Page 3 of Banging the Drummer

two

Luna

As a small-town middle school teacher, I am the least glamorous, least interesting person in the universe. I love four things: my siblings, my cat Jar-Jar, weird historical facts, and the boy band Soul Obsession, specifically drummer, Mason Ball, the object of my life-long, not-so-secret crush.

It’s been a hot minute since my online friends, a group of fellow Soul Obsession fans that clicked and have kept in touch over the years, have gathered. But tonight we have a special meeting, so all eight of us are lit up in our little squares on our video chat.

I want to make a joke about the old game show Hollywood Squares, but I don’t think Ireland is old enough to even know what that is. I sigh, then chuckle to myself.

Earlier last week a huge announcement came out that our most favorite band ever was having a reunion tour and releasing one final album. Considering the way they abruptly ended things a decade ago, this was much welcomed news. To say we’re excited is the understatement of a lifetime.

The proposed plan from our little fan group was that we try to meet up on the tour and go to as many concerts with each other as possible. As lovely as that sounds, I do have a full-time job and real-world responsibilities that I have to deal with, so I’m limited to just two of the shows.

DANI: So, about the reunion, I have some news… Remember my grouchy neighbor?

DAISY: What about your neighbor?

DANI: Turns out he’s Jax… Bad Boy JAX!

ME: Wait, how did you not know that? Oh no, are they all old and bald now?

I hate to think of any of the guys aging poorly, but especially my favorite, the drummer, Mason Ball. He’s disappeared from the limelight almost completely. Except if you follow the musical theatre scene–which I do. His dad has written some of the most beloved musicals of the last two decades. His mom has performed in many of them. So, on occasion, he is seen in the background behind his parents and two brothers. He smiles and speaks when spoken to, but he never looks like he wants to be there. He just looks uncomfortable, as if he’s wearing someone else’s clothes.

I tune back into the conversation at hand where Dani is explaining that the beard made her not immediately recognize Jax.

DANI: But, there’s more. I'll be seeing you guys a lot because we’re kinda getting married!

CHASTITY: You’re marrying hunky, bad boy JAX PORTER!?

DANI: Long story. It’s not how it sounds. I’ll explain when I see you guys!

Brielle: That’s got to be some explanation.

I tune out for a minute while I answer a text from my younger sister, Shelby. Not to be confused with Ireland’s older sister and new manager of the band, Shelby. The girls on the chat give poor Daisy hell about the time she passed out at one of the concerts.

Not going to lie, I still love their music. They’re still my top played artist every year when I get my year in review. But I’m not a teenage girl anymore and having real life responsibilities has forced me to grow up maybe a little more than some of the other girls.

I’ve had to be partially responsible for my younger siblings. Thankfully Shelby has always had a good head on her shoulders. Our brother, Max, is a different story. As the baby, the only boy, we spoiled him rotten. He’s now playing hockey at the university in Austin, hoping to get flagged for the pros.

I sigh. It just makes me feel old and like a big party pooper. I want to ask Chastity, a fellow teacher, how she managed to get the time off to go on tour with a band. But it won’t matter. I think she works for a bigger school district with more money and resources than our little Saddle Creek Middle School.

ME: I can’t go on the entire tour with y’all. But I’ll catch up when y’all get to Austin.

ME: I will always be available to tease Dani for not realizing she was literally living next to Jax!

DANI: Funny but fair!

CHASTITY: Maybe they’ve traded skinny jeans for dad bods. Fame isn't always kind!

DAISY: Hey, I wouldn’t mind a bit of dad bod.

DANI: I don't know, Jax looks the same just… better! He aged like an amazing bottle of wine!

Brielle: I saw an interview with Asher a while back and he’s definitely aging well. (Fans herself)

IRELAND: Crue doesn’t have a dad bod. Do you think I’ll be able to convince him to give me an interview? My journalism professor would freaking die.

I laugh and watch Shelby roll her eyes at her younger sister. It makes me a little wistful that my own sister never jumped on the Soul Obsession bandwagon. She could have gone to the concerts with me.