Just Another Band

By Katie Lam & Tiffany McDowell

Character Profiles
Julia Kim

Age: 17
Grade: 12
Appearance: Big shirt, dark jeans, dark purple hair, waist length, dark brown eyes, 2 earrings for one ear
and 1 earring on the other, not tanned, 57
Band position: Keyboardist.
Attitude: chill, fun-loving, played back.
Likes: Music, friends, and school.
Dislikes: dont have much unless you get me mad.
Relationships
Layla Nisshoku: Best Friends
Kosuke Kay Kagayaki: Best Friends

Karter OReilly: Best Friends

Kosuke Kay Kagayaki

Age: 17
Grade: 12
Appearance: Nerdy t-shirts, geeky glasses, blue jeans, short navy blue/black hair with bangs, in a short
ponytail, green eyes, and 5 foot 3 inches. Just looks generally crazy
Band position: Lead vocalist
Attitude: Funny, cheery, loving, kind, oblivious, slightly color blind when it comes to fashion, which
explains the hair.
Likes: Food, her friends, anime, manga, music, The Fold, cartoons, Vocaloid, being fun, hockey, and
badminton.
Dislikes: Cursing, Bullying, Disloyal people.

Relationships
Layla Nisshoku: Best Friends
Julia Kim: Best Friends
Karter OReilly: Best Friends

Layla Nisshoku

(By the way Im Bi)

Age: 17
Grade: 12
Band Position: Drummer
Appearance: Black t-shirts, Black jeans, combat-boots, 3 different necklaces a day, different rings, blonde
hair (I want to dye it), blue eyes, 5 foot 7 inches.
Attitude: bad **s, sarcastic, Sorta Loving, Kind, Sweet to certain people.
Likes: Music, Drawing, Playing Guitar, Drums, Movies, Video Games, Cooking, Cake Decorating,
Skateboarding, and Ice-skating.
Dislikes: Rude people, Egoistic people, the color pink, Hugs, Being lovey dovey, people who think they
know me.

Relationships
Kosuke Kay Kagayaki: Best Friends
Julia Kim: Best Friends
Karter OReilly: Best Friends and twin its just unknown for a while

Karter OReilly

(Im Bi) (Im also adopted I dont know my Birth-parents)

Age: 17
Grade: 12
Band Position: Guitarist
Appearance: Black shirt, and pants, 5 feet 7 inches, Blonde hair, Blue eyes
Attitude: Wise **s, Sweet, Kind, Sorta Loving.
Likes: Music, Playing Guitar, Drums, Movies, Video Games, Eating food, Skateboarding, Playing hockey.
Dislikes: The color pink, rude people, Egoistic people, being lovey dovey, hugs, people who want to
control me.

Relationships
Layla Nisshoku: Best Friends and twin but its unknown for a while
Julia Kim: Best Friends
Kosuke Kay Kagayaki: Best Friends and has a crush on

The Beginning in Kay's P.O.V

In the Cafeteria all the way in the back at a table with no one around eating my lunch. Im
working on the song Ive been working on all day.

"Ugh, stupid song." I said aloud not realizing Layla had walked up with her lunch.
"Kay, it can't be stupid it's an inanimate object." Layla said chuckling "Would you like help writing it
though?"
"Yes please." I say
"What's the song about" She asks. I begin to sing:

(Verse 1)
Its not your fault.
No, it was mine.
I should have kept away

I didnt know
Just let it go
Suki, suki, daisuki.

(Chorus)
I love you, but
You love her, and
She hates me
What a crazy love story
Its Romeo and
Juliette but
It looks like Im just that other girl.

(Verse 2)

You idiot
Why did you fall?
For someone who was just gonna take it all
If I had known
What you would do
I wouldnt have even bothered

(Chorus again)
I love you, but
You love her, and
She hates me
What a crazy love story
Its Romeo and
Juliette but
It looks like Im just that other girl.

Wow, lets see what I can come up with. She said

Alright, cool. I say. Layla mutters to herself.
This was about Daichi, wasnt it? She asks. I stutter hysterically.
W-what? Psh-no!
Yeah it's totally not about him. She said sarcastically. I blush
Shaddup. I mutter. She chuckles.
Alright let's get on with ideas. She says.
Here are some ideas:

Sometimes you find that person.

Sometimes your heart feels like it will fly.
That is till everything you love is proven wrong.

Ummmm.
Then the chorus twice.

What do you think of those ideas? She asks.

I think theyre great. I say enthusiastically.
You might want to reword it a little so it flows better.She says.
You mean like this:
Sometimes when you find that person
It feels like you might fly
That is until everything you love
Is proven wrong

I love you, but

You love her, and
She hates me
What a crazy love story
Its Romeo and
Juliette but
It looks like Im just that other girl.

I love you, but

You love her, and

She hates me
What a crazy love story
Its Romeo and
Juliette but
It looks like Im just that other girl.

Yeah. By the way you have a great voice. She says

Thanks, and you're a great person to go to when I get stuck on a song. Hey, we should start a band!!! I
say enthusiastically.
We should, but who would join us? She questions.

Getting people in on this band idea

Still in Kays P.O.V
Layla and I are at my locker waiting for Julia to come to her locker which is down the
hall from mine. I see her walking down the hall then stop at her locker so I run up to her. Layla
takes a normal pace and walks to her. Before Layla even reaches us I start up a conversation;
Hi Julia!! I says excitedly.
Hi. Julia says back.
Let's get some lunch. Layla said.
Alrighty. I said a little disappointed because I wanted to go to the music room.
All three of us walk to our table. That's when I start to think; Why don't we include Julia in our band
Um what band? Julia asks.
Oh, did I say that out loud? I ask them both. They both nod their heads yes.

Oh...um I asked Layla for help with a song yesterday then I c-cam-me up with the idea of us sta-arting a
ban-nd. I say nervously thinking she would think Im crazy.
I would love to join...but what position? Julia asks in response.
Well.....What instruments do you know how to play? Layla asks.
"I play the piano and I want to learn to play guitar." Julia says.
"That works we need a piano-ist" I say.
"Okay cool." Julia says. By the way, its pianist. We spoke for the rest of the period about our band but
never figured out who are guitarist would be. I didnt even think about going to the music room. -Later that month I meet the new kid that plays guitar and hes really good. I brought up the idea to him
about joining our band, but he seemed hesitant and one day he said yes before a weekend so that Monday
I decided to have him meet the band. In the morning, that one random Monday, I tell Layla to come the
practice room during lunch with Julia and me. I didn't wait for her to argue or agree. So lunch rolls
around, and I'm in the practice room waiting when the new kid walks in and asks me why I'm sitting in
the practice room. So I explain to him that I'm waiting for the rest of my band even though they probably
won't come straight down her and how I want them to meet him since he agreed to be our guitarist. He
tells me why he's there he was hoping to practice some on his guitar but needs a new song to play. That's
when I introduce him to a song I like. We were chatting about music when I cut him off.
"Anyway would you like a song to play and I can sing it." I suggest.
"Sure what song?"Karter asks (that's his name by the way).
"After the Blackout from Ninjago." I say nervously biting my lip.
"I know that song, I just never had a reason to play it, and I would love to." He says. So we started to play
the song with me singing it when Layla walks in.

Third person pov

Hey Kay? Layla opened the practice room door with Julia behind her and saw Kay rocking out with a
random guy.

The lights came on, brighter than ever before

Can you see them shine?
Go Ninja! Go, go Ninja!
Don't let them fade, this city's meant for much more!
Gotta hear them shout; Go Ninja! Go, go Ninja!

Kay sang. Accompanied by the random guy on his guitar, somehow managing to keep a completely
straight face.
Go Ninja? Layla asked Kay.
Um... She stammered.
You still watch Ninjago? Kosuke Kagayaki, you have a lot of explaining to do. Julia says.
Guh... Kay answered.
And you! Layla rounded on Karter, who raised his eyebrows.
"Who the heck are you? Cause that was amazing!!! I haven't heard anyone play like that since I stopped
playing guitar." Layla says surprising everyone cause none of them knew she played in the past. All of
them look at her confused and the random guy had a smirk on his face.
"Well for starters, I'm Karter. Second of all thanks. Third of all what do you mean you used to play?
Fourth of all and finally who are you?" The guy says.
"I'm Layla and I used to play but I stopped because I thought I lost my passion for playing so I
stopped."Layla answered him.
"Would you mind playing since it looks like your friends seems to be learning something new about you
and I would love to hear you play and I think they would too."Karter says while gesturing to Julia and
Kay. Julia and Kay have their mouths hanging open and are nodding vigorously. Karter holds his guitar to
Layla.

"I guess I have no choice on this matter then. I'll play but it might not be good cause I haven't played in a
really long time." Layla says.

Showing up to the Practice rooms in Layla's pov

I take the guitar from Karter. He isn't that bad looking and he has a good personality but he isn't
anything more than a boy with his guitar. I sat down on a stool nearby and started playing Disenchanted
but the acoustic version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=0ZTPe2qC6Do&safe=active&safe=active&app=desktop It's a miracle that I still remembered the
cords and the notes on the guitar. It's been 6 years since I picked up a guitar it's a little weird for me.
When I finished I looked up at the three of them they were just staring at me. That was until I finally said
"Well what are you staring at me for just speak."
"I-I-I d-d-o-o-n't know what to say other than wow." All three of them said at once. When they finally
weren't tongue tied.
"Thanks but I gave up playing a long time ago and I'm not going back to playing." I said while handing
Karter back his guitar. They all just looked at me like I had lost my mind but I gave up playing guitar for a
reason and my reason is more important than what they think about it. The bell finally rang signaling that
out lunch period was over and that I only had one period left till I could leave school and I thought I was
in the clear till Karter asked me what I had next. So I told him truthfully I had English which he had too
so we walked to English together. I really just wanted to get away from the fact that I had just played the
guitar since...never mind... I just wanted to forget about that time and how it made me feel and everything
that followed. We walked by his English class and he went in. My class was at the end of the hall so I kept
walking when I finally got to my class I took my seat in the back of the class.

End of school practice in Layla's P.O.V

The period goes by pretty fast compared to every other day. Well that might have been because
my head wasnt on the lesson. I walk to my locker not knowing that Kay, Julia and Karter would be

waiting for me. I walk up to my locker with my music blaring in my ears when I got to my locker
Nickelback's song Next Contestant started playing when my headphones are ripped out of my ears. I
turned around to face Kay, Karter, and Julia.
"What the hell are you three doing pulling my headphones out....NEVER EVER PULL MY
HEADPHONES OUT GOT IT!" I yell at them.
"Okay we won't pull out your headphones relaxes." Kay says. I take a deep breath and look at them
expecting them to tell me why they are here. When they don't I slam my locker close and start to walk
away that's when they grab my arms and say
"Where are you going we have practice." I look at them with a cold stare and answer back.
Why now I have homework to finish unlike all of you I would like to go hangout with my other friends
not that I doesnt love you guys. It's just I havent seen them in forever.
Well maybe you should go to band practice and then we will hang out. Someone says that scares me
half to death. So I turn around and come face to face with my other friends and Kay, Julia, and Karter all
start laughing. I turn back to them and look at them for a minute before I say,
You guys already spoke to them didnt you?
Yes we did. They answer.
Fine let's go I answer in defeat.
Would you guys mind if we came to watch? My other friends ask.
No we wouldnt mind. Kay answers. We all walk to the practice room in silence that when our music
teacher asks us if we are going to the talent show none of us know who to answer until Karter says
Hell yes. We are going to do the talent show no matter what.
Okay then and Karter it's good to see you made some friends and joined a band. Are music teacher says
then walks away.
Okay Karter do you have to music or do I have to make you a copy? I ask him.

Kay already gave me a copy earlier. He answers back. We dont even talk after that till Julia asks what
song are we going to do. I just smiled and pulled out the song me and Kay wrote after we wrote the first
song. Kay knew from the smile on my face which song I was going to say.
Music is the Only Savior I Have I tell Julia. It's the one song that Kay says sounds better when I sing it.
So Kay and I switch spots because I taught her how to play the drums for the song since I was singing it.

(Verse 1)
Music saves those who need it.
Music saves me.
How long will it take before you realize
Music helps more than you ever have.

(Chorus)
I trusted you.
I just cant survive without music.
You dont understand what music does for me.
You dont even know me the way you should
You cant be bothered with me.

I would fade away without my music.

You probably cant even be bothered to listen to this song
You're so wrapped up in yourself and your happiness
That you dont even notice I can't talk to you without shaking
Or with the slightest bit of a stutter in my weak voice.

(Verse 2)
You only bother with me when no one is there to talk to you
Or even when you need something.
You dont see what I am becoming.
I cant go a day without music to save me.

I might have friends but they didnt see the part of me that actually has emotion
All they see is the fake emotions.
There is only one other who cares but I cant trouble them
They have their own issues
Why are you so blind?

(Chorus)
I trusted you.
I just cant survive without music.
You dont understand what music does for me.
You dont even know me the way you should
You cant be bothered with me.

I would fade away without my music.

You probably cant even be bothered to listen to this song
You're so wrapped up in yourself and your happiness
That you dont even notice I can't talk to you without shaking
Or with the slightest bit of a stutter in my weak voice.

(Verse 3)
Am I your charity case that you feel bad for
Cause if I am just leave me alone.
I can make it through without you then.
If you care enough you would see the pain and the scars that aren't shown but are there.

All you have to do is look and youll find how hurt I am.
You might get scared but dont leave me.
Ive lived through that so many times so dont do it again to me
If that happens again I will break and then no one will be able to save me.
I wont blame you though it's always my fault in the end.

(Chorus)
I trusted you.
I just cant survive without music.
You dont understand what music does for me.
You dont even know me the way you should
You cant be bothered with me.

I would fade away without my music.

You probably cant even be bothered to listen to this song
You're so wrapped up in yourself and your happiness
That you dont even notice I can't talk to you without shaking
Or with the slightest bit of a stutter in my weak voice.

(Verse 4)
I always seem to push people away.
Is that why you dont talk to me.
If it is you should try and not give up on me
You did it to me and I didnt stop talking and helping you.

I just need to know you care but you won't even listen to this song
Why should I even try?
All I have left is my music and the one person who cares about me.
Youve proven my point that no one cares so why try.
I cant keep waiting for you to care. Im done waiting.

(Chorus)
I trusted you.
I just cant survive without music.
You dont understand what music does for me.
You dont even know me the way you should
You cant be bothered with me.

I would fade away without my music.

You probably cant even be bothered to listen to this song
You're so wrapped up in yourself and your happiness
That you dont even notice I can't talk to you without shaking
Or with the slightest bit of a stutter in my weak voice.

(Verse 5)
Someone please save me
Because it looks like Im disappearing.
I guess you dont care
At least tell me why you dont care
I need a reason
Cause if I dont have a reason Ill blame myself.

(Chorus)
I trusted you.
I just cant survive without music.
You dont understand what music does for me.
You dont even know me the way you should
You cant be bothered with me.

I would fade away without my music.

You probably cant even be bothered to listen to this song
You're so wrapped up in yourself and your happiness
That you dont even notice I can't talk to you without shaking
Or with the slightest bit of a stutter in my weak voice.

(Verse 6)
I am fading
Just let me fade away.
Dont pretend you care when you dont.

I will find someone else to save me.

You dont have to bother with me ever again.
Whats the point of asking you to stay when youre already gone?
Just leave I have my music to save me.
I don't need you to act like you care
Music is all I need now I know youre not going to save me
I am just going to stay in my music.

(Chorus)
I trusted you.
I just cant survive without music.
You dont understand what music does for me.
You dont even know me the way you should
You cant be bothered with me.

I would fade away without my music.

You probably cant even be bothered to listen to this song
You're so wrapped up in yourself and your happiness
That you dont even notice I can't talk to you without shaking
Or with the slightest bit of a stutter in my weak voice.

I sing and wait for the instruments that accompany the song to stop before I ask my friends what
they thought. But Karter beat me to it.
"So what did you guys think?" he asks. They stared at me for a good 5 minutes before they answered.

"That was amazing. Layla we didn't know you could sing why didn't you tell us?" That's when I started to
shut down and Kay knew it so she quickly responded to them.
"She doesn't like people knowing she can sing because of her past." Which everyone knew I don't like
talking about besides from Karter but he never asked why thankfully. We stopped talking about my
hidden talent and went on with our practice. When 4 came around we all decided it was enough for one
day. I was about to walk out of the school when Karter asked if he could hang out with me someday this
weekend and I gave him my phone number. He gave me his phone number. We all went our separate ways
for the day. I couldn't get a new song idea out of head on the bus so I started tapping away with my
headphones in listening to music but after a while the music got tuned out because of the song idea. What
was worse was I didn't have my song book with me so I had to wait till I got home to write the idea down.
After half an hour on the bus we reached my stop and I practically ran home to write the song down.

Going out IN Karters POV

I walked out of the music room and went to my bus and I look over and see Kay and Julia talking
and walking to their bus and Layla getting on her bus with her headphone in her ears and then I realize
there is something about her Im not used to she is different from everyone else in this school so are Kay
and Julia maybe that's why I am became so close with them. As I find my seat I put in my headphones and
listen to music that me and my old band had written and played but I never had as much fun as I do with
the girls and they are so much more talented than my old band. It takes me 45 minutes for the bus to reach
my stop and I walk to my house. When I reach the door I pull my headphones out and walk in my mom is
in the kitchen she yells to me how school was. I walk into the kitchen and tell her it was good and grab a
water bottle then walk up to my room to read through the music sheets and finish my homework for
music. Music is the only class I don't do my homework in class unless its English and I have an essay to
write but I dont this week. As I fish my music homework my brother walks into my room and he asks
So any new friends? I reply with a wise**s remark which is expected from me.

Yep but it's none of your business. My brother is only 9 months older than me but he's still a pain and
what's worse is we are in the same grade. Hes the football, soccer, and basketball player where Im the
music kid and the hockey kid but no one but my family as of now knows I do hockey. Im not a fan of
people knowing my life history. Just like Layla I have a dark past but the fact that she even hides it from
her friends concern me of how dark it actually is because in time Id tell them but she has known them for
a while and they still don't know. Id like to get to know all of them but Layla is going to be so much
harder than the others because she doesnt open up. I hope she opens up. I know it seems like I have a
crush on her I dont. I actually have a crush on Kay. I finally finish reading through all the songs around
5:30 so I grabbed my skateboard and tell my mom Im going to skate. I just start skating a wind up at this
skate shop that has a skate park so I naturally had to go in. I walk into panic at the disco playing and the
smell of spray paint being used. I tap the bell on the desk to ask where they have wheels and how much to
use the skate park when Layla walks up in a painted shirt and ripped jeans with a mask around her neck.
Can I help you? she asks without looking up. I answer
Um yeah where do you have wheels and how much is it to use the skate park? That's when she looks up
at me.
The wheels are over there and it's 5 bucks for the day for the skate park. It's 45 for a month and 125 for 6
months. I stare blankly at her as her as she is still pointing to the wheels for me to go look at. I walk over
slowly and look at all the different wheels for all the boards and find the ones I need which are 10 bucks
so I grab them and buy them and I finally say to her
So you have your own little world outside of school and the band huh. she answers me back with a yep
and thats it. I finally get up enough courage to ask her why she keeps secrets. She doesnt answer me
right away when she does its a sigh then word.
Its a long story as to why but if you got time tomorrow I will tell you all about it.
Sure what time and where? is all I ask
Here at 9 am because I own this place and have to open up because my business partner is sick so I have
to run the store and skate park all by myself and we cant hire anyone new because they dont want to

work here. she explains to me. I of course take the chance to get a job and get to know her better than I
do right now.
Ill work here. This place is awesome. She hesitates for a moment then answers
Okay then be here at 9 tomorrow and Ill train you and get you situated, here is all the paperwork just fill
it out and bring it back tomorrow. I take the paperwork and say goodbye and head to the pizzeria nearby.

Realizing What I agreed To in Laylas pov

After Karter leaves I take a deep breath. How bad can this be a band mate of mine working at the
same place I work and own. I decide I better go back to painting the skateboard I was working on before
he walked in so I put the mask that was around my neck back on and headed into the back and put on
Kelly Clarksons song Invincible. I didn't realize how late it was when I walked out because I went
through my full album of music without noticing it. I wound up walking up the stairs and look at Jacks
office and all I want to do is cry because of how sick he is. Hes my best friend he has seen me at my
worst and my best. I won't tell anyone this but he has cancer and he is the reason Im not mute or still
cutting (Yes I do have depression serious enough that Im suicidal). I walked into my office which has a
couch and a bathroom with a shower and crash after I set my alarm for 7.

I wake up at 7:15 and change into my running clothes and grab my phone and headphones and
put on pierce the veil on shuffle I wasnt even paying attention to the songs that came on. I run for an
hour and get back at 8:20 and go to shower and change into clothes for work. Walked to the bagel shop
and got food and a cup of coffee when I got back Karter was waiting at the door.
Oh Hello what time is it? I asked
It's 8:55. Im early. He said
Oh okay come on in. I said we walked into the shop.
Heres all the paperwork filled out. he said as he handed me the papers.

Okay Ill file all this and set you up to get paid. I said When can you start working?
Anytime you like. He said.
Alrighty then I'll file this and you can start tomorrow at 9:30 I said
Okay see you then. He said. Oh and band practice later.
I watched as he left and realized I totally forgot that we had practice today looks like I have to close early.
My day was pretty normal for me. I spent time painting and helping customers and skating. I closed at 2.
I headed home to relax before I headed to practice. In the meantime I started writing a new song.

Verse 1
Time is not my friend
He takes the ones I love
He has them timed to the tee
Not a second more or less for their lives

Chorus
When I need them the most they disappear
Into the hands of time
Hand delivering them to death's door
I can't even stop it or say goodbye slowly
Not enough time, not enough time, not enough time

I couldnt finish it because I couldn't think of anything else to put in it. I brought my song book with me
because Kay probably will have an idea for it.

Band Practice in Kays pov

Karter and Julia are on time where is Layla shes never late unless she forgets.
Hey Julia, Karter do you guys know where Layla is?
She said she was coming maybe shes just lost track of time. Julia said
I saw her earlier she said she would be here, Kater stated She could have gotten stuck closing the skate
shop and will be a little late.
What skate shop? Both Julia and I said at the same time. The look on Karters face said it all he had no
idea we knew bits and pieces of Laylas life but I knew she had a skateboard shop and that she was a
skater both for skateboards on ice skates.
Oh the skateboard shop in town? he said quizzically not know how to exactly say it.
Oh got it now. I said, but Julia was still lost beyond all belief. Right after I said that Layla walked in.
Sorry Im late was writing a new song and lost track of time --hey thats a good line to put in-- anyway
what are we doing today? I didnt have a chance to think when.
We are rehearsing You Never Help Julia basically screamed really happily. So we all got into our places
Karter looked like he didnt know what song we were talking about so I handed him a copy of it. He read
it and nodded for us to start. I sang this one so began when I got to the part with the piano.
Verse 1
Oohh, Ooohhh, Oooooo
Ive been through hell already
Why do you have to send me back?
All that I think about is my past
Why do you have to remind me of it?
I never think about it until you just bring it up.

Chorus
You know I have a hard time
So why do you make it worse

I thought you knew me

But now I see the real truth
Why do you have to make it worse for me?
You cant help
You never have.

Verse 2
You tell me youre here to help
All you do is make it worse.
You tell the people that help me
To shut up cause they dont know anything,
Yet they know more than you.
Chorus
You know I have a hard time
So why do you make it worse
I thought you knew me
But now I see the real truth
Why do you have to make it worse for me?
You cant help
You never have.

Verse 3
All you ever do is hurt me
Im so done with you causing me pain.
All you do is cause people pain

Its time for you to learn not ours.

Chorus x2
I took a deep breath and looked at Layla, but she seemed to be in her own world at the moment so I
walked over to my bag and grabbed my water bottle and watched Karter and Julia both playing their
instruments and Layla typing away at her phone. She seemed to be out of it ever since she walked in. I
walked over to her slowly as to not startle her or make it any worse and asked:
Hey what's up you seem off today? She stared at me for a minute completely lost in thought of how to
answer. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes then let it out and put her phone down then answered.
Jack is sick and his parents are freaking out and I dont know how to help. I just blinked then said:
Its okay you dont need to have all the answers, but -- mid sentence she cut me off
You dont understand hes really sick. she looked like she was on the brink of tears. I havent seen her
on the brink of tears in almost a year when her depression was really bad it was -- Why havent I noticed
its been getting worse? What if it has always been this bad but she has been hiding it so well?
I might not understand but you need to talk to me. He's my friend too. I scolded.
But he doesnt want anyone to know. Also -- this time I was the one to cut her off.
I dont care what he wants I care about my best friend and how she is doing. You have been through a lot
I might not know all of it but I know enough to help. I was almost at a yell.

Band Practice in Karters pov

We finished the song and Julia and I were talking about it and why its her favorite when we heard Kay
basically yelling at Layla. Julia looked at me really concerned so we walked over and Julia started to say,
Whats going on Kay you're basically yelling. But all Kay did was put her hand up to Julia to silence
her. Kay didn't break eye contact with Layla till she took a deep breath and said,

Okay Ill tell you. We all looked at Layla expectantly and she just closed her eyes stood up and walked
to the couch. We all followed her when we were all sitting she told us. I was shocked when I found out
that her business partner had cancer and that's why she needed help at the shop. I didnt know what to say
she just looked so broken at the moment that all I did was hug her and that's when she broken down she
couldn't keep the act of being so calm and collected anymore. I did find out a little bit more about her but
not much.

Showing up to work in Karters Pov

I showed up to the shop when Layla was getting out of her car.
Hey ready to work? she asked. I looked at her expectantly for her to say something else when she didnt
I answered her question.
Yes I am. We walked in and she put her coffee cup down and grabbed a shirt with the logo on it for the
shop and handed it to me and pointed to the back room where there was an employee locker room. I put
my board there and changed shirts. After I did that I walked to the front and she showed me things around
the store. I didnt want to ask about who her business partner was because she just seemed off today after
yesterday's practice. She would help me when I needed help with a customer but she stayed in the back
behind the counter. I got curious what was behind there so when I saw there was no one in the store I
walked back there. I wasnt expecting her to be making a board by hand especially not painting it too. Let
alone listening to Brantley Gilberts One Hell of an Amen. I knew that her friend had cancer but this was
wow she was using music to portray how she feels even when she isnt writing it or playing it. Layla
reminded me a lot of myself and that scares me. Im not the best at sharing my feelings unless its through
music and keeping things bottled up till I explode like she did at practice yesterday. Watching someone
else explode like that was a first for me and I realized how scary it is.
Hey Layla there is no one here mind if I go skate? I ask like it was the only thing on my mind. She
looks up and pulls down her mask to answer me.

No you can go. Thanks for letting me know. She then put her mask on so I walked out and grabbed my
board and helmet. I got on to the pavement of the park and put my headphones in and just rode without a
care in the world like I used to before when he was in the picture. I didnt realize I had drawn a crowd
over and Layla had a smile on her face. Kay walked in with Julia then too I almost fell when I saw Kay.
She looked really pretty in the light that she was standing in. Wait why am I thinking that about her.

Karters Skating drawing a crowd Laylas pov

Holy crap boy can ride is all I think when I walked out of the back to go put the board to cool off
and see Karter in the park through the window. I walked to the doors and saw a crowd gathering so I
offered them all a chance to ride on a rental board and helmets that I have and they all jumped at the
chance to try it out. I decided to call Kay and Julia to come help me out while Karter does his thing. Of
course both of them come right over without a hesitation. Im leaning on the door frame watching all of
these people watch Karter I didnt see Kay or Julia walk in till Kays hand is on my shoulder.
Hey what do you need...Wait a minute you're smiling She says/ yells
Huh oh hey and what do you mean I answer back.
I havent seen you smile like that in a while she says while hugging me Im completely lost now. Julia
notices and she just mouths Ill explain later. I nod in response. I lead them into the store and hand them
shirts to change into while I help some customers. They come back and help me with the really long line
and we started singing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suPlYwJ3YvM ) while Julia was tapping
away. None of us realized Karter had come in and was playing guitar for our song and the customers
loved it. I didnt notice that Jack was here with his sister and mom. I was having the best time in the
world and loving it. We all were just being ourselves once we finished the song all the customers cheered.
One of them even asked Kay if we were looking for a gig and we were so he booked us for a party that
following Friday. By the time I realized Jack was here I had sold my last hand painted board. The only
reason I realized he was here was because he walked up to me and touched my back saying;

Thought you would never sell your designs. I just looked at him lost in thought of how to answer.
Hi I thought I wasnt going to but people seem to love them so I am now. He just looked at me like I
was a completely different person then he knew. I didnt want to tell him that it was because we needed
the cash that I could make off my boards to keep the business running and to help pay his medical bills. I
didnt dare tell him that his parents needed the money. Kay just looks at us as to ask if everything was
okay and I just nod. Karter walks up to us and turns to Jack right away.
Hi Im Karter Jack looks between the two of us with a look of bewilderment.
H---hi Im Ja---ack. You guys look a lot of like. He blurts out. I furrow my eyebrows at him.
What do you mean Jack? I ask
Are you guys related or something Karter and I exchange looks
Not that we know of why? Karter asks
You guys look a lot alike that's why.
Well Im adopted thats all I can tell you. I just look at Karter because I didnt know that and I know my
father kept a lot about when I was born a secret. Id have to ask my mom later but if she didn't know Ill
have to call the hospital where I was born. No one knew I was looking into my medical history so I had to
be very quiet about it.

Meeting Jack in Karters Pov

Hey Kay whos that Laylas talking to? I asked completely unaware of who he was.

Oh thats Jack the guy she was talking about yesterday. She whispered in my ear while looking
at the women that walked in with him and the girl who had to be his little sister by the way she
looked up to him.
Oh. Why does she look not so happy that he knows shes selling her boards? Im just full of
questions all of a sudden. Kay looks at me like Ive lost my mind but little does she knows I
barely know Layla.
Hes her business partner. Didnt she tell you any of this? She asked in the meantime.
No she didnt. She only told me she was running the store by herself and her business partner
was sick. I answered back. Kay didnt say anything else because the woman who came in with
Jack she must be his mother by the way shes watching him and the little girl. So I decided Id go
introduce myself to Jack so its not awkward when he comes back to work that he doesnt know
one of his employs. Thats when I had to admit how much me and Layla looked alike and
admitting that Im adapted to them all. I didnt want to quite yet. I didnt want to be seen as the
broken kid again but the look Layla gave me wasnt one of sorrow it was a look of courage. I
wanted to know her story and why she would give me that look. Maybe its time I talk to my
mom to find out about my birth parents. So not looking forward to this conversation. Thats
when Jacks sister and mother walked over with Julia and Kay. The three of us didnt say a word
to any of them about the conversation we just had.
Jack its time to go. His mother said. He looked at her beyond pissed. His hands and clenched
into fists. He generally looked pissed off.

Why so you can act like you care so much about me? He snapped at her. Layla moved her
hand slowly up to his shoulder but she looked terrified and as long as Ive known her she doesnt
get scared. So this was a big shock for me to see her scared. Jacks mother looked annoyed with
his outburst.
That is no way to talk to your mother She started but had to take a breath. You shouldnt snap
at me I am trying to protect you. She said much softer. Layla looked at her then at Jack and
before either of them spoke she said something that all of us were shocked at.
Both of you need to grow up! Jack you have CANCER so get over the issues in your family and
Lucinda just stop the lies. Im done! You dont get it but I have listened to the two of you for
years argue and Ive always been the voice of reason. Jack and his mother went to speak but
Layla was pissed beyond all belief so they shut their mouths. I put my hand on her shoulder and
she looked at me and just mouthed sorry.

Layla snapping at Jack and his mother Kays POV

Holy crap what did my best-friend just do? Why did Karter put his hand on her shoulder? What
is going on today? Julia, Jacks little sister and I are all staring at Layla in complete
bewilderment. She has never snapped like this.
Layla are you okay? I asked finally since everyone was in shock. She looked at me with a look
saying sorry but she didnt even go to start apologizing for her outburst.
No Im not okay would I be snapping at them if I was ok? They dont get it I have
been running this store and selling my handcrafted boards because they cant pay

his medical bills and Im covering them by selling them. She must have had
enough of the lies and them all thinking she is someone they can walk all over.