We'll Find A Way
Cinco.
On Saturday around twelve in the afternoon, Harley and I left the apartment.
We were going to the address Frank had given me earlier in the week. I had no clue what was in store for us when we were to get there.
Soon we weren't even in our own neighborhood anymore. We were in a slightly less grimy part of Belleville - did I mention that's the city me and my brother live in? - but lets face it, there isn't a town in Jersey that isn't dirty.
The blocks were getting shorter and shorter, the traffic lights diminishing and the stop signs increasing.
The address was located in a small cul-de-sac. I held Harley's hand as we walked the circular block, looking for the correct house number.
I was so busy looking at the houses that I hadn't even noticed being elevated into the air. It wasn't until I looked down that I realized I was standing on a skateboard.
I drew my foot back and thrusted it forward, sending the board down the block. I feel sorry for the kid that has to go looking for it later, because it rolled out of my sight.
We walked past an open garage that kind of looked like a stage. There were drums and amps and guitars all sprawled out across the space of the garage. It looked like a band could be playing- oh.
I checked the number on the house, and sure enough it was the place I was looking for. And right then and there, it all clicked in my head.
This was Gerard's garage.
I guess I hadn't noticed the people standing in the garage, because when I looked back over at it, there were five guys staring at me.
I recognized all but one, and soon, Frank was jumping up and down excitedly, getting ready to walk over to me.
"Alina you came," he practically squealed, running over to grab my hand and practically drag me over.
Harley stayed close to me, the environment very strange to him probably because he'd never met my friends before, and everyone was older than him here.
"Gee, you remember Alina right?" Frank asked, looking over at Gerard, who was standing next to Mikey.
"Hi!" Gerard said cheerfully, sticking his hand out. "It's great to see you again."
I shook his hand and looked over at Mikey who gave a small smile and awkward wave.
"Harley, this is Mikey and Gerard. The two boys I met Wednesday," I explained, nudging my brother forward a bit to meet the two boys.
"Hi," Harley said shyly, waving to the brothers.
"There are some kids outside if you wanna hang out with them," Gerard offered, gesturing towards the kids that had just so randomly appeared on the street.
Harley looked up at me in approval and I nodded. Once he got his confirmation he ran out into the street to play with the other kids.
"Be safe," I called out, knowing that he would be perfectly fine.
I whirled back around to face the other guys, to see the guy I didn't know staring at me.
"Is there something you're looking for?" I asked him, leaning to the side to see him fully.
His eyes widened but he recovered quickly. "What? Oh, sorry. Who are you?" he asked, staring at me again.
"I'm Alina. And I'm guessing you must be the "kick ass drummer that works at the Home Depot on 13th street" that Ray's been telling me about," I said, staring right back at him now.
"Aw Ray, you really said all those things?" the guy asked batting his eyelashes.
Ray gave him the finger but said "Yeah I did."
"I'm Bob Bryar," he said, smiling at me.
Bob was a normal height. I'm pretty sure I was a couple of inches shorter. He had blonde hair and icy blue eyes. He had a lip piercing and facial hair (but not a lot thank god) and was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.
"Sweet," I smiled. "So Frank invited me over, but I had no idea it was your garage I was going to," I said to
Gerard. "I hope I didn't come at a bad time or anything."
"Are you kidding?! We'd love to have you," Gerard replied. "Here you can sit on that amp over there and watch us play," he said, pointing over to an amp on the other side of the room.
I sat down on top of the speaker; it was connected to a bass I realized.
"Let us know what you think," Ray said, as he lifted his guitar strap over his head.
The other got into position, and after tuning their instruments, got right down to playing. And that was when Gerard's raw yet amazing voice entered my ears.
Long ago
Just like the hearse, you die to get in again
We are so far from you
Burning on
Just like a match you strike to incinerate
The lives of everyone you know
And what's the worst you take
From every heart you break
And like a blade you stain
Well, I've been holding on tonight
What's the worst that I could say?
Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight
So long and goodnight
Came a time
When every star fall
Brought you to tears again
We are the very hurt you sold
And what's the worst you take
From every heart you break
And like the blade you stain
Well, I've been holding on tonight
What's the worst that I could say?
Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight
So long and goodnight
Well, if you carry on this way
Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight
So long not goodnight
Can you hear me?
Are you near me?
Can we pretend?
To leave and then
We'll meet again
When both our cars collide
What's the worst that I could say?
Things are better if I stay?
So long and goodnight
So long and goodnight
Well, if you carry on this way
Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight
So long and goodnight.
When the song was finished, I opened my eyes (I hadn't even realized I'd had them closed) in awe.
"That was- I don't know what to say," I gasped. I was in complete awe; words couldn't describe what that music had just done to me.
I looked up to see Mikey staring down at me, holding his bass. Oh so that bass was his.
"Amazing," I said. "That's what it was. Amazing."
"Really?" Gerard asked.
"Absolutely. What...what was it called? The song I mean."
Mikey suddenly looked over at Gerard who swallowed audibly, and then everyone was exchanging glances with each other.
"Helena," Gerard said quietly. "We dedicated it to me and Mikey's grandmother."
"It was beautiful. Do you have anything else? Just please play something again," I pleaded.
I guess I hadn't realized I was sitting on the edge of the amp, but I was, and I flailed as I fell off the square sound projector.
When I didn't hit the floor I was confused.
Mikey had grabbed my forearm, and caught me.
Wednesday night suddenly came back to my mind in a rush, as I stared up into his brown eyes.
"You should seriously be my guardian angel Mikey Way," I said, getting on my feet.
"It would be my pleasure," he chuckled, gaining some laughs from the other guys.
"Lets play Vampires guys," Gerard announced shortly after the laughter was over.
They set up again, and they were playing again in an instant.
It was horribly romantic.
*
After an hour of playing, they boys went into the house to grab some water. I stayed behind glancing around at the instruments.
Still sitting on the amp, I noticed Mikey's bass, still connected, leaning on the wall. It was almost as if it was calling out to me, my fingers twitching at the thought of holding it.
And before I knew what was happening, it was laying in my lap, staring up at me.
It was pure silver, only half of the front black. I traced my index finger down the side of it, totally entranced by this instrument. Why I was suddenly so intrigued, I'll never know.
"Hey, do you wanna come in? My mom made sandwiches," the door creaked open and then the male spoke.
I looked up to see Mikey halfway through the door, looking at me expectantly.
"Sorry! I- it's just- I wanted a better look at your bass," I stammered, trying to get the words out. Suddenly I was so nervous, and I had no idea why.
He smiled, and came out from behind the door, shutting it slowly closed behind him.
Before I knew it, he was standing behind me, positioning the bass on my lap, his arms guiding my own along the instrument. His fingers brushed against mine as he set my right hand up on the strings, and my left up along the neck of the bass, my fingers only pressing down on some of the strings.
"There we go," he said softly.
I glanced up at him, my cheeks heating up and his eyes stared into mine.
"Play." Was all he said before I played the strings he had set my fingers up against, hoping I was doing it right. Or at least close to being right.
"You're a natural," he said happily.
And I had no idea what I was doing, I replied in my head. I was surpised I had even played it right.
I turned an even deeper shade of red, so red I probably created a new shade of red.
"Thanks," I breathed out.
Then we were just looking at each other. I could've sworn I saw him lean in just a bit, and my heart was beating so fast I thought it might just explode.
I looked away before anything could happen though, and Mikey stood up straight, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
When the rest of the band came back, they started up again. Playing three more songs. I sat perched on
the amp, secretly glancing at Mikey from time to time, but concentrating on Gerard's raw and powerful singing.
And in the chorus of a song which I think was entitled "I'm Not Okay" I realized something.
I had a crush on Mikey Way.
Oh God.
*
Harley and I ended up staying for dinner. Mrs. Way was a phenomenal cook. She had cooked baked ziti, and let me tell you, it was the best baked ziti of my life.
Around nine we disbanded; started to go home.
Bob had a bike, so he biked home, and Ray had a car which he and Frank had came in. Ray offered me and my brother a ride home and I was beyond thankful. There was no way I was walking home at night in a neighborhood I didn't know.
I hugged the Way brothers goodbye and goodnight, telling them that I was looking forward to seeing them again. Then we all piled into Ray's car (Harley, Ray, Frank, and I) and drove home.
After dropping Frank off, Ray drove over to our apartment building.
"You want me to walk you up?" he asked when he pulled up by the curb.
"Nah it's fine. Thanks so much Ray. I had an amazing time. It's the most fun I've had in a long time."
"No need to thank me. Just know if you ever need me, you know where I am. Here-" he dug around in his jeans, standing up to get a better grip on whatever he was trying to get a hold of.
"Please don't try to argue. Just take it and promise me you'll use it when you need to," he said, placing a small metal object in my palm.
My fingers closed around it and I realized it was a key. I didn't have to ask to know that it was a key to Ray's apartment or house or wherever he lived.
"Ray-"
He kissed my forehead to shut me up and it worked. "Goodnight Alina," he said sweetly, leaning over to open my door.
"Night Harley."
"See you later Mr. Toro," Harley replied, opening his door and stepping out.
Ray pulled away once we were inside our building. We hurried up the stairs and into the house, careful not to make any loud noises.
I changed into some pajamas and said goodnight to Harley, flopping down on my hard ass mattress.
I groaned, tossing and turning, but not falling asleep; I couldn't.
I must have gone through thirty different positions in bed, just trying to get comfortable. When I finally was
comfy, I was too hot and had to open the window.
I turned my head so I was staring at my desk. The key was there and the guitar pick was there, the bright yellow color visible.
They say that the shower is where you make your life decisions; or at least that's what I heard. But I was about to make two life decisions, right here, right now, at probably eleven o'clock at night in my bedroom.
Life decision number one: I was deeply in love with Mikey Way.
Life decision number two: we're moving out to live with Ray.
I just hope I know what I'm doing.
We were going to the address Frank had given me earlier in the week. I had no clue what was in store for us when we were to get there.
Soon we weren't even in our own neighborhood anymore. We were in a slightly less grimy part of Belleville - did I mention that's the city me and my brother live in? - but lets face it, there isn't a town in Jersey that isn't dirty.
The blocks were getting shorter and shorter, the traffic lights diminishing and the stop signs increasing.
The address was located in a small cul-de-sac. I held Harley's hand as we walked the circular block, looking for the correct house number.
I was so busy looking at the houses that I hadn't even noticed being elevated into the air. It wasn't until I looked down that I realized I was standing on a skateboard.
I drew my foot back and thrusted it forward, sending the board down the block. I feel sorry for the kid that has to go looking for it later, because it rolled out of my sight.
We walked past an open garage that kind of looked like a stage. There were drums and amps and guitars all sprawled out across the space of the garage. It looked like a band could be playing- oh.
I checked the number on the house, and sure enough it was the place I was looking for. And right then and there, it all clicked in my head.
This was Gerard's garage.
I guess I hadn't noticed the people standing in the garage, because when I looked back over at it, there were five guys staring at me.
I recognized all but one, and soon, Frank was jumping up and down excitedly, getting ready to walk over to me.
"Alina you came," he practically squealed, running over to grab my hand and practically drag me over.
Harley stayed close to me, the environment very strange to him probably because he'd never met my friends before, and everyone was older than him here.
"Gee, you remember Alina right?" Frank asked, looking over at Gerard, who was standing next to Mikey.
"Hi!" Gerard said cheerfully, sticking his hand out. "It's great to see you again."
I shook his hand and looked over at Mikey who gave a small smile and awkward wave.
"Harley, this is Mikey and Gerard. The two boys I met Wednesday," I explained, nudging my brother forward a bit to meet the two boys.
"Hi," Harley said shyly, waving to the brothers.
"There are some kids outside if you wanna hang out with them," Gerard offered, gesturing towards the kids that had just so randomly appeared on the street.
Harley looked up at me in approval and I nodded. Once he got his confirmation he ran out into the street to play with the other kids.
"Be safe," I called out, knowing that he would be perfectly fine.
I whirled back around to face the other guys, to see the guy I didn't know staring at me.
"Is there something you're looking for?" I asked him, leaning to the side to see him fully.
His eyes widened but he recovered quickly. "What? Oh, sorry. Who are you?" he asked, staring at me again.
"I'm Alina. And I'm guessing you must be the "kick ass drummer that works at the Home Depot on 13th street" that Ray's been telling me about," I said, staring right back at him now.
"Aw Ray, you really said all those things?" the guy asked batting his eyelashes.
Ray gave him the finger but said "Yeah I did."
"I'm Bob Bryar," he said, smiling at me.
Bob was a normal height. I'm pretty sure I was a couple of inches shorter. He had blonde hair and icy blue eyes. He had a lip piercing and facial hair (but not a lot thank god) and was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.
"Sweet," I smiled. "So Frank invited me over, but I had no idea it was your garage I was going to," I said to
Gerard. "I hope I didn't come at a bad time or anything."
"Are you kidding?! We'd love to have you," Gerard replied. "Here you can sit on that amp over there and watch us play," he said, pointing over to an amp on the other side of the room.
I sat down on top of the speaker; it was connected to a bass I realized.
"Let us know what you think," Ray said, as he lifted his guitar strap over his head.
The other got into position, and after tuning their instruments, got right down to playing. And that was when Gerard's raw yet amazing voice entered my ears.
Long ago
Just like the hearse, you die to get in again
We are so far from you
Burning on
Just like a match you strike to incinerate
The lives of everyone you know
And what's the worst you take
From every heart you break
And like a blade you stain
Well, I've been holding on tonight
What's the worst that I could say?
Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight
So long and goodnight
Came a time
When every star fall
Brought you to tears again
We are the very hurt you sold
And what's the worst you take
From every heart you break
And like the blade you stain
Well, I've been holding on tonight
What's the worst that I could say?
Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight
So long and goodnight
Well, if you carry on this way
Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight
So long not goodnight
Can you hear me?
Are you near me?
Can we pretend?
To leave and then
We'll meet again
When both our cars collide
What's the worst that I could say?
Things are better if I stay?
So long and goodnight
So long and goodnight
Well, if you carry on this way
Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight
So long and goodnight.
When the song was finished, I opened my eyes (I hadn't even realized I'd had them closed) in awe.
"That was- I don't know what to say," I gasped. I was in complete awe; words couldn't describe what that music had just done to me.
I looked up to see Mikey staring down at me, holding his bass. Oh so that bass was his.
"Amazing," I said. "That's what it was. Amazing."
"Really?" Gerard asked.
"Absolutely. What...what was it called? The song I mean."
Mikey suddenly looked over at Gerard who swallowed audibly, and then everyone was exchanging glances with each other.
"Helena," Gerard said quietly. "We dedicated it to me and Mikey's grandmother."
"It was beautiful. Do you have anything else? Just please play something again," I pleaded.
I guess I hadn't realized I was sitting on the edge of the amp, but I was, and I flailed as I fell off the square sound projector.
When I didn't hit the floor I was confused.
Mikey had grabbed my forearm, and caught me.
Wednesday night suddenly came back to my mind in a rush, as I stared up into his brown eyes.
"You should seriously be my guardian angel Mikey Way," I said, getting on my feet.
"It would be my pleasure," he chuckled, gaining some laughs from the other guys.
"Lets play Vampires guys," Gerard announced shortly after the laughter was over.
They set up again, and they were playing again in an instant.
It was horribly romantic.
*
After an hour of playing, they boys went into the house to grab some water. I stayed behind glancing around at the instruments.
Still sitting on the amp, I noticed Mikey's bass, still connected, leaning on the wall. It was almost as if it was calling out to me, my fingers twitching at the thought of holding it.
And before I knew what was happening, it was laying in my lap, staring up at me.
It was pure silver, only half of the front black. I traced my index finger down the side of it, totally entranced by this instrument. Why I was suddenly so intrigued, I'll never know.
"Hey, do you wanna come in? My mom made sandwiches," the door creaked open and then the male spoke.
I looked up to see Mikey halfway through the door, looking at me expectantly.
"Sorry! I- it's just- I wanted a better look at your bass," I stammered, trying to get the words out. Suddenly I was so nervous, and I had no idea why.
He smiled, and came out from behind the door, shutting it slowly closed behind him.
Before I knew it, he was standing behind me, positioning the bass on my lap, his arms guiding my own along the instrument. His fingers brushed against mine as he set my right hand up on the strings, and my left up along the neck of the bass, my fingers only pressing down on some of the strings.
"There we go," he said softly.
I glanced up at him, my cheeks heating up and his eyes stared into mine.
"Play." Was all he said before I played the strings he had set my fingers up against, hoping I was doing it right. Or at least close to being right.
"You're a natural," he said happily.
And I had no idea what I was doing, I replied in my head. I was surpised I had even played it right.
I turned an even deeper shade of red, so red I probably created a new shade of red.
"Thanks," I breathed out.
Then we were just looking at each other. I could've sworn I saw him lean in just a bit, and my heart was beating so fast I thought it might just explode.
I looked away before anything could happen though, and Mikey stood up straight, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
When the rest of the band came back, they started up again. Playing three more songs. I sat perched on
the amp, secretly glancing at Mikey from time to time, but concentrating on Gerard's raw and powerful singing.
And in the chorus of a song which I think was entitled "I'm Not Okay" I realized something.
I had a crush on Mikey Way.
Oh God.
*
Harley and I ended up staying for dinner. Mrs. Way was a phenomenal cook. She had cooked baked ziti, and let me tell you, it was the best baked ziti of my life.
Around nine we disbanded; started to go home.
Bob had a bike, so he biked home, and Ray had a car which he and Frank had came in. Ray offered me and my brother a ride home and I was beyond thankful. There was no way I was walking home at night in a neighborhood I didn't know.
I hugged the Way brothers goodbye and goodnight, telling them that I was looking forward to seeing them again. Then we all piled into Ray's car (Harley, Ray, Frank, and I) and drove home.
After dropping Frank off, Ray drove over to our apartment building.
"You want me to walk you up?" he asked when he pulled up by the curb.
"Nah it's fine. Thanks so much Ray. I had an amazing time. It's the most fun I've had in a long time."
"No need to thank me. Just know if you ever need me, you know where I am. Here-" he dug around in his jeans, standing up to get a better grip on whatever he was trying to get a hold of.
"Please don't try to argue. Just take it and promise me you'll use it when you need to," he said, placing a small metal object in my palm.
My fingers closed around it and I realized it was a key. I didn't have to ask to know that it was a key to Ray's apartment or house or wherever he lived.
"Ray-"
He kissed my forehead to shut me up and it worked. "Goodnight Alina," he said sweetly, leaning over to open my door.
"Night Harley."
"See you later Mr. Toro," Harley replied, opening his door and stepping out.
Ray pulled away once we were inside our building. We hurried up the stairs and into the house, careful not to make any loud noises.
I changed into some pajamas and said goodnight to Harley, flopping down on my hard ass mattress.
I groaned, tossing and turning, but not falling asleep; I couldn't.
I must have gone through thirty different positions in bed, just trying to get comfortable. When I finally was
comfy, I was too hot and had to open the window.
I turned my head so I was staring at my desk. The key was there and the guitar pick was there, the bright yellow color visible.
They say that the shower is where you make your life decisions; or at least that's what I heard. But I was about to make two life decisions, right here, right now, at probably eleven o'clock at night in my bedroom.
Life decision number one: I was deeply in love with Mikey Way.
Life decision number two: we're moving out to live with Ray.
I just hope I know what I'm doing.
Notes
Well wasn't that a chapter! Haha well, uh I hope you guys are enjoying it so far. Your comments mean the world to me and make my day.So my update pattern (if you hadn't started to notice) is a new chapter each week. I don't want to make this fic too long, but I will if I have to. Thanks so much (:
xoxopoison
*Edit: So I kind of messed up just a bit with my knowledge on Mikey's bass and the bass in general. So I fixed it as best as I could! I really hope I got it right this time. XD Stand by for the next chapter
11/27/13