Hey people! I had started this story a while back under a different name. I decided to pick it up again and finally finish it. I hope you enjoy it!

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The rain came down hard on the rooftop and windows of the bus. It sounded like someone was pounding on every surface. It was driving him crazy, and the tossing and turning was driving the man in the bunk below him even crazier.

“Ches, would you please stop? I can’t sleep with you tossing around up there. I know the rain is too strong, but please try.”

Chester stuck his head out of his bunk and looked down at his best friend, Mike.

“I’m sorry, Mike. I’m not doing it on purpose. I just can’t sleep. You know the rain freaks me out.”

Mike rolled his eyes and looked up at his friend. He had known Chester for over six years now and loved him dearly, but he had to admit, Chester was the most annoying of their band. It was weird. They each played a role in the chemistry of the band, like if the fates had magically bought them all together to create their band. Chester was definitely the diva of the band, Joe was the funny and crazy genius, Phoenix was the quiet one, Rob was the smart one, Brad was the cute one, and Mike was considered the unspoken leader and other mastermind. It was a group of six people who came together, some after only a few days of knowing each other, to become great friends. They had their priorities straight, each agreeing that they’re friendships come first. They knew each other so well that it wasn’t a surprise to hear Chester tossing around in his bunk on a rainy night. Surprising, no, but annoying, yes.

“Why don’t you read a book or try to write something?”

Chester raised his eyebrows and nodded.

“Yeah, maybe I’ll try to finish “The DaVinci Code”. It’s taking me forever to finish it.”

No sooner than the two friends had settled back into their bunks that a loud bang shot out through the tour bus.

“What the hell was that?” screamed Joe from his bunk.

He turned on his light and opened the curtain.

“Mike! Ches!”

“We’re awake. A certain someone hasn’t gotten over his fear of water.” Replied Mike getting out of his bunk and walking towards Joe.

“I’m not afraid of water, jerk. I just hate the sound of it pounding over my head.” Said Chester walking toward the front of the bus.

“I’m going to find out what that bang was. We seem to have stopped moving.”

Chester walked to the front of the bus and saw their bus driver on the radio.

“Hey, Pete, what’s going on?”

Pete looked up at Chester and shook his head in frustration.

“Damn bus blew a tire. We’re stuck here for awhile. I can’t get any phone reception on this road. It’s so weird. Maybe it’s the weather. You boys keep yourselves busy while I get in contact with AAA or the other bus.”

Chester nodded and walked back to his friends. He knew Pete would find a way to get them out of trouble. He had been with them since their first major tour and he took care of them all like he would his own children.

“What’s wrong?” asked Joe when Chester sat beside him.

“Flat tire. No cell reception. Going to be here a while.”

Joe nodded and focused on their television set.

“It’s broken, too. What the hell is wrong with this bus?”

Chester shrugged.

“Tell Mike. He’ll get it fixed.”

“Why can’t you get it fixed?” asked Mike looking up from his sketchbook.

“You’re the daddy, Mike. You have to do things for us.” Replied Joe with a smile.

The three friends laughed and started talking about their upcoming shows until Pete walked in with a sour look on his face.

“OK, boys. There is no chance of any cell reception here, but we have about 10 miles left in us. We could limp along and hope for a better area so we can contact the other bus, or just sit here and pray for a passing car. What do you want to do?”

Joe and Chester looked at Mike who nodded back at them.

“Let’s go. We can’t sit here forever. I don’t even know what road we’re on.” He said.

Pete nodded and went back to the driver seat. In a few minutes they were limping along the dark, deserted road in hopes of contacting their friends on the other bus or finding shelter for the night.

“This night and trip is turning really spooky. Imagine if Big Foot or Leatherface comes running out of those woods.” Said Chester staring out into the night.

“Don’t worry. We’ll feed him Joe first. That’ll fill him up so much he won’t want us.” Replied Mike with a smile.

Chester laughed and ducked when Joe threw the TV remote at them.

“Cut it out, guys. The bus stopped again. I don’t think we can drive anymore.” Said Mike looking out the window.

“I see a light. Is that a hotel?” asked Joe.

“Yes it is, boys. This is as far as we can go and that little inn is our stop for the night. Hopefully their phones are still up and running so I can call the other boys. We’ll bunk there for the night. Pack your bags.” Said Pete walking into the back.

The four men quickly packed their bags and ran the few feet in the rain from the bus to the hotel. They stood in front of the shabby looking door and read the sign.

“The Ivy Inn”

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OK, here's my first chapter. The mystery and romance will pick up soon. Let me know what ya'll think.