in foster care. Her aunt had a drug problem and had been using the money the state gave her to buy drugs. Her parents had died in a car accident when she was just six years old. The state gave her to her aunt to be raised. Her aunt didn’t take proper care of her, which caused the school to call child services.

The first foster home she had been placed in was heavily religious. When she refused to play with boy toys and wear clothes meant for her birth gender. They couldn’t handle it and asked if she could be placed with another family. The next couple she had been place with at first didn’t have a problem with her being a transgender child, but they weren’t prepared for the social pressure of having a transgender child. Not only that, her foster father molested her when her foster mother was at work or late at night.

Her third foster home was a group home. She got teased and beaten up by some of the older boys, because she refused to dress as a boy. One of the boys made her give him oral sex. One of the other boys, accused her of stealing and planted the evidence to prove what they accused her of.

So, now she was placed with her current foster parent. She was a single woman who worked as a real estate agent for a small realtor company. She was in her mid-forties and recently widow. Her husband had died overseas from an ISIS attack. His convoy had been ambushed and he took a bullet to his head.

She had come up to the school yesterday with her foster mother and shown around. She already had her class schedule and picked out her locker. She got her school books while she was at the school yesterday.

The school principal was an older gentleman that had a bald spot in the middle of his head. Her foster mother had told her he used to be the vice principal. The current vice principal was a lady a little older than her foster mother. She used to be a police officer, before she was forced to retire.

She was the school’s first transgender student and certain arrangements had to be arranged for her. Not only was she their first transgender student, but she was also the youngest high schooler they had. She was just twelve years old and had been skipped a couple of grades.

The school had an indoor swimming pool and she would be required to take swimming lesson with the rest of her class. The female instructors had been informed about her and given a locker near the instructor’s office. That way they could watch and protect her.

Lindsey heads towards her first class, which happened to be English. She sat quietly and watches as the other students came into the room. Some of them paid her no mind, but a few did wonder who she was.

She noticed that the clothes she was wearing were a little out of date. The only new items she owned, was her backpack and her tennis shoes.
Her old pair had developed a hole in the sole of them and had to be replaced. She only owns two pairs of shoes. One pair of black Mary Jane dress shoes and the tennis shoes she was currently wearing. The rest of her clothes came from the thrift store. What she had on today was a faded pair of blue jeans and a nice blouse that went with her jeans.

She had taken a seat in the front row. She hopes they didn’t have assigned seats. She sat up front in class, because of the glasses she wore. They were a cheap pair of reading glasses from dollar tree. She was near-sighted and had to wear her glasses to read.

As she sat and waited for her teacher to show-up. She jotted down some notes to a song that had been forming in her head. She knew how to read and write music. She learned by spending time in the public library watching YouTube videos and checking out music books. She looks up when she hears the clacking of her teachers shoes as she entered the room.

Her teacher had shoulder length black hair that framed her face. She looked to be in her late thirties. She was dressed in a nice dress.

“Good morning, you must be my new student Lindsey Sabberton. Welcome to Spring Hill High.” Mrs. Wheeler had been informed yesterday during the staff meeting she was getting a new student in her English course. She was told that the student was rather young, but very bright.
She was amazed at how young Lindsey looked. The girl had long straight dark brown hair that was tied back into a pony tail. It was held together with a rubber band. Her pony tail only came down about a foot or two past her shoulders. The blouse she was wearing was a little faded and a few years out of style. She noticed the glasses Lindsey was wearing were the type you could get almost anywhere.

“Thank you, ma’am.” Lindsey gave her teacher a pleasant smile.

Lindsey takes her notebook out along with a pencil. She was ready to start writing whatever Mrs. Wheeler put up on the blackboard. She glances around and notice only a few other students did what she did.

Mrs. Wheeler goes through her roll call and notice the same students that were always absent weren’t there. She informed the class that they had a new student and had Lindsey stand up. Once that was done, she turned around and started writing that day’s assignment on the blackboard.

Lindsey writes the assignment down and then open her book. She looks over the pages her teacher was assigning them. While she made notes on what Mrs. Wheeler was saying and writing on the board. She worked on the assignment. It seemed easy enough for her to do and get done before she switched classes.

The bell rings and she pack her things up to head towards her homeroom. As she walks in, she notices her homeroom teacher erasing the blackboard. She walks up to her homeroom teachers desk.

“Hi Mrs. Jones, I’m Lindsey Sabberton and I’ve been assigned to your homeroom.” Lindsey shows her class schedule to Mrs. Jones.

Nora had been informed that she was getting a new student today. She had also been informed that the new student was transgender. She looks at the young girl standing before her. She couldn’t see any features that would give her away as being a boy. She did notice the clothes she wore and her light blue eyes through her cheap reading glasses.

“Well, welcome to Spring Hill High. If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to come to me.” She smiles at Lindsey.

“Thank you, ma’am.” Lindsey goes over and sits down at a nearby desk.

Lindsey listens as Mrs. Jones gives the announcements the office gave her this morning. Homeroom wasn’t very long and by the time the bell
rang. Lindsey was ready for her next class, which happened to be a math class.

The first half of the morning, she introduces herself to her new teachers and take part in class. By the time lunch time arrives, she was hungry.
She hadn’t had breakfast before she came to school. When she checks her purse for her lunch money, she doesn’t find any. She forgot to ask her foster mother for lunch money. She enters the cafeteria and finds a table out of the way and sit there. She opens her backpack and pull out some peanut butter and cheese crackers she keeps for emergency and a bottle water to drink.

She learned a long time ago, while living with her aunt to keep a package of crackers and a bottle of water in her backpack. Lindsey pulls out her notepad of blank music sheets and work on the piece of music she started. She hums to herself as she writes the notes down. After twenty minutes, she stops working on the piece. She pulls out her class schedule to see what her next class was.

She lets out a sigh as she realizes that she has gym class next. According to what her teacher told her yesterday when she went on the tour to her different classes and to meet her teachers. This week was gym week and they were in the pool. She doesn’t know how to swim. She never bothered to learned how.

The different elementary schools she attended didn’t have a pool. She packs up her music notepad and throw away her trash. As she heads towards the girl’s locker room. She felt a little nervous as she stepped through the door. She’s has never undressed before in front of other people. She heads down towards the locker that had been assigned to her next to the coaches’ office.

She stows away her backpack, after pulling her school approved swimsuit out. She ignores the other girls around her as she undresses. Her birth defect was extremely small, because she was on hormones. She had a birthmark in the shape of a crescent moon on her back right shoulder. She slips her swimsuit on and carefully tuck away her birth defect as she adjusts her swimsuit, so it was smooth. She grabs her towel and flip flops and head out to towards the pool behind a few other girls.

She sits on the bench waiting for the other students to arrive. She notices that the boys were loud and tried pushing each other into the pool. As they walked down to the shallow end. Once their instructor took roll. All of them were told to get into the shallow end and line up against the wall of the pool. She had to be careful. She was only 4 feet 4 inches tall and the pool was 3.5 feet deep, almost 4ft. She held onto the side of the pool with a few other girls that were as short as she was.

Her instructor taught them how to kick and float. She also taught them how doggy paddle. By the time class was over, she could doggy paddle if she ever fell into the pool or large body of water. When she heads back into the girl’s locker room, she rinses off still wearing her bathing suit and slip off the suit after she dried. She copies some of the girls and twist her suit out in the showers, while wearing her towel tied around her body.

She heads back to her locker and slip her panties on under her towel and her training bra. She tries not to look to much, but some of the girls were already developing breast. She gets dress without any of the girls seeing her birth defect. She only had two more classes to go and she could go home.

She looks at her schedule and notices she had Earth Science and music class next. Her Earth Science teacher was a huge guy that resemble Clark Kent from the old Superman movies. She has fun learning in his class. He may be big and looked like Clark Kent, but he knew his Earth Science and was a wonderful teacher.

When she goes to her music class. They didn’t have a piano for her to play. So, she said she would like to learn how to play the saxophone instead. It took her awhile to learn how to place her fingers for the saxophone and to blow properly through the reed. Reading the music, they were practicing was easy for her.

By the time class ended, she was ready to go home. She a lot of homework she needed to get done, on top of learning how to play the saxophone. She wishes she had a piano or electric keyboard to play. By the time she gets home, there is a message for her.

Lindsey,

I have to work late tonight. Here is twenty dollars for you to order yourself a Pizza, Sub or Chinese. I won’t be home till you go to bed. If you have any problems, the Jackson’s next door can help you out. Here is my cell number 803-215-5587.
Luv

Lindsey orders a medium combination pizza from Domino’s and fixes herself some tea to drink while she waits for the pizza to be delivered.

Lindsey couldn’t believe her foster mother had her cutting and clearing the yard of the property the real estate company just bought. The yard was a jungle here. She was outside in a pair of shorts and her old tennis shoes cutting the grass with a hand push mower. Sweat was sliding down into her eyes as she pushed the mower through the tall grass. She had a tank top shirt on as she pushed the push mower through the tall grass.

Her foster mother was inside painting the walls and plastering holes that had been left from pictures that had been hung on them. She wipes the sweat from her eyes as she continues cutting the grass. Once all the grass is cut, she rakes it up and bag it for trash pick-up. By the evening, she is sun burned and tired from all the raking and bagging she did. Her foster mother takes her by Arby’s for dinner before heading home.

She was almost asleep by the time they pulled into the drive way.

“I appreciated your help today Lindsey. You did a good job on cutting the grass and making the yard look presentable.” Barbara looks over towards her foster daughter.

She was curled up against the passenger side door and was as red as a lobster. She had on a green baseball cap that she wore to shield her eyes from the sun. It was an old Cat Tractor cap she found at the house down in the garage.

Lindsey looks at her foster mother “your welcome.”

She covers up a yawn as she snuggles closer against the seat. She was tired and couldn’t wait to get back home and into a nice relaxing bath.

Her hand had blisters from using the push mower.

By the time they pulled into the driveway, Lindsey was dragging her feet as she made her way to the main bathroom and filled the tub. She adds some of her favorite bath beads her foster mother bought her and strip out of her tank top and shorts. She had already taken off her shoes when she walked into the house. She hated her birth defect as she slowly lowered herself down into the tub. There have been a few times where she had thought about cutting it off herself.

One time, she almost came close to doing it. She had the knife in her hand and was standing naked in the kitchen looking down at it. She wanted to take it off so much, but she stopped at the last minute, before she did it. That’s when her second foster mother came in and caught her. That’s was the real reason, beside the pressure of having a transgender child.

She rests her head against the back of the tub as she closes her eyes and let the soothing bath oils penetrate her body. She looks at her hands and could tell she had about four blisters. One was the size of a quarter. She’ll drain them later when she gets out of the tub.
She had one report that she needed to get done by Tuesday for her science class. It was already three quarters of the way written. She still had the one piece of music to practice that they were going to perform for the school next Friday. She really didn’t like the saxophone, but she played it pretty good. She was already second chair. She beat the former second chair after a week of practice.

When the water in the tub starts getting cold. She drains the bath water and use the hanging shower head to wash her hair. She saw her counselor about her gender issue and had her blood tested, so she could start taking a higher dose of estrogen. She just wanted her breast to start growing. All the other girls in her gym class had theirs or were growing theirs already.

She dries herself off and heads towards her bedroom. Her sunburned hurt. She slips her Hello Kitty night shirt on and head towards her foster mother’s room to see if she had something to put on her sunburn.

She knocks on her foster mother’s door “Barbara, do you have any solar cane?”

Barbara opens the door when she hears Lindsey’s voice. She sees Lindsey standing there.

“Come on in Lindsey. I think I have some in my bathroom.” Barbara escorts Lindsey into the bedroom.

She takes her into the bathroom “take your night shirt Lindsey.”

Lindsey takes her nightshirt off. She was only standing there in her white teddy bear panties.

“This is going to sting a little.” Barbara sprays Lindsey’s shoulders, arms and then her legs.

Lindsey shivers a little as she is sprayed with the solar cane. It did sting for a second, before she started feeling a little better. She does glance around in her foster mother’s bedroom. She’s only been in the bedroom a few times since she moved in. she notices her foster mother had a collection of stuff animals and pictures of her family and friends.

“There you go, Lindsey. All done.” Barbara looks over her foster daughter’s back and shoulders. She sprayed all the areas that had been sunburned.

“Thanks Barbara.” Lindsey slides her night shirt back on.

She turns around and gives her foster mother a hug before heading back to her bedroom to work on her report for a little while. Barbara had given her one of the old laptops from work.

It still had Windows 7 with service pack 1 on it. The battery had to be replace in it and Microsoft Office had to be upgrade 2016. The one piece of software she did purchase for the laptop was a program called Magic music, which turns her laptop into an electric keyboard or piano, so she could compose music.

She heads into her bedroom and work on her report for awhile and then, when it is done. She turns the lamp off on her night stand and snuggle deep under her blankets. Barbara had gotten the whole Hello Kitty bedspread kit for her. She plugs her pre-paid cellphone in before turning off the light. Lindsey falls asleep instantly.

Her alarm clock goes off 6:00 a.m., because she forgot to turn it off. She cuts it off and goes back to sleep. By 9:00 a.m. Lindsey drags herself out of bed and heads towards the bathroom. She walks into the kitchen and her foster mother was in there drinking her coffee and eating a grapefruit.

“Morning sleepy head.” Barbara spots Lindsey coming into the kitchen.

Lindsey waves hello to her foster mother as she stumbles into the kitchen. She grabs a bowl from the cabinet and the box of Fruit Loops. She sits down across from her foster mother and pours herself a bowl.

“I was thinking we might go to the mall today and pick-up a few items. I notice that when you moved in, you didn’t have much stuff.” Barbara had seen that Lindsey only had a small battered suitcase and the backpack.

Lindsey looks at her “the group home I was sent to threw most of my stuff out, because it was girl clothes.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Barbara didn’t know what to say after what she was told.

She knew transgender children were hard to place and many couples couldn’t accept the fact that a child would rather be the opposite gender of how they were born. She had thought hard about being a foster mother and taking Lindsey in. She had asked Lindsey’s case worker what would had happen, if Lindsey didn’t come to live with her. She was informed she would had been transferred to another group home.

“Barbara, can I get my ears pierce, please?” Lindsey has been wanting to get her ears pierce for a while.

“I don’t see why you can’t get them pierce. Why don’t you finish your breakfast, brush your teeth and get dress and we’ll go do a little shopping?”

“Thank you, Barbara.” Lindsey finishes up her breakfast and heads towards her bedroom to get ready to go out and do some shopping with her foster mother.

An Hour Later (North side Mall):
Lindsey couldn’t believe she was out shopping for clothes with someone who cared. She was loving the fact that Barbara was helping her pick out dresses, skirts, pants and blouses. The first place they stopped was one of the ear-piercing kiosks and Barbara allowed her to pick out several different pairs. The next place they went to was TJ Max and the Dress Barn. They picked a few items up there. The store they were at now, they were picking out some more clothes for school and going out.

When they passed a music store, she wanted to see how much a used keyboard would cost. Barbara didn’t mind letting Lindsey browse the music store. She watches as Lindsey heads over to the used instruments and spotted a Used Casio CTK4400 61-Key Portable Keyboard for only $60.00 dollars.

Lindsey got permission from the store clerk and played a simple tune she had been practicing on her laptop. Lindsey liked how the piece sounded and played a little bit more of the piece she composed. She stops after a few minutes.

“That was lovely, Lindsey. Did you learn that in school?” Barbara was curious.

“No ma’am. I composed that myself. I’ve been working on it, since I came to live with you.” Lindsey looks at the synthesizer and wishes she had the money to buy it.

Barbara could tell how much Lindsey wanted it. She could tell how much she loved playing music. Barbara looks at the price tag and saw it had been marked down several times.

“If I buy this for you. Will you practice on it like you do your saxophone?” Barbara looks at Lindsey with a serious look on her face.

“Yes ma’am.” There was a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

“Alright, I’ll get it for you.”

Lindsey hugs her “thank you, Barbara.” Tears were sliding down her cheek.

“Your welcome, Lindsey.” Barbara just held her.

She could see that this meant a lot to Lindsey. After they buy the synthesizer, which came with its own case and stand. They carried all the packages they had out to the car and went to Olive Garden for lunch. After lunch, they make one more stop at Payless Shoe store since they were having a buy one, get one sale going on. They get several pairs of shoes for Lindsey and for Barbara as well.

On the way home they stop at the grocery store and pick-up some items for dinner. Lindsey was on cloud nine with all the shopping they did and with buying the synthesizer. Plus, Barbara took her to have a make-up session at one of the make-up counters.

When Lindsey gets home. She takes all her clothes, shoes and the new purse they bought into her bedroom. She makes room for the Casio and sets it up. Once she has everything hung up and put away. She heads into the kitchen to help with dinner.

Lindsey couldn’t believe Christmas was already around the corner. She’s been so busy settling in and adjusting to her new home. That she lost what month it was. Her foster mother took her to a Christmas tree lot and bought a fresh cut fir tree. They took it home and set it up in a home-made tree stand.

Barbara stands back and look at the tree after they decorated it.

“My great, great, great grandfather built that Christmas tree stand a long time ago. It was a gift to his little girl. They had just moved here from Sicily, Italy.” Barbara couldn’t believe her family use to be part of the mafia in the early 50’s. They had been part of the DiGiovanni brother’s family.

Later that day, Barbara had to go and meet a potential client. So, she left Lindsey at home in her bedroom practicing on the Casio. She has seen a major change in Lindsey since she bought the Casio for her. If she wasn’t doing her homework, she practiced the saxophone. When she wasn’t practicing the saxophone, she was playing and composing music on the Casio.

The music she heard coming from Lindsey’s bedroom sounded a little jazzy. She knew Lindsey has been enjoying herself on the synthesizer. She had listened as Lindsey mixed sounds or cords from the synthesizer and the saxophone together.

Lindsey records a few series of cords she did with her saxophone and then added in the cords from the synthesizer. She had to tweak the cords some, but it blended nicely. She listens to what she recorded, and a smile appears on her face. It sounded, like she imagines it would. She takes a break and heads into the kitchen to make a sub for lunch. After she makes her sub, she sits down in the dining room and eat her lunch. So, far things have been going good for her. She’s worried something bad is going to happen soon.

She takes a bite of her sub and just watches the lights on the Christmas tree blink on and off. This will be her first real Christmas with a person who cares about her. After she finishes her lunch. She goes back to her bedroom and record a few more tracks with just her saxophone and synthesizer. By the time she stops to take another break. It was dark outside and her foster mother wasn’t home yet.

Lindsey pulls her cell out and dials her foster mother to make sure everything was okay.

Restaurant:
Barbara was having a nice dinner with a few co-workers when she hears her cellphone ring. She looks at the screen and notices it was Lindsey calling her.

“Hi Lindsey.”

“Hi Barbara, I was calling to see if everything was okay?”

“Everything is fine, Lindsey. I’m here having dinner with a few co-workers. Why don’t you fix yourself some dinner or if you want? I can call any place you like and place an order for you.”

“I’ll fix here Barbara. Just be careful and have fun.”

“I will Lindsey and make sure you, clean-up after yourself. I’ll see you when I get home.”

Lindsey disconnects from Barbara and heads into the kitchen to fix herself some dinner. They had gone grocery shopping two days ago, so there was plenty food to choose from. She grabs the box of Steak-Umm, onions, mushrooms and cheese out of the refrigerator. She makes herself a foot-long Philly Cheese steak sub. She found a recipe on the internet and follows it. The last one she had, she loved. She didn’t care for the ones they had at Subway. Those weren’t real Philly Cheese steaks.

Lindsey cleans up after herself as she sits down and eats her sub. When she is done eating. She heads into the bathroom and takes a nice relaxing soak, while listening to waves crashing against the shore. She had scented candles burning as she closes her eyes and enjoy the warmth of the water and smell of the candles. She never got to enjoy doing this when she was at the boys group home or at a few of her past foster parents.

She closes her eyes and just let herself drift and relax. Let all the emotions she has held back come out and drift on the air. She hears the start of additional tracks of the piece she is working on in her head as she relaxes. She hums the tune as it appears in her head. She grabs her note book she brought her into the bathroom and writes the start of the tune down. She’ll go and play it when she gets out of the tub.
She closes her eyes after writing the notes down and stay in the tub, till the water gets cold. Once she gets out, she slips on her nightgown. She plays around with the notes she heard in her head and see if it sounds better with the Casio or with the saxophone. As she plays the music, it sounded better with the saxophone.

She glances at the clock in her bedroom and it showed it was almost 10:00pm. She wonders how much longer Barbara was going to be? She continues to play with the cords to see if maybe it would better in a different key. By 11:30pm. She hears the front door open. She stops playing and head towards the living room to make sure it was Barbara.

As she peeks in, she notices Barbara kissing some guy as they head towards her bedroom. She heads back towards her bedroom and lock her bedroom door. The last time she stayed with her aunt. There had been a man that stumbled into her bedroom and thought she was her aunt. She wasn’t taking that chance any more. She crawls into bed and falls asleep.

Since she didn’t have school in the morning. She sleeps in and is woken-up with Barbara knocking on her bedroom door. Lindsey stumbles out of bed and walks over to the door and unlocks it.

She sees Barbara standing at her door in her nightgown.

“Good morning sleepy head. Greg and I were talking about going out for breakfast. So, why don’t you get dress and come along with us.”

Barbara could tell Lindsey was still waking up.

“Okay Barbara.” Lindsey shuts her door and check the temperature outside.

She dresses warmly, since the temperature outside was in the low thirties. She follows Barbara to her car, while Greg drives his. They headed to a Golden Corral for breakfast. Lindsey didn’t mind the buffet style breakfast place. She starts off with a fruit bowl and then go back and get scramble eggs, bacon and a lot of sausages.

She finds out that Greg works for the local news company. Him and Barbara had been seeing each other for a while. They were old High school sweet heart. After everyone was done with breakfast. Greg had to go back to his place to get ready for work, while Barbara took her home. Barbara was meeting a couple about a house right around the corner from them.

Once Barbara drops her off. She goes inside to work on her music. She didn’t have any friends to hang around with and with the temperature being like it was. She couldn’t do anything outside. She wasn’t into video games or spending a lot of time on Facebook.

Since she had such a big Breakfast, she decided to skip lunch. She practices the piece they have to play for a concert in Spring. Her music instructor gave it to them to practice over the Christmas holidays. She practices the piece on her Saxophone and on her Casio.
By the time evening comes around. Barbara shows back up and starts dinner for them. She informs Lindsey that Greg won’t be around tonight, but he has invited them for lunch tomorrow. Barbara tells her about the couple buying the house right behind them. How they have a son that will be going to her school after the Christmas holidays. Barbara wants Lindsey to get to know him and make him feel welcome to the neighborhood.

Lindsey couldn’t believe the gifts she got on Christmas. She had gotten a Hammond SK2 synthesizer, along with a keyboard stand, a full audio recording equipment and 200watt, 15’ speaker for her synthesizers. The package she got that came with the speaker included a mic, microphone stand and the cables she would need. She received a JamTec "Slim Daddy" Keytar body including Gig Kit for CME xKey37 2017 Gloss Black. Plus, a brand-new saxophone of her own. This way she could return the school’s saxophone she has been playing.

On top of all the new musical equipment she received, Barbara and her new relatives bought her clothes. Dresses, skirts, blouses, shirts, jeans, shorts, night gowns and so on. She has never received so many gifts on Christmas. Barbara did give her a pair of headphones so, she could listen to her music without background noise interfering with the music.

Lindsey gave Barbara a handmade quilt she had done in her home economics class. Her teacher had been impressed with her work on it. She had taken small squares of cloth and made a design in the middle of the quilt.

Barbara had asked if she would be willing to play the piano at her nieces wedding. The woman that was going to play, had to be rushed to the hospital. She knew how talented Lindsey is and how hard Lindsey practiced. Both on her synthesizer and on her saxophone.

On the day of the wedding. Everyone that is going to be in the wedding or part of it, is taken to a Spa. Lindsey was invited to come along. She is nervous when she goes, but she meets a person named Dalia Thompson. She was a post op woman and knew how Lindsey felt about being at the Spa. She takes really good care of her while she is at the Spa. When she leaves the Spa, Barbara takes her home and has her wear one of her new dresses she got for Christmas during the wedding.

Lindsey plays the piano during the wedding. She was nervous at first, but she managed to relax and concentrate on just playing. She stops when the bride and groom stood before the Preacher and the wedding vows are exchange. Afterwards, she plays again after they are announced as man and wife.

Barbara lets Lindsey have half a glass of champagne at her nieces wedding reception. Several people come up and congratulates her on her playing. They stay, till the bride and groom head off to start their honeymoon.

While on the way home “you played very well Lindsey. How long have you been playing the piano?”

“Since I was ten years old. One of my foster parents had a piano they didn’t play in their living room and I started playing on it. At first, I didn’t
know what I was doing, till I started watching some YouTube videos. I really didn’t learn till you bought me that Casio to play.” Lindsey was thankful for that gift.

“How could I say no to you. I saw how your eyes lite up when you saw it.” That was the first time she saw Lindsey happy.

They make their way home safely and Lindsey gets ready for bed. Her room was getting crowded with all the new musical equipment she got for Christmas. Barbara comes in and gives her a hug. She looks at the musical equipment in Lindsey’s bedroom.

“We might have to place your synthesizers and speakers in the spare room. That will at least give you some room in here to move around.”
She kisses Lindsey forehead and turns the light off as she walks out.

Lindsey hugs the teddy bear close to her as she falls asleep. During the night, she dreams of walking down the aisle with a tall gentleman by her side dressed all in white. The piano she played earlier today playing the same wedding march, she played.

When she wakes up the next day. Barbara was already dressed and getting ready to head out the door. She had to show several houses today.

“Lindsey, go ahead and move your synthesizers, speakers and everything else into the other bedroom. Also, I need for you to run some keys over to the Smith’s for me as well.” Barbara digs in her purse for the keys that the Smith’s had asked about.

“Okay.” Lindsey takes the keys and slip them in her purse. That way, she doesn’t forget about them.

Lindsey watches as Barbara heads out the door, after placing a kiss on her cheek. Lindsey pours herself a bowl of her favorite cereal. When she is done eating breakfast, she slips on a pair of blue jeans and a tie dye t-shirt she picked up from a thrift store. She moves her synthesizers, the speaker and everything else out of her bedroom into the other room. She moves her music stand in there as well, so she could practice on her new saxophone. She hooks everything back-up and checks to make sure everything was working right by playing a few cords on her Casio and on her new Hammond synthesizer.

She looks at her Keytar and tries it out. She’ll have to find some YouTube videos to show her how to play it. She did like the fact it made her look like a guitar player, except with a keyboard instead of strings.

Around noon time, Lindsey leaves the house to walk over towards the Smith’s house, which right behind her house. She could had jumped the fence separating her backyard from theirs, but it would had been improper. As she approaches the house, she could hear someone inside playing the drums. She stands and listens for a few minutes. Whoever, was playing wasn’t half bad. He wasn't in the league with Buddy Rich or Gene Krupa, but his playing was good.

Lindsey presses the doorbell and wait a few minutes for someone to answer. She tries the doorbell again and waits. She hears the drum playing stop and a few minutes later a tall short black hair teen answers the store. He stood a good foot and a half taller then her. He also looked like he lifted weights. His hazel eyes are what caught her attention the most.

Ian Smith had been practicing on his drums when he heard the doorbell ring. He missed playing with his friends in their garage band. They were finally starting to come together as a band, when his father got a promotion and he had to moved. He was so mad at his family for having
to move. He tucks his drum sticks in his back pocket and in his sweat soak muscle shirt heads downstairs to answer the front door.

When he opens the door, he notices a petite, short, long brown hair girl standing at the door. He had seen her a few times when he looked out his bedroom window into the backyard. She looked like an elementary student.

“What can I do for you?” Ian just wanted to get back upstairs and play some more on his drums.

“I’m Lindsey Sabberton, my foster mother asked me to drop these keys off.” Lindsey reaches in her purse and pull out the keys that were in there.

She hands them to Ian.

“Thank you.” Ian accepts the keys.

“That was pretty good drum playing. You might want to try a slower tempo though. The one you were beating out, is too fast for most people to follow.” Lindsey knew, even she would have a hard time keeping pace with him on her saxophone and with her synthesizer.

Ian stood their stun that this girl knew what tempo he was playing.

“Let me guess, you play the drums as well?” Ian was a little snotty.

“Actually, I play the saxophone and synthesizer. I play the saxophone in my school band and the synthesizer at home.” Lindsey didn’t see any harm telling this boy what instruments she played.

“Aren’t you a little too young to be in a band?” Ian couldn’t believe this young girl was in a school band.

“I’m in my high school band. The same one you’ll be going to. When Christmas vocation is over.” Lindsey wonders if he was going to join the band.

She knew they already had two drummers in the band. Neither one had his talent from what she heard. The guys they had, was barely able to keep the right tempo for them to follow.

“Well, thanks for the heads up. I need to get back to practice.” Ian wanted to get back to playing his drums.

“Okay, have fun.” Lindsey heads back home.

When she gets home, she does some practicing of her own on her saxophone and synthesizer.

Lindsey couldn’t believe how bad her classes were. The teachers were giving them a bunch of homework that was going to take hours to do. Her home economics class assignment was making a gown for the Spring dance. She knew she wasn’t going to it. Because no one has asked her. She couldn’t wait till this afternoon for her last class. She had band practice and the new guy she met was going to be coming to the class.

As she walks into class, she takes the second chair in the saxophone section. She wishes she could bring her keyboard or even her keytar.
She was getting good with it. She wanted to bring it here and play it in the band. She gets the music sheets out and set it on the stand. She prepares her new saxophone and wet the reed.

As she is preparing her saxophone. She spots the new boy she met over the Christmas holidays walking in and over towards the band teacher. She continues to watch as they talked. The band teacher motions for the other two drum players to come over. The four of them talked and once class began, the teacher introduces the new guy as Ian Smith.

Like the rest of the sections, they have a position playoff to see who was to be first position. Lindsey wasn’t surprised that Ian beat the other guys, because she heard him play. He had the same passion for music and the drums, like she did for her music and instruments.

Their teacher passes out new sheet music he wanted them to play. The annual school band competition was coming up and this year their school was going to take part in it. The music sheet her teacher was passing out, was one of the songs that was approve for the competition. Her teacher wanted them to learn the piece. The first time through, the band did okay. They were going to need practice with the piece. For the rest of the class they practice the new music. By the time class ended, her lips were sore from playing. She packs away her saxophone and head towards her locker to grab what school books she was going to need to take home to complete her assignments. As she was locking her locker.

One of the guys in her band class stops by her locker.

“Hey, Lindsey. Do you have a couple of minutes to talk?” Jamie has been wanting to talk to Lindsey.

He found out from his friend up at the music store. That Lindsey played the synthesizer. He was working in the back of the store the day her and her foster mother had stopped in. They had bought the Casio. He had heard her play it, before they purchased it.

“Sure, what’s up?” Lindsey normally took the school bus home in the afternoon.

“Do you really know how to play the synthesizer?”

“Yep, I can play the synthesizer, just like I can play the saxophone.” Lindsey was curious why Jamie would want to know if she could play the synthesizer.

“Cool. Look, me and my brother are putting a band together. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind stopping by and join us. That is if you’re not doing anything.” Jamie figures she might be a good addition to add with his brother and himself.

“Sure, I don’t mind. What day would you want me to stop by?” Jamie normally had her afternoons free.

“How about this weekend?” Jamie knew that him and his brother didn’t have anything they need to do this weekend.

“Okay, hey, do you guys have a drum player yet?” Lindsey was curious if the new guy would want to play with them.

“No not yet. The guy my brother was going to ask, hasn’t gotten back to us or come over.” Jamie really wanted to get this band going. There was a band contest coming up.

“You might want to talk to the new guy. I heard him play over the Christmas holidays. He’s pretty good.” Lindsey figures he might enjoy being in a band.

“I’ll talk with him. Look, here’s my cell number. Call me later.” Jamie hands Lindsey his cellphone number on a piece of notebook paper.

“Okay, thanks.” Lindsey watches as Jamie runs off towards the buses.

She heads for her own school bus. Normally, in the morning Barbara gives her a ride to school. She only catches the school bus home in the afternoon. She shares a seat with a girl that gets off before her. She was in tenth grade and played on the girl’s field hockey team. The guy sitting in the seat in front of her was gay. He was big time flaming about it. His boyfriend went to a different school.

Lindsey was the next to the last stop. The bus stop wasn’t too far from her house. As she approaches, she notices Barbara hasn’t gotten home yet. She fixes herself a snack and sets her backpack down at the dining room table. she walks into the living room and goes through Barbara’s record collection and chooses a few she wanted to listen too.

Once the record starts playing. She fixes herself a snack and sit down at the dining room table and start on her homework. Her cellphone beeps, letting her know she had a text. It was from her foster mother. She was going to stop at Taco Bell and she wanted to know what Lindsey wanted. Lindsey sends her what she wants and goes back to writing a report she had to turn in by the end of the week.

She knocked her math out in no time and double checked her answers. She doesn’t hear her foster mother when she comes in from the garage. Lindsey was to absorb in researching sources of information for her report.

Barbara walks in and hears the stereo playing Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit. It wasn’t from her CD collection, but from her husband’s old record collection. She walks into the dining room notices Lindsey hard at work. She had all her school books scatter about on the dining room table. Lindsey was busy typing away on her laptop.

“Are you home kiddo?” Barbara walks into the dining room and hang her purse off the back of a nearby chair.

Lindsey hears Barbara’s voice and looks up. She notices she was standing at the other end of the table with dinner in her hand.

“Sorry, Barbara. I was focused on this report that is due at the end of the week.”

“That’s okay. I got what you wanted from Taco Bell.” Barbara sits down in a chair near Lindsey.

She pulls out what Lindsey wanted and what she got for herself. She had gotten drinks for the two of them.

“So, how was school today?” As she takes a bite of her burrito.

“Ian Smith took fist chair in the percussion section. Our teacher gave us some new music to learn for the band competition he is entering us in this year. According to some of the other band members. They didn’t compete last year. So, this year our teacher and the principal decided to enter our school.” Lindsey never did find out why they didn’t compete last year.

“Anything else happen?”

“I was asked to come over to one of my schoolmate’s house on Saturday. Him and his brother want to start a band and invited me to come over and try out for it. He works up at the music store where you bought the Casio for me and heard me playing.” Lindsey takes a bite out of her taco.

“Do you want to go and try out?”

“I don’t know. I guess I could see how good they are and if they are serious.” Lindsey grabs another taco and put some sauce on it.

Lindsey and Barbara finish up dinner. A couple of hours later, she finishes her homework. She puts all her school stuff back in her backpack and takes it to her bedroom. She plays on her synthesizer for a while to relax and continue a piece she was working on. The new song was a pop-rock tune.

“Alright Lindsey, bed time.” Barbara sticks her head into Lindsey’s bedroom.

Lindsey looks up at Barbara “let me finish this last cord up, please.”

“Alright, you have fifteen minutes.”

“Thanks Barbara.” Lindsey goes back to work on the piece she was working on.

Once it sounded the way she wanted it too. She head into the bathroom and takes a bath before heading to bed.

Lindsey had asked Barbara to drop her off early at school. She wanted to speak with the band teacher and get his opinion about the song she had just finished. She had put it on a thumb drive so, he could listen to it when he had a moment.

She heads down to the band room to see if Mr. Simmons was in. She knocks on the door as she enters the band practice room.

“Mr. Simmons, are you in?” Lindsey looks around for her teacher.

“I’m in here Lindsey.” Mr. Simmons was doing an inventory of the instruments that needed to be taken to be restored or replaced.

Lindsey looks in the storage room and found her teacher checking instruments. She notices the instrument she turned back in was placed on the repair self.

“Did I damage my Sax, Mr. Simmons?” Lindsey was always careful and cleaned it after she used it.

“Oh, no. I’m sending it out for cleaning. You did a good job of maintaining it, but it's school policy to send return instruments out for cleaning. Some students don’t maintain their instruments as well as you do. What brings you in this early today?” Mr. Simmons liked Lindsey.

She could read sheet music and had a love for music. He had seen and heard it when she played. He had spotted her a few times when he went to the cafeteria to get his lunch, sitting with her eyes closed and tapping away to a beat in her head.

“I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind listening to a couple of songs I compose. They are mostly instrumental, but I think you’ll like them.” Lindsey holds out a thumb drive to him.

“What other instrument do you play Lindsey?” Mr. Simmons accepts the USB drive from Lindsey.

“The synthesizer. My foster mother bought me a Casio. I was given a Hammond SK2 synthesizer, a JamTec "Slim Daddy" Keytar and my new saxophone for Christmas. I’m still learning how to play my keytar properly.” Lindsey liked it and had downloaded many YouTube videos she could find on how to play one from the internet.

“Who is your music teacher, other than me?” Mr. Simmons was impressed that Linsey could play an additional instrument.

“No one, I go on YouTube and try to find videos on what instruments I am learning. I learned how to play the piano from the internet and from music books” Lindsey had to teach herself how to play.

“So, you're self-taught?”

“Yes, sir. Music just seems to come easily to me. I can see the music in my head and play it as I see it.” Lindsey had a smile on her face.

“Interesting. I’ll listen to what you got and give you my opinion about it.” Mr. Simmons was very interested to hear what Lindsey composed.

“Thank you, Mr. Simmons.” She turns and heads towards her first class.

The rest of the day things are as usual. Gym class this week was in the gym. They were doing indoors volleyball. The ground outside was still wet from the heavy rains they had. She was the last picked for a team.

During class, some of the girls on her team that didn’t like her, would push her or trip her. She wasn’t going to allow their slight bullying to bother her. One of the older girls in her class slams into her so hard, that she falls hard on her right knee.

Coach Jerkins had seen Christy Warren latterly push Lindsey aside, causing her to fall hard on her right knee. She blows the whistle to stop the game and walks over to check on Lindsey. She tries to help Lindsey stand up, but Lindsey couldn't without crying out in pain. She notices that Lindsey’s knee was starting to swell. It was already red and bruised.

“Let’s get you to the nurse.” Coach Jenkins helps Lindsey down to the nurse’s office.

Nurse Sumner looks up as Coach Jenkins brings one of her students into her office. She recognized the student as being Lindsey Sabberton.
She had been at the meeting the principal had held about her.

“What happened?” As she helps Coach Jenkins with Lindsey.

“It happened while she was playing volleyball.” Coach Jenkins wasn’t covering for Christy Warren.

She would handle Ms. Warren herself. She had nothing against Lindsey. She was a good student and tried hard to keep up with her classmates.

Lindsey was in too much pain from her injury to tell the nurse the truth. She had tears sliding down her face. She grits her teeth and as the nurse probed her knee.

Nurse Sumner probes Lindsey’s knee carefully. Just from what she was seeing and could tell without an x-ray machine. She thinks that Lindsey might have fractured her kneecap.

“She needs to go to the hospital. Her kneecap might be fractured and without an x-ray. I can’t be sure.” Nurse Sumner looks up at Coach Jenkins.

“Alright, I’ll call her mother. You go ahead and call the paramedics.” Coach Jenkins walks over to the nurse’s desk and calls the office to have them call Lindsey’s mother.

Barbara:
Barbara was at the office working on the paperwork of a house she had just sold. When she receives a phone call from Lindsey’s school.

“Hello, Mrs. Weathers. This is Carol Highstreets from Spring Hill High. I’m calling to inform you that Lindsey hurt her knee severely during gym class and is on her way to the hospital.”

“Do you know how bad the injury is?” Barbara was already gathering her stuff to head to the hospital.

“Nurse Sumner thinks she might have fractured it. She can’t be sure without an x-ray.” Nurse Sumner had given her best guess to Lindsey's injury.

“Is she being taken to Fairview General Hospital?” Barbara was up and out the door.

She drops a note off at the receptionist desk informing her where she was heading. She heads over to her car and unlocks it. She switches the call to her earpiece and starts driving towards the hospital.

"Thanks, Ms. Highstreets.” Barbara disconnects.

When Barbara pulls into the parking lot and head to the emergency entrance. She is taken to examination room 1 where she see’s Lindsey still in her gym clothes on the examination table. Barbara could already tell how bad Lindsey’s right knee was. It had swollen up to the size of a soccer ball.

Lindsey:
On the way to the hospital, the paramedics had straightened out her leg and immobilized it. They had given her a shot of morphine for the pain. She wasn’t feeling any pain at all right now.

Once they brought her into the emergency room. They had her fill out some paperwork till her mother could arrive. An emergency room doctor and a female nurse had come in and took her vitals They checked her knee. The Doctor on duty said she was going to need an x-ray done so they could see how bad the fracture was on her kneecap.

She had been waiting for about fifteen minutes when Barbara comes walking in with a nurse.

“How are you feeling Lindsey?” Barbara could tell Lindsey was a little scared.

“Scared.” Lindsey holds her hand out for Barbara.

Barbara holds her hand to try and calm her down. She could tell that Lindsey was trying to be brave.

“So, how was the rest of your classes today?” Barbara was trying to distract Lindsey.

“They were fine. I managed to talk with Mr. Simmons before my first class. I gave him a thumb drive with some songs I recorded to see what he thought about them.” Lindsey hadn't shared any of her music with Barbara yet.

“You know, I wouldn’t mind hearing what you have recorded.” Barbara felt a little hurt that Lindsey hadn’t shared her music with her.

“Really?” That had surprised Lindsey.

“Of course. I know how much you enjoy playing and making music. I would love to hear some of your work and give you some feedback on it.” Barbara squeezes Lindsey’s hand.

A female Doctor comes into the examination room and introduces herself as Dr. Sheilah Hollander. She has Lindsey taken to x-ray and have an x-ray of her knee taken. The x-ray showed that Lindsey had a Displaced fracture break that went across the kneecap. She was going to need surgery to pull the two pieces together, so they would heal properly.

It was 9:00 pm by the time Lindsey and Barbara got home. The doctor performed an open surgery and wired the kneecap back together. Lindsey was going to have physical therapy once her kneecap was completely healed. She wasn’t feeling anything from the pain pills they had given her.

Barbara was going to let her stay home from school tomorrow. She’ll go up to the school and get any assignments Lindsey will miss tomorrow.
She is going to work from home tomorrow and take care of Lindsey. She helps Lindsey to bed and tucks her in. She places a kiss on her forehead.

“Sleep, tight sweetie.” Barbara backs out of the bedroom and turns the light off.

Lindsey wakes-up the next day with her knee throbbing and swollen. She rings the little brass bell Barbara gave her last night before she was put to bed.

Barbara comes walking into Lindsey bedroom and could tell she was in pain just from the look on her face. The doctor had informed her for the first few days. That the bandages around Lindsey’s knee were going to need to be changed and that she will feel intense pain during that time.

She walks into Lindsey’s bedroom with everything she would need to change the bandages. She had a glass of water for the pain pill Lindsey was going to need.

“How are you feeling this morning sweetie?” Barbara sets the tray down on the bed.

“In pain.” Lindsey was gritting her teeth from the pain she was feeling from her knee.

She had tears sliding down her cheek from her eyes. Her knee didn’t feel this bad when she first hurt it. She just wanted the pain to stop.

“Take this pain pill your doctor prescribed for you.” Barbara hands Lindsey the pain pill and the glass of water.

Lindsey pops the pain pill in her mouth and drinks some water to help it go down. She hands the glass back to Barbara.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Barbara places the glass back on the tray.

She was going to wait till the pain pill kicked in, before changing Lindsey’s bandages. She does take a quick look at the bandages. After a few minutes of waiting, she notices Lindsey's eyes start to sag.

After a few minutes, Lindsey starts feeling sleepy from the pain pill. She tries to concentrate and force herself to stay awake, but she couldn’t. She was feeling less pain from her knee.

Barbara moves quickly changing Lindsey’s bandages. The bandage was soaked with blood as she carefully took it off and cleaned the area. The doctor said that for the first few days that Lindsey’s knee would bleed a lot while her knee started healing.

Once Barbara was done changing the bandages. She tucks Lindsey’s back into bed and walks out of her bedroom. The action the school took against Christy Warren for bullying Lindsey. Were harsher than the actions her parents had taken against her. Her parents had been called to the school and told about her actions. They were willing to cover Lindsey’s medical cost.

The school gave Christy a week of out of school suspension and a week of in-school suspension. She would be barred from joining any clubs for the rest of the school year and must maintain a 3.0-grade point average in all her classes.

What her parents did to her was worse. She was to stand on a street corner near the school during her suspension wearing a sign claiming to be a bully and serve community time. Her parents didn’t raise their daughter to be a bully and didn’t tolerate that type of action. Her personal devices like her cellphone and iPods would be taken from her. Any social interaction she had on the web would be monitored closely.

Barbara couldn’t believe it when she heard what they were making their daughter do. It was kind of embarrassing to a child’s ego to do what they were doing, but if Lindsey was the bullying type or stole something. She might use the same treatment.

Around noon, she checks on Lindsey and notices she was still out of it. She walks into her bedroom and checks on her. While she was gone to get Lindsey school assignments and her saxophone from her school locker. Lindsey must have woken up because she was cuddled up with her battered Serbian Husky plushy. Lindsey had told her that she has had that plushy since she was a baby. She called it Shadow and he has always been the one thing constant in her life.

Barbara notices Lindsey music notebook and looks through it. She flips through it and notices that Lindsey was a busy person writing songs. Some were completed, and others only had a few notes to them, while others were still being worked on. Lindsey had made side notes in the margins of what she was thinking about the piece or what category they would fall under and would sound better in.

Barbara looks down at Lindsey as she slept. She couldn’t believe how talented she was. She knew Lindsey was extremely smart and talented. She should had been in seventh grade but had been skipped to ninth grade and was taking AP courses in five of her eight subjects.

Barbara puts her music notebook back where she picked it up from and heads into the living room to finish some work. Around 2:00 pm. She hears Lindsey’s ring the brass bell. She gets up and heads into her bedroom.

When she walks in, she notices Lindsey sitting on the edge of her bed. She had the crutches near her.

“Need to go to the bathroom?” Barbara walks over to Lindsey.

“Yes, ma’am.” Lindsey still felt tired and sluggish.

“Here, let me help you.” Barbara helps Lindsey to stand up and carefully help her limp to the bathroom.

The doctor told her she couldn’t put any weight on her leg and had put a brace on her leg to immobilize it. Barbara carefully helps Lindsey to the bathroom and steps outside to give her some privacy.

“You okay in there, Lindsey?”

Lindsey was thankful she was sitting down to pee. She didn’t think she could have done it standing up.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m okay.” She was thankful she had gotten to the bathroom when she did. Her bladder was ready to burst.

She finishes up in the bathroom, using the sink for support. She opens the door and notices Barbara waiting for her.

“Are you hungry, kiddo?” Barbara figures Lindsey might be hungry.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Come on. Let’s get you into the living room and get you settled in. I’ll go fix us some lunch once your settle.” Barbara helps Lindsey to the sofa and prop up her leg.

Once Lindsey was nice and comfortable, Barbara heads into the kitchen and begins fixing them some lunch. Lindsey saw her backpack and saxophone sitting in the living room. She figures Barbara went up to her school to get her things while she was asleep.

She pulls her backpack up on her lap and pulls out an old mp3 player. She had acquired it before she came to live with Barbara. She had bought it at a thrift store and it still worked. It had some music already stored on it when she bought it.

The music was mostly, classical, country and some old-style blues. Most of the artist she had no idea who they were, but she liked what they played She pulls her cheap dollar store headphones out. She puts her backpack back down on the floor and listens to some music while Barbara makes them some lunch.

Barbara fixes them some chicken sandwiches for lunch with potato salad on the side. When she walks back into the living room, she spots Lindsey listening to some music. She had asked Lindsey what type of mp3 player she had. She knew it was an old one from the design of it.

Lindsey spots Barbara carrying a tray into the living room and shuts her mp3 player off. She sits up straighter, so she could eat without getting any on herself. She accepts the plate Barbara fixed for her.

“Here you go.” Barbara hands Lindsey her plate.

She pulls the living room table close to the sofa. That way Lindsey could set her plate on it if she wants to. She places her drink on the living room table after placing it on a coaster.

“Thank you.” Lindsey’s stomach growls when the scent of the chicken hits her nose.

“You’re welcome.” Barbara sits down next Lindsey.

The two of them eat their lunch. Barbara looks over towards Lindsey.

“I look through your music notebook. You’re talented. How long have you been writing music?”

“I started in fifth grade, but the different foster homes I was sent too. Some of them encouraged me to write, while others didn’t understand me.” Lindsey takes a bite of her sandwiches.

“It’s a shame the other foster families you went to didn’t see your potential. I think you do need to interact with other people. That way you’ll have a life outside of music.” Barbara has been thinking about it.

“What do you recommend?” Lindsey wouldn’t mind trying something else when her knee heals.

“Well, since your knee will still be a healing. I was going to recommend maybe ballet, dance or gymnastics. However, since you need time to heal. How about if I sign you up for swim lessons? I know you already take them at school, but this will give you a chance to exercise your legs as well.” Barbara knew a few people who taught swimming.

“Could I take singing lessons instead?” Lindsey thought that might help her.

“How about this? I’ll sign you up for both. I know a lady that teaches opera and gives singing lessons. You’ll like her.” Amanda was a good friend of Barbara’s.

“Can I still try out on Saturday?” Lindsey wanted to try out for the band.

“We’ll see how your knee is in a few days before I give you permission.” Barbara didn’t want Lindsey to hurt herself further.

They finished lunch and Lindsey just takes some Aleve for the pain in her knee. She stays in the living room with Barbara and works on a song in her notebook.

Lindsey stood in her bedroom looking at the dress she has on for the audition today. Jamie had called her last night to see how she was doing and to see if she was still coming over and auditioning on Saturday for the band. She had gotten permission from Barbara after the third day of
staying home. Her knee wasn’t hurting her as much as it did for the past two days. If she took it easy while auditioning, Barbara would allow her to go. She told Jamie she was going to need a stool to sit on while she played.

She did ask if he had a synthesizer or will she have to bring her own? He told her that she would have to bring hers. So, she had her Casio packed up and was taking the small speaker to go with it. The speaker was the one that she got as a Christmas present with her other synthesizer.

She knew Ian was going to be trying out at the same time she was. He had stopped over after school on her second day home to see how she was. He had heard what happened to her and what happened to Christy Warren. He felt that her punishment from the school was a little light, but she informed him that she won’t be able to join any after school activities. He also thanks her for suggesting to Jamie to invite him to try out.

“Come on sweetheart. You’re going to be late if we don’t leave now.” Barbara sticks her head into Lindsey’s bedroom to see if she was ready yet.

She couldn’t believe how cute Lindsey looked in the dress she had on. She was wearing a pair of flats, till she got the okay from her doctor about wearing heels. The brace she had on, prevented her from bending her knee.

“You look cute, Lindsey.” Barbara takes her cell phone and snaps a picture of Lindsey.

“Thanks.” She blushes at Barbara’s comment.

Barbara snaps another one and put her cell phone away. She grabs Lindsey’s backpack and helps Lindsey out to the car. Lindsey grits her teeth as she gets into the car and unlocks the brace, so she could sit down on the seat.

“So, how long do you think you’ll be, Lindsey?” Barbara had spoken with Jamie’s parents.

Jamie and his brother Terry were 15yrs. old and 17yrs. old. Where Lindsey was only 12yrs. old. Terry was a senior and was about to graduate. Jamie was a junior in high school. However, the boys wanted to start their own garage band and only knew a handful of people who played.

When Barbara arrives at Jamie’s house. Ian was already there and had just finished his audition. Lindsey had caught the last bit of what he played, and he sounded good. Ian was staying around to hear how Lindsey played and to help her set her gear up.

A bar stool had been brought out of the house for Lindsey to use. She checks her synthesizer and adjusts the speaker settings. She plays a quick scale and it sounded on key.

Terry looks at Lindsey. His brother had told him about her and how well she played the saxophone at school. He also had informed him how well she sounded when her foster mother bought her the Casio they had on sale. The same one she brought with her.

“You ready, Lindsey?” Jamie looks at her.

He and his brother were going to let her start and then jump in to see how she blended with them. They had asked Ian to play the drums when they do this since they liked the way he played.

“I’m ready.” Lindsey starts playing the piece she was asked to play.

She knew the song Won't Get Fooled Again by the Who well. She starts off playing the intro to it and as she continued to play the piece, Terry and Jami jump in, followed by Ian on the drums. She could hear that Terry was an off on some of his cords and so was Jami. Ian was a little fast in certain parts of the song. As for her, she was on key and her timing was perfect. She continued to play till they got to the end of the song.

There were clapping noises coming from the doorway from Barbara and Jami’s mother. They had come out to see how Lindsey and the boys were doing. When they heard them playing a song from the Who. They had stayed to listen and loved what they heard.

“Dam! You are good Lindsey.” Terry had been impressed with Lindsey’s playing.

“Watch your language, Terry.” Carol didn’t like for her sons to use profanity around the house.

“Sorry, mom.” Terry had looked towards his mother when she called him on his language.

“Thanks. You guys weren’t half bad.” She smiles at all three guys.

Ian was curious “what did you hear, Lindsey?”

Lindsey wasn’t sure if she should say something or not.

“Come on Lindsey, we’re not going to bite your head off.” Terry was curious and so was Barbara and Carol.

“Well, you and Jami were off on some of the cords and for you Ian. You rushed the tempo at certain times. Instead of keeping it sounding like this.” Lindsey plays the tempo on her synthesizer.

“You played it like this.” Lindsey plays the tempo the way Ian played the piece.

He just looks at her. He couldn’t believe she had picked up on his tempo changed. He smiles at her.

“You heard all that?” Both Carol and Barbara were impressed.

“Yes, ma’am.” Lindsey heard all of what she pointed out to the guys.

“Man, you are good. Out of all the people we have asked to join our band. You are the first that has impressed us. So, would you and Ian like
to join our band?” Terry and Jami look at Ian and Lindsey.

“What type of music are we going to play?” Ian was curious.

“I thought we would do some classic rock and then some of our own music.” Jami had a bunch of music he had written that he thought the band could play. He knew his brother did as well.

Ian looks towards Lindsey “I’m game.”

Lindsey looks towards Barbara “can I, please?”

Barbara stands there and thinks about it. She looks at the guys and wonders if a 12yr old will be safe with them.

“Only on a few conditions. You don’t let your schoolwork slip and you carry through with what we talk about.” Barbara really did want Lindsey to have a life outside of music.

Lindsey walks over “I promise.” She hugs Barbara.

Barbara returns the hug.

“Well, I guess you guys are a band now. I think before you take any gigs. You should practice together as a single unit. Plus, you’ll need a name for your band.” Carol looks at all of them.

“How long should we practice and how often?” Terry wasn’t sure.

“Well, individually you guys should be practicing every day you come home from school two to three hours or more a day. However, you need to spend time doing none musical things as well. As a group, you should practice two times a week for 3-4 hours.” Barbara knew someone that uses to be in a band.

That was before he started to use drugs. One night he ended up in a car accident damaging his hands and seriously injuring the person he hit. After he got out of jail, he started working as a freelance disc jockey.

“Mom, can we still use the garage?” Terry knows they need to get their own studio to practice, but they were just starting off.

Carol looks towards Lindsey and then towards her mother, Barbara.

“I don’t see why you can’t. However, once you guys start making money. You should think about having your own practice studio.”

“We will mom, Thanks.” Terry gives his mom a hug.

“Ian, why don’t you call your parents and let them know we bring you home.” Barbara figures since Ian lives right behind them. They could take him home.

“Thanks, Mrs. Weathers.” Ian calls his mother and informs her, he was catching a ride with Lindsey’s mom.

Ian helps Lindsey with taking her synthesizer down and putting everything in the car. He also helps her to the car. She sits in the back, so she could stretch out her leg on the back seat.

Barbara swings by a McDonalds and treats Ian and Lindsey to lunch. Barbara drops Ian off first.

“Thanks for lunch and the ride, Mrs. Weather.” Ian walks up to his front door.

“Thanks ma, for letting me audition for the band and giving Ian a ride home.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.” Barbara pulls into the driveway and helps Lindsey out of the car.

Barbara helps Lindsey to unload her Casio and speaker. Barbara helps Lindsey set her synthesizer and speaker up in the spare room that
Lindsey uses to play her instruments.

“Thanks.” Lindsey’s knee aches some.

She pulls a bottle of aspirins from her backpack and pops a few in her mouth. She didn’t like taking the pain pills the doctor gave her. She woke-up because of a nightmare. When she looked around her bedroom, she thought she was seeing monsters. The pain medicine was playing tricks with her mind and she thought she was seeing the shape in the shadows. Even the stuff animals and Barbie dolls Barbara had given her, scared her.

For the rest of the day, she practices on her saxophone and records some new music. While she is playing her synthesizer. She thinks about the guitars Terry and Jami were playing. If she was going to write music, maybe she should learn how to play guitar so she could write music for it. She’ll talk with Barbara about maybe getting a cheap one to use.

She goes back to practicing.

Lindsey couldn’t believe her foster mother was willing to buy her a guitar. She bought her an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro electric guitar, it was alpine white color. Her schedule was busy during the week and on the weekend. She was taking vocal lessons, swimming lessons, and practicing with all her instruments. She was writing music and practicing for four to five hours on the weekend. Plus, on top of all that, was her homework for her advanced classes.

She had the band competition coming up in the next few weeks. They made a couple of music videos playing some of their own written music and got a mediocre response from the videos. The critics were on everyone’s playing and music. One of the comments was that their band had a twelve-year-old keyboard player. That they must be desperate to recruit someone so young to play.

The comments didn’t bother her. She was getting comments in school as well. A lot of the older students couldn’t understand how a twelve-year-old could be in high school. As for the music they played, most of the comments had been directed towards what Terry and Jami had written. The music she wrote wasn’t too bad, and neither was Ian’s. Some of Terry’s and Jami’s music sounded like another artist music.

There was some similarity to another artist they stole from, but it was their music. It could use some tweaking, but if they had done it before they posted the music video. The comments might have been better. Lindsey concentrates on her school work.

“Lindsey, Lindsey, wake-up baby or you're going to be late for school.” Lindsey felt her shoulder being shaking gently.

Lindsey looks up and tries to figure out where she was. It takes her a few minutes to realized she had fallen asleep and was at the dining room table. She had burned the midnight oil finishing up her homework. She gets up and rushes to the bathroom to get ready for school. She rushes to her bedroom and gets dress. She grabs her saxophone and rushes back into the dining room to grab her school books.

Barbara was heating up a couple of refrigerated sausage biscuits for Lindsey to take with her. She could eat them on her way to class. They head out towards her school.

“Lindsey, you're burning the candle at both ends again. You need to manage your time better.” Barbara glances at Lindsey as she munches on a biscuit.

“I know mom. I stayed up learning more about my guitar. The lessons took longer than I thought. I took my guitar apart and was learning how to restring it and tune it properly.” Lindsey has some of the basic beginner cords and songs down.

She could play them on the guitar, her synthesizer, and her saxophone. She covers up a yawn as Barbara drops her off at school.

“Have a good day, sweetheart.” Barbara watches as Lindsey gets out and heads into the school.

Lindsey makes her way towards her first class. She hobbles in and takes her seat. She has gotten used to hobbling along with her kneecap still healing. As she is sitting in class a student comes in and talks with her teacher.

Her teacher turns around and looks at Lindsey “Lindsey, your needed down at the office. Take your backpack with you.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Lindsey picks her things up and heads towards the office.

When she arrives up at the office. Lindsey notices her mother’s co-worker Stephanie Warner was waiting for her.

“Lindsey, your mother was involved in a car accident. She’s in serious condition, do you have all your school books and your saxophone?” Stephanie looks at Lindsey as she comes hobbling in.

“Yes, ma’am. How bad is Barbara?” As Lindsey follows Stephanie out of the school and down to the parking lot.

“She’s being rush to the emergency surgery right now.” Stephanie starts the car and drives them towards the hospital.

Lindsey had tears streaming down her cheeks as Stephanie takes her to the hospital. Lindsey leaves her books and Sax in the car. She follows Stephanie towards the waiting room. Barbara was still be operating on.

Stephanie comforts Lindsey while her foster mother was being operated on. They sit for hours as Barbara was being operated on. Lindsey wonders how bad her foster mother was. No one besides Stephanie has told her anything.

After four hours, a doctor finally comes out. He spots Stephine and Lindsey and walks over towards the two of them.

“Mrs. O’Rourke, your friend is going to live. We managed to stop the bleeding and she is going to pull through. We’re going have to keep her here for a few days before we can release her.”

“Oh, thank god.” Stephine was happy her friend was going to be okay.

“What happened to my mother?” Lindsey looks at the doctor.

“Your mother had a rebar that went through her windshield and straight into the shoulder, nicking one of her main arteries. She sustained neck and head injuries from the impact of the accident.” Doctor Hawking was looking at Lindsey when he spoke to her.

“Can we see her?” Lindsey wanted to see Barbara make sure she was okay.

“She’s resting right now. You’ll be able to see her tomorrow.” Doctor Hawking knew she was still out from the operation.

“Doctor, I want to see my foster mother. I promise I bother her.” Lindsey didn’t want to lose Barbara. She’s been the only foster parent who has shown any interest in her.

“Okay, come with me.” Doctor Hawking escorts Lindsey and Stephine to where Barbara was resting.

Lindsey walks over to Barbara and holds her hand. She doesn’t want to lose her foster mother. Barbara has been the best foster mother she
has had so far. She and Barbara had been talking about adopting her. She places a kiss on Barbara’s cheek.

“Please get better mom.” She hugs her.

Stephine takes her to her house, after stopping by home to get a change of clothes.

Lindsey was happy that her foster mother’s injuries weren’t as serious she had imaged. Barbara was back home taking it easy. She had spent three days in the hospital. The construction truck that had caused the accident. Barbara’s lawyer was suing them. The driver had been texting while he was driving and wasn’t paying attention to what was going on around him.

The lawyer Barbara had hired, was the same lawyer that handles all the legal matter for the real estate firm. He was handling the lawsuit against the construction company and the driver. Barbara was working from home, while Lindsey was at school.

The band practice on the weekend was going well. Each of them was blending beautifully with their sound and music. She wrote a few songs for the band that they liked. Terry had gotten them their first gig at a social event that was taking place in two weeks. So, they were putting in extra hours in to practice for it.

She and Ian were practicing together during the week when she didn’t have the vocal training or swimming lessons. She would record their jam session and give him a copy. She also gets his permissions before she does anything with the recordings.

Her guitar playing was getting better. Terry and Jamie had made a few suggestions when she brought her guitar to practice one day. They had her play and corrected a few things she was doing. They suggested that if she wants to play rhythm guitar, that they should get another player that could play her synthesizer or could play rhythm guitar as well.

Lindsey suggested that she would stay on the keyboard but having a person who could bounce between the two was a good idea. Because a few songs she wrote included her saxophone as well. Her singing was improving and when she added her voice to Terry, Jamie, and Ian. They sounded extremely good.

One day while Lindsey was at band practice “Lindsey, could you stay after practice for a few minutes, please? I won’t keep you long.”

“Yes, sir.” Lindsey was curious why Mr. Simmons wanted her to stay after class.

When class ends. She puts her saxophone away and walks over to Mr. Simmons desk.

“Lindsey, the drama club is going to be putting on a show for the school and the music they want us to play. It requires a piano. I know you play the synthesizer and you play it nicely. Would you mind playing the piano for the drama club during their practices and their performances?” Mr. Simmons knew a few other students he could ask, but they didn’t have Lindsey’s talent.

Lindsey wouldn’t mind doing it, but she already had things on her plate.

“What days do they practice Mr. Simmons?”

“They practice on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Morning for four hours.”

Tuesdays, Lindsey had vocal lessons. She had her swimming lessons on Thursday after school and band practice on Saturday afternoon and sometimes Sunday as well. On top of that, she spends two to three hours a day practicing her instruments.

“I’ll have to get the okay from my mother, but I don’t see why I can’t Mr. Simmons.”

“That’s all I can ask, Lindsey. Now, you go and catch your bus.” Mr. Simmons watches as Lindsey head towards the front of the school.

He was still waiting to hear back from his friend who he had shared Lindsey’s music with. He had listened to her playing and was impressed with it. She had blended her saxophone and synthesizer together and produces a nice easy listening melody. His friend was the director of the Columbia orchestrate.

As Lindsey walks through the door at home. She spots her mother sitting on the sofa with the coffee table covered in forms and faxes. The fax machine had been set-up on the end table, so Barbara could get to it easily while she was on the cellphone.

“Hi, mom.” Lindsey walks in and gives her mother a hug.

Barbara returns the hug “how was school today?”

“It was alright. The bullies didn’t bother me today. Oh, Mr. Simmons asked me if I wouldn’t mind playing the piano for the drama club during their practices and when they perform.”

“Do you want to and how often would you need to stay after school to play for them?” Barbara was curious about how much Lindsey would be stretching herself.

“They meet three times during the week. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Morning for four hours. Band practice isn’t till later in the
afternoon.”

Barbara looks at Lindsey and knew she loved playing music, plus she would be meeting other students her age in the drama club. She also knew it might cut into her school work and practice time.

“I have no problem if you want to do this. However, you can’t let your school work slip either. Also, remember you have your band practice and that function coming up. Have you guys talked about how you are going to be dress for that?”

“No, ma’am. I’ll bring it up this weekend with Terry and Jamie.” Lindsey didn’t know what the boys had in mind.

“Alright, you may join the drama club and play for them. However, if you feel you're overextending yourself, please let me know.” Barbara would allow Lindsey to play for the drama club.

“Thank you, mom.” Lindsey hugs Barbara.

“You’re a welcome, sweetheart. What would you like for dinner tonight?” Barbara was about to stand up and head into the kitchen to make dinner.

“I’ll cook tonight mom.” Lindsey takes her backpack and drops it off in her bedroom.

She heads into the kitchen and starts pulling items out to make tacos for dinner. She places the frozen hamburger in a plastic bag and submerges it in cold water. She chops the lettuce, some onions, and tomatoes up. She shreds some cheese for the tacos.

As she is working in the kitchen, she plays the recordings of the music her band had played. She notices there were a few places where they could change the notes to make it sound better. She makes a mental note to try it later. As she is dancing to one of their tunes, her cellphone stops playing music and rings instead.

She picks it up and notices it was Terry’s number “Hi Terry, what’s up?”

“Hey Lindsey, remember what we talked about having another person who can play the synthesizer, so you can play rhythm guitar or your saxophone or vice versa?”

“I remember. Did you find someone?” Lindsey didn’t think they were going to do it.

“Yes, he’s a guy that Jamie knows that drops into the store occasionally. The last band he was in broke up. He’s looking for another one to join.
I asked him to come to practice on Saturday. Do you think you can come over a little earlier and see how he sounds?” Terry trusted Lindsey’s judgment. She’s been a big help to their band.

“Sure, it’s my mom’s turn to bring me and Ian. I’ll let Ian know if that’s okay?”

“It’s fine. I’ll see you on Saturday.”

“Okay, bye.” Lindsey ends the call.

She goes back to listening to music while she continues to get dinner ready. She wonders what musical the drama club was putting on that they needed a piano player. She checks the hamburger to see if it was defrosted yet. It was partially defrosted. Since the meat was the last thing she needed to cook. She heads back into the living room to ask her mother to drop her off early on Saturday.

Lindsey, Terry, Jamie, Ian and the new guy Dan were all sitting around Terry and Jamie’s dining room table. Dan had done well in the interview and was asked to join the group. He would switch out with Lindsey when she needed to change musical instruments.

“So, what name are we going by/calling ourselves and where is the gig?” Lindsey was curious because Terry was the one to arrange this gig.

Terry takes a deep breathe before he speaks “were registered as Dusty Gasket and the gig we are playing at, is a Steampunk convention. They had a band cancel and needed to fill the spot. I accepted the gig for us.”

Lindsey tries to remember what genre steampunk music was. She uses her cellphone to look it up and finds a few examples of the music. As she listens to a few examples while the guys talked about other things. She mentally goes through her list of music they have composed and rehearse. They only had four songs they could use.

“Guys, we have a problem. We only have four songs we can use for this performance. Most of our music is constructed towards pop rock or soft rock. I know we have some hard rock and country pop songs, but we only have four songs that sort of fit into the steampunk genre.”
Lindsey looks at all the guys.

“How much of a hassle, will it be to convert some of our songs over to steampunk?”

“Not much work. Just a little rewrite. We have four, maybe five songs we can do that too. The others would require a major rewrite and we would have to practice them. We only have until next weekend to have our songs ready.”

“Which of our songs would only need a few tweaks to them?” Terry needed to know.

“Gypsy Wisp, Dragon Woman, Black Clouds Blowing, Atomic Storm, Love the Dust” Lindsey knew she could change a few cords for the guitar
players. She could add a little more keyboard and drums.

“So, that gives us a total of nine songs?” Terry looks at Lindsey since she was the major songwriter among them.

“That’s about right. I have a few more that I have been playing with, but they aren’t ready yet.” Lindsey had four more she has been working on during the week.

“What are they?” Jamie was curious now.

“Electric Blues, Hammer and Anvil, Drum Storm, and Hollow Cat. Drum Storm is heavy on drum solos. Hammer and Anvil are heavy on Bass and Keyboard playing. Electric Blues is mostly for all the guitars, starting with Jamie and ending with Terry. Now, that we have Dan. He can do the rhythm guitar in the song. Each instrument has their own cords in it, that sounds like an electric storm.” Lindsey was having fun with it.

“So, that will give us a total of twelve songs? Do you think you could have them finishes by Wednesday and send a copy to all of us to play?” Terry really needed to hear those other songs. He liked what Lindsey has told him so far.

“I'll try to have the rewrites to you by Wednesday.I do have a question. Why am I the only one rewriting the songs?” Lindsey thought they were going to help.

“Because you wrote most of the songs. You know how to adjust them to make them sound more like the genre were playing in, then any of us would.” Terry looks at Lindsey with pleading eyes.

Lindsey sighs and mentally go over her list of things she needs to do. She knew she could move a few things around and try to get as much of her homework done at school.

“I might be able to have the unfinished songs by Thursday, Terry. There’s no way I can get them done any sooner.”

“Thanks, Lindsey. I’m sorry for putting you in this situation. As for our performance costumes. I figure since it’s a Steampunk convention, that we all could wear costumes of that genre. Most of the costumes we can either make from what we have around the house or go to party city.
The costumes aren’t that expensive.” Terry had done some research on the cost for them.

“Okay, we have the name down, the costumes down and the music as well. However, we have one major problem. How are we getting there and the equipment we are going to take with us, other than our instruments?” Lindsey was curious about that.

“If you guys can cover the gas, we can use my SUV and rent a trailer to pack all our instruments in. Also, I know a part-time DJ, that can handle our soundboard.” Dan has done this with his other band.

“Do you know if he will come?”

“I don’t see why he wouldn’t. He owes me a favor.” Dan had done a favor for him.

“If he doesn’t I know someone from the music store that can do it.” Jamie knew a girl at the store that was a real whiz.

“That still leaves a few things we will need. I was thinking if we want to make some money for the band, we could have a stall and sell CD’s, Shirts, and things along that nature.” Terry had done some research and was going to see if they could make some money as well.

“How are we supposed to afford this and what music are we putting on the CD’s?” Ian was curious about this.

“I was thinking maybe asking the companies our parents work for, to sponsor us. I know my dad has said he would front us some money. His company said they would match what he gives us.” Terry had gone to his father asking if he would invest in them.

His father said yes and had gone to his boss to see if they would sponsor the band. The owner had promised to match what he was willing to spend on his kid’s band. So, they had come up with a contract between his father and the owner.

“Who’s doing the artwork for the CD’s?” Lindsey didn’t know anyone, but maybe the instructor who was handling the drama club might.

“An artist I found online said he would do it and copyright it, just for us.” Jamie knew a person online that was good.

“You never said what music we are putting on the CD.” Ian looks directly at Terry since he was acting as their leader.

“The songs we do at the convention. We can record it before we go and sell the CD.”

“So, that means I need to have the music finish by Thursday, so we can practice and record it Saturday. So, we can send it off to be burned on CD’s?” Lindsey just shakes her head.

Terry could see the frustration on Lindsey’s face. He felt sorry that he was putting all their music on her.

“Lindsey, I’m sorry for doing all this to you. Next time I promise to be better prepared and more organized.”

“Maybe we should find someone to be our manager?” Lindsey was thinking that maybe someone could handle most of the arrangements.

“I know someone. She’s going to school to be a paralegal and could handle all our legal problems as well.” Dan’s older sister would be perfect for this.

“Alright, let's practice some of these that need adjusting first. Then hear what you got for us so far.” Terry gets everyone a drink before heading out to practice.

The practice runs longer than normal because of some of the changes to the music. Also, she plays what she has for the new songs. They play around with some of the lyrics and adjust the cords to the music. Lindsey made sure to send a text to her mother letting her know what was going on.

Instead of playing for four hours like they normally do. They stay and works things out till almost 8’o clock at night. Terry and Jamie’s parents order dinner for the group.

When Barbara comes to pick Ian and Lindsey up. Lindsey tells her everything that they talked about, including looking for sponsors for the band.

“Me and my partners will sponsor the band, Lindsey. As for your costumes, we can go out tomorrow and see what we can find. Your welcome to come with us, Ian.” Barbara looks in the rearview mirror at him.

“Thanks, Mrs. Weathers, I’ll let my mother know.” Ian didn’t mind spending the day with Lindsey and her mother.

Barbara drops Ian off first. Ian had gotten a second drum set from helping his father. He kept the newer set over at Terry’s place. Lindsey carried her musical instruments back and forth with her. Jamie had hooked her up with some traded in speakers for her gear. A guy had come into the music store and upgraded to a newer set of speakers, so Jamie had gotten a discount on the trade-ins. This way, Lindsey didn’t have to transport her speakers all the time.

On Sunday they pick-up Ian at 9’o clock and go out shopping for their performance costume. They do Ian first, since men were easier to find than women. Barbara had done some internet searching after Lindsey had gone to bed for idea’s and found a few she liked. They decide for Ian to go shirtless with a strange top hat, leather pants and overcoat or shirtless with goggles, leather pants, and no overcoat.

They find a cute outfit for Lindsey at party city. Barbara was thinking after they bought it, she would talk to a person she knew that owns a tailor shop. She could have a few different ones made in different colors for her.

For the next two weeks, Lindsey is busy redoing the music and finishing up the new stuff, so they can practice it. She meets with the drama teacher and is given the music that she was going to need to play. She plays the first piece of music and it sounded fine on the piano. But it would sound better coming from her synthesizer.

She also meets all the people in the drama club. She does ask the drama teacher if she knows of a person who could do the graphics for their CD cover. So, far they haven’t heard back from the artist that Jamie knew on the internet.

The teacher calls over a student named Kaja. She oversaw set construction and design in the drama club.

“Hey Kaja, I’m Lindsey and I’m in a band called Dusty Gasket. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind designing our CD cover and logo we could put on t-shirts?”

Kaja had heard their teacher talk about getting a person to play the piano for their play. She has seen Lindsey around the school and was nice to people. She wonders if they were willing to pay for the design?

“Would your band pay for the design, if I came up with one for you?” Kaja wouldn’t mind earning a few dollars for a new graphics software she wants to buy.

“If they don’t, I will.” Lindsey could get the money from the donation her mother’s company was giving them.

“Okay, I’ll do it for you. When do you need it?”

“In a few days. Is that too short for you?” Lindsey wanted to have something to take to the guys.

“I can have an idea for you by Thursday.”

“Great. Just let me know how much it will cost.” Lindsey will send an email to the guys informing them.

On Thursday, Kaja shows her a few ideas she came up with for their logo and a picture they could put on their t-shirts. She had given Kaja a sample of their music and she created a CD cover for the band as well.

She sends the picture to Terry and since Jamie hadn’t heard back from his source and their time was getting short. They go with Kaja’s pictures, because her pictures were inspiring.

Barbara has a photographer that takes pictures of the homes and property they sold. She hires him to take the band’s picture while in costume.They do group one and then individual ones.

By the time the Friday before the gig arrived.They pack up the trailer with all their gear and arrange to meet at Terry and Jamie’s house. Both of Terry’s parents were coming with them and so was Barbara. The adults had gotten into character with wearing the same clothes they were performing in.

Lindsey rode with her bandmates and their sound engineer. Dan’s friend Troy had come through on his promise to handle their soundboard. He was traveling with them. He had listened to their music and made a few suggestions that Lindsey made notes of.

Dan’s older sister Brenda jumped at the chance to be the band’s manager. She had registered their band name and copyrighted all their music so far. She had taken over the merchandise the band wanted to sell or have made. She handled the money they got from her parents and from the realty company Barbara was a partner of.

She was riding with her parents and Barbara. Barbara was riding with Terry’s and Jami’s parents. Ian’s mother had come along as well and joined the other parents.

Kaja had asked to come along and was riding with the band. She would mind their stall. She wanted to see if maybe she could drum up some business for herself or get some ideas on what Steampunk people like.

Dan’s sister Brenda was going to see if she could talk with people at the convention to get more venues for the band. Maybe talk with the organizers of the convention to see if there are more possibilities for the band to play.

The ride to where the convention was taking place, took about an hour. Since, all the band members were under the age of 18yrs old, except Dan’s sister Brenda. They needed to have an adult present.

They are told where to park and unload their gear. They are assigned a time slot for them to do a sound check and when they are to appear on stage. They were listed as third in line to appear. Since they were a new band, they had twenty minutes to play their songs.

That shocked Lindsey and the other members. She looks towards Terry since he was acting as the leader of the band.

“Which songs do you want to play?” That would tell Lindsey if she needed to unpack her Sax and guitar.

Terry looks back towards Lindsey “which songs do you think will be our strongest?”

“Gypsy Wisp, Love the Dust, Electric Blues, Drum Storm would be our best bet. Start with Gypsy Wisp, then go with Electric Blues, Love the Dust and finally Drum Storm where Ian can cut loose and end us on a high note.” Lindsey figures those songs would fill the twenty-minute slot and give the crowd an idea of their playing.

“Okay, let’s go with that set-up.” Terry knew the tempo of the songs would show how they play.

Barbara comes over to see how Lindsey was doing. The guys had helped her set her synthesizer and speakers up because of her knee. It was doing better, but she still had a few more weeks before they were going to go in and remove the hardware.

Lindsey notices Barbara coming over towards her. She could tell Barbara was a little concern about her.

“How are you holding up, kiddo?”

“Scared, I’ve never stood in front of a lot of people before and performed.” Lindsey felt like she wanted to throw-up.

“I know how you feel. I felt the same way when I first step foot on stage and performed with my dance class.”

That got Lindsey’s attention “you use to dance?”

“Yep, when I was you’re age. I took ballet, tap, and modern dance. We used to put on a show every year.”

“How did you overcome your fear?” Lindsey really wanted to know.

“I block them out and did my routine. Just concentrate on your music and let it fill you. Don’t worry about the crowd. Just do what you do best and play.” Barbara hugs Lindsey.

“Thanks, mom.” Lindsey returns the hug.

They stay like that for a while. Barbara releases Lindsey and holds her at arm’s length.

“Go and have fun on stage.”

Lindsey goes and does a sound check with her bandmates. She watches as Shannon; Dan’s DJ friend makes an adjustment to their soundboard. He comes over and adjusts the speaker settings. He checks everyone’s stomp boxes and has them do a second run. By the third try, he has everyone sounding perfect.

They mingle with other bands and learn a few things about them. They learned that if they want to get their name out there, that they should do a few music videos. The band finds out that a few places were looking for new bands to play at their places and were willing to pay good money.

While they waited backstage for their turn to go on. They listen to the songs that were being played. Some of them were their style, while a few weren’t. She also learned that there was a long list of different Steampunk genre’s they could play in.

When it was their turn to perform. They take their positions and start off slow with the Gypsy Wisp and build up to the main chorus of the song. Lindsey concentrates on playing the synthesizer and singing the vocals for the song.

As soon as Gypsy Wisp is finished, they slide right into Love the Dust. That song has more energy to it and tells a sad story of the Earth turned into a dust bowl. The crowd had responded so well to their songs. Once they were finished with Love the Dust, comes Electric Blues. It goes over extremely well with the crowd. Dan, Terry, and Jamie playing the cords that sounded like an electric storm was going off on stage. At the end of it, the crowd was energized from the guitar work from all three players.

When they start playing Drum Storm, Ian steals the stage with his playing. The energy Lindsey felt earlier during Gypsy Wisp and Electric Blues, was twice as strong as Ian played. The whole entire time the energy kept building and when they came to the end. The crowd exploded in applause. All of them had sweat sliding down their bodies. She looks over towards Ian and he was soaked in sweat.

“ONE MORE SONG! ONE MORE SONG!”

Lindsey looks over towards the stage manager and he nods his head yes to her unspoken question. He was giving them the go-ahead to play one more song.

“Hammer and Anvil.”

“Gotcha”

Jamie starts with his bass and after he plays for a few minutes, Lindsey jumps in with her synthesizer. At certain points in the song, it sounds like a hammer striking an anvil. Lindsey glances towards the crowd to see what they thought of the music. She notices they were memorized by their song.They get to the end of it and the crowd breaks into a loud applause.

They were about to chant again, but Terry stops them before they could get started. Terry had glance towards the stage manager and they couldn’t allow them to continue.

“We have a CD with all the music we just played at our stall for sale.”

“DUSTY GASKET, DUSTY GASKET, DUSTY GASKET!”

Lindsey loved hearing their bands name being chanted as they broke their gear down and left the stage. Lindsey grabs an ice-cold water and drinks it. She wanted to pour it on her head, but she didn’t feel like redoing her eyeliner and mascara. All the guys surrounding her were sweating like pigs.

“You kids did great.” All four parents surround the kids and give them hugs.

Brenda comes walking over to them, while they were packing up their gear. She had a pleasant look on her face as she approaches them.

“You guys won’t believe this, but I just had four different owners of Steampunk theme restaurants approach me, asking if you guys wouldn’t mind playing on the weekend for them.”

All the members look at each other. They wouldn’t mind doing it.

“Before you guys and gals make a decision. Let’s find out what they are willing to pay and get a contract drawn up. Also, as you know, Lindsey has other responsibilities as well. So, let’s talk about this first and as a group decides.” David looks at all of them.

“Your father is right, Terry. We need to discuss this and have contracts drawn up. I’ll handle that part, but as a group, we need to talk about it.”
Brenda knew things might be complicated because all the members, besides her brother, were underage.

“Alright, let's talk about everything. How well did the stall do?” Terry was curious.

“I’ll check on that, you guys need to go out and sign autographs.” Brenda hands several sharpies to the group.

Dusty Gasket Stall:
Kaja was bored watching the stall. She had a few sales, but nothing big. Which gave her a chance to talk with some of the other vendors. She found out anything dealing with old-style Victorian gadgets or wear were hot items at these conventions. She knew a few artists at school that could make some money selling their old gadgets and art.

It didn’t start to get busy till after the group went on. Out of the two hundred CD’s they made to sell. She sold all but twenty of them. The T-shirts and other odds and ends were nearly sold out. She was asked if the band was going to make a second album and how to get in touch with them.

Kaja notices Brenda walking over to her. As she gets closer to the stall.

“How are sales going?”

“Slow at first, but after the band went on. We got swamp by people buying a lot of our items. I got about twenty CD’s left, a few shirts,a few key-chain USB drives, and bumper stickers left.”

“Wow!” Brenda couldn’t believe they had sold a lot of the items. I’ve had a few people sign-up that want their second CD if they make one.”

“I’ll let Lindsey know. She writes most of the band’s music.”

The band spends the rest of the day at the convention interacting with their fans and finding out more about the Steampunk culture. The guys help take down the stall and promise to show up the next day. The band wasn’t playing, but they wanted to learn more about the culture.

The weeks following the convention performance were extremely busy for Lindsey and the band. Lindsey had her after school activities that kept her busy during the week. The way Brenda arranged the performances for the restaurants were Thursday and Friday nights they played at one restaurant. Then Saturday and Sunday night they played at the other restaurant. They normally didn’t go on stage at either restaurant till 8 o’clock and played till midnight.

They would switch up the schedule, so the place they played Saturday and Sunday. Would have them Thursday and Friday and vice versa. The owners and managers didn’t have a problem with that arrangement.

As for the school band competition, the school took second place. The only reason they didn’t take first place, was because of how outdated their band uniforms were. Also, because some of the players in their band made mistakes that weren’t too subtle.

Lindsey and Ian did everything they could to make sure the band sounded good. When they arrived back to school from the competition, Mr. Simmons pulls them aside.

“Lindsey, Ian, you guys did an amazing job and I want to thank you for the hard work. If it wasn’t for the two of you giving a little extra like you did. I don’t think we would have taken second place.”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Simmons.” Lindsey looks towards Ian and knew he had put a little more in his drum playing.

Ian just smiles back at Lindsey. He didn’t think he would be friends with a smart person like her. He had heard the rumors about her being trans and when he asked her in private. She didn’t lie or deny the accusations.

“Oh, one more thing, your band sounded awesome on Friday night at The Airship.” He had a smile on his face as he walks away from them.
Ian and Lindsey watch as their music teacher walks away. Lindsey turns towards Ian.

“You know something? I didn’t even see him out in the crowd.”

“I know I didn’t. I was more focus on playing than watching the crowd.” Ian carries Lindsey’s sax for her.

She was still wearing a brace on her injured leg. They had taken out the hardware in her knee, but she still had to be careful with it. The brace made sure her leg was kept safe.

“Hey, there’s your mom, Ian.” They walk over towards Ian’s mother.

Mrs. Smith told Barbara that she would come by and pick the kids up when they got back from the band competition. Since Barbara had a late showing and wouldn’t be able to make it herself.

“Where would you kids like to stop and pick dinner up at?”

“Arby’s please Mrs. Smith.” Lindsey was craving a roast beef sandwich with Arby’s sauce.

“How about you Ian?” Mrs. Smith didn’t mind Arby’s either, but she wanted Ian to say what he wanted as well.

“Arby’s is fine with me.”

While Mrs. Smith drove the car towards the Arby’s near their house. Lindsey’s and Ian’s cellphone go off at the same time.

“Emergency band meeting tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Terry.”

“I wonder what he wants?”

“What who wants, Lindsey?” Mrs. Smith pulls into the Arby’s parking lot.

“Terry, he called an emergency band meeting tomorrow at 7.” Lindsey had Drama practice till almost 6:30 pm.

“We’ll find out tomorrow.”

Ian helps Lindsey out of the car and inside Arby’s “so, what are you getting?”

“I was thinking about a number two. A medium roast beef sandwich, three potatoes cakes instead of curly fries and a medium sweet tea.” Lindsey was hungry. She ate very little lunch while they waited to play.

Ian just smiles as he orders for them and his mother, when they are next to order. He orders a Greek gyro and sweet tea for his mother and the same thing Lindsey was having. He was as hungry as she was.

“So, what have you been doing with the money you have been making with the band?” Ian was curious.

He knew Terry and Jamie were putting what they got paid towards their own cars. He was saving his for college and a special trip for his parents.

“I’m reinvesting the money back into the band. I know we only need to give five percent of our earnings to the band but I’m giving a little more. I’m only asking for forty dollars in return. I figure during the summer months we could do some touring.”

“That’s a smart idea.”

“I figure we could either rent an RV or buy an old school bus and fix it up for traveling.” Lindsey had seen a documentary about a band that had done that. It cut down on their touring cost.

They finish dinner and Mrs. Smith drops Lindsey off first. Barbara wasn’t home yet, but she did text Lindsey saying she’ll be home by 9:00 pm.

“Thanks, Mrs. Smith.” Lindsey heads into the house and starts getting ready for bed.

Her lips were sore from playing her sax earlier. She takes a nice hot shower and sits down at her synthesizer and work on a few new tunes she has been toying with. So, far they had their second CD planned out and decided to produce it themselves.

Barbara pulls up into the driveway and notices the spare bedroom lights were on. She knew Lindsey would be in there working on her music.
She also wants to know how the band competition went.

As she walks in “Lindsey, I’m home.”

Lindsey gets up and walks into the living room “welcome home, mom.”

“Thanks, sweetie. How was the band competition?”

“Our school came in second place. They dinged us for our outdated uniforms. They also dinged us for some of our players. They either played
the wrong note or wasn’t keeping up with the rest of us.”

“Well, second place isn’t bad for a school band that hasn’t taken part in the band competition in a while.”

“Well, Ian and I got congratulated by Mr. Simmons. He noticed that the two of us had done what we could to make our band better.”

“That was nice of you two and of him to do.”

“Thanks, mom. Oh, tomorrow I need to go over to Terry’s and Jamie’s house at 7:00 pm. Terry is calling an emergency meeting.”

“No problem. I’ll be there to pick you up from drama practice. Do you want me to pick you up some dinner?”

“Yes, please. Some cheeseburgers from McDonald would be nice.”

“Okay, I’ll get you a cheeseburger meal tomorrow. Now, go ahead and go to bed.” Barbara gives Lindsey a hug, before sending her to bed.

Spring Hill High (Around Lunch Time)
Kaja spots Lindsey sitting outside during lunch reading a book. It was rare not to find Lindsey working on some music or practicing some cords or something on her laptop.

“Hey Lindsey, do you mind if I bug you?”

Lindsey looks up from a novel she had checked out of the library. She decided to follow her mother’s advice and take some time to enjoy life.

“Not at all. Pull, up a patch of grass.” Lindsey marks her place and put her book down.

“Thanks.” Kaja sits down across from Lindsey and pulls out a leather-bound three-ring notebook.

“I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind looking at these pictures. They are for the bands next album and for T-shirts and such.” Kaja hands the
notebook to Lindsey to look at.

Lindsey accepts the notebook and looks at some of the drawings. Some of them were the newest album covers. They were putting out two different albums. One had non-steampunk music on it, while the other one was strictly steampunk music.

“They look nice Kaja. You should put some of your artwork up on the band website to sell.” Lindsey looks towards Kaja.

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Do you think the guys would mind if I put some of mine or a few artists I know artwork up on the website?”

Lindsey thinks about it. She wasn’t the one Kaja should talk too about it, but she would back her.

“I don’t mind if you or any of the artist you know want to advertise your artwork on our website. However, you need to ask Brenda for permission. She handles all the business deals now, besides Terry.”

“Will you back me if I ask her?”

“Yes, I will. I think you and your friends do good work. Look, tell Brenda you’ll give the band ten percent for every sale you guys make. That way the band makes some money and you make some money.”

Kaja thinks about it for a second “that sounds like a good idea. Thanks, Lindsey.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll see you in drama practice.”

“Okay.” Kaja puts her notebook away.

“Need a hand?” Kaja reaches out to help Lindsey up.

“Thanks.” They head inside to their various classes.

7:00 pm Terry and Jamie’s house:
Lindsey was the last to arrive. Drama practice had run a little longer than normal and Lindsey had to rush to get to her mother’s car while carrying her Saxophone and backpack. Then they had to stop at McDonald to grab a cheeseburger combo for Lindsey.

Terry looks at everyone gathered around the dining room table. He was a little excited by the gig the group had been given.

“I bet you all are wondering why I called you all together tonight. Brenda informed me that she was contacted by the staff that handled the convention we played at. They want us to come and play again, but this time as our own act. There’s another event taking place in three weeks and they would like for us to play. Instead of going on for twenty minutes like we did. They are giving us an hour to play.”

“An hour?”

“Yep, a whole hour to play, since we got such a huge applause last time. It’s going to be a three-day event and we will be taking a Saturday slot. We’re still going to meet our evening event.”

“How much are we getting paid for this?” Dan was curious.

“$2,000.00 for the whole hour.”

“Can we still set-up a stall and sell our merchandise?”

“I don’t see why not. I’ll speak with Brenda and see what we will be allowed to do. Also, our music is selling well on all the sites we have put it on.”

“That’s good to hear. I do have one request. Kaja wants to know if she and several other artists that she knows can sell their artwork on our site? I told her she needs to speak to Brenda about that, but if we allow it. They would be willing to pay us ten percent of the profit.” Lindsey was hoping Terry wouldn’t mind.

Terry thinks about the request “I don’t see a reason why they can’t. Kaja has been doing a nice job on designing our album covers. Speaking of which, does she have the next one done already?”

“Yep, she was going to send it to Brenda. She showed me both covers, and I like them.”

“I wouldn’t mind seeing them before we print them.” Jamie wanted to see what Kaja have come up with this time.

“She’ll be in school tomorrow. Is there anything else that needs to be covered?” Lindsey covers up a yawn.

“Nope, that’s all.” Terry had a major test in the morning.

“Good, I’m going home and getting some sleep.”

“Come on sleeping beauty.” Ian escorts Lindsey into the living room where Barbara was waiting for her.

Barbara takes both kids home. She drops Ian off first and then takes Lindsey and help her to bed.

“Sleep tight.”

Barbara turns the lights off and heads to bed herself.

“Come on Lindsey, give me ten more laps.” Coach Karr watches as Lindsey tries to keep up with the rest of the female and male swimmers.

Even though her knee had been injured, she was doing fine using the swim board and kicking. The brace she currently had on her injured leg.
Was made for the water. She still couldn’t get over the fact that Lindsey was a transgender girl.

Coach Karr knew that some of the girls had been a little nervous about Lindsey using the same shower and locker room with them. However, Lindsey acted like any other normal teenage girl would. She took her showers with her suit on to rinse the chlorine off the suit and off her body.
She had seen Lindsey nude once and you couldn’t tell she wasn’t a girl. When she asked Lindsey privately how she managed to hide it. She told her that her doctor knew a technique to hide it, so she could pass. He had used medical glue and a little tucking to hide her birth defect.

Lindsey takes it easy as she kicks the water. Her doctor told her the swim lessons she was taken was helping with keeping her muscles fit.
She would have to have physical therapy anyway to build the strength back up in her leg. He had recommended she get a second brace to wear while she was swimming.

“Alright, people hit the showers.”

Lindsey swims over towards the nearest ladder and slowly climb up it. She was in the deep end when coach Karr called it quits.

“Hey Lindsey, when are you going to stop milking your injury?”

“When you pass your math test, Harry.” Lindsey knew Harry wasn’t doing so well in math.

“Well, if you weren’t such a know it all, some of us normal kids could skate by.” Harry and a few other students hated the fact that Lindsey always set the grading scale.

There were only two other people in their advanced math class that were as good as Lindsey. Lindsey heads into the girl’s locker room and towards the showers. Some of the girls around her were already developing breast bigger than her grapes. She hopes she will be as big as some of them. She stops by her locker and grabs a towel as she heads towards the showers and rinses off. She’ll take a full shower when she gets home.

Courtney spots Lindsey and walks over towards her. She was curious about Jamie and wanted to know more about him.

“Hey Lindsey, how’s your knee doing?”

Courtney had gym class at the same time Lindsey did and had witnessed the attack from Christy. She had been bullied once by Christy when
she first came to the school.

“It’s doing better. The doctor told me I should be able to start walking around without my brace.” Lindsey looks down towards her knee and where they had cut into it. There was a slight scar from the stitches.

“Cool, hey I was wondering if you knew if Jamie is seeing someone?”

“Not that I know of. Jamie normally sticks with his cliques of friends when we're at school. You could always come to one of our gigs to speak
with him or talk to him in school.” Lindsey was drying off while she is talking with Courtney.

“Where do you guys play at?”

“Thursday and Friday, we play at The Airship. Friday and Saturday, we play at The Station.”

“What’s the Station?” Courtney was curious.

“It’s an old converted train station that was turned into a Steampunk style restaurant. Thursday and Friday, they have a jazz band there called Sapiman.They switch with us every other weekend.”

Lindsey liked the jazz players. She especially liked the piano player. He was an old African American guy in his late fifties. He suggested a few tricks to her playing on her synthesizer and sax. The type of jazz they played was like you would find in New Orleans.

“I’m surprised the restaurant owner doesn’t say anything about your age. Aren’t you like twelve or so?”

“Yep, but our manager is twenty-one and sometimes, one of our parents will be there with us. So, if we have someone that is 18 or older with us, everything is fine. We just can’t go near the bar. Plus, I fall under the entertainment clause of South Carolina work law. Since, I'm an entertainer, I have special permission to work at my age.”

“I’ll have to come and check you guys out.”

“Here’s one of our Cd’s.” Lindsey pulls out one of the several CD’s she carries with her and hands it to Courtney.

“Thanks, Lindsey.”

“You’re welcome.” Lindsey finishes getting dress and heads outside to see if Barbara had arrived to pick her up.

She spots Barbara waiting for her in the parking lot. Lindsey walks over carefully to the car and gets in.

“So, how was swim practice?”

“It was alright. My knee is throbbing some, but other than that, I had fun.” Lindsey digs through her purse for her aspirin. She didn’t like the pain pills her doctor prescribed.

She finds her Aleve bottle and pops two pills into her mouth. She doesn’t mind taking pills without water.

“Well, I hope you remembered to bring your towel and swimsuit with you. The last time you forgot, I had to rush your spare suit to you.”

“I got my swimsuit and towel this time, mom.”

Lindsey sits back and enjoys the ride back to the house. When they arrive home. Lindsey heads towards her bedroom and separates her clothes to wash. Once her laundry is going, she helps Barbara with dinner. She practices a few songs before heading to bed.

The next morning when she arrives at school, she is approached by the drama teacher Mrs. Carolann Whitney. They head towards her classroom to talk.

“Lindsey, I don’t know if you heard yet, but leading guy Kevin Swanson was in a car accident last night and we have no one to fill his role. I was wondering if maybe one of your band mates might consider filling the role.”

“Which of my band mates would you like for me to talk too?”

“Do you think your drummer Ian Smith and maybe Terry might be interested?” Mrs. Whitney could use both guys in the production.

“I know Terry won’t be able to help. He has a part-time job at O'Reilly Auto Parts. Jamie might be willing to do it and Dan doesn’t go to our school.”

“Can you speak to Ian and Jamie and see if they wouldn’t mind helping us out?”

“I’ll talk with them and see if they’ll be willing to help out.”

“Thanks, Lindsey.”

Lunch Time:
Lindsey walks into the cafeteria and spots Ian and Jamie in line. She sends a text message to them to meet her at the table she normally sits at. While she is waiting for them to show, she pulls her lunch out of her backpack and set it up. She brought a homemade cobb salad and leftover fried chicken Barbara made the other night.

“Hey Lindsey, what’s up?” Ian sits down across from Lindsey.

Jamie sits down next to him. Terry comes over and sits with them as well. He was curious about why Lindsey wanted to talk to Jamie and Ian.

“Hey guys, thank you for coming over here. I was approached by Mrs. Whitney this morning and she was wondering if the two of you wouldn’t mind helping the drama club out. Their leading guy Kevin Swansong was injured in a car accident.”

“Did she tell you which of us she wanted?” Jamie was curious.

“Originally she wanted Ian and Terry, but because you have your part-time job at O’Reilly, I suggested you, Jamie.”

“Who’s playing the leading lady?”

“Charlotte Winters. She’s the leading lady. I just play the piano for the performance.”

“What type of production is it?”

“A musical call The Music Man. You’ll both be playing characters in it.”

“But who is playing the main character?” Jamie looks at Ian for an answer.

“Well, we could ask Mrs. Whitney who she wants.”

“Now that is taken care of, how're the songs coming along?” Terry knew Lindsey’s been working hard on a special piece for them.

“It’s coming along well. The special piece I have been working on is missing something. It’s three-quarters of the way done, but it needs something special and I can’t put my finger on it.”

“Is it some instrument we don’t have or a vocal piece?”

“I think it’s an instrument we don’t have in our band. I was going to go to your work and look around.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you after class today.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

After school:
Dan shows up and picks up Ian, Jamie, and Terry and take them to the music store Jamie worked at. Jamie’s job was more flexible, then Terry’s job. O’Reilly’s was already giving Terry a hard time about the hours he was available to work.

The manager Andrew loved it when they came into the store. They always bought their supplies for their instruments and their instruments at the store. Lindsey walks around picking up random instruments they didn’t own. She comes to a Gretsch G9200 Boxcar Round-neck Resonator guitar.

“Hey Andrew, do you mind if I play this Gretsch?” Lindsey shows him which one she was talking about.

“No, I don’t mind. I have an amp and everything over in the corner sent up. Go ahead and plug in.”

“Thanks.” Lindsey walks over and plugs in and tunes the guitar.

She plays the tune she is working on and the resonator sounded wonderful. It was exactly what she was looking for. It had a nice deep mellow sound to it and it resonated nicely.

The guys listen to what Lindsey was playing and they were loving the sound the Gretsch was making as she played.

“You have to try this Dan.” Lindsey hands the Gretsch to Dan.

Dan plays the same tune Lindsey just played and he had to admit it sounded good. He tries a few tunes they wrote, and they sounded better on the Gretsch, then the guitar they played them on.

“Hey Andrew, how much is this Gretsch?” Lindsey walks over to pay for it.

“It’s $359.00, but with your bands discount. It comes to $287.20.”

“Cool.” Lindsey hands her personal debit card to pay for it. She could have used the band card, but this was going to be hers.

“Let me get the case and everything that goes with it for you Lindsey.”

“Okay.”

“Is your mother going to be cool about this, Lindsey?”

Ian was curious because he knew Lindsey already had four other instruments.

“My mom doesn’t mind. If I wasn’t spending my money on instruments or music, I would be spending it on fancy clothes and a bunch of shoes. You know how girls like to shop.” A playful smile appears on her face.

The guys just shake their heads as they look around some more and pick up items for their guitars or sheet music. They stop at The Hangar to have dinner since they were close to it. Dan drops everyone off. Ian gets out Lindsey’s place since his place was directly behind hers.

“Okay, spill. Did Mrs. Whitney really ask for me and Terry originally?”

“Yep, she really did. She asked for you and Terry first, but when I told her Terry couldn’t do it. I suggested Jamie. I think Jamie would be good
at acting and I think you would as well.”

"Thanks Lindsey."

“You're welcome Ian.” Lindsey places a kiss on his cheek before heading into the house.

Ian just watches as Lindsey walks into her house. Once she was inside, he cuts through her backyard and jumps the fence to his yard.

Lindsay was nervous as everyone got ready to start the performance. Jamie and Ian had worked out perfect for the roles Mrs. Whitney needed them for. Jamie had gotten the lead part, while Ian had gotten a supporting role. The leading lady when they weren’t practicing cornered Jamie and was trying to seduce him. Ian, on the other hand, had to fight off the other girls in the production.

“You ready Lindsey?” Ian stands next to her.

“As ready as I’m going to be.” Lindsey walks over towards the piano and starts playing.

She was playing the bratty piano student. Lindsey plays her part without any mistakes. She studied her lines and knew what to do and when to do it. By the time the play was over, she was so happy.

She glances towards her fellow bandmates and could tell they were happy it was over as well. Ian and Jamie were enjoying the attention they were getting.

“You did good tonight, Lindsey.” Barbara comes walking up to Lindsey with a bunch of flowers in her hands.

“Thanks, mom.”

“You’re a welcome, sweetie.”

For the next hour, the cast and parents of the cast mingle and get to know everyone. Mrs. Whitney was happy as a clam with how well the play went. There were some mistakes, but they were so minor. Unless you knew what to look for, you would miss it.

By the time Lindsey gets home, she is tired and ready for bed. They had another performance for the students tomorrow and then several performances on the upcoming weekend. She wasn’t looking forward to the following performances.

Once Brenda their manager explains everything to the restaurant managers, they understood. If nothing else, the managers of the restaurants were planning to show up to see how good they were. The managers have come to think of the band members as valued employees of their restaurant. Since they have been playing there, business has increased.

“You alright Lindsey?” Barbara notices how tired Lindsey was.

“Yes, ma’am. I can’t wait for Spring break to arrive, so I can take some me time.” Lindsey steps into the bathroom and takes a nice relaxing shower.

She enjoys the shower and when the water starts getting cold. She steps out, dries off and slips her nightshirt on. She makes sure her alarm clock is turned on, just before she turns her lamp off and fall asleep. Once she closes her eyes, sleep claims her fast.

Barbara checks on Lindsey just before she goes to bed. She could hear her lightly snoring. She was proud of Lindsey. She never thought that when she agreed to become a foster parent, that she would fall in love with a child that wasn’t hers. She couldn’t believe that all the bad things that had been written about this girl were true. Now, she knew that Lindsey was a sweet, smart, caring and loving person. She heads to bed herself.

The next morning when Lindsey gets up. She stumbles into the kitchen feeling extremely tired. She sits down at the kitchen counter and rests her head on her arms.

Barbara comes walking in and notices Lindsey with her head down on her arms resting at the counter. She has never seen Lindsey like this before. She also notices that Lindsey is a little paler than normal.

She walks over and places the back of her hand against Lindsey’s forehead. Lindsey was a little warm, but nothing too bad.

“How are you feeling baby?”

“Tired.”

Lindsey just wanted to go back to bed and stay home, but she couldn’t because they had the performance for the school today. She was the only one among the cast that could play the piano.

“What time is your performance for the school?”

“After lunch. They are cutting afternoon class, so everyone can come and enjoy the performance.”

“Alright, I’ll call Mrs. Whitney and let her know you’ll be there after I take you to see Dr. Alden.”

“Thanks, mom.” Lindsey heads back to her bedroom to get dress.

She started feeling run down a couple of days ago, but figure it was because she wasn’t getting enough sleep. Now, she just didn’t have the energy to stay awake and concentrate on what she was doing. She brushes her teeth and put on one of her favorite dresses. It will be easier for her to change out of it and into her costume for the play later.

Lindsey walks into the living room, to see if her mother was ready. She wasn’t there, so she sits down on the sofa and waits for Barbara to come out of her bedroom.

“You ready, kiddo?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Lindsey follows Barbara out the door and to the car.

The ride over to Dr. Alden’s office wasn’t too bad. Dr. Alden has been the doctor that Lindsey has been seeing for her hormone levels and monitoring her body development.

“Good morning Barbara, what brings you and Lindsey in today?” Alice had been informed by one of their interns that Barbara had called to make an appointment for Lindsey.

“Lindsey’s feeling a little run down. So, I figure I would bring her in and get her looked at.”

“If you’ll follow me to the back. We’ll get the boring stuff done first.” Alice grabs Lindsey medical file.

Lindsey and Barbara follow Alice to one of the examination room. Alice gets the basics down and notices Lindsey’s blood pressure was low. Her height was below normal for a girl her age. She was coming in at 4 foot, 8 inches tall. Her body weight was a little below normal. She weighed 78 lbs. Her breast development was placing her at about an A cup.

Alice takes several vials of blood to test her estrogen levels and her Iron level. She writes everything down so Dr. Alden can look at it.

“Well, now that all the boring things are done and out of the way. Your body temperature is a little low Lindsey. Your temperature is 94. F. are you cold?”

Lindsey nods her head yes.

Alice checks the temperature in the room and notices it was set a little lower then it should be. She adjusts the temperature.

“Sorry about that. Someone reset the temperature. Now, I’m going to leave you and Dr. Alden will be in here in a few minutes.”

“Okay, thank you, Alice.”

Lindsey hated sitting on the examination table in the cloth gown. She felt naked with only the gown on.

“What’s wrong Lindsey?” Barbara noticed how uncomfortable Lindsey was.

“This paper gown, mom. It makes me feel exposed.” Lindsey always disliked going to the doctor.

“I think all of us feel like that Lindsey. You won’t have to wear it for long. Dr. Alden will get you out here soon.”

After a few minutes, Dr. Alden comes walking into the examination room. Two of her favorite patients were waiting for her. Dr. Alden has been Barbara’s doctor since she moved to Warrenton, Georgia. When she brought Lindsey in and had gone over her medical record. She was surprised that she had a transgender patient. She didn’t mind that Lindsey was transgender. She liked the young girl.

“How are we today ladies?” Dr. Alden walks over towards Lindsey.

“Okay, I guess.”

“Only okay? So, what seems to be the problem?”

“I have been feeling run down and tired for the past few days, Dr. Alden. I’m also having problems concentrating on my school work and music.”

“Oh? I didn’t know you played. What instrument do you play?”

“I play the saxophone, synthesizer, and guitar.”

Dr. Alden was impressed “when do you get a chance to practice all those instruments?”

“I play the saxophone at school in the school band. The synthesizer and guitar, I play in a band call Dusty Gasket.”

“What style of music does the band play?”

“Steampunk, pop, hard rock, Industrial, some country and we’re experimenting with jazz and hip-hop.”

The Hip Hop was new to Barbara “why are you guys experimenting with hip-hop?”

“Dan and Terry like Hip-Hop and Rap. So, we are experimenting with it. We’re also experimenting with J-pop and J-rock.”

“I’ve never heard of j-pop or j-rock. What is that?” Barbara and Dr. Alden were curious.

“Japanese music. It’s popular over in Japan and Thailand.”

“Oh, well you sound like you stay rather busy.”

“Yes, ma’am. I have AP classes in school, vocal lessons, swimming and I'm involve in my school’s drama club.”

“Well, that explains a little of why you feel run down and tired. However, it doesn’t explain everything. I’m going to recommend an iron
supplement and diet for you, till I get the results from your blood test back. How is your tucking? Is everything staying where it is?”

“Yes, ma’am. The fake vagina look, you gave me works nicely. My gym teacher was curious about how it was done.”

“Well, as long as the girls in your gym class feel comfortable with you. Are all the thanks I need from you?”

“On top of the iron supplements and diet, I’m putting you on. I want you to take a multi-vitamin as well.”

Dr. Alden does a physical on Lindsey. She discovers that other then the low iron, Lindsey was in perfect health.

“I’m going to write your a prescription for an Iron supplement and Alice will have the type of diet I want you to follow. Also, remember to take a multivitamin as well.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Lindsey gets dress, while Dr. Alden and Barbara leave her along.

Once Lindsey is dress, Alice pops in and leads her towards the front where Barbara was waiting for her.

“We should have the results to your blood test in three days, Lindsey. We’ll call your mother and inform her.”

“Thanks, Alice. Bye Doctor Alden.”

“Bye Lindsey.”

Barbara and Lindsey leave the doctors office. They get in the car and start heading towards Lindsey’s school.

“I’ll have your supplement and vitamins for you when you get home.”

“Thanks, mom.”

Lindsey stretches when she gets up. It was the first day of Spring break and she didn’t have to be at school. Her mother had already left to go to work and she didn’t have anything planned for today, except to work on her music. The guys had talked about maybe coming by later and going out for lunch.

She heads towards the bathroom first and does her morning business. Doctor Alden said her blood test had come back as showing she had Pernicious Anemia. According to Doctor Alden, the genetic test he performed showed that she had inherited it from her birth mother. So, he had her on a B12 regiment and iron diet.

She heads into the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee and to have breakfast. She makes herself a sausage and egg breakfast and turns the television on to see what the weather was going to be like. As she is sitting there, enjoying her breakfast and watching television. Her band appears on television. They were showing images from the restaurants they played at and the festival they had played at.

Lindsey calls Terry and the guys “hey guys, were on tv. Turn your tv to channel 26. They are showing us playing at the restaurant and the festival. Also, clips of us performing at school as well.”

Lindsey sits there and couldn’t believe they had been captured on camera. She had no idea they had been filmed, not that she would know. When she was up on stage, she concentrated on her performance. She had to admit to herself that this was the first time she has ever seen herself as she was playing. Most of the time, she was hiding behind her set-up of synthesizers. Being careful not to trip over her saxophone and guitar.

“This is going to up our popularity.” Terry and Jamie were excited. Ian and Dan were quiet.

“Has anyone spoken with Brenda yet about our next gig or appearance?” Brenda was their manager.

“She’s been swamped at work helping the partners with a big case. I’ll get with her and see what she has. Thanks for letting all of us know about the broadcast, Lindsey.”

“Your welcome. I’ll talk to you guys later.” Lindsey ends the call and finishes her breakfast. She cleans her mess up and heads back to her bedroom. She slips on a pair of purple shorts and a light purple color blouse. As she heads into the spare bedroom to record a tune that has been bouncing around in her head. She promises her mother that she wouldn’t lock herself away in the house playing on her instruments or recording.

Lindsey decides that she needed to take a break. She heads into the backyard to get her bicycle. Barbara had bought her a nice mountain bike at a yard sale. She could hear Ian practicing on his drum set. She just smiles as she heads down the road towards town. She could stop by her mother’s office to see how she was doing.

Lindsey was enjoying the weather and the ride. She had her iPhone playing music while she rode her bicycle. It was a nice day out and it was Spring break. Once she arrives in downtown. Lindsey heads towards one of the many old fashion stores that cater to teenage girls. She pulls her bicycle up to a post and locks it up.

It’s been a while since she has had money of her own to buy things. Her closet was almost full. She looks at a few blouses, camisoles and tank tops. There were a few Bohemian dresses, slip dresses and Chiffon dresses that were on sale. She spotted some shoes that that would go great with the dresses. She leaves that store and visits a few more stores.

She wasn’t looking for anything, she was just killing time and keeping her promise. She stops at an antique store to browse through some items they had. There were a few that could be used for costumes. She buys them and continues shopping. She heads home and just as she pulls up in the driveway, the guys pull up behind her in Dan’s SUV.

“Hey, guys.” She stands there with her bicycle.

“Hey, Lindsey. Why don’ you go and put away your bicycle and bags, so we can go out to lunch?”

“Alright, give me five minutes.” Lindsey drops her bags off by the back door and put her bicycle in the storage shed. As she heads back towards the front of the house, she stops and takes her bags to her bedroom.

She heads back outside to the SUV and climbs in with the guys. If there were any other guys, she wouldn’t be getting in, but since these guys were her bandmates. That meant they were safe to be around.

Once they were on their way. Terry turns around in the passenger seat to look at Ian, Lindsey, and Jamie in the back seat.

“I heard back from Brenda and we have several gigs lined up. We’re scheduled for a Pirate Festival in Charleston, South Carolina on June 15-17th, Haborfest in Norfolk, Va. From June 8th to June 10th. A Renaissance Festival in Covington, Tennessee at the end of May 25th-27th. We have also been invited to Los Angeles, California by the Steampunk community out there for two of their festivals to perform June 22nd-24th and June 29th-July 1st. I’ve also entered our music in a songwriter contest taking place in Nashville, Tennessee. Grand Prize is $5,000.00 dollars and to perform the song in Nashville. All accommodations and travel expense are paid for.”

“Terry, how are we suppose to afford the California gigs?”

“With the money, we already have from the few gigs we have performed and from the money, we make from the gigs coming up also, the
money we have made while working at the restaurants.”

“Okay, but we will need accommodations for a few of the gigs.”

“We are renting hotel rooms for the South Carolina and Norfolk gigs, the Renaissance Festival, we are camping out, as for the California gigs,
we are renting hotel rooms. The community out there is arranging it for us. July, we have several more Steampunk events and another Pirate Festival to go too. That’s not counting Brenda is in the process of setting up a road trip for us. She couldn’t speak long and will send the rest of the gigs and such by email. We need to get together and select our performance costumes for the Pirate and Renaissance Festivals.”

“How much is it going to cost to ship all our equipment to California or are we going to rent?” Lindsey prefers to take their equipment.

“We’re taking our equipment with us.” Terry hopes they weren’t getting in over their heads.

“Are you driving us for the other gigs, Dan?” Lindsey towards Dan while they traveled down the highway.

“Yep, we’re taking my SUV for the other gigs. I also have all the camping equipment were going to need for the Renaissance Festival.”

“Oh, poor Lindsey. She won’t have access to a hairdryer during that time.” Ian looks at Lindsey with a mischievous smile on his face.

Lindsey sticks her tongue out at him. She wonders how the guys are going to handle not having showers. She’ll have to remember to pack a lot of baby wipes. She does wonder if Barbara is going to let her go with the guys.

“Guys, we do have one problem. Unless the Renaissance Festival has power. We’re going to have to play our acoustic instruments. My keytar and my Casio run on batteries. However, our amps and speakers don’t.”

“Don’t worry Lindsey. We have some at the music store we can buy or rent that run on batteries.”

“How about soundboard?”

“We have a few around the shop.”

Dan pulls the SUV into the parking lot and parks. Lindsey hangs her purse off her right shoulder and follows the guys inside the mall. They head towards their favorite restaurant. Lindsey sits next to Ian and orders a nice huge burger with free French Fries refills. Everyone else places their orders.

“So, did Brenda know anything about us being on television?” Lindsey was curious if she set everything up.

“Nope, but she’s checking into it to see if they want to interview us.” Terry had found out that Brenda didn’t even know anything about them being video recorded.

George was on his lunch break when he walked into Acadia. Normally, he didn’t pay that much attention to who was in the restaurant, but as he was being escorted to his table. He walks right past a group of teenage boys and one girl. As he looks at them, something about them seems so familiar.

He keeps looking at them as the hostess shows him his table. As he waits for his lunch. He keeps looking over towards the teenagers. There was something about them as he takes his cell phone out and starts looking at the news. When he gets to the article about a High school putting on a play. He spots several people who were in the play and notices three members of the group had been in there. Then he comes across a video of them playing at a Steampunk theme restaurant someone had recorded.

He comes across another news article and shows them playing at a local festival. That’s where he recognized them from. One of the local television stations had broadcast a performance they had done at a local steampunk festival. He’ll have to have them come in for an interview on his radio station.

He gets up and walks over towards them “excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt your meal, but I was wondering if you were the ones that had been shown on channel 26 this morning?”

“Yes, sir.” Lindsey looks at the guy and he sounded familiar to her. She normally doesn’t forget a voice.

“Your Good Morning with George Burstock on WNNX Radio.” Jamie knew who he was. He couldn’t believe they were talking to George
Burstock. He was a famous morning radio jock.

“That I am. If you don’t mind me asking. What is the name of your group?”

“We’re Dusty Gasket. I’m Jamie Knotts, Bass guitarist, this is my older brother Terry Knotts, lead guitar and lead singer, our drummer Ian
Smith, Lindsey Weathers, she plays the synthesizer, saxophone and writes most of our music and our rhythm guitar player Dan Welles.”

“Why don’t you guys come down to the station on Thursday morning around 8:00 A.M., so you can get some air time. Bring a demo of your music so I can play it for our listeners.” George pulls his wallet out and hands Terry a business card.

“We will do that Mr. Burstock.” Terry hands George one of the bands business cards.

George spots his food on its way to his table. “well, it’s been nice talking you and hopes to see Thursday morning.” He walks over towards his table.

“First we’re on the local television station and now we’re going to be on the radio.” Lindsey couldn’t believe their luck so far.

They finish their lunch and do the typical teenage thing of walking around the mall. Lindsey felt special walking around with four guys. She knew Terry and Dan were looking at the older women with curvy figures. Jamie was dating one of the girls from the drama club. She and Ian were friends and enjoyed each other’s company.

They spend the rest of the day at the mall. Later in the afternoon, Dan takes everyone home.

April 5, 2018, 8:00 am. WNNX Radio Station,
Lindsey and the guys show up for the morning interview by George Burstock. They are escorted into a room with an octagon table. At each seat was a pair of headsets and microphone. They could see the control room through the glass windows.

Once they take are seated. George Burstock joins them at the table and give them a little run down on what he is going to talk about. He had already given the demo that Lindsey brought with her to play.

“Good Morning, Warrenton. I have in the studio with me this morning one of our own local bands. Their name is Dusty Gasket and you might have seen them on channel 26 performing at one of the local Steampunk conventions. We have the talented Lindsey Weathers who plays the synthesizer and saxophone, The famous guitar players of Dan Welles, Jamie and his older brother Terry Knotts. Last, but not least their killer drummer Ian Smith. Welcome to the show guys.”

“Thank you, Mr. Burstock, for having us this morning.” Terry had been selected as the speaker for the interview.

“So, tell me, Terry, how did you guys come together as a band?”

“I and my brother have always been into music. We both loved the guitar and our parents suggested that we should think about forming a band. Our father had his friends had one while they were in High school like us. So, like most bands do, we held auditions. Jamie heard the music written by Lindsey while her and her mother were in the music store he worked at. She suggested to us Ian Smith and he was killed on the drums. We asked Dan to join us because Lindsey suggested we should have someone who could play the synthesizer, while she switched to the saxophone on a few of our songs.”

George looks over towards Lindsey “how many instruments do you play, Lindsey?”

“I play four instruments, George.” A pleasant smile appears on her face.

He turns to face Dan “I take it, that you Dan play as many instruments as Lindsey?”

“Yes sir, I play as many instruments as Lindsey does. I’m not as proficient on all of them as she is, but I come in a good second.” Dan knew Lindsey was very talented and dedicated to what she did.

“Do all of you write songs or is it just one person in your group.”

“Well, actually George we all write songs for our band, but Lindsey is our main songwriter. She goes over all our music and makes corrections.
She suggests different notes or how we should approach a particular piece.” Terry looks over towards their youngest member.

George looks at the clock on the wall notices that they were running out of time.

“Well, Warrenton you heard it here. You can catch the Dusty Gasket on the weekend down at the Airship restaurant on Thursday and Friday nights and at the Station on Saturday and Sunday night. I have it on good authority that Dusty Gasket will be playing at the Covington Let’s how traffic is.” George clicks over to Channel 35 weather chopper. He turns to face the group.

“I want to thank you guys for coming in this morning. I may have you come in again.”

“Well, you know how to get in touch with us.” Terry stands up and shakes his hand.

Lindsey lets out the breath she had been holding. She had been nervous and excited during the interview. As they are leaving the studio “hey guys, I and Brenda have been checking into the legal aspect of playing other artist songs and we came across the regulations we have to follow to do it. So, if there is a song we want to put on our cd’s or perform. We can get permission for it.”

“I didn’t know you and Brenda have been researching this.” This was the first Terry had heard about it.

“Well, you guys had talked about doing some of the popular songs from the 80’s and such. I figure it would be good to check into it. I figure if the rules allowed us, we can add a few familiar songs to our repertoire.”

“Has anyone given any thought to what we are going to be wearing for the Renaissance Festival?” Dan and Ian had been wondering what their outfits would be.

“I have some ideas. Why don’t we go and visit a few shops for our costumes?”

“You and shopping.” Ian just smiles at Lindsey as they start hitting a few costume shops for the Renaissance Festival and Pirate Festival as well.

For the next six weeks, the band practices and learn new songs they plan on playing at the two festivals. Ian’s mother volunteered to go and chaperone the band members for the two festivals. As for the California gigs, Barbara and the parents of Terry and Jamie have volunteered to accompany the band member. Brenda was coming along as well to network with the organizers there.

The guy they used before has become swamp by his business, that he recommended a person he knew, that was trying to break into the music business. Her name was Beat Box Maxine and she had her own Yahoo website. She has helped him out on a few gigs of his own.

Maxine handled the sound systems and special effects. A friend of Dan’s name Krist Cobain was looking for work. He was hired on to load and set-up the equipment.

The last week of May, before the Renaissance Festival band practice and everything else is put on hold. Finals were that week. Lindsey and the band members needed that time to study for the test. Dan’s SUV was put in the shop to make sure everything was okay. All the fluids were changed, and new tires were put on the SUV.

May 25th was the last day of school for everyone. Maxine and Krist showed up at the Knotts house Thursday night to load everything. Maxine made sure all the special shipping/transport boxes the band bought for their equipment fit properly.

Two new members were added to the band. Maxine was hired to handle the sound systems and special effects. A friend of Dan’s name Krist Cobain was looking for work and was hired to move and set-up the equipment.

May 25th-27th, 1600hrs Covington Renaissance Festival Grounds:
The band arrives and is shown where they can park to unload their equipment. They also are shown where they could set up their tent and such. They weren’t scheduled to go on until tomorrow, so they had time to get into character and get set up.

Maxine looks at the clothing that she and Lindsey were wearing. Lindsey had picked out a minstrel outfit for herself, while Maxine looked like Maid Marian from Robinhood. Terry was dress as Robinhood, while the rest of the guys were dressed as his merry men.

Ian’s mother was dress as a Royal lady with the band members being her children. She looks over at all the kids.

“Well, how do I look?” Mrs. Smith looks at all the kids.

“Mom, you look unbelievable.” Ian couldn’t believe how his mother looked dressed the way she was.

“I have to agree with your son, Mrs. Smith. You look like someone from the past.” Lindsey wonders what her mother would look like.

“Thank you, Lindsey.”

“Well, let’s go and see what we can find for dinner.” They leave their camp area and mingle with the other people.

Jamie’s girlfriend had come along with them. Her parents had given her permission since Mrs. Smith was with them. They had set-up three separate tents. The girls were sharing one tent, the guys were sharing another tent. Their instruments were locked up in their trailer.

Lindsey, Ian, and his mother were exploring the different vendors and watching some of the mock combat that was going on. Maxine ran into a few people she knew and joined them. Jamie was spending time with his girlfriend. She wanted to talk with some of the other performers that were at the festival. Terry, Dan, and Krist went off to have fun. They were warned not to do any drinking either.

Lindsey was the first to wake-up. She heard movement outside their tent and slowly made her way outside. She managed to move outside without waking Mrs. Smith, Maxine or Christy, Jamie’s girlfriend.

She notices Ian was fixing coffee. She saw the old-style coffee pot on the one burner propane burner.

“I'm impressed.” Lindsey walks over and sits down in the lawn chair they brought with them.

“I and my parents use to go camping a lot before my father died.”

“This is my first-time camping.”

“Your parents never took you camping?”

“Nope and neither did any of the foster parents I had.” Lindsey picks up an apple out of the cooler and starts cutting it into pieces.

“I’m sorry to hear about that.”

“It’s okay. I have Barbara now and she’s been the best mother I’ve had so far.” Lindsey offers a slice of apple to Ian.

“No thanks.”

Lindsey takes the slice and bites into it. She has gotten into the habit of eating fruit first thing in the morning. Ever since the doctor told her that her iron levels have a tendency to drop, because of a disease she inherited from her mother. She had a strict diet that she kept to.

“So, what’s for breakfast and is there anything I can do to help?”

Ian pours her a cup of pineapple and apple juice mixed together.

“Do you know how to make pancakes?” Ian was getting the box of pancake mix they brought with them.

Lindsey saw the box “using that, yep I can.”

She digs out the hot plate and the measuring cup, along with everything else she will need. Lindsey starts making the pancake mix, while Ian brought the other propane stove out and set it up. Lindsey watches him as he moved about their camp. She was enjoying the camping experience.

Once the stove was set-up. She makes pancakes and sausage links for everyone. By the time everyone was feed and fully awake. They were going to need to get set-up and ready to perform.

After breakfast, she and the rest of the band get dress for their performance. Maxine and Krist head to the stage where they were going to perform and set-up the sound systems and such. Krist knew how to play a few of the instruments, so while Lindsey and the guys were getting ready. He helped in doing a sound check.

After the sound check. The band gets on stage and does another sound check. Once they are done doing the soundcheck, they put on a show for the crowd.

Lindsey was happy being back home. She had fun at the Renaissance Festival and made a few friends she keeps in touch with by email. Barbara had given her permission to play during the week while she was on summer break. They were playing three times a week.

The two weekends they were going to be in California, Barbara had spoken to the rest of the band families and they agreed that a week in California would be better. Then coming back home and flying back out again. So, they were going to spend a week on vocation in California and there were a few places she wanted to go too.

She goes to check on the mail because she wanted to see what her report card said. She spots the envelope that had her report card in it. She opens it and couldn’t believe she got a 4.0-grade point average. She passed all her classes with straight A’s. She knew Barbara will love to see her report card. She posts it on the refrigerator for Barbara to see.

After, putting her report card on the refrigerator. She slips her swimsuit on and head out to the swimming pool Barbara bought for them. It wasn’t very big, but it was deep enough and long enough for her to do a few laps in. The chilly water felt nice against her skin as she lowered herself into the water. Ian’s mother had taken him to get his learners permit. He just turned sixteen years old on Tuesday.

The band threw him a sweet sixteen party. Lindsey got him a nice set of light up drumstick that pulse each time he hit the drums a few nice t-shirts, with one showing the evolution of a human being to a drum player. A nice pair of shades and an ultimate drummer tool.

Lindsey climbs up on her lounge floater and just drift around in the pool. The radio station that interviewed them, played their demo disc
several times a day. Lindsey closes her eyes and just relax in the backyard.

Barbara arrives home “I’m home, Lindsey.” She sets her purse where she normally keeps it.

When she walks into the kitchen to grab a bottled water, she notices Lindsey’s report card on the refrigerator. A big ole’ smile appears on her face when she read her grade. She’ll have to do something nice for all the hard work Lindsey did to maintain her grade, while she was playing.

Barbara pokes her head out back and notices Lindsey in the above ground pool, just floating around. She had her portable radio playing.
Barbara has been hearing Lindsey’s band’s music being played on the radio on her way to work, since their interview last Thursday.

Barbara turns around and heads back into the kitchen to start dinner. She listens to the news while cooking. She knew the kids had a gig coming up in June for Haborfest. They already made a reservation at Norfolk Waterside Marriott for the weekend. Jamie’s girlfriend was coming again with them. This time they got three rooms. The girls were going to share a room and the guys were going to share a room with one set of parents. She would go with Lindsey, but she had a convention she and another member of their realty company were going to.

Lindsey wakes-up when her alarm clock goes off. It was set to remind her that she needed to head inside. She slides off the lounger and climbs out of the pool. She dries off before heading inside.

“Hey, sweetie.” Barbara watches as Lindsey comes walking into the kitchen through the back door.

“Hey mom, how was your day?” Lindsey stops to talk with her mother.

“It was okay. The Williamson is going to buy the house I showed them today.” Barbara has been working hard to sell this one house that has been on the market for a while.

“You mean they finally found a house they like?” Lindsey grabs an orange and sits on a stool to watch her mother cook dinner.

“Yep, they liked the one house that has been on the market for a while.” Barbara stirs the rice and meat dish.

Once Lindsey finishes her orange. She grabs some plates, silverware and starts setting the dining room table. She walks back into the kitchen
to grabs some glasses and fills them with ice.

“Foods ready.” Barbara puts the food into a serving bowl and carries it into the dining room.

Lindsey comes walking in and takes her seat, after setting the glasses filled with tea at their places. She inhales the smells drifting off the cooked food.

Once Barbara serves herself “have you and the guys decided what you are going to perform in, yet?”

“Yes, ma’am. We have decided to wear our pirate’s outfits. Terry is dressing up as Captain Kidd, Jamie is going as Captain Jack Sparrow, Ian is dressing as a deckhand, Dan is going as a Pirate Captain as well. I’m dressing as a female pirate as well. It is the same outfit I’m going to wear at the Pirate Festival in South Carolina.”

“You guys should settle either on a group costume for your band or just perform in your street clothes.” Barbara figure sit might be more cost efficient for them.

“We talked about a group costume, but we haven’t decided yet on a design.” Lindsey liked her Steampunk outfit.

“Have you guys decided what you are going to do, now that Terry has graduated?” Barbara knew Terry had graduated, which left Jamie and Lindsey still in school.

“We haven’t talked about it yet, mom. I do know that he wants to stay with the band. Just like Dan does.” Lindsey knew Dan had talked about taking online courses.

“Well, that leaves you, Jamie and Maxine still in school?”

“Yes, ma’am. Krist lives near Dan and has a driver’s license. I’ve been thinking it might be a good idea for us to get a touring bus.” Lindsey had seen a YouTube video about a band converting an old school bus into a touring bus. She figures they could do that with an old Greyhound bus or something.

“Why don’t you see how much a used one is? You might get a good deal on one.”

“I’ll see how much we have in our account. I know Brenda normally handles it.”

“I’ll talk with someone I know and see if we can find something for you. You might have to send Krist to a truck driving school to get his license for it.”

“The next band meeting we have, I’ll bring it up.” Lindsey makes a mental note to talk to Brenda and Terry about everything. The last band meeting they talked about Krist and Maxine’s pay.

That got Lindsey thinking maybe she should take a business course. She’ll have to think about it later. She finishes her dinner and cleans the table. Once the leftovers were put away and the kitchen cleaned up. She heads towards her bedroom and checks her emails.

There was an email in her band email folder from Brenda. She had sent them a new schedule:

GEAR Con 2018 July 7-8, 2018 University Place Hotel & Conference Center, Portland, OR

Motor City Steam Con 2018 July 13-15, 2018 Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport, Romulus, MI

Ama-Con 2018 August 4-5, 2018 Amarillo Civic Center, Amarillo, TX

Railway to the Moon Steampunk Festival 2018 August 18, 2018 Mount Washington Cog Railway, Mount Washington, NH

Dragon Con 2018 August 30 - September 3, 2018 Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, Atlanta, GA

The two out of states ones concern her the most. They would have to fly to Oregon and Michigan. Texas, New Hampshire they could drive to.
Lindsey prints it out and takes it to Barbara.

“Mom, Brenda just sent out our new schedule and we have two that we will have to fly too.” Lindsey shows Barbara the schedule.

Barbara looks at them and notices they were only for 1 and 2 days. She starts typing on her laptop to see how much airfare will be on those dates. They were looking at close to $2,000.00 for everyone and hotel room. That isn’t taking in account for food and the cost of shipping their instruments as well.

“The Oregon and Michigan gigs you guys will burn your money flying there and back. You might want to think about those two. As for the others, you can drive to those gigs.”

“I was worried about that. I’ll get with Brenda and see how much we are going to get paid for those gigs.” Lindsey pulls her cell phone out and calls Brenda,

Brenda had just gotten off the phone with Terry when she notices Lindsey calling her. She wonders what Lindsey wanted. She picks her phone up and answers it.

“Hey Lindsey, what can I do for you?”

“Hey Brenda, I was just going over our schedule and the two out of towners you have us down for, is going to cost us money.”

“You and Terry must have been talking to each other. You’re getting paid a $1,000.00 for each gig. Plus, I’ll have more gigs for you before then. I’m in contact with a few people who have heard your music on the radio and want you guys to come and perform for them. Hey, do you guys do Jazz?”

“We can, but we normally don’t. Why?”

“There’s a new Jazz club opening soon, and they were wondering if you guys could play Jazz.”

“We might not be able to do that one.”

“Alright, if you guys can perform well at some of these gigs. I might have a big opportunity for you guys as an opening act.”

“Cool! Oh, also. How much money do we have in our bank account?” Lindsey was curious.

“You guys currently have $25,000.00 in your account and most of that is from the money you put back into the band. As for what I have put in
your account, you have $3,000.00 dollars.” Brenda figures Lindsey might want to know that.

“Thanks, Brenda.”

“You’re welcome.” She ends the call.

Lindsey puts her cell phone away “we are getting paid $1,000.00 for each gig. That’s not counting how much we will make from the items we sell, which we make $2,000.00 -$3,000.00 on those sells.”

“Well, you guys will make more in merchandise, then you do while your playing. How much do you spend on the merchandise?”

“The shirts we pay $6.00 dollars per shirt, keychains, and USB drives $2 and $5.00 dollars. Are CD’s $10.00 and we get money from our music on Apple and Amazon.”

“It sounds like you guys make a small profit.” Barbara was impressed.

“Yes, ma.” Lindsey sits down next to her mother. “So, are you going to come with us on some these other gigs?”

“I’ll see what I have going on during those times. I might be able to come with a few with you.”

Lindsey gets up and heads to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

Lindsey had gotten up and did her morning routine. She had some packing she needed to do. The guys were going to come by later and pick her up and Ian up. They packed up the drum set that Ian left over at Jamie and Terry’s garage. They still needed to get a place to practice, so
Mr. Knotts could have the garage back.

Barbara sticks her head into Lindsey’s bedroom to check on her. She spots her packing for a few days.

“You almost ready?” As she walks in to help Lindsey.

“Almost, mom. Do you think I packed enough?” She had her suitcase filled with four days of clothes, her make-up, shampoo, and conditioner.

She had checked the hotel out online and found out they had a gym and an indoor swimming pool. So, she packed her swimsuit and workout clothes as well. Her other bag held the shoes she was going to wear on stage and if they were going out anywhere for dinner and such.

It doesn’t take long with Barbara’s help to finish up packing and getting her instruments ready. She was taking all her instruments this time around because they were planning on playing some of their own music.

“Let’s go and get some lunch, my treat.” Barbara grabs her purse, while Lindsey grabs hers.

“I wish you were coming with us on this one, mom.” As they walk out to the car.

“Me too, sweetie, but I got several houses I can’t reschedule. Besides, Ian’s mother is going to be with you guys along with Mr. and Mrs.
Knotts.” Barbara wanted to go, but she had no choice in staying behind.

Barbara takes Lindsey to Charlotte’s Grill to have lunch. She wanted to treat Lindsey to a nice meal before the band members showed up to pick her up.

“Mom, this place is High class.” Lindsey looks at her mother.

“I know. I normally bring clients here, just before I close on a house. I thought you might like it.” Barbara parks the car and the two of them head inside the restaurant.

The Hostess of the place greets them “Mrs. Weathers would you like your normal table or a different one?”

“A different one would be nice. Oh, Chasity, I want you to meet my daughter, Lindsey.”

Chasity’s eyes get big when Barbara mentions her name.

“Your Lindsey Weathers from Dusty Gaskets?” Chasity couldn’t believe it. She had a member of Dusty Gasket standing before her.

“I’m just the keyboard player.” A smile appears on Lindsey’s face.

“Your group sounds really good. I downloaded some of you guys music from Apple music store.” Chasity shows Lindsey and Barbara to an empty table.

“Thank you. Here...” As Lindsey reaches into her purse and pulls out one of their thumb drive that has all their music on it. She hands it to her.
“it has all our music on it.”

“Thank you.” Chasity slips it into her pants pocket.

Their waitress shows up and takes their order. The place was busy with the lunch crowd.

“So, are you guys going in two cars or one?”

“Two, the Knott’s, Brenda and Mrs. Smith are riding in their car, while us, Jamie’s girlfriend, Krist, Kaja and Maxine are riding in Dan’s SUV with
a trailer with our equipment and merchandise in it. Brenda is coming with us to do some networking.”

Their food shows up, along with their drinks. Lindsey had ordered a nice Gyro plate, while Barbara got a nice fish and shrimp plate.

“Just remember while you are there, that you are not to go anywhere by yourself without either one of the Knott’s, Mrs. Smith or a band member with you.”

“I promise mom, I won’t explore the area without someone with me. The band was told there would be Norfolk police officers there along with armed security officers as well.

“How many days are you guys playing?”

“We’re playing Saturday from 4:30pm-5: 30 pm and Sunday from 11:30 am-12: 30 pm. We’re hoping to be home by midnight or leave Monday morning.”

“Why don’t you guys leave Monday morning.” That way you can rest and recover some.

“Okay, I’ll tell Terry when he comes to pick me up. Actually, I’ll text him right now.” Lindsey sends a text to Terry. She figures he could tell everyone else before they left.

After lunch, Barbara takes Lindsey shopping, till they had to head back home. The guys were already at the house waiting on them. Ian and
Lindsey brought her stuff out and gave it to Krist to load up in the trailer. Everything was loaded nicely and fit perfectly in the trailer.

“Be careful sweetheart and have fun.” Barbara gives Lindsey a hug.

“Bye, mom.” Lindsey gets in the SUV with everyone else.

This was going to be her first time leaving the area, besides the trip to the Renaissance Festival. She watches Barbara wave to her as they pull away. They start heading towards the Highway and then the Interstate.

“You might as well make yourself comfortable. We have a seven and a half an hour ride ahead of us, ladies and gentlemen.”

“Are we driving straight through, or are we stopping for a break?” Lindsey was curious.

“Well, if we want to get there by eleven o’clock. We will be driving straight through. There’s a cooler in the back if you get thirsty.” Krist was driving.

Dan was sitting up front in the passenger seat. He was the navigator and in charge of the radio. Behind him was Terry, Jamie, and Christy. The next row had Ian, Maxine, and Kaja. The last row she had to herself along with a few pillows, bags and a few boxes of their merchandise.

For the next seven hours, Lindsey just listens to her iPhone. They do make one rest stop for everyone to use the bathroom. Lindsey switched up with Jamie and Christy, so they could have the back seat to themselves. She shares the front with Terry.

“Lindsey, wake-up.” Terry was lightly shaking Lindsey’s foot. She had curled up on her side of the seat.

Lindsey slowly opens her eyes and look around and then at Terry “are we here?”

“Yep, we’re here. Come on and let’s check in.” Terry gets out and helps a sleepy Lindsey out.

The first room is given to Maxine, Kaja, Christy, and Lindsey. The second room goes to Terry, Jamie, Krist, and Ian. Brenda and Dan share a
room since they were brother and sister.The Knotts and Mrs. Smith share another room. They unload their bags but leave the equipment locked up in the trailer.

Friday Morning:
Brenda and the group report to the organizers of Haborfest. They are told what stage they would be performing at and given discount tickets for some of the restaurants in the area. Around noon is when the festival starts. Mrs. Smith, Ian, Lindsey, and Kaja form one group and explore. They enjoy the music and wares that are on display for sale. Kaja was going to set-up their merchandise tomorrow before they start playing. Maxine, Krist, Terry, and Dan formed another group and was exploring. The Knotts, Jamie, and Christy formed another group and were exploring inside Waterside. Brenda was busy talking with a few people.

Lindsey had her camera out was taking pictures of all the ships sailing towards Waterside. She was having fun.

“Where are you setting up tomorrow, Kaja?”

Kaja looks around till she spotted where she was told they could set-up their stall “over there.” She points out the direction and spot. They have lunch at one of the vendors.

For dinner, they go down to the Freemason Abbey restaurant. It is a 144-year-old renovated church. Lindsey loved the place. The atmosphere was a combination of old and new. It had stain glass windows and the old fashion layout of the church.

After dinner, they headed back to the Marriot. Lindsey changes out of her clothes and put her swimsuit on. She picks up her cellphone and calls Ian to see if he wanted to join her down at the pool.

As the two of them are heading downstairs “so, are you having fun?”

“Yes, I am enjoying this trip. How about you?”

“I would enjoy it more if my mother wasn’t with us.”

“I like your mother Ian. She’s a nice woman.”

Once they arrive down at the pool, Lindsey just jumps in, after tossing her towel on a nearby lounge chair. A few seconds later, she is joined by Ian. She does a few laps to relax and burn off some energy. Tomorrow they did their first gig.

Ian chases after Lindsey as she swims the length of the pool. He liked her, and she was fun to be around.

“I was thinking about joining the wrestling team when we go back to school.” Ian has been seriously thinking it might be a good idea to have another occupation outside of music.

“That should be fun.” Lindsey does a lap and stops in front of Ian.

“My mother suggested I should find something other than music to pursue.”

“She must have been talking to my mother. She thinks I should have a backup occupation, just in case our band falls apart.”

“I doubt that is going to happen. We have too much stuff as is lined up. Brenda said we might open for a popular band.”

“I know, but Dan and Terry are 18years old and might decide to move on.”

“I doubt it. Terry likes music and is planning on playing if he can. As for Dan, he might move on. Me, I enjoy music and am thinking about continuing my education in it and learning to play additional instruments.”

“That I can see about you, Lindsey. Music is in your blood. It’s what makes you, you.” He splashes Lindsey and swims off.

Lindsey chases after him. She manages to finally catch him and dunk him underwater. She hears the alarm on her cell phone buzz, letting her know she needs to head back up to her room.

Ian and Lindsey get out of the pool and dries off, before heading up to their room.

Saturday Morning, June 9, 7:00 am, Hotel room 633, Marriot Hotel Waterside:
Lindsey wakes-up early and looked around the room she was sharing with the other girls. Her and Kaja are sharing a bed. Maxine and Christy shared the other bed. The other girls were still asleep, so she gets out of bed quietly and walks over towards the window. She looks out towards the water and Portsmouth’s riverfront on the other side of the Elizabeth River.

Last night everyone talked about going to MacArthur Mall and MacArthur Memorial since they didn’t go on till 4:30 pm. They weren’t going to have time to do a sound check. The stage manager for the stage they were playing at, was going to handle it. Maxine was going to spend time with him to help with their sound needs. She knew all their music, the sound and special effects they were going to need.

She turns around when she hears someone moved. It was Christy and she was sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She had gone to bed in a light green baby doll outfit last night.

Jamie and Christy had been spending some along time with each other. Jamie’s parents didn’t mind them spending time together.

“Good morning, Christy.”

Christy waves hello as she heads towards the bathroom. She stumbles into the bathroom and shut the door. She sits down on the toilet and does her morning business.

While Christy does her business, Lindsey grabs her robe and slip her key card in her pocket. She heads out of the room to check on the guys.

She knocks on their door but doesn’t hear any movement. She knocks again “who is it?”

“It’s me, Lindsey.”

“Give us a second.”

Lindsey hears movement as the guys straighten up some. The door is finally opened by Ian. He steps aside to let her in. As she walks in, it looked like the guys had a little party last night.

“Boy, you guys looked like you had a little party.” She looked at the mess they made of the room.

“No, we will clean it up before we play today. What brings you down here?” Ian was curious why Lindsey came down to see them.

“I was thinking after seeing some of the performers yesterday, it might be better if we change our costumes up a little. Maybe it would be better
if we wear our Steampunk costumes or a combination of both?”

“Considering how warm it is here, I could wear mine.” Ian’s costume was simple.

Dan and Terry look at each other. Both were looking forward to wearing their pirate costumes.

“Look, guys, we still have that pirate festival to do. You can wear your pirate costume there or one of you could wear theirs here, while the others wear their steam punk costume.”

“I didn’t pack my Steam Punk costume.” Dan figured he wouldn’t need it.

“I have mine and I think Jamie packed his as well.” Terry was pretty sure his brother packed his.

“Alright, let’s go on stage with Dan dress as a pirate and the rest of us dressed in our Steam Punk outfits.” Lindsey figures that should draw a crowd, plus with the music they were going to play as well.

“Alright. Are we still going to the mall and MacArthur memorial after breakfast?”

“I wouldn’t mind going to Saint Paul’s Church as well. According to one of the organizers I spoke to yesterday. There’s a cannonball still in the side of the church from the Revolutionary War. I figure if we must write what we did on our summer vocation paper. I could write about that.”

“How far is it?” Terry wouldn’t mind seeing it as well.

“It isn’t far from the mall?” Lindsey had looked it up on her laptop she brought with her.

“Okay, well I’m going back to my room and get ready. Let Jamie know what we are going to do.” Lindsey heads back to her room.

Saturday Morning June 9, 10:00 am, MacArthur Mall:
“Remember to meet back here in two hours, so we can go to the MacArthur Memorial. Also, if you’re going to go and visit the church, let us know.” Mrs. Smith glances at her cell phone to see how long the kids had.

Everyone disperses to do some shopping and looking around the mall. Lindsey and Ian walk over to the church after letting Mrs. Smith know where they went. Lindsey couldn’t believe how downtown Norfolk looked. It was different than where they came from.

She stops and read the plaque telling them a brief history of the church. Ian takes pictures of her reading and of some of the gravesites on the property. They find the side the cannonball was cemented in on. It was on the side of the church that faced the street and courthouse across that was across the street from it.

Ian snaps a picture of Lindsey pointing to the cannonball. He could see how much she was enjoying everything.

“You know, I might write a song about this place.” As Lindsey and Ian walk back to the mall to meet-up with everyone.

“What, about the cannonball or the church?”

“About the day it happened. I wonder if they have any information about what took place that day. I think a song written about that day would fit it.”

“Well, when we get back. Why don’t you see if they have a historical society here and talk with someone about your idea?”

Lindsey glances towards Ian as they walk inside the mall. Before they leave, they hit a few stores they had visted before they went to look at the church. They pick-up a few items to take back to their hotel room. Once they get back to the hotel, everyone changes into their costumes and grab their gear. They head over towards the stage.

“I wonder how Kaja is doing?” As Ian walks beside Lindsey with their gear and instruments.

“She’s all set-up and she said sales are slow right now.” Lindsey had texted her.

“We’re still heading over there after our performance, right?”

“Yep, that’s the plan.”

Saturday Afternoon, 4:30pm-5: 30 pm, Haborfest, Town Point Park Main Stage:
Lindsey watches from the stage as people start gathering in front of the stage. They start with some of their most requested songs back home.
When they notice the crowd warming up to them. They really crack it up and play some of their other music, including some of their steampunk style of music. The crowd roar as they continue to play.

Some of the people were surprised when Lindsey switches up with Dan and start playing her saxophone. After a few songs that require the use of her saxophone, she moves to the resonator guitar. By the time they finish playing,they had drawn a rather large crowd and was being congratulated as they left the stage. The people were chanting their name as they left.

Terry had spotted several television reporters recording them. Just as they were leaving the stage. They are stopped by a reporter from WAVY-
TV 10. She interviews every member of the band and when she came to Lindsey.

“You are a very talented young lady and I am told you’re also the youngest in the band. How does it feel to be playing with kids older than you?”

“Not bad. I enjoy playing with all of them. They are very talented musicians.”

“Your band has a unique sound to it. How would you classify your music?”

“We’re a pop rock with a stream punk sound.”

“Well, I have to say your music was pleasant and catchy to listen too.”

"I hope to hear more from your band." The reporter ends the interview and goes to talk with another group of people.

Maxine and Krist pack up all their equipment and take it back to their room. Lindsey and the others head over to Kaja's stall to sign autographs and help sell merchandise. The band also take pictures with the kids and adults. Lindsey covers for Kaja, to let her go and grab something to eat and to use the bathroom. The rest of the night, the band mingles still dressed in their performance costumes at the festival. When the place closes for the night. The security officers tell them that they will be patrolling the area and they could leave their stall set up.

Kaja locks their things up since the band is going to be playing on Sunday as well. She secures everything for the night and meets up with everyone at the hotel.

Sunday Morning June 10, 11:30am-12:30 pm, Town Point Park, Main Stage
The band notices they had a much larger crowd, then they had yesterday. They start their show off with a song they didn’t play yesterday. After that one ended, they played one they had yesterday and switched it up with another they hadn’t play yesterday. The applause they got after they played for an hour made them all feel proud of what they did.

Lindsey’s lips were a little sore after playing her saxophone during their gig. Today Dan played her synthesizer, while she played her sax and resonator guitar. When they needed the rhythm guitar, she let Dan play. While she switched to her keytar and played. Whenever she did this type of change-up, she made sure the music was written to play both ways.

After they finished their gig, they join Kaja at their stall to do autographs and take pictures with their new fans. Maxine and Krist put their gear away and join them as well. The band members made sure to always thank Maxine and Krist for their help and support when they were on stage.

A little girl comes up to Lindsey “I want to be like you when I get older.” She hugs Lindsey.

“I bet you will.” A smile appears on Lindsey's face.

Lindsey gives the girl one of the specially design plush animals and t-shirt Kaja designed for their band.

The mother of the girl gives Lindsey a motherly smile “thank you.”

“You’re welcome, ma’am.” Lindsey watches as the girl and her mother walks off.

Lindsey pulls a twenty out of her pocket and hands it to Kaja for the plushy and shirt.

“You don’t need to do that, Lindsey. That’s band merchandise.” Kaja hands the twenty back to Lindsey.

“But you get a percentage of the sales Kaja. I don’t want you to lose out.” Lindsey wanted to be fair to Kaja.

“I don’t mind a little girl getting a gift from us.” She tucks the twenty-dollar bill Lindsey gave her in a front pocket on Lindsey’s costume.

By six o’clock the festival comes to an end. Lindsey and the guys help Kaja tear down the stall and transport everything back to their SUV.

“Let’s go back to the Freemason Abbey tonight for dinner?” Lindsey looks at everyone to see what they wanted to do.

“Okay, but I need to leave our money with the front desk. Plus, don’t you guys need to change out of your performance costumes?”

“I’m going as I am.” Lindsey didn’t mind.

“That makes two of us.” Ian was going as he is.

“Alright, let's mount up and drive down to the Abbey.” Dan walks around to the driver side to drive.

“Stop at the hotel, before we do.”

They stop at the motel and Kaja runs their cash box into their hotel and ask them to hold it for her till they get back from dinner. She hops back into the SUV and heads down to the restaurant and park. They head inside the restaurant and have dinner. Everyone ends up taking leftover back tot eh hotel with them around ten o’clock.

All the parents and kids head down to the indoor pool and enjoy it. Everyone still felt energized and full of energy after coming back from the restaurant.

“What time are we leaving tomorrow?” Lindsey was floating on the side of the pool as she spoke with Mr. Knotts.

“We’re planning on leaving by 10:00 am. Is there something you want to do tomorrow?”

“Nope, I just need to inform my mother is all.” By eleven o’clock everyone heads back upstairs to their bedroom.

Lindsey does call her mother and talk with her for a while, before heading to bed. Kaja was out as soon as her head hit the pillow. They had done well on sales and Kaja informed Brenda and Lindsey they had sold out of nearly everything. She was going to need to replenish their stock when they get home.

Monday Morning June 11, 10:00 am, checkout of the Marriott:
Lindsey couldn’t believe it was raining out as they loaded their suitcases and instruments in the trailer. She was going to have to come back here someday and do some exploring of the historic sites.

“I hope it stops raining before we get home.” Christy gets in the SUV and takes the back seat.

“Mom said it’s raining back home.” Lindsey climbs in and sits in the first seat with Terry.

“Great, I bet we have rain all the way home.” Jamie sits next to Christy.

“Well, I know we did good and we can expect to be on the road more often this summer.”

“Oh, what did you hear from Brenda?” Lindsey was curious.

“According to what I’ve heard so far. Several people she talked too are in negotiations with her to have us come back to the Hampton Roads area and play at some of their venues. They are going to have a Battle of the Bands next year in Virginia Beach and we are going to enter it. As for the gigs in the Hampton Roads area. I do know she’s working on contracts with several venues. The Rainbow Catus, which is a gay bar would like us to play. Craft 60 Ale House, Jewish Mothers at the Oceanfront. She’s was contacted by the program directors of Chrysler Hall and Wells Theatre for us to come and play.”

“Man, we are really hitting the big times. When are we going to be coming back up here?” Jamie looks towards his brother.

“Don’t know yet, but we aren’t skipping the gigs we are already set-up for. I’ll know more by our next band practice.”

They make good time getting back home. Lindsey and Ian are dropped off first and all their instruments and luggage are unloaded. Barbara
was waiting for Lindsey when she got home.

Lindsey plays back their performance on her tablet for her mother, while she got ready for bed.

Lindsey yawns and stretches as she wakes-up. They had played last night, and they were scheduled to play again this afternoon. The South Carolina Pirate Festival was fun. The only problems from the gig was that the guys managed to get drunk and stoned.

They had gone off with some new friends they made at the festival and party with them till one in the morning. Krist, Terry, Dan, and Jamie had gotten sticking drunk and Ian was so stoned, that he had no idea where he was. Maxine had gotten laid by a nice good-looking guy. Christy wasn’t with them on this gig. Her parents wanted her to spend time at home, instead of traveling like she had been doing.

Jamie and Terry’s parents hit the roof when they found out that the guys had gotten drunk and stoned. They were threating to pulled them from this gig in California. They couldn’t say anything to Krist and Dan. Both were eighteen years old and knew better, plus they weren’t the Knotts children. Maxine, she was the one that would have to live with the consequence if she got pregnant. Lucky for her, the guy she had a one-night stand with, wore a condom and she was on the pill.

Lindsey glances over towards her mother as she slept. She had stayed up all night last night making sure none of the band members were goofing off or getting drunk on this trip. Mrs. Knotts and Mrs. Smith had come along with Barbara to make sure they stayed out of trouble.
Since the band was going to be on official vacation this week. They were going to do some sightseeing till the weekend, which is when their other gig started.

Lindsey gets out of bed quietly, since she shared the bed with her mother and head towards the bathroom to do her morning business. Her breasts was getting bigger. Before they left home, Barbara took her to the doctor for a follow-up on her iron levels and for her estrogen levels. Her doctor upped the levels of her estrogen and put her on some stronger levels.

Lindsey was enjoying being a girl. She walks back into the bedroom and slips her swimsuit on. She was going to try to get in a few laps before they headed to breakfast. She writes a note telling her mother where she went.

When she gets near the swimming pool, she notices Ian was in the weight room lifting weights. She stops and watches him for a little while. He had confided that he was thinking about becoming a professional wrestler. Since they were in California for a week. He wanted to go to a wrestling event that the WWE was putting on.

Lindsey shakes her head to clear her thoughts. Ian was clouding her judgment as she heads towards the pool. She’s been having wet dreams about him. She had woken up one morning with her panties being soaking wet from her dream. She does a few laps to keep in shape and to exercise her knee. Her doctor had said with her swimming every morning and such was helping her knee.

On a return lap back towards the other side of the pool, she notices Ian watching her. She wonders if he has been watching her the whole entire time. She was on number sixty of her laps.

Ian had finished up in the weight workout room and was heading back to his room when he spotted Lindsey in the pool doing her laps. He walked into the pool area and watched her swim freestyle down the length of the pool. He liked how her body moved with each stroke she took.

As she got closer to the edge of the pool, he could see how slim and tone her body really was. He notices how her breast has gotten a little bigger since the last time he saw her in a swimsuit.

“What number are you on Lindsey?” He looks down at her in the water.

“I’m on my sixtieth lap.” Lindsey looks up at him. She was wearing her one-piece swimsuit.

“How many do you normally do?”

“I normally do a hundred laps. I can stop if you want me too.”

“No, go ahead and finish your laps. I’ll stand up here and watch you.” A smile appears on Ian’s face.

Lindsey restarts her count and swims to the other side. She continues until she gets to a hundred and stops.

“Here, let me help you out.” Ian reaches down and helps Lindsey up out of the water and into his arms.

He pulls her wet body close to his as he kisses her on the lips. He has been wanting to do this since she kissed him that one time. He could feel her wet body pressed against his chest.

He holds her for a while as they tongue wrestle. He didn’t care she was wet from swimming. This was the first time they have had some time alone with each other.

Lindsey liked being held in Ian’s arms. As they kissed it was like a dream come true. She had closed her eyes and pressed her body against his.

They stay embrace in each other’s arms for a while. Ian stops kissing Lindsey and tries to look in her eyes, but they were closed.

“Was I that bad?”

Lindsey opens her eyes and looks up into his eyes “no, you weren’t bad at all.” A smile appears on her face.

They just stand there gazing into each other’s eyes. Lindsey as never felt this way before about anyone before. Lindsey’s cell phone beeps, letting her know she needs to head back to her room.

“We better head back upstairs, before they send a search party to look for us.”

“I think your right.” He holds her hand, as they walk over towards Lindsey’s stuff and head upstairs.

They stop in front of the room Lindsey was sharing with her mother, Maxine, Kaja. The Knotts were sharing a room with their sons. Dan, Krist, were sharing a room with Ian and his mother. Ian gives her a kiss before heading towards his room. Lindsey watches him as he walks next door to her room and walks inside.

She heads into her room and into the bathroom to rinse off. While she is in the shower, someone knocks on the door.

“Occupied!”

“Lindsey, I need to pee really badly. Is the curtain closed?”

Lindsey recognized the voice as Kaja’s voice.

"Yes"

“Good!” Kaja comes dashing into the bathroom and sits on the toilet.

Lindsey could hear Kaja as she relieves her bladder. Lindsey just smiles as she washes her hair. She could hear Kaja let out a little moan of
relief as she sat on the toilet.

“I told you not to have that last can of tea last night.”

“I was thirsty.” Kaja finishes up her business and flushes the toilet. Then she remembers Lindsey was in the shower.

“Sorry, Lindsey.”

Lindsey moves back from under the shower head when she hears Kaja flush the toilet.

“Hey, I was taking a shower in here.”

“Sorry.” As Kaja leaves the bathroom.

Lindsey finishes her shower and dries off. She heads into the bedroom and discovers her mother had laid out a new outfit for her to wear at the convention. It was like the one she wore on stage, but different as well. She still had a top hat, but the corset was different than her stage one.

“I thought you might like to wear something different, then what you perform in. Also, you and the guys have a picture signing session at 1:00 pm before you guys go on.”

Lindsey watches as Maxine rushes to the bathroom as quickly as she could. Lindsey just smiles as she walks over and starts getting dressed. She couldn’t wait to see what her new outfit made her look like. Her mother and the other adults were getting into the spirit of the convention.

Lindsey knew Kaja was going to be manning their booth like always, but she and Maxine have a volunteer to take over so Kaja could enjoy the convention and talk with a few merchants. After everyone is dress, they head down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. Lindsey gets her normal, which is waffles, a small fruit bowl and a glass of orange juice.

“How are we doing on merchandise, Kaja?” Lindsey was curious.

“Were doing fine. I ordered double our normal amount. Too bad none of you guys are talented at building things. We could offer that as well.”

“Don’t you know someone that was in the drama club that does that type of stuff?” Lindsey knew Kaja knew all the people in the drama club and what they could do.

“I could ask Andrew when we get back. He’s pretty handy at building things.”

“If he is willing to do it. He can travel with us or we can buy his items and you can sell them.” Lindsey figures if Andrew comes with them, Kaja could enjoy the convention more often.

“I’ll ask him. I don’t know if he’s into Steampunk and such.”

“That’s fine. Let me know when you want to switch up.”

“I will Lindsey and thanks.” Kaja gets back to setting their stuff up.

Lindsey mingles with the crowd, along with her mother and the guys. A few people recognized them from last night when they performed and ask them to sign a few items or take pictures.

At 1:00 pm, a table had been set-up for them to do signings and pictures with their fans. Even Maxine was with them during that session because she handles the soundboard and such. That goes on for two hours. Afterward, they head to the stage to do a sound check and get ready to perform.

“Maxine is the settings right for my sax and guitar?” Something didn’t sound right to her.

“Play a few cords for me.” Maxine gets ready for Lindsey.

Lindsey’s play the opening part for one of their songs that required her to play her sax. Then she moves to her resonator guitar.

Maxine had to admit, Lindsey was right about the settings for her resonator and Sax. She makes the adjustment and has Lindsey play again to
make sure she got it right.

“That’s good Lindsey. You were right, they were off.”

Lindsey puts her guitar down and listens to Terry, Jamie, and Dan as they tuned their guitars. Ian does a sound check on his drums and
cymbals. They had allowed a few people to come in, while they were setting up.

“Hey, guys let’s do Thunder and Hammer as a warm-up.” Lindsey knew that the song had everything they needed for a warm up.

Ian starts off with Dan Jamie playing his guitar. Lindsey plays her part on the resonator. Ian comes in hard on the drums. The sound they were getting was exactly like Lindsey had imagined when she wrote the song. It was a good warm-up song as she switches from her resonator to her sax and then her synthesizer.

There was a loud applause from the audience that they had permitted to come in and listen while they tuned. They play their next popular song called Storm Witch. It was one of their more popular songs. The others were their remix of Another day in Paradise by Phil Collins, that they were paying the license fee to play it. The other was I can’t dance by Phil Collins as well. Out of their own songs they had six that were extremely popular both among the Steampunk crowd and among normal pop-rock audience.

The Pirate Shanty’s they wrote for the Pirate festival was popular. Lindsey’s has been thinking they might record them and sell them. She hopes some of the Steampunk crowd might like them.

They take a break and freshen up some. Lindsey’s makes sure her water bottle is near her synthesizer. It was filled with grape Gatorade.

“Good luck kids.” Barbara watches as Lindsey goes out on stage with the rest of the band.

Barbara looks over towards Mrs. Knotts and Mrs. Smith “I can’t believe how talented our children are.”

“I know, it takes my breath away every time I hear them play.” Mrs. Smith was proud of Ian.

They hear the concert start and listen as the kids play their hearts out. When their time was up, they were asked for three more encores. So, they played three more, before they really must exit the stage. The stage crew get their instruments and gear and pack everything up. They were going to keep it locked up in the shipping container they shipped everything in from PODS storage.

The parents had the kids towels to dry off.

“Thanks, mom.” Lindsey was glad they had finished.

Her lips were sore from playing her sax. Her fingertips were sore as well from playing her resonator for some of their songs. After all the bands
finish playing. They mingle with them and party for a while. Lindsey makes sure no one touches her drink during the party.

Lindsey opens her eyes and couldn’t believe how much fun she had last week. She made a bunch of friends at the two Steampunk events the band played at. She also made friends with some of the bands she met in Los Angeles. The band had gotten word of places that beginning bands go and play in the Los Angeles area. So, as a group, they decided to check the places out.

Some of the bands they listen too, sounded extremely good. The rest they listened too, would sound a lot better if they practiced more or switched up their players. A few of the participants recognized her and the other band members and invited them to play on stage with them.
They jammed with them most of the night.

As for the conventions, they did extremely well. They ended up playing encores each time. She also met some of the other famous steampunk artists like Steam Power Giraffe, Abney Park, Vernian Process and The Cog is Dead. She loved their Airship Pirate song and Steampunk Revolution.

Each of the group she loved some of their songs. Abney Park and Steam Power Giraffe, she loved the concepts they came up for their group. The one member of Steam Power Giraffe was transgender like her. As much fun as she had visiting California, she was happy to be home.

Lindsey checks the weather forecast for Portland, Oregon since they had a gig out there to do. She was going to have to go through all the new clothes she bought out in California and brought back with her. While she is going through her clothes and getting her suitcase ready. The doorbell rings. Lindsey checks who was at the door with the ring app. On her phone. Barbara had decided to installed the ring doorbell since the band was becoming popular. She spots Ian standing at the front door. She heads towards the door and opens it. She was listening to some of Abney Park’s music while she was packing.

“Hey, Ian, what brings you around?”

“I wanted to see you. Do you mind if I come in?”

“Sure, come on in.” Lindsey was still in her house robe.

“Thanks.” Ian comes walking in.

“I was just packing for our gig in Oregon this weekend. Would you like anything to drink?”

“Nope, I’m fine.” Ian was looking around the house as he walked in.

The place had a warm and homey feel to it. A place where you could come home and relax from the troubles of the day. Ian notices there were pictures of the band. Even though Lindsey was front and center in them, he could see all the band members. There was one where she had been dancing and he was raising his hands and coming down on the drums. He could recall when that even took place.

“So, what brings you over here?” Lindsey didn’t mind, because she liked being around Ian.

“I was home alone, and I figure you might like some company.” Ian was bored being home. He practiced for a while on his drums.

He turns to look at her and notices she was still in her night clothes. He wonders what she was wearing under her house robe.

“Thanks, I was just packing and listening to Abney Park music.”

“I can hear. Those guys were friendly and fun to be around. Robert Brown is a lot like you, Lindsey he loves music and has a lot of other interest.”

“I know, I got a chance to talk with him. He said he loved some of our songs and that he would love to collaborate with me on a few songs.”

“Well, I hope you take him up on his offer. What did you think of the Guitarist Cherry Bomb of The Bloody Axe?”

“She was good. The problem was, the rest of the members of the band need more practice. None of them could carry a tune or play their instruments as well as we did. She, on the other hand, was amazing on her guitar. She would make a good addition to our band.”

“I know what you mean. I think Dan might move on. He had been talking with a heavy metal band from New York. They offered him the lead guitar position in their band.”

“How did you find that out?” Lindsey was curious.

“You forget, we all share the same hotel room. Plus, he has been thinking that the type of music we play, isn’t what he wants to do.”

“Well, he doesn’t ever contribute anything like the rest of us. So, if he wants to leave, that is fine.” Lindsey had seen how disappointed Dan had been lately.

“Well, if he leaves, we’ll need to get a company vehicle for the band. We have been using his SUV to get to our gigs.”

“Mom and I have been talking about that. I wouldn’t mind a tour bus, but they cost too much. So, maybe an RV like an airstream or something?”

“Whatever we get, is going to cost us, plus it needs to be able to sit all of us.” Ian figures their finances weren’t too bad.

“We could buy a decommission school bus and fix it up to our self.” Lindsey had seen some nice pictures of some done by others.

“That would work. How much would it run us?”

“We could get a short bus for around $7,000.00 and according to some of the figures I have been seeing. We could convert it for under
$4,000.00 if we do the work our self.” Lindsey had been searching the web on how to convert a bus into a touring bus.

“Do you think a short bus would be good or would a bigger one be better, so we can add a toilet to it?” Ian figure most of their travels take them within a day’s ride from their homes.

“I think a short one would be better for now. Anything bigger and it would cut into our profits for gas and insurance.”

“Boy, maybe you should be the band manager. Your sounding like you and Brenda have been talking.”

“We have. I wanted to know how much money we had so we could purchase a band vehicle. I know she has her job and the more I knew about how she does things. The more I could help her out.”

“That makes sense.”

“Thanks.” Lindsey walks over and sits down next to Ian.

Ian smiles and gives Lindsey a kiss. Lindsey loved it when he kissed her. Her stomach felt like it had butterflies in it. She returns the kiss. The
two of them kiss and feel each other up, but when Ian’s hand goes two low. Lindsey stops him.

“I don’t want you touching me there.” Lindsey felt self-conscious about her birth defect, even though the doctor tucked it away for her.

“No problem.” Ian and Lindsey enjoy kissing each other for a while.

Lindsey finally gets dressed after a half-n-hour. Ian gets a chance to see her bedroom and couldn’t believe how girly it was. He had seen other girls bedrooms, but theirs wasn’t as girly as Lindsey’s.

While she was getting dress, he heads into the spare bedroom where all her instruments and synthesizer was set-up. He was amazed at the recording devices she had in there. He spots a music sheet he had seen her use before sitting on her synthesizer. It looked like she was working on a new piece of music.

“Do you ever stop writing music?”

“Nope. I hear the tune in my head and start writing it down right away, so I don’t lose it. I’m working on four new songs for our group. One is
very heavy for you on the drums. It's going to push your talent playing it.” Lindsey comes walking out of her bedroom in a nice flowery
sundress and white wedges. Her toenails were painted a nice rose color that matched the flowers on her sundress.

Lindsey picks a piece of paper up and writes a note for her mother, just in case she stops by the house. She texted her favorite taxi driver and he was on his way to the house.

“Come on. Let’s go mall shopping and catch a movie.”

“How are we getting to the mall?”

“I texted my favorite taxi driver and he’s on his way.”

Just as she says that they hear a horn honk outside.

“Time to go.” Lindsey grabs her purse and locks the house up, before getting in the cab and head for the mall.