900

It was Monday, November 5, 2001. Steve and Kevin were getting ready for school. "Dad, there's this new game that came out six days ago. Can you take us to GameStop tonight, so I and Kevin can use our combined allowance money to get it?", said Steve.

"Of course son.", said Kevin Sr. "What game is it, Steve?", said Anna. "I'm just curious.", said Anna. "It's Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 mom.", said Kevin.

"You mean that silly game that has all kinds of folks skateboarding and hurting themselves.", said Kevin Sr. "Yeah.", said Steve. "That doesn't even look like real skateboarding.", said Kevin Sr.

"Looks like real skateboarding to me.", said Kevin. "And the video game series is endorsed by professional skateboarder Tony Hawk.", said Steve. "Yeah, he's like one of the best professional skateboarders in the world.", said Kevin.

"Someday, I want to learn how to skateboard.", said Steve. "Yeah, none of us know how to skateboard yet. Mom, Dad, do you know how to skateboard?", said Kevin. "I don't know how to skateboard. Your dad might know.", said Anna.

"Yeah, I use to skateboard in my teenage years.", said Kevin Sr. "I want to teach you guys, but it's been years since I've touched a skateboard. I may have forgotten some things.", said Kevin Sr. "So, who is gonna teach us?", said Steve.

"You might have some cousins that know how to skateboard. They might be able to teach you.", said Anna. "Yeah, and there might be some of your friends from school who could teach you.", said Kevin Sr. "Yeah, you might be right.", said Kevin. "We'll ask some of our friends at school today.", said Steve.

"I still think it's a silly game, but I'll take you to the nearest GameStop to get the game tonight. We'll go to the one right down Grand River Avenue.", said Kevin Sr. "Thanks a lot dad.", said Kevin. "Thanks, Dad.", said Steve.

Then the school bus suddenly rang its horn. "Well, it's about time to work towards that high school diploma again.", said Steve. "See you later mom and dad.", said Kevin. "See you guys.", said Anna. They got up after finishing their breakfast and went to the school bus.

***

It was Monday night, and Steve and Kevin were getting ready to go with their dad to get Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. And their dad was getting ready as well. "Alright, let's go guys.", said Kevin Sr.

Then Steve and Kevin went with their dad, and they got in the car. They drove off to the nearest GameStop and arrived at their destination very shortly. When they arrived, they entered the GameStop.

"Alright, guys, I'll stand here while you go look for the game you want.", said Kevin Sr. "Alright.", said Steve. "Let's go, Kevin.", said Steve.

Then Steve and Kevin proceeded to search the GameStop for the game they were looking for. "Hey Steve, there goes the PS2 section.", said Kevin. "Alright, let's check it out.", said Steve.

Then Steve and Kevin checked out the PS2 section. And Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 was one of the first games they saw in that section. "There it is.", said Kevin. "Alright, let's get it and take it to dad.", said Steve.

They walked up to their dad with the game case. "We found the game dad.", said Steve. "Alright, let's go to the checkout.", said Kevin Sr.

Then the three guys went to the checkout. "Hi, how may I help you this evening.", said the cashier. "Good evening sir, my kids wanted to purchase this game.", said Kevin Sr.

Then the cashier got the game case and got the proper disc for it. He put the game in the game case and scanned the product. The cashier then stated the total cost of the game and Kevin Sr. paid it with Steve and Kevin's combined allowance.

The cashier then put the game in a GameStop bag. Then the cashier put in the receipt. "Thanks for shopping at GameStop.", said the cashier.

***

They all arrived at the apartment complex from where they were previously. Steve and Kevin were in their room with the game. "Alright, let's do this.", said Steve. "I'll start up the PS2.", said Kevin.

"And I'll put in the game.", said Steve. Then Kevin started up the PS2. And Steve put in the game.

Then the game started up. "Alright, what do you wanna do first.", said Kevin. "Well, it's your call first. You're the oldest.", said Steve.

Then a couple of hours later, they continued to play the game. They took turns as they were playing. It was currently Kevin's turn, and he was playing the game.

While he was playing, he was attempting 360s in the air. Then he was attempting 720s in the air. After attempting 360° and 720° spins in the air, he tried his luck at the ultimate 900.

He attempted a 900 for the first time on the game. And he succeeded. "Wow! I did it! I did it!", said Kevin. "Wow! You did it! You did it!", said Steve.

"A 900° spin in the air.", said Kevin. "A 2½-revolution (900 degrees) aerial spin performed on a skateboard ramp. While airborne, the skateboarder makes two-and-a-half turns about their longitudinal axis, thereby facing down when coming down. It is considered one of skateboarding's most technically demanding tricks.", said Steve. "Tony Hawk, one of the most successful vertical pro skateboarders in the world, landed 'The 900' at the 1999 X-Games after ten failed attempts.", said Kevin.

"I wonder if that's the equivalent of getting a quintuple-double in NBA Live.", said Steve. "Or throwing a perfect game in High Heat Major League Baseball.", said Steve. "I doubt it. I'm all for accomplishing near-impossible feats in sports games, but it seems like those two are harder to accomplish than a 900 whether it's in a video game or real life.", said Kevin.

"Well, we've got to tell all our friends about this.", said Steve. "No, we've got to tell the whole school.", said Steve. "No, we've got to tell the entire world population.", said Steve.

"Those last two seems pretty ridiculous. I'm all for telling all of our friends though.", said Kevin. "Yeah, my big brother pulled off a 900 in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.", said Steve. "That's the first time I've ever pulled off a 900 in any Tony Hawk game.", said Kevin. "None of us have ever pulled off a 900 in the two previous Tony Hawk games. You're the first brother in this family to accomplish this.", said Steve.

"Yeah, I guess I am. And I'm loving it.", said Kevin. "We tell them first thing tomorrow at the school lunchroom. Deal?", said Steve. "It's a deal.", said Kevin.

"Great! Now let's play this game a little while longer. And then hit the sack before we get ready for school tomorrow.", said Steve. "I like the way you think Steve. It's your turn.", said Kevin. "Thanks, Kev.", said Steve.

***

It was Tuesday at the school lunchroom. The whole gang was sitting together. "Gang, Kevin got something really important he needs to tell you. Kevin?", said Steve.

"I pulled off a 900 in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.", said Kevin. Then the whole gang just laughed. Kevin had a serious look on his face.

"Wow! He's serious.", said Brad. "Congratulations man. You're the first one of the gang to pull it off in any Tony Hawk game.", said Nathan. "Hey, thanks man.", said Kevin.

"Congratulations Kevin. When did you and Steve get that game? It just came out a week ago.", said, Ariana. "We just got it last night.", said Kevin. "During Monday Night Raw?", said Brad. "We chose to miss Raw this week so we could play our game.", said Kevin.

"Well, Kevin is the oldest out of all of us, and out of all of his brothers. It shouldn't be surprising to all of us that he's the first one of both categories to pull off a 900 in a Tony Hawk game.", said Amanda. "I wonder who's gonna be the next one of both categories to pull it off. Spoiler alert, it's gonna be me.", said Steve. "No, it's gotta be the second oldest of both categories, right?", said Brad.

"Guys, I don't think age has nothing to do with it.", said Nathan. "I agree with Nathan. Steve could've easily pulled it off first when they were playing it last night.", said, Ariana. "I doubt it. The older sibling is always better than the younger sibling at anything.", said Kevin. "Dude, you can't prove that lie.", said Steve. "I sure can little bro.", said Kevin.

"Looks like he just proved it last night.", I said. "What are you saying, Jamal? Are you taking Kevin's side?", said Steve. "I'm not taking anybody's side.", I said.

"Steve, if you think the younger sibling is better at some things than the older sibling, you'd pull off the 900 as I did.", said Kevin. "Not only am I gonna pull off a 900, but I'm also gonna go twice as far and pull off an 1800 spin. ", said Steve. "Yeah, in the year 3001.", said Kevin.

"Hey, any of us could probably do it too. And we don't have to be your brother/sister Kevin.", said Amanda. "I doubt that too. Age rules.", said Kevin. "So, when can we prove to you that age is nothing but a number?", said Nathan.

"Any of you can come over to my place and prove that age doesn't mean anything.", said Kevin. "Deal.", said Brad. "Alright, then I guess it's settled.", said Kevin.

"So, who gets to prove my brother wrong first?", said Steve. "I and Ariana would be happy to come over there and prove Kevin wrong today after school.", said Amanda. "Fine, but I don't think a couple of females younger than me can pull off what I just pulled off.", said Kevin. "Fine, we'll see.", said, Ariana. "Fine.", said Kevin.

Then the school bell rang, and it was time for class again. "Do a 1080 spin.", said Steve. "Don't worry Steve, we will.", said Amanda. "I heard that.", said Kevin.

***

That same day after school, Steve and Kevin already made it home from school. Then Amanda and Ariana came over to Steve's place. They knocked on the door and the sitter answered the door.

"Hi, can I help you?", said the babysitter. "Yeah, we're friends of Steve and Kevin at school, and we agreed to hang out with them at their place earlier at school today.", said Amanda. "Well, of course, come on in.", said the babysitter.

"Steve! Kevin! Can you come here please?!", said the babysitter. Then Steve and Kevin came into the living room. "Oh, hey Amanda and Ariana.", said Steve. "Come on girls, right this way.", said Kevin. Then the two girls followed Steve and Kevin.

Then Amanda and Ariana made it into Steve and Kevin's room. "Alright, let's do this! Start that game up! Let's go right now!", said Amanda. "I'm starting it up as we speak.", said Steve.

"Thank you, Steve.", said, Ariana. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. While you juveniles play your silly little game, I'll be sitting here reading MAD.", said Kevin. "Juveniles? You're a juvenile Kevin. What in the world are you talking about?", said Steve.

"What in the heck is a juvenile?", said, Ariana. "It's another word for child. It's the same meaning as a child.", said Amanda. "My mental age is 20 years ahead of the physical age of everybody in this room.", said Kevin.

"So, that would make me 27.", said Kevin. "Sounds more like stupid to me.", said, Steve while whispering to himself. "I heard that. I'm officially an adult now, so I hear everything.", said Kevin.

"Kevin, just because you pull off a skateboard trick in a video game, it doesn't suddenly make you an adult.", said, Ariana. "I have to disagree with you there Ariana.", said Kevin. "Now you kids get busy playing your silly little game while I, an adult, read some MAD magazine.", said Kevin.

"You go ahead and read your stupid little magazine.", said Steve. "Alright, which one of you wants to go first?", said Steve. "You can go first Ariana.", said Amanda. "Thanks, Amanda.", said, Ariana.

Ariana's first attempt on a 900 failed miserably. "Fail.", said Kevin. "Dude, I thought you were busy reading your magazine?", said Steve. "You should learn to respect your elders Steve.", said Kevin.

Ariana just kept trying to complete a 900. She was searching deep within herself to convert it. There was still no completed 900.

"Come, Ariana! I believe in you!", said Steve. "Yeah, I believe in you too. Don't give up Ariana. Give it your all.", said Amanda. And those words didn't help at all.

"I could probably win the Super Bowl in Madden with the Detroit Lions before any of you younger people.", said Kevin. "Alright, Ariana, give me that controller. I've had enough of this.", said Amanda. "Alright, good luck Amanda.", said, Ariana.

Amanda now had the controller. Her first attempt was a fail. "Major fail!", said Kevin. "Dude, will you shut up?!", said Steve. "Sounds like somebody needs a timeout.", said Kevin.

"Amanda, please shut this guy up.", said Steve. "Gladly.", said Amanda. Amanda continued to repeatedly attempt the 900. And she repeatedly failed every time.

A few hours later, both of the girls were still failing at converting a 900. And Steve's parents were back. "Well, we both got to get home for dinner. See you soon guys.", said Amanda. "This isn't over Kevin.", said, Ariana. "You're leaving aren't you? Looks pretty over to me.", said Kevin.

"Alright, see you tomorrow.", said Steve. Then Amanda and Ariana left. "I'm getting Nathan and Brad to come over here tomorrow to make you feel 9 again.", said Steve.

"More like 9 × 3.", said Kevin. "Seems like somebody hasn't been paying attention at school.", said Kevin. "Oh yeah, we'll see tomorrow.", said Steve. "I guess we will.", said Kevin. And Kevin continued to read his magazine.

***

It was Wednesday at recess. "Nathan, Brad, the girls couldn't shut this dude up.", said Steve. "And just to make it worse, Kevin is now calling himself an adult. And he hasn't even reached puberty yet.", said Steve. "Well, he's already halfway there to adulthood.", said Brad.

"Dude, that's not the point. We have to prove to Kevin people younger than him can do things way better than him.", said Nathan. "You're right Nathan. I believe this imaginary adulthood thing is eventually gonna catch up to my brother.", said Steve. "I want you guys to come over today after school to put an end to this once and for all.", said Steve.

"Of course Steve. We'll try and shut your big brother up for you.", said Brad. "Thank you guys.", said Steve. "Your welcome Steve.", said Nathan.

"We're only gonna use Tony Hawk this time.", said Nathan. "Yeah, because we all know that Tony Hawk is the best skateboarder that ever walked the face of the Earth.", said Brad. "Of course! He would have a greater chance of converting a 900 since he's done it before in real life.", said Steve.

"Alright, guys. I'll see you both this afternoon.", said Steve. "Alright, dude.", said Nathan. "See you.", said Brad.

***

That same day after school, Nathan and Brad came to visit Steve and Kevin. Brad knocked on the door. The sitter came to answer the door.

"Hi, are you more of Steve and Kevin's friends?", said the babysitter. "Yes, we are. Are they home right now?", said Nathan. "Yes, they are. Steve, Kevin, you've got some more visitors!", said the babysitter.

Steve and Kevin came into the living room. "What's up, guys. Right, this way.", said Steve. Then Nathan and Brad followed Steve and Kevin into their room.

"So, now you're claiming to be this big, bad grown up now?", said Brad. "I sure am. Because it's the truth.", said Kevin. "So, I guess you're old enough to vote and get married now.", said Nathan. "I sure am.", said Kevin.

"And I guess you're old enough to join the military and drink alcoholic beverages.", said Brad. "I sure am.", said Kevin. "I'd like to see you try.", said Steve as he whispered to himself.

"Shut up juvenile!", said Kevin. "So you're telling me that this dude said had a mental age of 27? More like a mental age of 4.", said Brad. "You know what, why don't you kids get busy playing your silly little game.", said Kevin. Then Kevin picked up his copy of MAD magazine and started reading it.

"Alright, I'll start the game up. The females didn't think to use Tony Hawk, and that's the same skater my brother used to convert that 900.", said Steve. And then the game started up and was ready to be played. "Alright, I'll start first.", said Brad. "You go ahead, Brad. You got this.", said Nathan.

Brad's first attempt at the 900 was a complete fail. "Ok, the first attempt was a fail. But that's ok. You can try and try again until you get it right.", said Steve. And Brad continually tried and tried again, and failed miserably.

Then Brad tried to combine some other tricks to complete the 900. He had no success. "It's your turn, Nathan.", said Brad as he handed the controller to Nathan.

Nathan had his first attempt and failed. He continually attempted to convert a 900, but it seemed like there wasn't even a sign of success. "Maybe you guys should switch skaters.", said Kevin.

A few hours passed, and both of them have converted 0 900s so far. "Well, it looks like we're gonna mail it in for the night. These days sure are getting short.", said Brad. "Yeah, it'll be Thanksgiving real soon.", said Nathan. "And Christmas.", said Brad. "That too.", said Nathan.

"Well, see you later guys.", said Nathan. "Goodnight guys.", said Brad. "See ya.", said Steve.

"You may have won the battle Kev, but you're not gonna win the war.", said Steve. "I'm winning the war dude.", said Kevin. "We'll see about that.", said Steve.

***

It was now Thursday. Steve got on the school bus to get to school that morning. He sat next to me on the bus.

"What's up Jamal?", said Steve. "What's up?", I said. "So, I hear Kevin is referring to himself as an adult now that he converted a 900 in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.", I said. "And it's annoying as heck. I have to live with that nonsense.", said Steve.

"Hey, you're younger than Kevin, right?", said Steve. "I thought you already knew that.", I said. "You're right, that was a pretty dumb question.", said Steve.

"Anyways, can you come over to my place and convert the 900 on THPS3?", said Steve. "That way, Kevin will stop bragging about how much of an adult he is.", said Steve. "Sure, I'll come by. When is a good time?", I said.

"Today after school is a great time for you to come by.", said Steve. "Ok, I'll see you guys after school.", I said. "Great!", said Steve. "And remember to bring your A-game this afternoon.", said Steve. "Got it.", I said.

***

Later on that day, it was after school. I came up to Steve's place to knock on the door. I knocked on the door and the babysitter answered it.

"Are you another one of Steve and Kevin's friends?", said the babysitter. "Yes, and I'm also his neighbor. I live in this apartment complex too.", I said. "Well, come on in. Steve! Kevin!", said the babysitter. Then it was just Steve who came out.

"What's up man?", said Steve. "Hey.", I said. Then I followed Steve into his room.

Then I and Steve came into his room. And Kevin was laying there on his bed reading a random comic book. "Alright, I know you got more adult references, so just get them out while you still can.", said Steve. "I have no idea what you're talking about.", said Kevin.

"Whatever, I'll start up the game once again.", said Steve. "I don't think adults read comic books, dude.", I said. "They do too.", said Kevin.

"I've never seen my mom read a comic book in my entire life.", I said. "Yeah, and you've never seen our parents read a comic book in my lifetime or your lifetime Kev.", said Steve as he started up the game. "Well, they probably have before when we weren't looking.", said Kevin.

"Alright, I've got the game started up.", said Steve. I picked up the PS2 controller and started playing. My first attempt at converting a 900 was a fail.

And then I kept trying and trying. "Why don't you try grinding, and then try and convert a 900.", said Steve. "That's a pretty good idea.", I said.

And then I tried that the first time, and it didn't work. I continually tried that, and I kept failing. "I might have to get high in the air if I want to have any chance.", I said. "Yeah, but you can only go so high. Converting a 900 is still possible.", said Steve.

"Yeah, but how will grinding help?", I said. "I don't know. I just came up with that idea in my head.", said Steve. "It's a pretty stupid idea if I'd say so myself.", said Kevin. "It was better when you were quiet.", said Steve.

"Are you telling an adult what to do little boy?", said Kevin. "No, but it'd be nice if you'd be quiet.", said Steve. "Um, no?", said Kevin. "And I'm completely fine with that.", said Steve.

"Maybe change the location?", I said. "Great idea!", said Steve. Then I changed the location.

And then I started to try my luck in a different location in the game. I failed at my first attempt at converting a 900 in a new location. I continually attempted to convert a 900 in the new location but kept failing.

Then a few hours passed by. "Well, I gotta get home. It's getting pretty late. Sorry, I couldn't be the one to convert a 900.", I said. "That's alright. You can come back anytime to play some Tony Hawk with us.", said Steve. "Cool man. See you later.", I said.

Then I left. "This isn't over dude.", said Steve. "Just face it, I'm the adult out of all the male siblings in this family. And out of our friends at school.", said Kevin. "Oh yeah? Well, I'll be the one to try to convert a 900 in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 tomorrow afternoon.", said Steve.

"You? Not even my flesh and blood can pull off what I just pulled off.", said Kevin. "Oh yeah? Well, we'll see about that tomorrow.", said Steve. "Well, I guess we'll see tomorrow.", said Kevin. "Fine!", said Steve. "Fine!", said Kevin.

***

It was now Friday after school. I, Amanda, Ariana, Nathan, and Brad knocked on Steve's door. The babysitter opened the door.

"Wow! A full house.", said the babysitter. "We're here to see-", I said. "Don't say it. I already know why you guys are here.", said the babysitter.

"You do?", said Nathan. "Yes, I do.", said the babysitter. "I'm a gamer myself, and I own the first two Tony Hawk games and am hoping to earn enough money from this job to get the third one next week.", said the babysitter.

"Awesome!", said Amanda. "Are you getting it for PS2?", said, Ariana. "I sure am. And I've been hearing your conversations back there throughout the week. I see you're all trying to prove to Kevin that age is nothing but a number.", said the babysitter.

"We sure are.", I said. "Have you ever converted a 900 in a Tony Hawk game?", said Brad. "Unfortunately, no. However, just because Kevin converted a 900 already it doesn't mean he's suddenly an adult. He still has quite a long way to go before that happens. Both physically and mentally.", said the babysitter.

"So, you ready to go see if Steve can finally put all this to an end?", said the babysitter. "Yep, we sure are.", said Nathan. Then Steve came to the door. "Hey, guys. Hey, ladies. You all can come on in.", said Steve.

Then all of us came in to watch Steve attempt to finally put an end to all of this. "Ladies and gentlemen, right this way.", said Steve. Then we all followed Steve into his room.

We then all got into Steve's room. Kevin was reading a random book. Then Steve started up the game.

"Well, I'm guessing Kevin just lays there all day thinking he's a king or something ever since he converted a skateboard trick on Tony Hawk.", said Amanda. "Correct.", said Kevin. "Or the president.", said, Ariana. "Yep, I replaced George W. Bush yesterday.", said Kevin.

"Guys, don't feed into his nonsense.", said Steve. "How do you live like this man?", said Brad. "I try to ignore it the best can, but it can sometimes feel like completing a 900 × 10.", said Steve. "Well, ignoring it is the best thing you can do.", said Nathan.

Then Steve started the game up. "Alright, guys, wish me luck.", said Steve. "Good luck man.", I said.

Then Steve attempted to convert a 900 on his first try of the day but failed. "Lame.", said Kevin. "You're lame.", said Steve. "You're double lame.", said Kevin. "Guys, less arguing, and more skating. Please?", said Amanda.

"Sorry, Amanda. I'm not gonna let Kev get under my skin.", said Steve. Then Steve continued to try his best at converting a 900 in the game. And he kept failing.

"Come on Steve, you got this.", I said. "No, he doesn't.", said Kevin. Then when Steve kept trying, Kevin put down his book and became a spectator himself.

And then Steve continued to play on. He kept trying and kept failing. And then after a few hours passed, Steve still had no success.

"Well, I guess it's about time for all of you to go home, so just go.", said Steve. "Ok, let's go everybody.", said Nathan. And then everybody left.

Then after everybody left, it was just Steve and Kevin in the room. "Alright, you win. You're the adult out of all of us. Are you satisfied now?", said Steve. "I was wondering when that childish mind of yours was going to come to that conclusion.", said Kevin.

"Whatever man, I'm gonna play some Madden now. I've gotten more than enough of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater in one week.", said Steve. "You do that while this adult goes to the bathroom.", said Kevin. Then Kevin got up to go use the bathroom.

Then while Steve was alone in the room that he shared with his big brother, he looked at one of Kevin's copies of MAD Magazine and decided to pick one of them up. "Wow, I can't believe Kev reads this garbage.", said Steve. Then Matthew came into the room while Steve was completely unaware.

"What kind of loser would come up with an idea like this for a magazine?", said Steve to himself while reading it. Meanwhile, Matthew saw that the game was still on, and still not on the main menu. He then decided to control the skater currently on the screen which was Tony Hawk.

The first thing Matthew decided to do was go off of a ramp, and take a spin in the air. And as he started to make the spin, Steve suddenly looked at Matthew playing. And Matthew converted a 900 on his first spin in the air in a Tony Hawk game.

Then Steve's jaws suddenly dropped. He was amazed and shocked at what just took place. His three-year-old little brother was the one to convert the 900 after his big brother. "Matthew, that was amazing. You've never played any Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games before. How did you learn how to do that?", said Steve.

Then Kevin came into the room. "Hey, what's the little guy doing in here?", said Kevin. "He did it! He did it! He did it!", said Steve. "He did what Steve? Broke into our room without permission?", said Kevin. "Wait a minute?! Tell me you're joking right now!", said Kevin.

"Not joking! He converted it on his first try!", said Steve. "But how?!", said Kevin. "I don't know. He just started playing video games a few months ago. At least when we let him play on our game systems.", said Steve.

"Wow! That kid is gonna be a way better gamer than the both of us in about ten years.", said Kevin. "So, I guess that proves that age is nothing but a number.", said Steve. Then Kevin just sighed. "Alright. You were right. Age is just a number. And I guess I have a long road ahead of me before I become an adult. It's still great to be a kid though, and not have the extra responsibilities that come with adulthood.", said Kevin.

"You are so right Kev.", said Steve. "So, you wanna play some Madden?", said Steve. "Yeah, why not?", said Kevin. "Boys, dinnertime!", said Anna.

"Right after dinner.", said Steve. Then Kevin just gave a thumbs up. Then they left their room to eat dinner.

***

It was the next day at band practice. "Matthew?! Seriously?! Matthew was the one to convert it?!", said Amanda after the whole band/gang of friends got the news. "Yep. Just came into the room and did it.", said Kevin.

"One day, he might take anybody's spot here. Even you Jamal.", said Steve. "It's great being a kid again!", said Kevin. "It sure is. Okay, let's start. Three, two, one.", said Steve. Then they started practicing.