His Little Drummer Girl, chapter 33
Mum and Dad paid me so much attention over the next few days it was unreal. We did loads together. They said they felt awful going away and leaving me and wish they'd taken me with them. They hadn't realised that the loss of Samuel had affected me so badly.
I asked if I could have proper drum lessons again like I had in England and they agreed. They also booked me in for singing lessons and we went out loads together like a family should.
Two weeks later...
"Happy Birthday sweetheart" said Mum as I walked into the Kitchen. "I can't believe you are 14" she said coming over to hug me.
"Happy Birthday blue eyes" said Dad who was sitting at the table. He got up and came over and gave me the tightest squeeze ever and kissed the top of my head. "Do you think you're gonna grow this year?" he laughed. It was becoming a joke that I didn't seem to grow much. I was only five feet tall and most girls at school were taller than me. I didn't care though as I didn't know any different.
"Oh shut up dad," I said playfully tapping him on his arm.
"I have a plan," said mum suddenly. "Once we've had breakfast you and me are going to go out for the day, do a little shopping and then this evening we may have the guys round for a meal. How about that?" she said.
"Sounds good to me," I said pouring some cereal into a bowl. I loved shopping with mum she really understood what I wanted to buy. She really encouraged me and if I wanted to wear something way out or slightly weird she said that was up to me as I was the one wearing it.
After showering we headed off in mum's mini. It was surprising how many people waved at mum as we went past. She was so popular in the area, everyone knew her and as dad always kept saying 'everyone loves your mom.' Even Fat Larry at the shop mentioned her each time I went in. 'How's your mom?' he always asked. 'She always stops for a chat when she comes in. She's such a lovely lady' he always said.
When we arrived at the mall it looked like mum had quite a few surprises up her sleeve. First off she took me into this jewellers and said that I could have another piercing in my ear. I'd been on about it for ages and mum said to wait until I was a little older. I couldn't believe she was letting me have one done. It hardly hurt at all and for the rest of the day I kept putting my hair behind my ear to show it off.
Then she took me shopping and bought me loads of clothes and a couple of new pairs of boots. We had lunch laughing and joking as usual looking through all the items we had bought then she looked at her watch. "Right" she said. "We have an appointment to get to."
What was she up to? I followed here over to a beauty salon where she'd booked an appointment for me to have my hair done. The appointment was for a colour and cut. I couldn't believe it she was letting me have my hair dyed. We agreed on a colour. It was quite a dark chestnut brown and the hairdresser put a few purple streaks through it. My favourite colour. Then she'd also booked me in for a full makeover and a manicure. Me with painted nails? No way. But I did have them done and they were painted dark purple too. I couldn't believe how different I looked with make up on. Mum said I looked much older but laughingly said that it didn't make me look any taller.
It was getting late and mum said that we'd better get home and get ready for everyone coming but as we walked into the house she had this plan about sneaking off upstairs and getting ourselves quickly dressed into one of our new outfits and then surprising dad.
I got dressed into one of my new outfits and mum said that I looked stunning. Then we walked downstairs but couldn't find dad anywhere.
"Lets try the garden," said Mum so we did and well fucking hell, everyone was in the garden and shouting Happy Birthday to me. I couldn't believe it. It had been planned all along. Everyone was there smiling happily at me and coming over and kissing my cheek and giving me presents. It was a little overwhelming. When the rush had died down someone grabbed me from behind and said "Guess Who?"
How could I not guess from his English accent? It was Charlie of course. I turned and gave him the biggest hug ever. I only came up to his shoulder. He'd grown yet again.
Dad came over and admired my hair. "How did I guess it was going to be purple?" he said touching it and laughing. "You look gorgeous sweetheart," he said hugging me. "I hope you enjoyed your day with mum?"
"Yeah she made it special," I said.
"Well you are a special person and so is she," he said kissing my nose.
Billie Joe and Adrienne came over then.
"I'm loving that hair," said Billie Joe reaching out to touch a purple streak.
"Yeah it suits you," said Adi.
"Thanks" I reply.
"I'm thinking about changing my hair colour," said Billie.
"Oh Billie" said Adi. "What colour this time?" she laughed
"Blonde" he replied
"Oh please no. I much prefer you with dark hair" she said.
"What do you think Franky?" asked Billie
"Well. Not sure really but you'll never know unless you try it. Go on, go blonde," I say and we all laugh together.
"I don't get a choice here do I?" said Adrienne laughing too
A little later...
Everyone was chatting in groups when Charlie excitedly ran up to me red faced and flustered. "You'll never guess whose here?" he said. What was he going on about? "Who?" I said. "All the guys from My Chemical Romance" he replied.
"Oh get lost," I said. He knew I thought they were brilliant and was disappointed that I didn't get to meet them when they toured with Green Day.
"No Franky. They are really here. Look over there if you don't believe me".
I looked over and yep there they were. My Chemical Romance coming out of my house into the back garden. Fucking hell. My heart started pounding. I loved them so much. I didn't like any band member in particular; I thought they were all cute. They were talking to Dad and Mike and Billie Joe were going over to them. They all hi-fived each other and then, oh shit! Dad was bringing them over to see me. I wanted to die. I felt really embarrassed but tried to calm myself.
"Sweetheart" said Dad. "I've brought the guys over to meet you. They were in the area and I told them to come on over and join us for the evening and have something to eat. Let me introduce them."
I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. They were all looking at me. Dad introduced them but I couldn't really take in what he was saying. They all came and shook hands and said 'Happy Birthday' but the lead singer Gerard bent and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I say bent because he was fucking huge. He must have been over six foot.
"Happy Birthday" he said. "Are you enjoying your day"?
I couldn't quite make out the colour of his eyes. They were a bit weird. Mesmerizing really.
"Yes thanks" I reply. What else could I say to him?
"How old are you today then?" he said.
"14" I reply.
"You look older than that," he said. "I thought you were going to say 16". I blushed. Why did I have to blush? Pathetic.
Dad introduced them all to Charlie who seemed to have loads to say to them and I sloped off feeling stupid because I couldn't think of anything to talk to them about.
I had such a brilliant party and everyone bought me some gorgeous presents, jewellery, t-shirts, DVDs and CDs, everything I liked.
Then to top it all near the end just after I'd blown out my candles Mum and Dad came out of the house carrying a large box. They laid it down and made me open it. Everyone crowded round to watch me open this box. I couldn't believe it. Inside was the most gorgeous golden Labrador puppy I had ever seen. He had these deep brown eyes that cried out for love and attention. I lifted him out and he licked my face and I could hear everyone say 'aaaaagh.' I loved him straight away. I spent the rest of the evening playing with my new puppy and just before everyone left I'd decided on a name..
..Milton. Everyone thought that was a brilliant name and then it was time for everyone to go. The garden was full of people hugging and saying goodbye and then Milton ran off to the bottom of the garden. There were two people sitting on the bench there behind some of the trees. It was Gerard Way and his brother Mikey. They were smoking but as soon as they saw me they stubbed out their cigarettes.
"Its OK" I said. "Mum won't mind you smoking as long as you're outside. She just hates anyone smoking in the house"
"We're trying to give up anyway," said Gerard bending over to rub Milton's ears. "Have you enjoyed yourself?" he said looking at me. I still couldn't work out the colour of his eyes. Green I think.
"I've had a great time." I reply. "Thanks for the card and present by the way." They'd all bought me a silver photograph frame. It was gorgeous.
"You're very welcome," said Mikey. They both stood up. They were both the same height. Huge.
"We must be going soon," said Gerard. "We've had a lovely relaxing time. Its good to do something normal for a change instead of racing around staying in hotels eating hotel food and watching TV in our hotel room."
"Well thanks for coming," I say shyly. We all started walking up towards the house then and I see Dad walking towards us.
"Thanks Tre for a great evening" said Gerard patting dad on the back
"Yeah thanks man" said Mikey doing the same.
"It's a pleasure," said Dad. "How about we all get together in couple of days?"
"That'll be great," said Gerard "and bring Sammi, she's a lovely lady and has looked after us well today"
"Yeah I will do. She'd like that, she likes you guys too"
They started walking off then suddenly Gerard turned to me.
"Hey Franky, look after that dog. He's absolutely gorgeous" he said and bent and gave me another kiss on the cheek. I could feel the heat from his body and he smelt all soapy. Mum said dad smelt like that when they first met. My stomach had butterflies. Then they were all gone and it was just me and Milton playing in the garden.
The next day...
The phone seemed to be ringing for ages and I just about heard it over my ipod. I'd been listening to Basket Case for about the millionth time over. I picked up.
"Hello" I said
"Titch!" it was Billie Joe. He had taken to calling me Titch. He could talk. My stomach did its usual somersault.
"Oh hi Billie, how are you?"
"I'm fine thank you babe, you?"
"Yep. Mum and Dad are out for the day looking at some furniture for the garden. I couldn't be bothered to go with them." I said
"I know. That's why I've called. Adi and the kids are out also for the day" What does he mean? I thought.
"How good are you with a bottle of bleach?"
"Bleach? What, kitchen bleach?" I said laughing
"No, hair bleach"
"I've never used it before"
"Well I'm going blonde today and I need a hand. Adi has refused to help, as she doesn't want me to go blonde. The hairdresser says I shouldn't go blonde but I am and that's that so I need some help. If you're free today I'd appreciate if you could give me a hand, but don't worry I won't let on it was you that came to my rescue" he said
How could I refuse?
"No I'm not doing anything in particular," I said thinking that I'd better not seem too keen "I can get over to you in about half an hour" I said
"Perfect" said Billie Joe "see you then gorgeous"
Gorgeous. He called me gorgeous.
That half an hour really dragged on. I'd checked myself in the mirror so many times it was untrue. I was happy with the way I looked so decided to take a slow walk round to Billie Joes. Along the way I felt sick. I was going to be alone with Billie Joe and it was going to be our little secret.
When he answered the door I suddenly felt much calmer for some reason.
"Hi Titch" he said opening the door and letting me in. "Look, thanks for doing this at such short notice. When a guy needs something doing he has to do it and I've made the decision to go blonde and that's it really. I'm going blonde and today's the day."
"Cool" I replied. "Where's this bleach stuff then?" I say really calmly. "I'd better take a look at the instructions so that I know what I'm letting myself in for,"
"Yep it's upstairs in the bathroom cabinet," Billie Joe said "this way"
I follow behind talking the opportunity to look him over. He wore black jeans, a misfits t shirt and his feet were bare. I couldn't help but look at his toes. Real cute they were. His black hair was all over the place. He took the stairs almost three at a time. He's so fucking fit I thought.
I'd never been in Adi and Billie Joe's bathroom before. I'd always shared with their kids whenever I stayed over. It was so luxurious it was untrue.
"Right" I said "you're gonna have to lean over the bath while I get this stuff onto your hair. You're sure its not going to turn out green or anything going on top of the black," I laugh.
"If it does, it does" says Billie Joe without a care in the world. He was so cool.
At that moment he took his top off and I nearly gasped out loud but controlled myself. I'd obviously seen him before at the pool without his top but this was different. His torso was so toned and there were a few tattoos on his chest that I'd never really noticed before. I loved his tattoos so much that sometimes I just wanted to get in and have a real close up look and trace them with my finger. Like that was ever going to happen. I grabbed a towel and wrapped it round his shoulders like it was the most natural thing to do. In fact being with him in the bathroom with him topless felt like the most natural thing. I didn't even blush.
He leant over the bath and I had to get in quite close. I poured the stuff on his head and worked it into the roots as the instructions told me to do. If you'd told me a year ago that I would be bleaching Billie Joe Armstrong's hair in his house with him half naked I would have died of laughing but here I am. Who was going to believe me? I don't think anyone right now. They had to be here to see it.
The bottle said to wrap an old towel round and then we had to wait half an hour before washing it off. Billie Joe indicated old towels in a cupboard and then I brought one over and wrapped it round his head.
"Thanks babe" he said. "You're a life saver. I couldn't have done that on my own. Now lets go downstairs while my hair cooks away and get a drink shall we."
"Sounds good to me" I reply.
In the Kitchen after Billie Joe had gotten some root beer we got talking.
"How are you enjoying California then?" he said
"I'm loving it" I reply. "Apart from the incident?"
"What incident?" he says frowning
"You know the other day with Maria"
"Oh that" he said, "Its all forgotten. If you knew the sort of stuff that I'd got into when I was a kid then YOUR hair would turn green," we laughed together
"Yep if it wasn't for my writing and music I think I'd have probably been in prison or something by now" he said.
"When did you start writing then?" I asked
"Well as far back as I can remember really but I got into it more when Dad died. Something to channel my thoughts into."
"I write." I suddenly blurted out. Fuck it. Why had I said that? That was for me alone to know. Shit.
"Really?" said Billie Joe sounding interested. "What do you write?" he asked
"All sorts. Stories, Poems, just little phrases that come to mind when I'm out walking" I say.
"Keep it up," said Billie Joe "you never know when you might need those phrases. Do you ever think of writing songs?"
"Actually I've written a couple" I blush now as this conversation was going in a direction I didn't want it to "but they're not that good. I sort of wrote them after Samuel died. I felt real sad and alone so just wrote my thoughts down. They're a bit depressing really" What on earth was I jabbering on about?
"I'd like to take a look sometime" said Billie
"No, really, they're not that good" I say wanting to change the subject.
"No please I'd like to" he says. "And I hope you're still keeping up your drumming. May be I'll come on over to yours one day and you can show me what you've been taught. Does Dad show you much?"
"Sometimes. But he ends up almost wrecking my kit he drums so hard. He's had to replace so many parts," we laughed again.
At that moment Billie Joe checked his watch. "Shit. It's been 35 minutes already, I can't believe how that time has just flown" he said.
Nor can I, I think. I could stay chatting to you forever.
"Better wash this stuff off then" he says "and see what the fuck I look like."
I gently lifted the towel away and could see straight away that it was lighter. Washing off the bleach and then using shampoo I wrapped another towel around Billie Joe and he stood up.
"Right, lets get it dried and see what the hell we've done," He said.
We went into their bedroom. Jesus I'd never seen such a huge bed. He rummaged around in Adi's wardrobe for a hairdryer. He blasted it real fast and the result, well, wow! He looked fucking awesome. I really didn't think he would look as hot with bleached hair but of course he did. My feelings hadn't changed one bit. I still loved this guy and there was nothing I could do about it. I just had to keep it under control and well hidden.
"Not bad" he said glancing into the mirror. "I can live with that. It's just everyone else that will probably hate it but fuck! Who cares? What do you think babe?"
"I think it's awesome. It really suits you," I say shyly.
I knew the reason I had come here was over now so decided to take my leave.
"Look I'd better be going" I say.
"Thanks so much," said Billie Joe coming over to peck me on the cheek. "Thanks for all your wonderful help."
I left the room, ran down the stairs and out through the front door. My body was shaking. What an experience. Now the world will see Billie Joe Armstrong with blonde hair and I did it for him!
April 2006
Tre woke up and turned to look at Sammi. 'I so love you. You're perfect' he thought looking at her. Her thick shiny brown hair was all over the pillow. He touched its silkiness and watched her face. Her cheeks were glowing after their night of love and her dark eyelashes rested on her face. He loved her so much he was scared. Scared that something would happen to take her away from him and now he had to wake her up and tell her something. After all she'd been through with Samuel they could both do without this but it was something she had to know.
"Sammi" he said gently still stroking her hair
"Mmmmmmm" she said, not opening her eyes
"You awake?" he whispered into her ear.
"I am now," she laughed. "What time is it?"
"Not sure" he said. This was it. He had to tell her now.
"Sammi I've got to say something to you."
"What's that babe?" she said stretching and opening one eye to look at him.
"Last night when we made love. I er.. I think I felt a lump"
"What?" She was definitely awake now.
"A lump?" said Sammi "Where?" The colour had drained from her face and Tre felt sad for her.
"Here" he said and taking her hand he made her feel for herself.
"Oh" she said "Maybe its nothing"
"May be it is nothing but I'd like you to get it checked. Please, book an appointment with the doctor."
"OK" Sammi said quite calmly. "I will. Just let me get some sleep will you" and she closed her eyes. But sleep didn't come. She kept her eyes closed and pretended to sleep next to Tre but she felt sick with fear. Why hadn't she noticed this lump before? Because they had a lot on their minds just lately. How stupid I am.
Tre knew she wasn't sleeping. He wrapped himself around her as his mind wandered in all directions. Please let everything be ok. Please...
I asked if I could have proper drum lessons again like I had in England and they agreed. They also booked me in for singing lessons and we went out loads together like a family should.
Two weeks later...
"Happy Birthday sweetheart" said Mum as I walked into the Kitchen. "I can't believe you are 14" she said coming over to hug me.
"Happy Birthday blue eyes" said Dad who was sitting at the table. He got up and came over and gave me the tightest squeeze ever and kissed the top of my head. "Do you think you're gonna grow this year?" he laughed. It was becoming a joke that I didn't seem to grow much. I was only five feet tall and most girls at school were taller than me. I didn't care though as I didn't know any different.
"Oh shut up dad," I said playfully tapping him on his arm.
"I have a plan," said mum suddenly. "Once we've had breakfast you and me are going to go out for the day, do a little shopping and then this evening we may have the guys round for a meal. How about that?" she said.
"Sounds good to me," I said pouring some cereal into a bowl. I loved shopping with mum she really understood what I wanted to buy. She really encouraged me and if I wanted to wear something way out or slightly weird she said that was up to me as I was the one wearing it.
After showering we headed off in mum's mini. It was surprising how many people waved at mum as we went past. She was so popular in the area, everyone knew her and as dad always kept saying 'everyone loves your mom.' Even Fat Larry at the shop mentioned her each time I went in. 'How's your mom?' he always asked. 'She always stops for a chat when she comes in. She's such a lovely lady' he always said.
When we arrived at the mall it looked like mum had quite a few surprises up her sleeve. First off she took me into this jewellers and said that I could have another piercing in my ear. I'd been on about it for ages and mum said to wait until I was a little older. I couldn't believe she was letting me have one done. It hardly hurt at all and for the rest of the day I kept putting my hair behind my ear to show it off.
Then she took me shopping and bought me loads of clothes and a couple of new pairs of boots. We had lunch laughing and joking as usual looking through all the items we had bought then she looked at her watch. "Right" she said. "We have an appointment to get to."
What was she up to? I followed here over to a beauty salon where she'd booked an appointment for me to have my hair done. The appointment was for a colour and cut. I couldn't believe it she was letting me have my hair dyed. We agreed on a colour. It was quite a dark chestnut brown and the hairdresser put a few purple streaks through it. My favourite colour. Then she'd also booked me in for a full makeover and a manicure. Me with painted nails? No way. But I did have them done and they were painted dark purple too. I couldn't believe how different I looked with make up on. Mum said I looked much older but laughingly said that it didn't make me look any taller.
It was getting late and mum said that we'd better get home and get ready for everyone coming but as we walked into the house she had this plan about sneaking off upstairs and getting ourselves quickly dressed into one of our new outfits and then surprising dad.
I got dressed into one of my new outfits and mum said that I looked stunning. Then we walked downstairs but couldn't find dad anywhere.
"Lets try the garden," said Mum so we did and well fucking hell, everyone was in the garden and shouting Happy Birthday to me. I couldn't believe it. It had been planned all along. Everyone was there smiling happily at me and coming over and kissing my cheek and giving me presents. It was a little overwhelming. When the rush had died down someone grabbed me from behind and said "Guess Who?"
How could I not guess from his English accent? It was Charlie of course. I turned and gave him the biggest hug ever. I only came up to his shoulder. He'd grown yet again.
Dad came over and admired my hair. "How did I guess it was going to be purple?" he said touching it and laughing. "You look gorgeous sweetheart," he said hugging me. "I hope you enjoyed your day with mum?"
"Yeah she made it special," I said.
"Well you are a special person and so is she," he said kissing my nose.
Billie Joe and Adrienne came over then.
"I'm loving that hair," said Billie Joe reaching out to touch a purple streak.
"Yeah it suits you," said Adi.
"Thanks" I reply.
"I'm thinking about changing my hair colour," said Billie.
"Oh Billie" said Adi. "What colour this time?" she laughed
"Blonde" he replied
"Oh please no. I much prefer you with dark hair" she said.
"What do you think Franky?" asked Billie
"Well. Not sure really but you'll never know unless you try it. Go on, go blonde," I say and we all laugh together.
"I don't get a choice here do I?" said Adrienne laughing too
A little later...
Everyone was chatting in groups when Charlie excitedly ran up to me red faced and flustered. "You'll never guess whose here?" he said. What was he going on about? "Who?" I said. "All the guys from My Chemical Romance" he replied.
"Oh get lost," I said. He knew I thought they were brilliant and was disappointed that I didn't get to meet them when they toured with Green Day.
"No Franky. They are really here. Look over there if you don't believe me".
I looked over and yep there they were. My Chemical Romance coming out of my house into the back garden. Fucking hell. My heart started pounding. I loved them so much. I didn't like any band member in particular; I thought they were all cute. They were talking to Dad and Mike and Billie Joe were going over to them. They all hi-fived each other and then, oh shit! Dad was bringing them over to see me. I wanted to die. I felt really embarrassed but tried to calm myself.
"Sweetheart" said Dad. "I've brought the guys over to meet you. They were in the area and I told them to come on over and join us for the evening and have something to eat. Let me introduce them."
I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. They were all looking at me. Dad introduced them but I couldn't really take in what he was saying. They all came and shook hands and said 'Happy Birthday' but the lead singer Gerard bent and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I say bent because he was fucking huge. He must have been over six foot.
"Happy Birthday" he said. "Are you enjoying your day"?
I couldn't quite make out the colour of his eyes. They were a bit weird. Mesmerizing really.
"Yes thanks" I reply. What else could I say to him?
"How old are you today then?" he said.
"14" I reply.
"You look older than that," he said. "I thought you were going to say 16". I blushed. Why did I have to blush? Pathetic.
Dad introduced them all to Charlie who seemed to have loads to say to them and I sloped off feeling stupid because I couldn't think of anything to talk to them about.
I had such a brilliant party and everyone bought me some gorgeous presents, jewellery, t-shirts, DVDs and CDs, everything I liked.
Then to top it all near the end just after I'd blown out my candles Mum and Dad came out of the house carrying a large box. They laid it down and made me open it. Everyone crowded round to watch me open this box. I couldn't believe it. Inside was the most gorgeous golden Labrador puppy I had ever seen. He had these deep brown eyes that cried out for love and attention. I lifted him out and he licked my face and I could hear everyone say 'aaaaagh.' I loved him straight away. I spent the rest of the evening playing with my new puppy and just before everyone left I'd decided on a name..
..Milton. Everyone thought that was a brilliant name and then it was time for everyone to go. The garden was full of people hugging and saying goodbye and then Milton ran off to the bottom of the garden. There were two people sitting on the bench there behind some of the trees. It was Gerard Way and his brother Mikey. They were smoking but as soon as they saw me they stubbed out their cigarettes.
"Its OK" I said. "Mum won't mind you smoking as long as you're outside. She just hates anyone smoking in the house"
"We're trying to give up anyway," said Gerard bending over to rub Milton's ears. "Have you enjoyed yourself?" he said looking at me. I still couldn't work out the colour of his eyes. Green I think.
"I've had a great time." I reply. "Thanks for the card and present by the way." They'd all bought me a silver photograph frame. It was gorgeous.
"You're very welcome," said Mikey. They both stood up. They were both the same height. Huge.
"We must be going soon," said Gerard. "We've had a lovely relaxing time. Its good to do something normal for a change instead of racing around staying in hotels eating hotel food and watching TV in our hotel room."
"Well thanks for coming," I say shyly. We all started walking up towards the house then and I see Dad walking towards us.
"Thanks Tre for a great evening" said Gerard patting dad on the back
"Yeah thanks man" said Mikey doing the same.
"It's a pleasure," said Dad. "How about we all get together in couple of days?"
"That'll be great," said Gerard "and bring Sammi, she's a lovely lady and has looked after us well today"
"Yeah I will do. She'd like that, she likes you guys too"
They started walking off then suddenly Gerard turned to me.
"Hey Franky, look after that dog. He's absolutely gorgeous" he said and bent and gave me another kiss on the cheek. I could feel the heat from his body and he smelt all soapy. Mum said dad smelt like that when they first met. My stomach had butterflies. Then they were all gone and it was just me and Milton playing in the garden.
The next day...
The phone seemed to be ringing for ages and I just about heard it over my ipod. I'd been listening to Basket Case for about the millionth time over. I picked up.
"Hello" I said
"Titch!" it was Billie Joe. He had taken to calling me Titch. He could talk. My stomach did its usual somersault.
"Oh hi Billie, how are you?"
"I'm fine thank you babe, you?"
"Yep. Mum and Dad are out for the day looking at some furniture for the garden. I couldn't be bothered to go with them." I said
"I know. That's why I've called. Adi and the kids are out also for the day" What does he mean? I thought.
"How good are you with a bottle of bleach?"
"Bleach? What, kitchen bleach?" I said laughing
"No, hair bleach"
"I've never used it before"
"Well I'm going blonde today and I need a hand. Adi has refused to help, as she doesn't want me to go blonde. The hairdresser says I shouldn't go blonde but I am and that's that so I need some help. If you're free today I'd appreciate if you could give me a hand, but don't worry I won't let on it was you that came to my rescue" he said
How could I refuse?
"No I'm not doing anything in particular," I said thinking that I'd better not seem too keen "I can get over to you in about half an hour" I said
"Perfect" said Billie Joe "see you then gorgeous"
Gorgeous. He called me gorgeous.
That half an hour really dragged on. I'd checked myself in the mirror so many times it was untrue. I was happy with the way I looked so decided to take a slow walk round to Billie Joes. Along the way I felt sick. I was going to be alone with Billie Joe and it was going to be our little secret.
When he answered the door I suddenly felt much calmer for some reason.
"Hi Titch" he said opening the door and letting me in. "Look, thanks for doing this at such short notice. When a guy needs something doing he has to do it and I've made the decision to go blonde and that's it really. I'm going blonde and today's the day."
"Cool" I replied. "Where's this bleach stuff then?" I say really calmly. "I'd better take a look at the instructions so that I know what I'm letting myself in for,"
"Yep it's upstairs in the bathroom cabinet," Billie Joe said "this way"
I follow behind talking the opportunity to look him over. He wore black jeans, a misfits t shirt and his feet were bare. I couldn't help but look at his toes. Real cute they were. His black hair was all over the place. He took the stairs almost three at a time. He's so fucking fit I thought.
I'd never been in Adi and Billie Joe's bathroom before. I'd always shared with their kids whenever I stayed over. It was so luxurious it was untrue.
"Right" I said "you're gonna have to lean over the bath while I get this stuff onto your hair. You're sure its not going to turn out green or anything going on top of the black," I laugh.
"If it does, it does" says Billie Joe without a care in the world. He was so cool.
At that moment he took his top off and I nearly gasped out loud but controlled myself. I'd obviously seen him before at the pool without his top but this was different. His torso was so toned and there were a few tattoos on his chest that I'd never really noticed before. I loved his tattoos so much that sometimes I just wanted to get in and have a real close up look and trace them with my finger. Like that was ever going to happen. I grabbed a towel and wrapped it round his shoulders like it was the most natural thing to do. In fact being with him in the bathroom with him topless felt like the most natural thing. I didn't even blush.
He leant over the bath and I had to get in quite close. I poured the stuff on his head and worked it into the roots as the instructions told me to do. If you'd told me a year ago that I would be bleaching Billie Joe Armstrong's hair in his house with him half naked I would have died of laughing but here I am. Who was going to believe me? I don't think anyone right now. They had to be here to see it.
The bottle said to wrap an old towel round and then we had to wait half an hour before washing it off. Billie Joe indicated old towels in a cupboard and then I brought one over and wrapped it round his head.
"Thanks babe" he said. "You're a life saver. I couldn't have done that on my own. Now lets go downstairs while my hair cooks away and get a drink shall we."
"Sounds good to me" I reply.
In the Kitchen after Billie Joe had gotten some root beer we got talking.
"How are you enjoying California then?" he said
"I'm loving it" I reply. "Apart from the incident?"
"What incident?" he says frowning
"You know the other day with Maria"
"Oh that" he said, "Its all forgotten. If you knew the sort of stuff that I'd got into when I was a kid then YOUR hair would turn green," we laughed together
"Yep if it wasn't for my writing and music I think I'd have probably been in prison or something by now" he said.
"When did you start writing then?" I asked
"Well as far back as I can remember really but I got into it more when Dad died. Something to channel my thoughts into."
"I write." I suddenly blurted out. Fuck it. Why had I said that? That was for me alone to know. Shit.
"Really?" said Billie Joe sounding interested. "What do you write?" he asked
"All sorts. Stories, Poems, just little phrases that come to mind when I'm out walking" I say.
"Keep it up," said Billie Joe "you never know when you might need those phrases. Do you ever think of writing songs?"
"Actually I've written a couple" I blush now as this conversation was going in a direction I didn't want it to "but they're not that good. I sort of wrote them after Samuel died. I felt real sad and alone so just wrote my thoughts down. They're a bit depressing really" What on earth was I jabbering on about?
"I'd like to take a look sometime" said Billie
"No, really, they're not that good" I say wanting to change the subject.
"No please I'd like to" he says. "And I hope you're still keeping up your drumming. May be I'll come on over to yours one day and you can show me what you've been taught. Does Dad show you much?"
"Sometimes. But he ends up almost wrecking my kit he drums so hard. He's had to replace so many parts," we laughed again.
At that moment Billie Joe checked his watch. "Shit. It's been 35 minutes already, I can't believe how that time has just flown" he said.
Nor can I, I think. I could stay chatting to you forever.
"Better wash this stuff off then" he says "and see what the fuck I look like."
I gently lifted the towel away and could see straight away that it was lighter. Washing off the bleach and then using shampoo I wrapped another towel around Billie Joe and he stood up.
"Right, lets get it dried and see what the hell we've done," He said.
We went into their bedroom. Jesus I'd never seen such a huge bed. He rummaged around in Adi's wardrobe for a hairdryer. He blasted it real fast and the result, well, wow! He looked fucking awesome. I really didn't think he would look as hot with bleached hair but of course he did. My feelings hadn't changed one bit. I still loved this guy and there was nothing I could do about it. I just had to keep it under control and well hidden.
"Not bad" he said glancing into the mirror. "I can live with that. It's just everyone else that will probably hate it but fuck! Who cares? What do you think babe?"
"I think it's awesome. It really suits you," I say shyly.
I knew the reason I had come here was over now so decided to take my leave.
"Look I'd better be going" I say.
"Thanks so much," said Billie Joe coming over to peck me on the cheek. "Thanks for all your wonderful help."
I left the room, ran down the stairs and out through the front door. My body was shaking. What an experience. Now the world will see Billie Joe Armstrong with blonde hair and I did it for him!
April 2006
Tre woke up and turned to look at Sammi. 'I so love you. You're perfect' he thought looking at her. Her thick shiny brown hair was all over the pillow. He touched its silkiness and watched her face. Her cheeks were glowing after their night of love and her dark eyelashes rested on her face. He loved her so much he was scared. Scared that something would happen to take her away from him and now he had to wake her up and tell her something. After all she'd been through with Samuel they could both do without this but it was something she had to know.
"Sammi" he said gently still stroking her hair
"Mmmmmmm" she said, not opening her eyes
"You awake?" he whispered into her ear.
"I am now," she laughed. "What time is it?"
"Not sure" he said. This was it. He had to tell her now.
"Sammi I've got to say something to you."
"What's that babe?" she said stretching and opening one eye to look at him.
"Last night when we made love. I er.. I think I felt a lump"
"What?" She was definitely awake now.
"A lump?" said Sammi "Where?" The colour had drained from her face and Tre felt sad for her.
"Here" he said and taking her hand he made her feel for herself.
"Oh" she said "Maybe its nothing"
"May be it is nothing but I'd like you to get it checked. Please, book an appointment with the doctor."
"OK" Sammi said quite calmly. "I will. Just let me get some sleep will you" and she closed her eyes. But sleep didn't come. She kept her eyes closed and pretended to sleep next to Tre but she felt sick with fear. Why hadn't she noticed this lump before? Because they had a lot on their minds just lately. How stupid I am.
Tre knew she wasn't sleeping. He wrapped himself around her as his mind wandered in all directions. Please let everything be ok. Please...
