Room Of Plastic Flowers

Jason sat up in his bed starring at the clock and rocking back and forth. He kept repeating the time to himself over and over again, until finally the clock struck midnight July 5, 2006.

Jason: *taking a deep breath* Ok...I can handle this. It’s just a number...it’s just a number.

But was it really just a number? I mean we’re talking about 26...over and down the hill of the 20s, the golden years of youth and energy slipping away faster than he could count, riding the old horse of---

Jason: OMG! You’re right! My life is slipping away from me! *sob*

Writer: Oh, Jason, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to---

Jason: Ahhhh!!!!

Um...ok this would probably be a good time to move on to the next morning. So, it’s the next morning and the sun is shining and the birds are singing and the bees are buzzing...it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, so to speak. Now Jason was very tired from practically being up the entire night. Unfortunately, he had to meet the guys for a “birthday lunch” that he technically wasn’t suppose to know about, but had accidentally found out when Rick asked him what time it started. Jason arrived at the restaurant only to hear the loud screaming of 3 men trying to sing “Happy Birthday” without spitting the cake they had already consumed in every direction.

Bryce:*mouth full* Hey....Jay!

Rick: Sorry about the cake...it looked so good, plus you’re a couple minutes late.

Jason: *sitting down* It’s ok. I don’t really feel like cake anyway.

Ben: You don’t feel like cake?

Bryce: Are you sick?

Rick: I’ll have his piece!

Jason: Well...I just can’t stop thinking about things.

Ben: Like what?

Jason: Here, look at my face.

All the guys lean in closely and stared at Jason’s face.

Ben: What are we looking for?

Rick: I don’t know, but I kind of see my great uncle, Milton...

Jason: No, no, that’s not what I’m talking about.

Bryce: Actually, I can see a small resemblance...

Rick: Yeah, around the nose, right?

Jason: Guys, focus, please.

Ben: Jason, just tell us what’s wrong.

Jason: I’m getting old...

Bryce: What? You’re only 26.

Jason: Exactly...

Ben: Jason, you’re the youngest one at this table.

Jason: Yeah...that’s depressing.

Rick: Hey, you’re as young as you feel, and as long as you can do that air jumpy thing, you’re still young.

Jason: But, I mean...wow...26...that makes you think, like that’s almost 30. What have I done with my life? Written a few good songs? Played some concerts all over the world? Made Bryce throw-up at Cheesecake Factory?

Bryce: Hey, not many people can say they’ve done that.

Jason: I can’t stop thinking about all the stuff I still want to do...like who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Ben: Um...well tomorrow brings a concert in Atlanta.

Jason: Oh...the concert...

Rick: Yep, you know, the reason we were born.

Jason stared for a second before he straightened up.

Jason: Well, guys, thanks for the cake and the talk. *gets up*

Bryce: Where are you going?

But Jason didn’t stay long enough to give an answer.

Ben: You better be there tomorrow Mr. Whatsthemeaningofmylife!

Bryce: Well now what are we going to do?

Rick: Well, that stripper’s still coming...right?

Bryce: Yes. I think Jason would still want us to “enjoy” his birthday.

The men smiled that goofy male smile and went back to eating cake. The next day the boys geared up for Atlanta. The sun was hot and the venue was not air-conditioned. Around three in the afternoon Ben and Bryce headed down for sound check. Rick was already on the stage talking to one of their crew guys. He looked like his favorite drum set went for sale on ebay for $.99.

Bryce: Hey what’s going on?

Rick: It’s Jason...

Ben: Omg! He’s ok, right?

Rick: Oh he’s just dandy. He’s on a plane right now...skydiving.

Ben: What?!

Bryce: That’s crazy...he said I could go with him! That cheating little---

Ben: More importantly, he’s not going to be here for the show!

Bryce: Oh wow, that is a problem.

Rick: I don’t know what to do. We can’t go on without our lead singer!

Bryce: We might just have to cancel until we get this whole mess straightened out.

Ben: Or...Bryce! You can take over lead vocals for this show.

Bryce: What did you say?

Rick: Omg...Ben, are you sure?

Ben: Well, Bryce, I think you’re wish has finally been granted.

Bryce: *silent; begins to walk away from the group and looks out*

Rick: Bryce, are you ok?

Bryce: You mean all this time I’ve been hinting at maybe singing lead and now you want me to actually do it?

Rick: Pretty much.

Bryce: Do hear that? I think I hear angels singing in the distance...there’s a light shining down from heaven...the pearly gates are opening wide for Bryce tonight!

Rick: *to Ben* Are you sure this is a good idea?

Ben: Hey, it’s only for one night. How bad could it get?

Well he just had to ask that didn’t he? And what Ben didn’t know was that this wasn’t just for one night, but for an entire month. Jason was skydiving, climbing Mt. Everest, scuba diving with penguins, riding elephants in Africa, and playing chicken on nearby highways. What could the guys do but go on with the show.

Rick: Alright guys, at least the fans are still supportive.

Ben: Thank God they believe that story you told about Jason being attacked by killer hornets.

Rick: Yeah, I thought it was pretty believable. You do realize we’ll have to wrap him in toilet paper when he gets back...

Ben: Well, that could be fun.

Rick: I agree. But, anyways I’m worried about Bryce. I think he’s a little “wicky-in-the-wacky-woo” as of late.

Ben: You should never underestimate the power of the center microphone.

Just then Bryce walked in with his eyes wide and a big smile on his face. Ben and Rick looked at him with a worried expression.

Ben: Um...Bryce, are you ok?

Bryce: Hehehee...the pretty colors! The power! Ooooo ahhhh!

Rick: Bryce, man, get a grip!

Bryce: Hey, did you guys know things are louder...like more surround soundish in the center? Jason’s been holding out on us!

Ben: I’ve got this.

Ben grabbed a random bucket of ice water and dumped it on Bryce’s head.

Bryce: Omg! Where am I?! What’s going on?!

Ben: This isn’t working anymore we need Jason back.

Rick: *calling out to the ceiling/sky* JASON! COME BACK! I’M SCARED!!!

There is a major zoom out and the screen slants over Alaska to do a major zoom in of a tiny igloo. Inside, a tiny Eskimo is asleep and Jason is ice fishing. He hears a cry in the distance and looks up.

Jason: Hey, Floyd, did you hear that?

Floyd the Eskimo: I hear nothing.

Jason: That’s funny...sounded like my friend, Rick. I think we had a concert tonight...and yesterday....and the day before that.

Floyd the Eskimo: Zzzzzzzzzz.

Jason: What am I doing here? I live an incredible life! I get to play my guitar and sing my songs and get paid for it! I don’t need all of this...I’m coming Rick!!!

After Jason’s big dramatic realization scene, (that almost won him an Emmy), he dashed out of that igloo and made his way back to his comrades. Now, Jason must have been a champion runner in another life because he made it back there just as the guys were packing up the bus.

Jason:*breathing hard* Hey...guys...

Rick: Jason!

Ben: I can’t believe you’re back!

Bryce: Jason, I never knew the power you deal with day after day...song after song...it’s crazy!

Jason: Bryce, what are you talking about?

Ben: We...uh...let him sing lead vocals...

Jason: Wow. Do you know how dangerous that is?

Bryce: I never thought I’d have this much respect for you.

Jason: Um...thanks, anyways, I’m sorry for going all mental and “meaning of life” on you guys.

Ben/Rick/Bryce: Aw it’s cool, man.

The guys shared in a beautiful male bonding hug.

Jason: I mean, 26 isn’t that old.

Rick: No, it’s not.

Jason: I am still younger than all of you. Ha...ha...heh...

Ben, Rick, and Bryce slowly moved toward Jason.

Jason: Uh...guys...haha...you know I was just kidding. Remember that male bonding hug we just had? It was beautiful, right? Guys...?