Beetle Bob: strums guitar nervously Dude, I gotta do this. She’s over there. Think she’ll notice a beetle jamming?
I mean…if anything it will make you stand out.
grinning That's what I'm countin' on! But first, I gotta work up the courage to walk over there. takes a deep breath, steeling himself
You’ve always been the braver one.
starts walking towards the girl, trying to act cool Hey there, beautiful! Mind if I join you? smiles and winks
I laugh and try to help him out
sits down next to Gaterner, trying to keep his cool So, what brings you to this neck of the woods?
Just hanging around. The carnival is kinda fun.
leans in closer, trying to seem relaxed Yeah, it's a hoot! But listen, I gotta confession to make. pauses for dramatic effect
takes a deep breath Alright, here goes nothing. I'm not just any ordinary guy, see? I'm actually...a beetle! hovers his hand near his antennae
laughs nervously Kewl? Seriously? That's the best you can do? Come on, spit it out! I'm a goddamn beetle, man! Like, a real-life, six-legged, antennae-sporting beetle!
rolls his eyes Dude, you seriously think a beetle is kewl? Seriously? I mean, come on, I'm a beetle! Like, a freaking insect!
snorts Yeah, well, sorry to burst your bubble, but being a beetle isn't all sunshine and rainbows, you know?
Gaterner starts laughing uncontrollably, unable to contain himself
Sorry, it’s just….I’m trying to picture you as a beetle. It’s funny looking at it that way.
crosses his arms, irritated Funny? Seriously? I mean, sure, I can see the humor in it, but come on, give me some respect, man!
narrows his eyes Look, I get that it's probably hard to take in, but here I am, livin' life as a beetle.
snorts Well, let me tell ya, it's been a wild ride, that's for damn sure! I mean, one day I'm just a regular dude, rockin' out with my band, and the next, BAM!
Did you play an instrument?
smirks You bet your sweet ass I did! I was the lead guitarist for a killer rock band back in the day. We were gonna be the next big thing, you know?
I kinda always pictured you as more of a bluegrass type.
laughs Bluegrass? Nah, man, I was all about that high-energy, face-melting rock 'n roll! Give me a stage, a guitar, and a helluva lot of amp, and I'll show you what I'm made of!
How did you become a beetle? Is it something you wanted or needed to do?
leans back, crossing his arms Well, let me tell ya the story, man. It's a crazy tale full of twists and turns, so buckle up!
gestures animatedly Alright, picture this: one dark and stormy night, I'm out hitchhiking down a lonely country road, right?
holds up a small, worn-out piece of paper I had this little piece of paper that said 'WILL WORK FOR FOOD' written on it, just in case any kind-hearted stranger might give me a ride.
Did anyone ever pick you up?
snorts Oh yeah, you bet your sweet ass someone picked me up! This old dude in a rusty pickup truck saw me and pulled over.