A WEEK LATER - PRESENT DAY
Rachel: Right, Daniel. You've learned the songs. Now it's time to make you look like a band member.
Daniel: What are you going to do?
You need long hair for a start.
It’s not going to grow in a week.
Sasha: We’re going to put extensions in.
Are you sure you know what you’re doing?
Trust us.
(thinking) Oh, shit.
That's much better. I've trimmed the front to make a fringe. It suits you.
Yes, perfect. It'll work with a scarf around your head.
Clothes next.
What's wrong with my clothes?
Nothing if you want to be in a boy band or play that classical stuff you like. We’re glam rock. Do you know who Mötley Crüe are?
Yes…
Well, you need to look like them. Here's your outfit.
White spandex?
Shut up and put them on.
You’ll have to take your underwear off or the lines will show.
You two are loving this, aren’t you?
So will you when you get loads of attention at the gig.
Fair enough.
I’ll leave you to it.
Are you sure I should take my boxers off? These damn spandex won't hide much.
*COUGH* Yes.
How do I look?
Hot as... *COUGH* ...perfect for the band. (thinking) Holy fucking hell, why did I tell him not to wear underwear?
*CHUCKLE* When is the gig? Next weekend, right?
Friday night. It’s at a Meet Lulu goes to. She took the three of us last year, but we just did a few photos at the venue. Sihtric and I played billiards. We formed the band since then. It’s going to be the first time anyone’s played a gig there.
Sounds important.
It’s a big thing for Lulu. She’s really excited, so don’t mess up. Or you’ll have Rachel to deal with.
I wouldn’t dare.
Do I pass muster, Rachel?
You’ll do. (thinking) He looks absolutely gorgeous. Damn it. And why the hell did I buy him spandex? should have got leather. Oof!
I was just telling Daniel about the Meet.
There will be a lot of people there. You won’t show us up, will you?
Of course not. I’m not like I was when I arrived.
No, you do seem to have changed a lot. Now we’re all set. Dölly Crüe has four members and we’re on countdown. Six days left to practise.
Let’s get to it. We've plenty of time today to rehearse. Where’s Sihtric?
Sihtric: I’m here. This is for you, Daniel.
For me? Really?
It’s lambskin. We all have one in different colours. Mine it white.
Wow, I love this. Thanks so much, guys.
It's Lulu you need to thank. She had it custom made for you.
Yeah, you can thank her later. *GIGGLE*
*GIGGLE*
*SNORT*
And, that, folks, is the end of Daniel's introductory story. As I said before, I intended to stretch it out over several weeks, but since he turned up early and is going to be part of the gig of the year, I condensed it all and made it look like each chapter was a week or two apart.
Band performance photos to follow after next weekend
