Life As We Know It

Scarlett is already slightly tipsy when Josh, Gerard, and I arrive at the museum, obviously enjoying the no ID required open bar. She grabs her bag of clothes from Josh, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek for a thank you and disappears behind one of the banners hanging off the wall to change. Frank beams over in her general direction. Sometimes his affection for the only other girl in our group drives me up the wall. If he likes her he needs to grow some damn balls and say so. I’ve cleaned my hands of the situation though, each of them claiming they’re just close.

“What’re you guys playing tonight?” Gerard asks Frank, handing him Scarlett’s guitar case.

Frank smirks at his best friend, a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes. “It’s a surprise.”

Gerard rolls his eyes but doesn’t have a chance to answer. A ball of color and dark hair crashes into him, laughter filling the room. The brunette artist grins down at the girl now attached to him, hugging her back. It takes a second, but I realize this is the same tattooed girl who has been hanging around the apartment more and more lately. Gee had set out to make at least one new friend in college and he’d found Lyn-Z, probably one of the coolest chicks I’ve met. She doesn’t mind his awkwardness or when it takes him forever to muster up the courage to order food at a restaurant. She just sits back and encourages him, often taking over a conversation to save Gerard’s butt. I think she’s good for him.

“Hey Lyn-Z. Glad you could make it,” Gerard says, scratching at the back of his neck, a nervous tick.

The girl nods back, fingers going up to Gee’s lip, “What happened?”

Not all that interested in their small talk or Gerard’s recollection of this afternoons events, I move over to Josh, resting my arm on his shoulder. He glances over at me for a second before his eyes sweep over to where Scarlett is emerging from her makeshift changing room. I totally understand the appeal there. She’s cute and thin, not afraid of anything and a little unstable. I just don’t think she’s in a place to be dating. She needs to figure out who she is; what she wants. I think Josh sees it too. He’s always been protective of Scar.

“Don’t worry about her Josh, she’s totally fine. Her eye doesn’t even look like it’s going to be that bad,” I whisper, watching my burgundy haired friend wrap her arms around Frank’s neck, giggling at something one of them said.

“I know. I know. Hey, I gotta go up and grab Tyler. Wanna come?”

I shake my head, “I’ll be by the bar. If this is anything like the last show I’m going to need a few drinks.”

Josh smiles at me before heading towards the glass steps that lead up to the galleries. I still don’t understand how Frank and his band booked this place or why for that matter. It seems too sophisticated and clean for the kind of music they play. Don’t get me wrong, I like Frank’s band I think that it’s awesome that he has a creative outlet cause those are important in a world that has become so rigid. The band and its fans are just gritty and something or someone always gets broken during the shows. I’m not sure how that’s going to go over here.

Nonetheless, people have started to show up. I recognize a few from high school but almost everyone else is a fresh face, probably college friends of the members. The small room is starting to fill up quickly and I move over to stand near the back, taking in the crowd.

“Jenna,” Scarlett’s whine cuts through the low rumble in the room. “Why are you hiding in the back?”

I grin at her, taking the small plastic cup from her hands. “I was waiting on the drink line to die down, but it looks like you saved me the wait.”

“That was for me,” Scarlett answers back, her eyes set on the plastic cup that I’d taken from her.

Pressing the cup to my lips I let the alcohol burn my tongue and throat. I’ve not had any kind of adult beverage since I left for my trip this summer. I didn’t miss it then and I still don’t really. All alcohol tastes like shit. “I don’t think you need anymore if you’re planning on playing tonight.”

“I’m playing in the second to last song, and I could play it blindfolded,” the girl in front of me insists.

I roll my eyes as Josh and a brunette I’m assuming is Tyler stop in front of me. Josh glances over at Scarlett who gives him a big smile before disappearing back into the crowd. She likes to be up front at shows, especially when she knows the people playing.

“Jenna, this is Tyler,” Josh announces, motioning between the two of us with his hand.

I give the man in front of me a smile, holding out my hand for him to take. Tyler shakes his head back and forth quickly before reaching out and curling his fingers around my palm. Once the handshake is complete, Josh’s friend takes to scanning the room with his eyes, body spinning around in a small circle. My friend group always manages to find the weirdest people to bring in.

“He’s a little shy,” Josh whispers, his eyes darting over to Tyler who still seems to be observing the environment around him.

I nod my understanding, shifting my attention to the stage as Frank and his band mates walk out.

“What’s up motherfuckers!” Frank smiles into the microphone as everyone standing in the small room surges forwards as if there is any difference between standing where they once were and where they are now. The crowd lets out a collective cheer as the guitarist plays out a few notes. “I just wanted to let you all know we’re all stoked you came out tonight.”

As another cheer goes up Frank begins to play, the sound of his guitar filling the small space. It’s actually quiet incredible to watch him play. Frank puts his heart and soul into every single note he plays. Although his voice is gritty and he can’t hit very many high notes, the music surrounding the sung lyrics makes up for it. The tattooed performer knows how to get reactions from those watching and is completely fearless.

“How long have you known Frank?” the voice in my ear catches me off guard, but I quickly recover, glancing to my side and seeing Tyler.

“Since probably seventh or eighth grade!” I shout back over the new song that is playing.

“That’s a long time!”

I nod again, watching my friend step up onto the kick drum, still playing his heart out. From where I stand I spot Scarlett, Gerard and Lyn-Z. The two girls are dancing around, trying to convince the shier man to join them. Gerard frowns, shaking his head, hands resting on his hips. Josh has come to collect Tyler, pulling him further into the crowd. I watch the sweaty bodies bumping up against each other as they jump around. There is a reason I stay towards the back. Though I enjoy the music, those who listen to it tend to get a little riled up. Getting accidently hit or stepped on just isn’t my idea of a good time.

“How are we doing?” Frank calls into the microphone about thirty minutes later.

The crowd cheers, preventing Frank from continuing until they have all settled down.

“Rad. I’ve got a super special treat. Scarlett –” The girl steps onto stage taking a bow as everyone claps. This is pretty typical at Frank’s shows. Scarlett is always up on stage at one point in time. One of the guys in the crows reaches up to grab at her hand, obviously too drunk to know what is appropriate or not.

Scarlett steps back, flipping the guy off before going to grab her guitar off of the stand towards the back of the stage. Once she’s got it strapped on she moves over to Frank’s mic stand, “I don’t know if you guys are ready for this.”

There is a wicked smile on the burgundy haired girls lips as Frank steps up to the microphone, his lips pressing against the metal. His voice rings out as he delves into the cover. Scarlett keeps her eyes on the guitarist, swaying her hips to the beat. As his part ends, Frank takes a step back, giving Scarlett access to the mic stand. I listen to her voice pour out of her mouth. It’s smooth like velvet, but not as strong as Frank’s. The two continue to take turns at the microphone, running hands through hair and over bodies during the exchanges. As the song comes to and end, Frank takes his hand off his guitar, tangling it in Scarlett’s hair, forcing their foreheads together. The music dies down, the two musician’s heavy breathing the only noise heard. Scarlett leans forward towards Frank, making it look like the two are going to kiss. At the last second my best friend smirks, running her pink tongue over the guitarist’s cheek.

A rumble goes up through the crowd as Scarlett bows, puts down her guitar and jumps out into the middle of them. Frank’s eyes follow her for a second before he starts to play the soft cords of the last song.

“Thank you! We are Pencey Prep and you wish you were too!” With that the band bows off, stepping off the raised platform as the lights come back on, DJ taking over to keep the party going.

Josh and Tyler push their way back towards me. Tyler’s white tank top is ripped in a few places and one of Josh’s shoes is missing. Seeing the state of the two men standing in front of me only makes me happy that I’d kept my spot against the wall.

“Dude, Jenna, I know you’ve got your Greece shit, but you need to come to this after party,” Josh says, his eyes big, a silent plea behind them.

“You’re going to Greece?” Tyler cuts in, his gaze settling on something over my shoulder.

“Yeah, it’s for humanitarian work,” I answer back before addressing Josh’s request. “Josh, you know I can’t go. We don’t even have tickets and we leave in like a little more than a month.

Josh rolls his eyes into the back of his head, showing me the whites for a second, “Jenna, all you’ve done is sit in the apartment on your laptop since you got here. Stop being lame and just come out for a night. At least come stand with me.”

The use of my own words from earlier catches me off guard. I hadn’t expected him to throw that one in my face. Taking another sip from the watered down drink in my hand I glance up at Josh, meeting his gaze. “I’ll go for an hour or two but I want to be home, on the couch, by one-thirty.”

The blue haired man in front of me nods vigorously before hurrying off, probably to tell the others or to find his shoe.

“Are you going with us?” I question Tyler who is now leaning against the wall next to me, his shoulder almost brushing up against my own.

“Yeah, might as well, I’ve not got anything else going on tonight.”

I nod, “Come on lets go find the others.”

Together, Tyler and I push through the crowd. Most people are pretty plastered, throwing their limp limbs around in the air in some form of dancing. This only makes navigating through them even more difficult. I almost get hit in the face twice before I reach the area just behind the stage where Scarlett, Frank, Gerard, Lyn-Z and Josh are standing. Gerard keeps his shoulder squared towards Josh, partially blocking him out of the conversation. I can’t help but roll my eyes at the situation. Gee can be worse than a girl when it comes to holding grudges.

“Have you tried apologizing?” I whisper in Josh’s ear once I’m close enough.

“If he’d give me the time of day, I would. I’ve been snubbed and pushed out of the conversation all night.”

“Gerard!” I holler across the small space.

The brunette turns toward me, one arm crossed over his body, the other stretched out towards Lyn-Z who holds onto Josh's lost Van, “What?”

“Josh is sorry.”

“Tell him I’ll forgive him when my lip stops splitting open every time I move my mouth.”

I shrug, turning my attention back to Josh, “He’s got a point.”

“Are we ready to head out?” Frank questions, glancing around at all of us.

“We’re just gonna leave your own show?” Lyn-Z pipes up, looking very confused.

Frank shrugs in response, “I don’t know half the people here. Besides, I wanna go get drunk.”

“Where is Scarlett?” Gerard asks, his eyes scanning over the group that is gathered around him.

“Tagging our instruments so that we can leave them here until the show tomorrow night. She’ll be around in a minute.”

I can feel the energy around Josh change. Glancing over at him I notice that he’s tense, fingers curled into fists. That little vein across his forehead is beginning to make itself known. Reaching over, I grab his wrist, making circles on the top of his hand with my thumb. The last thing we need is another fight. Scarlett might have forgive Josh for hitting Gerard and even her, but I just know that if he hits Frank it’ll all be over. Deep down I think Josh knows this too. He relaxes under my touch, taking in deep breaths and letting them out slowly through his mouth.

Seconds later, Scarlett appears from behind the stage, throwing her arms around Frank. He tilts his head back onto her shoulder, a grin plastered across his face.

“You two are disgusting,” Gerard mumbles, before leading our small group towards the doors.

“Should we call a car?” Josh questions, glancing over his shoulder at Scarlett and Frank who have taken up the rear of the group, walking a few paces slower than everyone else, lost in their own conversation.

“No, it’s only a twenty minute walk at most,” Scarlett answers back. “Just follow this street up until you hear music.”

The blue haired boy nods, leading our group up the street. As we pass the Ground Zero memorial all of us stop, saluting up at the building. This was a tradition started by Gerard and Mikey who had not only seen the towers fall, but also lost one of their cousins. It’s their silent way of paying respect. In truth Gerard hasn’t really been the same since the incident. His mom had tried to get him into therapy but he refused, insisting he could deal with the trauma on his own.

About fifteen minutes later we’re all pushing our way into an overly crowded townhouse. Scarlett, Frank, Gerard and Lyn-Z disappear almost instantly, probably going to take advantage of whatever booze are left. Tyler, Josh and I dance through the crowd, working our way over to one of the many folding chairs set up in the corner of the living room.

“I’m going to go get you a drink,” Josh shouts over the music before grabbing hold of Tyler and pulling him towards what looks like the kitchen.

House parties always irked me. There are too many people shoved into a small space, things go missing, people get themselves into trouble. I can’t even imagine what the clean up must be like. For whoever is hosting this party’s sake I hope they have a maid.

“Hey!” Lyn-Z appears to my left, handing me a red solo cup. “Josh said to give this to you.”

I take it from her, taking a sip of whatever is inside. It’s tangy but doesn’t taste too strongly of alcohol, which allows me to drink it without wanting to gag after every swallow. My eyes travel around the room landing on Frank, Gerard, Scarlett and Josh. Frank and Gerard have taken up their usual party personas, fondling each other and almost constantly kissing. Scarlett is standing on the outskirts of the ordeal, a small pout on her lips. She was really looking forward to Frank being her make out buddy for the weekend.

“Sorry Frank stole your date away from you,” I say to Lyn-Z, finishing off my drink and handing the cup to Tyler who had mumbled something about getting refills.

“It’s okay. If he wants to make out with my date I’ll just make out with his,” Lyn-Z shrugs, glancing over at Scarlett who has given up on Frank paying attention to her and started dancing with Josh.

I laugh a little, glancing over at Frank and Gerard who are still attached at the lips. Frank’s hand is gripping Gerard’s ass, while Gee holds Frank to him, fingers tangled in the guitarist’s long locks. Scarlett and I have made out with each other before but never like that. There is need in that kiss.

Lyn-Z doesn’t seem to mind that her date ran off with a guy. She’s fit herself quite nicely into the group and wanders around, mingling with everyone. That girl doesn’t meet a stranger. She’ll walk away and come back talking to someone new like she’s known them for years. It’s her special talent. The dark haired girl has positive energy radiating from her and it draws people in.

“Wanna dance?” Tyler questions, handing me back the solo cup he had taken to refill. Usually, I wouldn’t trust people I only met a few hours ago with drink refills, but Tyler seems harmless. Not only that, but I know he knows that if anything happened to any of us by his hand, Josh would beat him to a pulp.

I shrug my response, grabbing hold of the brunette’s hand and pulling him toward the middle of the living room. We must look silly. I don’t grind on Tyler and he doesn’t ask me to. In fact, he seems relieved that I don’t try. Instead, he places his hands on my waist while I clasp mine behind his neck. We sway to the pounding, electronic music that surrounds us.

“What are you studying, Tyler?” I question. Although Tyler didn’t intrigue me at first, I know he’s going to be hanging around and I feel like I should at least be friendly. He’s an alright guy once you get past his awkward, shy exterior.

“Media arts,” Tyler responds, raising his voice a little so I can hear him over the music.

“What can you do with that?”

“Video game design.”

I nod, not really knowing what else to say. I don’t want to say something wrong and come off as rude. Personally, I feel like college is a waste of time. If you want to do something you need to go find someone in that field and just figure out how it all works from them. Sitting in a bunch of classes learning how to figuratively do something doesn’t get you anywhere. I’ve learned how to build a house, become semi-fluent in a few languages, and how to run an effective blog all without stepping foot in a college classroom. Most institutions don’t even give a crap if the students learn anything they just want the money.

As Tyler and I continue to dance I notice Scarlett and Frank walking around, handing off bags to people. They meet back up with each other occasionally, exchanging baggies or stopping to make out. Josh walks by and I reach out and grab his hand, slinging my arms over both his and Tyler’s shoulders. “I figured out how Scarlett is making her money.”

“How?”

“She’s selling at parties. I just stood here and watched her pass of like three of these plastic bags.”

Josh shakes his head, “She’s such an idiot.”

Before we can say more Frank, Gerard, Lyn-Z, and Scarlett walk over all talking loudly. Frank has got his arm wrapped protectively around Scarlett’s waist while she presses her lips to his neck, leaving yet another purple welt on his skin. All four of them look completely wrecked. Gerard can barely keep his eyes open.

“Frank’s gonna fuck Scarlett tonight,” Lyn-Z giggles, looking back at the two who have now started making out, the guitarist’s hands running up and down the burgundy haired girl’s side.

“I am not!” Frank laughs back.

“I want pizza,” Scarlett slurs, grinning at me.

“Let’s go get pizza,” Josh answers back, grabbing hold of Tyler and my hand and pulling us towards the door.

Our group stumbles down the street towards the pizza joint we’d passed on the way here. Like everything else in this city, it’s still open. The guy behind the counter glances at us, rolling his eyes a little. I imagine at this time of night he’s seen one too many drunken people and just wants it to be closing time. Josh orders for all of us, trying to make the sales guys life a little easier. Scarlett twirls around to the shitty 80s music playing from the speakers, encouraging Frank to join in. He just grins at her, pulling her closer to him so that he can lay his lips on hers.

When he lets her go she comes over to me, her lips pressing against my ears, “They were telling the truth.”

Notes

I tried to share the Spotify playlist I made for this story but I'm not sure how to do that so if anyone does pretty please let me know. :)
The songs for this chapter are: Attention Reader - Pencey Prep, Nightlife - Green Day (song Frank and Scarlett perform together), and Come on Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners (song playing in pizza place)