Five days.

Five days had passed and I still hadn't receive any news from Kerrang!Magazine. I wish I could tell you I didn't care, that my busy schedule kept me from engulfing myself in a race of anguished thoughts. That I knew that in no longer than a week, I'd hear the phone ring and answer the call that'd finally start what'd become; the first day of the rest of my life.

But this wasn't my reality. Not in the slightest way.

Since the interview, I've only been thinking about one thing. Which was, you guessed it; the interview. On the first night when I arrived home, I was in a total state of bliss. The couple of beers I had chugged down at the bar helped to enhance that feeling, but trust me, when I closed my eyes, I could already see myself in the backstage of a rock concert. From meeting famous bands to solo artists, all while being praised for the amazing writer that I was.

Yeah, I would see that, and a bubble bath filled with champagne.

On the second day, though, I woke up and told myself that in about 5 minutes, I'd hear the phone ring. That it was only a short matter of time. I've repeated this twisted lie to myself throughout the whole day.

Now on the third day, the same thing happened. But the stress became more serious. What if they were just nice to you so they could get rid of you quickly? What if they told the same thing to everybody? Those sentences played in my head constantly.

I guess I enjoyed torturing myself.

And on the fourth day... well... shit got nuts. I didn't go to work because I couldn't handle seeing those grey and depressing walls again; my tiny cubicle that made me feel trapped, so trapped, and so damn miserable. I swear, I couldn't bare the thought of having to stay there any longer. I had tasted freedom, and I wanted more. I had let my mind escape to the wild side, and now it was impossible to go back. My departure speech was ready, and I gladly fantasized about reciting it to the awful piece of shit that my current boss was.

Now? That leaves us with the fifth day. I had just got out of bed, zombie walking towards the shower, throwing clothes everywhere on the way. I can still remember the feeling of the cold water hitting my skin. I shivered deeply as I waited for the temperature to heat up, but that's when I heard a tiny sound. It was hard to know at first, cuz, you know, water and stuff. That thing makes a lot of noise.

Anyway, I heard the tiny sound, and I still can't believe I waited so long to realize it was my phone. This was the moment I've waited for all week and there I was, wondering which bottle of shampoo I should use. I gasped when the resonance became familiar. Without wasting anymore minutes, I hurried out of the shower and ran naked in my apartment, trying to remember where I had put the damn thing. I know, you're imagining stuff. That's okay, I looked absolutely ridiculous.

After soaking the entire surface of my apartment's floor, I finally found my phone in the pocket of my coat.

"Hellllllo." I said, or more like shouted. Yeah, I can never do things the right way.

"Mia Lechowski, this is Todd from Kerrang!Magazine."

Oh god. I swear my brain was about to explode. "T-todd yes!" I shrieked, voice high pitched and all.

"I'm sure you wondered if we'd call back. We're very sorry for the delay, but we had a lot of things to take in consideration." He paused, but I didn't say anything, I wasn't able to. My soul was stuck in my throat, it really was.

Todd cleared his throat, like business was on. "Well, let's not beat around the bush here. I am very proud to announce you that you have been selected to become Kerrang!Magazine's youngest new writer of 2005!"

Oh. mmyy. god.

He said it.

He finally said it.

Did he? I think he did because I heard him say it!

I couldn't believe my eyes, my heart and my whole being. I started crying out of happiness. Tears fell down and rolled on my teeth, blurring my vision and salting up my smile. "Oh, my-my, goodness. Thank you so much, you have no idea what this means to me. Thank you so much for choosing me, Todd. Thank you, thank you." I couldn't control myself anymore, I wanted to make out with the walls of my apartment. For real.

Oh well, I guess a boyfriend could've been practical, but the pillow beside me at night was colder than the depths of the north pole.

Todd giggled. "We're very glad to have you on our team, Mia. This is a very important day indeed. You will soon receive an email containing all the information you need to know about the future events. I cannot talk to you any longer, but again, it was a pleasure speaking with you. May you have a wonderful day, Mrs Lechowski."

"I wish you the best day ever, Todd, thank you so so much." I babbled, restraining myself to tell him that I loved him.

Then we both hung up. And this time, I didn't throw my phone, no. I just swallowed my tears and sat on my kitchen's freezing floor. Naked and wet. Completely struck. I didn't know what to do. I wanted to scream and shout so badly, so badly that I couldn't move. I just stayed there, absorbing the moment. Realizing that my life would never be the same - that my fantasies - might no longer be the simple products of my own imagination.

There was only one thing left to do now. Quit my day job at the local newspaper, now and quickly. I just grabbed my phone once again and dialled the number that my fingers knew too damn well. But this time, I was actually doing what I've always dreamt of; calling to tell them I'd never come back.

Only 5 minutes in my new life and one of my fantasies was already coming true.

*

So there you have it.

I had just quit my old day job, telling them I was leaving to work for a prestigious British magazine. Okay, I didn't brag too much, I'm not that type of person. But I swear, the sound of their hostile aftermath is still to this very day- one of the most satisfying things I've heard in my life. I came back 1 time during the week to grab the stuff I had left in my tiny (prison) cubicle.

And that was it, I was finally free.

My rusty broken wings were spreading at last, they were healing, ready to soar again.

The rest was still unknown and it kinda scared me, but I tell ya, I fucking loved it.

*

The Email - May 28 2005

A couple of days had passed since the big news. And don’t worry, this time, I could handle the stress pretty well. But the problem is, I wasn’t patient. I wanted to start, now. To know all of the details, now.

But I had to wait for that email.

I received the thing on a Saturday morning.

I was just painting the bitter white walls of my apartment in a blue azure color; the color of the ocean- when I heard the gentle voice of my computer saying "You've got mail!". I put my blue dripping brush on the cloth covering the floor and walked up to my desk.

I clicked on the red icon at the bottom of the screen. A new window opened.

~

Date : May 28 2005 (sent 1 minute ago)
From : Todd Murphy - Editor at Kerrang!Magazine
To : Mia Eva Lechowski

Good morning Mia,

I hope you are doing well. This email will contain all the information you need to know about your new job at Kerrang!Magazine. As you are probably aware, summer is just around the corner and here at Kerrang, we're always rooting for this special time of the year. Events are spreading across the UK and the US and our journalists never miss an opportunity to cover the grounds.

That being said, you may present yourself in our office located in SoHo on Monday June 6 at 2pm. You will be then presented with the specific plans we have organized for you on this amazing music season that is about to start. You will not be disappointed.

I wish I could tell you more, but I can't.

Bring only you and yourself.

Best regards,

Todd Murphy

Editor at Kerrang!Magazine SoHo, Manhattan

~

That's it. I had no more information. I still didn't know what I would work on, or when. But this was only a short matter of time now. I truly wished I could just skip time, but as we all know, that stuff's impossible.

Guess I'd still have to go and make friends with that stupid thing called patience again.

*

The Meeting - Monday June 6 2005

-73 Spring St. SoHo, Manhattan-

And there I was.

Standing in front of the majestic red brick edifice. My very first day at work as a rock music journalist. I've waited so freaking long for this moment and now, it was finally happening. The sun was shining that day, almost lurking at me, making me cry. Maybe I was going crazy, maybe I was too damn happy. So happy that happiness felt like something else. But I swear it shined for me, the damn sun, it really did.

I finally entered the hallway and walked to the receptionist at the front. The girl was gorgeous. She was a young asian chick and had the most amazing fuchsia bangs in the world. Look, I'm not gay but, she was hot. And the decoration? Well, it was pretty badass too. There was a big portrait of Marilyn Manson hanging on the red wall. Also a lot of plants dangled around. Really nice vibe, trashy but peaceful, if that makes sense.

I cleared my throat hesitantly. "H-hello? I am here for my first day, my name is Mia Lechowski." I murmured, like I didn't want to disturb her.

Her black eyes sparkled. "Mia Lechowski! Yes! They told me about you, they're waiting for you in local 27, it's on the second floor."

I blushed. "Thank you...hm-"

"Matsuko." She winked. "But you can call me Suko." And her smile, god, did I mention her smile? Well, it was killing me. She looked so rad and pretty and I wanted to be her friend.

Which I became, but that's another time.

"Well thank you Matsuko, I-I mean, Suko." I stuttered, smiling shyly at her as I rubbed the back of my neck. I started walking backwards to reach the staircase behind me. All with a clumsiness, oh so flagrant.

I found the local in no time. It was 2pm when I knocked on the door. I can still remember the sound of my fist hitting the old polished wood. The resonance echoed throughout the long mirrored hallway I so nervously stood in.

Then the door opened and I was welcomed by a very happy Todd.

Todd grinned. "Mia! I'm so happy to see you!"

"Todd, it's so nice to see you too." I replied, hooking my thumbs in the pockets of my denim jacket. I didn't know how to be cool, but I desperately wanted to be.

"Please come in, we were just waiting for you."

I stepped in the local, there was Erika sitting at a rounded table with two other men. Spilled coffee and random papers were spread across the whole surface.

Then Erika noticed me and smiled. "Hello Mia, just take a seat wherever you want."

I nodded and took a seat, waiting for the meeting to begin. I guess I was too busy looking around to remember that in those situations, I'm usually a train wreck. But that's okay, I guess it's a good thing, not shaking and all.

"So!" Todd cheered. "We can finally begin." He stood at the extremity of the table and held the back of his chair with both of his hands. "Mia Lechowski, I and on behalf of all Kerrang's team, am very pleased to welcome you among us."

Then everybody looked at me. And shit, they were all smiling and applauding at me. All that good stuff. But it was too much, too much for a nobody like me whose existence only resided in the shadow. But I smiled back, obviously. Probably was one of those awkward smiles I'm so good at giving.

Nonetheless, everyone was pleased.

"Okay okay!" Todd hushed us. "Now that we are all here, let's not waste anymore minutes. This morning's meeting will consist of 2 different things." Todd clapped his hands and started strolling back and forth. "Those 2 things being the festivals and music tours that are starting at the end of the month. As you all know, Warped Tour is in 2 weeks and Woodstock's Independent Rock Music Festival is in 7 days."

Everyone was quiet now. We all drank at Todd's directives.

"I'll be sending someone to each events. What I want, is an insider's job. Someone who'll give me all the details. I want intimacy, interviews, scoops. I want you to enter the musician's brain, get them to talk about why they wrote a certain song, what inspires them, what kills them. I want them to trust you, to open up to you. I want the real stuff, got it? The raw, the deep, just give it to me. All your articles will be published under a special edition for the month of September. Anyway, that being said. I have already chosen my candidates."

Wow, Todd talked with so much passion and fierce. The things he said were already making me wet. Yeah, literally, that's sounds weird but I mean come on, this was the life I wanted. Thinking about all those rockstars, all those rock concerts? Ugh. Those things alone are enough to drive me insane. But a part of me also felt extremely humble, realizing the chance I had been given.

"So, for Woodstock's Independent Rock Music Festival, as we also call it - IRMF - I chose you, Allistor. But since you already know what the job is, there's no need to explaining it." Todd pointed at the so called man, Allistor. He looked a bit older than me and wore a big pair of glasses. Some sort of nerd punk, but I liked the balance.

The guy nodded. "Thank you Todd, you can be sure this'll be the best Kerrang edition ever to be release, it'll kick some ass!" He bragged as he crossed his arms.

"I'm sure it will, you've never disappointed me so far, Allistor." Todd then looked at me. "Now, for the gigantic and very awaited Warped Tour, I've chosen you, Mia." He pointed at me. "Your young personality and talking skills are exactly what we need. You have a gift, darling, you know how to make people speak. And that, it is not given to everyone. The tour will begin on June 18 and end somewhere in August. You'll be touring the whole summer with the same band."

My eyes widened, this already sounded too good to be true. I felt like William in the movie Almost Famous. It’s basically a young guy who wants to be a rock music journalist. He gets a contract with Rolling Stones Magazine to tour with famous rockstars, they travel the country in a bus and yeah, the 70s, the parties, the lies, the music and the broken hearts, all off that madness. It’s just such a good movie. Anyway, I’m rambling again, but go watch that movie if you haven’t seen it. Ok I swear I’ll stop now.

I hummed. "May I ask you which band am I to tour with?" So many band names lingered on my lips, but I just kept a serious face and waited.

"Actually, I don't know if you've heard of them... but they're called; My Chemical Romance."

Hmm, My Chemical Romance. I swear I heard that name before. I might have heard them on the radio or something. But this was still very blurry to me.

"Their most recent album received a huge amount of success. They have a massive fan base and they’re one of the most popular band of the hour, la crème de la crème, if I may say. One of Kerrang!’s favourites. Teenagers are ripping each other’s faces just to have a chance to meet their lead singer, Gerard Way. But they’re all excellent musicians, very passionate on stage." Todd explained to me.

Gerard. Funny, that reminded me of the cute drunken guy I met at the bar a couple of weeks ago. I suddenly wondered if he was sober now, or still passed out in some shady place. God I hoped he wasn’t, knowing he may not be as lucky this time.

But anyway, I didn't even know him, so why even bother?

"Yes, I think I've heard of them." I stated as I wondered, scratching the back of my head.

"I'm sure you did. But anyway, you'll have plenty of time to learn about them and their music. The lovely Erika crafted a small portfolio for you, one in which contains all the information you'll need to know about the band. Warped Tour is just around the corner and we need you to be ready."

"Yes, yes of course, without the shadow of a doubt."

Todd laughed in response as he clapped his hands very loudly. "Alright, our meeting is over, you may all go back to where you belong. Mia, I wish to speak with you, alone." He gawked at me.

Everybody left as I stayed on my chair. Todd came closer to me and handed me the portfolio he was talking about with 2 CDs. He told me that I had to come back on June 18th at 6 in the morning as I would meet him a final time just before embarking the bus that would be taking me to the first venue in Ohio. I had to bring clothing and a lot of writing accessories. Half of my first payment would be advanced and they'd cover all the extra fees.

Okay, look, this sounded so very fantastic and appealing. But in exchange, I had to be ready and prove them that I was the best journalist. He also told me that the conditions would not always be pleasant. That I would probably have to deal with a lot of different people; some nice, and some very awful ones. This was going to be a mentally, and physically, challenging journey.

But man, I was more than eager to start this adventure.

*

The following days after the meeting, I studied the band with a fierce passion and fell in love with their music.

But, there was something strange. Something very, very strange. As I scanned the photos of the band members, I swear I could recognize the faces of the lead signer and the guitarist.

They looked just like the 2 guys I met at the Red Lion. But a part of me was still unsure. I mean, seriously, how many chances do you have to meet a rockstar in a bar? Only to get assigned with them, a few weeks later. One in a million I guess.

But, as much as I wanted to chase these thoughts away, I couldn't deny the fact that they also had the same names. Hm. Something was fishy in here, very fishy, and I was pretending like I didn't smell it.

But pretending's my thing, it keeps me from feeling.

Anyway, I did my homework and in less than 2 weeks, I finally became what you can call ; a fan (and proud encyclopedia) of the band My Chemical Romance.

*
The First Day of the Rest of my Life
- June 18th 2005

I woke up at 4 in the morning. Well, more like opened my eyes, cuz I couldn't sleep very well. My bags were packed and stood near the door. I had told Alejandro, my crazy neighbour, that I was leaving. To my own surprise, he kindly offered to take care of my apartment while I was gone. Things like picking up the mail, or watering the plants, shits like that, and probably borrow some baking powder while you're at it, cause yeah, he's a fucking madman.

I just left him a spare key near the mailbox and made him swore to call me if anything went wrong. He was quite a creature, this man, but I trusted him. I've learned that the freakiest ones, are often, the kindest one.

So yeah, my alarm buzzer started doing that knifes-cutting-through-your-stomach kind of sound and I jumped out of bed. I ran like a complete airhead in my tiny apartment. I had a checklist that I must've verified probably 10 times, or even more. You could say I didn’t want to forget anything. I had my clothes and personal hygiene items, my notebook, a tape recorder, pencils and a small camera. I only had the time to take a small shower and drink the quickest and tiniest cup of coffee of my entire life. I was wearing my super rad denim jacket with a pair of black pants and a black tank top. My chocolate wavy hair was a mess but I didn’t care, it ended just below my shoulders and gave me that soft grungy vibe. Which required no effort.

Now there you have it, Mia; myself. Grabbing her bags and finally walking out the door of her miserable apartment.

Leaving into the unknown.

I was ready and anxious. I was happy and troubled. I was everything all at once.

I was alive.

And naive.

If only I knew everything that was about to happen...

Notes

Yo guys, this chapter was even longer than this ( I had to cut it in two sections, so I guess the 3rd chapter should see the light very soon)