Your Sweet Six Six Six | Sitkolson [C]

Chapter 15 | Scratched Guitars

A/N: I know you guys really wanted me to go with City Lights and Eternally Yours for this, but the thing is, City Lights is so overdone. I'm sure Eternally Yours will get that way too and I'd like to avoid that. When I asked for songs, I should've clarified that I wanted covers. I did change the pronouns from the originals because there were both originally sung by women. 

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For once, the school stayed somewhat populated after the final bell. Usually people were running out the door as fast as possible. All the drama club kids and band geeks were staying after for the talent show tryouts. Of course, there's always a few jocks and cheerleaders that have to get in on it too. They were the outcasts for a change as the backstage of the auditorium was filled with guitars and props. 

Ryan glanced up from his guitar when he sensed someone walking this way. He was initially happy to see Ricky but he couldn't manage a smile. Ryder was with him again. Those two were spending more time together, Ryder was already becoming apart of their friend group, and it was starting to get to Ryan faster than he thought. Thankfully, he wasn't sticking around. Ryder gave Ricky a hug goodbye and left. 

"I'm sorry I made you change the song last minute." Chris spoke as he stood over his friend.

Ryan was sitting on the floor to practice. He glanced over at Ricky again, then replied, "It's fine. I like this one better. Besides," He chuckled, "It's probably a lot harder for you to learn a new song than it is for me. The tabs for this one are way easier."

"It's just for the audition. We'll figure out something better if we get an actual spot for the show. I'm sure Mrs. Thomas wouldn't want us to use something this slow. Apparently they're making a big event out of the show this year because they're making it a charity thing." He said. 

"Yeah," Vinny chimed in as he walked up, "And guess who has to do all the grunt work? The wrestling team. I had to help Mrs. Thomas today."

"So, does that mean your scrawny ass managed to make the team?" Ryan responded.

He sighed, "Yeah, believe it or not, I'm actually not that bad."

"Fighting is in your genetics. You can take the trash out of Jersey, but you can't take the Jersey out of the trash." He muttered. 

Chris stifled a laugh, "Is it the Jersey in him or the Italian?"

"Both, probably." Ryan changed his attention over to Ricky as he walked over. "So, you didn't chicken out, after all? Well, I guess you've still got some time left for that, so I shouldn't speak too soon."

"I'm not. I need that money, even if I have to force myself to act like I give a shit about this whole thing." He replied. 

He set his guitar's case beside Ryan's, pulling out a sleek black acoustic. It had plenty of scratches on it and a few worn down stickers. He'd had it awhile, but that's probably why he loved it so much. Ryan's guitar didn't look much different. Ricky sat down in front of him to be able to practice with him. In all honesty, it had been way too long since the two just sat down and played together.

Mrs. Thomas, along with the head of the theater department, Mr. Gillard, walked out into the cluttered backstage. Everyone quieted down quickly, knowing that they were probably back here for an important reason.

"Aren't you supposed to be helping Mrs. Thomas today?" Chris said to Vinny.

"Yes, yes he is." She replied, making several people laugh. With a sigh and a new vengeance towards Chris, Vinny walked over to her. She handed him a list, informing him along with everyone else, "That's the order we're going in. You're responsible for telling people when it's their turn."