Rock and Roll Ruined My Life
Dinner and a Show?
Rock And Roll Ruined My Life - Chapter 29 – Dinner and a Show?
I felt my face contort into one of sheer confusion and surprise as I stared at the faces of three people; two guys and a girl. The girl was dressed normally in jeans and a t-shirt. Her eye makeup was a little much and her hair was up in two ponytails but other than that she looked about Lindsey’s age. She was also a little robust and short.
The guy next to her was also a little heavy set, but he had normal black hair and was wearing John Lennon glasses, a jean jacket with a lot of patches on it, blue boot cut jeans, and worn out converses.
The last guy was just a creature all his own. He was holding a case of beer and his hair was in dread locks, which were gelled up so that each one formed a halo of spikes around his head. He was wearing hot pink skinny jeans, a loose, red muscle shirt, and checkerboard Vans. What surprised me the most was: he wasn’t wearing a jacket! At least the other two had the sense to toss one on; but he just stood there, as if it were a bright summer day.
I shook my head of commentary and plastered on a smile.
“Hello! Come on in!” I said stepping out of the way.
“You must be Juliet!” The lady said stepping up to me and pulling me down in a hug.
“Yeah,” I nodded sheepishly. I kind of felt bad that I didn’t know their names.
“What’s up? I’m Steve,” the guy with the John Lennon glasses said giving me a side hug as he stepped in.
“I’m Jimmy. Nice shirt,” the last guy said moving the beer over to his other arm while he pulled me into a hug. I was ready to squirm away as soon as he said ‘Jimmy’, but I held my composure.
“Thank you,” I replied giving a small smile.
The Steve and the girl opened the closet and hung their own jackets up. My mind went into panic mode. Now what am I gunna’ say? What am I gunna’ do? Why did they have to hang up their own jackets?!
“Umm…I’ll take that,” I said grabbing the pack of beer from Jimmy. “If you don’t mind taking off your shoes,” I said gesturing to the empty carpet space. They all kicked off their shoes. It was awkward how in sync they were for such… messy people.
“Just follow me, they’re in the living room.” I took the lead and walked right through the front room and straight into the living room. All of the talking stopped.
“Whoa buddy! Jules got the good stuff!” Frank yelled. Everyone shot him a look and he burst into giggles. I rolled my eyes and kept on walking into the kitchen.
“Jimmy! Kitty! Steve!” I heard Lindsey yell and tackle her apparent band-mates.
‘I should have figured that,’ I thought to myself. I took the bag of cheese doodles, a bottle of Dr. Pepper, and plastic cups and ran upstairs to my room where everyone was still chit chatting and talking away.
“Sorry about that, guys!” I said setting down the soda and cups on my dresser. I saw Billie clap his hands twice and I tossed him the bag of cheese doodles which he, Tom, and Kat attacked. Juliana got up and got some soda.
‘Should I tell them that there are a bunch of bands downstairs?’ I asked myself as I sat back down on my bed next to Tom.
“Guys…” I said trying to call their attention. Everyone looked at me.
“As you all know, my legal guardians are My Chemical Romance.” they all nodded in agreement.
“Well… they’re-sort-of-going-on-a-tour-and-a-bunch-of-bands-are-gunna’-be-here-tonight.” I finished in a rush.
“Who’s gunna’ be here?” Billie asked.
“I have no idea but so far its just MCR and Mindless Self Indulgence,” I said shrugging.
“Oh my God! The rest of them are here?!” Juliana said sitting up straight.
“Yeah,” I nodded. She grabbed Billie’s arm and started fan-girling. I couldn’t help but laugh. Juliana did not seem like the type of person who would listen to such a weird band. Then again, Lindsey didn’t look like she was part of a weird band all the time so I guess it made sense.
“We’ll wait for more people to come over then we’ll go downstairs,” I said. It sounded more like a question though.
“Alright!” They replied.
“Who else do you think is gunna’ come over?” Kat asked.
“Well, Gerard said that the tour company, Musical Revenge, wants a band from each genre of rock. So MCR would be the regular rock part, and MSI would be the… un-nameable group. So what other genres are left?”
“There’s screamo, punk, and alternative. But there are so many types of rock; it’s hard to say,” Billie shook his head in thought.
“I think they’ll stick with the ones Billie said,” Tom said. Everyone nodded in agreement.
“So what groups are punk or alternative?”
“Paramore?” Juliana said. Everyone in the room sat up straight.
“Oh my God if Paramore comes to your house, I will die!” Kat yelled.
“Me too!” I said grabbing onto Tom’s arm in excitement.
“I don’t think we should get our hopes up too soon,” Billie said. We all sat back in our seats.
“Yeah, it will just make things worse if we do,” I agreed.
“Got any music to put on?” Tom asked me.
“Yeah I’ll put on some Blink,” I said getting up and popping in ‘Enema of the State’ and turning it up as loud as I could without making it hard to have a conversation.
Immediately everyone began singing along.
ALL THE, SMALL THINGS,
TRUE CARE, TRUTH BRINGS,
I’LL TAKE, ONE LIFT
YOUR RIDE, BEST TRIP!
“Nice choice!” Billie said pulling Juliana up from her chair so that they could dance. I pushed all of the chairs against the wall, turned off my ceiling lights, turned on my two lamps on opposite sides of the room and pulled Tom and Kat up off their chairs and we danced in a little circle.
ALWAYS, I KNOW
YOU’LL BE AT MY SHOW,
WATCHING, WAITING, COMMISERATING!
I was having so much fun that I could barely hear Lindsey calling me to get the door. I ignored it and kept dancing. I was not anyone’s slave!
SAY IT AIN’T SO, I WILL NOT GO,
TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, CARRY ME HOME,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA!
LATE NIGHT, COME HOME,
WORK SUCKS, I KNOW,
SHE LEFT ME ROSES BY THE STAIRS,
SUPRISES LET ME KNOW SHE CARES
SAY IT AIN’T SO, I WILL NOT GO,
TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, CARRY ME HOME,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA!
SAY IT AIN’T SO, I WILL NOT GO,
TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, CARRY ME HOME,
KEEP YOUR HEAD STILL, I’LL BE YOUR THRILL,
THE NIGHT WILL GO ON, MY LITTLE WINDMILL,
SAY IT AIN’T SO, I WILL NOT GO,
TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, CARRY ME HOME,
KEEP YOU HEAD STILL, I’LL BE YOUR THRILL,
THE NIGHT WILL GO ON, THE NIGHT WILL GO ON,
MY LITTLE WINDMILL!
The song ended and everyone high-fived each other. We were all starting to sweat.
I opened up the windows and pulled up the shades and curtains so that a full breeze could flow through. I picked up my cup of Dr. Pepper and took a sip. I motioned to Kat to turn down the volume. ‘The Party Song’ became background noise as we all cooled off.
“JULES!” I heard my name being called from downstairs. I sighed and went halfway down the steps.
“WHAT HAPPENED?” I called out.
“GET THE DOOR, PLEASE!”
“Ughhhhhh,” I sighed as I walked down and looked through the peep hole. I held a hand over my mouth. ‘Kat is going to flip!’ I pulled my face into a smile and opened the door.
“Hey guys! Come on in!” I said as I stepped out of the way of Matthew Sanders and the rest of Avenged Sevenfold.
Every single guy was holding at least two cases of alcoholic beverages. ‘Holy Shit.’
“I’ll take your jackets,” I smiled.
“Thanks,” Brian said as I helped him shrug out of his jacket. I had to do the same for everyone else.
“Nice shirt!” Matt grinned. The rest of the guys read it and chuckled.
“Ha ha thanks! After you kick off your shoes follow me this way,” I said taking them into the kitchen.
Matt and Zack were the first ones in so I pointed them toward the living room. Brian and Johnny were next. Finally Jimmy walked into the kitchen. He had two packs of Mike’s Hard Lemonade and a 6 pack of Coors Light. He made a show of creeping toward me on his tippy-toes; I laughed. My laughter was cut short when he placed the three cases in. my. arms.
“I know for a fact you and your friends don’t want to drink soda,” he said, winking at me. I felt my mouth gape open.
“Go! Before anyone else walks in here,” he said giving me a shove toward the steps.
“Have fun, kid!” I heard him say before he walked into the living room. I looked down at the cases. ‘Should I bring them up?’ I asked myself. I finally decided I would but I’d tell them to wait until dinner because by then everyone else will be drunk.
I ran upstairs and threw open my bedroom door. Everyone stopped talking and ran up to me trying to get at the cases.
“Ah! No! We have to wait until dinner is over!” I said setting everything down on the floor. Everyone sighed in annoyance.
“How did you get those?”
“The Rev gave them to me,” I smiled. Everyone freaked out, including Tom.
“AVENGED SEVENFOLD IS HERE?!” They exclaimed.
“Yeah!” I squealed in excitement.
“OhmyGod, ohmyGod, ohmyGod!” Kat fan-girled as she bent down and hugged the case of beer.
“Why are you hugging the beer? You can just give all of them hugs when we go down to dinner!” I laughed.
By now everyone was hyped up at the fact that one: there would be drinking; and two: all of our favorite bands were here.
I went over to the CD player and switched over to Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Soon enough we were all dancing again. This time Billie and Juliana took Kat and it was just Tom and I. He held out his hands, I took them and together we jumped up and down to the beat. It might not have been the most romantic thing in the world, but it was a step closer to real. Real was what I needed right now.
‘First Date’ came on and we both burst into laughter. It really was the perfect song for this moment because, basically, it was a First Date. We were together but in a room full of people, Tom probably didn’t want to dance, and I knew that there were still a lot of things I had to tell him.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Everyone froze. I saw the beer in the corner and began searching for something discreet to throw over it. Billie and Tom got the hint and tore off their hoodies and tossed them over just as the door opened. It was Bob.
“Dinner’s ready guys,” he said before turning and walking back down the hall.
“I guess everyone’s here,” I said more to myself than anyone. Suddenly a thought came to me. “Guys, remember, you cannot freak out when you go downstairs, okay?” They all nodded and I took the lead down the steps.
I wanted to run back up as soon as I saw who was standing in the foyer. I felt my face flush and my mouth fall open. ‘This is a dream,’ I told myself as Rian, Jack, Alex, and Zack walked over to me and gave me a hug a piece.
“I- I didn’t know you guys were gunna be here!” I stammered. They all laughed.
“We thought it would be a nice surprise,” Alex smiled.
“You got me, that’s for sure,” I muttered. The rest of my friends stood in the foyer looking confused. I suddenly remembered that they had no idea who they were.
“Guys, this is Alex, Zack, Rian, and Jack,” they waved at my friends who returned the gesture awkwardly, “They’re part of the group All Time Low. They’re part of the tour?” I said the last part like a question.
“No, no, we were just invited by Gerard and Lindsey to come and hang out,” Alex said.
“Oh okay, that’s cool!” I nodded. “Why don’t you guys take off your shoes and I’ll get your jackets. You guys can head into the kitchen I’ll be right there,” I said to the gang. They shuffled out slowly.
“I love your shirt!” Jack complimented me. I felt my face blush.
“Thanks,” I replied taking his jacket.
“So how did you guys get here?” I asked as I waited for the rest of the guys to hand me their jackets.
“We are living on the far side of Jersey right now, so we just drove over,” Jack smiled. He was so unbelievingly attractive, oh my good Lord.
“That’s a pretty easy drive,” I said as I reached over to take Alex and Rian’s jackets. I felt all of their eyes on me the entire time as I leaned over to reach for a hanger. Hormones much? Once Zack passed me his jacket I lead the way into the kitchen where Lindsey had set up a sort of buffet kind of thing.
“Help yourselves!” I gestured to the food smiling before going off and finding Mikey. I was ready to kill the man. He was talking to Steve and Zack.
“Mikey, could I talk to you for a sec?” I asked. He took a sip of his beer and nodded and we took a few steps away from the others. I couldn’t tell how far off he was, but I was hoping he’d sense my embarrassment and hurt.
“Why didn’t you tell me that All Time Low was coming here?” He took another sip of his beer to gather his thoughts.
“Gerard and Lindsey thought it would be a nice surprise.” Wow big News Flash there.
“But you know how I feel about them,” I said.
“Look, if you can’t be yourself around them, how are they ever going to get close to you? You need to calm down. Have something to drink if you have to,” he gestured to his beer, “go ahead I won’t tell anyone.” I sighed. Even though he was buzzed, he was right.
“Okay, thanks Mikey. Have fun,” I said walking away, no trace of a smile on my face.
I grabbed a plate and piled food on it. Anxiety eating in front of your three crushes wasn’t exactly the greatest idea, but, hey, it had to be done. I saw the guys and my friends standing in different groups on the same side of the wall. I walked over to the guys.
“Come on over! My friends don’t bite!” I smiled. We walked over and no one was talking, not even Kat. They were all too busy eating. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Is the food good, guys?” I asked. They all nodded, sauce dripping down their chins.
“This is amazing!” Kat exclaimed.
“Does your mom cook like this all the time?” Juliana asked.
“Yeah, basically,” I chuckled, digging into my own plate.
“Oh! This is amazing,” Rian said as he ate a fork-full of spaghetti and meat sauce.
“Don’t thank me, thank Lindsey,” I laughed.
I noticed Jimmy sitting down on the couch with Gerard, Ray, and the other Jimmy. He caught my eye and gave me a why-are-you-all-still-sober? look. I motioned to everyone around then the plate and then looked up to the ceiling to tell him about my plan. He nodded then motioned to hurry up so that we could get some party time in. I saluted him to show him I would carry it out and he laughed. I turned back to my friends.
“As much as I would love for us to hang out with a bunch of drunk, famous people, I would like to remind you all that there are things waiting for us upstairs.” I winked.
Tom, Billie, Juliana, and Kat all nodded and ate faster. The guys looked at each other confused but continued to hurry up and eat anyways. I laughed at their confusion and pointed to the pile of beer in the corner then upstairs and winked again.
Alex and Jack understood and I could see them getting excited. We all finished in less than five minutes. I took the lead in walking briskly through the living room. The Rev gave us all high-fives as we passed. We almost knocked him off the couch that’s how drunk he was, and how excited we were.
I pushed open my door and opened the Coors Light first.
“This is for the hard core party people,” I jokingly said, setting some on my dresser. Five of them had disappeared when I came back up with a few Mike’s Hard Lemonades.
“And these are for the ones who have a curfew,” I smiled. Two of those disappeared.
“What are you gunna’ have?” Alex asked me in an amused voice. I guess I came across as a naïve kid to him. I felt my heart sink the tiniest bit as this processed in my mind. But I quickly recovered and gained back my respect by grabbing a can of Coors Light, popping it open, and taking a swig.
“Oh ho ho! Look at this one!” He exclaimed bringing all eyes to me. I felt myself blush as everyone turned to see me with a Coors in my hand. Everyone gave me the same surprised look.
“Come on guys, really? You don’t think I can take it?” I rolled my eyes and took another swig as I walked over to the CD player and blasted ‘Anthem Part Two’. The music was so loud that the floor was vibrating with sound. I’m sure no one downstairs cared because one: they were probably all drunk and two: they would eventually get around to playing their own music anyways.
“This is one of my favorite bands!” I heard Jack yell to me.
“Me too!” I smiled.
“Aren’t you gunna dance?” he asked. This question tore me because I had been dancing with Tom. I looked around and saw him talking to Zack. They were both quiet guys so I’m sure they got along fine. The only question was, would it seem like I’m “cheating” on him if I danced with Jack or Alex or any other guy except for Billie?
Jack saw my resentment and grabbed my hand.
“One dance, Juliet?” He asked me through his eyelashes. I felt my heart skip a beat. The thought of dancing with Jack just put me over the edge.
“Sure,” I smiled, my heart racing a thousand miles a minute.
WE REALLY NEED TO, SEE THIS THROUGH,
WE NEVER WANTED, TO BE ABUSED,
WE’LL NEVER GIVE UP, IT’S NO USE,
IF WE’RE FUCKED UP, YOU’RE TO BLAME!
Surprisingly, I felt more comfortable dancing with Jack than I did with Tom. It just felt so awesome and exhilarating. It felt like being stuck in the rush you get when you get dropped on a rollercoaster.
LET THIS TRAIN WRECK BURN MORE SLOWLY,
KIDS ARE VICTIMS, IN THIS STORY,
DROWN OUR YOUTH WITH USELESS WARNINGS,
TEENAGE RULES, THEY’RE FUCKED AND BORING!
I felt the alcohol start to muddle my senses as everything became a little more jilted. The song ended and we all rushed over to my dresser to get another can or bottle of whatever. In the five-second pause between songs, we heard the music blasting from the first floor. The party was in full swing now. Only one problem: there was only one Coors Light left over.
“Do you want it?” Billie asked me. ‘Story of a Lonely Guy’ began to play and Juliana and Kat were already back in the middle of the room dancing.
“What will you guys drink if I take it?” I asked.
“We’ll go downstairs and get some more,” Jack said motioning to himself and Alex.
“No it has to be Billie and Zack. No one will be able to know who they are right away. Tom could go too but I don’t think we need that much. Just get one more case. Billie can be the look out and Zack can carry it.” Everyone laughed at my well devised plan.
“Alright, sounds good. Let’s go man!” Billie patted Zack on the back and they both left.
I walked over to Kat and Juliana.
“How are you guys doing?” I asked.
“We’re having so much fun! What about you? See you got some action going on over there,” Juliana nodded toward Jack who was talking to Alex. I felt my face blush in the dim lighting.
“His other friend, Zack, isn’t bad looking either!” Kat added, taking a sip from her drink.
“You should go talk to him, Kat!” Juliana and I said to in unison.
“I don’t know…”
“C’mon Kat! Give it a go! You guys might get to dance too!” He eyes widened and she took a step back.
“Noooo.”
“How are you going to get to know him if you don’t talk to him?” I asked her, using Mikey’s words almost exactly.
“I don’t know.”
“Exactamundo! You need to go and talk to him at least.”
“Okay I will!” She smiled.
“Yay!” Juliana clapped her hands.
The door opened and Zack and Billie walked in with another 6 pack of Coors. The rest of the guys cheered and went over to my dresser.
“Here you go,” Tom said passing me a can. I smiled, but my heart didn’t flutter like it used to.
“Thanks!” I smiled back.
“Do you want to dance?” Tom asked sounding kind of annoyed.
“Yeah but I want to dance with everyone at once, not just one person,” I pouted.
“So, you can dance with everyone after this song.”
“That’s what Jack said and now I feel like I’m being forced to choose who I want to spend my time with. I’m caught between the both of you!” The words flew out of my mouth before I could hold them back.
“A drunk mouth is an honest one,” he smirked.
“Look, I’m sorry, I just- just. I don’t know who I like anymore!” The conversation was taking a turn for the worst.
“Don’t be upset, I’m sorry-”
“What’s up guys?” Alex cut into the conversation. I sent him the most thankful look I could manage. He literally saved my life.
“Nothing much. What about you?” Tom asked is a callous tone. He was an angry drunk. I didn’t like that one bit…
“Nothing. I was just wondering if you could go get some more chips ‘cause we’re out,” Alex replied smoothly, placing the empty bowl in my hands.
“Sure thing!” I smiled “I’ll be right back!” I walked through my small group of friends and out my bedroom door.
I focused hard on trying not to feel dizzy as I went down the steps, but I was still new to this whole drinking thing so it was hard to tell if I looked bad or not. I didn’t think I did.
I decided I’d take a tour of all the rooms to see how they faired. The front room was dark, except for one small lamp. Some pillows were askew, but other than that, nothing was damaged.
The living room and den were two completely different stories. All of the lights were down, apart from some lamps, and there was food and people everywhere: on the floor, on the couch, sitting, falling, dancing; just everywhere.
I couldn’t help but smile as I saw Gerard dancing with Johnny and Lindsey in a sort of three way waltz to the hardcore beats of the music being played in the den by Jimmy, Matt, Zack, Ray, and Mikey. I saw the other Jimmy jumping up and down to the beat with Steve and Kitty. And Brian and Bob were just standing against the wall, not really doing much. I couldn’t tell if they had even been drinking or not.
I made it into the kitchen unnoticed and was able to grab a bag of chips. Going back was not as smooth. Just as I was about to cut through the den into the living room the music stopped and I heard my name being called on the microphone.
“Juliet!” I turned and saw the Rev standing with Mikey and the rest of the guys who had just been playing. I gulped and walked toward them as soberly as I could.
“What’s up?” I asked them.
“Mikey says you know how to play all of these instruments here. Is that true?” I nodded sheepishly.
“Why don’t you get your friends and come back down here so we can see you guys play?”
“I’m not-”
“Yeah let’s see you guys play!” the rest of the band members shouted.
“I’ll be right back,” I said, shuffling away.
“Don’t be a party pooper! Walk faster!” Jimmy shouted after me.
“I’m not a party pooper!” I said sticking out my tongue.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah!”
“We’ll see what you got,” he replied nodding his head in a way only a drunken person could.
I laughed and rushed upstairs. Blink -182 was still blasting when I came back in. I walked across the room and lowered the volume. Everyone ‘boo-ed’ and turned to look at me.
“Who knows how to play an instrument?” I asked, sort of knowing the response I’ get.
Billie, Alex, Zack, Jack, Tom, and Rian stepped forward.
“The guys asked us to play downstairs for everyone. Well, I was asked to but whatever. Anyways, I just need to know what instrument you are comfortable playing and then I’ll play the instrument that no one wants to play.”
“I play guitar,” Billie said.
“So do I,” Jack, Alex, Zack, and Tom said.
“Lead or rhythm?” I asked.
“I usually play the solos, so I guess lead,” Billie said.
“Both, Lead, Backup, Rhythm.”
I sighed and ran a hand over my braided hair. I basically knew who else played what so I didn’t bother asking. Everyone waited in silence for my decision. I knew what I wanted to do, but it would not be the popular choice.
“Jack, rhythm. Alex, lead vocals. Zack, bass. Rian, drums, and I’ll play lead.”
“That’s hot,” all of the guys said in unison. I almost doubled over in laughter but composed myself.
“C’mon guys! Let’s get down there and kick ass!” I yelled. They all cheered and began making the long journey from my room to the den. It was not as easy for some people as it was for me.
Truth be told, I was on the verge of peeing myself, that’s how nervous I was. But I was equally excited and not exactly sober so, things kind of canceled out.
When we all walked into the room all of the adults went silent. It felt like Judgment Day standing up there and adjusting the guitar to my height.
“What’s up, guys?” Alex asked through the microphone.
“Nothing!” Someone yelled back.
“That’s always good,” Alex smiled. Everyone laughed along.
“We’re gunna’ play a song for you guys and then the stage is yours again; sound alright?” He asked. They all nodded and cheered.
“We’re gunna play… ‘Online Songs’ by Blink-182!” We all looked at each other to make sure we all knew what we were doing then waited for Zack to start the intro. He played it perfectly and Alex took up the vocals:
“Josie, You're my, source of most frustration!
Forget, when I, don't meet expectations!
Everything you wished came true!
In the end we all blamed you!
Even though, as they all know
You weren't the only one, two, three, four!
The rest of us joined in the jam and everyone started dancing and jumping up and down to the beat. I forgot about all of my problems and just focused on the music. It was hard to play with other people. I hadn’t had too much practice playing with a full band because usually not all of the guys were home when I practiced. The first verse went well though; I just hoped I could keep it up.
“Why do you still keep it around
When you know it brings me down,
I'm hating everything
And I know that you dated other guys
But I gotta wonder why
You'd leave it out for me-”
“SHIT!” Everyone screamed the line in unison. I felt a smile creep onto my face as Jack and I went back to back while we strummed through the second verse. This was one of the most awesome feelings ever, playing in front of an audience like this!
“And she said, na na na na na na na na na na na na na, I just forgot you were there! Na na na na na na na na na na na na na, I just forgot you were there! Na na na na na na na na na na na na na!
Please don't remind me, put your past behind me, it shines so bright it blinds me; I wish that "this" would end! And I am not fine last night I saw you online, your screen name used to be mine, why can't we just pretend?
And she said na na na na na!”
Everyone clapped and cheered and we all gave each other sweaty hugs.
“Dude, you just beasted!” Alex told me. I felt my face flush more.
“Thanks,” I smiled.
“Seriously,” Jack, Zack, and Rian added.
“You didn’t tell us she was this good,” the Rev said to Gerard coming up to me and putting a hand on my shoulder.
“She’s a natural,” he smiled. I could tell he was drunk but I wasn’t too worried right now. It was a party, what else was he supposed to do?
“Awesome playing, girl!” Steve high-fived me.
“The guys were great too!” I gestured to the guys behind me.
“Look at her, not wanting to hog the spotlight!” the other Jimmy said.
“We only played one song though,” I said, “If anyone should be congratulated it’s Zack. That bass part was so hard to play! I can’t even play it that well.” The attention switched over to Zack and I took that as an opportunity to go over to my friends and check up on them. They were leaning against the wall closest to the stairs.
“Hey guys! Sorry about that. I just had to do it for them otherwise there’d be a bunch of upset drunks,” I laughed.
“Nah, it was cool! You really rocked!” Kat smiled at me.
“Yeah you played lead really well,” Billie smiled a proud “big brother” smile at me.
“Yeah, good job!” Tom smiled.
“Aw thanks guys! So do any of you guys have a curfew or are you just going to crash here?” I asked. It was probably 12:00 AM now.
“Crap!” I heard Kat exclaim as she took out her phone to check the time. It was 11:32.
“I need to be home by 12,” she told me.
“Me too,” Juliana added.
“Billie you are not driving. I’ll call a cab for you guys, okay?”
I reached into my pocket and took out my BlackBerry before anyone could protest. I Googled the number of the nearest cab company and called.
“They’ll be here in five minutes,” I told them as I hung up.
“Thank you so much!” Kat said.
“Let’s get your coats and shoes,” I said bringing them to the foyer.
I opened the closet and let them do their thing. By the time everyone finished the cab was here to pick them up. I gave everyone a hug before sending them off.
“ ‘Bye guys!” I shouted after them.
“ ‘Bye!” they replied.
I shivered and shut the door. It was freezing out! I walked back into the living room where everyone was talking. They had switched to the CD player now. I nodded my head along to the beat and smiled at everyone I passed. I found the guys leaning against the wall again.
“Hey guys, sorry about that! My friends had to go home. I called a cab for them,” I explained.
“No biggie! So, should we go back up to finish our drinks?” Alex asked.
“Yeah, if you want! Whatever you guys want to do,” I smiled.
“I think we all need a buzz,” Alex said.
“Alright,” I replied leading the way back upstairs.
As I pushed open the door I realized that I was the only girl now. I was alone with four guys and some beer. I wasn’t really worried but I kept it in mind as I walked over to the CD player and turned it back on. ‘Give Me One Good Reason’ started to play.
“So what do you guys want to do?” I asked. I didn’t know what they did at parties. I didn’t want them to get bored, that’s for sure!
“Let’s do something crazy,” Jack said taking a swig.
“Like what?”
“I dunno, prank someone, play strip poker, TP someone’s house, do dares; something.”
“Okay,” I laughed trying to think of something. Suddenly it came it me! “Guys! How about we do something to the first person who passes out?”
“Alright. Who looked like they were gunna black out?” Rian asked.
“That drummer girl did,” Zack laughed and the other guys joined in. I felt bad, they were probably laughing because she was on the heavy side. I tried to switch their focus.
“How about Jimmy? Not the Rev, the other Jimmy from MSI?”
“Nah, he looks like he knows how to hold his liquor.”
“True, true. Um how about Frank?” I smiled. I knew Frank would be able to laugh it off… eventually.
“Alright! Let’s go find Franky boy after this can,” Jack said chugging the rest of his beer. The other guys followed suit. I shook my can to see how much was left. It was a lot. I shrugged and attempted to drain it. I was successful up until the end, where some dribbled down my chin. My throat felt warm and my head was spinning completely.
The guys clapped and I attempted to bow, but almost fell over. Zack and Rian helped me up. I burst into laughter and the rest of the guys joined in. This was going to be hysterical.
“Thanks!” I laughed.
“Anytime,” they replied.
“Alright let’s go!” I clapped my hands.
I was the last one out except for Jack, who waited and offered me his arm.
“Aw, thanks!” I smiled as I intertwined my arm with his. Somehow I made it downstairs and into the living room.
By now, everyone was completely wasted, and we snuck down unnoticed. I tried to think of where Frank would be…
“Guys I think I know where he is!” I exclaimed suddenly.
“Where?”
“In the front room! He always ends up there.”
“Zack and me will go see if he’s there,” Alex said, “You guys go get a bunch of bottles and a sharpie.”
“Okay!”
Jack and I danced our way through the crowd and made it into the kitchen. We found two Shoprite bags full of bottles.
“Just grab everything,” I told Jack. He picked them up and we ran as fast, and straight, as we could back to the front room.
Sure enough, there was Frank, passed out on the floor. I began laughing as we outlined his body with bottles. If he moved those bottles were going to crash! Oh my God, this is great!
“You got the sharpie?” Alex asked.
“Fuck!” I exclaimed, not caring who I cursed in front of. “I’ll be right back.” I said running clumsily back to the kitchen and grabbing the box of sharpie pens on top of the fridge. We kept them there so that Bandit wouldn’t do any permanent damage.
I went back and passed one out to each person. There wasn’t much room to draw since Frank was all inked up, but this didn’t stop Jack and Alex from drawing certaininappropriate things on his forehead and chin. I scribbled in a mustache and Zack and Rian drew different patterns on his cheeks and nose. When we were done we backed off and went into the living room to join the party for real.
“Hey Jules!” I heard Mikey yell at me over the music. A big smile was on his face and he was drunk as hell.
“Hey Mikey!”
“Best partay evar, ri’ ?” he asked, the liquor tainting his words with an unnecessary syllables.
“Yeah!” I yelled back grabbing his hand jumping up and down to the rock music blasting through the stereo. When the song ended everyone clapped and waited for the next song to come on. I took this as an opportunity to go find another dance partner.
“Mikey Imma go, okay?”
“Byeee Jules!” he replied waving at me like a little girl. I doubled over in laughter.
“Mikey! Oh my God that was so funny!”
“I only said byeee,” he replied waving again. I waved him off and continued to walk across the “dance floor”.
Before 2:30 I had danced with The Rev, Alex, Zack, Rian, Gerard, Ray, Matt, Jack, and Lindsey. Each dance was basically the same: jumping up and down to the beat. I was beat tired now and ready to fall over any second. Alex saw me standing against the wall, my hands wrapped around my sides.
“You okay?” he asked.
“I don’t feel so well,” I replied.
“Ah, I see. Well I say for someone who never parties, you did pretty good,” he smiled.
“Thanks, Alex,” I smiled. I guess Alex was like another big brother to me.
“Can you make it upstairs?” he asked, referring to my partially hung over state.
“Nooo,” I said shaking my head vigorously but regretting it afterwards. He chuckled,
“I’ll get someone to come help bring you upstairs.” With that he disappeared. I was by the entrance to the front room, where Frank was still passed out. There were a few people in the living room now. The party had somehow moved into the den. I heard footsteps and tried to make myself look like I was doing something other than standing there but failed epically. I heard Alex and Jack’s familiar laughter.
“What the heck are you doing?” he asked.
“I have no idea,” I laughed.
“Jack and I will help you upstairs.” Each of them took an arm and helped me walk around Frank and up the steps. My room was a mess. There were chips on the floor, empty cans on my dresser, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade scattered around the room.
“I’m gunna have to do so much cleaning tomorrow,” I sighed.
“That’s alright. We’ll stick around and help you clean up tomorrow,” Alex said patting me on the back and walking back downstairs. It was like he wasn’t even drunk! He looked and sounded completely sober. That boy never ceased to amaze me. Now it was just Jack and I.
“Help me put these in the closet?” I said pointing to the empty boxes and bottles. He nodded and together we rid the room of any evidence of underage drinking. The last thing I remember doing was giving Jack a hug in the middle of my room. Then everything faded to blackness…
I felt my face contort into one of sheer confusion and surprise as I stared at the faces of three people; two guys and a girl. The girl was dressed normally in jeans and a t-shirt. Her eye makeup was a little much and her hair was up in two ponytails but other than that she looked about Lindsey’s age. She was also a little robust and short.
The guy next to her was also a little heavy set, but he had normal black hair and was wearing John Lennon glasses, a jean jacket with a lot of patches on it, blue boot cut jeans, and worn out converses.
The last guy was just a creature all his own. He was holding a case of beer and his hair was in dread locks, which were gelled up so that each one formed a halo of spikes around his head. He was wearing hot pink skinny jeans, a loose, red muscle shirt, and checkerboard Vans. What surprised me the most was: he wasn’t wearing a jacket! At least the other two had the sense to toss one on; but he just stood there, as if it were a bright summer day.
I shook my head of commentary and plastered on a smile.
“Hello! Come on in!” I said stepping out of the way.
“You must be Juliet!” The lady said stepping up to me and pulling me down in a hug.
“Yeah,” I nodded sheepishly. I kind of felt bad that I didn’t know their names.
“What’s up? I’m Steve,” the guy with the John Lennon glasses said giving me a side hug as he stepped in.
“I’m Jimmy. Nice shirt,” the last guy said moving the beer over to his other arm while he pulled me into a hug. I was ready to squirm away as soon as he said ‘Jimmy’, but I held my composure.
“Thank you,” I replied giving a small smile.
The Steve and the girl opened the closet and hung their own jackets up. My mind went into panic mode. Now what am I gunna’ say? What am I gunna’ do? Why did they have to hang up their own jackets?!
“Umm…I’ll take that,” I said grabbing the pack of beer from Jimmy. “If you don’t mind taking off your shoes,” I said gesturing to the empty carpet space. They all kicked off their shoes. It was awkward how in sync they were for such… messy people.
“Just follow me, they’re in the living room.” I took the lead and walked right through the front room and straight into the living room. All of the talking stopped.
“Whoa buddy! Jules got the good stuff!” Frank yelled. Everyone shot him a look and he burst into giggles. I rolled my eyes and kept on walking into the kitchen.
“Jimmy! Kitty! Steve!” I heard Lindsey yell and tackle her apparent band-mates.
‘I should have figured that,’ I thought to myself. I took the bag of cheese doodles, a bottle of Dr. Pepper, and plastic cups and ran upstairs to my room where everyone was still chit chatting and talking away.
“Sorry about that, guys!” I said setting down the soda and cups on my dresser. I saw Billie clap his hands twice and I tossed him the bag of cheese doodles which he, Tom, and Kat attacked. Juliana got up and got some soda.
‘Should I tell them that there are a bunch of bands downstairs?’ I asked myself as I sat back down on my bed next to Tom.
“Guys…” I said trying to call their attention. Everyone looked at me.
“As you all know, my legal guardians are My Chemical Romance.” they all nodded in agreement.
“Well… they’re-sort-of-going-on-a-tour-and-a-bunch-of-bands-are-gunna’-be-here-tonight.” I finished in a rush.
“Who’s gunna’ be here?” Billie asked.
“I have no idea but so far its just MCR and Mindless Self Indulgence,” I said shrugging.
“Oh my God! The rest of them are here?!” Juliana said sitting up straight.
“Yeah,” I nodded. She grabbed Billie’s arm and started fan-girling. I couldn’t help but laugh. Juliana did not seem like the type of person who would listen to such a weird band. Then again, Lindsey didn’t look like she was part of a weird band all the time so I guess it made sense.
“We’ll wait for more people to come over then we’ll go downstairs,” I said. It sounded more like a question though.
“Alright!” They replied.
“Who else do you think is gunna’ come over?” Kat asked.
“Well, Gerard said that the tour company, Musical Revenge, wants a band from each genre of rock. So MCR would be the regular rock part, and MSI would be the… un-nameable group. So what other genres are left?”
“There’s screamo, punk, and alternative. But there are so many types of rock; it’s hard to say,” Billie shook his head in thought.
“I think they’ll stick with the ones Billie said,” Tom said. Everyone nodded in agreement.
“So what groups are punk or alternative?”
“Paramore?” Juliana said. Everyone in the room sat up straight.
“Oh my God if Paramore comes to your house, I will die!” Kat yelled.
“Me too!” I said grabbing onto Tom’s arm in excitement.
“I don’t think we should get our hopes up too soon,” Billie said. We all sat back in our seats.
“Yeah, it will just make things worse if we do,” I agreed.
“Got any music to put on?” Tom asked me.
“Yeah I’ll put on some Blink,” I said getting up and popping in ‘Enema of the State’ and turning it up as loud as I could without making it hard to have a conversation.
Immediately everyone began singing along.
ALL THE, SMALL THINGS,
TRUE CARE, TRUTH BRINGS,
I’LL TAKE, ONE LIFT
YOUR RIDE, BEST TRIP!
“Nice choice!” Billie said pulling Juliana up from her chair so that they could dance. I pushed all of the chairs against the wall, turned off my ceiling lights, turned on my two lamps on opposite sides of the room and pulled Tom and Kat up off their chairs and we danced in a little circle.
ALWAYS, I KNOW
YOU’LL BE AT MY SHOW,
WATCHING, WAITING, COMMISERATING!
I was having so much fun that I could barely hear Lindsey calling me to get the door. I ignored it and kept dancing. I was not anyone’s slave!
SAY IT AIN’T SO, I WILL NOT GO,
TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, CARRY ME HOME,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA!
LATE NIGHT, COME HOME,
WORK SUCKS, I KNOW,
SHE LEFT ME ROSES BY THE STAIRS,
SUPRISES LET ME KNOW SHE CARES
SAY IT AIN’T SO, I WILL NOT GO,
TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, CARRY ME HOME,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA,
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA!
SAY IT AIN’T SO, I WILL NOT GO,
TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, CARRY ME HOME,
KEEP YOUR HEAD STILL, I’LL BE YOUR THRILL,
THE NIGHT WILL GO ON, MY LITTLE WINDMILL,
SAY IT AIN’T SO, I WILL NOT GO,
TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, CARRY ME HOME,
KEEP YOU HEAD STILL, I’LL BE YOUR THRILL,
THE NIGHT WILL GO ON, THE NIGHT WILL GO ON,
MY LITTLE WINDMILL!
The song ended and everyone high-fived each other. We were all starting to sweat.
I opened up the windows and pulled up the shades and curtains so that a full breeze could flow through. I picked up my cup of Dr. Pepper and took a sip. I motioned to Kat to turn down the volume. ‘The Party Song’ became background noise as we all cooled off.
“JULES!” I heard my name being called from downstairs. I sighed and went halfway down the steps.
“WHAT HAPPENED?” I called out.
“GET THE DOOR, PLEASE!”
“Ughhhhhh,” I sighed as I walked down and looked through the peep hole. I held a hand over my mouth. ‘Kat is going to flip!’ I pulled my face into a smile and opened the door.
“Hey guys! Come on in!” I said as I stepped out of the way of Matthew Sanders and the rest of Avenged Sevenfold.
Every single guy was holding at least two cases of alcoholic beverages. ‘Holy Shit.’
“I’ll take your jackets,” I smiled.
“Thanks,” Brian said as I helped him shrug out of his jacket. I had to do the same for everyone else.
“Nice shirt!” Matt grinned. The rest of the guys read it and chuckled.
“Ha ha thanks! After you kick off your shoes follow me this way,” I said taking them into the kitchen.
Matt and Zack were the first ones in so I pointed them toward the living room. Brian and Johnny were next. Finally Jimmy walked into the kitchen. He had two packs of Mike’s Hard Lemonade and a 6 pack of Coors Light. He made a show of creeping toward me on his tippy-toes; I laughed. My laughter was cut short when he placed the three cases in. my. arms.
“I know for a fact you and your friends don’t want to drink soda,” he said, winking at me. I felt my mouth gape open.
“Go! Before anyone else walks in here,” he said giving me a shove toward the steps.
“Have fun, kid!” I heard him say before he walked into the living room. I looked down at the cases. ‘Should I bring them up?’ I asked myself. I finally decided I would but I’d tell them to wait until dinner because by then everyone else will be drunk.
I ran upstairs and threw open my bedroom door. Everyone stopped talking and ran up to me trying to get at the cases.
“Ah! No! We have to wait until dinner is over!” I said setting everything down on the floor. Everyone sighed in annoyance.
“How did you get those?”
“The Rev gave them to me,” I smiled. Everyone freaked out, including Tom.
“AVENGED SEVENFOLD IS HERE?!” They exclaimed.
“Yeah!” I squealed in excitement.
“OhmyGod, ohmyGod, ohmyGod!” Kat fan-girled as she bent down and hugged the case of beer.
“Why are you hugging the beer? You can just give all of them hugs when we go down to dinner!” I laughed.
By now everyone was hyped up at the fact that one: there would be drinking; and two: all of our favorite bands were here.
I went over to the CD player and switched over to Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Soon enough we were all dancing again. This time Billie and Juliana took Kat and it was just Tom and I. He held out his hands, I took them and together we jumped up and down to the beat. It might not have been the most romantic thing in the world, but it was a step closer to real. Real was what I needed right now.
‘First Date’ came on and we both burst into laughter. It really was the perfect song for this moment because, basically, it was a First Date. We were together but in a room full of people, Tom probably didn’t want to dance, and I knew that there were still a lot of things I had to tell him.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Everyone froze. I saw the beer in the corner and began searching for something discreet to throw over it. Billie and Tom got the hint and tore off their hoodies and tossed them over just as the door opened. It was Bob.
“Dinner’s ready guys,” he said before turning and walking back down the hall.
“I guess everyone’s here,” I said more to myself than anyone. Suddenly a thought came to me. “Guys, remember, you cannot freak out when you go downstairs, okay?” They all nodded and I took the lead down the steps.
I wanted to run back up as soon as I saw who was standing in the foyer. I felt my face flush and my mouth fall open. ‘This is a dream,’ I told myself as Rian, Jack, Alex, and Zack walked over to me and gave me a hug a piece.
“I- I didn’t know you guys were gunna be here!” I stammered. They all laughed.
“We thought it would be a nice surprise,” Alex smiled.
“You got me, that’s for sure,” I muttered. The rest of my friends stood in the foyer looking confused. I suddenly remembered that they had no idea who they were.
“Guys, this is Alex, Zack, Rian, and Jack,” they waved at my friends who returned the gesture awkwardly, “They’re part of the group All Time Low. They’re part of the tour?” I said the last part like a question.
“No, no, we were just invited by Gerard and Lindsey to come and hang out,” Alex said.
“Oh okay, that’s cool!” I nodded. “Why don’t you guys take off your shoes and I’ll get your jackets. You guys can head into the kitchen I’ll be right there,” I said to the gang. They shuffled out slowly.
“I love your shirt!” Jack complimented me. I felt my face blush.
“Thanks,” I replied taking his jacket.
“So how did you guys get here?” I asked as I waited for the rest of the guys to hand me their jackets.
“We are living on the far side of Jersey right now, so we just drove over,” Jack smiled. He was so unbelievingly attractive, oh my good Lord.
“That’s a pretty easy drive,” I said as I reached over to take Alex and Rian’s jackets. I felt all of their eyes on me the entire time as I leaned over to reach for a hanger. Hormones much? Once Zack passed me his jacket I lead the way into the kitchen where Lindsey had set up a sort of buffet kind of thing.
“Help yourselves!” I gestured to the food smiling before going off and finding Mikey. I was ready to kill the man. He was talking to Steve and Zack.
“Mikey, could I talk to you for a sec?” I asked. He took a sip of his beer and nodded and we took a few steps away from the others. I couldn’t tell how far off he was, but I was hoping he’d sense my embarrassment and hurt.
“Why didn’t you tell me that All Time Low was coming here?” He took another sip of his beer to gather his thoughts.
“Gerard and Lindsey thought it would be a nice surprise.” Wow big News Flash there.
“But you know how I feel about them,” I said.
“Look, if you can’t be yourself around them, how are they ever going to get close to you? You need to calm down. Have something to drink if you have to,” he gestured to his beer, “go ahead I won’t tell anyone.” I sighed. Even though he was buzzed, he was right.
“Okay, thanks Mikey. Have fun,” I said walking away, no trace of a smile on my face.
I grabbed a plate and piled food on it. Anxiety eating in front of your three crushes wasn’t exactly the greatest idea, but, hey, it had to be done. I saw the guys and my friends standing in different groups on the same side of the wall. I walked over to the guys.
“Come on over! My friends don’t bite!” I smiled. We walked over and no one was talking, not even Kat. They were all too busy eating. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Is the food good, guys?” I asked. They all nodded, sauce dripping down their chins.
“This is amazing!” Kat exclaimed.
“Does your mom cook like this all the time?” Juliana asked.
“Yeah, basically,” I chuckled, digging into my own plate.
“Oh! This is amazing,” Rian said as he ate a fork-full of spaghetti and meat sauce.
“Don’t thank me, thank Lindsey,” I laughed.
I noticed Jimmy sitting down on the couch with Gerard, Ray, and the other Jimmy. He caught my eye and gave me a why-are-you-all-still-sober? look. I motioned to everyone around then the plate and then looked up to the ceiling to tell him about my plan. He nodded then motioned to hurry up so that we could get some party time in. I saluted him to show him I would carry it out and he laughed. I turned back to my friends.
“As much as I would love for us to hang out with a bunch of drunk, famous people, I would like to remind you all that there are things waiting for us upstairs.” I winked.
Tom, Billie, Juliana, and Kat all nodded and ate faster. The guys looked at each other confused but continued to hurry up and eat anyways. I laughed at their confusion and pointed to the pile of beer in the corner then upstairs and winked again.
Alex and Jack understood and I could see them getting excited. We all finished in less than five minutes. I took the lead in walking briskly through the living room. The Rev gave us all high-fives as we passed. We almost knocked him off the couch that’s how drunk he was, and how excited we were.
I pushed open my door and opened the Coors Light first.
“This is for the hard core party people,” I jokingly said, setting some on my dresser. Five of them had disappeared when I came back up with a few Mike’s Hard Lemonades.
“And these are for the ones who have a curfew,” I smiled. Two of those disappeared.
“What are you gunna’ have?” Alex asked me in an amused voice. I guess I came across as a naïve kid to him. I felt my heart sink the tiniest bit as this processed in my mind. But I quickly recovered and gained back my respect by grabbing a can of Coors Light, popping it open, and taking a swig.
“Oh ho ho! Look at this one!” He exclaimed bringing all eyes to me. I felt myself blush as everyone turned to see me with a Coors in my hand. Everyone gave me the same surprised look.
“Come on guys, really? You don’t think I can take it?” I rolled my eyes and took another swig as I walked over to the CD player and blasted ‘Anthem Part Two’. The music was so loud that the floor was vibrating with sound. I’m sure no one downstairs cared because one: they were probably all drunk and two: they would eventually get around to playing their own music anyways.
“This is one of my favorite bands!” I heard Jack yell to me.
“Me too!” I smiled.
“Aren’t you gunna dance?” he asked. This question tore me because I had been dancing with Tom. I looked around and saw him talking to Zack. They were both quiet guys so I’m sure they got along fine. The only question was, would it seem like I’m “cheating” on him if I danced with Jack or Alex or any other guy except for Billie?
Jack saw my resentment and grabbed my hand.
“One dance, Juliet?” He asked me through his eyelashes. I felt my heart skip a beat. The thought of dancing with Jack just put me over the edge.
“Sure,” I smiled, my heart racing a thousand miles a minute.
WE REALLY NEED TO, SEE THIS THROUGH,
WE NEVER WANTED, TO BE ABUSED,
WE’LL NEVER GIVE UP, IT’S NO USE,
IF WE’RE FUCKED UP, YOU’RE TO BLAME!
Surprisingly, I felt more comfortable dancing with Jack than I did with Tom. It just felt so awesome and exhilarating. It felt like being stuck in the rush you get when you get dropped on a rollercoaster.
LET THIS TRAIN WRECK BURN MORE SLOWLY,
KIDS ARE VICTIMS, IN THIS STORY,
DROWN OUR YOUTH WITH USELESS WARNINGS,
TEENAGE RULES, THEY’RE FUCKED AND BORING!
I felt the alcohol start to muddle my senses as everything became a little more jilted. The song ended and we all rushed over to my dresser to get another can or bottle of whatever. In the five-second pause between songs, we heard the music blasting from the first floor. The party was in full swing now. Only one problem: there was only one Coors Light left over.
“Do you want it?” Billie asked me. ‘Story of a Lonely Guy’ began to play and Juliana and Kat were already back in the middle of the room dancing.
“What will you guys drink if I take it?” I asked.
“We’ll go downstairs and get some more,” Jack said motioning to himself and Alex.
“No it has to be Billie and Zack. No one will be able to know who they are right away. Tom could go too but I don’t think we need that much. Just get one more case. Billie can be the look out and Zack can carry it.” Everyone laughed at my well devised plan.
“Alright, sounds good. Let’s go man!” Billie patted Zack on the back and they both left.
I walked over to Kat and Juliana.
“How are you guys doing?” I asked.
“We’re having so much fun! What about you? See you got some action going on over there,” Juliana nodded toward Jack who was talking to Alex. I felt my face blush in the dim lighting.
“His other friend, Zack, isn’t bad looking either!” Kat added, taking a sip from her drink.
“You should go talk to him, Kat!” Juliana and I said to in unison.
“I don’t know…”
“C’mon Kat! Give it a go! You guys might get to dance too!” He eyes widened and she took a step back.
“Noooo.”
“How are you going to get to know him if you don’t talk to him?” I asked her, using Mikey’s words almost exactly.
“I don’t know.”
“Exactamundo! You need to go and talk to him at least.”
“Okay I will!” She smiled.
“Yay!” Juliana clapped her hands.
The door opened and Zack and Billie walked in with another 6 pack of Coors. The rest of the guys cheered and went over to my dresser.
“Here you go,” Tom said passing me a can. I smiled, but my heart didn’t flutter like it used to.
“Thanks!” I smiled back.
“Do you want to dance?” Tom asked sounding kind of annoyed.
“Yeah but I want to dance with everyone at once, not just one person,” I pouted.
“So, you can dance with everyone after this song.”
“That’s what Jack said and now I feel like I’m being forced to choose who I want to spend my time with. I’m caught between the both of you!” The words flew out of my mouth before I could hold them back.
“A drunk mouth is an honest one,” he smirked.
“Look, I’m sorry, I just- just. I don’t know who I like anymore!” The conversation was taking a turn for the worst.
“Don’t be upset, I’m sorry-”
“What’s up guys?” Alex cut into the conversation. I sent him the most thankful look I could manage. He literally saved my life.
“Nothing much. What about you?” Tom asked is a callous tone. He was an angry drunk. I didn’t like that one bit…
“Nothing. I was just wondering if you could go get some more chips ‘cause we’re out,” Alex replied smoothly, placing the empty bowl in my hands.
“Sure thing!” I smiled “I’ll be right back!” I walked through my small group of friends and out my bedroom door.
I focused hard on trying not to feel dizzy as I went down the steps, but I was still new to this whole drinking thing so it was hard to tell if I looked bad or not. I didn’t think I did.
I decided I’d take a tour of all the rooms to see how they faired. The front room was dark, except for one small lamp. Some pillows were askew, but other than that, nothing was damaged.
The living room and den were two completely different stories. All of the lights were down, apart from some lamps, and there was food and people everywhere: on the floor, on the couch, sitting, falling, dancing; just everywhere.
I couldn’t help but smile as I saw Gerard dancing with Johnny and Lindsey in a sort of three way waltz to the hardcore beats of the music being played in the den by Jimmy, Matt, Zack, Ray, and Mikey. I saw the other Jimmy jumping up and down to the beat with Steve and Kitty. And Brian and Bob were just standing against the wall, not really doing much. I couldn’t tell if they had even been drinking or not.
I made it into the kitchen unnoticed and was able to grab a bag of chips. Going back was not as smooth. Just as I was about to cut through the den into the living room the music stopped and I heard my name being called on the microphone.
“Juliet!” I turned and saw the Rev standing with Mikey and the rest of the guys who had just been playing. I gulped and walked toward them as soberly as I could.
“What’s up?” I asked them.
“Mikey says you know how to play all of these instruments here. Is that true?” I nodded sheepishly.
“Why don’t you get your friends and come back down here so we can see you guys play?”
“I’m not-”
“Yeah let’s see you guys play!” the rest of the band members shouted.
“I’ll be right back,” I said, shuffling away.
“Don’t be a party pooper! Walk faster!” Jimmy shouted after me.
“I’m not a party pooper!” I said sticking out my tongue.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah!”
“We’ll see what you got,” he replied nodding his head in a way only a drunken person could.
I laughed and rushed upstairs. Blink -182 was still blasting when I came back in. I walked across the room and lowered the volume. Everyone ‘boo-ed’ and turned to look at me.
“Who knows how to play an instrument?” I asked, sort of knowing the response I’ get.
Billie, Alex, Zack, Jack, Tom, and Rian stepped forward.
“The guys asked us to play downstairs for everyone. Well, I was asked to but whatever. Anyways, I just need to know what instrument you are comfortable playing and then I’ll play the instrument that no one wants to play.”
“I play guitar,” Billie said.
“So do I,” Jack, Alex, Zack, and Tom said.
“Lead or rhythm?” I asked.
“I usually play the solos, so I guess lead,” Billie said.
“Both, Lead, Backup, Rhythm.”
I sighed and ran a hand over my braided hair. I basically knew who else played what so I didn’t bother asking. Everyone waited in silence for my decision. I knew what I wanted to do, but it would not be the popular choice.
“Jack, rhythm. Alex, lead vocals. Zack, bass. Rian, drums, and I’ll play lead.”
“That’s hot,” all of the guys said in unison. I almost doubled over in laughter but composed myself.
“C’mon guys! Let’s get down there and kick ass!” I yelled. They all cheered and began making the long journey from my room to the den. It was not as easy for some people as it was for me.
Truth be told, I was on the verge of peeing myself, that’s how nervous I was. But I was equally excited and not exactly sober so, things kind of canceled out.
When we all walked into the room all of the adults went silent. It felt like Judgment Day standing up there and adjusting the guitar to my height.
“What’s up, guys?” Alex asked through the microphone.
“Nothing!” Someone yelled back.
“That’s always good,” Alex smiled. Everyone laughed along.
“We’re gunna’ play a song for you guys and then the stage is yours again; sound alright?” He asked. They all nodded and cheered.
“We’re gunna play… ‘Online Songs’ by Blink-182!” We all looked at each other to make sure we all knew what we were doing then waited for Zack to start the intro. He played it perfectly and Alex took up the vocals:
“Josie, You're my, source of most frustration!
Forget, when I, don't meet expectations!
Everything you wished came true!
In the end we all blamed you!
Even though, as they all know
You weren't the only one, two, three, four!
The rest of us joined in the jam and everyone started dancing and jumping up and down to the beat. I forgot about all of my problems and just focused on the music. It was hard to play with other people. I hadn’t had too much practice playing with a full band because usually not all of the guys were home when I practiced. The first verse went well though; I just hoped I could keep it up.
“Why do you still keep it around
When you know it brings me down,
I'm hating everything
And I know that you dated other guys
But I gotta wonder why
You'd leave it out for me-”
“SHIT!” Everyone screamed the line in unison. I felt a smile creep onto my face as Jack and I went back to back while we strummed through the second verse. This was one of the most awesome feelings ever, playing in front of an audience like this!
“And she said, na na na na na na na na na na na na na, I just forgot you were there! Na na na na na na na na na na na na na, I just forgot you were there! Na na na na na na na na na na na na na!
Please don't remind me, put your past behind me, it shines so bright it blinds me; I wish that "this" would end! And I am not fine last night I saw you online, your screen name used to be mine, why can't we just pretend?
And she said na na na na na!”
Everyone clapped and cheered and we all gave each other sweaty hugs.
“Dude, you just beasted!” Alex told me. I felt my face flush more.
“Thanks,” I smiled.
“Seriously,” Jack, Zack, and Rian added.
“You didn’t tell us she was this good,” the Rev said to Gerard coming up to me and putting a hand on my shoulder.
“She’s a natural,” he smiled. I could tell he was drunk but I wasn’t too worried right now. It was a party, what else was he supposed to do?
“Awesome playing, girl!” Steve high-fived me.
“The guys were great too!” I gestured to the guys behind me.
“Look at her, not wanting to hog the spotlight!” the other Jimmy said.
“We only played one song though,” I said, “If anyone should be congratulated it’s Zack. That bass part was so hard to play! I can’t even play it that well.” The attention switched over to Zack and I took that as an opportunity to go over to my friends and check up on them. They were leaning against the wall closest to the stairs.
“Hey guys! Sorry about that. I just had to do it for them otherwise there’d be a bunch of upset drunks,” I laughed.
“Nah, it was cool! You really rocked!” Kat smiled at me.
“Yeah you played lead really well,” Billie smiled a proud “big brother” smile at me.
“Yeah, good job!” Tom smiled.
“Aw thanks guys! So do any of you guys have a curfew or are you just going to crash here?” I asked. It was probably 12:00 AM now.
“Crap!” I heard Kat exclaim as she took out her phone to check the time. It was 11:32.
“I need to be home by 12,” she told me.
“Me too,” Juliana added.
“Billie you are not driving. I’ll call a cab for you guys, okay?”
I reached into my pocket and took out my BlackBerry before anyone could protest. I Googled the number of the nearest cab company and called.
“They’ll be here in five minutes,” I told them as I hung up.
“Thank you so much!” Kat said.
“Let’s get your coats and shoes,” I said bringing them to the foyer.
I opened the closet and let them do their thing. By the time everyone finished the cab was here to pick them up. I gave everyone a hug before sending them off.
“ ‘Bye guys!” I shouted after them.
“ ‘Bye!” they replied.
I shivered and shut the door. It was freezing out! I walked back into the living room where everyone was talking. They had switched to the CD player now. I nodded my head along to the beat and smiled at everyone I passed. I found the guys leaning against the wall again.
“Hey guys, sorry about that! My friends had to go home. I called a cab for them,” I explained.
“No biggie! So, should we go back up to finish our drinks?” Alex asked.
“Yeah, if you want! Whatever you guys want to do,” I smiled.
“I think we all need a buzz,” Alex said.
“Alright,” I replied leading the way back upstairs.
As I pushed open the door I realized that I was the only girl now. I was alone with four guys and some beer. I wasn’t really worried but I kept it in mind as I walked over to the CD player and turned it back on. ‘Give Me One Good Reason’ started to play.
“So what do you guys want to do?” I asked. I didn’t know what they did at parties. I didn’t want them to get bored, that’s for sure!
“Let’s do something crazy,” Jack said taking a swig.
“Like what?”
“I dunno, prank someone, play strip poker, TP someone’s house, do dares; something.”
“Okay,” I laughed trying to think of something. Suddenly it came it me! “Guys! How about we do something to the first person who passes out?”
“Alright. Who looked like they were gunna black out?” Rian asked.
“That drummer girl did,” Zack laughed and the other guys joined in. I felt bad, they were probably laughing because she was on the heavy side. I tried to switch their focus.
“How about Jimmy? Not the Rev, the other Jimmy from MSI?”
“Nah, he looks like he knows how to hold his liquor.”
“True, true. Um how about Frank?” I smiled. I knew Frank would be able to laugh it off… eventually.
“Alright! Let’s go find Franky boy after this can,” Jack said chugging the rest of his beer. The other guys followed suit. I shook my can to see how much was left. It was a lot. I shrugged and attempted to drain it. I was successful up until the end, where some dribbled down my chin. My throat felt warm and my head was spinning completely.
The guys clapped and I attempted to bow, but almost fell over. Zack and Rian helped me up. I burst into laughter and the rest of the guys joined in. This was going to be hysterical.
“Thanks!” I laughed.
“Anytime,” they replied.
“Alright let’s go!” I clapped my hands.
I was the last one out except for Jack, who waited and offered me his arm.
“Aw, thanks!” I smiled as I intertwined my arm with his. Somehow I made it downstairs and into the living room.
By now, everyone was completely wasted, and we snuck down unnoticed. I tried to think of where Frank would be…
“Guys I think I know where he is!” I exclaimed suddenly.
“Where?”
“In the front room! He always ends up there.”
“Zack and me will go see if he’s there,” Alex said, “You guys go get a bunch of bottles and a sharpie.”
“Okay!”
Jack and I danced our way through the crowd and made it into the kitchen. We found two Shoprite bags full of bottles.
“Just grab everything,” I told Jack. He picked them up and we ran as fast, and straight, as we could back to the front room.
Sure enough, there was Frank, passed out on the floor. I began laughing as we outlined his body with bottles. If he moved those bottles were going to crash! Oh my God, this is great!
“You got the sharpie?” Alex asked.
“Fuck!” I exclaimed, not caring who I cursed in front of. “I’ll be right back.” I said running clumsily back to the kitchen and grabbing the box of sharpie pens on top of the fridge. We kept them there so that Bandit wouldn’t do any permanent damage.
I went back and passed one out to each person. There wasn’t much room to draw since Frank was all inked up, but this didn’t stop Jack and Alex from drawing certaininappropriate things on his forehead and chin. I scribbled in a mustache and Zack and Rian drew different patterns on his cheeks and nose. When we were done we backed off and went into the living room to join the party for real.
“Hey Jules!” I heard Mikey yell at me over the music. A big smile was on his face and he was drunk as hell.
“Hey Mikey!”
“Best partay evar, ri’ ?” he asked, the liquor tainting his words with an unnecessary syllables.
“Yeah!” I yelled back grabbing his hand jumping up and down to the rock music blasting through the stereo. When the song ended everyone clapped and waited for the next song to come on. I took this as an opportunity to go find another dance partner.
“Mikey Imma go, okay?”
“Byeee Jules!” he replied waving at me like a little girl. I doubled over in laughter.
“Mikey! Oh my God that was so funny!”
“I only said byeee,” he replied waving again. I waved him off and continued to walk across the “dance floor”.
Before 2:30 I had danced with The Rev, Alex, Zack, Rian, Gerard, Ray, Matt, Jack, and Lindsey. Each dance was basically the same: jumping up and down to the beat. I was beat tired now and ready to fall over any second. Alex saw me standing against the wall, my hands wrapped around my sides.
“You okay?” he asked.
“I don’t feel so well,” I replied.
“Ah, I see. Well I say for someone who never parties, you did pretty good,” he smiled.
“Thanks, Alex,” I smiled. I guess Alex was like another big brother to me.
“Can you make it upstairs?” he asked, referring to my partially hung over state.
“Nooo,” I said shaking my head vigorously but regretting it afterwards. He chuckled,
“I’ll get someone to come help bring you upstairs.” With that he disappeared. I was by the entrance to the front room, where Frank was still passed out. There were a few people in the living room now. The party had somehow moved into the den. I heard footsteps and tried to make myself look like I was doing something other than standing there but failed epically. I heard Alex and Jack’s familiar laughter.
“What the heck are you doing?” he asked.
“I have no idea,” I laughed.
“Jack and I will help you upstairs.” Each of them took an arm and helped me walk around Frank and up the steps. My room was a mess. There were chips on the floor, empty cans on my dresser, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade scattered around the room.
“I’m gunna have to do so much cleaning tomorrow,” I sighed.
“That’s alright. We’ll stick around and help you clean up tomorrow,” Alex said patting me on the back and walking back downstairs. It was like he wasn’t even drunk! He looked and sounded completely sober. That boy never ceased to amaze me. Now it was just Jack and I.
“Help me put these in the closet?” I said pointing to the empty boxes and bottles. He nodded and together we rid the room of any evidence of underage drinking. The last thing I remember doing was giving Jack a hug in the middle of my room. Then everything faded to blackness…
.
2/7/15