Sing It Out

*Sam’s POV*

I opened the passenger-side of my mother’s car quickly, stepping in and putting my seatbelt on in one swift move.

“I thought you would be smart enough to keep your mouth shut this time.”

Why hello to you too, mom.

“Or even better, you got over your stupid mental illness and said something.”

I’m alright, thanks for asking.

“I should put you up for adoption so somebody else has to deal with you.”

Ouch. I stared at the road and obviously kept my mouth shut.

“Maybe you’re just too dumb to form a full sentence, huh?”

I fought the urge to strangle her. I turned on the radio to distract myself. Channel 36, Alt-Nation. Black Mambo by Glass Animals was playing and I drummed my fingers to the beat on the dashboard, trying to ignore the nonsense spewing out of my mother’s mouth. When the song ended, I looked out the window, hoping my mother wouldn’t say anything more.

Then, that one unmistakable note rang through the air from the radio.

G.

Yes! I internally spazzed out. They almost never play this song anymore. I sung along without thinking.

“When I was a young boy, my father took me into the city, to see a marching band. He said, ‘son when you grow up, will you be the savior of the broken, the beaten and the damned.’”

I ignored my mother muttering from the driver’s seat. “You’re not even a boy.”

“‘Will you defeat them, your demons, and all the nonbelievers, the plans that they have made. Because one day, I’ll leave you, a phantom, to lead you in the summer, to join The Black Parade.”

My father used to sing me this song when I was a little girl. He claimed that his father actually had taken him into a city to see a marching band. Sure dad, sure. It’s sad how true this song is, for me especially. Apparently my mom was thinking the same thing.

“Turn this shit off.”

I ignored her and continued singing. By now the chorus was playing.

“We’ll carry on, we’ll carry on, and though you’re dead and gone believe me, your memory will carry on, we’ll carry on, and in my heart I can’t contain it, this anthem won’t explain it.”

I was nearly in tears by now, and my mom was trying to change the channels. Still singing the second verse and chorus, I gave her a look that clearly stated ‘both hands on the wheel at all times.’

“Shut up Samantha!”

I looked her in the eye.

“Do or die, you’ll never make me, because the world will never take my heart. Go and try, you’ll never break me. We want it all, we want to play this part.”
“Shut the fuck up!”

“I won’t explain, or say I’m sorry. I’m unashamed, I’m gonna show my scars. Give a cheer, for all the broken, listen here, because it’s who we are.”

“Samantha!”

I was practically screaming now. “I’m just a man. I’m not a hero. I’m just a boy, who had to sing this song. I’m just a man. I’m not a hero. I. Don’t. Care.”

“I swear to god, if you don’t shut up...”

I decided it was best to shut up and turn the song off. I would probably get quite the beating when we got home. I can’t believe that I met that band today. Wow, they’re amazing. Maybe I would text Gerard and tell him about this later. Nah, he wouldn’t care. He would think I’m just a crazed fan. Well, I kind of am.

“Actually, Samantha, I’m glad you shut up. I forgot about how much of an annoying little shit you are.”

How could you possibly forget that, mother?

When we got home, I ran from the car and inside, sprinting up the stairs. I managed to get to my room and lock the door before my mother caught me.

“You little shit.”

Thanks, ma.

I checked my phone, to see I had gotten a text from Gerard. What? No way. No freaking way. Well yes way, Gerard Way, but NO WAY.

Hey, this is Gerard. We have an important question for you. Can you and your band meet us somewhere tomorrow?

Oh my god. This isn’t happening. What does he want to tell us? Probably that there was a mix-up, and we really didn’t win. I wanted to hide, but I knew the right thing to do was to answer him.

I’ll text the guys and let you know. :)

When in doubt, throw in random smiley-faces and hope for the best.

I pulled up my group convo with the band.

Uh guys? Crisis alert. ~Sam

I sent that for dramatic effect, waiting for a response like the drama queen I am.

What? ~C

Oh no. I’m scared. I can’t handle crises. ~A

That’s what she said ~S

Nice, Seth. How does crisis even relate to a- never mind.

Gerard wants to meet with us tomorrow. ~Sam

How is that bad?? ~C

So many things could go wrong! ~A

Shut up, Alex ~S

What time are y’all free tomorrow? ~Sam

Uh. Basically all day ~A

I have soccer at 1:30 ~C

I’m doing your mom at 7am sharp ~S

Shut up Seth ~Sam

Shut up dude ~C

Seriously Seth? ~A

Seth is such a dork.

Nah guys I’m free tomorrow ~S

How does 11 sound? ~Sam

Cool ~C

Sweet ~S

K ~A

Starbucks? ~Sam

They all agreed, so I texted Gerard back, giving him the details. He said it was fine, and I confirmed it with the guys. I was so nervous. So many things could go wrong.

**Later**

It was 11:05 and me and the guys are sitting at Starbucks. Where the hell was Gerard? He probably just pranked us. Innocent little fans who are too obsessed to think straight. Nah, Gerard wouldn’t do that, he’s an angel.

Right?

At that moment, the amazing red-haired angel entered through the door, his eyes falling on our table. I’m so glad he dyed his hair back to the Danger Days style, it was always my favorite.

“Hey guys! Sorry we’re late. We lost Frankie this morning.”

Caz looked slightly confuzzled, to say the least. “How exactly do you lose a man? Even if he is a midget.”

“Hey!” Frank crinkled his nose and stuck his lip out in our general direction.

“He was in my room.” Um, what?

“No! It’s not what you think. He was just visiting.” My inner fangirl was screaming FRERARD I SHIP IT I SHIP IT, but I managed to stay calm on the outside. Sam, you are dealing with two straight men. You don’t want to make them uncomfortable, do you?

Seth rolled his eyes. “That’s what he said.” Nice Seth. I elbowed him in the ribs and giggled a little bit.

“What was that Seth?” Frankie sent him a harsh glare, and for a moment I thought he was seriously pissed.

“Oh nothing. It’s not my business what you do at night. What did you need to tell us? We’re rather anxious.” That was quite an understatement. I had been jittery all morning, tapping my fingers and looking around anxiously. I took a sip of my steamer. I hated coffee, and I’m and I’m sure any caffeine wouldn't've helped my nerves.

“Ah well, we were just wondering, of you guys wanted to join us on our tour?” Gerard blushed a little.

WHAT?

WHAT? WAS HE SERIOUS?

I heard Caz mutter something. “No. Fucking. Way.”

Gerard looked disappointed. “Oh, sorry. I just assumed-”

Seth cut him off. “No, no, not at all. We would love to come. Right guys?” We all nodded anxiously. Even Alex piped up.

“That... would actually be the best thing ever. I can’t believe this. You must be messing with us.”

Frank shook his head. “Nope. We’re serious. It would be a great opportunity to expose you to the public. And believe me, you guys deserve it. You’re really good.”

I was bright red. I opened my mouth out of habit to say thank you, but Gerard noticed immediately and put his hand over my mouth. How had he reacted so quickly? How did he remember so fast? I swear this man was an angel. I thanked him in sign language, while the rest of the guys looked at us weirdly.

“Oh, uh, I thought she was going to say something. We wouldn’t want another experience like yesterday, would we?” What a dad. They all shook their heads.

Ray spoke up. “Uh, anyway, if you guys are all cool with coming with us,” we all nodded, probably over-enthusiastically, “you have to ask your parents.”

No problem for me. I probably didn’t even have to tell my mom. I could just leave, and she would either not notice, or throw a party as a celebration that I was gone.

Caz spoke for me. “Well, Sam doesn’t have a problem.” he rolled his eyes and sighed. “I think I’m probably alright too.” Caz’s parents were both incredibly nice and easygoing. I wish I had been born into their family instead of my own fucked-up one.

“That’s good.” Gerard said. “But you better tell them. I don’t want to be responsible for any missing children.”

Seth looked up from his phone. “I just texted, my parents are cool with it as long as Alex is there.” Alex is the motherly figure of our band. He’s worse than a mother sometimes. Caz and Seth’s parents have a joke about how they’ll let their kids go anywhere as long as Alex comes along. He’s like a stamp of parental approval.

“Uh. I’ll ask mine. They might not let me go.” That made sense. Alex’s parents were only slightly less uptight than him.

“Well we’re not going without you, buddy. Go call.” Seth shooed him outside.

“You guys are certainly eager.” Mikey cracked a smile. “I hope you can make it. I didn’t get much of a vote on this matter,” he shot a pointed look at Gerard, who blushed and looked down, “but if I had, I would have agreed 100%. You guys rock.”

I can’t believe this. My Chemical Romance, my idols, believe that my band has potential. Wow. I swear this is a dream and I’m going to wake up any minute now.

“Sorry we’re in such a hurry.” Ray apologized. “We actually have our next show tomorrow.”

Seth’s face lit up. “We know. We have front-row tickets.”

Frank laughed. “Well buddy, how would you like it if your seats were even closer. Practically onstage.”

“Wait. Tomorrow? We’re performing with you tomorrow? Oh my gosh this is going faster than I expected.”

“Are you prepared?”

“Yeah. I mean, I think we are.” He looked at me and I nodded. “We actually just finished writing a song at our last practice.”

“You guys write original songs too?” Gerard’s face lit up. “Who writes them?”

“Sammy.”

Gerard smiled even wider. “That’s good. You need to get your feelings out there Sammy.”

I blushed. He was treating me like a person. Sometimes, because I don’t talk, people talk about me like I’m not there. Like, guys, I can still hear you. I just can’t tell you my opinion.

At that moment, Alex slipped back inside. He blushed and handed his phone to Gerard. “Uh, my father wants to talk to you.”

Gerard put the phone to his ear. “Yes? This is Gerard Way.” He paused as Mr. McKay spoke. “Really? Always nice to meet a fan.”

Alex’s dad was an MCR fan? Nice.

Gerard spoke again. “Oh no, the band is back together. No I’m not touring solo anymore.”

Oh he was a Hesitant Alien fan. That made more sense.

Now Mr. McKay seemed to be getting down to business.

“Yes. It’s perfectly safe. Yup. His name is Craig. He’s been driving tour buses for years.” He paused and his voice cracked. “Um, yeah. Bandit. She died in a car accident.” Oh, poor Gerard. All of a sudden his face flushed. “No it was most certainly not my fault. I do not text and drive thank you.” Mr. McKay was checking to see if he was good with kids. I wanted to scream YES HE IS, but of course I couldn’t.

“No I wan NOT drunk. I wasn’t even in the car! She was with my wife!” His face softened. “Yeah she didn’t make it either. No it’s alright. I’m sorry for snapping at you.” I thought I saw a tear on his cheek, but I wasn’t sure.

“Yes sir. Three months. He’ll only be missing two weeks of school though.” Three months? Three months away from my mom? Best summer ever.

“Yes. Nice talking to you too. Bye.” He hung up and handed the phone to Alex, who was staring at him open-mouthed. We all were, actually. “You can go Alex.” We all cheered. Caz just texted his parents and he could go too! We were going on tour with my favorite band of all time. This is going to be awesome.

Notes

Sort of a filler chapter, sorry. I'm having writer's block.

I'm sorry if you think it's moving too fast. I kind of feel like it's moving way to fast to be reality, but I don't know what to do to stall time. Writing is HARD, man.

If you need anything, please kik me at Party.Poison.Gee

Just so you know, once school starts, I'll be updating once a week, on Thursdays.

I heard that everytime somebody subs to this story, Mikey smiles :)

Thanks for reading

xoxo

~Chloe Rose