Scandalous

Part 8

 

 

“You just wait until your father hears about this!” she shouted. It was a typical thing for a mother to say, really. “Oh, you're father... how am I going to tell him? He'll be devastated.”

 

“That's not fair,” Chris muttered.

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“It's not fair,” he repeated. “I'm finally happy and you take it away-”

 

“Finally happy? You're not happy, you're confused.” Chris shook his head.

 

“No, I'm not confused. What, you think just because Jonny's a guy means I can't be happy with him?”

 

“Chris, you know that-”

 

“It doesn't matter if he's a bloody guy!!,” he shouted. “It his personality-”

 

“And you could find a lovely girl with the same personality, Chris.”

 

“I don't want a girl with the same personality. It wouldn't be the same.”

 

“You don't get to choose what you want, anymore, Chris,” she said, sitting down next to him and placing her hand on his shoulder. “If you're not going to make the right choices in life, then we need to help steer you in the right direction.”

 

“I hate you,” he spat, shrugging her hand off. At first she looked a bit hurt, but the look didn't last long.

 

“I know you do now, honey,” she said, patting his head. “But one day you'll thank me.”

 

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that.” Realising that she wasn't going to get through to him, she sighed and stood up.

 

“Right, well... I don't know what we're going to do. You two certainly aren't sleeping in the same room anymore. In fact, I don't think it's wise to even let you two sit in the same room without some sort of supervision.”

 

“Of course it's not,” Chris mumbled.

 

“That's enough from you, Chris. And Jonny,” she said, turning to me. “It's nothing personal, you know. You're a very nice boy, but this sort of thing just can't happen. It's not... right.”

 

I didn't say anything, because I didn't feel I should. The fighting should have been between Chris and his mum only. My parents would no doubt have had something to say to me later, anyway. But I can't pretend that I wasn't hurt. There I was, taking in every hateful word that came out of that woman's mouth, but there was nothing I could do. I wanted to cry.

 

 

In My Place

Part One

 

 

 

“Rachel, please just listen to him, he just wants to talk to you to explain things,” Guy pleaded to me as I bolted out the door of the hotel. I tried to ignore his words, but they were echoing in my head. Right before I ran completely out the door, I decided to turn around. Maybe he would know how much pain I was in if he saw my face? Maybe he would let me go and stop defending his friend. So much for my brilliant plan, when I turned around I saw an even worse expression on his face.

 

Why was he upset? Why was he telling me to stop? Where was Chris? Am I overreacting? Maybe Chris was sorry for what happened. Maybe it was a misunderstanding... No, why was I even thinking that. I gave him his chance to talk and he blew it. He couldn’t even give a reason why. All he could do was stare at me with this shocked expression on his face. I just turned around and kept running, who cares if I hurt his feelings? I was hurt too, and at the moment I did not care what anyone had to say to me. I was definitely not going to listen right now, not after…. Well I’ll explain later.

 

When I was a little girl, when anything frustrated me or got on my nerves, I just ran away from it. Not in the literal sense of course, but that was only because I was never the best runner. No, I ran in a figurative running way. I do not like to face my fears, let alone face my own problems. And here I was running away from everything, in both ways this time. Could I get any more predictable than right now?

 

I don’t think I have ever ran away from anything faster than I did from that hotel before, but it wasn’t really something I was going to congratulate myself on once I stopped. I kept running until my body would not physically let me run anymore; so much for looking pretty tonight right? My beautiful yellow sun dress I borrowed from my best friend’s closet was drenched with dirt and sweat; not the best combination. This night was supposed to be perfect. It was supposed to be our night.

 

Why am I even worrying about being pretty right now? I am hurt and I don’t even know where I am.

 

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“What the fuck did I do?” I kept repeating the question over and over in my head.

 

“Man, I don’t know but what ever it was, it was bad.” A voice answered my question. Guess I just wasn’t talking in my head. I glanced up, with a very confused look on my face. I saw my best friend Jonny Buckland looking down at me with very concerned eyes.

 

I thought I was alone, but he must have followed me after I ran back to my hotel room. Usually when I was upset I could just spill everything to Jonny and he would have the best words to respond with that would make me feel better no matter what. Then he would tell me how he would be there through thick and thin, no matter what had happened and when I was ready to talk I could. Sometimes I wouldn’t have to say anything and he would tell me that everything would be okay. That’s what I loved about him. He was there for me no matter what.

 

But for some reason this time, even my best friend didn’t know what to say. I must have really screwed up.

 

 

 

In My Place

Part Two

 

 

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I ended up at “The Park”, the park where we met. Was it fate that lead me here tonight just like that night a few months ago? Maybe, but who was I to be questioning fate at this moment?

 

I started down the path and took in all its emptiness. I had only been here at night one other time and it was beautiful with a lit up path and the lake glistening in the background. Now it was pitch black and almost scary. Oh well, I needed some time to think and I was not running anymore.

 

I found my way down the path by memory. I held my arms out in front of me with my dim cell phone light to help me guide the way. It wasn’t much help. The first bench I saw I sat down in and let out a big sigh. My body felt like it weighed one hundred pounds. My eyes, I could tell were puffy, red and wet. I was a mess. Even in the total darkness I knew it.

 

I don’t remember when I started crying, but I felt tears on my chin dripping off. I took the sleeve of my sweater and tried to quickly wipe them away. Too many were falling at once and it was no use to even try to stop them. Maybe I would feel better after crying and thinking everything over.

 

A normal person would find themselves thinking about the events that took place that night. You know to figure out what went wrong and who to blame. I couldn’t keep my thoughts straight. I found myself thinking about that beautiful day a few months ago….

 

 

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“Chris, I’m so sorry I couldn’t stop her, I just couldn’t. She would not listen to me.” I knew Guy meant what he said, you could always tell when he was being sincere and this was defiantly it. “I tried my best man.”

 

I let out a sigh. I had to get my act together. What was I doing crying and turning into a big ball of mush when Rachel is out somewhere alone? I never cried over a girl before, let alone feel this strong towards one. What was I doing?

 

I let out a cry of pain and sunk my head into my hands. I felt a hand on my shoulder. Like I said Jonny was there for me no matter what. “Just explain everything and maybe we can help you figure out something to do.” He looked at me with those eyes again. How do I answer to that? Where do I even begin?

 

Guy walked over to where Jonny and I were sitting on the ground. They had formed a triangle around me so I couldn’t escape their eyes if I looked up. I sighed again and lifted my head. My face was tear stained. They knew it was bad if I was crying. I tried to speak, but no words came out. Guy put his hand on my other shoulder. “Just start when you’re ready.”

 

 

Scandalous

Part 9

 

 

I slept in my brother's room that night. He was a bit of a git, so he forced me to sleep on the floor. It was cold. I missed the warmth of Jonny lying next to me. I missed hearing him breathe. I missed everything about him.

 

It hadn't even been a day, and I was already going crazy. It really wasn't fair. I tried and tried a million times to understand where my parents were coming from, but I couldn't. If your child was happy, then wouldn't you want that for them? Why would you deny them of that?

 

I suppose they were the ones that didn't understand. Especially my dad. He went bonkers when my mum told him about Jonny and me. He didn't actually say anything, but I swear I heard smashing from the other room while they were talking. Then he walked into the living room, and just stared at me. He had the most hateful look on his face. After that he went upstairs, and stayed there for the rest of the night.

 

“Chris,” my brother said. “Are you awake?”

 

“Yeah,” I replied. “Of course.”

 

“Can I ask you something?”

 

“Sure, what is it?” He climbed over to the edge of his bed, and looked down at me.

 

“Why are mum and dad angry at you? And why aren't you sleeping in your room?” he asked.

 

“Oh. Well, it's complicated.”

 

“Everyone always says that to me. No one ever tells me anything,” he said, pouting. “Will you please tell me?”

 

“Fine,” I said, sitting up. I felt slightly uncomfortable talking to my seven-year-old brother about it, but I figured it was better for him to hear it from me than my parents. Although, they probably wouldn't like that I told him. “Where should I start?”

 

“The beginning.”

 

“That would certainly be a good place. Well... are there any girls in your class that you like?”

 

“You mean, like I have a crush on them or something?” he asked.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“No! Girls have cooties.” I gave him a look. “Well, there is this one girl...”

 

“Do you talk to her a lot?”

 

“I guess.”

 

“When you talk to her, do you get, like, butterflies?”

 

“Maybe.”

 

“OK. Well, that's how I feel about Jonny.”

 

“You like him?!?!” he exclaimed. I nodded my head. “But he's a dude!”

 

“That doesn't matter to me. He's a really great person.”

 

“Aw, and he gives you butterflies? That's really cute!” he smiled. “But I'm confused... why are mum and dad angry?”

 

“They don't think it's okay for me to like him. Because he's a guy.”

 

“But you said he's really great. Isn't that a good thing?”

 

“Not good enough. Not according to our parents.”

 

“That's mean,” he frowned. “Parents are mean sometimes. Does Jonny like you, too?”

 

“Yes. That's what makes it worse.”

 

“Have you kissed him?” he asked.

 

“Thomas, I think that question is a bit personal, don't you?”

 

“That means yes.”

 

“Not necessarily. But yes, I have.”

 

“Eww!!!” he exclaimed, in a very little-kid sort of way.

 

“You're the one who asked!”

 

“So, mum and dad don't want you to kiss him anymore?” Just the way he worded it made me laugh.

 

“Basically.”

 

“Are you sad?”

 

“Yeah.” He hopped off the bed and landed right next to me. Then he took his tiny little arms and wrapped them around me.

 

“Don't be sad, Chris. One day they'll understand.” Oh, little kids. They're so tolerant and helpful. I could only hope that he was right; that one day they'd understand.

 

 

Scandalous

Part 10

 

 

My parents took it a lot better than I thought they would. A lot better than Chris' did, anyway. Sure, they were a bit freaked out at first, but eventually they were okay with the whole situation. It didn't matter, though, because Chris' parents were still disgusted. They forced him to stop talking to me, and actually went to the school and had his schedule changed. The only time I ever got to see him was in homeroom, and even then he sat on the other side of the room.

 

Over the course of about four months, I managed to scrape up a few people who I slightly considered my friends. They were horribly dull, though, and honestly I couldn't really stand half of them. Chris, on the other hand, was completely alone. I think he wanted it that way, as he seemed to hide from everyone. Still, it hurt to see him so depressed, knowing that I couldn't help.

 

One lovely spring evening, as I was preparing to sleep, I heard a knocking on my window. It startled me, and I almost broke my lamp from jumping so far. I walked over and opened the window, but it was dark out, so I couldn't see anything.

 

“Jonny?” A voice I hadn't heard in months. It was so soothing, so beautifully soothing. But I shouldn't have been hearing it.

 

“Chris, what are you doing? You're not supposed to be here!” I moved my lamp so that I could see him. He looked like he always did- depressed. Yet, there was a sort of glimmer in his eyes.

 

“I know, but I wanted to... well, I wanted you to...”

 

“Come on, spit it out.”

 

“Run away with me, Jonny,” he said. Ninety-eight percent of me was ready to grab a jacket and just jump out the window then. Two percent of me kept my feet nailed to the floor.

 

“What??”

 

“Run away with me! We can leave, and go... somewhere, and just be together.” Yes, yes, yes! I shook my head.

 

“No, I can't. We can't.”

 

“Yes, we can!! Look, I've already got my stuff-” he started, lifting up a bag.

 

“Chris, please go home.”

 

“No.”

 

“Please?”

 

“No, I'm not going home,” he said, stubbornly. “Jonny, just come with me. We can start our own life! Wouldn't that be great?”

 

“Yeah, it would.”

 

“It would be fantastic!” he smiled. “So, come on. Just grab a bunch of stuff, and we can get out of here.”

 

“No, Chris... no.” His face fell.

 

“Why not?”

 

“Chris, will you please just go home? Before anyone finds out you were here?”

 

“Fine.” The glimmer faded, and he began to walk away.

 

“Goodbye...” He had already left, though. I sat down on my bed, practically shaking. I felt horrible for sending him away, but I had to. To run away with Chris, and not have to worry about anything... it sounded absolutely wonderful. But it wasn't very realistic, or smart, for that matter. I didn't want him to get into any more trouble than he was already in.

 

If you love something, let it go, right?

 

 

This one is short. But I hope you like it anyway:)

 

In A Little While

Chapter 4

 

 

 

 

Guy couldn’t describe the feeling of hearing his child’s heartbeat for the first time. He felt like he couldn’t breathe and at the same time it made his heart move and beat just as loud as the sound of the baby’s echoing around the doctor’s office.

 

That had to be the moment when he fully registered he was going to be a father. It was real now. He was scared at first, but by the time he reached Helen’s apartment he was borderline ecstatic.

 

“Do you want to know the sex?” He asked, out of the blue. They were sitting in her living room’s couch, absentmindedly looking at the TV screen.

 

She pondered for a moment and then a grin slowly formed on her beautiful face. “Yeah.” She admitted, sheepishly. “Actually, I have a suspicion…”

 

“You do? What do you think it’s gonna be then?” Guy asked her.

 

“Oh no, I’m not going to tell you.” She laughed. “I’m gonna make you suffer. For making me late for the appointment this afternoon.”

 

“It wasn’t my fault.” He protested. “You heard the call. Chris said my camera was missing. You know I always keep that one in the studio. It’s not my fault it was under Jonny’s hats. I swear to God, how many of those can that man have?”

 

“It doesn’t matter anyway. My lips are sealed.” She said, gesturing with her hand and mouth, throwing away the imaginary key afterwards. “You didn’t have to come and even pick me up as well, anyway.”

 

“I wanted to.” He said, his voice soft, making it clear he was serious. “This is what you need to know, I am not doing this because I have to, I am doing it because I want to. I want to be here for everything.”

 

She kept staring at him for a few minutes in silence. He was the most gorgeous man she had ever met yet she wasn’t in love with his face. She was in love with his soul, with everything that made the exterior look irresistible. She understood why so many girls and women loved this man. There was an implicit kindness in his eyes. Of course he was a sensual man, but that wouldn’t keep that many people interested in him for so long.

 

Oh My God, I’m so cheesy. What kind of person even thinks that?

 

Slowly, she leaned in and kissed his lips, barely touching at first. Then, a wave of passion overcame her, and next thing she knew, she was on top of him, straddling his waist with her legs. He unbuttoned her blouse and with one movement liberated her from her bra. Not my first time, he thought to himself. Her hands travelled under his shirt, caressing every single inch of his toned torso.

 

He lifted himself on the couch so as to take off his shirt, pressing his body against Helen’s. Her blonde hair fell down her shoulders and back in a way that drove him crazy. How did I get so lucky? He wondered as he stroked her belly, feeling the tiny bump already getting bigger day by day.

 

She moved to his neck, kissing him up to his ear, where she stopped and exhaled against his smooth skin.

 

“It’s a boy.”

 

 

 

A Story You Don't Wanna Read

Part V

 

 

Guy stopped playing his bass and looked at Will and Jon. « Okay. I’m sick of waiting for Chris. We should go and bring him back. »

Everybody knew what he meant. They didn’t know what Chris had been doing all that time, out there, but if it implied the things he normally did when totally free, then it was nothing they wanted to deal with.

« Who’s going for him. »

« Guy. » said Will.

« Me? Why me? » asked Guy, pointing at his chest.

« Well, it was your idea. » said Will.

Jon frowned. « Nah, you should go, Will. »

Will stared at him.

« I mean, he wouldn’t dare to disobey an order from you. »

« You mean he’ll run away from me. » said Will.

« He’s right on that one. » Guy recognized. « Then it should be Jon. »

« Why me?? » asked Jon.

« Because Chris has a crush on you and he’ll probably follow you everywhere. »

« Maybe, » said Jon, « but he has a crush on you too. »

Guy bit his lip before saying « …and he has a crush on Will too. »

Will raised an eyebrow. « Okay. So let’s forget the crush idea. »

« Anyway, you’re his best friend. » said Guy pointing at Jon.

« Yeah, it should be Jon. »

Everybody seemed to agree. Oh jeez, Jon thought. Why does it always have to be me?

As he got out of the bakery, Jon had chocolate bar in his pocket. He didn’t have a clue where Chris could possibly be, so he started asking questions to people. « Have you seen a man this tall, about 30 years old who acts like a child of 6? Blond curls? Holding an ice cream? » He didn’t have much success with that, until he ran into Phil.

« Hey Jon. What the fuck are ya doing here? I thought the band had to meet at the bakery for-»

« Chris ran away. »

Phil looked serious all of a sudden. « Oh, I see. »

« You have an idea where he could be? »

« Hmm…maybe I do. »

 

 

A Story You Don't Wanna Read

Part VI

 

 

Phil brought him to some park in the middle of the city, and Jon could see a bunch of people gathered in a certain spot. S’okay, I’ve found him, he thought without the slightest doubt. They started getting close and soon enough Jon was pushing his way through the crowd to get to see something.

Jon was expecting pretty much anything. Chris could have climbed a tree and engaged a fight with a squirrel. He could have run naked in the middle of the street holding a twiglet. He could have stolen a car and filled it with a ton of skittles…to set it on fire. He could even have tried to fly by jumping down the Big Ben with a cape and a blue super hero outfit, just like in the Strawberry Swing video- in fact Jon was only waiting for that one to happen- but nothing could have prepared him to what he was going to see.

There was a huge hole in the ground, that seemed to go really deep in the dirt, and all the people were gathered around it, looking down. Of course, it was Chris, down there, holding a shovel and talking to a squirrel.

Jon looked around him. He doubted it was a good idea to call Chris now, with all those people looking at him. Said people were filming Chris and even taking pictures; doubtless the next morning Youtube would be loaded with videos titled such as : Some idiot dug a hole in London, Coldplay singer goes nuts, or Look at my new cat.

But Jon knew he had no choice. Otherwise Chris might have continued that silliness and gotten to the center of the Earth, or something such. So he called him loud enough, into the hole : « Chris! Look up here! »

Chris interrupted his conversation with the squirrel and looked up, his face almost all covered with dirt. « Hey Jon! Come down here and join the party! »

Jon knew it was not going to be an easy thing. He’d have to use his secret weapon.

« No! You’re coming up, Chris! Look what I’ve got! » and with that Jon got the chocolate bar out of his pocket and waved it down at him.

Chris frowned a little, and then smiled. « No need to bring more stuff, Jon, I’ve taken care of everything! » and he grabbed a white tissue bag and emptied it on the ground. Thousands of chocolate bars such as Jon’s fell on the ground.

Oh, crap.

People were now taking pictures of Jon as well.

He called Phil, who had just gotten by his side. « Please try to…distract all this people, make them look away. »

Phil nodded his head, thought for a second and then had an idea. He waved his arms over his head and yelled : « Hey everybody! Why don’t you stare at this handsome man over here instead? » and he proudly pointed Jon. « He’s in Coldplay! »

Jon resisted to the urge to hit Phil.

 

 

Okay, this one is Mafi's too, but she asked me to put it in the fanfic thread for her.

 

A Day at the Coldplay's

 

 

Jonny opens the door and gets in with a suitcase.

 

" Hello everybody, I'm home!"

" Oh hi darling. How was your day?" Guy said from the Bakery's kitchen.

"Not that bad. Those goats were pretty tiresome again."

 

Suddenly, Will comes running and jumps on Jonny.

 

"Woof!"

" Whoa! Calm down, Will. Honey, did you feed the dog today?"

"Nah, but I fed the goldfish"

 

Jonn looked at the fishbowl.

 

"Hi there, Phil"

 

Chris then entered the house

 

"Hi daddy, hi mommy! I'm here!"

"Hey Chrissy, how was school today?"

"hmmm.. Math class was boring. But I got into the food fight at dinner."

"Wanna go for a ride with me?"

"Yay! Where will that be, dad?"

"THe supermarket! And we bring the dog."

Jeez, speak about a weird familyThought Will.

 

Chris was jumping everywhere while Will mentally tapped his forehead and Phil

swam in the aquarium. (Well, DUH.)

 

"Now that I think of it, why don't we do a picnic in the supermarket!"

"YEAH!"

 

 

 

And in the supermarket...

 

Chris: daddy, can we go to the toys section?

Guy: Nah, the cosmetics section will be better

 

Chris put the aquarium near his ear

 

Chris: eh Phil? What did you say?... Phil want to go to the fish section. Ya know, all that fishy stuff, there.

Jonny: hmm..it's a shame that there's not any goat section.

What about the 'get rid of your family' section thought Will.

Employee: BUt we have one!

Really?Thought Will, with shiny eyes.

John: you mean a Goat section?

Employee: Why, yes!

Will: Damn it.

 

 

 

In the goat section...

 

Guy: Honey, it's kinda stinky here.

Jonn: Well, that's te magic of the goats!

 

They all start eating on the ground

 

Chris: Daddy! A goat wants my sandwich!

Jon: Son, remember what I've always told you: 'The goats-

Chris:are the most important. I know dad, but I'm hungry!

Jonn: give the sandwich to the goat or there's no more TV for you.

Chris: fine.:shifty:

 

That is when he noticed that Phil is floating at the top of the aquarium.

 

Chris: Phil? Are you alright?

Guy: omg

Jonn: the fish died

Will: Crap, now it's gonna be the dog's fault.

Chris: It's the dog's fault!

In My Place

Part Three

 

 

 

 

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I am the youngest of five children. Two girls, one set of twin boys and then there is me. I was that child where you could be standing in the middle of the room jumping up and down carrying on and no one would notice you. I blended in everywhere. Even at school. Not one boy noticed me as I grew up. I didn’t know that “amazing butterfly” feeling when ever he said your name or your knee’s touched. I never thought I was the prettiest girl, but I wasn’t ugly. I mean one time that kid that sat in the back of the classroom and answered every math problem kissed me at a party, but it was nothing special at all. I was pretty sure he missed my face.

 

The one thing I can say I was proud of was my friendship with Christine. She is and always will be my best friend. She was the girl every guy in school fell in love with. She is beautiful, smart, fun to be around, and all around great person. She could have anyone as a friend, but she chose me to stick by. Of course there were all those popular girls who constantly made fun of me, but she told them off every time like they didn’t matter. She is my hero. I tell her everything. We share secrets, gossip, and life together everyday. If it weren’t for her I wouldn’t have been able to get through anything.

 

So back to my family life: As a child growing up unnoticed, it isn’t always a bad thing. You get to sit back and watch everyone around you mess up and make mistakes. I learned a lot from my family. But the most important thing that I did learn was that life wasn’t going to be great unless I made it great. So once I turned eighteen I was out of there and off to start my story that we call life.

 

I packed my bags and my existence all into the crappy car that I got from one of my brothers. It wasn’t the best, but it would get me to my destination and it turned on. That was all my concern. I was going to live in the city, meet the boy of my dreams, and finally be noticed.

 

For four years I lived alone and waitressed at the little diner twenty blocks away from my small apartment. There were a few hopeful boys along the way, but they always ended up screwing me over in the end. Christine always told me I was too nice.

 

So much for my big dream huh?

 

 

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“Where’s Will?” I asked, maybe I could change the subject. That or avoid it for as long as possible.

“He’s out with his uh… friend, but that is not what we are here to talk about.” He was avoiding talking about Will being on his date so it wouldn’t upset me. I couldn’t think of any other topic to change the subject with so I just stared blankly ahead of me.

 

“This was supposed to be our night…”

 

 

A Story You Don't Wanna Read

Part VII

don't worry people we're near the end :uhoh:

 

 

All the people started taking pictures of him, as if they had just noticed that he was Jonny Buckland and they were in London, and the sky was blue. I don’t know what the last fact had to do with the subject, but let’s just…keep on with this before I get lost. So Jon started stepping backwards, wishing Kelly was there, but he was surrounded by a thick crowd of people, and fans were getting nearer. At the moment Jon thought he was going to die and had already made his prayer, he heard a loud noise. It sounded like someone firing from a rifle. Oh hell, not that. Please tell me it is not…The fans around him suddenly stopped whatever the hell they were doing and stared behind them. And Jon had a clear view of Chris, proudly standing over a pile of dirt, holding a huge rifle with the squirrel on his shoulder.

« Leave my friend Jonny alone! » he shouted at all the people. Soon enough panic kicked in and everyone started running away as if some hyper man had threatened to kill them all with a rifle. Well, maybe it was that.

Once everyone had gotten away, Jon grabbed Chris’ arm to be sure he wouldn’t run away or try to eat the squirrel on his shoulder. Well, truth was he didn’t know how he’d prevent him of doing that last thing by just grabbing his arm. But at least he wouldn’t run away.

Chris seemed a little calmed down. He had thrown the rifle in the whole, thank God, and even if it was blocked and firing all it’s bullets down there Jon decided it was a better idea to wait there were no more ammo and ask questions instead. He didn’t know where to start.

After some seconds he made up his mind. « Chris. WHERE THE HELL DID YOU GET THAT RIFLE FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!!! »

Chris seemed relaxed. « Oh, don’t worry man, I borrowed it from my friends the little squirrels, see, they’re all down there- D’AAAAAAAH! » Chris had looked down the hole to show Jon his squirrel friends, but they weren’t really… looking like squirrels anymore. Jon sighed. This was going to be painful.

 

 

Violent Waters

Chapter 9, Parts 1 & 2

 

 

 

 

PART 1

 

 

The first thing I was aware of upon waking was a distinct sensation of emptiness. Maybe it was hunger, or the effects of the Ecstasy wearing off, but I couldn’t figure out which. My face was pressed into the soft cushions of the couch, and my mouth was unbearably dry. I opened my eyes and was greeted with a blast of direct sunlight in the face.

 

Still fuzzy-headed, I pushed myself up into a sitting position. My arms were trembling, which made it hard to hold myself up, but I tried to ignore it. I knew something was wrong, that there was a time bomb waiting to explode. I could feel it in the pit of my stomach. With each passing moment, my feeling of distinct unease grew.

 

“Oh, you’re up,” said Jonny, walking purposefully into the room. I jerked, startled, and stared up at him in confusion. Guilt and shame began to gnaw at my insides, but I couldn’t quite figure out what they were for.

 

“J-Jonny?” I whispered, my voice raspy. It took me a moment to take the bottle of water he was holding out to me, despite my thirst.

 

“Oh, thank god,” Jonny murmured, looking into my face for a moment. “Your pupils are back to normal.”

 

My pupils? Slowly, I took a large mouthful of water. But as I did, the shutters opened in my mind and the night came rushing back in. My throat tightened with horror, and the water came spilling out of my mouth. “I, um...” I choked out. “Oh god, you were here...” My heart began to race, and I pushed myself up from the couch and stumbled into the middle of the room. But from there I didn’t know where to go. I was trapped again.

 

“Calm down,” said Jonny quietly. “Stop.” He seemed to realize how cold he sounded, because he softened his voice and said, “Please.”

 

“No. No, no, no...What happened last night? What did I do?” I asked desperately.

 

“You were pretty high.”

 

“I know...” I moaned, feeling tears well up in my eyes. “I remember.” Jonny nodded slowly and stood up, crossing into the kitchen for a moment. He returned with the bag of pills. I took a step back, but he pulled me forward and pressed them into my palm.

 

“Ecstasy, right? Jesus. I always imagined you as more of a coke user. You know, if you were a junkie.” At that moment, we both heard something pop. “Oh. Come ‘ere,” he invited, heading back into the kitchen. I forced myself to follow him, still waiting for the explosion to come. Instead, I got a plate of buttered toast and a glass or orange juice. It was terrifying how calm he was acting.

 

“I can’t eat,” I said weakly. “I can’t...”

 

Jonny leaned forward, a pained look on his features. “Do you even realize how you look?”

 

“I try not to.”

 

He took me by the arm and placed me in front of the mirror hanging on the wall. I took one quick glance and felt my knees go weak. I was deathly pale, with dark circles under my eyes, and a few days worth of stubble. My shirt was a bit big on me, so it left a large portion of my collar exposed. The bones of my chest were quite pronounced, and the cross I wore around my neck seemed more noticeable. I reminded myself of a prisoner of war.

 

Finally, Jonny forcibly turned me away, which I was quite grateful for. If he hadn’t, I probably would have kept staring at myself until I broke down into tears. “I don’t want to force you to eat, but you need it.” He dragged me back into the kitchen, but this time, my shock was beginning to wear off.

 

“Why are you doing this?” I cried, yanking my arm away.

 

“Because no one else can, apparently. And you seem intent on not getting help.”

 

“Why not just flush the pills down the toilet and leave?”

 

He was silent for a moment, pacing back and forth by the table. “I can’t leave you.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Because you’ll only fuck yourself up again!” he yelled suddenly. I winced and took a step back. “I’m not going to leave you alone because you’ll just keep putting this shit into your body, and you’ll end up six feet under the fucking ground!” He grabbed me by the front of my shirt and shoved me into the nearest cabinet. Stunned, I made no move to push him away. “Why?” he demanded, his entire body shaking. “Why are you doing this?”

 

I tried to speak, but no sound would come out. “Answer me,” he whispered.

 

“I...I d-don’t know...”

 

“Don’t lie to me!”

 

“It was...it was the only thing that made me forget about...what happened.” His hold loosened slightly, so I stammered on. “I just wanted to be happy. For a few hours...Jonny, I just couldn’t...the pain is just...God, it hurts so much...” He finally let go of me, but I was unable to move.

 

“I just wanted to feel good again! I know, it was stupid. I knew it could kill me...but it didn’t matter...” I broke off, trying to swallow to wet my throat. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I lied to you, but I hate myself for this, I couldn’t stand the thought of you knowing...what you would think of me...”

 

Jonny shook his head and moved back to the table, sinking into a chair. The more I watched him; the anguish on his face, the worse I felt. “I can’t do this now. Please...just eat,” he ground out, his voice cracking. I didn’t move, so Jonny got up and carried the food over to me.

 

 

 

 

PART 2

 

 

I got two bites of toast down before I had to stop. My throat felt impossibly tight, and it was too difficult to force myself to swallow anything. But I couldn’t let him watch me lose control. He’d already seen me stripped of my inhibitions; I couldn’t bear the thought of him seeing me cry.

 

“I’m going to the bathroom,” I gasped, nearly dropping the glass of juice I was holding. I put it down next to the plate and felt my way along the hallway, my breaths catching in my chest. When had I become so weak? So lost?

 

Jonny reached me far before I made it to the bathroom. He put a hand on my shoulder and tried to lead me back into the kitchen, but I shrugged it off. “Guy, wait...”

 

“Let go of me,” I insisted, tears streaming down my face.

 

Jonny shook his head, taking me by the shoulders. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I have no idea how...” He looked like he wanted to say something more, but I unintentionally cut him off. My legs suddenly buckled and I ended up on the floor, sobbing helplessly. Jonny swore and knelt beside me, instinctively trying to pull me up. But I resisted valiantly.

 

A moment more passed, and then suddenly I was surrounded by warmth. At first I thought I was still being affected by the drugs, but it felt different somehow. It took me a second to realize that Jonny was hugging me. He rocked me back and forth as I cried, running a hand through my hair and whispering words of comfort. I think he even kissed me on the forehead once.

 

By the time I managed to calm myself down, I knew what I would have to ask for.

 

“H-Help me,” I begged. “Please, help me.”

 

“I’ve been trying,” he said, his voice thick with tears. “You wouldn’t let me.”

 

“J-Jonny, please...”

 

“Just tell me how...”

 

“I don’t know how,” I sobbed.

 

“Okay. We’ll figure it out...just calm down,” he whispered, pushing my hair back from my forehead. “You’ll get through this. I promise.”

 

 

 

 

 

Scandalous

Part 11

 

 

I was sitting in the kitchen, eating breakfast, when someone knocked on the door. My mum was right there, so she answered it. Due to the position of the door, I couldn't see who it was. I could hear, though.

 

“Hello, Mrs. Buckland. Sorry to bother you.” It was definitely a woman's voice, and she sounded familiar.

 

“Oh, that's all right. What can I do for you? Would you like to come in?”

 

“Oh, thank you,” she said, walking in. Chris' mum. “Um, I was wondering if I could speak to Jonny?”

 

“Yeah?” I said, walking towards her.

 

“Oh, Jonny. Hello. How are you?”

 

“Fantastic,” I said, with a hint of sarcasm. I think she noticed it.

 

“Ah. Um, have you, uh, seen Chris? Like, would you happen to know where he is right now?”

 

“He's not at your house?”

 

“No, he... he left this note last night,” she said, reaching into her pocket and taking out a sheet of paper. “It said he was going to run away, and he was going to ask you to come with him. Did he talk to you?” Three seconds. Three seconds to decide whether or not to lie. She looked absolutely worried, but it's not as though I really knew where he was.

 

“No, I haven't talked to him since... well...”

 

“Oh... do you maybe know where he could have gone?” He hadn't told me where we'd run off to, and I had stupidly been under the impression that he would go back home. Yet, I somehow knew where he would be...

 

Back in December, when I had stayed at their house, Chris told me about this one place. It was during one of the many times we sat on the floor of his room, just talking about nothing.

 

“I wish it was warm outside,” he said, staring out the window.

 

“Don't we all?”

 

“Well, I don't mind the snow or anything, but there's this one place that I'd love to bring you to.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“See, there's this creek right by here, and it's absolutely stunning in the spring and summer and all that. There's a nice little clearing, and I love to just sit there. It's so inspiring. I actually write most of my songs when I'm there.”

 

“That sounds lovely.”

 

“It is. And I know you'd love it, there are a lot of trees around there. I know how you like trees.”

 

“Well, trees are brilliant.”

 

“One day I'll bring you there. When it gets warm, of course. And we could have a picnic! Wouldn't that be awesome?” He grinned a huge, excited grin. I smiled back.

 

“Yeah, it would be great.”

 

...She was so worried. Her oldest son was missing, and she had no idea where he could be. She was so desperate that she went to ask the person she knew he hadn't talked to in months. She wanted to know that he was OK, that nothing had happened to him. I should have told her.

 

“Um... I don't know. Maybe... maybe he went to the park or something? He always liked the park,” I said.

 

“Oh, I hadn't thought of that. Thank you, Jonny.”

 

“Would you like some company?” my mum asked her.

 

“Oh, that would be lovely. Thank you.” She and my mum left, headed in the direction of the park. I placed my empty cereal bowl in the sink, put on my shoes, and walked out the door. I hoped that it would take them a while at the park, because I really wanted to talk to Chris. It should have worked, I thought, because I sent them in the completely opposite direction.

 

 

 

 

I hope this works.

 

 

 

 

Oh my gosh it worked!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the story.

 

 

 

Chapter 1

 

The Wedding

 

"I don't think so," Guy said shaking his head.

"Why not?" Chris asked.

"That isn't really what we had in mind."

"Come on, Guy, why not?"

"We were going for something plain and simple," Guy said.

"A hot air balloon is plain and simple," Chris said.

Guy just shook his head.

"But what about the horse-drawn carriage?"

Guy kept shaking his head.

Chris ran a hand across his eyes.

"So you want like beer and barbeque in the backyard?" he asked, with an expression that looked like he just ate something that tasted vile.

"Yes, we have a winner," Guy said.

"We have a plan?" Fab asked, walking into the room.

Chris laid his head down on the table and moaned.

"I'm guessing it isn't to his liking," Fab said.

"Not quite," Guy said.

Chris lifted his head and looked at Fab.

"Will you please reason with this man?" he asked.

Fab looked at Guy and winked.

"Whatever he wants is what he gets," he told Chris.

"But he wants beer and barbeque," Chris said, whining.

"What's wrong with that?" Fab asked.

"Well, nothing says I love you dear like the smell of flesh being seared," Chris sniped.

"Unless it is the sound of a keg being tapped," Guy said.

Fab and Guy laughed.

"Oh that's good," Chris said, rolling his eyes, "Encourage his hillbilly taste."

"Well Chris I hate to break it to you but, this is our day, emphasis on the our." Guy told him.

"Yes, yes" Chris said, picking up his folder of elaborate drawings and lists of things to be done.

"Am I allowed to suggest that you have a cake?" Chris asked.

Guy and Fab looked at each other and nodded.

"Sure," Guy said, "Cake would be great. But not some elaborate thing with weird flavors. Just plain white cake."

"White?" Chris asked, "Not even any flavors between the layers?"

Guy shook his head again.

"I think I feel a migraine coming on," Chris said.

 

 

A Warning Sign

 

Previous Chapters: 1-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

 

Chapter Eleven:

 

 

 

 

May - London: Jonny

 

I'd just finished showering and am pulling on a clean t-shirt on when I hear a loud pounding on the front door. I groan inwardly at the uninvited visitor though I already know it’s probably Guy. He’d want to check in on me after I had cancelled our session at the Bakery for this afternoon.

 

I’m wondering if I should just ignore it but he pounds again, this time yelling at me to open the door.

 

“Jon, open the fucking door, man. If I can get up at a decent hour today, so can you.”

 

I glance at the clock to see that it’s after 4pm, I had slept for long time after getting home this morning but I still felt horrible.

 

“Go away” I give a halfhearted attempt to pester him off but I know he’s not going to give up until I let him in.

 

I crack the door slightly and he peeks his head sideways at me, pressing his face as close to the opening as he can get.

 

“Looks like your head’s too fat, sorry I can’t let you in” I say, only half joking.

 

“Shut up and open the door” he says and shoves his foot between the door and the frame, wedging it open enough to get through.

 

“What the hell is it with you? And don’t tell me you’re hung over because we both know that’s a load of bollocks, Jon Buckland doesn’t get hung over.” He makes his way into my apartment and takes up a comfortable position on the living room couch.

 

“I told you, I don’t feel well alright?” I rub my eyes and try to stand still, the pounding in my head had still not subsided and the feeling of utter dread in the pit of my stomach was growing fast.

 

“Well you’re not much to look at, at the moment, I must say…” he cracks.

 

He’s quiet for a moment, staring at me intently with an expression of puzzlement, perhaps detecting the signs of guilt that marred my face.

 

“What is it Jon - really?” he asks softly, not joking and smiling like he had a moment ago, the dry tone gone from his voice and his dark eyes serious.

 

I don’t answer him, I can’t. Instead I sink into the armchair beside the couch and let out a frustrated sigh.

 

“I don’t even know where – or how – to begin.” I breathe.

 

He sits up from his semi-reclined position to face me, leaning his head close to mine.

 

“Is it April? Did you have another argument?” He asks, trying to get any hint as to what’s bothering me.

 

I let out a bitter laugh, “I wish…isn’t that sick? I wish that were it.”

 

“Hey, whatever it is I’m sure it’s not the end of the world. These sorts of things always seem like that, don’t they?”

 

“Oh, really, what sorts of things?” I ask, my tone sharp as I lift my gaze to meet his. Did he really know what I was even talking about?

 

“I dunno mate, I’m just saying…” he shrugs, and I feel terrible. He didn’t know and was only trying to make me feel better.

 

We sit there in silence and I know he’s waiting for me to spill. If there were anyone I could trust about this, and trust that they wouldn’t judge me, it would be him.

 

Even though Chris was my best friend he was such a romantic. He would never cheat on someone. Ever.

 

The thought of this would make him sick, I knew that much. I was glad for a moment that he was thousands of miles away in California and that Guy had to be the one to hear this out.

 

“I slept with someone last night - with Mia.” I say quickly and I’m not even sure if he hears it at first but then I see a look of shock and recognition cross his features.

 

“You’re taking the piss -” he shakes his head.

 

“Listen, Guy, I’m being serious. I screwed up last night. I was just so… drunk. That’s not even an excuse I know that, I know – it’s just.” I struggle to find the right words.

 

“I don’t know how it happened. I would never do that to April. That’s not me, not anymore… is it?”

 

I stare at him, silently pleading with him to tell me that I’m not that guy. That I’m not a bad person; that this was a mistake – what happened could be forgiven.

 

He’s still shaking his head back in forth, probably in disbelief. God knows I knew what that felt like.

 

“I don’t – I’m trying to remember when the hell this could have happened, seeing as I was with you the entire time…” he runs a hand through his short hair and stares off in concentration.

 

“It doesn’t matter now,” I say standing up and pacing the length of the room. Guy shouldn’t have to feel responsible for not looking after me. I was supposed to be the responsible one after all.

 

“So much for that.” I mutter under my breath.

 

“Are you going to tell April?”

 

“Do you think I should?” I needed someone to tell me what to do.

 

“I think you’ve been together long enough, and if you plan on continuing the relationship…then she deserves to know the truth. Wouldn’t you want her to tell you?”

 

“No.” I lie. The truth is the idea of her in bed with someone else hurt too much to think about.

 

“Besides, I can’t just ring her up and tell her over the phone,” I say.

 

“No, I s’pose not. You should wait until you can talk to her face to face. I don’t really know what else to say… this entire situation is starting to do my head in…”

 

“Well that helps.” I roll my eyes but instantly regret it. He was here after all and he hadn’t told me off yet so I should probably be grateful.

 

“What would you rather I say, Jonny? That I’m fucking shocked? Or that you’re the world’s biggest twat?”

 

There it was.

 

“Don’t you think I already know that? I know, Guy!” My voice wavers a bit and I kick over the stool by the kitchen counter in frustration.

 

It makes a louder sound than intended, smacking against the wood floor and clanging sharply; so much so that the stillness in the air afterwards makes me feel rather embarrassed.

 

“Sorry, I – I’m just trying to help. Honestly. I don’t think you’re a twat.” He says, and I can see the sincerity in his eyes.

 

“No, you were right the first time. I could be one of those circus attractions - This way! Only 95p to see Jonathan Mark Buckland, the worlds biggest - ”

 

“ – Hey. It was a mistake, right? I mean it’s not like you did this because you’re unhappy with April and you were seeking something with this other woman or anything…right?” he waits for me to answer.

 

“Of course it was a mistake.” I say sitting back down next to him and placing my head in my hands. My headache didn’t seem to want to go away anytime soon.

 

“Okay, see? So it’s going to be fine.” He says reassuringly placing a firm hand on my shoulder and giving it a shake.

 

“I don’t know Guy, I mean we were already fighting like mad when I was in California, maybe I shouldn’t tell her. Honestly she doesn’t have to know and then it can’t hurt her, right?” when I say it out loud it sounds even more cruel than in my head.

 

Lying by omission.

 

“Look, it’s ultimately your decision, I can’t make it for you. If you think it’s better not to say anything…” he trails off and I can tell he doesn’t think that would be the right thing to do.

 

“Fuck.” I say bluntly. This was the worst situation to be in but I had done it to myself, and what hurt even more than that was that I had done this to April too.

 

“Just – please, mate. Don’t say anything to anyone, okay? You know how Will would look at me if he found out about this. And Chris -” I say, pleading with him.

 

“Nah. I wouldn’t do that to you, I’ve incurred the wrath of Will’s relationship advice once in my life and it was one time too many let’s leave it at that.” He shakes his head.

 

“Yeah, well he’s the perfect man isn’t he? Will.”

 

“If I were a woman and I had to pick some bloke to marry I’d pick him hands down.” He nods, grinning strangely and I honestly can’t tell if he’s being serious or not.

 

“He cooks and stuff but he also likes football so he’s quite manly, he can sing like an angel and plays most instruments, he’s decisive and knows exactly what he wants….” Guy continues, listing all of Will’s appealing qualities before getting off the couch.

 

“Who’d you pick?” he asks, striding to my refrigerator and helping himself to a bottle of water.

 

I give a noncommittal shrug, not really in the mood to joke.

 

He seems to take the hint and comes back to join me, turning the television on and flipping to some documentary on 4Music.

 

I can tell he’s glancing at me out of the corner of his eye every few minutes; he doesn’t want to leave me alone here. He pities me for screwing things up and it makes me feel pathetic.

 

We watch the documentary for a bit but my mind is miles away thinking over every possible situation that might pan out as a result of my actions.

 

I get up quietly without saying anything to Guy and make my way to my bedroom straight to my sock drawer and rummage around until I find the most important pair; the pair that I’ve safely hidden the ring in. I pull the box from the rolled up pair of socks and settle myself down on the end of the bed.

 

I hold the smooth leather square between my hands and realize how tiny it really is; non-threatening.

 

Opening it up I study the diamonds mounted on the platinum band and remember how long it had taken me to find the right one.

 

The elderly man at the shop had been quite patient with me as I looked at dozens of rings before settling on this one.

 

It was ages ago it seemed.

 

I never imagined what the past year and half would bring me. I had gotten so caught up in the finishing and subsequent release of the album and then the planning of the tour and being on the road that I had forgotten to make this, my life with April, my first priority.

 

In all honesty I knew that band wouldn’t be my life forever. Eventually I’d have a family and a life outside of the cycle of recording and touring as strange as it seemed to think about it now.

 

I stare down at the box, shifting it back and forth, contemplating what to say when I call April.

 

Looking around the room I can see signs of her everywhere. If I were to open the closet it would be divided neatly into hers and mine, her shoe collection threatening to take over the space at the bottom. The nightstand on her side of the bed held a few books and an extra pair reading glasses.

 

The framed photographs on the bureau were testaments to everything we’d been through together; my favorite being a candid shot Guy had taken just last summer in New York of April and I.

 

We had fallen asleep on the couch at Chris’ summerhouse after a long day of swimming and lounging by the pool. Our skin tanned, my hand entwined in her brown wavy locks as she slept on my chest.

 

Guy was right. Everything would be okay. April and I were supposed to be together and we would get through this. I finally pick up the phone on my night table and dial, listening as it rings.

 

“Hello?” she answers.

 

“Hey” I wait for her to say something, my throat suddenly feeling dry.

 

“Jonny, hey. I was about to call you actually. I was thinking since I’ll be finished with work this week that I’d fly in on Monday to see you before the next tour leg starts…the 15th, right?” she asks.

 

“Um, yeah. The fifteenth”

 

“You sound so tired. Are you guys still working?”

 

“No, I felt pretty ill this morning so I just decided to stay home.” I say, and realize it was probably a mistake.

 

“-Don’t worry though, it’s nothing, really.” I tell her before she can say anything. In reality it’s far from nothing but everything could wait until I had her face to face.

 

“I try not to worry but you make it pretty hard sometimes. No matter what Guy says, beer is not considered a meal.” She laughs softly.

 

“Yeah, try telling him that,” and somehow I’m smiling despite the situation.

 

“About last week. I just wanted to say that I- ” and I can already tell she’s going to try to apologize for the arguments.

 

“Wait. You shouldn’t be apologizing. I should – I’m the idiot.” I interject.

 

“You’re not an idiot, don’t say that. I’m the one who is pressuring you and getting on your case about something that can wait. We don’t have to get married now if you’re not ready, I just need to know that you’ll be ready someday…” she sounds unsure.

 

“I don’t think you realize how important you are to me.” I tell her and when she doesn’t say anything after a few moments I continue.

 

“You’re the most important person in my life, April. You always will be, no matter what happens.”

 

“I believe you. I just don’t want to be lead on… if you know that someday you’ll be ready then I can wait. If you think that it’s something that you don’t see happening with us ever then I think it’s only fair if you let me know now.”

 

I’ve never been an overly emotional person, I’d always left those bits to Chris but in this moment I want to cry with frustration. How couldn’t she see how much I wanted to be with her?

 

“I’m sorry if I’ve ever allowed that doubt to enter your mind, I truly am because I think there’s something that’s not getting across. I love you. I’ll always love you. Nothing can change that so don’t for a second question that.” I've never meant what I was saying more than I did right now.

 

“I know you love me…I’m just – I don’t know, I think it’s being away from you so much it’s really starting to get to me. I feel better just getting all this cleared up though.”

 

“Yeah, me too. We’ll talk more when you get here later this week” I swallow hard, the permanent lump that formed in my throat ever since this morning is making it difficult to breath.

 

I wish that, for a moment, I could feel the relief that she does. Wanting desperately to be able to see her and put this in the past and move on.

 

After April and I hang up I make my way quietly back to the sitting room and find that Guy’s ordered a pizza without me.

 

“Oh, hey mate. I figured you might be hungry so I ordered us some takeaway.” He grins up at me, he mouth stained slightly with sauce.

 

“Thanks, I think I’ll just go to bed though. Feel free to stay if you want…” I turn and go back the way I came only moments before.

 

“It’s only…6:30!” I hear him call behind me but I don’t care anymore. I shut the door to my bedroom and collapse onto the bed still fully clothed.

 

I pull April’s pillow closer to me and bury my face in it, breathing in the familiar scent.

 

It’s enough of a comfort that I fall asleep quickly wondering how the hell I’m supposed to get through this week in one piece.

 

 

 

 

Scandalous

Part 12

 

 

I only had a general idea where the creek was, but I managed to find it without a problem. Maybe I have Chris-senses or something. As I expected, there was a curly-haired boy sitting on the bank, with a navy blue knapsack laying next to him. He was just staring at the water.

 

“Chris,” I said as sat down beside him. “Hey.”

 

“Hey,” he said, looking up at me.

 

“Your mum is looking for you.”

 

“Does she know I'm here?”

 

“Not yet. I told her you might be at the park.”

 

“Why'd you tell her that?”

 

“Because I wanted to see you.”

 

“How did you know I was here?” he asked.

 

“It was a guess, really,” I replied. “Listen, I'm sorry about last night, but-”

 

“It's OK. I understand why you said no.”

 

“Did you stay here all night?”

 

“Yeah, I slept over there,” he said, pointing to a small section of grass that seemed to have a Chris-shaped indent.

 

“You know, when you run away, you're not really supposed to stay within a few miles of your house.”

 

“I know. But I guess I just couldn't actually leave... not without you, anyway.”

 

“What made you decide to run away?”

 

“Well, my parents thought it was too pathetic that I didn't have any friends, or a girlfriend, or anything like that, so they set me up on a date.”

 

“With who?”

 

“Daughter of someone my dad works with. I never met her. I was supposed to meet her last night, but yesterday I decided I was just gonna leave instead. I was just tired of my family. So, I packed, and hid my bag by the porch. Then when I left to 'go on a date', I just took the bag and ran. I came here first, until I thought that you'd be in your room, 'cause, you know, I couldn't just go knocking on your door. Then I went to go see you, and when you said no I came back here.”

 

“I can see why you like this place so much,” I said, looking around. The way the sun shone through the trees and hit the water made everything look slightly yellow. It was bright, but not blinding. “It really is stunning.”

 

“I wasn't lying about the trees.”

 

“I see that. And they are brilliant.”

 

“I'm surprised you remembered.”

 

“Why wouldn't I remember?”

 

“I thought maybe you'd just forgotten about me...” he frowned and looked down.

 

“Of course not, how could I forget about you?” I wrapped my arm around him, and he rested his head on my shoulder. “I still think about you all the time.”

 

“Jonny, I always wanted to tell you this, but I was afraid that maybe it would be too soon, or something would go wrong if I did, but...” He took a deep breath and looked up at me. “I love you.”

 

“I love you, too.”

 

“Love sucks,” he crossly stated, causing me to laugh a bit.

 

“I think it's more of our situation than just love in general.”

 

“Well, whatever. It still sucks.” I nodded, and as I did so, faint voices emerged from behind us.

 

“Look, there they are. I guess you were right.”

 

“They found us,” I said.

 

“Yep.”

 

“No, wait,” I heard my mum say. I couldn't hear the rest, though. They were still quite a long way away from us.

 

“I guess it's time to leave,” Chris sighed. “I'll miss you, Jonny.” He placed his hand on mine, and kissed my cheek. Then he stood up, and turned to face his mum.

 

 

In My Place

Part 4

 

 

note: the 3 asterisks (***) mean its a flashback

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

***

You know when you have one of those days that everything is just ugly? You feel ugly, you act ugly and mean, and everything and everybody is just unpleasant and won’t please you. Well I was having one of those days a few months back. I was in a terrible mood and I knew if I went into work I would probably be fired for punching a customer in the face for looking at me the wrong way. So I called my boss, fake coughed a few times to set the mood, and had the day to myself. I really needed this to pull my self together.

 

You see, around that time nothing was ever going right. Every night I ended up calling Christine in hysterics telling her about my day and she would always respond with the same damn thing every single time, “It can only get better from here, love, cheer up and smile for once.” While in the meantime I would cry in the background and shake my head, disagreeing. She didn’t understand how it felt to be alone like me. She had a boyfriend for six faithful years. Her job was great and paid well. Everyone treated her with respect and kindness. No one pushed her around. I don’t see how she dealt with me.

 

Anyway, even with my ‘ugly’ day I decided to take Christine’s advice for once. When I called her later she would be very proud of me and how I lied to get out of work just for a day to myself. Maybe this was a sign? I had a feeling if I took a nice hot shower, actually do my makeup and hair, and go for a walk, maybe, just maybe I would feel better. Was it fate telling me to do this? Or was I just fed up with the same routine every day? Didn’t I come to the city to get away from routine and blending in?

 

I smiled as I looked in the mirror and I was actually pleased with what I saw. That usually never happened. I was wearing my favorite pink blouse that I wore on fancy occasions, my best dark jeans, and that black coat that I always wore when I was feeling pretty. My makeup was subtle but noticeable, and my hair was naturally wavy and tame. I grabbed my cell and headed for the door.

 

I was walking in no particular direction, just smiling and happy with my non existent plans for the day. A few cute guys even looked over and smiled in my direction as I walked with confidence down the street. I was soaking all of this in. Even in the winter I was feeling warm, was it my mood? Who cares, I loved it.

 

I found myself at a park I had never seen before. Who knew why hadn’t noticed it; I had been living here for over four years now. Did I really live such a sheltered life to not even know about it? This place was beautiful. I couldn’t even begin to start to describe the elegance of it. The trees were bare because of the season, but these trees seemed like they could look beautiful no matter what time of year it was. There was a lake in the middle and a nice long path that lead around it and off into a wooded area. There was a playground with toys for children and a big open field for soccer and baseball. Everyone here looked happy and at peace.

 

There were benches lined up facing the lake on the path, but I chose to stand. I stood alone looking off into the water leaning on a little gate. The morning sun was reflecting off the water and it looked stunning. Next time I came to this place, I decided I would bring my camera and take some photographs. One of my secret hobbies was photography. I was in my own little world smiling and humming some tune I had heard on the radio earlier it was so pretty; something about the color yellow, my favorite. That was probably why I remembered it.

 

All of a sudden I heard a voice behind me that was quiet but beautiful. “Uhh miss? Could I borrow your phone? Some people have been following me and it is starting to get creepy. I really need to call my friend. I am awfully sorry to bother you, you like that song?” This person was babbling on about nothing, whoever they were.

 

I turned around and the first thing I saw was the most gorgeous pair of blue eyes that I had ever seen. Who was this man? He looked sort of…. familiar? But why? Wait, I had seen him before, but where? It was probably those eyes that made him recognizable, I could never forget them. I probably had a very confused gaze on my face because then he said, “Look miss I am sorry to have startled you, but I could really use your help.” His smile….oh my. It was breath taking.

 

“Okay, yeah, sorry you…. you just look very familiar.” I said while searching for my phone.

 

“Hah, yeah I get that a lot.” I handed him my phone and he smiled again. “Thanks really, I owe you one.” He walked away for some privacy. I turned around still puzzled. Oh well, it would come to me sooner or later. I stared off into the lake again, in a trance. I must bring my camera next time, I cannot forget it.

 

I felt a hand on my shoulder and I gasped. ”Oh my, I am sorry, again ha-ha… I seem to keep scaring you. I just wanted to return your phone, thank you.” He seemed really sorry. All I could do was just smile and nod my head.

 

“I’m Chris, and you are?” he held out his hand for me to shake.

 

I grabbed his and smiled, maybe blushed a bit. “Rachel, nice to meet you Chris.” I had this dumb grin plastered on my face. I must have looked ridiculous.

 

“Well Rachel I’m going to be out of town for a little while, but ill be back here for a week or two in the future, maybe I’ll see you soon?” Those eyes, that smile, his voice, it was killing me. Who was he? He turned around to walk away probably because I didn’t answer. Damn why did I always screw up?

 

He got into a car and drove away and I was still standing there with a dumbfounded expression on my face. Boy, did I look like an idiot. I turned around, took one last glance at the lake, and decided to take a little walk. I was staring ahead in to the distance as I started off and didn’t realize the group of men running towards me. One guy ran right into me, knocking the both of us to the ground.

 

“Are you okay pretty lady?” Man was I the cute guy magnet today. This one wasn’t as beautiful as the last, but when you’re lonely like me, most men look cute.

 

“Ah no sorry it was my fault, I am a disaster on two legs.” I smiled and tried to brush off the rocks as I stood up.

 

He got up to his feet fast and was standing awfully close. His hand brushed my cheek to wipe away some dirt. “I know a pretty girl like you probably have men after you like crazy, but if I can make it up to you; I would love to take you out sometime.” Did he seriously just ask me out? Was I dreaming? He ran into me for crying out loud. He didn’t owe me anything.

 

I guess I was to busy screaming in my head to answer because he looked sad all of a sudden. “Or… not.” He started to walk away but I grabbed his shoulder.

 

“No sorry I was just startled still. Hah. I would love to.” I smiled, I was so nervous. This was being bold. This was not me. “Can I see your cell phone?” All of a sudden he was smiling too and he pulled his phone out. I put my number in and started to walk away. I headed straight back for my house. I had enough excitement for one day. I turned around one last time to see if I saw my future date before I left (because I knew Christine would want details) and he was smiling talking to his buds with his arms waving in the air; he looked so excited. I laughed to myself and headed back, taking my time.

 

So what had finally gotten me out of bed that day? Why was I getting all of this attention all of a sudden? I was supposed to blend in. but today I stood out. Not saying it was a bad thing, but it was still something to think about.

 

As I was ending my phone conversation with Christine, I put on my pajamas. Our conversation was filled with metaphors of the beautiful men and more than enough details to write a book on, play by play, screaming and way too much giggling. I hung up after our goodbyes and promises of clothing exchange.

 

Mystery Man number two had called not too much later and ask me to meet him at that cute little park in the city tomorrow at seven. Apparently it was going to be an “elegant evening”, so I needed to dress nice. Even though this was probably the most exciting thing to have happened to me in my life so far, I just couldn’t stop being distracted.

 

Who was that beautiful man? And why did he look so familiar? Oh well, I tried to put it in the back of my head as I closed my eyes, but all I could see were his eyes. Amazing blue. Maybe that was my new favorite color?

 

***

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

“It was your night, we get it Chris just tell us what happened.” Guy sounded like he was getting annoyed, “Sorry man, you just keep repeating yourself. I didn’t mean to spaz.” I nodded my head. Why did I keep doing that? I really need to make a habit of keeping my thoughts to myself.

 

“Its alright I just don’t know where to start. Every time I go to say something I just keep thinking about the day we met….” I stopped and stared blankly ahead.

 

“Then just talk about that and we will get to what happened tonight later. We have all night to talk. You just need to get it off your chest Chris. I know it will make you feel better.” Jonny had a way with words. I don’t know how many times I can tell you this, but he is the best.

 

I half smiled. It was the closest thing that I have done to a smile in hours. Jonny was pleased with himself. “Do you remember that day I called you; when we were in that city where all the people were following me?”

 

“Chris… that happens everywhere. You need to give me more details.” He chuckled a little bit.

 

“Yeah, you are right there. But this was different; people were just starting to creep me out there, and that never happens. Anyway, Rachel’s town, I forget the name. You know we played there maybe about…uh… two weeks ago?” Man have I forgotten how long it’s been?

 

“Oh yes, you called on that weird cell phone number and asked for a ride. I thought it was a joke.”

 

“Yes, that day. Well, it was Rachel’s phone and I just happened to see her standing there looking off into the lake. She looked so happy. Like nothing could possible make her miserable. She was so beautiful Jonny, believe me.” I smiled and closed my eyes trying to remember the mental picture I took of her that day.

 

“I know we see her everyday.” Guy said laughing, trying to get on my nerves.

 

“Shut up!” I said punching him and laughing. “She’s mine, back off or I’ll –.” I had to stop myself and think. Was she mine anymore? Try not to think of it Chris, tell them the story so you will smile.

 

I shook my head. “Anyway, I asked her to borrow her cell phone and she just had this cute little confused look on her face. I was waiting for the ‘OH-MY-GOSH-IT’S-CHRIS-MARTIN’ scream or comment, but nothing.” I laughed at the memory. “Guys, she didn’t have the slightest clue of who I was.”

 

“What are you talking about? Everyone knows who you are. You are the lead singer of a band. You are Chris Martin! You’re the world’s ‘sexiest vegetarian’” Guy said laughing with his air quotes. This time Jonny punched him for me. They both laughed.

 

I pushed away his comment. “You have no idea how weird it was with her staring at me like that. Like she thought she knew who I was, but she was oblivious.” I smiled again. I just couldn’t help myself. “So I called you, you picked me up, and I didn’t even get a goodbye. The last thing I said to her was that I would be back soon and that I hoped I would see her because I owed her one. Again, no goodbye. Just ‘that’ look.” I stopped smiling for a minute. Why was she staring at me like that?

 

“Well, we left and toured some more. We weren’t supposed to go back to that city. I felt like I had lied to her, and let her down. But after a few months, Phil told us about the new leg of this tour and that city was on the list. You have no idea how happy I was. I don’t think there was a moment when I wasn’t thinking about her.” I could feel the biggest smile stretch across my face. I could only tell it was really showing because Jonny and Guy were laughing at me.

 

“How did you keep this from us? You see to be crazy for her Chris. We didn’t know a thing. You were your normal, flirty self around girls when with us.” Jonny and Guy were silent. They really wanted an answer.

 

“I don’t know, but when I got back to the hotel or wherever we were staying every night, I would always go for a walk or sit out on the balcony- if there was one. And I would just sit there and think of her. Her smile, her eyes. That adorable confused face of hers. I just imagined the day I would see her again. It’s weird. I don’t believe in fate, but I just felt like I was going to see her again and it was going to be great. You know?” It was a rhetorical question of course, but I found I was asking myself. How did I know that was going to happen? You want to know? I just knew it. I could feel it.

 

“How did you two? What word am I looking for? Uhm, re-meet again?” Guy asked.

 

I didn’t answer the question right away. I found myself trying to hold back tears. Why was I getting upset? This was where the story got good.

 

Get a grip on yourself big guy.

 

 

The Wedding

 

Chapter 2

 

 

 

 

 

"We won't be late," Guy was saying to the babysitter.

"Yes, they will," Jonny said, "They may not be home until tomorrow."

Guy gave Jonny a dirty look.

The babysitter looked worried.

"Don't listen to him," Guy said, "We will be back before midnight."

"Let's go," Chris said, impatiently.

"What's your hurry?" Guy asked, "It isn't like you are going to drink much anyway."

"The other guys are waiting," Will said.

Guy turned back to the babysitter.

"You have all the instructions, right?" he asked.

Fab came up behind him and put his hands on his shoulders, turning him toward the door.

"She knows what she is doing, luv," he said.

Guy smiled.

"I know," he said, "I'm just nervous."

 

The pub was full.

"Get this man a beer," Julian yelled as soon as Guy and the rest of the gang arrived.

"Hold on," Guy said, "I can't drink like I used to."

"No one can drink like you used to," Nick said.

Someone thrust a beer into Guy's hand.

He shrugged and chugged it down with one gulp much to the delight of the assembled crowd of friends.

Fab looked at him and smiled, wiping a little bit of foam from Guy's lip with his thumb.

"Hey, cut that shit out," someone yelled.

"Yeah, save it for tomorrow," someone else yelled.

Some guys drug Fab off in one direction and some others drug Guy off in another direction.

"Hell of a bachelor party, huh?" Chris said to Will.

Will looked thoughtful.

"Isn't it ioni....ilono..ironic that the first one of us to get married...isn't even really getting married," Will said, with a slur.

Chris fell over laughing.

"Mr. Champion, I do believe you are drunk," he said.

"No......no....no way," Will said.

"Prove it," Chris told him, "Get up on this table and dance."

"I.....I...believe I will," Will said, climbing into a chair.

"This should be good," Chris said to Jonny.

Will climbed up on the table and almost fell off twice as he tried to stand up.

He began singing, in a terrible voice, and dancing.

"Take it off," someone yelled.

So he did.

He had taken his shirt off and was trying to take his jeans off when he lost his balance and started to fall.

Several guys standing around the table caught him before he fell.

Everyone was laughing.

 

 

 

In A Little While

Chapter 5

 

 

 

 

“I am huge!”

 

Helen was getting ready for a dinner with her friends and Guy was going out with Will, Chris and Jonny. They both needed some time to be with their respective friends. They spent their days together, either at Guy’s place or walking through the park, enjoying each other’s company whenever they weren’t working. It was something they weren’t used to. They were loners, they liked to have to their time, their space. This mutual respect for each other’s nature made them even closer.

 

However, they were still adjusting their lives to this change. They didn’t want to move too fast. They were still relatively unsure of their true feelings and, as much time as they spent together, they were still getting to know each other. And in a couple of months they were having a baby.

 

“You’re not huge. You’re just pregnant. Carrying a baby for seven months doesn’t make you huge, it makes you… beautiful.” Guy said, sincerely, looking up from his magazine.

 

Helen looked at him and smiled through her tears. “You’re so nice to me. And I have been so annoying to be around these past months.” She finished, reaching for the tissues.

 

Guy walked towards her, involved her in a hug from behind, and put his head on her shoulder to kiss her neck, whispering. “Not be a smart ass but you were kinda annoying even before that. It’s just who you are.” He added, grinning.

 

She shrugged away from him, turning to look at him, staring menacingly at the father-to-be. “Maybe there’s a reason. Maybe it’s just to go along with your personality.”

 

“Oh, don’t be mad at me, I was just kidding.”

 

“Well, I hope you enjoyed it because now I just want you to get the hell away from my sight!” She said, collecting her purse and leaving her bedroom. Guy followed her out the door.

 

“Come on, you know I don’t find you annoying, I was just joking. I’m sorry.” He grabbed her and turned her to look at him, surprised to find her crying again.

 

“This is exactly what I was talking about. You’re so sweet to me and I’m just this gigantic, emotional mess.” Her lips were trembling and she laid her head on Guy’s chest, exhaling softly against his shirt, taking in his fresh scent.

 

“It’s normal you’re feeling like this. And that’s why it’s my job to make you calm and relaxed. I don’t have to go through the intense pain of labor, I don’t have to carry this little guy for nine months and everything that comes with it.”

 

Her look of horror told him he did not calm her, he just increased her fears.

 

“I mean, it’s an amazing thing and you have no idea how strong you are for doing that and how much I admire you. I’m just saying I’m glad to be here to make things easier for you.”

 

“Good. Cause when he gets here, you’re dealing with the diapers.” She declared, pecking him on the lips, laughing.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Okay, so we know you need names.” Chris started, sitting closer to Guy. “That’s why I took the liberty to think of a few, you know, to help you out.”

 

Jonny and Will glanced at each other, smirking.

 

They were all enjoying a dinner on a quiet, small restaurant. Chris barely touched his food, always talking over himself, leaving the other three men with nothing to do but eat. Fine by me, Guy thought.

 

“Okay.” He responded. “Shoot.”

 

Chris clapped his hands excitedly, pulling a list out his pants. “Alright, now we’re talking.” He said, looking proudly at his list. “Since you guys are having a boy, I’m ruling out the girls’ names list, but man, let me tell you, there are some great names out there for little girls.” He said, earnestly, looking at the other three men. “I’ll say them and you say YES or NO. First one: Gajijens!”

 

“No.”

 

“Zebadhia.”

 

“No.”

 

“Maynard.”

 

“No.

 

“Findlay.”

 

“No. And please stop. Thanks for trying but I think Helen and I will decide that together.”

 

“Oh.” Chris looked disappointedly at his list, folded it and put it back in his pocket. “Well, I guess I’ll have to save this one for somebody else.”

 

“I’m sorry man, but those are very… unique, you know? And I think we’re going with something more common.” He explained, trying to cheer Chris up.

 

“I can only imagine what the rest of the list had in there.” Will muttered, so only Jonny could hear him.

 

“Thank God I already have a daughter.” Jonny remarked, in agreement.

 

“What are you two ladies whispering there?” Chris asked, already in a brighter mood.

 

“Nothing. Let’s go to my place and hang out there.” Jonny suggested.

 

 

 

It's slow now......here's another chapter.

 

 

Chapter 3

 

The Wedding

 

 

 

 

It was several hours later before Fab and Guy actually got to talk to each other.

"Let's dance," Fab told him.

He slipped his arms around Guy and Guy laid his head on Fab's shoulder.

"I am so fucking drunk," Guy said.

"You must be," Fab said, "Your language has gone to hell."

They both laughed.

"How did I ever do this all the time?" Guy asked.

"You were much younger and much stupider," Fab said, kissing him on the head.

"I dance much better when I am drunk." Guy said.

Fab looked at him and smiled.

"You are so cute when you slur your words," he said.

"Have I ever told you that I think you are sexy," Guy said.

"Once or twice," Fab said.

"Have I ever told you that I think you are very smart?" Guy asked.

"No, you haven't," Fab said.

"Have I ever told you that I think you are really talented?" Guy asked.

"No," Fab said, "I think I should get you drunk more often."

"No, I don't think so," Guy said.

"Why not?"

"Because I think I am going to be sick," Guy told him.

Fab laughed.

"Come on sweetie," he said, "let's go outside."

Fab took Guy by the hand and led him toward the door.

Outside, he leaned Guy against the wall of the pub.

"Will you light me a cigarette?" Guy asked.

Fab did as he asked.

Guy took a long drag on it, inhaling the smoke.

"That's better," he said.

Fab took the cigarette out of Guy's hand and threw it on the ground, stomping it to make sure it was out.

"Why did you do that?" Guy asked.

"You are drunk," Fab said, "I thought I might try and take advantage of you."

"Why aren't you a man of baseless morals?" Guy said.

"Around you I am," Fab teased.

He stepped close to Guy and leaned in to kiss him.

"I love you," Guy said.

Fab put his hand on Guys' neck and pulled him close to him.

"I love you and in a few hours we will get married."

 

 

The Wedding

 

Chapter 4

 

 

 

Guy woke up on the floor of the living room.

There was bodies scattered as far as he could see.

He stood up slowly and found he had a terrific headache.

He found his way to the restroom without stepping on any sleeping forms.

After he used the restroom and washed his face he made his way down to

the master bedroom.

Fab was still sleeping.

Guy undressed and got into bed, snuggling up next to Fab.

Fab turned over and put his arms around him.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Like shit," Guy said.

"Anyone else awake?" Fab asked.

"They all looked unconscious to me," Guy said, "What time is it?"

"A little after six," Fab said.

"We are picking up the kids at ten right?" Guy asked.

"Yeah."

"I hope I feel better by then. I don't want them to see me all hung-over," Guy said.

Then he asked, "How are you?"

"I am a little tired."

"Did you drink anything?"

"I think I had part of one beer."

"I'm proud of you," Guy said.

"Well, you know I'm not supposed to drink with the medicine and all so I thought I should behave."

Fab moved his arm a little and Guy saw a purple bruise.

He sat up.

"What's this?" he asked.

"Oh, that's when Nick and I were wrestling in the floor yesterday," he answered.

Guy didn't say anything.

He just kept looking at the mark.

"Relax," Fab told him, "It's nothing. My last check-up was good. Remember?"

"Yeah, I remember," Guy said.

 

 

I don't know if someone's still reading this but hey :shrug:. The last two chapters!

 

A Story You Don't Wanna Read

Part VIII

 

 

« Naaaaah! My squirrels!! » Chris broke into sobs and fell on his knees. « Why, why, why me!!? » Jon didn’t know what to do; he didn’t even want to look down there to see that atrocity. So he patted Chris’ shoulder. « Stop crying, man, I’ll…I’ll buy you a new squirrel. »

Chris stopped crying and looked up at Jon. « Really? » He sniffed.

« Yeah, really. But only if you follow me to the bakery first. »

« Okay. » Chris said, getting up and brushing the dirt out of his clothes. Phil suddenly appeared out of nowhere (mainly because the author forgot he was there too) and walked to the hole. « Hey man, I was wondering if you got to- ewww. What happened there? »

Jon rolled his eyes. « Uh, squirrel war. Now let’s get out of here before we have more problems. »

Phil was still looking into the hole. « Hmm…it seems nobody won. Well- maybe that squirrel climbing over here- D’AAH! It’s a bug! EVERYBODY RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! » and with that Phil started to run at nowhere in particular, arms in the air. Jon just ignored that last bit. Okay. I don’t know him. He then looked at Chris, who was trying to count the cars as he walked next to him. « One. Two. Three- FOUR! FIVE! SIX-SEV-EIGHT NINE! WHEEE! » …Neither him. The only little problem was that he was holding Chris’ sleeve. So indeed it looked like he knew him. Oh, crap.

 

Will and Guy were certainly not expecting Jon to bring a dirty Chris back to the studio. Guy walked towards them, frowning. « What the hell hap-» He paused a while. « No. Forget it, I don’t wanna know. »

« Good initiative. » said Jon. « You wouldn’t. »

« Has anyone got killed, at least? » asked Will.

« Hmm…no. Some squirrels did, though. »

Chris sat on the couch, and Will flinched. « No, Chris, get up. »

Chris looked at him in total confusion. « Why Will? Are we going somewhere? »

« No, » said Will. « I don’t want you to stain our white couch! »

Chris raised his arm and looked at the place it had just been. It indeed was all brown and dirty compared to the immaculate white that had been there some minutes ago. « Well, I always thought this couch was too white anyway. »

Will sighed and Jon could feel he was getting angry. So he grabbed Chris’ arm and pulled him towards him. « Anyway. Chris and I are going somewhere today. Eh, Chris? »

Chris’ face seemed to illuminate immediately.

« …And Guy’s coming. Right, Guy? »

Guy, who was working on his bass all that time in a corner of the room, raised his eyes and said: « Eh? Me? Where? »

« You’re coming with Chris and me. To the pet shop. »

« The pet shop? But-»

Chris grabbed Guy’s bass and held it over his head. « Pleeeease Guy?? »

Guy was looking at his bass with fear. « Okay, okay, Chris I’m coming but put the bass down! »

 

 

 

A Story You Don't Wanna Read

Part IX

 

 

There was one little detail that had to be fixed before going: Chris was a mess. He smelled bad, too. Something in between dirt and a squirrel scent. So Jon had to oblige him to take a shower in exchange of a chocolate. Chris had jumped in the shower but kept calling Jon all the time. “ Jon! The water’s too cold!” “Jon! Now it’s too hot!” “Jon! I can’t see a fuck!” “Jon!”

Jon was starting to go crazy. “Arrgh he’s not even able to take a shower on his own.”

“Yeah,” said Guy. “I bet Gwyneth has to help him all the time.”

Everyone stared at him. Guy realized what he’d just said. “Well hey. It might be true.”

“Enough gibberish for now,” said Will. “I think someone should check in there just to be sure he’s still alive.”

“Yeah,” said Jon. “He could have choked on the soap.”

“Or maybe he drank the shampoo.” Added Will. They were both staring at Guy.

“What” said Guy. “You’re not expecting me to enter there, are you?”

“Well,” Jon said. “I’m on the phone and Will’s cleaning the couch.”

Will stopped rubbing the couch with his rag. “Yeah.”

Guy frowned. “Jon?”

“Yes?”

“You’re not on the phone.”

Jon looked down at his hands and realized it was true. He quickly grabbed the phone and called some random number. “Now I am.”

Guy sighed. He was going to have to enter, it seemed. “Thank you guys.”

“Whenever you want, mate” said both Jon and Will.

 

Guy slowly opened the door. “Chris? Can I enter?” There was no response. Holy crap, Guy thought. That’s it, he choked on the soap. He got in and stepped on water. Great. My new shoes are ruined. He headed towards the shower, and suddenly Chris’ head appeared there. Thankfully, his body was hidden behind the curtain.

“Hey Guy! Whatta hell are you doing here?”

“Erm…I came to make sure you didn’t cho- you didn’t need anything.” He said.

“Well, there’s a spider in the shower…” said Chris, looking scared all of a sudden. “Can you come and smash it pleeeeease?”

Guy stared at him in total whatthefuckness. “Sorry man, I’m not entering there.”

“Then call Jon! He won’t mind!”

Guy raised an eyebrow. “He won’t?”

“Of course not! Just call him, would you! That’s spider’s looking kinda wrong at me.”

Guy got out of the bathroom wondering if he should be freaked out or laughing like a psychopath.

 

The End.

Or is it?:thinking:

 

 

So, this is the last part! I hope you enjoy it, my creativity was at its lowest point when I wrote it but I didn't want to fuss with this :D Anyway, there you go!

 

In A Little While

Chapter 6

 

 

 

 

 

“Guy.” Helen whispered, sitting up in bed and shaking him. “Guy.”

 

“Mmmhh?” Guy murmured, stirring in his sleep.

 

“My water just broke.”

 

“WHAT?!” He shrieked, his eyes wide. “Oh my God! We have to go the hospital, we need to take the bag for the baby, we need to call our parents and the guys, we need to… Oh My God, I need to sit down for a second!” He said, his breath short and heavy.

 

“My goodness, calm down! I’m the one who will be popping a baby soon and I’m not freaking out. Yet.” Helen said, changing her clothes and getting ready to go.

 

“I’m sorry. I’ll gather all the stuff we need and call everyone.” Guy told her, leaving the bedroom, forcing himself to stay cool. “Come on, man, breathe, breathe.” He said to himself. Those Lamaze classes had to be useful sometime.

 

“Guy!” Helen called. “Can we go now? Do you have the bags?”

 

“Yeah, let’s go.” He said, two bags on his shoulders, reaching for Helen’s hand, holding it gently as they rushed to the car.

 

 

It was 1 in the morning and they drove through the almost deserted roads, when Green Eyes came on the radio they were listening to.

 

“You know, next tour, we’ll play this song for you.” Guy promised, smiling at her.

 

“Oh, for crying out loud! I’m in pain!” She shouted at him, throughout a contraction. “I don’t care about that! You could play Bitch that I wouldn’t care!”

 

“Okay.” He said, quickly, fearing that saying something else would anger her even more.

 

“And please just speed up already. What are you, an old lady driving?” She asked him, staring at him.

 

“Calm down, remember the exercises we learned. Breathe, breathe. Come on, let’s breathe together.” Guy instructed her, trying to soothe her nerves.

 

“Okay, I’m breathing. Breathing. Breathing.” Her voice cracked at the end.

 

“Why are you crying, baby?” Guy asked her, worriedly.

 

“I forgot to wax my legs.” She said, crying. “And our baby is going to be born and his mother is going to look like a stupid fury animal!”

 

“No, you’re not, don’t worry. The important thing is that we’re going to meet him today, finally.” Guy reassured her. “And you look sexier than ever.”

 

“Don’t say that when you can’t do anything about it.”

 

“I can do something. I can help you out the car cause we’re here.” He said, quickly parking the car, taking the bags with him and helping Helen get out of the car, moving towards the entrance of the hospital.

 

This is it! I’m gonna be a father.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Guy had hated hospitals for his whole life. But now, standing in a hospital room, sitting on the edge of a hospital bed, staring at his child in his mother’s arms, he couldn’t be happier. It was everything he wished for and he felt overwhelmed by his feelings of pure joy and gratefulness, of love and heartfelt commitment to the sleeping woman and boy that made his life complete at that moment.

 

Silently, he moved over to where his camera lay, preparing to take a photo of Helen and David Berryman. That sounded so right. Guy, Helen and David Berryman. He smiled as he repeated the words in a whisper.

 

Distracted as he was, he only noticed the arrival of his band mates when they all patted him on the back, congratulating him on the birth of his son. Son. He was trapped again in his own little world, his musings going back to his girlfriend and son.

 

“He has your cheeks.” Chris said, going to look closer at the newborn. “Oh man, he even has that ‘I’m-sexy-and-I don’t-care’ look you have on your face all the time.”

 

The other three men laughed at his observation.

 

“Have you named him yet?” Jonny asked Guy, not taking his eyes from his friend’s son.

 

“David. David Jones Berryman.” Guy said, proudly.

 

“Strong name. I like it.” Will nodded his head in approval.

 

“Well, even though you didn’t accept any of my ideas, original as they were, I think it’s quite appropriate for him.” Chris said.

 

“Of course it is, I chose it.” Guy remarked.

 

“Yeah, you wish.” Helen said, opening her eyes and yawning slightly. “Tell them what your suggestion was.”

 

“What? I didn’t… uh, suggest anything… else..” He stuttered, embarrassedly.

 

“Please, just admit it.” Helen said, grinning at his embarrassment. “He wanted the boy to have your names: William Christopher Jonathan.” She announced, laughingly. “Can you believe that?”

 

However, the other three men in the room didn’t laugh. They just stared at the bass player, tears in their eyes, Chris going to the extreme of pulling his handkerchief and two more, which Jonny and Will gladly accepted.

 

“I wasn’t ready for this, man.” Chris said, through his sobs. “You are not supposed to be as cheesy as the rest of us.”

 

“What? Do you think I’m a freaking robot?” Guy asked, his own tears shining in his eyes. “I thought it would be a good way to show how much you guys mean to me but it didn’t work out.”

 

“It doesn’t matter, what counts is the thought.” Will said, brushing away his tears.

 

“Exactly.” Jonny agreed.

 

Next thing they know, they were involved in a group hug.

 

“Looks like your other mommy and aunts are too busy to see I’m breastfeeding.” Helen whispered, gazing lovingly at David.

 

This was what Guy wanted and longed for his entire life. And it only took a little while. In a little while his life had changed. Now, he had what he hoped for. Everything was different in his life. Sure, he still had bad days; he still had moments of sadness just like everybody else in the world.

 

But he had something to fight for, something to live and die for.

 

Something he called family and friends.

 

 

 

In My Place

Part 5

 

 

Remember the 3 asterisks(***) mean it's a flashback

 

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It was getting chillier outside. I should have worn a warmer jacket, silly me. I wrapped my thin sweater closer to my body, hugging myself tight to keep the warmth in. I didn’t want to get up from this bench. I sighed again. Where was I in the story?... Oh yeah, my date.

 

***

So, I went over to Christine’s three hours early to take my shower (she had hot water!), find some clothes, and get my hair and makeup done for me. I couldn’t tell you how excited she was for me. I was starting to believe that she was happier than I was. Sure I was excited, nervous, the whole bit; but I couldn’t get Chris’s face out of my head.

 

I was supposed to meet him at the spot where we had collided. As he called it, it was the spot where I ‘fell’ for him. But we all know he was the one to fall for me. I took one last look in the mirror before I left. Christine worked really hard on me I could tell because I thought I looked pretty. My hair was curled and half up, half down. I had this little comb clipped into my hair. It was Christine’s mother’s clip before she had passed away. Christine said she wore it before any date and that it was good luck. My make up was flattering to my hazel eyes. It really brought them out. My cheeks were pink, and my face was a shade of natural bronze.

 

My outfit was out of this world. I never thought it would fit me, but apparently I am the same size as Christine. Thank God, because if not I did not have the right attire for the evening. It was a very fancy restaurant that we were supposed to be going to. I was wearing this beautiful blue dress, short but not skanky. It had little straps and a little white throw over to cover my shoulders. We painted my toes and nails French style, and I was in little heals. I would have killed myself and anyone around me if I had gone any bigger with the shoes. I headed out the door, hugged my best friend and ventured off to that magical park.

 

***

 

Just then, my phone started to ring. The silence was broken. My little dream was gone. I looked down. “What the fuck does he want?”

 

I pressed ignore and thought more about my first date, ever.

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I wiped away one tear that fell down my cheek and turned to look at my friends. They were staring at me silently because they wanted to hear more of the story.

 

“Guys, I am really worried about her I don’t know where she is.” My eyes had that glassy feeling you get before you are about to really break down.

 

“Call her then. Guy and me? Well go down stairs and look outside to see if she’s sitting out front. By then you should be off the phone. Then we will come back up here and get some answers!” He put his hand on my shoulder. He spoke softer as Guy headed towards the door, I was the only one who could hear him. “You have been doing great. Doesn’t it feel better to get this off your shoulder?”

 

I nodded and looked down, another single tear rolled down my face. I heard the door to our room shut. They were gone and I was alone. I picked up my cell phone and called her number. A few rings and then her answering machine. She ignored my call. Please answer Rachel. I begged. Please?

 

I decided I would call again and then give up for a while. If she wanted her time she could have it, but I wanted to at least say I tried before giving up. What I did was wrong, but there was a logical explanation of course. Right?

 

I sat in the dark a few more moments and made my way to the balcony. It was a cool night outside. Fall, but winter was on its way. This reminded me of the time before I had her. Where I would dream and wish she were there with me walking or sitting on that balcony. We were laughing and I was holding her in my arms. It was great. I never understood the term love at first sight until I laid my eyes on her. I sighed, pushed the thought out of my head, and redialed her number. After it was about to pick up her voicemail, a faint hurt voice said, “….hello?”

 

There were so many things I could say there. But all I could get out was, “Rachel!....”

 

It was silent on the other end.

 

“Listen. I-“

 

She interrupted me. I shut up quickly. I wanted to hear her voice. “Chris I just need some time to myself to think okay? I don’t even know why I answered, but I did. So do myself and yourself a favor and leave me alone. I want to be alone.”

 

Wow that was blunt and to the point. “Okay, I understand. Goodbye Rach-“

 

She had already hung up.

 

Okay, so I didn’t get to apologize, spill my heart out, explain things and beg for her and her forgiveness. But, she answered and she was okay. That was all I was concerned with at the moment.

 

I turned around to walk back in the room and sit back down but I ran into Jonny and Guy they looked sad that they hadn’t seen her. I explained the message and we all sat on the floor of the balcony cross legged, like we used to in the old days.

 

“So…?” Guy looked at me raising his eyebrows.

 

“What?” I was confused.

 

“Finish the damn story Prince Charming.” I laughed, I couldn’t help myself. He was ridiculous. Jonny smiled at my reaction.

 

“So on the plane ride over to the city, I was very antsy.” I really had known the feeling of butterflies in my stomach.

 

Both Guy and Jonny stared at me with excitement in their eyes. They looked like little kids waiting for candy or a new toy. They were really interested? Probably to make me feel better, but I was on a role. I had to admit this story was pretty good.

 

I smiled and returned to the great memories in my head.

 

 

If Only You Knew

PART FIVE

 

 

 

 

"I've cleaned up the whole house, it's taken hours, but it is done!" Jonny said, walking down the stairs to the sight of his brand new wife gulping down a huge bottle of wine.

"Fandabbydozy!" Anna replied, belching as she sat up from the kitchen chair, stumbling over and smashing the wine bottle on the floor. Jonny sighed as he approached her, looking around at the state of the kitchen.

"I've had enough, Anna! You've told me to make this house presentable and then you mess up the kitchen and get drunk!" Jonny exclaimed. Anna slowly walked towards her husband, staring him daggers in the eyes.

"What are you scared of, Jonny?" Anna asked, unsteady on her feet, propping herself up against Jonny's chest.

"Me? Well, I'm not scared of anything!" Jonny replied, less than modestly.

"Wanna bet?" Anna whispered into Jonny's ear before pushing him onto the stairs.

 

-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

 

The doorbell rang. Anna ran to the door. "The guests are here!" she said. "Jonny quickly clean up the mess in the kitchen!"Anna opened the door and greeted her friends, leaving Jonny in the kitchen.

 

Looking around, making sure he was alone, Jonny reached for the home phone. "Chris for gods sake! Turn your bloody phone on! I need to talk!" Jonny demanded, lowering his voice before slamming down the phone, looking around and grabbing the phone book. Jonny skimmed the phone book for the word 'Holidays'. One advertisement screamed out at him, "Your wife will love it! Spain!". Jonny smiled, as he typed the number into the phone and rang.

"Jonny!" Anna shouted. Jonny jumped and dropped the phone as Anna approached him. "Jonny, what the hell are you doing?"