A Note Don't Come Easy, chapter 15
I sat in the lobby, with my suitcase and luggage by my side, Tre and Mike sitting next to me as Billie Joe checked us into our new hotel. Tre sat perched on his suitcase whilst Mike sat on a chair, the various bags of luggage surrounding him.
“I need a piss.� Mike grunted, slowly getting up and walking off somewhere to find a toilet.
“God, all this trouble just because of us.� I sighed, planting my head in my hands.
“Yeah, I know.� Tre replied, shuffling on the edge of the suitcase.
I looked over at the reception, to see Billie Joe opening his wallet and talking to the receptionist. Billie Joe didn’t have to do this, or bring me along either. I kinda felt like another piece of their luggage. Tre caught me looking longingly over at Billie Joe, not taking my eyes away from him.
“You really do like him, don’t you?�� Tre asked, pulling me away from Billie Joe.
“Oh, yeah, I suppose.� I whispered, looking down at my feet.
“What does that mean?� Tre asked, raising his eyebrows.
“I don’t know Tre. I really don’t know. Things are just too complicated.�
“Like what?� He asked, moving closer along the suitcase so we could talk.
“So many things have happened, I’ve just lost track and….Oh, I don’t know!� I cried, frowning. “Have you managed to talk to him yet?�
“No, …not…yet.� Tre sheepishly replied, biting his lip. “I haven’t had chance to yet, Mike’s always around.�
“I see.� I whispered, looking back at Billie Joe, who was now stretched over the reception counter and looking at the computer screen.
“I’ll try and talk to him tonight, I promise.� Tre told me, putting his hand on my shoulder.
“Thanks.�
“What’s happened between you then?� He asked, trying not to push his luck.
I sighed, knowing that this wouldn’t work if I didn’t tell Tre all the glory details.
“It’s just things have gotten too complicated. Whenever something happens between us, or tries to, he ends up regretting it or not wanting to know me or talk about it. I’m so confused.� I whined, looking back at Tre.
“Like I said, I’ll talk to him tonight, but I can’t promise anything with Mike around.� Tre sympathetically told me.
“Thanks Tre.� I smiled at him, then suddenly remembering something. “Oh yeah! Thanks for mending my cell yesterday by the way.�
A smile broke across Tre’s face, as he moved his hand from my shoulder to scratch his neck.
“That’s ok.� He smiled. “I had fun with the tape. Besides, you looked really upset after your mom called. I was scared you were going to do something stupid. It was the least I could do to make up for me shouting down the phone and making things worse for you.�
I smiled sympathetically at Tre, I never meant to scare him or make him feel guilty. I looked up to see Billie Joe walking back towards us from the reception, putting his wallet back in his pocket. I smiled at him as he stopped in front of us.
“The rooms are all booked up.� He told us smiling. “Where’s Mike?�
He looked around the lobby for Mike, scratching his head, ruffling his hair.
“Gone for a piss.� Tre replied, smirking.
“Fucking hell, doesn’t he ever stop?� Billie Joe asked, sitting in Mike’s chair.
Mike walked back from the opposite direction, realising that Billie Joe was in his chair.
“Get out of my chair.� He called, walking up to Billie Joe.
“You went for a piss.� Billie Joe replied, Mike grunting.
I laughed and looked out of the entrance to the hotel and out onto the boulevard. A group of girls standing by the glass windows caught my eye, as they started to walk into the hotel.
“Oh shit!!!� I cried, putting my hands on the side of the suitcase I was sitting on, ready to move.
“What?� Mike asked, looking at me, Billie Joe still in his chair.
“Teenie alert!� I screamed, gesturing with my hand to the group of girls who were now running through the hotel entrance, past the security.
“Oh fuck!� Billie Joe cried, getting quickly out of the chair and grabbing his suitcase and as much luggage as he could.
Mike bent down and threw a rucksack over his back and grabbed a suitcase. I jumped up from the suitcase and collected as many pieces of hand luggage I could carry, following Billie Joe quickly.
“Attack of the teenies!!!� Tre screamed wildly, dragging his suitcase and picking up the last few bags.
Mike waited for him as me and Billie Joe lead the way to the elevators.
“Billie Joe!!!� The girls screamed, now running after us.
Tre ran as fast as his legs would go dragging the luggage he had. Billie Joe pressed the button for an elevator and waited for it to come.
“Hurry up!� Mike cried, joining us and looking back to see the huge swarm of fans that had now collected together.
“It’s not coming!� I panicked, holding tight onto the luggage and looking back too.
“Billie Joe!!! We love you!!� The girls cried, leading the group of fans.
“Fuck’s sake! Work!� Billie Joe grunted, pressing the button again and kicking the doors to the elevator.
“Excuse me!� An elevator operator shouted at Billie Joe, walking towards us. “Don’t kick the elevators!�
“Work, you stupid fucking thing!� Billie Joe screamed, ignoring him and continuously kicking the doors.
“I said don’t kick the elevator!� He cried again, standing next to Billie Joe.
“Oh, fuck off you wanker!� Billie Joe screamed at him, searching for another way out.
The operator stood back, shocked and just looked at us in horror as we tried desperately not to laugh or panic. The group of fans burst around the corner, screaming and chanting all of their names at the same time.
“Quick, the stairs!� Mike yelled, pointing to the door that led to the staircases.
I dived through the door, dragging my suitcase with me as fast as I could, Mike behind me.
“The stairs?! With a suitcase?!� Tre moaned, the last one behind us.
“Shut the fuck up Tre and get in here!� Mike yelled, opening the door for Billie Joe.
“Tre, come on!� I screamed, the group of fans getting nearer.
“Oh look! It’s Tre Cool!� Some of the girls yelled, screaming and running towards Tre.
“Ah! Shit! I don’t wanna be teenie bait!!!� Tre screamed, suddenly realising and throwing himself through the door with his suitcase and luggage.
The group of fans collected around the door to the staircases, peeping through the window and screaming.
“Quick! Find something to block the door!� Tre screamed, getting up off of the floor from where he had thrown himself.
Billie Joe, Mike and I searched around for something to block the door with.
“Here!� Billie Joe yelled to us, yanking a fire extinguisher off of the wall and handing it to Mike, the stronger one out of us lot.
Mike grabbed the extinguisher and jammed it under the door handle and wedged it between the handle and the wall.
“There,� he sighed, wiping his hands. “That should do it.�
“Come on, let’s get out of here before they work out that there’s another staircase.� I sighed, re-adjusting the bags on my shoulders and starting to walk up the stairs.
Billie Joe and Mike followed, Tre picking up his suitcase and bags and turning around to wave teasingly to the fans.
“Na na na na na!� He chanted, wiggling his bum before laughing and running up the stairs behind us.
* * * * * * * *
We reached the 5th floor and stopped outside Room 440. Billie Joe took out a key from his pocket and un-locked the door to their room.
“This is our room guys.� Billie Joe told them, swooning into their room.
Mike and Tre followed, Tre struggling to drag all of the luggage across the floor. I stood behind them, wondering whether or not to follow them. Billie Joe threw his luggage and suitcase into a corner, Mike putting his on a bed. Tre gave one more tug at the suitcase and threw it into the room, leaving it in the middle of the floor.
“Fuck it.� He snorted, collapsing on top of the suitcase in a comical way to rest his legs.
“Here’s your key Stef.� Billie Joe yawned, passing me another key from his pocket. “I couldn’t get one on the same floor as us, so you’re on the 8th floor.�
“8th floor?!� Tre puffed looking up at Billie Joe. “I’m glad that wasn’t me.�
“That’s ok.� I told Billie Joe, taking the key from out of his hand. “I’m just grateful that you brought me with you.�
“Aw, ain’t that sweet?� Tre cooed, screwing his face up like a little munchkin.
I shot him an embarrassed look, as Billie Joe turned and kicked him hard. I picked up my suitcase again and replaced the bags back onto my shoulders. I strained to walk out into the hallway again, the various bags weighing me down.
“Mike, go help her take her stuff up to her room.� Tre called, sprawled out over the suitcase still.
“Why me?� Mike groaned, just collapsing onto the bed. “Why can’t you or Billie Joe do it?�
“Because Billie Joe’s the one who did all the booking and shit, and I’ve just suffered a near experience of being attacked by teenies.� Tre comically commented.
“Why can’t she take the elevator?� Mike groaned again, sighing.
“And risk ‘attack of the teenies 2?’ I don’t think so.� Tre sighed, looking up at me and winking.
Ah, now I understood. He was trying to get rid of Mike so he could talk to Billie Joe. Nice one Tre.
“It’s ok, I’ll be fine.� I said, starting to walk off again.
“No, I’ll come with you.� Mike sighed, getting up off of the bed, feeling guilty. “Give me that.�
He took all the bags off of my shoulders and just left me to drag my suitcase. We turned out of the doorway and walked down the corridor, shutting the door behind me. Now I knew what Tre and Billie Joe were going to be doing, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going to be said. We reached the stairs and started climbing them up to the 8th floor.
“Mike, you didn’t have to do this.� I told him turning back on the stairs, waiting for him to catch up.
“Nah, it’s fine, seriously. I could do with the exercise anyways.� He mocked, catching up with me.
We reached the 8th floor and I held open the door for him as he walked the last steps and out from the staircase into the corridor.
“Which one’s your room?� He asked, searching up and down the corridor at the different room doors.
“Erm…� I groaned, picking up the key in my pocket and looking at the label on it with my room number on. “798.�
“This way then I’m guessing then.� Mike suggested, turning right and walking down the corridor.
I followed closely, searching on every door for the number 798 as I walked past, dragging my suitcase.
“Ah, here we go!� Mike called to me, stopping outside the door to my room and opening his hand up for the key.
I passed him the key as I stood behind and watched him open up the door to my room. He paced through the door and walked into the room, dumping my bags on my DOUBLE bed.
“Nice place.� Mike commented, approving of my ‘new home.’
I dragged my suitcase through the door and stored into in the corner of the room.
“Not as nice as the last place, but it will do.� Mike sighed, looking around. “It will keep us happy for the meantime since we’re on the run.�
“Sorry.� I whispered, still feeling really guilty.
“Don’t worry,� He laughed walking towards me. “I know really that it was all Tre.�
“But I helped him, which makes me just as much to blame.�
“Stef, NEVER blame yourself for what happened. Tre does things like this all the time, so it’s not like this is the first.� Mike assured me, giving me a sympathetic smile.
“Yeah, I know. I’ve read loads of articles on the shit you’ve done - especially Tre.� I giggled, thinking back to some of the things I had read.
“Yeah, it was me who had the shit over your balcony.� He said, hesitating.
I tried not to laugh as I thought back to walking in my suite and finding Billie Joe in the corner, pissed as a fart and Mike hanging over the balcony, shitting everywhere. “Anyway, try and get some rest.� He told me, patting my shoulder with his big strong hands that were made for playing Bass. “You don’t want to be tired for the next audition tomorrow do you?�
“No, I guess not.� I replied, rolling my eyes and playing with my nails.
“Just think, if you get through this next audition, which you will, you’ll be in the final.� He smiled, trying to make me feel better.
“Yeah. That’s what scares me.� I sighed; flopping on to the bed amongst my luggage Mike had just carried up here for me.
“Just try and relax tonight, ok?� He advised me. “And just think, when you’re wrapped up in a double bed tonight, we’ll be stuck in tiny beds tight together, with Tre’s farts and all his shit over our beds!�
I laughed, and sat up on the edge of the bed to watch him go out.
“Thanks Mike.� I called out to him, before he closed the door.
“Any time.�
* * * * * * * *
I had decided to play Poprocks and Coke for the next audition, as the chords were quite simple and the song wasn’t too complicated to remember. I waited behind the doors for candidate number 54 to come out of the room. As I stood there and waited nervously, I tried to think back over the chords changes. Number 54 came out of the room, and smiled bleakly at me, before dragging themselves somewhere. It was gonna be a close call this time. (Not that the others hadn’t though!) I took a deep breath before walking in the room, to see Billie Joe, Mike, and Tre in their usual seating arrangements; sitting far away as possible from Igor and Toni.
“Oh, we meet again, …Stef is it?� Toni ‘welcomed’, looking over her glasses to see me.
“Yeah.� I replied, forcing a smile.
Why did she never remember my fucking name?! I glanced over at Igor who was holding onto a can of Red Bull in his big fat fist. He reminded me of a biker, with his long beard and beady eyes. I didn’t dare tell him that though, otherwise I would be Brain Stew.
“So, what are you going to play for us today then?� Tre asked me, trying to make the whole situation easier for me.
“Erm, Poprocks and Coke, Mr. Cool.� I answered, trying not to laugh, at ‘Mr. Cool.’
“Great,� Mike smiled, trying to move the audition along quicker. “Start when you’re ready.�
I looked at Billie Joe, who nodded at me in agreement before I collected a stool to perch myself on. It was weird, because he hardly said anything in my auditions. Maybe it was best not too otherwise he might say something to give us away that we knew each other. I took a deep sigh and played the first chords and notes of Poprocks and Coke, one of my favourite Green Day songs too. Whilst playing, I managed to see out of the corner of my eye Toni scribbling notes down madly. What did she write in that dam note pad of hers? I would like to read what she writes down during my auditions that I’ve taken so long to practise. I strummed the last chord and looked up, waiting for an answer.
“That’s kewl.� Tre commented, smiling at me.
“Yeah, great stuff.� Mike told me, chewing the end of his pencil in thought.
Again, Billie Joe said nothing. I hope everything was ok with him. He didn’t seem his usual self. Tre caught me looking at Billie Joe, and shook his head violently, also pointing at Billie Joe. Something was definitely up if Tre was telling me to leave him alone.
“You can go now!� Toni sharply screeched at me, wondering why the hell I was still there.
“But, ..what about, my..erm…� I stuttered, not fully understanding.
“We’ll call you all back in at the end and tell you whether you’re the final or not.� Toni grunted, possibly pissed off because she had said this so many times today. I quickly walked out of the room, taking a look back at Billie Joe, who was still slumped in his chair, not concentrating.
* * * * * * * *
I walked back into the room 2 hours later, but with 60 other hopefuls, all to be numbered down to 2. Only 2 people were going to go through to the final out of all 60 of us, so there was no point in me staying. I might as well just go now. I timidly stood amongst the other 59 people, trying not to stand out or catch Tre, Mike or Billie Joe’s eye. Billie Joe still looked down, slumped in the chair. He tried his best to make himself look more presentable in front of the others, but I could tell that his heart wasn’t in it, and so could Tre and Mike. What the hell could be wrong with him? The only thing I could think of was something to do with Adrienne or the kids. If it was something about their career or something like that, all of them would look pissed off. He smiled weakly, and straightened his back up, but still there was no life behind his bloodshot eyes.
“We have come to a decision.� Toni pronounced to us all, snapping from my thoughts.
Everyone grew silent and paid attention to Toni, who had now stood up in front of us all.
“As you know, only 2 of you can make it to the final. Which means that 58 of you will leave disappointed.� She told us, fiddling with her pen and tapping it on the table.
God, this audition was making me feel nervous. I didn’t think that things like this were that serious. I entered this competition to win to see Green Day in concert, but had met them in my auditions, so the prize wasn’t really that of a surprise now. I mean, it’s been my dream to see them in concert, but now I was basically living with them, the prize wasn’t going to be a complete surprise to me. If I did see them in concert, it was going to be like seeing friends play a gig.
“So,� Toni screeched again. “We have come to a final decision. On behalf of Igor and I, the first person to go through to the final is…number 24!�
I looked down in disbelief as a young boy jumped up and down hysterically, clasping his hands over his mouth in surprise. Why was even here? There was no chance for me. I stepped back slightly, to hide away from everyone else, so no one would see my disappointment.
“And the final person has been picked on the behalf of Tre, Mike and Billie Joe.� Toni announced, in a slightly annoyed manner. “And that person is…�
She held her breath in suspension, everyone holding onto her last words.
“Number 55.� She puffed, looking down on Igor, who had now just crushed his Red Bull can in the fists of his hands.
Everyone looked around in wonder, searching on everyone’s sicker to see who had won. I looked around too, quickly looking about to see who had gotten into the final. I looked down at my sticker, and jumped six foot in the air, my heart beating and stuck in my throat. I WAS NUMBER 59! I looked up at Tre, Mike and Billie Joe, who gave me thumbs up and smiles.
“For the rest of you,� Toni announced again, calming everyone down. “I’m very sorry. But keep on trying with the guitar, we all thought you were brilliant.�
God, she was a bitch wasn’t she? Keep on TRYING with the guitar? That was just out of order. She should try it for fuck’s sake. The crowd slowly died down, people walking out of the studio disappointed, dragging their guitars. I did feel sorry for them. I still couldn’t believe that I was in the final though. I didn’t deserve to be – I had cheated my way through this.
“You two, come here.� Toni squealed, pointing to me and the other finalist. We both walked up to her, and stood in front of the table as she sat back down into her seat. Igor looked at my and curled his lips, his eyes full of hate. I quickly looked away, avoiding him and any eye contact.
“You’re next audition is in 2 days.� Toni told us, looking through her notes. “This is your last chance to prove to us that you are worthy of winning this competition. You will come here at 1 in the afternoon, and perform to us one last song, before we make a decision. Just, good luck with your rehearsing.�
She seemed to block me out and say everything to the other kid, her ‘favourite’, but I listened all the same. She hated my guts, and then I knew I had only been chosen because of Tre, Mike and Billie Joe. The boy standing next to me eagerly walked up to Green Day, and shook all of their hands in awe. I followed him and walked up to them, shaking their hands one by one. I placed my hand in Billie Joe’s, which he tightened his grip on and looked at me with sorry eyes. What the hell was the matter? I pulled away quickly; not wanting to feel any more hurt for him, and moved on to Tre.
“Well done.� He whispered to me, shaking my hand firmly and slipping a piece of paper in my hand.
I quickly shoved it in my pocket before Igor and Toni could notice, before finally shaking hands with Mike. I strode out of the room and into the lobby of the studio, which was mostly empty. I unfolded the piece of paper I had shoved into my pocket, where I found a note written by Tre;
“Meet us around the back in an hour; we’ll go back to the hotel together. Well done by the way, you rocked! Don’t worry about Billie Joe; he’s just upset about something. I’ll explain later. Tre.�
Ok, so that meant I had an hour to kill. Oh, weren’t I the lucky one? I decided to take a walk down the boulevard and see if there was anything worth looking at in the corner shops. I walked into a 7-11 and found the magazine rack. Just to say, it’s really kewl to actually say 7-11, even though I’m not American, as I’ve already explained before. I loved using American words. I picked up a magazine that caught my eye on the top shelf, which happened to have Green Day on. I reached down into my pocket to find a couple of dollars folded up. I guess I could treat myself to a magazine, and read it tonight. I walked back down the aisle when I also came across the chocolate. God, I hadn’t had chocolate for a long time. I searched along the shelf for an appealing looking chocolate, soon settling with a Crunchie. I picked up something for Billie Joe too, just to cheer him up, not that it was much though. I also got a coffee chocolate for Mike, knowing how much he loved his caffeine and a pack of Haribo for Tre. I paid for my items and walked back onto the boulevard, to find something that I wish I hadn’t. Remember the groups of girls who had threatened me at the last audition? Yeah, well, they were standing in the corner of the boulevard, lighting up cigarettes, dressed in their PVC boots, tight tops and skirts and various piercings. Shit, and this time I had no one to protect me. Great, I was screwed. I clutched onto my guitar tightly and my small bag of shopping. I walked as fast as I could past them, trying not to make it too obvious that I was scared. They sniggered as I walked past, watching me from behind.
“Fucking bitch!� One screamed at me, snorting.
“Yeah, you mother fucking whore!� Another shouted.
They laughed in unison as I tried to ignore them and make my way back to the studio.
* * * * * * * *
When I arrived, everyone had gone. The whole area was empty, except for the few people in the ‘audition room’, which were obviously Green Day, Igor and Toni. It would be another 40 minutes before they came out, so I sat in the lobby and read my magazine. I know I said I’d read it tonight, but I had to do something to keep me from the boredom! I munched on my chocolate, and read the interview in my magazine with Green Day. It was still another 20 minutes until they would come out, so I decided to go and sit on the boulevard, as it was best to keep out of sight of Toni and Igor. If they saw me still hanging around they would suspect something and ask why I was still here, and I wasn’t in the mood for it. I sat on the sidewalk, clutching my guitar tightly on my lap so no one would steal it off of me. It was pretty dark now, and it was 5 minutes before I had to meet up with Green Day. I slowly lifted myself from off of the sidewalk and walked around the studios to the back where I had met them after the first audition. That evening had been perfect. Why couldn’t that happen now? I had so much fun, even if I did get chased by the cops and find Billie Joe crawling into bed with me. I stood under the light of the street lamps, and waited patiently for them to come out. Then my heart stopped beating when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Oi, bitch face!� Someone screamed behind me, making me jump.
I turned around on the spot and got a full-blown punch in my face. I staggered back in shock, still clutching my guitar tightly. I soon worked out that it was the group of girls who I had seen earlier, the one’s who had threatened me the other day. They had followed me, and now were walking towards me, their smoky breaths inhaling onto me. My whole body tensed up in fright of what they were going to do. I wish and prayed with all my might that Green Day would burst through the exit any second now and save me.
“You think you’re so fucking fly with your guitar.� One of the girls shouted, spitting in my face.
I hysterically wiped it off of my face, scared shitless about what was going to happen. I wasn’t fly, and I never thought I was. This girl was out of her mind. She needed therapy, so did all of them.
“Yeah,� Someone else yelled, stepping forward. “Just because you got through to the next round and I didn’t, you think you’re better than anyone.�
I suddenly realised that it was number 656 from audition number 2. The leader, shall we say, of the group. I stepped back away from them, trying to find somewhere to run, but they just cornered me. Shit, I was so scared. I could hear myself breathing because I was doing it so heavily. I backed up against the wall, the 4 girls staring down at me with their beading eyes and hateful souls.
“You and your little guitar piss me off! You think you’re fucking better than anyone. We’ll you’re fucking NOT alright?!� She screamed again. “Fucking dirty English Scum!�
She punched my harshly in the stomach, making me double up in pain. I winched as someone else kicked me in the chins. The others started to join in as I fell to the floor in agony. They all started kicking and punched me violently, as I tried to escape. One of them started to pull at my guitar that was strapped in its cover on my bag.
“Fuck off!� I screamed, shoving them off of me and struggling to get up.
“No, you fuck off!� Number 656 yelled. (I’ll never know her fucking name, and I don’t think I want to!)
She put me in a headlock and threw me to the floor as her alibis snatched my guitar off of my back.
“No!� I yelled, the tears filling in my eyes, and the anger boiling inside of me. “Not my guitar! Give me back my fucking guitar!�
I jumped up ignoring the pain and tried to grab hold of my guitar that was now in the hands of those bitches. They pushed me back down, laughing wildly and ripping the cover off of my guitar.
“Fucktarts!� I screamed in anger, lunging at 656, put only to be pushed away.
It was the only thing I could think of to say to her. All I was thinking about was my guitar and that I had to get out of here.
“Hold her down Donna.� She told one of her mates, who grabbed me around the shoulders and threw me against the wall, keeping me there. I wriggled hysterically, trying to free myself from her grasp, but she was too strong. And every time I tried, she elbowed me in the gut. I watched in horror and pain as they stripped my guitar of some of its strings and stamped on them furiously.
“What are you going to do without your precious guitar now?� 656 cooed sarcastically before cackling and smashing my guitar violently into the ground.
The shortest one out of the lot, clutched hold of my guitar after picking it up and started ripping off the stickers that Billie Joe had given me and I had taken so long to place in position. That guitar was my life and heart, how could I live without it? That was my hopes and dreams, and my ticket to a Green Day gig. That had been the bond between me and Billie Joe – and now it was destroyed, symbolising the break up of that bond we once had. I tried to think of something nice as I watched them destroy my guitar, but there was nothing left worthwhile in my life to think about. All I could think off in my head was Wake Me Up When September Ends. The tears filled my eyes as I just stood there, pinned to the wall watching my guitar being smashed across the ground. They took one final smash of it, before walking off laughing.
“Come on Donna, I’m bored of this now.� 656 called, leading her ‘friends’ back out onto the boulevard. “I think our work here is done anyway.�
Donna punched me one more time in the gut, so hard it made me collapse to the ground. She spat on me again and kicked me one last time before joining the others in their laughter as they stalked off. I curled up into a ball and wriggled towards my guitar, clutching my left side. I felt a pain rip through my side as I tried to reach out, making me numb and lifeless, all my limbs falling still. I listened carefully to the girls’ laughing in the distance, as I lay motionless on the cold rubble ground, the night falling on me…and my destroyed guitar.
“I need a piss.� Mike grunted, slowly getting up and walking off somewhere to find a toilet.
“God, all this trouble just because of us.� I sighed, planting my head in my hands.
“Yeah, I know.� Tre replied, shuffling on the edge of the suitcase.
I looked over at the reception, to see Billie Joe opening his wallet and talking to the receptionist. Billie Joe didn’t have to do this, or bring me along either. I kinda felt like another piece of their luggage. Tre caught me looking longingly over at Billie Joe, not taking my eyes away from him.
“You really do like him, don’t you?�� Tre asked, pulling me away from Billie Joe.
“Oh, yeah, I suppose.� I whispered, looking down at my feet.
“What does that mean?� Tre asked, raising his eyebrows.
“I don’t know Tre. I really don’t know. Things are just too complicated.�
“Like what?� He asked, moving closer along the suitcase so we could talk.
“So many things have happened, I’ve just lost track and….Oh, I don’t know!� I cried, frowning. “Have you managed to talk to him yet?�
“No, …not…yet.� Tre sheepishly replied, biting his lip. “I haven’t had chance to yet, Mike’s always around.�
“I see.� I whispered, looking back at Billie Joe, who was now stretched over the reception counter and looking at the computer screen.
“I’ll try and talk to him tonight, I promise.� Tre told me, putting his hand on my shoulder.
“Thanks.�
“What’s happened between you then?� He asked, trying not to push his luck.
I sighed, knowing that this wouldn’t work if I didn’t tell Tre all the glory details.
“It’s just things have gotten too complicated. Whenever something happens between us, or tries to, he ends up regretting it or not wanting to know me or talk about it. I’m so confused.� I whined, looking back at Tre.
“Like I said, I’ll talk to him tonight, but I can’t promise anything with Mike around.� Tre sympathetically told me.
“Thanks Tre.� I smiled at him, then suddenly remembering something. “Oh yeah! Thanks for mending my cell yesterday by the way.�
A smile broke across Tre’s face, as he moved his hand from my shoulder to scratch his neck.
“That’s ok.� He smiled. “I had fun with the tape. Besides, you looked really upset after your mom called. I was scared you were going to do something stupid. It was the least I could do to make up for me shouting down the phone and making things worse for you.�
I smiled sympathetically at Tre, I never meant to scare him or make him feel guilty. I looked up to see Billie Joe walking back towards us from the reception, putting his wallet back in his pocket. I smiled at him as he stopped in front of us.
“The rooms are all booked up.� He told us smiling. “Where’s Mike?�
He looked around the lobby for Mike, scratching his head, ruffling his hair.
“Gone for a piss.� Tre replied, smirking.
“Fucking hell, doesn’t he ever stop?� Billie Joe asked, sitting in Mike’s chair.
Mike walked back from the opposite direction, realising that Billie Joe was in his chair.
“Get out of my chair.� He called, walking up to Billie Joe.
“You went for a piss.� Billie Joe replied, Mike grunting.
I laughed and looked out of the entrance to the hotel and out onto the boulevard. A group of girls standing by the glass windows caught my eye, as they started to walk into the hotel.
“Oh shit!!!� I cried, putting my hands on the side of the suitcase I was sitting on, ready to move.
“What?� Mike asked, looking at me, Billie Joe still in his chair.
“Teenie alert!� I screamed, gesturing with my hand to the group of girls who were now running through the hotel entrance, past the security.
“Oh fuck!� Billie Joe cried, getting quickly out of the chair and grabbing his suitcase and as much luggage as he could.
Mike bent down and threw a rucksack over his back and grabbed a suitcase. I jumped up from the suitcase and collected as many pieces of hand luggage I could carry, following Billie Joe quickly.
“Attack of the teenies!!!� Tre screamed wildly, dragging his suitcase and picking up the last few bags.
Mike waited for him as me and Billie Joe lead the way to the elevators.
“Billie Joe!!!� The girls screamed, now running after us.
Tre ran as fast as his legs would go dragging the luggage he had. Billie Joe pressed the button for an elevator and waited for it to come.
“Hurry up!� Mike cried, joining us and looking back to see the huge swarm of fans that had now collected together.
“It’s not coming!� I panicked, holding tight onto the luggage and looking back too.
“Billie Joe!!! We love you!!� The girls cried, leading the group of fans.
“Fuck’s sake! Work!� Billie Joe grunted, pressing the button again and kicking the doors to the elevator.
“Excuse me!� An elevator operator shouted at Billie Joe, walking towards us. “Don’t kick the elevators!�
“Work, you stupid fucking thing!� Billie Joe screamed, ignoring him and continuously kicking the doors.
“I said don’t kick the elevator!� He cried again, standing next to Billie Joe.
“Oh, fuck off you wanker!� Billie Joe screamed at him, searching for another way out.
The operator stood back, shocked and just looked at us in horror as we tried desperately not to laugh or panic. The group of fans burst around the corner, screaming and chanting all of their names at the same time.
“Quick, the stairs!� Mike yelled, pointing to the door that led to the staircases.
I dived through the door, dragging my suitcase with me as fast as I could, Mike behind me.
“The stairs?! With a suitcase?!� Tre moaned, the last one behind us.
“Shut the fuck up Tre and get in here!� Mike yelled, opening the door for Billie Joe.
“Tre, come on!� I screamed, the group of fans getting nearer.
“Oh look! It’s Tre Cool!� Some of the girls yelled, screaming and running towards Tre.
“Ah! Shit! I don’t wanna be teenie bait!!!� Tre screamed, suddenly realising and throwing himself through the door with his suitcase and luggage.
The group of fans collected around the door to the staircases, peeping through the window and screaming.
“Quick! Find something to block the door!� Tre screamed, getting up off of the floor from where he had thrown himself.
Billie Joe, Mike and I searched around for something to block the door with.
“Here!� Billie Joe yelled to us, yanking a fire extinguisher off of the wall and handing it to Mike, the stronger one out of us lot.
Mike grabbed the extinguisher and jammed it under the door handle and wedged it between the handle and the wall.
“There,� he sighed, wiping his hands. “That should do it.�
“Come on, let’s get out of here before they work out that there’s another staircase.� I sighed, re-adjusting the bags on my shoulders and starting to walk up the stairs.
Billie Joe and Mike followed, Tre picking up his suitcase and bags and turning around to wave teasingly to the fans.
“Na na na na na!� He chanted, wiggling his bum before laughing and running up the stairs behind us.
* * * * * * * *
We reached the 5th floor and stopped outside Room 440. Billie Joe took out a key from his pocket and un-locked the door to their room.
“This is our room guys.� Billie Joe told them, swooning into their room.
Mike and Tre followed, Tre struggling to drag all of the luggage across the floor. I stood behind them, wondering whether or not to follow them. Billie Joe threw his luggage and suitcase into a corner, Mike putting his on a bed. Tre gave one more tug at the suitcase and threw it into the room, leaving it in the middle of the floor.
“Fuck it.� He snorted, collapsing on top of the suitcase in a comical way to rest his legs.
“Here’s your key Stef.� Billie Joe yawned, passing me another key from his pocket. “I couldn’t get one on the same floor as us, so you’re on the 8th floor.�
“8th floor?!� Tre puffed looking up at Billie Joe. “I’m glad that wasn’t me.�
“That’s ok.� I told Billie Joe, taking the key from out of his hand. “I’m just grateful that you brought me with you.�
“Aw, ain’t that sweet?� Tre cooed, screwing his face up like a little munchkin.
I shot him an embarrassed look, as Billie Joe turned and kicked him hard. I picked up my suitcase again and replaced the bags back onto my shoulders. I strained to walk out into the hallway again, the various bags weighing me down.
“Mike, go help her take her stuff up to her room.� Tre called, sprawled out over the suitcase still.
“Why me?� Mike groaned, just collapsing onto the bed. “Why can’t you or Billie Joe do it?�
“Because Billie Joe’s the one who did all the booking and shit, and I’ve just suffered a near experience of being attacked by teenies.� Tre comically commented.
“Why can’t she take the elevator?� Mike groaned again, sighing.
“And risk ‘attack of the teenies 2?’ I don’t think so.� Tre sighed, looking up at me and winking.
Ah, now I understood. He was trying to get rid of Mike so he could talk to Billie Joe. Nice one Tre.
“It’s ok, I’ll be fine.� I said, starting to walk off again.
“No, I’ll come with you.� Mike sighed, getting up off of the bed, feeling guilty. “Give me that.�
He took all the bags off of my shoulders and just left me to drag my suitcase. We turned out of the doorway and walked down the corridor, shutting the door behind me. Now I knew what Tre and Billie Joe were going to be doing, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going to be said. We reached the stairs and started climbing them up to the 8th floor.
“Mike, you didn’t have to do this.� I told him turning back on the stairs, waiting for him to catch up.
“Nah, it’s fine, seriously. I could do with the exercise anyways.� He mocked, catching up with me.
We reached the 8th floor and I held open the door for him as he walked the last steps and out from the staircase into the corridor.
“Which one’s your room?� He asked, searching up and down the corridor at the different room doors.
“Erm…� I groaned, picking up the key in my pocket and looking at the label on it with my room number on. “798.�
“This way then I’m guessing then.� Mike suggested, turning right and walking down the corridor.
I followed closely, searching on every door for the number 798 as I walked past, dragging my suitcase.
“Ah, here we go!� Mike called to me, stopping outside the door to my room and opening his hand up for the key.
I passed him the key as I stood behind and watched him open up the door to my room. He paced through the door and walked into the room, dumping my bags on my DOUBLE bed.
“Nice place.� Mike commented, approving of my ‘new home.’
I dragged my suitcase through the door and stored into in the corner of the room.
“Not as nice as the last place, but it will do.� Mike sighed, looking around. “It will keep us happy for the meantime since we’re on the run.�
“Sorry.� I whispered, still feeling really guilty.
“Don’t worry,� He laughed walking towards me. “I know really that it was all Tre.�
“But I helped him, which makes me just as much to blame.�
“Stef, NEVER blame yourself for what happened. Tre does things like this all the time, so it’s not like this is the first.� Mike assured me, giving me a sympathetic smile.
“Yeah, I know. I’ve read loads of articles on the shit you’ve done - especially Tre.� I giggled, thinking back to some of the things I had read.
“Yeah, it was me who had the shit over your balcony.� He said, hesitating.
I tried not to laugh as I thought back to walking in my suite and finding Billie Joe in the corner, pissed as a fart and Mike hanging over the balcony, shitting everywhere. “Anyway, try and get some rest.� He told me, patting my shoulder with his big strong hands that were made for playing Bass. “You don’t want to be tired for the next audition tomorrow do you?�
“No, I guess not.� I replied, rolling my eyes and playing with my nails.
“Just think, if you get through this next audition, which you will, you’ll be in the final.� He smiled, trying to make me feel better.
“Yeah. That’s what scares me.� I sighed; flopping on to the bed amongst my luggage Mike had just carried up here for me.
“Just try and relax tonight, ok?� He advised me. “And just think, when you’re wrapped up in a double bed tonight, we’ll be stuck in tiny beds tight together, with Tre’s farts and all his shit over our beds!�
I laughed, and sat up on the edge of the bed to watch him go out.
“Thanks Mike.� I called out to him, before he closed the door.
“Any time.�
* * * * * * * *
I had decided to play Poprocks and Coke for the next audition, as the chords were quite simple and the song wasn’t too complicated to remember. I waited behind the doors for candidate number 54 to come out of the room. As I stood there and waited nervously, I tried to think back over the chords changes. Number 54 came out of the room, and smiled bleakly at me, before dragging themselves somewhere. It was gonna be a close call this time. (Not that the others hadn’t though!) I took a deep breath before walking in the room, to see Billie Joe, Mike, and Tre in their usual seating arrangements; sitting far away as possible from Igor and Toni.
“Oh, we meet again, …Stef is it?� Toni ‘welcomed’, looking over her glasses to see me.
“Yeah.� I replied, forcing a smile.
Why did she never remember my fucking name?! I glanced over at Igor who was holding onto a can of Red Bull in his big fat fist. He reminded me of a biker, with his long beard and beady eyes. I didn’t dare tell him that though, otherwise I would be Brain Stew.
“So, what are you going to play for us today then?� Tre asked me, trying to make the whole situation easier for me.
“Erm, Poprocks and Coke, Mr. Cool.� I answered, trying not to laugh, at ‘Mr. Cool.’
“Great,� Mike smiled, trying to move the audition along quicker. “Start when you’re ready.�
I looked at Billie Joe, who nodded at me in agreement before I collected a stool to perch myself on. It was weird, because he hardly said anything in my auditions. Maybe it was best not too otherwise he might say something to give us away that we knew each other. I took a deep sigh and played the first chords and notes of Poprocks and Coke, one of my favourite Green Day songs too. Whilst playing, I managed to see out of the corner of my eye Toni scribbling notes down madly. What did she write in that dam note pad of hers? I would like to read what she writes down during my auditions that I’ve taken so long to practise. I strummed the last chord and looked up, waiting for an answer.
“That’s kewl.� Tre commented, smiling at me.
“Yeah, great stuff.� Mike told me, chewing the end of his pencil in thought.
Again, Billie Joe said nothing. I hope everything was ok with him. He didn’t seem his usual self. Tre caught me looking at Billie Joe, and shook his head violently, also pointing at Billie Joe. Something was definitely up if Tre was telling me to leave him alone.
“You can go now!� Toni sharply screeched at me, wondering why the hell I was still there.
“But, ..what about, my..erm…� I stuttered, not fully understanding.
“We’ll call you all back in at the end and tell you whether you’re the final or not.� Toni grunted, possibly pissed off because she had said this so many times today. I quickly walked out of the room, taking a look back at Billie Joe, who was still slumped in his chair, not concentrating.
* * * * * * * *
I walked back into the room 2 hours later, but with 60 other hopefuls, all to be numbered down to 2. Only 2 people were going to go through to the final out of all 60 of us, so there was no point in me staying. I might as well just go now. I timidly stood amongst the other 59 people, trying not to stand out or catch Tre, Mike or Billie Joe’s eye. Billie Joe still looked down, slumped in the chair. He tried his best to make himself look more presentable in front of the others, but I could tell that his heart wasn’t in it, and so could Tre and Mike. What the hell could be wrong with him? The only thing I could think of was something to do with Adrienne or the kids. If it was something about their career or something like that, all of them would look pissed off. He smiled weakly, and straightened his back up, but still there was no life behind his bloodshot eyes.
“We have come to a decision.� Toni pronounced to us all, snapping from my thoughts.
Everyone grew silent and paid attention to Toni, who had now stood up in front of us all.
“As you know, only 2 of you can make it to the final. Which means that 58 of you will leave disappointed.� She told us, fiddling with her pen and tapping it on the table.
God, this audition was making me feel nervous. I didn’t think that things like this were that serious. I entered this competition to win to see Green Day in concert, but had met them in my auditions, so the prize wasn’t really that of a surprise now. I mean, it’s been my dream to see them in concert, but now I was basically living with them, the prize wasn’t going to be a complete surprise to me. If I did see them in concert, it was going to be like seeing friends play a gig.
“So,� Toni screeched again. “We have come to a final decision. On behalf of Igor and I, the first person to go through to the final is…number 24!�
I looked down in disbelief as a young boy jumped up and down hysterically, clasping his hands over his mouth in surprise. Why was even here? There was no chance for me. I stepped back slightly, to hide away from everyone else, so no one would see my disappointment.
“And the final person has been picked on the behalf of Tre, Mike and Billie Joe.� Toni announced, in a slightly annoyed manner. “And that person is…�
She held her breath in suspension, everyone holding onto her last words.
“Number 55.� She puffed, looking down on Igor, who had now just crushed his Red Bull can in the fists of his hands.
Everyone looked around in wonder, searching on everyone’s sicker to see who had won. I looked around too, quickly looking about to see who had gotten into the final. I looked down at my sticker, and jumped six foot in the air, my heart beating and stuck in my throat. I WAS NUMBER 59! I looked up at Tre, Mike and Billie Joe, who gave me thumbs up and smiles.
“For the rest of you,� Toni announced again, calming everyone down. “I’m very sorry. But keep on trying with the guitar, we all thought you were brilliant.�
God, she was a bitch wasn’t she? Keep on TRYING with the guitar? That was just out of order. She should try it for fuck’s sake. The crowd slowly died down, people walking out of the studio disappointed, dragging their guitars. I did feel sorry for them. I still couldn’t believe that I was in the final though. I didn’t deserve to be – I had cheated my way through this.
“You two, come here.� Toni squealed, pointing to me and the other finalist. We both walked up to her, and stood in front of the table as she sat back down into her seat. Igor looked at my and curled his lips, his eyes full of hate. I quickly looked away, avoiding him and any eye contact.
“You’re next audition is in 2 days.� Toni told us, looking through her notes. “This is your last chance to prove to us that you are worthy of winning this competition. You will come here at 1 in the afternoon, and perform to us one last song, before we make a decision. Just, good luck with your rehearsing.�
She seemed to block me out and say everything to the other kid, her ‘favourite’, but I listened all the same. She hated my guts, and then I knew I had only been chosen because of Tre, Mike and Billie Joe. The boy standing next to me eagerly walked up to Green Day, and shook all of their hands in awe. I followed him and walked up to them, shaking their hands one by one. I placed my hand in Billie Joe’s, which he tightened his grip on and looked at me with sorry eyes. What the hell was the matter? I pulled away quickly; not wanting to feel any more hurt for him, and moved on to Tre.
“Well done.� He whispered to me, shaking my hand firmly and slipping a piece of paper in my hand.
I quickly shoved it in my pocket before Igor and Toni could notice, before finally shaking hands with Mike. I strode out of the room and into the lobby of the studio, which was mostly empty. I unfolded the piece of paper I had shoved into my pocket, where I found a note written by Tre;
“Meet us around the back in an hour; we’ll go back to the hotel together. Well done by the way, you rocked! Don’t worry about Billie Joe; he’s just upset about something. I’ll explain later. Tre.�
Ok, so that meant I had an hour to kill. Oh, weren’t I the lucky one? I decided to take a walk down the boulevard and see if there was anything worth looking at in the corner shops. I walked into a 7-11 and found the magazine rack. Just to say, it’s really kewl to actually say 7-11, even though I’m not American, as I’ve already explained before. I loved using American words. I picked up a magazine that caught my eye on the top shelf, which happened to have Green Day on. I reached down into my pocket to find a couple of dollars folded up. I guess I could treat myself to a magazine, and read it tonight. I walked back down the aisle when I also came across the chocolate. God, I hadn’t had chocolate for a long time. I searched along the shelf for an appealing looking chocolate, soon settling with a Crunchie. I picked up something for Billie Joe too, just to cheer him up, not that it was much though. I also got a coffee chocolate for Mike, knowing how much he loved his caffeine and a pack of Haribo for Tre. I paid for my items and walked back onto the boulevard, to find something that I wish I hadn’t. Remember the groups of girls who had threatened me at the last audition? Yeah, well, they were standing in the corner of the boulevard, lighting up cigarettes, dressed in their PVC boots, tight tops and skirts and various piercings. Shit, and this time I had no one to protect me. Great, I was screwed. I clutched onto my guitar tightly and my small bag of shopping. I walked as fast as I could past them, trying not to make it too obvious that I was scared. They sniggered as I walked past, watching me from behind.
“Fucking bitch!� One screamed at me, snorting.
“Yeah, you mother fucking whore!� Another shouted.
They laughed in unison as I tried to ignore them and make my way back to the studio.
* * * * * * * *
When I arrived, everyone had gone. The whole area was empty, except for the few people in the ‘audition room’, which were obviously Green Day, Igor and Toni. It would be another 40 minutes before they came out, so I sat in the lobby and read my magazine. I know I said I’d read it tonight, but I had to do something to keep me from the boredom! I munched on my chocolate, and read the interview in my magazine with Green Day. It was still another 20 minutes until they would come out, so I decided to go and sit on the boulevard, as it was best to keep out of sight of Toni and Igor. If they saw me still hanging around they would suspect something and ask why I was still here, and I wasn’t in the mood for it. I sat on the sidewalk, clutching my guitar tightly on my lap so no one would steal it off of me. It was pretty dark now, and it was 5 minutes before I had to meet up with Green Day. I slowly lifted myself from off of the sidewalk and walked around the studios to the back where I had met them after the first audition. That evening had been perfect. Why couldn’t that happen now? I had so much fun, even if I did get chased by the cops and find Billie Joe crawling into bed with me. I stood under the light of the street lamps, and waited patiently for them to come out. Then my heart stopped beating when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Oi, bitch face!� Someone screamed behind me, making me jump.
I turned around on the spot and got a full-blown punch in my face. I staggered back in shock, still clutching my guitar tightly. I soon worked out that it was the group of girls who I had seen earlier, the one’s who had threatened me the other day. They had followed me, and now were walking towards me, their smoky breaths inhaling onto me. My whole body tensed up in fright of what they were going to do. I wish and prayed with all my might that Green Day would burst through the exit any second now and save me.
“You think you’re so fucking fly with your guitar.� One of the girls shouted, spitting in my face.
I hysterically wiped it off of my face, scared shitless about what was going to happen. I wasn’t fly, and I never thought I was. This girl was out of her mind. She needed therapy, so did all of them.
“Yeah,� Someone else yelled, stepping forward. “Just because you got through to the next round and I didn’t, you think you’re better than anyone.�
I suddenly realised that it was number 656 from audition number 2. The leader, shall we say, of the group. I stepped back away from them, trying to find somewhere to run, but they just cornered me. Shit, I was so scared. I could hear myself breathing because I was doing it so heavily. I backed up against the wall, the 4 girls staring down at me with their beading eyes and hateful souls.
“You and your little guitar piss me off! You think you’re fucking better than anyone. We’ll you’re fucking NOT alright?!� She screamed again. “Fucking dirty English Scum!�
She punched my harshly in the stomach, making me double up in pain. I winched as someone else kicked me in the chins. The others started to join in as I fell to the floor in agony. They all started kicking and punched me violently, as I tried to escape. One of them started to pull at my guitar that was strapped in its cover on my bag.
“Fuck off!� I screamed, shoving them off of me and struggling to get up.
“No, you fuck off!� Number 656 yelled. (I’ll never know her fucking name, and I don’t think I want to!)
She put me in a headlock and threw me to the floor as her alibis snatched my guitar off of my back.
“No!� I yelled, the tears filling in my eyes, and the anger boiling inside of me. “Not my guitar! Give me back my fucking guitar!�
I jumped up ignoring the pain and tried to grab hold of my guitar that was now in the hands of those bitches. They pushed me back down, laughing wildly and ripping the cover off of my guitar.
“Fucktarts!� I screamed in anger, lunging at 656, put only to be pushed away.
It was the only thing I could think of to say to her. All I was thinking about was my guitar and that I had to get out of here.
“Hold her down Donna.� She told one of her mates, who grabbed me around the shoulders and threw me against the wall, keeping me there. I wriggled hysterically, trying to free myself from her grasp, but she was too strong. And every time I tried, she elbowed me in the gut. I watched in horror and pain as they stripped my guitar of some of its strings and stamped on them furiously.
“What are you going to do without your precious guitar now?� 656 cooed sarcastically before cackling and smashing my guitar violently into the ground.
The shortest one out of the lot, clutched hold of my guitar after picking it up and started ripping off the stickers that Billie Joe had given me and I had taken so long to place in position. That guitar was my life and heart, how could I live without it? That was my hopes and dreams, and my ticket to a Green Day gig. That had been the bond between me and Billie Joe – and now it was destroyed, symbolising the break up of that bond we once had. I tried to think of something nice as I watched them destroy my guitar, but there was nothing left worthwhile in my life to think about. All I could think off in my head was Wake Me Up When September Ends. The tears filled my eyes as I just stood there, pinned to the wall watching my guitar being smashed across the ground. They took one final smash of it, before walking off laughing.
“Come on Donna, I’m bored of this now.� 656 called, leading her ‘friends’ back out onto the boulevard. “I think our work here is done anyway.�
Donna punched me one more time in the gut, so hard it made me collapse to the ground. She spat on me again and kicked me one last time before joining the others in their laughter as they stalked off. I curled up into a ball and wriggled towards my guitar, clutching my left side. I felt a pain rip through my side as I tried to reach out, making me numb and lifeless, all my limbs falling still. I listened carefully to the girls’ laughing in the distance, as I lay motionless on the cold rubble ground, the night falling on me…and my destroyed guitar.
