Something’s wrong I don’t understand why it isn’t launching the bottle rockets when I step on the trigger Emilio pumps his foot over a small pedal in frustration Tell me again why you can't just light the bottle rockets like a normal person Fab asks Because that’s boring that’s why Emilio says He hunches over the box and fiddles with it some more Fab peers into the thick dark woods across the street The wind shakes the trees and branches 6
scrape toward the sky like long claws You should probably head home soon Fab says It’s getting late Not until I get this thing working Emilio says Fab pushes his shaggy brown hair out of his eyes and continues to strum his guitar He plucks a few off sounding notes You’re making my ears bleed Emilio teases him Sorry I’m having trouble seeing in the dark Fab says 7
You mean you’re having trouble seeing without your glasses Whatever Everyone knows rock stars don’t wear bifocals Fab shrugs You’re going to have trouble becoming a rock star if you can’t see your guitar Nope I’m destined to become a rock star Fab says With a name like Fabian Starr I kind of have to be What else am I going to be Fab Starr plumber Considering we’re only thirteen I don’t think you need to worry about 8
your future career just yet Emilio replies If you and Lola would just form a band with me Fab I already told you I don’t want to be in a rock band Emilio sighs He pulls his ball cap tighter over his head but his black curls still escape out the sides I am all about this He points to the picture on his hat It's a drawing of a robot shooting flames out of its eyes Killer robots Fab asks Machines and explosions 9
