Chapter 50

Pearl met Dylan an hour before rehearsal as they had planned, she was surprised when he was on time. They had decided to take a group picture before rehearsal so she had to get herself as made up as possible in a very short time after work. Her long, dark brown hair hung wavy and wild down her back. She had put on some ripped jeans and low boots, with a fringed, off the shoulder top. She even managed to put some false lashes on. It was quick but it was better than nothing.

She almost didn't recognize him when he walked in. He had cut his hair into a faded, pompadour type style and it made him look like a completely different person. His beard was filling out. His face looked younger, brighter, and more vulnerable, in a way. His eyes were bright and honey gold, and his smile still a bit crooked and mischievous. He looked like poetry felt. He was wearing tight fitting, black jeans and an indigo blue, form fitting, button down shirt. His nose piercing and black obsidian necklace were more noticeable. She smiled and looked away. He noticed and smiled too.

He had worked the song he showed her last night into something really beautiful. They started another but Pearl wasn't as focused as she would have liked to have been. "I like your hair, Dylan. It makes you look..."

"Twelve. It makes me look twelve. I know. Ha! It's ok. I needed a change. I like it. It makes me feel very James Dean."

Yes, Pearl thought. He looks just like him. Only a bit darker, more weathered. He definitely fit the rock star look now. And Pearl was feeling something. Jealously maybe? Jealous that other women would see her Dylan and not realize how sensitive and brilliant he was. They would only want his looks. His magnetic presence. She felt...protective of him. She almost wished he was still hiding behind the hair and the grungy clothes. Then only she would see what was now blatantly open and showing for the world.

The rest of the band showed and Pearl looked at them all. John's curly mop top and his hipster flannel with his right jeans and red Chucks. He looked like he'd been famous for years. Tony's sleek hair, long goatee and black blazer. Blake's tattoos and piercings, his punk look with his anarchy shirt and confidence. Dylan with his new hair and look.

"Pearl you ready to get started?" Blake asked.

"You guys truly all look like a real rock n roll band."Pearl said, tearing up.

"Because we are one." John said, grinning ear to ear. It was then she realized, they were going to become something very big and very special.