Chapter 83

Tyler and Grace burst through the doors of Shrewsbury hospital and headed right for the emergency room. Fortunately, Scott was on call at the time and met them there.

“Scott….where…where is he?” Tyler breathlessly said.

“Calm down, Ty…he’s right in here, but hurry. The doctor needs to speak with you.”

“Whats wrong with him Scott?” Grace asked.

“Looks like appendicitis,” Scott replied. “However, he’s perforated so they’ll have to operate immediately.”

“Perforated?” Tyler asked. “Scott, please use words us simple chaps understand.”

“Its ruptured,” Scott explained. “Which means, there’s a chance that infection setting in, which is why they have to operate immediately.”

“Oh God,” Grace whispered as she and Tyler were led to the gurney in the ER where Mark was laying on. His face was contorted in pain and his face was covered with sweat. Grace went right to her son as the attending physician went to Tyler.

“Mr. Savage, I’m Dr. Fulton. Your son Mark’s appendix has ruptured and we need to remove it immediately before infection sets in. You’ll need to sign these forms.”

As Tyler took care of the forms, Grace bent over her son’s perspired face and kissed his forehead, startled to feel that his skin was hot.

“Mark, its okay we’re here,” she soothed him. “They’re gonna have to take your appendix out, lad.”

“Mum, it…..” Mark winced. “Crikey, it hurts so much. Feels like a Guiness truck ran over my stomach.”

“I know, lad. You’ll be okay once it comes out. Your dad and I are here. We’ll be in the waiting room while they operate. We’re not gonna leave, okay?”

Mark was too weak to do anything but nod. Tyler finished signing the papers then went over to Mark. “Aye lad, you’re gonna be okay. They’re gonna operate on you now. Your mum and I will be waiting.”

Grace put her hand on her son’s forehead again and bit her lip. “Dr. Fulton, why is he so hot?”

“Well, a high fever is a sign of appendicitis, but its also the sign of an infection. Which is why we’ve got to prep him stat. C’mon, lets get him into OR.”

In a flash, Mark was wheeled out of the emergency room and up to OR. As Tyler and Grace followed, Tyler made a quick call on his cell phone to Chelsea. Trevor answered the phone.

“Uncle Ty….is Mark okay?” Trevor asked with worry.

“He has to have his appendix out lad,” Tyler replied. “Listen, just let your mum know what’s going on and have her call the house to check on Abby. I know she’s 13, but I don’t know how long we’ll be here. Just make sure she’s okay and tell her we’ll call her in a little while.”

“Okay,” Trevor replied. “Mark’s gonna be alright, isn’t he? I mean, its just his appendix. That’s pretty common.”

“Well, the doctor’s are worried about infection. We won’t know until he comes out. We’ll call as soon as he does.”

“Okay. Tell him……tell I’ll be by tomorrow.”

“I will Trevor. And thanks for checking up on Abby for us.”

“No problem. Just call soon.”

“We will. Bye.”

Tyler clicked off his cell phone as he and Grace entered the waiting room.

And…..waited……

Chapter 84

Several hours later, Dr. Fulton came out of surgery and went to find Tyler and Grace in the waiting room. They both rose when he came in.

“Mr. & Mrs. Savage, everything went fine with removing Mark’s appendix. He’s in intensive care recovering. However, we won’t know about infection until he wakes.”

“Well…..what if he has an infection?” Grace asked.

“We’ll have to put him on an IV of very strong antibiotics,” Dr. Fulton said. “He should be awake soon and then we can move him to a private room.”

About twenty minutes later, Tyler and Grace went into ICU to see Mark as he awoke from surgery. Tyler bent over him.

“Aye sport. How ya feeling?”

“Mmm,” was all Mark could manage to say as he fluttered his eyes. He was obviously weak and not fully awake.

An hour or so later, Mark was moved to a private room where Tyler and Grace stayed with him for a while. It was then that Tyler suggest that Grace go home to Abby while he stayed with Mark.

“Call if anything happens,” Grace said.

“Nothing’s gonna happen, luv,” Tyler assured her.

Grace nodded then went to kiss her son’s forehead, which was slightly warm. She didn’t think much of it as she stroked his hair. “Mark, I’m gonna go home because Abby’s alone. Your dad’s gonna stay. I’ll be back tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay mum,” Mark quietly said.

Grace left and Tyler turned the telly. After a while, Mark began to drift off to sleep. He wondered if this was a good thing for him to do since he just woke from being under anesthesia. As he thought that, a nurse entered the room to check on him.

“Um, excuse me……..”

“Lisa,” the nurse replied. “I’ll be Mark’s nurse for the night shift.”

“Lisa, yes…..uh….should he be going off to sleep like that? Is it an after effect of the anesthesia?”

Lisa put a hand to Mark’s forehead and her eyes widened. “Oh dear,” she said. “I think he’s developing a fever. Mark? Mark, wake up….I have to take your temperature.”

“Huh?” Mark groggily murmured as his eyes barely opened.

Lisa put the thermometer in his mouth then took his pulse. She retrieved the thermometer and sighed. “100. He may have an infection. I’m gonna have to test his white blood count. We may have to start him on an IV of antiobiotics.”

Tyler felt Mark’s forehead as the nurse took his blood. His skin was very hot and his temp was high. The infection from his ruptured appendix obviously set in after all.

“Is he gonna be alright?”

Lisa put the vial of blood in her pocket. “I’m gonna have this tested immediately, but, in the meantime, I’m gonna page Dr. Fulton to come here take a look. We don’t want to put him on the antibiotics unless we’re absolutely certain, but we don’t want to take chances either. The sooner we start him, the better.”

Within fifteen minutes, Dr. Fulton came to check on Mark. His fever didn’t sit well with him and turned to Tyler. “I’m gonna start him on antiobiotcs now. We should have his white blood count very soon, but the fever is a good indication.”

An IV was inserted into Mark’s arm and a bag holding antibiotics was hung from the rack. Mark was delerious and falling in and out of sleep and they tried to keep him awake as long as they could.

Tyler had went into the waiting room while Mark was being tended to and called home.

“Grace, its me.”

“How’s Mark?”

“Well, he’s got an infection. He’s got a 100 fever and they just tested his white blood count. They’ve put him on antibiotics right away.”

“Ty….is he gonna be alright?”

“Yes luv, he’ll be fine,” Tyler tried to reassure her.

“Maybe I should drop Abby off at Scott’s and come back……”

“No, don’t worry. I’m gonna stay the night with him. The nurse got me a nice comfy chair to sleep in. I’m not leaving him. And…I’ll let you know if anything happens.”

“Call me with anything, you understand Ty! I want to know.”

“Grace, don’t worry. He’ll be fine.”

“Ty, hold on. Abby wants to talk to you.”

Tyler waited while Grace handed the phone to his daughter.

“Daddy?” she said in a broken voice.

“Yes luv. You okay.”

Abby began to cry. “Daddy! Mark’s not going to die, is he? I know he’s a mega pest, but I don’t want him to die!”

Tyler sighed as his own eyes began to tear. “Abby, luv. Mark’s not going to die. He does have an infection, but they’ve given him medicine for it. He’s gonna need time to fight it off. When he’s a little better you can come see him, okay. Don’t’ worry luv. I’m gonna stay here all night with him so you be good for mum, okay?”

“Okay. I love you.”

“I love you too. Tell mum I’ll call her later.”

Tyler hung up, hoping that his words comforted his daughter.

They sure didn’t comfort him.

Chapter 85

By ten o’clock that evening, Tyler checked in with Grace one last time. Mark was still stable since the nurse last came to check on him.

He went back to Mark’s room and got himself comfortable in the chair, however, Lisa came in one last time. She took Mark’s temperature and pulse. Then she frowned.

“What is it?” Tyler asked.

“His temperature is up,” Lisa replied. “102. And, we got his white blood count back. Its over 400, which is very high.”

“But….but he’s been on the antibiotics for a couple of hours now,” Tyler said. “Why is his temperature higher?”

“Well, the infection probably got worse in the interim,” Lisa said. “This isn’t something he’s gonna kick overnight. It may take a few days. Even though he’s young and strong, he just had surgery so his body is too fatigued to fight it. We just need to wait it out.”

As Lisa gathered her things to leave, Tyler stopped her. “Lisa, can someone die from an infection from an appendectomy?”

Lisa bit her lip. “Mr. Savage, why do you want to know…….?”

“Just….just tell me,” he interrupted her.

“Yes, they can. If its not detected and treated in time. Even though Mark’s was discovered fairly soon after surgery, his temp and white count is still dangerously high. We’ll watch him carefully, don’t you worry. Why don’t you get some rest?”

Tyler sat in his chair and pulled it close to Mark’s bedside. He lightly felt his cheek and it was burning hot. Even though he slept, his breathing was ragged.

This was the last place Tyler wanted to be, by his son’s hospital bedside as he basically fought for his life. The last time they were both in a hospital at the same time was when Mark was born. Tyler managed a smile as he fondly remembered that day almost 18 years ago……..

……..Tyler held Grace’s hand as they awaited their firstborn child to be cleaned up. Grace lay there, exhausted but exhilirated after giving birth to her son. Within moments, a tiny bundle wrapped in white with a little blue cap on his head, was placed in Grace’s arms. Tyler sat down next to her as he leaned in to stare in awe at the perfect little baby that he and Grace created. His son.

“Oh my God, Ty….he’s…..he’s so beautiful,” Grace said as she kissed his tiny sleeping face.

Tyler kissed his son’s hand with tears in his eyes. “Yes he is….just like you,” he replied. “I love you so much, Grace. So damn bloody much.”

Just then, the doctor came over with the certificate in his hand. “Well, does this wee lad have a name yet, or are you still thinking one up?”

Tyler and Grace looked at each other first before Tyler answered the doctor. “This lad’s had a name as soon as we knew we were having a boy,” he stated proudly. “His name is Mark Randall Savage.”

The doctor wrote the name down so it could be typed on the certificate. “Is he named after family?”

Tyler’s face was confident. “Yes, he is. He’s named after……..my brothers. My two band brothers who’ll live on in him.”

The doctor saw the exchange between husband and wife that only they understood and walked away with a smile. Tyler took his son from his wife’s arms and cuddled him close.

“God, I wish your namesakes were here to see you,” Tyler whispered to Mark. “You’d love them, Mark, just as much as I did. And they’d love you………”

Tyler absentminded stroked Mark’s hair as he reveled in the memory of the day he was born. He then bent over his hospital bed and kissed his hot forehead.

“What I wouldn’t give for them to be alive to see you lad,” he softly said before he took his chair.

Tyler clicked the telly off and closed his eyes, trying to block out the light and voices outside the slightly open door of Mark’s hospital room. He turned away from the door and closed his eyes, awaiting sleep to overtake him. However, the sound of the door clicking closed made his eyes open.

The room was plunged into darkness without the light from the hospital corridor outside. He got up and went to open the door, but the handle wouldn’t turn. After several tries, he lightly banged on the door for someone to hear on the other side.

Suddenly, Tyler was overcome with a very strange feeling. And then…..his senses were assailed. They were filled with the smell of spilled fuel, smoke and twisted metal. And blood. No……..death.

A strange, hazy fog built up behind him. Before he could turn around, two very familiar voices called out to him.

“Aye mate,” one voice said.

“Long time, no see,” the other one said.

Tyler turned around and, standing before him, were Mark Shepard and Randy Spencer.

Chapter 86

Tyler stood there frozen, his entire body shaking as his hand continued to grip the handle of the hospital room door. He blinked several times, but it would not erase the sight of his two deceased friends and bandmates.

“W…w…what……..what is this?” Tyler stammered. “This…..this is a dream. It has to be.”

Randy and Mark looked at each other and raised their eyebrows before looking back at Tyler.

“If that’s what you want to call it,” Randy mused.

Tyler couldn’t take his eyes off them. They hadn’t changed one bit since he last saw them.

“You…..you’re both wearing the same clothes you had on the night of……I mean…..I…I remember what you both had on. You….you look exactly the same.”

“Well, we’ve um….modified ourselves just a bit,” Mark said. “I don’t think you wanted to see what we looked like when they pulled us from the car. My face and head were full of glass.”

“And I had a steering wheel imbedded in my chest,” Randy added.

Tyler put his hands over his ears. “No! Don’t! Please don’t remind me! I’d….I’d rather remember what happened before that. We had just performed at the Britsh Music Awards. We went back to my house afterwards to change. Randy…you….you went to go get your ’69 Corvette so we could all go out. But……but I didn’t go. I didn’t go! Oh God, how could you ever forgive me for not going.”

Tyler sunk the floor and cried almost 25 years of pent up guilt. Randy and Mark both went over to him and bent down.

“Forgive you?” Mark asked. “For what? For not coming along so you could die with us? Or end up fighting for your life like Kevin? Don’t be serious, Ty.”

Tyler looked up at his friends who looked youthful and alive, despite the circumstances. “I just….I just feel like I abandoned you. Maybe…maybe if I came I would’ve drove and could’ve avoided that drunk driver. Maybe we would’ve stayed out later and missed it altogether. Maybe…..”

“No maybe’s, Ty,” Randy said. “What happened happened. Nothing can change it. The important thing is that you’re alive and Kevin survived. And….we wound up surviving through you.”

“That’s right,” Mark agreed. “You preserved the band’s name in the record label. That alone honored us.”

Randy straightened up and looked over at the hospital bed. “That’s not the only thing you did to honor us,” he said as he went over to the bed. Randy looked at young Mark sleeping in the bed and put his hand on his forehead.

“We knew when he was born, Ty,” Randy said. “Naming him after us was humbling. He’s a good lad, he is. No wonder why my baby sister loves him.”

Tyler got up from the floor and went over to the bed. “You….you know about Tara?”

Randy nodded. “Yes, I do. I can’t believe my dad was so heartless.”

“But, leave it to your mum and sister to find their way to Sheffield and into Ty’s life,” Mark said to Randy.

“Yeah, its like fate,” Tyler said.

Randy looked at Tyler and smirked. “Fate? Um….okay. If you say so.”

“What?” Tyler asked. “You mean……you mean….”

“Everything happens for a reason, Ty,” Randy said. “And Tara coming into yours and Mark’s life was for a reason. Don’t question it.”

Randy then looked down at young Mark in bed as he kept his hand on his forehead. “He’s gonna be just fine, Ty. Don’t you worry. He’s got a long, prosperous life ahead of him.”

“He’s worried about his future – or whether or not he’ll have one,” Tyler said.

“There’s nothing to worry about, Ty,” Mark said. “I know he’s undecided now, but he’s gonna be afforded an opportunity that he won’t be able to pass up. Just make sure he doesn’t.”

Tyler was intrigued. “What? What is it?”

“That we can’t say,” Randy said. “But, you’ll know what it is when it happens. Just promise me something, Ty.”

“Anything!”

“When you go home, go find a box on a shelf in your garage. You’ll know it when you find it. There’s something at the bottom of the box. Give it to Mark, okay?”

Tyler nodded and gulped. He then saw Randy take his hand off Mark’s forehead and move away.

“We have to go now,” Mark said as Randy joined him by his side.

“No….no, please don’t go! Not yet. Stay a bit longer….”

“We can’t Ty,” Randy said. “And…..you won’t ever see us again.”

Tyler’s eyes teared up as he approached them. “Why? Why after all these years did you decide to show up……now?”

“We didn’t think we had to at all,” Randy said. “But, when you were over your parents, agonizing over how guilty you still feel after all these years, we knew we had to. Your guilt over whether of not we forgive you for that night was an open door. Now that you know how we really feel, you can have closure. Now, we have to go.”

“Okay,” Tyler trembled. “I……I miss you mates so much. It never stopped hurting. Never.”

“We feel the same way,” Mark replied. Then, he and Randy walked towards Tyler and hugged him. Tyler clung to his lost band brothers and was afraid to let go. They all hugged for a good solid minute before Mark and Randy broke free.

“Cheers, Ty,” Randy said. “And, don’t you worry about Mark. What happens may surprise you!”

Randy and Mark then faded backwards into the mist surrounding the room. Tyler walked towards them.

“No…..no, please. Please just stay a bit longer. Don’t go. Please…….don’t go!”

*****************************************

Tyler’s eyes flew open as he bolted upright in his chair. Beads of sweat covered his face, his heart was pounding and his entire body trembled. He looked at the hospital door and it was cracked open, just the way it was before he sat down to fall asleep.

“It was a dream,” he said to himself. “But…..it felt so real.”

“Dad?” came a groggy voice beside him.

Tyler got up out of his chair and went to his son. “Aye. You okay?”

Mark forced his eyes to stay open. “Yeah…..I guess so. I…I heard you mumbling in your sleep, almost like you were crying. You must’ve been having a bad dream.”

Tyler smiled. “It wasn’t bad. I’m sorry I woke you, lad.”

“You didn’t. The nurse woke me up. She must’ve came in to take my temperature. I…I felt a hand on my forehead, but when I opened my eyes, no one was there.”

Tyler felt the color drain from his face. In his dream, Randy had his hand on Mark’s forehead. No….no, it couldn’t be?

“Maybe you were dreaming too, Mark.”

“Maybe we had the same one,” Mark replied.

Tyler thought about that and nodded. “Perhaps.”

“Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“Am I gonna be alright?”

Tyler smiled a confident, assured smile. There was absolutely no question of doubt. “Yes Mark. You’re gonna be just fine.”

“Did the doctor’s say so?”

“No, not the doctors, lad. Lets just say……….a slightly more higher authority!”

Chapter 87

Mark’s condition vastly improved and he was home within a week. He had a bevy of visitors along with a pile of schoolwork to catch up on while recouperating. Between Tara and Trevor, Mark was able to get all the assignments he missed and catch up on everything before being better enough to go back to school.

Of course, his soccer playing days were over for the rest of the season and he missed the first semi-final, in which Westfield easily beat Bootham 3-1 and advanced to the finals. Trevor gave him a play by play breakdown of the game to make Mark feel as if he were there, but it only made him feel worse.

“Whats wrong, cous?”

Mark sighed and frowned as he laid on the couch in the downstairs family room. “Someone’s out to get me, that’s whats wrong.”

“Who’s out to get you Mark?”

“Someone who wants to screw up my life, that’s what,” Mark replied. “Soccer was my last resort, Trev.”

Trevor sat back in the chair and stared at his cousin. “What are you talking about? I didn’t know you wanted to play pro. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Hell, Trev, I didn’t even know until a few weeks ago. I have no clue on what I want to do, so instead of feeling like a loser, I guess I’ll try a go at soccer. But now that I’m convelescent till the end of the season, I can kiss any scouts seeing me goodbye.”

“Mark, something will come to you. I’ve always wanted to play soccer since I was a tot and knew I wanted to play pro someday. Its gotta be in you for a long time. Whats the one thing in your life that you’ve always done and never gave up on?”

Mark shrugged. “I don’t know. The only thing that’s always stayed with me is playing the drums. But, I have no desire to form a band, nor do I know any mates who play guitar.”

At the top of the stairs, Tyler listened in on Mark and Trevor. He knew his son’s passion for the drums had been in his blood since he was 3. Even he, himself, had no plans to form a band until he went to university and met Mark Shepard. It was a coincidence that Mark played the bass. From there, they advertised for a drummer and guitarist and found Randy and Kevin.

But Tyler wasn’t pushed by his father into a musical career, so he wouldn’t do the same with his son. He had to find his own way. He then remembered his dream where Randy told him that Mark would be afforded an opportunity that he shouldn’t pass up. Tyler chuckled over believing that dreams could be a sign. However, Randy was right about Mark getting better and…and Mark did feel a hand on his forehead when no one was there.

Tyler then remembered something Randy said about a box on a shelf in his garage that had something in it that he wanted Mark to have. Tyler gave into a silly indulgence and went out to the garage. He scanned the shelves, but didn’t see any strange box. He went to go back inside when he heard something fall.

He turned to see that a soccer ball rolled off the shelf. He picked it up and placed it on the shelf and, as he did, he saw a box that the soccer ball was hiding. A strange feeling came over him, as if that soccer ball rolled off on purpose so that he’d see that box.

He took the box which was marked ‘Crossfire’. For the life of him, he hadn’t remembered storing any band related stuff in the garage. He went through it and found some odd souvenier stuff from their early days: matchbooks from London pubs they played in, promo flyers from their first opening acts, rough demo tapes, etc. He kept digging through until he got the the bottom. And then his heart stood still. He remembered Randy’s words from his dream as clear as day…..

“When you go home, go find a box on a shelf in your garage. You’ll know it when you find it. There’s something at the bottom of the box. Give it to Mark, okay?”

Tyler retrieved what was at the bottom of the box then left the garage. He went downstairs to the family room where Mark and Trevor were watching the telly.

“Aye dad.”

“Aye uncle Ty.”

“Aye lads. Um….Mark, I uh……found something in a box in the garage. They belonged to Randy. I………know for a fact that he’d want you to have them.”

Mark sat up as his father handed him a pair of Randy’s autographed drumsticks.

Chapter 88

Westfield sailed through the finals 4-2 and would now be facing Easingwold in the championship. When the day of the game arrived, Sheffield couldn’t have asked for a more perfect May day.

In the stands, Scott, Chelsea, Tyler, Grace and both sets of grandparents were there. A few rows behind them, Mark sat with Tara and Emily as he had to watch from the stands, although he took a bit of comfort being flanked by the two prettiest girls in school.

By the half, the score was tied 1-1. Both teams had gotten down to the opposite goals numerous times, but were only let in one apiece. Trevor kicked himself even over that one goal he allowed, but the shifting sun blinded him for a split second. Still, that wasn’t an excuse.

With five minutes left in the last quarter, Wesley scored on an assist from Kyle to put Westfield in the lead 2-1. All they had to do now was protect it, however, Easingwold was notorious for last second comebacks. Even though a goal would only tie the game, it would give Easingwold the momentum it needed to go for the winning goal.

In a scene reminiscent of how last year’s game ended, each team’s defense fought to keep the other teams offense away from the goal. With two minutes left, Sean had taken the ball away and headed towards Easingwold’s goal in the hopes of a last minute insurance goal. As the clock ticked down to under two minutes, Sean was intercepted short of Easingwold’s goal where their offense proceeded to razzle dazzle up the field towards Westfield’s goal, where Trevor waited.

He took his stance and remembered last year. He’d gladly separate both his shoulders again if it meant saving the game from going into overtime. He was exhausted and wanted the game over. As hard as he tried not to be distracted, his eyes would casually glance into the stands as they searched for possible scouts.

Easingwold’s player approached with the ball as they were effective in keeping it away from Westfield’s defense. Trevor’s eyes shifted between the playclock which just went under a minute to the Easingwold player determined to get the ball in the net. The crowd was on its feet in a mix of anticipation and excitement. In the stands, Chelsea gripped Scott’s hand as they could only imagine what was going through Trevor’s mind right now. Sav and Joe were on their feet as well as the thrill of the moment went through them as well. Behind them, Mark, Tara and Emily screamed for Trevor.

But Trevor heard none of it. His eyes were focused on the ball as it was passed from left to right and back again. A lateral pass to the left side of the goal. Trevor kept his eye on the player to his left receiving the pass. Instead, the ball sailed to a third player, whom Trevor was not aware of, who had a clean, unprotected shot at the corner of the goal.

When the ball reached the third Easingwold player, Trevor was already too far from the corner of the goal. Trevor’s quick reflexes caused his body to lunge to the corner of the goal just as a collective gasp was let out from the crowd. Trevor’s fingertips grazed the ball as he fell upon his back. He batted the ball in the air and out towards a Westfield player. But in landed in front of an Easingwold player instead who was facing the open goal dead center.

As the Easingwold player footed the ball, Trevor’s eyes saw where he unwittingly batted the ball. As the Easingwold player set to kick, Trevor simultaneously rolled from his back to his hands and knees. He lept towards the center of the goal the same time the ball arrived. Instead of hitting the net, it hit Trevor in the midsection where his arms went around it and fell to his knees.

Just as the clock ticked down to zero.

The move was too amazing for words and the crowd didn’t know whether to scream or stand in awe at the indescribable athletic ability Trevor displayed. For the second year in a row, he saved the game from overtime.

In the stands, the Savage and Elliott clan hugged each other with disbelief.

“If anything was gonna stop my heart for sure, that would’ve been it,” Joe exclaimed as he hugged Sav. “That save was phenomenal!”

Tyler slapped Scott on the back. “Proud?”

Scott grinned from ear to ear. “Little bit,” he mused. “I’m going down to the sidelines.”

As Scott made his way down, he waited over to the side while the team stormed the field towards the goal to mob Trevor. He folded his arms as he allowed arrogant, fatherly pride swell through him. From the moment Trevor was born, Scott had imagined how wonderful he’d be. Today, Trevor exceeded his expectations.

Scott’s euphoric thoughts were interrupted by a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see a man who looked very familiar.

“Remember me, Dr. Savage?”

Scott didn’t know how the man knew his name, but then recognition came over him. “You’re……you’re the scout who was at the Sherburne game.”

“That I am,” the man said. “I remember you telling me that you were Trevor Savage’s father. I took the liberty of asking about you from someone in the stands. My name is Martin Brucker. When I saw you come down, I decided to intercept you. That is one amazing son you have. That save was absolutely incredible.”

“It was, wasn’t it?” Scott said, unable to be humble. “So, tell me. Are you interested in my son?”

“Would I be here talking to you if I weren’t?” Martin asked.

Scott was full of curiosity. “So, Mr. Brucker….tell me. Who do you represent? A local team…perhaps Sheffield Wednesday or United?”

Martin raised his eyebrows as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his business card. He handed it to Scott and his jaw practically dropped when he saw the unmistakable MU logo in the upper corner.

Scott wasn’t the only one who’s expectations Trevor exceeded.

Chapter 88

Scott kept the card in his pocket, along with the cards of scouts representing local teams, including both Sheffield Wednesday and United. He didn’t say anything to anyone, Trevor especially, until he was able to sit down at home with him in private and reveal the choices he had for his future.

The entire family waited for the team to emerge from the locker room. Mark had joined the team inside so he could feel a part of what took place, even though he couldn’t play.

Afterwards, Trevor and Mark emerged with their teammates and headed over to their families. Scott intercepted Trevor and hugged him tight.

“I’m so damn proud of you, do you know that?”

The tone in his father’s voice made a chill go up Trevor’s spine. It was as if his father knew something he didn’t. Trevor pulled away.

“Dad, did…..did you see any scouts?”

Scott tried not to give anything away, but he couldn’t help but smile. “I saw a few. We’ll talk about it later when you get home from celebrating.”

Trevor knitted his brows. “Dad? What…..?”

“……later, Trevor,” Scott interrupted. “Now, your teammates are waiting.”

Trevor first hugged his mum and grandparents before taking Emily’s hand and taking off, followed by Mark and Tara.

The entire family, minus Abby who went to a girlfriends house, went out to dinner to celebrate. Scott had a hard time concealing a prideful grin from everyone else.

“So…?” Tyler asked.

“So……what?” Scott replied.

“Fess up. We all saw you talking to a few chaps who handed you cards.”

Chelsea turned to Scott. “Is this true?”

“Look, I didn’t want to say anything until I talked to Trevor first,” Scott said.

“Scott, I could go at any second,” Joe smarted. “You have to tell me now.”

Sav rolled his eyes. “So, are we back to joking about dying again?”

“No, I’m just trying to blackmail your son about spilling his guts, that’s all,” Joe said.

Scott laughed. “Careful, you two. I may just have a reason to give you more to fight over.”

Paige shook her head. “More?”

“Is that possible?” Abby mused.

“Quiet, wench,” Joe sassed his wife.

Scott decided that he couldn’t hold it in anymore. He was so excited, he thought he would bust. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the business cards.

“Well, this was one team,” he said as he flashed the Sheffield United card. Joe let out a raucous laugh and almost knocked Sav off his chair. “Well, well, well! Guess you may have to convert to cheer for your grandson, mate.”

Sav put his elbow on the table and plunked his forehead into his hand. “Oh God, help me!”

“Um…..hold that thought, Uncle Joe,” Scott said as he held up another card. “They’re also interested in Trevor too.”

Sav saw the Wednesday card, folded his arms and stared at Joe with a smug look. Joe felt Sav staring at him, but wouldn’t look at him.

“I swear, if I look at you, you will wind up in the hospital again, and not with breathing problems.”

Chelsea was stunned. “Scott, I don’t believe it. Who else?”

“Well, a couple of other locals, but I don’t think they’re gonna matter.”

“Course not!” Joe stated. “The lad’s gonna play for United. Ow!”

Joe turned to Sav as he rubbed his leg from where Sav jabbed it with a fork. “He’s going to play for Wednesday, mate.”

“This could get very ugly Scott,” Tyler said.

“Dad, calm down,” Grace said. “That vein on your forehead is popping out.”

“And such a lovely shade of purple it is,” Sav jested.

Joe flashed him a dirty look, but before he could say anything, Scott intervened. “No use in pummeling each other over this. I have a strong feeling that Trevor may not even look at these teams.”

“Why do you say that,” Chelsea asked.

Scott produced another card. As soon as everyone at the table saw the MU symbol, they all gasped.

“Holy mother of God,” Joe gasped. “Manchester United?”

Scott grinned. “We may have the next Simon Farrell in our midst!”

Chapter 89

Before the game, several of the lads chipped in to rent out two adjoining rooms at a local motel. Although they planned on using it to celebrate their championship, they were also intent on wallowing there in a tub filled with a large keg of Guinness, should they have lost.

Enjoying the perks of their legal drinking ages, the lads who were abstaining from driving proceeded to get drunk. Mark wasn’t one of them, since he was still taking post surgical medication. Not to make him feel bad, Tara didn’t drink either.

Mark watched his teammates whoop it up, wishing he could’ve participated. Even though he had been a started since his sophomore year and a fixture on the team, today he felt like an outsider.

Tara sat next to him on one of the couches in the room and stared at him, knowing what was going through his mind. She leaned in, turned his face to hers and kissed him passionately on the lips. When she pulled back, Mark was flabberghasted.

“Not that I’m complaining, luv, but what was that for?”

“Do I need a reason?” Tara countered.

“I’d like one.”

Tara snuggled in closer. “Well….Trevor may be the hero today, but, after what you’ve been through, I think you surpass that. I’m proud of you Mark, even though you weren’t on that field.”

“But…….”

“Shhhhh, not buts,” she cut him off.

“Okay,” he gave in. “Hey, I forgot to tell you. My dad found a pair of Randy’s autographed drumsticks.”

Tara’s eyes lit up. “What? Oh my God!”

“I’d um…..like for you to have them. You should have something that belonged to your brother…..”

“Absolutely not Mark. I’d think they be put to better use if you played with them. Speaking of which, have you been playing since you’ve been recouperating?”

“Not yet. Maybe I will tonight. I got a little rusty since I’ve been in the hospital.”

“Promise me you’ll use Randy’s drumsticks?”

Mark kissed her nose. “Promise.” He then squinted when he heard giggles and groans coming from the adjoining room and then grinned. “Looks like Trevor’s getting his victory shag!”

******************************

In the adjoining room, a slightly tipsy Trevor was rolling around on the bed with Emily before he finally put a condom on and found his way inside of her. His euphoric victory today, combined with the buzz of a few cups of ale, heightened his senses, not to mention his desire. Within minutes, his shattering release came over him as Emily bit into his shoulder.

He then fell on top of her and panted. “Wow! That was……..wow! Sorry if it was fast, luv, but I just couldn’t hold it. ”

Emily caught her breath as well. “I’ll let you off the hook today, sport,” Emily mused. “It felt real good either way. I’m so proud of you, Trevor. God knows the offers that’ll be pouring in after what you did today.”

Trevor rolled off Emily and onto his side. “Well, I’m not gonna get my hopes up too much. I mean, I’d like to think that I’m good enough for a local team. If that happens, we can hopefully still stay together. I know you’re going to school in London in the fall, but I hope we can make our relationship work, Em.”

Emily snuggled next to him. “I’d like that too, Trev. But I don’t want you to jeopardize your dream either. We love each other, and that’s all that matters. If we want to make it work, we’ll find a way. I know London’s far from here, but my paralegal course is only two years, plus I’ll be home for holidays and every other weekend.”

“I’m sure I won’t be going far,” Trevor said. “I’d settle for Rotheram or Doncaster. Their teams are pretty decent.”

“Trevor, you could very well be playing outside of South Yorkshire. Don’t sell yourself too short.”

Trevor chuckled. “Yeah, sure. Only local teams would go out of their way to scout in Sheffield. I don’t think you’ll ever find a Manchester scout in the stands.”

Chapter 90

Around 9:30 that evening, Mark drove an intoxicated Trevor home. He stopped in front of his house and helped him out.

“C’mon, Trev, help me out a bit,” Mark said. “I’m not gonna bust a stitch because you decided to get pissed.”

Trevor snickered, letting the alcohol take over his senses. “Aye, cous, don’t spoil my fun just because you’re sober. I’m 18, I just saved the championship from tying, again, and I got shagged. And now, I plan on sleeping until at least tomorrow afternoon.”

Mark put Trevor’s arm around his neck and walked him to the front door. Hopefully, his uncle Scott would forgive Trev’s condition due to the special occasion.

Trevor tried to pinpoint the doorbell with his index finger, but kept missing, giggling each time he did.

“You can stop a soccer ball from getting by you from three different angles, but you can locate the bloody doorbell,” Mark mused as he rang the doorbell for him. Scott answered the door and was met by Mark’s sheepish grin and Trevor’s wide, drunk one.

“Aye dad,” Trevor happily announced. “Now…..don’t yell at me. I mean, you must’ve gotten yourself drunk when you were my age.”

Scott rolled his eyes and pulled Trevor away from Mark. “C’mon there, champ. Thanks for driving him, Mark.”

“No problem, Uncle Scott. However, I don’t want to be his head when he wakes up tomorrow. G’night.”

“’Night, lad,” Scott replied.

“Nighty, night, cousin mate,” Trevor said with a giggle and a hiccup.

Trevor staggered inside and almost ran his mother over on his way into the kitchen. “Oh, aye, mum. Shhh, don’t tell dad. He thinks I’m just a wee bit tipsy, but I had a lot of ale. But…I didn’t drive.”

Chelsea crinkled her nose. “Good Lord, Trevor, you positively reek,” she said as she sat him down. “Let me make some tea.”

Scott came in and studied his inebrieated son. “Well, no sense in talking to you tonight about this.”

“’bout what, dad?” Trevor asked with glassy eyes.

“Well, a few scouts gave me their cards today. They’d like to meet and talk with you.”

“No shit, dad!” Trevor blurted out before he belched. Scott knew it was worthless to scold his language in his condition.

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow when you’re head’s not spinning.”

Trevor saw some business cards on the center island and reached over to swipe them. “Hmmm, are these the teams, dad? Lets seeeeee………figures, both Sheffield teams. Better cancel both of them out else Grandpa and Uncle Joe will really kill each other for sure. Ummm……..hey, Leeds. Never thought of them.”

Trevor shuffled the cards until he came upon one that he just stared at with open mouthed awe. Then he let out a raucous, drunken laugh. “Oh, dad good one! Did you and uncle Ty cook this up to poke fun at me? Well, I’m not buying it.”

Scott saw that Trevor had the Manchester United card in his hand and obviously thought it was a joke.

“Uh, Trevor……..that really is a card from a Manchester representative,” Scott said.

“Oh yeah, sure, dad,” Trevor sarcastically said. “And I suppose they want me to be the next Simon Farrell? Nice try.”

Trevor emphasized his words by ripping the card in two.

“Trevor!” Scott blurted out as he took the two pieces out of his hand. “Lad, this isn’t a joke. I know you may be too drunk to digest it, but a Manchester rep was at the game today. He approached me and gave me his card and wants to meet with you.”

Chelsea poured her son a cup of tea as she gaged his reaction to Scott’s words. Trevor started to stagger in his chair as the realization of the words hit him.

“Manchester United?” he asked. “As in, Simon Farrell, my hero’s, Manchester United?”

“Yes lad,” Scott answered. “What do you have to say about that?”

Trevor’s face paled instantly as he dashed to the half bath to puke his guts out.

Chapter 91

Mark arrived home and tossed his keys on the counter as soon as he came in. He opened the fridge and pulled out a can of soda and popped it open. He then heard footsteps approach the kitchen from the living room. Mark looked up to see his father.

“Aye dad. I just dropped Trev off. He got himself thoroughly pissed.”

“Uncle Scott may let him off the hook tonight,” Tyler replied. “Have fun?”

Mark shrugged as he took a swig of soda. “I guess. Its kinda hard to celebrate when you weren’t part of it.”

“Mark, you’ve been ‘part of it’ since you were a sophomore. Just because you didn’t play in the finals and today doesn’t mean you didn’t contribute to getting there.”

“Yeah, well sitting in the stands doesn’t get you noticed by scouts, dad.”

Tyler leaned against the counter and folded his arms. “Scouts? Mark, you never mentioned wanting to play pro.”

“I know, and I never intended to, but since I don’t know what else to do, I figured soccer was the best bet. And what the hell happens to me? I get appendicitis and I’m out for the rest of the season. Thought it would be cool if Trev and I could both play pro.”

“How about that news about Trevor?” Tyler asked. “Can you actually believe it? Manchester United.”

Mark almost spit his soda out. “What? Manchester? Someone from Manchester was there today and they want Trev?”

Tyler bit his lip. “Oh, I thought since you took Trevor home that maybe Uncle Scott told you, but yes. A couple of local teams are interested as well, but Manchester……well.”

Mark felt even more dejected than he ever did. “Well, at least one of us will be famous.”

“Mark……..”

“I’m going downstairs dad,” he said as he opened the door and disappeared behind it.

Tyler sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He could only imagine how lost Mark felt right now, but then he remembered his dream, at least that’s what he’s calling it, where Randy said the wonderful opportunity Mark would be afforded. Tyler wondered if it was true.

He also hoped that it would happen quick.

*******************************

Down in his sanctuary, Mark put his soda down and stared at his drumkit. He hadn’t played since a week before his surgery, and lost the urge ever since. However, he picked up Randy Spencer’s autographed drumsticks that his father gave him and clenched them in his hand. The drums were the only mainstay in his life since he was 3 and brought him a lot of joy. It made him feel good to excel at something.

He sat on his drumstool, then turned on the tape machine behind him. He had taken Fusion’s debut CD his father gave him and programmed most of the songs that he liked, then filtered out the drums. He selected the song he liked the best, in which the drums were wicked.

With Randy’s sticks in his hand, Mark came in on cue and tore through the drums in that song as if he were a seasoned rock star. Mark was on fire, never before playing with the passion and drive that he did.

On the other side of the door, Tyler pressed his ear to pick up what Mark was playing in his soundproof room. He had come down to talk to him some more, but heard the music begin to play, then the drums. A wide smile spread across his face as he was thoroughly impressed with how good his son is.

He then heard something fall in the other room. He walked around the corner to the tv room and saw that a video had fallen off the shelf. He picked it up and paled when he saw it was one of Crossfire’s live performance videos. Tyler quickly spun around the room as if he were looking for Randy and Mark to reappear.

As the drumbeat reverberated through Mark’s sanctuary, Tyler looked at the video in his hand, then looked upwards.

“What are you trying to tell me?”

Chapter 92

Trevor opened his eyes the following day and looked at the digital clock on the nightstand. It was almost one in the afternoon. He rubbed his face and swung his feet to the floor, only to reel back and grab his temples.

“Bloody hell,” he gasped as his head spun. He laid there a bit until his room stopped moving and then he got up slowly. He headed to the bathroom where he immediately brushed his teeth to remove the pasty feel from his mouth. After using the toilet, he slowly made his way downstairs to find the house empty. It was Saturday, and he figured his dad was on call and his mum was out on errands. He then found a note from his mum stating just that.

He went to the fridge and pulled out a carton of orange juice and, less than half full, he drank the remainder of it right from the carton to get rid of the cotton feel in his mouth. He then made a sour face when he realized that toothpaste and orange juice don’t taste well together.

He tossed the carton in the pail then saw the torn business card from the Manchester rep on the counter which was taped back together. Everything from last night suddenly came back. Of course, he thought his father had to be kidding. Manchester is only the best pro team in England, so what would they want with and eighteen year old Sheffield lad? Trevor knew he was good to play pro, but he never dreamed of being part of an elite team such as Manchester.

The first thing he did was call Emily. “Hello?”

“’morning, luv.”

“You mean ‘afternoon’,” she corrected. “Trevor, did you just get up?”

“Yeah. Blimey, I was drunker than I thought. My parents weren’t pissed, though. They understood. Had to get it out of my system, ya know? Em……you’ll never guess what? A few scouts approached my dad at the game yesterday.”

“Oh, Trevor….I just knew it!” she exclaimed on the other end. “Anyone interesting?”

Trevor grinned. “You could say that. What if I told you that one of the scouts was from Manchester?”

Emily was silent for a few seconds. “Trevor,” she half whispered. “Are……are you kidding me? Truly, are you?”

“Unbelievable, huh? That’s what I thought when my dad told me last night. I thought he was making sport of me. When it sunk in, I ran to the loo and threw up. I don’t know if it was all that ale I drank, or the excitement, or….both. Em, this is more than a dream come true, but I’m scared.”

“Of course you are,” Emily replied. “But Trevor, Manchester just doesn’t look at anyone unless their worthy of being on that team. With Simon Farrell’s career over, their second team goalie has taken his place and they probably need someone to back him up.”

Trevor smiled over Emily’s knowledge of the game. “I’m guessing that’s it. But Em…..Manchester is a bit far from Sheffield, and even farther from London. I mean, I know that this may only be an invitation to try out, but…..if I make it, and you go off to school in London in the fall…..”

“Trevor, remember what we talked about last night?” Emily said. “I know we love each other and we want to be together, but high school is over and this is where our lives are supposed to start. I’ll be here for you Trev, if you want me to, and I’ll wait for you, if you want too. But…..don’t you dare pass this opportunity up.”

“I don’t want to, Em,” Trevor replied. “And, of course I want you to be there for me.”

“Then there’s nothing left to discuss. Trevor, if we’re meant to be together, we will be, but I don’t want to keep you from becoming what you always wanted to be either. You’ll hate me for it, and I couldn’t bear that. We’ll keep in touch by phone and hopefully se each other for the holidays. I’ll….I’ll miss you terribly, you know.”

“I”ll miss you too, luv. I love you so much, Em. I don’t want to lose you, but…..I don’t want to pass this up.”

“Then don’t. Trevor, remember your parents story. They were separated for six years before they found each other again. As long as we love each other, it’ll be possible.”

Trevor smiled. “Yeah, you’re right. I mean, long distance relationships can work. You can go to school, I’ll play soccer and we’ll talk to and see each other in between. We can do this, Em.”

Little did the innocent lovers know was that the real world planned on changing all that.

Chapter 93

Mark sat in the kitchen wolfing down a package of cupcakes as he read the recap of the game yesterday in the Sheffield Star. How he would’ve loved to see his name in there somewhere, but there was nothing he could do about it.

He chugged a glass of milk as he watched his mother and sister enter the kitchen.

“Need anything while I’m out, Mark?” Grace asked.

“Where ya going?”

“I’m dropping Abby off at the mall to meet a girlfriend, then to the market.”

Mark looked past his mother at his sister. “Did we graduate from training bras yet, wench?”

Abby sarcastically folded her arms across her slowly budding breasts and smirked at her older brother. “Now that I’m 13 – almost 14 – I’m much too mature to even acknowledge your stupid comments, Mark. Mum, I’ll wait for you outside.”

With a toss of her light brown hair, she haughtily sashayed out the front door. Mark made a face, then looked at his mum. “She’s just like Grandpa Joe.”

“Look who’s talking,” Grace said. “Listen, your dad’s on the phone in his office. Tell him where I went when he gets out.”

“Sure.”

Now that school was over, and no solid plans for the future, Mark didn’t know what to do with himself. He figured that Trevor would be reveling in all his offers from yesterday, and Tara was getting ready to go on a two week holiday with her aunt, uncle and Emily. Feeling about as useless as a snow shovel in summer, Mark dragged himself from the kitchen table to head downstairs to where he planned on crashing for the day. That is, until his father came in.

“Aye lad,” Tyler said. “Where’s you mum?”

“She took Abby to the mall then she was going to the market.”

“Ah, guess she’ll have to wait to hear the news, however, I think you might appreciate this.”

“What?”

“I just got off the phone with uncle Kevin. He just got a call from the producer who’s supposed to be in the London studio with Fusion as we speak working on their album. He walked out on them yesterday. Seems he couldn’t take Zak Silver’s arrogance and unwillingness to listen to direction, so he quit on them. They’ve got four songs left to record, so…..guess where Kevin and I are headed this weekend?”

Mark let out a chuckle. “Oh dad, you’re kidding? You and uncle Kevin are gonna finish producing their album? How are you gonna deal with Zak?”

“Do you think I really care about his hissy fits?” Tyler said. “Plus, they’re signed to our record label so we basically own their arses. They’ve got a six year, three album deal so they better not screw around with us unless they want to be hauled into court for breach of contract.”

“Guess you can put that wanker in his place then, eh dad?”

“Me? Wait till uncle Kevin gets a hold of him! You know his California temper. Kevin was twice as bad as Zak when he was his age, but when it came to making an album he never backtalked a producer.”

Mark continued to chuckle. “Oh man, what I wouldn’t give to watch the rest of this recording session unfold.”

Tyler’s face lit up as he smiled. “Mark, why don’t you come with uncle Kevin and I. We’re gonna stay at the London flat. Hopefully, we won’t be there longer than 2 weeks, depending upon how far along these last four songs are.”

Mark’s eyes popped. “Really? Oh, mega! I’d love to go. I mean, nothings going on here. Trev’s gonna be interviewing with teams possibly, and Tara’s going on holiday with her aunt and uncle. All the other guys are gonna either go on holiday with their families or with their girlfriends.”

“Good,” Tyler said. “Plus, you may want to see the workings of producing an album. The business will be yours someday, if you want it. That and the record label.”

“Dad, I…….. I know what you’re trying to do. I’d be cool to take over the business someday, but I wan’t to do something on my own first.”

“That’s commendable Mark. Don’t worry, it’ll come. Maybe this is what you need – a few weeks away with a couple of older blokes, even if one is your father. Maybe you’ll think clearer in a different atmosphere – and I don’t mean atmosphere as in pubbing either.”

“Aw, gotta hit a few dad. Anyway, maybe you’re right. Maybe getting away to think is what I need to do.”

Chapter 94

Several days later, Trevor nervously sat in the living room, trying his best not to look out the window. Martin Brucker, the Manchester rep, was due at the house any minute. After talking with his parents, Trevor wanted to take a shot at Manchester first before he considered any local teams. Knowing that this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, Scott and Chelsea had to agree.

“Trevor, get away from the curtains,” Chelsea scolded as she brought a pot of tea in. “You look too anxious.”

“I am mum. My insides won’t stay still. I…….crikey, he’s here!”

Trevor moved away and sat on the couch, unable to stop from fidgeting. Scott walked in, as he fastened the buttons on the cuffs of his shirt, and headed for the door.

“I’ll get it,” Scott said. “Relax Trevor. Remember, you’ve already impressed him enough to show up. Lets see what they want to offer.”

That wasn’t enough to calm Trevor, but he managed his best. The doorbell rang and, after a few exchanged pleasantries, Scott showed Martin Brucker into the living room. Trevor and Chelsea stood for introductions.

“Mr. Brucker, this is my wife, Chelsea and, of course, my son Trevor.”

“Please, call me Martin,” he said as he took Chelsea’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

He then turned to Trevor. “Well, young man, I can’t tell you how impressed I’ve been by your skill as a goalie.”

Trevor’s natural shyness took over as he blushed. “Thank you sir. You don’t know what an honor this is.”

Trevor wanted to go on, but he remembered not to gush. He tried to remain calm and professional. They all sat down as Chelsea offered tea.

“Well, I’ll get right down to it,” Martin begain. “Now, I know you probably didn’t expect a Manchester scout coming to Sheffield, but you came a little highly recommended Trevor.”

“By who?”

Martin looked at Scott. “I understand that you were Simon Farrell’s physician when he tore his knee up. When he got the bad news that he couldn’t play anymore, he came to me to say goodbye. I told him that I’d have a hard time filling his shoes, even though his back up, Patrick Tierney, has been doing a fine job. I then said that I’d be scouting for a back up for Patrick. He then told me that you had a son whom he met in your London office last summer – you Trevor. Simon said that you were a big fan of his and Manchester and that you had just won the regional championship. Simon had checked out the local newspapers and read up on you and found out that you were quite a star. He gave me the heads up to check you out. I did, and am I ever glad. Trevor, you’re more talented than he described. Now, I’m not here to present an official offer to join the team, but an invitation to come to Manchester next week and try out. If things go well, we’ll then discuss all the legalities and contract negotiations. But first, we want to know if you’re interested in trying out.”

Trevor wanted to jump out of his skin, he was so excited, but he sat there with utter calm. He first looked to his father, as if asking his permission on what to say. Scott waved his hand to him.

“You’re eighteen now, Trevor. Its your decision and your future. Answer the man.”

Trevor looked at Martin and flashed a gorgeous smile across his handsome face. “When do I leave?”

******************************

Meanwhile, Tyler’s doorbell rang and Mark ran to it, since he was expecting Tara. He opened the door and stared at his beautiful girlfriend whom he was gonna be apart from for a few weeks.

“Aye luv,” he said, stepping outside and kissing her.

“Aye,” she replied. “Lets sit outside for a while. Its so warm.”

Mark noticed a piece of paper that she had rolled in a tube in her hands. “What’cha got there?”

Tara looked down at the paper. “Oh….oh, this, I…….its something I drew. For you. I’ve been sketching a lot lately, you know….brushing up before school starts in the fall. I did this by memory because I wanted it to be a surprise. I hope you like it.”

She handed it to Mark and he unrolled it. And he gasped. It was an incredible likeness of him sitting at his drumkit playing. He couldn’t believe the detail that Tara captured from memory. He looked at her wide-eyes.

“Wow! Tara, this……this is mega! You did all this from memory?”

Tara nodded. “Yeah. Everytime I watched you play, I memorized all the detail in your kit because I wanted to get it right. You look so…….so natural playing them, Mark. Not to mention the fact that you’re so good.”

Mark smiled at her. “Thanks luv. I’ve been playing with Randy’s sticks lately. Maybe I’m getting some supernatural energy from them or something!”

Tara laughed. “Maybe. So, you excited about going to London to see Fusion record?”

“Yeah. I mean, I think I need to get away and think. You’ll be gone on holiday, so I figured I’d go with my dad and Kevin. If anything, I’ll get to meet the band and that’ll be cool.”

“Yeah, it is,” Tara said. “And…who knows. You may just discover what it is you want to do while you’re in London.”

Mark shrugged. “Maybe.”

Little did they know, but Mark’s trip to London and Trevor’s trip to Manchester we’re going to change their lives.

Chapter 95

The following day, Mark went to go see his cousin to wish him well in tryouts the following week before he, himself, left with his father to meet Kevin in London.

Mark went around the back to let himself in through the kitchen door when he saw Trevor in the backyard volleying a soccerball with his feet and knees.

“Guess you can never practice too much, eh Trev?”

Trevor dropped the ball when he saw his cousin and smiled. “Guess not. This is crazy, Mark. Bloody fantastic, but crazy. Ever since that guy left the other night I’ve been afraid to wake up every morning, thinking that this was just some dream. I still can’t believe it.”

“Me neither, but I wouldn’t complain,” Mark chuckled. “Just don’t forget about us common blokes when you become a rich, famous soccer player.”

Trevor rolled his eyes and flashed a trademark blush. “Aw, stop it. I’m trying out for a backup position. I’ll be lucky if I get off the bench at all, let alone make the team.”

Mark threw his hands up and huffed. “For bleedin’ Christ’s sake, Trev, will you give yourself some credit and stop being so humble. Enough’s enough, already. You were good enough to impress Simon Farrell for him to tell a scout to look out for you. They don’t pull green lads like us out of Sheffield for pity. This is Manchester United. They only take the best. And for that, they only try out the best. You go in there thinking you’re not good enough to deserve a shot and you won’t get one. Those bloke’s will see some naïve eighteen year old and they’ll try to eat you alive before you have a chance to prove yourself. Trev, you’re good enough to get there. So show them that you’re good enough to stay there!”

Trevor let Mark’s words sink in. He knew he was right. He was young and had to prove himself in front of a bunch of seasoned players. He knew he’d be ribbed and tested to the max to see if he’d break. Trevor knew that this was his one and only shot and, if he had any chance, he’d have to show up in Manchester with thick skin and a firm resolve. And a little arrogance to boot!

“Thanks Mark,” Trevor finally said. “So……when you leaving for London?”

“In an hour. My dad and I are meeting my uncle Kevin in London. I just came to say goodbye. I saw Tara last night. Man, I’m gonna miss her.”

“I know, I feel the same way about Emily,” Trevor said. “But, she’s on my side, you know. She wants me to make it. But……I don’t want to risk losing her either. We’re gonna try to make it work.”

“Well, if history runs in the family, it just might,” Mark said. “Our parents went through their traumas and separations and things worked out. Who knows? Anyway, you’re only eighteen, Trev. You’re gonna have soccer groupies hanging around. Manchester probably has some of the best.”

Trevor had to grin. “Yeah, no doubt. We just agreed to take it one day at a time. I guess that’s all I can do.”

“At least you know where you’re going,” Mark said. “I still don’t have a clue what to do and Tara’s been so supportive. She thinks I should put a band together. Hell, if I knew of some mates who played guitar and sang, maybe I would.”

“Well, maybe after watching Fusion record you’ll get bit by the bug,” Trevor replied. “Don’t worry Mark, things’ll come together.”

“I hope so. Well, I better get going. Knock ‘em dead, Trev.”

Mark stepped forward and gave his cousin a hug. Trevor felt his desperation in his hug for a brief moment.

“Thanks Mark. You know, you’re not just my cousin. You’re the best friend I ever had. Lets not have anything come between that.”

Mark pulled back and looked at his cousin who was, indeed, his best friend as well.

“Never.”

Chapter 96

Tyler and Mark arrived at the London flat around dinnertime. The flat had once belonged to Sav and Joe when they first started the London studio and had now been passed down.

Tyler fondly remembered the weeks that he and the rest of Crossfire stayed there while recording their demo and afterwards while they played local pubs to earn some money before it was shopped around. A lot of good times were spent there with Kevin, Randy, Mark and assorted female company!

They arrived at the door and noticed it open. Tyler walked in and dropped his bag.

“Kev…….is that you?” Tyler called out.

Kevin Schon sauntered out of one of the bedrooms with a shirt in one hand and a hanger in the other. “No, it’s the frigging boogey man, Brit,” he bit out with a grin.

In all their years together, Kevin never lost the sharp, sarcastic wit he had displayed since the day he showed up for his guitar audition 25 years ago. At almost 48, he displayed a mature handsomeness that grew from the hot young rock star he was so long ago. The only remnants that remained from that time was a slight, permanent limp in his right leg from the accident.

“Nice to see you too, mate,” Tyler sassed back. “When’d you get in?”

“Been here about an hour,” Kevin replied. “Just unpacking and waiting for you guys to show up so we can have dinner together. I’m starving.”

Just then, Mark came in with the last suitcase and dropped it with a thud in the middle of the living room. Kevin’s face lit right up.

“Hey, buddy!” he said with joy as he went over to Mark to hug him. “Good to see ya, son. Damn, look at you. You’re a man now.”

Mark leered at him. “Yes I am!”

Kevin leaned in and elbowed Mark slightly. “In more ways than one, I bet, huh?”

Mar wiggled his brows. “What do you think?”

“Well, if you take after your old man, then it’s a no brainer. He’s been nailing college chicks since he was 18, so I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

“Crikey, Kev, do you mind?” Tyler blurted.

Kevin waved him away. “Oh, what’s the matter with you, Ty? Your son’s 18. Time to tell him all the horny road stories.”

“I don’t think he needs any help,” Tyler replied. “He does fine on his own, trust me!”

Kevin’s eyes widened with remembrance. “Oh yeah! What’s this you’re dating Randy’s sister? Your dad told me that story. I couldn’t believe it.”

“Yeah, huh?” Mark replied. “Talk about fate.”

Kevin crossed his arms and got a naughty look on his face. “So, spill it. Is she hot or what?”

“Incredibly!” Mark gushed. “She’s bloody beautiful, Uncle Kev. Long dark hair, pale green eyes…..”

“Nice rack?” Kevin interrupted.

“Nice everything,” Mark replied without shame.

“Cool,” Kevin said, slapping Mark a high five. “Still playing the drums, too?”

“Oh yeah. Dad found a pair of Randy’s drumsticks – autographed ones. I’ve been playing with them.”

Kevin looked at Tyler. “Really?”

“Yeah, found them in a box in the garage,” Tyler said, as a chill went up his spine remembering his dream. He quickly shrugged out of it. “So, how’s Tina and the kids?”

“Good, good. Shane’s still trying to get his foot in the door of several companies since he graduated college. And, Kevin Jr’s settling into his freshman year in high school. He’s already in love with half the girls in his class.”

“Talk about the apple not falling far from the tree, eh?” Tyler replied. “So, lets go get some dinner and talk about our game plan for tomorrow. From what I’ve been told, Zak Silver’s enough to drive any producer into therapy. I also hear that the rest of the band, his brother included, are absolutely fed up with him.”

“Yeah, well with us there, they have no choice but to get that album finished,” Kevin said. “Remember, they’re sighed to our label – a six year, three album deal. Its either they finish this or get hauled into court for breach of contract.”

“Lets hope they see it that way, mate,” Tyler said.

“I could care less if they do or not,” Kevin barked. “And, I’ll tell you right now, that little putz gives me any shit, he’ll find one of his drumstick’s up his ass.”

Chapter 97

Tyler, Kevin and Mark arrived at the London studio around ten the following morning. Tyler nursed a tea from a local shop while Kevin, ever the hardcore American, sought out the nearest London Starbucks for a large cup of high-test, as they entered the studio. Mark followed with a bottle of chocolate milk and a cherry chip scone in his hands.

The men were pleased to find out that the band was already there. Well….most of them.

“Well, gentlemen, good to see you again,” Kevin said as he saw the band sitting in the recording area.

Rob Silver, Fusion’s lead guitarist, co-founder and Zak’s younger brother, smiled as he stood up and extended his hand to Kevin.

“Good to see you again too, Kev,” Rob said, his pleasant, good-naturedness obviously apparent. He was a stark contrast to his hot tempered elder brother.

Kevin then went over to Troy Weston, the bass player, and Paul Visser, the other guitarist and shook their hands. “Hey guys, we gonna finally finish this thing?”

“We better, else I’m gonna explode,” Troy replied.

“We should’ve been done two months ago if you ask me,” Paul added before sending a knowing look towards Rob.

Rob sighed heavily before he saw Tyler come in. “Ty, hey,” Rob said.

“Aye there, lad,” Tyler said, shaking his hand before nodding over at Troy and Paul.

Troy and Paul waved back as Tyler then scanned the room. He turned to Rob.

“Where’s your brother?”

Rob rolled his eyes. “Good question. We all went to the pub last night and he wound up leaving with some girl. Never came back to the flat at all. Don’t worry, he’ll be here.”

“Lets hope,” Tyler said before calling Mark over. “Rob, this is my son, Mark. He just graduated high school and decided to take the trip with us.”

“Hey Mark,” Rob said, shaking his hand. “Good to meet ya.”

“You too,” Mark gushed a bit. “Man, I am such a big fan of you guys. Your debut album absolutely rocked!”

“Thanks. Lets hope this one rocks harder.”

“Lets hope it gets done first,” Paul said with frustration.

No sooner than he said that, the front door opened and 23 year old Zak Silver poured himself in wearing the same t-shirt and jeans he had on the night before and his eyes shaded with dark sunglasses. He pulled them off to reveal eyes that saw a night of heavy drinking and little sleep. He saw Tyler and Kevin and shouted.

“Hey, hey,” he arrogantly announced. “Mr. Savage and Mr. Schon to the rescue, thank God! That idiot producer didn’t have a clue what we were about.”

Rob went up to him. “Where the hell have you been, bro?”

Zak rolled his eyes to Tyler. “Will you get a load of this guy?” he said, pointing to Rob. “Barely 22, a rock guitarist and acting like a mother hen.”

Zak turned to his younger brother. “Where the hell do you think I was, bro? I was with that hot chick I left with last night. She wanted to do a rock star and I obliged!”

Zak snickered after that last line as Tyler put his hands on his shoulders. “Alright, rock star. We’ve got a lot of work to do. I suggest some coffee, fast!”

Zak walked in the direction of the coffee pot and noticed Mark. “Hey, who’s this?”

“That’s my son, Mark,” Tyler said before setting off with Kevin for the booth. Mark would have to fend for himself with introductions.

Mark held his hand out to Zak. “Aye, mate. I’m a big fan. Also, I’m a drumm…….”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever, kid,” Zak rudely drawled before brushing past Mark.

Mark stood there with his hand still out and a perplexed look upon his face before Rob came up to him.

“Ignore him when he’s like this, we usually do,” Rob said.

“Well, I didn’t want to impose,” Mark said.

“Zak shouldn’t get treated any differently than the rest of us here,” Troy said as he came up behind Rob, along with Paul. “No divas allowed.”

“Yeah, tell that to Zak!” Paul exclaimed.

Mark looked at Rob with a grin. “You let them talk about your brother that way?”

Rob chuckled. “Unfortunately, I agree with them.”

Chapter 98

Manchester, England

Scott and Trevor left their hotel room near the club’s practice field and headed off in that direction. Trevor was dressed in his practice clothes and carried a small bag of gear as he sat in the car trying desperately to calm his fluttering stomach.

Scott knew what was going through his son’s mind and tried to assure him. “Trevor, remember, Manchester doesn’t invite just anyone to try out. You’ve impressed them enough to get this far. Now all you have to do is show them that they didn’t waste their time.”

“Easier said than done, dad,” Trevor replied. “At Westfield, I feel like I’m invincable, but this is the pros – Manchester! Do you know how intimidating that is?”

“You’ll have to forget that,” Scott said. “Remember, every chap on that team went through the same process you did, so they’re no different.”

Trevor let that sink in. “Yeah, you’re right. Hey dad? Um….try not to…..you know…….”

Scott softly laughed, knowing what Trevor was trying to politely say. “Don’t worry, I’m gonna hang around in view. You’re a man now, Trevor and this is yours to handle on your own. I’ll keep a respectable distance so no one will know that your father is there with you.”

Trevor smiled with a creep of a blush. “Thanks, dad.”

They arrived at the field and Trevor took off on his own to find the coach as Scott strolled the grounds and basically melted into the backround. He was so proud of his son and was glad that he wanted to handle this on his own. He needed to if he was ever going to survive.

Trevor slung his bag over his shoulder and headed into the field. His eyes saw a sea of red jerseys that were engaged in various practice drills before they fell upon a distinguished looking gentleman standing on the sidelines with his arms crossed.

Trevor headed over and saw the man look his way when he got close enough. Trevor looked at him questioningly.

“Coach Ridgeford?”

The gentleman smiled sternly, but warmly. “Yes, I’m Walter Ridgeford. And you, lad, must be Trevor Savage.”

Trevor cocked his head in wonder.

“We knew you’d be arriving for tryouts today,” Walter said. “And Martin hasn’t sung your praises enough. I’m hoping your as good as he says, else you’ll be on your way and he’ll be out of a scouting job.”

Trevor’s hazel eyes widened a bit, before he calmed the look on his face. It was obvious that this man was baiting him. Even though Trevor was only 18, he couldn’t act like a naïve laid else he’d be chewed up and spit out before the afternoon was over.

Instead, Trevor smirked. “Well, I guess the pressure is on. Not only do I have to prove myself, but a man’s job is at stake because of it.”

Walter eyed Trevor for a few moments after that comment before throwing his head back and laughing. “Oh, you’re gonna do just fine, lad. Now, see that chap in the black golf shirt?”

Trevor looked to where Walter pointed on the field. “Yes?”

“That’s Stuart Ross. He’s the goalie’s coach. You’re all his, lad. Good luck!”

Chapter 99

Trevor made his way over to the goalie’s coach.

“Mr. Ross, I’m Trevor Savage. I’m here for the tryout.”

Stuart acknowledged Trevor. “Good to meet you, lad. I’ll be with you in a moment.”

Trevor nodded as Stuart took off in another direction. As Trevor stood there, a tall chap with dark hair and deep brown eyes walked over to him, folded his arms and assessed him.”

“Did you take a wrong turn, laddie?” the chap said.

Trevor looked at him and recognized him instantly. It was Patrick Tierney, the second string goalie who was now the starter because of Simon Farrell’s injury. Trevor knew better than to be presumptuous and acknowledge him by name, but waited for a proper introduction.

“Excuse me?” Trevor asked.

Patrick snickered. “I said, did you take a wrong turn? This is Manchester’s practice field. The nursery school is down the road.”

Patrick laughed as a few team members behind him shook their heads as they chuckled over his humor. If ever Trevor was going to be tested on how well he could stand toe to toe, now was the time.

“Afraid not, mate,” Trevor said, confidently. “I’m here for tryouts.”

Patrick looked audacious. “You? Tryout? How old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

“And your mum weaned you off the teat and let you venture out into the grownup world?”

Trevor watched the team members behind Patrick laugh, but kept his composure. “Oh, I”ve been weaned for a while…..well….at least from my mum. Now……my girlfriend is another story!”

The other members broke down and laughed at Trevor’s slick comeback to Patrick. Patrick turned around and gave them a face before turning back to Trevor.

“So young laddie…..what position are you trying out for?”

“Goalie.”

Patrick’s eyes widened before the twinkled with mirth. “Are you bloody serious? They’re considering you as my backup? You’ve got height, I’ll give you that, but you’re a little too lean. Not to mention the fact that you’re a child!”

Trevor wouldn’t be fazed. When Simon Farrell went out with a career ending injury and Patrick took over for him, a lot more was written up about Patrick’s arrogant attitude than his actual playing on the field. Yes, he was a good goalie, but his personality and antics made for far better tabloid news than his talent.

“Aw, that’s not fair, mate,” Trevor said. “You’ve got me judged before I’ve got a chance to prove myself.”

Patrick continued to size up Trevor. “Young lad……I’ll wager that you’ll be on your way back home to mummy at the end of the afternoon.”

Trevor’s mind raced as to what to do. He had always had a shy side to him, but now was not the time to be humble. He deserved to be here. And…..he needed to get that across. Right now, he needed to use the balls that God gave him and take a risk.

He looked to see the coach walking the sidelines, not paying much attention. He then saw that the goalie’s coach was engrossed with someone on the other side of the field. Trevor saw a stray soccer ball on the ground, picked it up and tossed it to Patrick.

“I tell you what, mate,” Trevor said. “I’ll make you an even better wager.”

Trevor trotted over to the goal to stand in front of it. He then bent over in his stance and looked at Patrick with all seriousness.

“Try to get it past me.”

Chapter 100

By now, the other seasoned players were intrigued by this bold youngster and began to line up on either side of Patrick as they egged him on.

“Go ahead Patrick,” one member encouraged him. “Do what the lad says.”

“Yeah, come on,” another member said. “Lets see how good he really is.”

Patrick volleyed the ball between both hands as he stared down Trevor, who didn’t even so much as flinch. He chuckled and placed the ball on the ground by his feet.

“Okay there, laddie…..welcome to the real world,” he said before backing up, lining up and head towards the ball before giving it a ferocious kick in Trevor’s direction. Trevor lept up and caught it with his hands. Patrick shrugged.

“So what, you caught one,” he taunted.

Trevor threw the ball back at him. “Again,” was all he said.

A chorus of ‘ooooooh’s’ came from the other members as Patrick caught the ball. He began to color over being shown up by this young little welp.”

“You bloody little twerp,” Patrick hissed. “Think you’re a smart-ass, eh?”

Patrick fielded the ball and volleyed it around from left to right to try to get it past Trevor with a moving shot. He faked left, then right, trying to confuse Trevor. When he had Trevor over to the left side of the goal, Patrick pivoted and moved right and kicked the ball into the unmanned right side of the goal.

Trevor twisted his body when he saw Patrick’s spin move and made it to the ball just so his fingertips grazed it enough to slow down its forward momentum. He slapped it up in the air and came down with it.

His move caused a collective gasp from the members watching. It also caused Coach Ridgeford to stop in his tracks and observe what was going on. From the other side of the field, the goalie’s coach, Stuart Ross, folded his arms and watched as well.

From atop a bleacher where he tried to remain inconspicuous, Scott watched his normally shy son challenge the team’s starting goalie with a prideful grin on his face.

Everyone was impressed except Patrick, who was pissed. He backed up, tossed the ball down and advanced upon Trevor again, using all kinds of fancy moves to confuse him. Not once did the ball make it into the net. Every time Trevor made a save, the other team members clapped. Finally, Patrick gave up and angrily tossed the ball to a teammate.

“I’ve had enough of this bloody juvenile nonsense,” he spouted. “I’d like to see him do that in a real game.”

Patrick fumed as he walked away before another member went up to Trevor. “Nice show there, lad. Takes a lot of ballocks for a newcomer to act like that. Usually, we don’t let young’uns like you get away with showing off, but the fact that you did and stood up to a challenge will earn you respect.”

Trevor grinned with modesty, not letting anything go to his head. He still had a lot to prove.

As far as Coach Ridgeford was concerned, he saw all he needed to see.

Chapter 101

Back in London……..

Tyler and Kevin were busy pushing buttons, moving levers and keeping a fine-tuned ear to the recording of the song ‘A Devil of an Angel’. It was the first of 4 songs that Fusion had left to record. They had the guitars and bass parts down and were now using the mix to record the drum fills.

Zak Silver sat behind his black laquer Mapex drum kit, clearly frustrated by having to wait while Tyler and Kevin listened to each part as it was recorded.

Mark sat off to the side, careful not to bother his father and Kevin, but within view of Zak. It hasn’t even been 24 hours, and he’d already concluded that Zak was the biggest asshole to walk the face of the earth. Several times he tried to pull a ‘rock star’ attitude, but he only got rewarded by having to do double and triple takes of certain drum fills. Granted his father and Kevin wouldn’t let the little wanker push them around, but Mark was wondering how long it would be before Zak snapped.

“Zak, listen,” Kevin said from the other side of the glass. “We gotta go over the end fills of the chorus. I can’t get the sound I’m looking for. It doesn’t flow.”

Zak sighed heavily and rolled his eyes. “Jesus Christ,” he muttered. “I must’ve did that part ten times already!”

“And you’ll do it ten times more till we get the sound right,” Tyler shot back.

Zak blew out a loud breath before lighting a cigarette. “This fucking sucks!”

“This is the un-glamourous side of rockstardom,” Kevin said. “Now, take a few drags and lets get going.”

Zak took a drag of his cigarette and looked at Kevin with wide eyes. “Let me finish this then I’ll start.”

Kevin raised an eyebrow at him. “You don’t tell me what to do, kiddo. Got it? Now, put the cigarette down and pick your drumsticks up. We can finish this in an hour or we’ll stay here with you till nine tonight. Take your pick.”

Zak wanted so much to blow off steam, but these guys just weren’t the producers. They were the labels owners and he had to bite his tongue. He didn’t’ know how long he’d last doing so.

He smashed his cigarette in the ashtray and picked up his stick.. “Fine!” he shot out. “Lets go.”

Kevin hit the button that turned off the audio on his side and turned to Tyler. “Fucking little punk,” he seethed.

“No wonder the last producer walked,” Tyler replied.

“He should’ve walked all over his face, if you ask me,” Kevin said before turning the sound back on. “Okay Zak…..lets go.”

Kevin played the guitar and bass parts of the chorus as Zak filled it in with the drums. Off to the side, Mark winced at the choice of drum fills. It did the chorus no justice at all. He had been listening to this song for the last two hours and already had his own version of the drum part for the chorus in his head. However, it wasn’t his place to tell his father how to do his job.

After running through it for the eleventh time, Kevin played the tape back and shook his head. He looked at Tyler.

“I don’t know, something’s missing.”

“Fuck it, man, I’m not doing it again,” Zak stated.

“Excuse me?” Kevin replied. “First of all, I didn’t ask for your opinion. Second, don’t tell me what you’re going, or not going, to do. That’s our job.”

Zak gripped his drumsticks as Tyler tried to calm Kevin down. He turned the sound in the booth off. “Kev, not that I’m giving in to that little prick, but I think we all need a break here. We’ll get more from him if he can go blow off some steam and we get lunch.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Kevin said. “Zak, take a break and get some lunch. We’ll reconvene in a half hour.”

Zak made a vulgar sound before getting up and storming out. Kevin’s eyes followed him.

“I’m gonna kill that kid before this album is finished!”

“You Yanks are so volatile,” Tyler jested. “C’mon, lets go eat. Mark….want to come with us?”

“Nah, I’m just gonna hang. I’ll run out for a burger later on.”

Mark was now alone and feeling a bit sneaky. He knew he shouldn’t do this, but he couldn’t help himself. He missed Tara and his body was wound up to where he needed to let off some steam himself. He went behind the boards and set the chorus of guitars and bass to loop every two minutes.

He then went around to Zak’s drumkit which, in his opinion, was a piece of crap compared to his custom silver and chrome Pearl set. Mark sat behind the drumkit and waited for the guitars to come in. When they did, he came in on cue with the drum fill that he had cemented in his mind for the last two hours.

The chorus kept looping as Mark came in with the drum fill over and over.. The blaring guitars and drums drowned out the sound of the door opening, nor was Mark aware of the dropped jaw of Rob Silver as he watched him.

Chapter 102

Mark drummed his heart out, keeping his eyes closed so that his senses were focused on feel instead. When the recorded chorus finished, he opened his eyes and waited for it to loop again. That’s when he saw Rob Silver standing right in front of him with a look of awe on his face.

Mark almost fell backwards off the stool as he put the drumsticks down and sat up. “Rob, I….I thought I was alone,” Mark stammered. “I’m sorry, I…..I didn’t mean to play your brother’s drums without asking. They just kinda called out to me.”

Rob stared at the drumkit then back at Mark. “How long have you been playing the drums?”

Mark grinned, glad that he wasn’t pissed. Then again, Rob was the nicer Silver brother. “Well, technically I’ve been banging on things since I was three. But, I got my first set of drums when I was four. I got a slightly bigger set when I was around seven or eight, then I got a custom Pearl kit when I turned 13. I’ve been playing with that one ever since.”

Rob shook his head back and forth in wonder. “Shit man, you’re good. Ever think of forming a band?”

“Well, I don’t have any mates that are musically inclined like I am. The reason I’m here is because I didn’t know what to do with myself after high school, so I’m hoping some time away will give me some insight. I was thinking about soccer, but as soon as our team made the finals, my appendix ruptured. End of that!”

“Ouch, that sucks dude,” Rob said. “Anyway, I think you’d be better off channeling your energy in music. Its fun, the pay’s pretty good and the women are incredible!”

“Yeah, I know all about it,” Mark said with a grin. “I mean, my father and grandfather were rock stars, so who knows?”

“Gotta keep the family tradition going, don’t ya think?” Rob asked.

Mark shrugged. “Maybe.”

“So……..play that drum part again,” Rob said, intrigued, as he grabbed his guitar and sat down. “I know your dad and Kevin have been trying to get a certain sound down with Zak before I left.”

“Yeah, well….personally speaking, I thought the fills did no justice to the chorus,” Mark said, as he sat back down. “I just have an ear for that sort of thing. I play from feeling…….always have.”

“Here, let me go turn the recorder off,” Rob said as he headed over to the other side of the glass. He turned the looping recording off then sat on a stool next to Mark with his guitar. Even though he played lead, he played the rhythem section of the chorus and sang the lyrics as Mark came in with the fill.

Just as they finished, the door opened and in walked Zak. He heard the sound of his drums being played by someone other than himself and he followed the sound into the studio. He stopped dead in his tracks.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing, you little shit?”

Mark and Rob looked up to see Zak’s angered face as he walked over. Mark sheepishly stood up.

“Mate, I’m sorry. I told your brother that…….”

Zak ripped the drumsticks out of Mark’s hands. “I’m not your mate, you little putz. These are my fucking drums! Who the fuck said you could horse around with them?”

Rob put his guitar down and stood up. “Zak, calm the fuck down, will ya? Its not like he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s been playing since he was 4, which is a lot longer than you.”

Zak turned on his younger brother. “Oh, and you just took it upon yourself to give him permission to play my drums?” Zak then turned to Mark. “Don’t you ever touch my stuff again, got it?”

Even though Mark knew he was wrong in playing someone elses kit without asking, there was no reason for Zak to fly off the handle the way he was. Then again, he should’ve expected it. Mark just put his hands up in surrender.

“Sorry, won’t happen again,” he said before walking away.

“Damn straight it won’t happen,” Zak continued his tirade. “Its bad enough I’m getting shit from that gimpy Kevin, now I’ve got to put up with highschooler’s fucking with my stuff.”

Mark stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. “What did you say about Kevin?”

Zak shrugged. “Gimpy. You know….because he walks with a limp.”

Mark was so consumed with rage that he didn’t even think before he ran towards Zak and tackled him to the floor. Zak didn’t know what hit him as Mark straddled him before grabbing him by the shoulders.

“You fucking moron!” Mark screamed. “Do you have any bloody idea why he limps, you pisser? The guy nearly died in a car accident – the same accident that killed his and my father’s two bandmates, asshole! He injured his spine… he was in a coma for days and when he came out of it, he couldn’t feel his legs! He’s lucky that he can walk at all, you fucking little idiot! That’s why he limps!!!”

Zak was trying to fight Mark off, but Mark had him pinned and was also fueled with adrenaline. Finally, Rob pulled Mark off Zak.

“Mark, calm down man,” Rob said.

As soon as Mark was pulled off Zak, Zak stood up and went for Mark.

“You little fuck!” Zak seethed, before Rob intercepted him.

“Let it go, Zak,” Rob said, pushing him away.

Zak tried pushing his brother out of the way. “Get the fuck out of my way! Don’t you tell me what to do.”

Rob pushed him. “I am gonna tell you what to do now. You shouldn’t have said anything. Man, when are you gonna learn to keep your fucking mouth shut?”

“Going against me?” Zak asked Rob. “Fine! Fuck you too, little brother!”

Zak turned and stormed out of the studio. Rob sat down heavily in the chair and flung his head back. Mark walked up to him.

“Rob, I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t…..”

“No, don’t apologize Mark,” Rob cut him off. “He had it coming. He shouldn’t have said that.”

Mark looked towards the door. “Will he come back.”

“I don’t know. And, at this point, I don’t care,” Rob said, standing up. “I’ve got to call the rest of the guys. There’s something we’ve got to do.”

103

Tyler and Kevin returned from lunch to find the wrong Silver brother waiting for them.

Tyler looked about first then looked at Rob. “I’m sure I’ve exhausted this question by now, but ……where’s your brother?”

Rob slowly shook his head and rolled his eyes. “And I’m sure I’ve exhausted this answer, but…..good question! However, I don’t know where he is this time. Nor does it matter anymore.”

Kevin threw his keys on the board, leaned against the wall and folded his arms. “Why? What happened?”

Rob buried his head in his hands. “Where do I start, Kevin? This shit that he’s been pulling has gone far enough. I just got off the phone with Paul and Troy. Those guys have had the patience of a saint with Zak, but they just can’t take it anymore. I can’t take it anymore.”

“Rob, what happened?” Tyler pressed him.

“Zak mouthed off at your son Mark and, well…..they got into a fight.”

Tyler then realized that Mark wasn’t around and Rob noticed.

“He went out for a bit to cool off,” Rob said.

“Cool off?” Tyler asked.

“Yeah. Mark tackled him to the ground.”

Tyler’s eyes bulged. “What? Mark? Rob, tell me…..if he’s causing any trouble…..”

“No, no, no,” Rob was quick to say. “It wasn’t Mark’s fault. Actually,” Rob looked at Kevin..” he was defending you.”

“Me?” Kevin asked, puzzled.

“Yeah. Seems you’ve been on Zak’s case a lot and, well, he hit you below the belt, literally, with a comment. He um….made a crack about your limp. Mark heard it and went ballistic and knocked him down. I pulled Mark off Zak, then told my brother to cool it, but, being the hot head that he is, he didn’t like that I wasn’t sticking up for him and split. That pretty much made up my mind for good.”

Kevin smiled warmly over Mark defending his handicap, however Tyler wasn’t happy.”

“Defending someone or not, he should know better than to physically attack someone.”

“Yeah, well, if you ask me, my brother’s lucky that someone didn’t do that to him a long time ago. I wish I had. But, well…what I have to do now may hurt even more. The guys and I decided that Zak can no longer be in the band. Zak doesn’t realize that the band is made up of four of us, not just him. I mean, he’s my brother and I love him no matter what, but I won’t let him destroy the band. We want to last longer than two albums, you know?”

“We hope so too,” Kevin mused. “Especially since you’re signed to our label.”

“So….when do you plan on telling him?” Tyler asked.

“Well, I have to find him first,” Rob said. “Troy and Paul said he didn’t show up at the flat. He’s probably at some pub getting shit-faced.”

Just then Rob’s cell phone rang.

“Yeah?”

“Rob, its Paul. Man, your brother just stormed in here like a fucking tornado, packed his stuff and is taking a taxi to the airport. He’s going back to LA. He said to try to finish the album without him.”

Rob cursed silently. “Paul, did you try to talk to him?”

“No way,” Paul replied. “To be honest, I just let him go. I mean, he’s gone anyway, right?”

“Did you say anything to him about that?”

“Nah, I figured you should.”

“Thanks. Alright, listen, don’t worry. We’ll get the album finished. I think.”

Rob clicked off his cell phone and looked at Tyler and Kevin. “Zak flew the coup. Went back to the flat, packed his stuff and is heading back to LA. What the fuck are we gonna do now?”

Kevin rubbed the stress from his face. “Well, we’re gonna finish this frigging album, that’s what. We’ll get a session drummer to finish out the songs. I’ll make some calls.”

Just as Kevin left, Mark came back in the studio. Rob looked up, thought for a moment, then smiled wide.

“Uh….Kev? Perhaps you don’t have to make those calls after all!”

Back in Manchester………

Chapter 104

Trevor finished out an afternoon of grueling tryouts. The goalie’s coach put him through rigorous practice drills that made his high school practice look like playtime in a sandbox. But Trevor met every challenge, even when he thought he would drop from exhaustion. He was actually on an adrenaline high from his little show with Patrick Tierney, who hadn’t even looked his way the rest of the afternoon.

Trevor thought that he may have pushed the envelope with the pro goalie, but he also had to prove that he was man enough to handle what was going to be thrown at him. There was no place on this team for passive players.

Around 4 in the afternoon, Trevor went to the sidelines to gather his belongings. He ran a dry hand towel over his sweat soaked face and squirted his water bottle over his hair before rubbing it briskly with the towel. He was immediately confronted with Stuart Ross, the goalie’s coach.

“You showed yourself well there, lad,” Stuart said. “I was especially impressed with the way you took matters into your own hands with Patrick. That said a lot about you.”

Trevor flashed a shy grin. “Well, I’m not usually like that, but I also know that I’m not in high school anymore. I’m not gonna survive here if I’m timid. Hope I didn’t piss him off too much.”

“I really don’t care if you did,” Stuart said. “This is a team. We stroke no one’s vanity. He knows he’s the starter, but we also need a backup who’s just as good.”

Trevor was dying from the anticipation. “So……did I make the team?”

“Well, I have to talk to Coach Ridgeford first. We’ll have an answer for you tomorrow. Show up, same time.”

“Yes, sir.”

As Trevor watched Stuart walk away, someone came up from behind him and slapped him on the back.

“So, young laddie, you’re not so green after all.”

Trevor looked into the eyes of a Manchester player who had two more teammates behind him.

“Well, if I’m to keep you with you chaps, I need to be on my toes,” Trevor replied.

“By the way, my name’s Michael. These two blokes behind me are Ethan and Andrew.”

Trevor acknowledged the players. All three looked to be no older than 21.

“Listen, Trevor, we’re kind of take it upon ourselves to be the unofficial welcome committee. Since you’ve got one more day of tryouts tomorrow, I’m assuming that you’ll be in Manchester overnight, correct?”

“Yes,” Trevor said. “My father and I are staying at a nearby hotel.

Michael put his arm around him. “Well, I don’t think your father won’t mind us taking you out tonight. Dinner, and such. We’ll be back by 11:00 since we have a curfew during practice. What’ya say there, laddie?”

No way could Trevor turn down going out with three Manchester players.

“Sounds brilliant,” he agreed.

Three hours later, Trevor sat in in The Bull’s Head with Michael, Ethan and Andrew as they heartily ate their famous Bully Cheeseburgers, chips and stuffed jacket potatoes. Trevor had three glasses of ale and, even though he ate, he was feeling a bit light headed. He hadn’t really drank since the night at the hotel after winning the championship game. Even though he wasn’t driving and didn’t have to be at practice until noon, he didn’t want to overdo it with the ale.

When he drained the third glass, his head spun a bit. Michael clapped him on the back. “C’mon, laddie….drink up,” he mused as he hailed a nearby waitress. “Practice isn’t until noon tomorrow. You can sleep it off by then.”

Trevor shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. I don’t think I’ve sprouted my drinking wings yet.”

Ethan grinned at him. “Aye, no problem. Don’t want you getting sick on us. And um…..I can think of something much more interesting than drinking that we can introduce him to tonight.”

Ethan shared a knowing look with his other two teammates that Trevor didn’t pick up on. After another hour, they paid the check and took off.

The four of them drove around until they pulled into the parking lot of a club. Trevor got out and looked up at the sign.

“The Kitten Klub?”

Michael slung his arm around Trevor’s neck. “Between this and drinking, I think this may be the lesser of the two evils. Maybe!”

Chapter 105

The first thing that hit Trevor when the door opened was the sound of the pounding bass coming from the sound system. The second thing that hit him was the sight of a topless young woman with an absolutely incredible body swinging around a pole onstage for a sea of young and old men surrounding it.

His mouth practically hit the floor as he couldn’t take his eyes off the half naked woman. Michael saw it and eyed Ethan and Andrew before nuding Trevor.

“First strip club, eh laddie?”

Trevor didn’t hear him. He just kept staring at the young woman on stage who had pulled off her short, flouncy skirt to reveal nothing but a g-string. Trevor’s eighteen year old hormones shot into gear and his body violently reacted.

Michael walked on ahead. “C’mon, lets get a good table. We come here all the time so the waitresses know us.”

Trevor tore his eyes away enough to see where he was going. As soon as he sat down, he inconspicuously shifted himself to a more comfortable position, but the painful hardness in his trousers was anything but comfortable.

After ordering ales, Ethan looked up at the young woman dancing on stage, licked his lips, then nudged Trevor.

“So.,……what’ya think?”

Trevor shook the cobwebs from his brain and blushed profusely, thankful it was a bit dark in there. “All I can say is……holy shit!”

Andrew looked around. “Wonder if Ginger is dancing tonight.”

“Who’s Ginger?” Trevor asked.

Andrew pointed to the woman on stage. “See her………well, Ginger makes her look a bag lady.”

Trevor didn’t think anyone could be more beautiful than the woman on stage.

Except Emily.

Trevor’s eyes bulged when he realized that maybe he shouldn’t be here. Should he say something to the guys about having a girlfriend? Would they think him some sissy? After all…..he was just looking. No harm done. Plus, he had called Emily after practice when he got back to the hotel to tell her how everything went. She knew he was going out with a few of the teammates…..where wasn’t a big issue, was it?

When the waitress delivered there ale, Ethan took her arm. “Aye Sue…..do you know if Ginger’s dancing tonight?”

Sue, who was scantily dressed in micro-hiphugger shorts and a midriff baring tank top that barely contained her breasts shook her head. “No, not on stage at least. She doing privates.”

Sue walked away and Trevor’s eyes followed her long legs before he looked at Ethan. “What are ‘privates’?”

“Lap dances,” Ethan replied, before pointing to individual curtained booths. “Not every bloke likes to have a lap dance with everyone watching, so the dancers do private ones in those booths.”

Trevor looked over at the curtained booths, wondering what was going on inside of them. Michael saw him looking and slapped his hand on the table. “That’s it! If you’re not going to get pissed, then you can at least celebrate a great tryout today with your first lap dance.”

Trevor paled a bit. “Uh…..no, I don’t think so. I mean……I kind of have a steady girl.”

Andrew shook Trevor’s shoulder. “Oh, lad, its just a dance. Plus…..you don’t tell your girlfriend everything, do you?”

Trevor shrugged. “Well…….I guess not.”

“Settled then,” Michael said as he flagged Sue down again. “Go find Ginger, luv. She has a new customer to break in.”

Sue looked at Trevor before reaching out to lightly stroke his face. “Oh, you are one sweet thing,lad. Ginger will enjoy this, for sure.”

Trevor turned pink as she left before looking at Michael. “All they do is dance?”

Michael grinned wickedly. “That’s right……just dancing.”

Trevor knew Michael was hiding something when he looked up and almost fell backwards. Walking towards him was a young woman, no older than 21 or 22, wearing a pure white slip dress that was indecently short and a pair of white, strappy heels that laced up her luminous golden legs. Her cinnamon colored hair was a wild array around her shoulders, but it was her turquoise colored eyes that stood out, even in the dimness of the club.

This was the infamous Ginger.

She stopped at their table and put a hand on Trevor’s shoulder. He looked up into her eyes and Ginger’s breath caught a bit. She was told he was young, but his sexy innocence hit her like a thunderbolt.

“I understand you’d like a private dance, sweetie?”