The Brotherhood

It was another normal day at Steve's place. It was Saturday morning, and Steve's whole family was having breakfast together. Steve was the first one to start a conversation.

"Hey Kevin, you ever thought about starting a rock band?", said Steve. "A rock band? We're not even 10 yet.", said Kevin. "Doesn't mean we're not too young to start a rock band.", said Steve. "I think that's great idea honey.", said Steve's mom. "What do you think sweetie?", Steve's mom asked Steve's dad.

"Well, if you think you're gonna be successful, I say go for it. I remember trying to start a rock band with some of my friends back in high school. Then it ended up being a failure.", said Steve's dad. "How was it a failure dad?", said Steve. "We all ended up having different priorities, and eventually disbanded as a rock band.", said Steve's dad.

"I believe you could create a great rock band, Steve.", said Steve's dad. "Have you thought of a name for this new rock band, and who's gonna be in it?", said Kevin. "Yes. The name of the band is going to be 'The Brotherhood'"., said Steve. "And the people who are going to be in it are all my brothers.", said Steve. "Ok. I'm liking it so far. When do we start?", said Kevin.

"We can start today if you want to Kev.", said Steve. "That sounds great. What do you think guys? You wanna start a new rock band with us?", Kevin asked the two younger brothers. "I'm interested.", said Cody.

"Yes.", said, Matthew. "Then it's settled. We can start this afternoon.", said Steve. "You ever think we'll become famous?", said Kevin.

"That's hard to say. Probably once we both turn about 18.", said Steve. "Alright, let's do this.", said Kevin. "Great.", said Steve.

***

Later on that day, it was the afternoon. The kids used their dad's old instruments from his high school and younger days. They started their rock band in the basement of the apartment complex which was allowed. All the brothers went down there.

"So which instruments should be assigned to us?", said Kevin. "I'll be on vocals since I'm the leader and creator of the band.", said Steve. "Kevin, you can play the rhythm guitar. Cody, you will play the bass guitar. And finally, young Matthew will be on the drums.", said Steve. "Do you still remember what dad taught us when playing the guitar?", Steve asked Kevin. "I sure do. I don't know if he has taught Cody yet. We'll try and make it work though.", said Steve.

The kids prepared to perform their first-ever songs. "Wait, we haven't even written our first song yet.", said Steve. "That's fine. We can just cover a previous rock song we've heard before, and see how we sound before writing any new songs.", said Kevin.

"That sounds smart.", said Steve. "What song should we cover?", said Kevin. "I'm not sure yet. I haven't had a good song come to my mind yet. You got any ideas?", said Steve. "What about 'When It's Over' by Sugar Ray?", said Kevin. "Sure. Let's go with that song.", said Steve.

Then the upcoming young rock band prepared to get set up and perform their first-ever song. They started performing their version of "When It's Over" made famous by Sugar Ray. While they were playing, there was a slight problem. Matthew wasn't playing the drums properly to the songs, for he didn't know how to play the drums yet at his age. Also, Cody wasn't playing the bass guitar properly to the song since his dad didn't teach him how to play any type of guitar yet.

"Timeout.", said Steve. "What's wrong?", said Cody. "There's a lot wrong.", said Steve. "Cody, Matthew, you aren't playing the song right.", said Kevin. "I don't think dad has taught them how to play any musical instruments yet.", said Steve.

"Oh. That explains a lot.", said Kevin. "Guys, unfortunately, you're gonna have to be removed from the band until you learn how to play a musical instrument.", said Steve. "I hope you two don't take this the wrong way.", said Kevin.

"I completely understand where you both are coming from. I'll learn how to play a musical instrument as soon as possible. Anyway, I can.", said Cody. "I'm glad you understand Cody. You understand little Matthew?", said Kevin. Matthew nodded yes, and wasn't upset or didn't have any bad feelings about it.

"Great! You two can go back to our place, and do whatever you were gonna do this Saturday.", said Kevin. "Awesome. And good luck with the new band.", said Cody. "Thank you .", said Steve.

Then the younger two brothers went back upstairs to their place. "So it looks like it's just us two representing 'The Brotherhood'"., said Steve. "Yeah, but I feel like we need two more people to be a legitimate rock n' roll band. And we need somebody that knows how to play a bass guitar and drums.", said Kevin. "Yeah, you're right.", said Steve.

"Now how are we gonna get two more people that know how to play those two things?", said Steve. "How about Jamal?", said Kevin. "Of course.", said Steve. "What about our fourth member?", said Steve. "Amanda might know how to play the drums.", said Kevin.

"There are to be no girls in the band because of the name.", said Steve. "Well, what about Nathan or Brad?", said Kevin. "We'll try those three people, and see where it goes from here.", said Steve. "You do that.", said Kevin.

***

It was the next weekday which was Monday. It was recess time at school, and Steve decided to finally ask me if I wanted to be in an upcoming rock band. "Hey Jamal, are you interested to be in a new and upcoming rock band?", said Steve. "Sure. I'd love to. The only problem with that is that I don't know how to play any musical instrument.", I said. "Wow. That's a real bummer. I would've loved to have you in our band.", said Steve.

Then Steve walked up to Brad. "Hey, Brad.", said Steve. "Hey, buddy.", said Brad. "Are you interested in becoming a member of our new rock band that I in Kevin started?", said Steve. "Sure. I'd love to join.", said Brad.

"That's great to hear.", said Steve. "Now I just have to ask this question. Do you know how to play any musical instruments?", said Steve. "I know how to play guitar and drums well.", said Brad. "Well, that's great. What type of guitar do you know how to play?", said Steve. "All types.", said Brad.

"Then it's official. You're in the band. You can be our bass guitar player.", said Steve. "Awesome. So when can I start?", said Brad. "When we get our fourth and final member to join and play the drums.", said Steve. "Ok. Let me know when you get that accomplished.", said Brad. "I'll keep you updated.", said Steve.

After Steve got Brad to join, he wanted to get Nathan to be the Ringo Starr of "The Brotherhood". Since recess time was already over, Steve planned to ask Nathan the next day on Tuesday. Steve had no plans of asking any females to join the band.

***

It was on Tuesday. It was recess time once again. Steve was gonna go through with his plan of asking Nathan right then and there.

"Hey, Nathan.", said Steve. "Hey, what's up man.", said Nathan. "Are you interested in joining our upcoming band that I and Kevin started?", said Steve. "Sounds good with me. What's the name of the band, and who's in it?", said Nathan.

"The name of the band is called 'The Brotherhood', and it's me, my older brother, and Brad who's currently in it.", said Steve. "I just need to know one thing. Do you know how to play drums?", said Steve. "I do.", said Nathan. "Then it's official. You're in the band.", said Steve. "We can start after school tomorrow in the basement of my apartment complex.", said Steve.

"Woah, wait a minute. You guys are starting a rock band in the basement of your apartment complex?", said Nathan. "I know it sounds kind of weird, but we had no other place that had enough space.", said Steve. "It doesn't mean you're out. Does it?", said Steve. "No. I'm still in. I don't have a problem with it.", said Nathan.

"Great! Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow after school.", said Steve. "I'll see you there.", said Nathan. And then the band was officially established. All that was needed to do was to perform their first song to be a legitimate rock n' roll band.

***

It was Wednesday after school, and I and Steve agreed to have me there to record their first performance with Steve's camcorder. This agreement was made after school the previous day. All of us were in the basement of the apartment complex that day.

"Alright, guys. You all ready to do this?", said Steve. "Yeah, let's all get set up and prepare to sing our first ever song.", said Kevin. "Is it still gonna be the same song we originally planned to perform?", said Steve. "Yeah. Are you two alright with performing 'When It's Over' by Sugar Ray?", said Kevin. "Sure.", said Nathan.

"Fine with me. It's a great song. I'd love to perform that song.", said Brad. "Ok great. Everybody ready yet?", said Steve. Everybody signified that they were ready. "Alright. On the count of three. One. Two. Three.", said Steve.

And then the band starting performing their first song with no problems so far. Then the band successfully performed their first-ever song with no problems at all. They officially became a legitimate rock n' roll band.

"We did it! We did it! I can't believe it! We did it!", said Steve. "We're officially a legitimate rock n' roll band.", said Kevin. "This is awesome.", said Nathan. "What should be our next song?", said Nathan.

"I don't know yet. Whatever song we decide to play, we should put in a lot of practice before all of us resume our normal lives. Do you think bands like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones became legendary overnight? Practice makes perfect.", said Steve. "Well, I guess there's nothing left to do but practice our butts off until we become as legendary as rock bands like those two.", said Brad. "I'll still be here recording as well.", I said.

"Thanks, Jamal. We appreciate it", said Kevin. "Alright, let's rock and roll!", said Steve. Then the band continued to practice until everybody resumed normal life.

***

It was Thursday after school. Steve invited his parents to see his new band perform. Steve asked his mom to record the performance with Steve's camcorder, and she happily accepted.

"Alright son, you better make this quick.", said Steve's dad. "Don't worry dad. It'll only be one song.", said Steve. "Alright, let us know what you think.", said Steve. "Ok guys. Three. Two. One.", said Steve.

The band started performing "The Space Between" by Dave Matthews Band. The band did excellent at covering that song even at the age they were at the time. And then the band finished covering that song.

Steve's mom was happily amazed. "That was amazing honey.", Steve's mom said. "You and Kevin did a great job with your other two friends.", said Steve's mom. "Thanks, mom.", said Steve.

"You did way better than our old high school band back in the day. You and Kevin did a great job.", said Steve's dad. "We are gonna save this video forever.", said Steve's mom. "Well, I'm glad you both got to see us perform for the first time.", said Steve.

"Well, we got to go, son. Good luck with your new band.", said Steve's dad. Then Steve's parents left the basement. "Well guys, what song should we play next?", said Steve.

"Well, since you're the leader of the band, you can decide this time.", said Kevin. "Thanks, Kevin.", said Steve. "Let's continue practicing.", said Steve.

***

Now Amanda and Ariana were still unaware of this new rock band called "The Brotherhood". It was now Friday. And Steve didn't want the females to know about the all-male group since they were both of the opposite sex.

It was lunchtime at school, and Amanda along with Ariana was sitting together far away from the guys. All the guys, along with me, were sitting together far away from the girls. We arranged it that way without them being suspicious, so they wouldn't hear our discussions about how to improve "The Brotherhood".

"Now, has everybody got the message to not tell the females about our new band?", said Steve. All of us raised our hands except Brad. "Brad? You aren't raising your hand. Dude, I thought you got the message?!", said Steve. "It looks like I didn't get the message.", said Brad.

"Brad, it's very important that you don't tell them. If they find out, they might decide to start their own stupid all-female rock band to compete with us. Or try and convince us to let females into the band. Can we trust you to not tell them?", said Kevin. "Of course. I'm excellent at keeping secrets.", said Brad. "Excellent.", said Kevin.

"And later on, we can do a little more practicing after school before we get to enjoy our weekend.", said Steve. "Yeah, and even if they did make their all-female rock band, I bet it wouldn't be as successful as ours.", said Nathan. "I agree with that. I bet it would probably fail too.", said Kevin. "And what if I don't keep this secret from them?", said Brad. "You'll be suspended from the band for one day.", said Steve.

"That sounds fair.", said Brad. And then the school bell rang signifying that it was time for class. "Alright, let's go guys.", said Steve.

***

It was a science class right after lunch. "Ok class, as you all know, you're gonna be paired up in twos for our long-awaited chemistry assignment.", said the science teacher. "You guys and gals will get to choose who you want to pair up with.", said the science teacher. "You can pair up starting now.", said the science teacher. Then the kids started to pair up.

Brad thought to himself that he can still keep the secret from both of the girls if he pairs up with one of them. "Amanda, you want to pair up together?", said Brad. "Sure. Why not?", said Amanda.

Now this chemistry assignment didn't have actual chemicals. We were doing an assignment on various elements that were meant to be done in pairs. We were still gonna get graded individually. Brad and Amanda got started with the assignment. Then a piece of paper suddenly fell from Brad's backpack as he was getting something from there for this assignment.

Amanda immediately noticed the piece of paper and picked it up. She was about to give it to Brad, but she realized something. While Brad was waiting for Amanda to participate with him, she realized what the piece of paper was all about just in time before she had to participate.

"Amanda, will you put that paper down? I need some help here.", said Brad. She quickly put the piece of paper in her backpack. "Sure. What are we doing here?", said Amanda.

***

It was on Monday. Both of the girls were having a conversation at recess. "They did what?", said, Ariana.

"I know right. How could they start a rock band without us? And not allow any females?", said Amanda. "We could build a way better rock band. And probably be way more successful than their stupid band.", said, Ariana. "I agree with that. They'll probably fail as a rock band.", said Amanda. "We should start our all-female rock band.", said, Ariana. "I agree.", said Amanda.

"When can we start?", said, Ariana. "Well, we have to find a place to play first.", said Amanda. "Yeah, you're right about that.", said, Ariana. "Hey! Maybe we can use the basement at my house. If my parents are okay with it.", said Amanda. "Great idea!", said, Ariana.

"And we can use my dad's old musical instruments.", said Amanda. "Our all-female rock group will be called 'The Sisterhood'"., said Amanda. "Great! I'm in. Let's start right after school.", said, Ariana. "You got it.", said Amanda. "And we have to keep this band secret from the guys.", said, Ariana.

"Agreed. I'll be the leader of the band. Anybody who reveals this secret, even by accident, will be banned for 24 hours.", said Amanda. "Don't worry Amanda. You can trust me to keep this band a secret.", said, Ariana. "Great! See you after school.", said Amanda. "Same here.", said, Ariana.

***

It was on Monday after school. Amanda and Ariana got together in the basement of Amanda's house. Amanda got her dad's musical instruments already set up along with his permission.

"This is all of your dad's musical equipment?", said, Ariana. "Not all of them. This is his microphone and rhythm guitar. I told him this was only a 2-person band, so this is all he gave us.", said Amanda. "Alright, cool. We can play any song just as well with just these two instruments.", said, Ariana.

"Alright, what should be our first song?", said, Ariana. "You're the leader, so I'm going to let you decide.", said, Ariana. "I know a great song. 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'"., said Amanda. "Ok, let's do this.", said, Ariana.

"The Sisterhood" prepared to perform their first song ever, and become a legitimate rock n' roll band. "Three. Two. One.", said Amanda. And then the band started performing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" made famous by Cyndi Lauper.

They performed it well even though they didn't have a bass guitar player or drummer. And then they finished performing that song. "That was awesome! We did great!", said, Ariana. "I know", said Amanda.

"We certainly had fun with that song.", said Amanda. "It's a way better track than all those lame songs Brad had written down on paper.", said Amanda. "They're a lame band.", said, Ariana. "20 years from now, we're gonna be the greatest female rock band in the world.", said Amanda.

***

Tuesday after school, "The Brotherhood" got together to continue practicing. "Alright, let's get this going. Brad, you got that list of songs we're gonna perform today.", said Steve. "Sure. It's right here. And...it isn't here.", said Brad. "Where did it go?", said Brad.

"You probably misplaced it. If we've learned anything from 'Blue's Clues' back in the day, we should know to go back to where we originally were if we've lost something", said Steve. "Just go back to the place you originally were when you had the list.", said Steve. "I'm not sure about where I was before. It's been in my backpack. And then it suddenly disappears.", said Brad. "Well, that's alright. We'll try and come up with what to play next.", said Steve.

***

On Wednesday, the kids were sitting together in the lunchroom during lunchtime at school. We were just having conversations with each other as usual. "So how has Dexter been Steve?", said Amanda.

"We're still trying to teach him not to use the bathroom anywhere he wants to.", said Steve. "Other than that, he's been great.", said Steve. "I hope my parents get a dog someday.", said Brad. "Well, having a dog is a big responsibility, Brad.", said Kevin. "Yeah. Speaking from experience, your parents are gonna ask you to help with some of those responsibilities.", said Steve.

"Other than that, dogs are a great friend to be around.", said Steve. "Does your parents make you clean up its 'mess?'", said Amanda. When she said that, all the other kids laughed, and that included me. "Sometimes. And it's not funny guys.", said Steve.

And as we continued talking, something slipped out of Ariana's backpack. Brad immediately noticed it. Brad picked it up.

"Ariana, you dropped something.", said Brad. But before Brad gave it to her, he noticed that it was a song list for a new and upcoming band. "Ariana, why are all these songs on here?", said Brad. "Oh no!", said Ariana. "Let me see that Brad.", said Kevin.

Then Brad handed the piece of paper to Kevin. Kevin looked over the paper for a little while. "Yep, it's a song list for a new and upcoming band called 'The Sisterhood'"., said Kevin. "'The Sisterhood'"? said Steve. "Amanda and Ariana started a new rock band called 'The Sisterhood'"., said Kevin.

"Ariana, you mind doing some explaining?", said Nathan. Then it was suddenly time to get back to class. The school bell rang. "I'll explain at recess.", said, Ariana.

***

Later on at recess, all the kids got together including me. "Alright, guys. I and Amanda formed a new band called 'The Sisterhood' after we learned that you formed your band not allowing any females.", said, Ariana. "Now wait a minute, how in the world did you know about our rock band that you two weren't suppose to know about?", said Nathan.

"Brad had his song list fall out of his backpack by accident while we were doing a group assignment in science class.", said Amanda. "Then I and Ariana decided to start our rock band just to get back at you for not letting us in the band.", said Amanda. "And not telling us about it. Rock bands should never be confirmed to only one gender.", said, Ariana.

"Yeah, there are probably many other rock bands who have been successful regardless of their genders.", said Amanda. "Wow, I've never looked at it from that perspective.", said Steve. "And Brad here leaked the secret by accident.", said Kevin. "I know Kev. But he's not going to be suspended.", said Steve. "I'm not?", said Brad.

"I created the rock band with my three brothers, but the younger two had no clue how to play an instrument yet. Therefore, I got Nathan and Brad to be our new members, and make it an all-male group because of the name.", said Steve. "Nonetheless, Amanda and Ariana gave me a new perspective when it comes to forming rock bands.", said Steve. "You're still in Brad.", said Steve. "Awesome. Thanks, man.", said Brad. "Your welcome Brad.", said Steve.

"Well, I guess you can stay in our band too Ariana.", said Amanda. "You mean it, Amanda?", said, Ariana. "Yeah. Besides, I'd be the only one in the band for 24 straight hours.", said Amanda. "Thanks, Amanda. I appreciate it.", said, Ariana. "No problem.", said Amanda.

"What do we do with both of our bands?", said Brad. "We could either merge them into one band or keep them separate.", said Nathan. "You know what, let's merge them.", said Kevin. "I agree with that.", said Steve. "I still want to be the leader.", said Steve.

"We're all cool with that Steve.", said Amanda. "But what should be the name of our new band?", said Nathan. "' Two Seconds To Detroit'", said Steve. "We'll go with that.", said Kevin.

"Well, I guess it's official.", said Brad. "We can start practicing after school guys. It's only a matter of time before recess is over too.", said Steve. And all the kids continued with their day before it was time for the new merged band to start practicing.

***

Later on that day, it was after school. The two former rock bands came together in the basement of Steve's apartment complex. I came along to record the new band's first-ever performance.

"Alright, you guys ready to do this.", said Steve. "Yeah. We're ready whenever you are Steve.", said Kevin. "Alright.", said Steve.

Everybody was getting ready to get this thing going. Once we were all ready, Steve said "Three. Two. One.". And then the band started performing "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind.

They were doing an excellent job while performing that song. Then they finished performing their first-ever song and became a legitimate unisex rock n' roll band. "That was awesome!", said Amanda. "Yeah, we did great.", said, Ariana. "Did you get all of that Jamal?", said Steve.

"Yep. I hope I can learn how to play a musical instrument one day, and join you guys.", I said. "Don't worry. You'll eventually be in the band one day.", said Kevin. "Other than that, we're officially a legitimate band that doesn't favor one gender over the other.", said Kevin. "Now that we're a legitimate band, you guys wanna do some practice? We can practice on any song you all want.", said Steve. "It's your call, Steve.", said Amanda.

"Ok, great. Let's get this rolling.", said Steve. "Jamal, you're still filming until the end.", said Kevin. "Yes, sir.", I said.

"Excellent.", said Kevin. And they all continued to practice, and get better as a new rock band until it was time to resume normal life again.