Finally alone, Mark proceeded towards his home. It was still a little walk away, but the fresh air felt nice. He had a sudden urge to dance, but if he did it in the street, the whole world’s women would flock to him. Such a dangerous thought. It was tempting, but the surprise on them would be much more satisfying if he were to wait until the big reveal.

  Whenever that would be.

  Making it home, he pushed the front door open, expecting exactly what he received.

  “Oh, honey, you’re home!” The woman rushed over to her son and started showering him with kisses.

  “Stop it, mum. You’re embarrassing me.” Even though he complained, a smile was visible on his face.

  She reluctantly pulled away. “So? How did it go? You’re home earlier than expected.”

  The man was unsure how to answer. “It was interesting.” He eventually told her.

  “Oh, my little Mark will be a star in no time.”

  “Mum.” He exhaled, feeling awkward. “I’ll be in the garden.” Placing his bag on a hook as he passed, Mark made his way to the back garden. He could finally release the energy that was begging to move him, with the safety of no birds flocking.

  He turned his music on before relaxing into the rhythm and allowing it to take him away. As he flowed, he kept his eyes closed, fully absorbed in the motion. He slid back as his hands pushed forward, and then h-

  “What are you doing?” His eyes snapped open the second the music was silenced. Before him stood a teenager with an appearance similar to his own.

  “It was getting annoying. I have to study.”

  “Too bad. I have to practice and impress the ladies.”

  “I guess you have to do something, since your looks don’t do you any favours.”

  “And how many boys have you been with lately?”

  “I’m fifteen.” She stated matter-of-factly. Boys were clearly far from her mind, even at this pubescent age. It was likely that the personality of her brother had put her off. What if all guys were like that? The horror! Someone quieter would eventually come along.

  “Late-bloomer. When I was your age, I-”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Mark could see his mum waving her arms. Understanding the meaning, his sentence changed its ending.

  “-stayed in my room and had tea parties with my teddies.” He sighed. “I’ll try dance later when you’re not around.” He made his way back into the house. After giving his mum an annoyed glare, Mark took himself to his bedroom.

  Need to get out of here. He grumbled internally.

  If it were just he and his parents, he’d find no problem with staying, but that sister of his was becoming an irritant. He’d need to be able to practice in peace when the group started hitting the stage.

  Mark closed his door and sat on the bed.

  If the group started hitting the stage.

  He sighed.

  Today wasn’t a good day. Was it possible for them to get along? They might be able to for the sake of the group, but that didn’t mean that they’d be friends. That felt like a long stretch, but they had only just met. Like everything, it would take some time. Mark hoped that they’d have the time. If any of them were fired now, then they’d just be going backwards.

  He glanced at a picture on his wall. It said ‘Get the goal. Get the girl.’ It was meant to be inspiring. Two birds with one stone, he’d thought. But where was the stone?

  Tomorrow had to be a better day.