Chapter 87

The other wives, of course, agreed to Family Jam Night. "It will be fun, having the house full of music again", Nicole said as they all ate lunch together.

Kristen laughed. "Hell, maybe us wives can form a cover band, doing what our husband does in the band", she said.

Brie rolled her eyes. "Do I really sound that much like David?"

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The family all gathered in the living room after dinner for the Family Jam night, the first ever. Malachai jumped up and down after David told him. "I've been practicing, Dad. I know ALL the words to EVERY song."

David smiled. "That's good. I'm gonna need the help tonight. Maybe you can get a solo."

Malachai's eyes lit up. "REALLY DAD?"

"Maybe. IF I were to give you a solo in one of the songs tonight, which one would you want it in?"

Malachai thought about it. "I don't know. It would have to be one that you don't cuss in. You'd ground me for LIFE if I cussed during a song."

"Yeah, I would. And remember, since you know all the words to all the songs", David covered his ears with his hands, "ear muffs when you know a cuss word is coming."

"Yes, sir. Oh, I know what song I'd want to sing, Dad."

He'd gotten used to Malachai saying 'yes sir' and 'no sir' to him, so the shock wasn't there this time. "Oh, which one is that?"

"‘The Night’. It's a really cool song, and it doesn't have any cuss words."

David nodded. "Ok, I'll see what I can do. Which verse?"

"The second one. I think that one is the best."

"Ok, kiddo. No problem. You wanna sing it with your Mom?"

"YEAH!! That would be so cool."

"Done."

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"This self discovery, redemption taking over my mind, a serenade of haunting voices..", Malachai sang with the music, never missing a word, a note, or a beat. David couldn't have been more proud of his son then he was at that moment. The boy really knew all the words to the songs.

"Give into the night, niiight, niiight, niiight, Give into the night, niiight, niiight, niiight, give into the night.... give into the NIIIIGHT!!!" Malachai sang with Brie. Everyone applauded after the music ended.

"That was AWESOME, 'Chai!" Jake exclaimed.

"Way to go. 'Chai", Jordan said.

"Hey, what about me?" Brie said, faking a pout.

"You were awesome too, Mom", they said in unison.

David wrapped his arm around his wife and whispered in her ear. "You were amazing, love."

She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, baby."

There was a knock on the door. Mike jumped to answer it. "Don't start the next song without me", he shouted over his shoulder.

"We can't", Dan said. "You have to start it."

"Which one is it?"

"Haunted", David said.

"Nice." Mike opened the door. "Hello, Commandant. What can we do you for tonight?"

"Just wanted to see how my favorite rock band is doing. I see that you guys are in the middle of a family thing, so I'll leave", the Commandant said.

"No, come on in, Commandant. We're just having Family Jam Night. You can come in and enjoy the music."

"What's the next song?" he asked as he walked in the door.

"‘Haunted’. We're only doing the older stuff. Nothing off the last two albums. Just stuff we've toured with", David said.

The Commandant walked in and shook the rain off of his slicker. "I'm really sorry to pop in on you all like this, but I can't stand sitting in that office all day. I like to get out amongst the troops and occasionally visit their inspiration."

"No problem, Commandant. You're as welcome here as the Gunny is", Brie said.

"Thank you Mrs. Draiman", he said and took a seat.

Mike got back behind his kit. "Let do this, then."

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The time finally came for the kids to go to bed. The Commandant wished them all a good night, the entire Disturbed household, and took his leave.

"That was so much fun, Dad!" Malachai exclaimed as David tucked him in.

"I'm glad you had fun, 'Chai. Now, go to sleep. The tutor will be here tomorrow for you older kids to get smarter."

"I'm not stupid, Dad."

"Never said you were, but you have a lot to learn still. Don't you want to go to college?"

"Well, yeah."

"Then you have to attend your lessons with the tutor. Then, once you've graduated high school, you can go to college."

"Ok, Dad. Oh, and thanks for tonight too. That was a BLAST!"

"I'm glad you had fun, son. Now, go to sleep."