A Note Don't Come Easy, chapter 9
Billie Joe sat next to me, again like he had the night before, propped up against his guitar. A last quick lesson before the audition tomorrow, and probably my last.
“Just keep practising as much as you can tonight. But don’t stay up too late. You don’t want to be tired for tomorrow.� Billie Joe said, patting my on the back.
“You sound like my mother.� I said, frowning.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.� He laughed.
I leaned back into the sofa, and clasped my head in my hands in distress.
“Hey, don’t worry. It’ll be fine.� He assured me, hugging me tight.
“Sure it will. Only that I’ll fuck up all the chords and let my fingers slip everywhere because I’m so nervous.� I said sarcastically, biting my lip.
“No you won’t. Don’t think like that. You’ve got talent, I know you have. We all do, so don’t downgrade yourself. The judges will love you.�
I managed to give him a weak smile before planting my head in my hands again.
“You looked at those stickers I gave you last night?�
“Oh, yeah.� I lied.
“Why haven’t you put them on?� he asked, staring at me, letting go of his grasp.
“Oh, I was going to put them on tonight, clean for the audition tomorrow.� I lied, again, sitting upright.
“Good idea. Well I better go. I’m tired too. Just remember what I told you.�
He got up to pack his things and put them away.
“Yeah, I will.�
I paused for a second to think, while I watched him rummage round for his belongings.
“Thanks Billie Joe.� I said, almost embarrassed. I stood up to lean against the wall where he was.
“No problem kid. Just remember, the judges are going to be looking for style and people who are unique.�
I looked at him with an expression that was crossed between scared and offended. “Don’t worry, you are unique. God you are, but please stick those stickers on your guitar. It might look odd at first but it will impress them. I know it will help you out.�
He grabbed my hands and lifted my chin up so he could look into my eyes. I think he knew how nervous and scared I really was.
“Trust me Stef.�
* * * * * * * *
I lay on my bed, once again, looking up at my posters. Shit, tomorrow was the audition. I was so nervous. I didn’t know what to do. If I practised any more I would drive myself insane. I needed style, just like Billie Joe had said. Maybe I did need to put those stickers on. I didn’t want to, but Billie Joe had told me to. He knew what the judges wanted, so I guess he was right. Maybe it was time for a change. I fumbled around in the top draw of the cabinet beside my bed and pulled out the white bag. I unwrapped it to reveal a small ‘voucher’ sized book with stickers in on various rock and punk groups. Was there a Green Day one? I flicked through to find a black font Green Day sticker, like used on the American Idiot album. I looked at my posters; up at Billie Joe, Tre and Mike. They knew what they were doing, I should trust them, they were like my family. I grabbed my guitar and spread out across the floor, with the sticker book in my hand. I sat for hours on end, assembling the stickers and putting them into place, trying to copy Billie Joe’s style on Blue. Billie Joe was right, AGAIN. My guitar did look pretty awesome. After I had finished, I collapsed onto the sofa with exhaustion, and I guess that was my bed for the rest of the night.
* * * * * * * *
“Are you ready Stef?� Mike asked, calling into my suite. “It’s 9:45. You’re going be late if you don’t hurry up.�
“I’m coming.� I called, grabbing my guitar and making sure I had everything I needed. “I’m coming. Where is this audition anyway?�
“East 12th Street.� Mike called again, walking through to find me in my bedroom.
“What? That’s fucking miles away!� I screamed. “I’ll never get there on time! Shit!�
Mike opened his mouth to say something, but was stopped when the o so familiar voice of Tre echoed down the hall.
“What’s all the shouting about?� Tre asked, following Mike into my bedroom. “Oh, shit! Stef, I thought better of you! What’s Mike doing in your bedroom? Mike you must stop walking into her suite! It’s those sexual vibes again isn’t it?�
“Sure it is Tre.� Mike said, looking at me, with a sarcastic expression across his face. He rolled his eyes.
“You’ve run out of happy pills haven’t you? Stef, what do you think you were doing? Leading Mike on like that. You’re a disgrace! I mean, Mike? Come on, you could of at least chosen me!�
Mike sniggered in attempt to hide his embarrassment as Tre placed his hands on his hips and rolled his eyes. Tre was such a laugh. He reminded me of a few boys who used to be in my school year. I could never stop laughing when I was around them! That’s what it was like with Tre. All 3 of them rolled into 1.
“I thought you would have learnt your lesson Mike, after what happened last time you had to go into a girl’s bedroom.� Tre said, tutting and pointing at him.
“Oh God.� Mike groaned, covering his face up with his hand.
“What’s this?� I asked, trying to hide my laughter because I have a sick mind!
“About 2 years ago, Mike had a hell of a night trying to calm down a girl once. She was so upset. Wasn’t she Mike?� Tre smirked.
“Upset?!? She was more than upset!� Mike screamed, through his hand that was covering his face.
“Mike’s never been able to forgive Billie Joe!� Tre managed to say between breaks of smiles.
“Billie Joe?� I perked up, hearing his name. “What’s Billie Joe got to do with it?�
“Billie Joe was it!� Mike screamed again, moving his hand away from his mouth. “He was the one who upset the girl for fuck’s sake!�
“Running into someone else’s room thinking it’s yours in the middle of the night when you’re drunk isn’t a good idea. Oh yeah, and the fact that you’re naked doesn’t help the situation either!� Tre screamed before bursting into fits of laughter.
Mike looked down at the floor and tried to hide his laughter. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. That must have been so funny. Soon enough, I was laughing too.
“It was so funny.� Tre gasped trying to calm down. “I’ve never seen Billie Joe move so quickly!�
“Wish I’d been there.� I said in between gaps of laughter.
Mike and Tre looked at me, and then at each other. Tre had this huge grin on his face.
“I don’t mean it like that!� I cried, staring at them, realising what they were thinking.
“Sure you don’t Stef.� Tre said, smirking again.
“I don’t!� I screamed.
“Billie Joe and Stef. Sitting in a tree. K.I.S.S.I.N.G.� Tre cooed, dancing around in the doorway.
Mike watched in hysterics as Tre lifted his blazer up and wiggled his arse around.
“Shut up Tre!� I screamed, looking at my watch. “Shit! Now I am going to be late for the audition.�
“You’re what?� Tre asked, who had stopped dancing by now. “Late?�
“Yes, late because I’ve been standing here laughing with you two.� I said, becoming anxious by the minute.
“Come with us. We’ll give you a lift.� Tre said jumping up and squeezing me tight.
“Really?� I asked, trying not to suffocate from Tre crushing my ribs.
What was it with Green Day members damaging your ribs? Only Mike had to break them and then it would be complete.
“Mike you’re so rude, you know that? Not offering Stef a lift. You fucktart.� Tre cried, releasing his grip on me and eyeing Mike.
“I was just about to when you rudely interrupted us! What else do you think I was doing here?� Mike asked, his voice becoming higher by every word he took.
“I don’t know.� Tre said, giggling like a girl. “I don’t think I want to know either!�
He bounded past Mike before he could react and ran back into their own suite. Mike looked at me and shook his head.
“You’ll get used to him. Come on. We will be late if we don’t move soon.�
I had already gotten used to Tre. I had gotten used to him since the first day, we he jokingly said he’d have sex with me.
* * * * * * * *
I sat in the limo, squashed between Billie Joe and Mike, and with my guitar standing up between my legs in its cover. I was shaking because I was so nervous. I stared out the window, trying not to think about it. This was only the first audition, what was I going to be like if I got through to the next one? Wait, I wasn’t even going to get to the next one, so I don’t know what I was thinking. I suddenly felt something on top of my hand, which was resting on my lap. I jumped and turned to find that Billie Joe had placed his hand on top of mine, to stop me from shaking.
“You’ll be fine.� He whispered in my ear.
Fuck, it made me go all mushy inside! Like the feeling you get when you feel scared, but there’s to be scared about. I used to get that feeling all the time.
“Stef, we’re going to have to drop you off here.� Billie Joe told me, tightening his grip on my hand. “Just so the judges don’t see you with us. They can’t know that you know us already and that we’ve been helping you.�
“Yeah,� Tre added. “Just act as you don’t know us.�
“Ok.� I gulped, closing my eyes for a few seconds.
“This is your stop.� Mike called as the limo pulled up by the sidewalk. “The studio’s just down the boulevard and around the corner.�
“Thanks guys.� I called, as I stood up, grabbed my guitar and headed for the door.
I slipped my hand from Billie Joe’s and turned to look at him before I went. He smiled and winked at me, just before I clambered out of the limo and onto the sidewalk.
“Good luck!� They all chanted in melody.
I watched the limo slowly move off from the sidewalk and then disappear around the corner.
“Shit Stef. You can’t turn back now.� I sighed to myself before moving onto the boulevard and taking its path around the corner.
* * * * * * * *
When I came to the studio, there seemed to be thousands and thousands of people there. All with their guitars, and punk images. Even though I was dressed in my most punk clothes, I felt tartish compared to some of the people there. People sat in crowds on the floor or around a table, playing to each other numerous Green Day songs. Some people weren’t even playing Green Day. I thought that was the whole point! I felt awkward, being on my own and all. There was no chance of me getting through. Maybe I should have thought this through more. I went and collected my audition number and stuck it on my hoody. I was umber 1017. That was a lot of people to get through before it was my turn. I sat on the floor in the corner and watched people go in and come out from auditioning. So many disappointed and angry faces. Why was I here again? Maybe I should quit while I’m ahead. No, I’m going to do this for Billie Joe. He has spent so much time practising with me. I am going to get through this fucking audition, whether it kills me or not.
* * * * * * * *
1016 just walked out of the doors to the studio, swearing like a maniac.
“Fucking cock sucking little shits! After all these year of following them, and I don’t even get through the first fucking audition!� The girl screamed, storming past me.
She looked like a lunatic who had escaped rehab. 1017. It was me next. Oh shit. Ok, just keep calm, and remember what Billie Joe said. I walked through the doors, clutching the neck of my guitar with my sweaty hands. It will be all over in a few minutes. I walked in to find Billie Joe, Tre, Mike and 2 other scary looking people all sitting behind a table. God, Billie Joe looked bored out of his mind. Tre was slumped in his chair, his head titled backwards, and snoring his head off! I let slip a smile and walked to where the stool stood in front of all 5 of them. I don’t think Billie Joe realised it was me.
“What’s your name?� The lady sitting on the end asked whilst chewing loudly on her gum.
She looked a nasty piece of work, and the other guy next to her was staring at me with his cold eyes. They seemed to pierce right through me, making me want to crawl into a corner and die.
“Stef.� I replied, clearing my throat.
Billie Joe suddenly looked up at the sound of my name and voice. He smiled at me and nudged Tre who was sprawled out across his chair, snoring. He snorted at the sudden movement in his left side, and looked up to see me standing there in the middle of the room. They all came to their senses and sat up, ready to watch, and pens at the ready.
“What are you going to play?� The woman asked again, chewing louder on her soggy gum that was twirling around her mouth.
“When I Come Around.� I said again, avoiding eye contact with the guy next to her.
“Ok then, when you’re ready.� She spat everywhere.
I cringed and timidly sat on the stool in the middle of the room. I pulled out my guitar and propped it up on my lap. I saw a smile spread across Billie Joe’s face at the sight of my guitar. I must have done ok with the stickers I guess. Straight away Mike was started scribbling down notes in his little sketchpad. I took a deep sigh of breath and started playing the first chords of the song. As soon as I started, I seemed to forget where I was and who I was. I just seemed lost within the music. Throughout the song, I could hear faint whispers between all five of them. I played the last notes and looked up, waiting for a reaction. Tre’s face was gleaming, and Mike winked at me, clapping lightly. And then, Billie Joe smiled THAT smile. It killed me once again. Billie Joe, you are a mass murderer! I guessed I had done alright. The two judges sat on the end, talking quietly amongst themselves.
“Kid, how long have you been playing?� The woman asked, spitting out her gum and sticking it under the table.
“Erm, about a couple of years now.� I said, cringing again at her disgusting habits.
Tre seemed to pick up on it and let out a little giggle.
“How long have you been a fan of us?� Billie Joe asked, sitting back with his arms crossed. Was I meant to say something here or just give an honest answer?
“About 8 years now Mr. Armstrong. Ever since I heard your song Geek Stink Breath.� I said, looking around the studio, to stop me from smiling.
Tre was creased up behind Mike, and banged his head against the table to stop himself from laughing. Mike smacked him on the head to control him, whilst Billie Joe just sat there, watching me. Tre looked up, his face red with laughter and ready to burst again. Mike kicked him under the table, and he stopped, only to give Mike an evil look back and mime the words: What the fuck?!?
“Well, what do you think?� The woman asked, looking at me over the top of her glasses.
“I think she should go through.� Mike said, putting his pen on the table and folding his arms like Billie Joe.
“Yeah, me too!� Tre added, rubbing his leg under the table. He turned to Billie. “What do you think, …Mr Armstrong?� He sniggered again.
I tried my best not to laugh, and just thought of something sad.
“It’s not the best we’ve seen.� The man called from the other end of the table who was next to the woman. “I’m not sure. She looks…suspicious.�
“Suspicious?� Tre squeaked. “How does she look suspicious?�
“I think she deserves to go through.� Mike cried, frowning at the woman at the opposite end of the table from him.
“Well, I’m with Igor.� The woman sighed indicating to the man next to her. “She just didn’t seem to do it for me.�
Igor? What kind of name was Igor? His parents must have been stoned when they named him.
“Ok then, we’ll have a vote!� Tre cried, desperately trying to save me. “All those who think she should go through?�
“I do.� Mike said, winking at me again.
“Me too!� Tre answered his own question.
“Not for me.� Igor croaked, before coughing violently from smoking.
“Sorry, but I’m with Igor, like I said.� The woman sighed, smiling at Igor and then looking at me evil like.
“Billie Joe?� Tre asked, turning to his band mate next to him.
Please Billie Joe. Please say yes! The seconds seemed to pace by slowly. The decision rested all on Billie Joe now. I looked down and my Etnies, and tightened my grip on my guitar. Come on, come on…
“Kid. You’re in.� Billie Joe cried, before moving from his position and leaning across the table, smiling at me.
A huge smile spread across my face as I sighed a huge sigh of relief.
“Thank you so much!� I screamed, pleading with my hands. “You don’t know how much this means to me!�
“I think we have a fair idea.� Billie Joe said smiling and fiddling with his pen.
“How’s about a kiss then?� Tre joked, leaning over the table and pouting in my direction. I walked up to their table and kissed them on the cheek one by one. Tre looked smug after I kissed him, making me laugh. As I bent over to kiss Billie Joe, he grabbed my arm before I could move and whispered in my ear:
“You were fantastic. Meet me out the back at 6.�
I shook hands with the judges and grabbed my guitar to go.
“Oh Kid,� Billie Joe called.
I swivelled round, to look at him.
“Kewl guitar.�
“Thanks.�
Oh my god!!! I was so fucking happy! I had this energy bursting inside of me that just needed to escape! I ran out of the studio, that was still packed with people and onto the boulevard outside. I started screaming the Minority lyrics at the top of my lungs, as it was one of my favourite Green Day songs. I grabbed hold onto a lamppost and started madly dancing around it.
“I want to be the minority! I don’t need your authority! Down with the moral majority, ‘cos I want to be the minority!� I screamed.
I didn’t care if I couldn’t sing. I was so happy. I started dancing madly down the boulevard, with my guitar pounding against my back as I moved. People passing by looked at me strangely, but I didn’t give a shit. I didn’t give a shit at all about what other people thought of me. Were they living next door to Green Day, talking to them, and doing nearly everything with them? No, I think not, so I had no reason to be depressed. And then there was my favourite bit.
“One light, one mind, flashing in the dark! Blinded by the silence of a thousand broken hearts. For crying out loud, she screamed onto me. A free for all, FUCK THEM ALL!�
“Just keep practising as much as you can tonight. But don’t stay up too late. You don’t want to be tired for tomorrow.� Billie Joe said, patting my on the back.
“You sound like my mother.� I said, frowning.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.� He laughed.
I leaned back into the sofa, and clasped my head in my hands in distress.
“Hey, don’t worry. It’ll be fine.� He assured me, hugging me tight.
“Sure it will. Only that I’ll fuck up all the chords and let my fingers slip everywhere because I’m so nervous.� I said sarcastically, biting my lip.
“No you won’t. Don’t think like that. You’ve got talent, I know you have. We all do, so don’t downgrade yourself. The judges will love you.�
I managed to give him a weak smile before planting my head in my hands again.
“You looked at those stickers I gave you last night?�
“Oh, yeah.� I lied.
“Why haven’t you put them on?� he asked, staring at me, letting go of his grasp.
“Oh, I was going to put them on tonight, clean for the audition tomorrow.� I lied, again, sitting upright.
“Good idea. Well I better go. I’m tired too. Just remember what I told you.�
He got up to pack his things and put them away.
“Yeah, I will.�
I paused for a second to think, while I watched him rummage round for his belongings.
“Thanks Billie Joe.� I said, almost embarrassed. I stood up to lean against the wall where he was.
“No problem kid. Just remember, the judges are going to be looking for style and people who are unique.�
I looked at him with an expression that was crossed between scared and offended. “Don’t worry, you are unique. God you are, but please stick those stickers on your guitar. It might look odd at first but it will impress them. I know it will help you out.�
He grabbed my hands and lifted my chin up so he could look into my eyes. I think he knew how nervous and scared I really was.
“Trust me Stef.�
* * * * * * * *
I lay on my bed, once again, looking up at my posters. Shit, tomorrow was the audition. I was so nervous. I didn’t know what to do. If I practised any more I would drive myself insane. I needed style, just like Billie Joe had said. Maybe I did need to put those stickers on. I didn’t want to, but Billie Joe had told me to. He knew what the judges wanted, so I guess he was right. Maybe it was time for a change. I fumbled around in the top draw of the cabinet beside my bed and pulled out the white bag. I unwrapped it to reveal a small ‘voucher’ sized book with stickers in on various rock and punk groups. Was there a Green Day one? I flicked through to find a black font Green Day sticker, like used on the American Idiot album. I looked at my posters; up at Billie Joe, Tre and Mike. They knew what they were doing, I should trust them, they were like my family. I grabbed my guitar and spread out across the floor, with the sticker book in my hand. I sat for hours on end, assembling the stickers and putting them into place, trying to copy Billie Joe’s style on Blue. Billie Joe was right, AGAIN. My guitar did look pretty awesome. After I had finished, I collapsed onto the sofa with exhaustion, and I guess that was my bed for the rest of the night.
* * * * * * * *
“Are you ready Stef?� Mike asked, calling into my suite. “It’s 9:45. You’re going be late if you don’t hurry up.�
“I’m coming.� I called, grabbing my guitar and making sure I had everything I needed. “I’m coming. Where is this audition anyway?�
“East 12th Street.� Mike called again, walking through to find me in my bedroom.
“What? That’s fucking miles away!� I screamed. “I’ll never get there on time! Shit!�
Mike opened his mouth to say something, but was stopped when the o so familiar voice of Tre echoed down the hall.
“What’s all the shouting about?� Tre asked, following Mike into my bedroom. “Oh, shit! Stef, I thought better of you! What’s Mike doing in your bedroom? Mike you must stop walking into her suite! It’s those sexual vibes again isn’t it?�
“Sure it is Tre.� Mike said, looking at me, with a sarcastic expression across his face. He rolled his eyes.
“You’ve run out of happy pills haven’t you? Stef, what do you think you were doing? Leading Mike on like that. You’re a disgrace! I mean, Mike? Come on, you could of at least chosen me!�
Mike sniggered in attempt to hide his embarrassment as Tre placed his hands on his hips and rolled his eyes. Tre was such a laugh. He reminded me of a few boys who used to be in my school year. I could never stop laughing when I was around them! That’s what it was like with Tre. All 3 of them rolled into 1.
“I thought you would have learnt your lesson Mike, after what happened last time you had to go into a girl’s bedroom.� Tre said, tutting and pointing at him.
“Oh God.� Mike groaned, covering his face up with his hand.
“What’s this?� I asked, trying to hide my laughter because I have a sick mind!
“About 2 years ago, Mike had a hell of a night trying to calm down a girl once. She was so upset. Wasn’t she Mike?� Tre smirked.
“Upset?!? She was more than upset!� Mike screamed, through his hand that was covering his face.
“Mike’s never been able to forgive Billie Joe!� Tre managed to say between breaks of smiles.
“Billie Joe?� I perked up, hearing his name. “What’s Billie Joe got to do with it?�
“Billie Joe was it!� Mike screamed again, moving his hand away from his mouth. “He was the one who upset the girl for fuck’s sake!�
“Running into someone else’s room thinking it’s yours in the middle of the night when you’re drunk isn’t a good idea. Oh yeah, and the fact that you’re naked doesn’t help the situation either!� Tre screamed before bursting into fits of laughter.
Mike looked down at the floor and tried to hide his laughter. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. That must have been so funny. Soon enough, I was laughing too.
“It was so funny.� Tre gasped trying to calm down. “I’ve never seen Billie Joe move so quickly!�
“Wish I’d been there.� I said in between gaps of laughter.
Mike and Tre looked at me, and then at each other. Tre had this huge grin on his face.
“I don’t mean it like that!� I cried, staring at them, realising what they were thinking.
“Sure you don’t Stef.� Tre said, smirking again.
“I don’t!� I screamed.
“Billie Joe and Stef. Sitting in a tree. K.I.S.S.I.N.G.� Tre cooed, dancing around in the doorway.
Mike watched in hysterics as Tre lifted his blazer up and wiggled his arse around.
“Shut up Tre!� I screamed, looking at my watch. “Shit! Now I am going to be late for the audition.�
“You’re what?� Tre asked, who had stopped dancing by now. “Late?�
“Yes, late because I’ve been standing here laughing with you two.� I said, becoming anxious by the minute.
“Come with us. We’ll give you a lift.� Tre said jumping up and squeezing me tight.
“Really?� I asked, trying not to suffocate from Tre crushing my ribs.
What was it with Green Day members damaging your ribs? Only Mike had to break them and then it would be complete.
“Mike you’re so rude, you know that? Not offering Stef a lift. You fucktart.� Tre cried, releasing his grip on me and eyeing Mike.
“I was just about to when you rudely interrupted us! What else do you think I was doing here?� Mike asked, his voice becoming higher by every word he took.
“I don’t know.� Tre said, giggling like a girl. “I don’t think I want to know either!�
He bounded past Mike before he could react and ran back into their own suite. Mike looked at me and shook his head.
“You’ll get used to him. Come on. We will be late if we don’t move soon.�
I had already gotten used to Tre. I had gotten used to him since the first day, we he jokingly said he’d have sex with me.
* * * * * * * *
I sat in the limo, squashed between Billie Joe and Mike, and with my guitar standing up between my legs in its cover. I was shaking because I was so nervous. I stared out the window, trying not to think about it. This was only the first audition, what was I going to be like if I got through to the next one? Wait, I wasn’t even going to get to the next one, so I don’t know what I was thinking. I suddenly felt something on top of my hand, which was resting on my lap. I jumped and turned to find that Billie Joe had placed his hand on top of mine, to stop me from shaking.
“You’ll be fine.� He whispered in my ear.
Fuck, it made me go all mushy inside! Like the feeling you get when you feel scared, but there’s to be scared about. I used to get that feeling all the time.
“Stef, we’re going to have to drop you off here.� Billie Joe told me, tightening his grip on my hand. “Just so the judges don’t see you with us. They can’t know that you know us already and that we’ve been helping you.�
“Yeah,� Tre added. “Just act as you don’t know us.�
“Ok.� I gulped, closing my eyes for a few seconds.
“This is your stop.� Mike called as the limo pulled up by the sidewalk. “The studio’s just down the boulevard and around the corner.�
“Thanks guys.� I called, as I stood up, grabbed my guitar and headed for the door.
I slipped my hand from Billie Joe’s and turned to look at him before I went. He smiled and winked at me, just before I clambered out of the limo and onto the sidewalk.
“Good luck!� They all chanted in melody.
I watched the limo slowly move off from the sidewalk and then disappear around the corner.
“Shit Stef. You can’t turn back now.� I sighed to myself before moving onto the boulevard and taking its path around the corner.
* * * * * * * *
When I came to the studio, there seemed to be thousands and thousands of people there. All with their guitars, and punk images. Even though I was dressed in my most punk clothes, I felt tartish compared to some of the people there. People sat in crowds on the floor or around a table, playing to each other numerous Green Day songs. Some people weren’t even playing Green Day. I thought that was the whole point! I felt awkward, being on my own and all. There was no chance of me getting through. Maybe I should have thought this through more. I went and collected my audition number and stuck it on my hoody. I was umber 1017. That was a lot of people to get through before it was my turn. I sat on the floor in the corner and watched people go in and come out from auditioning. So many disappointed and angry faces. Why was I here again? Maybe I should quit while I’m ahead. No, I’m going to do this for Billie Joe. He has spent so much time practising with me. I am going to get through this fucking audition, whether it kills me or not.
* * * * * * * *
1016 just walked out of the doors to the studio, swearing like a maniac.
“Fucking cock sucking little shits! After all these year of following them, and I don’t even get through the first fucking audition!� The girl screamed, storming past me.
She looked like a lunatic who had escaped rehab. 1017. It was me next. Oh shit. Ok, just keep calm, and remember what Billie Joe said. I walked through the doors, clutching the neck of my guitar with my sweaty hands. It will be all over in a few minutes. I walked in to find Billie Joe, Tre, Mike and 2 other scary looking people all sitting behind a table. God, Billie Joe looked bored out of his mind. Tre was slumped in his chair, his head titled backwards, and snoring his head off! I let slip a smile and walked to where the stool stood in front of all 5 of them. I don’t think Billie Joe realised it was me.
“What’s your name?� The lady sitting on the end asked whilst chewing loudly on her gum.
She looked a nasty piece of work, and the other guy next to her was staring at me with his cold eyes. They seemed to pierce right through me, making me want to crawl into a corner and die.
“Stef.� I replied, clearing my throat.
Billie Joe suddenly looked up at the sound of my name and voice. He smiled at me and nudged Tre who was sprawled out across his chair, snoring. He snorted at the sudden movement in his left side, and looked up to see me standing there in the middle of the room. They all came to their senses and sat up, ready to watch, and pens at the ready.
“What are you going to play?� The woman asked again, chewing louder on her soggy gum that was twirling around her mouth.
“When I Come Around.� I said again, avoiding eye contact with the guy next to her.
“Ok then, when you’re ready.� She spat everywhere.
I cringed and timidly sat on the stool in the middle of the room. I pulled out my guitar and propped it up on my lap. I saw a smile spread across Billie Joe’s face at the sight of my guitar. I must have done ok with the stickers I guess. Straight away Mike was started scribbling down notes in his little sketchpad. I took a deep sigh of breath and started playing the first chords of the song. As soon as I started, I seemed to forget where I was and who I was. I just seemed lost within the music. Throughout the song, I could hear faint whispers between all five of them. I played the last notes and looked up, waiting for a reaction. Tre’s face was gleaming, and Mike winked at me, clapping lightly. And then, Billie Joe smiled THAT smile. It killed me once again. Billie Joe, you are a mass murderer! I guessed I had done alright. The two judges sat on the end, talking quietly amongst themselves.
“Kid, how long have you been playing?� The woman asked, spitting out her gum and sticking it under the table.
“Erm, about a couple of years now.� I said, cringing again at her disgusting habits.
Tre seemed to pick up on it and let out a little giggle.
“How long have you been a fan of us?� Billie Joe asked, sitting back with his arms crossed. Was I meant to say something here or just give an honest answer?
“About 8 years now Mr. Armstrong. Ever since I heard your song Geek Stink Breath.� I said, looking around the studio, to stop me from smiling.
Tre was creased up behind Mike, and banged his head against the table to stop himself from laughing. Mike smacked him on the head to control him, whilst Billie Joe just sat there, watching me. Tre looked up, his face red with laughter and ready to burst again. Mike kicked him under the table, and he stopped, only to give Mike an evil look back and mime the words: What the fuck?!?
“Well, what do you think?� The woman asked, looking at me over the top of her glasses.
“I think she should go through.� Mike said, putting his pen on the table and folding his arms like Billie Joe.
“Yeah, me too!� Tre added, rubbing his leg under the table. He turned to Billie. “What do you think, …Mr Armstrong?� He sniggered again.
I tried my best not to laugh, and just thought of something sad.
“It’s not the best we’ve seen.� The man called from the other end of the table who was next to the woman. “I’m not sure. She looks…suspicious.�
“Suspicious?� Tre squeaked. “How does she look suspicious?�
“I think she deserves to go through.� Mike cried, frowning at the woman at the opposite end of the table from him.
“Well, I’m with Igor.� The woman sighed indicating to the man next to her. “She just didn’t seem to do it for me.�
Igor? What kind of name was Igor? His parents must have been stoned when they named him.
“Ok then, we’ll have a vote!� Tre cried, desperately trying to save me. “All those who think she should go through?�
“I do.� Mike said, winking at me again.
“Me too!� Tre answered his own question.
“Not for me.� Igor croaked, before coughing violently from smoking.
“Sorry, but I’m with Igor, like I said.� The woman sighed, smiling at Igor and then looking at me evil like.
“Billie Joe?� Tre asked, turning to his band mate next to him.
Please Billie Joe. Please say yes! The seconds seemed to pace by slowly. The decision rested all on Billie Joe now. I looked down and my Etnies, and tightened my grip on my guitar. Come on, come on…
“Kid. You’re in.� Billie Joe cried, before moving from his position and leaning across the table, smiling at me.
A huge smile spread across my face as I sighed a huge sigh of relief.
“Thank you so much!� I screamed, pleading with my hands. “You don’t know how much this means to me!�
“I think we have a fair idea.� Billie Joe said smiling and fiddling with his pen.
“How’s about a kiss then?� Tre joked, leaning over the table and pouting in my direction. I walked up to their table and kissed them on the cheek one by one. Tre looked smug after I kissed him, making me laugh. As I bent over to kiss Billie Joe, he grabbed my arm before I could move and whispered in my ear:
“You were fantastic. Meet me out the back at 6.�
I shook hands with the judges and grabbed my guitar to go.
“Oh Kid,� Billie Joe called.
I swivelled round, to look at him.
“Kewl guitar.�
“Thanks.�
Oh my god!!! I was so fucking happy! I had this energy bursting inside of me that just needed to escape! I ran out of the studio, that was still packed with people and onto the boulevard outside. I started screaming the Minority lyrics at the top of my lungs, as it was one of my favourite Green Day songs. I grabbed hold onto a lamppost and started madly dancing around it.
“I want to be the minority! I don’t need your authority! Down with the moral majority, ‘cos I want to be the minority!� I screamed.
I didn’t care if I couldn’t sing. I was so happy. I started dancing madly down the boulevard, with my guitar pounding against my back as I moved. People passing by looked at me strangely, but I didn’t give a shit. I didn’t give a shit at all about what other people thought of me. Were they living next door to Green Day, talking to them, and doing nearly everything with them? No, I think not, so I had no reason to be depressed. And then there was my favourite bit.
“One light, one mind, flashing in the dark! Blinded by the silence of a thousand broken hearts. For crying out loud, she screamed onto me. A free for all, FUCK THEM ALL!�
