Time Spent, chapter 11
I awoke the next morning and found myself alone on Billie Joe's couch. I turned over and buried my face into the pillow he had been laying on. I inhaled his scent and smiled.
I found a note in the kitchen later lying next to the coffee pot explaining why the house was so unnaturally quiet.
Something came up; I'll be out for the day.
Call me if you need anything.
-BJ
I put the note down and poured some coffee. I felt odd being at his house alone but I shrugged off the feeling and went back into the living room. I glanced at the large clock over on the wall and frowned. It was only 9:30. Billie Joe never got up that early.
I grabbed my cell phone from the table and dialed his number.
"You've reached Billie Joe; sorry I missed your call-"
I hung up the phone and tossed back onto the table. I went upstairs and took a shower before trying him again. He still didn't answer.
My phone finally rang around 10:30. I snatched up off the table and flipped it open glancing at the name on the screen. I couldn't help but feel disappointed to see Brandon's name.
"Hey, you busy?" He asked.
"No, what's up?"
"Well, everybody else is busy, I wondered if you wanted to do something today."
"You called me last?!" I asked pretending to be offended.
"Well, I figured you'd be busy with your lover boy today," he teased.
I rolled my eyes regardless of the fact he couldn't see me do it.
"I'm guessing you just rolled you eyes at me," he laughed.
"Yes, as it just so happens I did."
"So I take it you're not?"
"Not what?"
"Busy? Duh!"
"No, he had to go somewhere."
"Good, let's meet somewhere. Anywhere."
"Well, I'm hungry, You?"
"Yeah, starving."
***
I met Brandon at a small restaurant in town after having to park ten blocks away which I was not too happy about. The waiter sat us down at a table near the window. Brandon grinned at me from across the table.
"What?" I asked suspiciously.
"Huh? Oh, no I was just smiling at you. I'm glad we're gonna just have some time us time. We barely EVER hang out anymore," he said looking down sadly at his lap.
"I'm glad too. I missed you!"
He gave me another cheesy grin and ordered a drink from the waiter.
I giggled. "Aw, Brandon, you look adorable like that!"
He mocked embarrassment making me laugh. I had forgotten how funny he could be when he wasn't stressing over band details.
***
We finished eating and decided to walk around the streets for a while.
"This is defiantly a step up from what we used to do," he told me.
"Aw, come on, you know you miss it," I teased, shoving him into a group of girls walking the opposite way.
"Hanging around outside of some store? I don't think so," he answered, shoving me back
I laughed and replied, "Well, at least we all got really good at pissing people off."
"Yeah, and skateboarding."
"Hell yeah we did!!" I giggled.
"Man, I haven't even touched a skateboard in months. Not since we got signed."
"Me either... " I trailed off and watched three guys carrying skateboards walk by on the other side of the street.
"What... " he asked, following my gaze and spotting the guys I was watching. "Let's follow them!"
***
We had followed them about four blocks before coming upon a giant skate park surrounded by a high chain-link fence. They walked up to the entrance and nodded at the man standing at the gate. He nodded back and swung the gate open.
Brandon and I looked at each other and shrugged. It was worth a try.
We crossed the street and approached the gate, trying to look confident. The guard didn't fall for it.
"This is an exclusive skate park, sorry."
"Well, uh... how do you become a member?" Brandon asked.
"Many ways, but standing here trying to convince me is not the way."
I stepped in, smiling a very secret looking smile.
"Come on Brandon, he obviously doesn't recognize us."
I turned to the security guard, "It's kinda a nice break really. I'm soooo tired of signing autographs... not to mention posing for pictures. I love our fans, but honestly I'd like some time just to chill with my friends."
I flashed him a quick smile hoping he'd fall for it and hooked my arm in Brandon's as if to pull him away.
"Yeah, it is nice break, and he doesn't look like he'd listen to our kind of music anyways," Brandon said looking the guard up and down. "Let's get outta here."
"Uh... hold on a second, who did you say you were?" he said in a slightly panicked voice as we turned to walk away.
"I'm Chris and this is Brandon... from Time Spent?"
"Oh, Time Spent! Ha, I just didn't recognize you, you look different in person," he said as he dabbed at his forehead. "I'm sure nobody would have a problem with such huge stars as you. Please, enter."
We thanked him as he let us in the gates and I flashed him another smile. Brandon looked as if he was chocking back fits of laughter.
"I can't believe he fell for it! Surely kids have tried that before!"
"I know!" I laughed.
"That was pretty good, you really know how to work people. I've never seen anybody outsmart old Frankie before," a man said in an amused tone from somewhere beside us.
We turned to see a familiar looking man walking towards us holding a skateboard in one hand. He reached where we were standing and held out his free hand.
"Bam Margera, nice to meet you."
Oh so that's why he looked so familiar. I was a little shocked but I had now become used to meeting famous people in unexpected places.
"I'm Brandon, this is Chris. I thought you lived up north somewhere? What are you doing down here?"
"Vacation, I love this skate park so me and some buddies decided to stop by on our way to Brazil. So where did you learn to lie so convincingly?" he asked in his amused tone again.
"Oh... well we weren't completely lying, our first album comes out in six days," I answered.
"Oh really? No wonder I hadn't heard of you yet, pleased to meet you though. Which label?"
"Reprise," Brandon answered.
"Nice job, a lot of good bands have come out of that one. You met cool bands yet?"
"Yeah, Green Day, we hang out a lot. We're gonna open for them when they go on tour soon," I answered.
"Cool guys, I met them last year at some thing, can't really remember which. You look young though... 20's?"
"I turn nineteen in a couple of days and Brandon here is still eighteen too."
"You're kidding! That would have made you still in high school when you started!"
"Yeah, end of senior year," Brandon laughed.
"Wow, you must be real good. I'll defiantly go check out the record when it comes out."
"Thanks man, we appreciate that," I told him.
"Hey, come over here and meet some people," he told us, motioning towards the direction he came from.
***
After hanging out with Bam and his 'buddies' (including Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Bob Burnquist and a few other people from his show) and showing off a few moves on the skateboard, we headed off back towards the restaurant we had eaten at all those hours ago.
The day had been fun; I liked just hanging out with Brandon for a couple of hours. We hadn't really hung out at all lately, any of the band for that matter, outside of the studio.
"We should do this more often, all of us. At not discuss the record or the studio, just hang out like we used to," I told him as we walked into the garage to my car.
"Yeah, defiantly. We won't get much chance to soon because of all the publicity and tour and everything. Doing anything Monday?"
"Not that I know of, I'd love to do something with you and the other two losers in the band," I told him, winking as I unlocked the car door.
"Ok, you're on. Monday it is."
"Alright, talk to ya later," I told him as I got into the car.
"See ya!" he yelled over his shoulder.
***
On my way home I had finally got a call from Billie Joe asking where I was.
"Where I am?! You're the one that went missing!" I told him, half angry and half amused at the question.
"Aw come on, I told you, you could call me if you needed something!"
"I did, multiple times. Where were you?" I asked starting to get slightly annoyed now.
"You did? I must have not had any signal... how bout you come over so we can 'talk' about this?"
I exhaled loudly and rolled my eyes. Guys- they were all the same. They all hated answering direct questions. I just wanted to know... not that I didn't trust him, it was just that I felt left out, never a feeling I enjoyed.
"No. I'm not in the mood to deal with you right now."
"Please Chris... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. Please, come over so we can talk about this."
I wanted to give in but I was angry at him and seeing his face would melt that anger away too easily. On the other hand, I heard true regret in his voice when he told me that he hadn't wanted to upset me.
"Please baby... please?" he begged.
I sighed again. Why was I making such a big deal over something so little?
"Alright fine, but don't try to butter me up. I'm still angry with you."
"Can't promise anything," he told me.
I hung up the phone and threw it hard into the seat beside me. I don't think I was truly angry at him really, only annoyed at not knowing where he was. I never liked secrets and never would. I hated being annoyed.
***
I pulled into his driveway a little while later and turned off the car. I leaned back in the seat and attempted to calm down. It wouldn't help to go in upset at him; he hadn't even explained himself yet.
Eventually I grabbed the keys and got out of the car. I walked in the house to find it empty. Slightly confused, I walked through the downstairs rooms before heading upstairs in search of him. I reached the landing and glanced down the hallway seeing the light coming from under his bedroom door.
I sighed before slowly walking down the hallway and pausing outside the door. I pressed my ear up to it quietly but couldn't hear anything. I opened the door slowly and glanced inside. He was sitting on the edge of the bed texting somebody.
I opened the door a little wider and coughed to get his attention. He jerked his head up, put his phone in his pocket and stood up. He had a large, almost cartoonish smile on his face.
"Hey," he said breathlessly.
"Um... hey?"
He chuckled and rushed over to me, grabbing my wrist and pulling me after him down the stairs and out the door to his car.
"Get in," he told me excitedly.
"Where are we going?" I asked confused.
"It's a surprise, get in. Oh, and put this on, I don't want to ruin it before we even get there," he told me, tossing me a bandana.
I reluctantly tied the blindfold around my eyes allowed him to help me get my seatbelt on and settled. He started the car and began driving, humming softly to himself some song unknown to me.
***
After what felt like an hour, Billie Joe had his arms on my shoulders and he was gently directing me around various invisible obstacles a still humming happily to himself. I could tell I had been led somewhere indoors but I couldn't tell exactly where.
He finally stopped me.
"Don't move, I'll be right back," he told me.
"Alright... " I answered nervously.
I heard his footsteps fade into the distance and I strained my ears for any sound that would give away where I was. The silence around me was so loud I wanted to cover my ears. I finally heard footsteps coming back towards me. I recognized the humming and let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
"Do you trust me?" he whispered into my ear, lovingly draping his arms around my waist.
"Yes."
Although I couldn't see his face, I knew he was smiling at my answer which in turn made me smile.
He kissed me quickly and took my hand into his. He led me in the direction I had heard his footsteps come from and opened a door. I was led back outside into the night air and he stopped me after a few steps. He came around behind me and messed with the knot holding my blindfold closed.
He finally slid it off my face.
"SURPRISE!!"
I grinned and screamed. Everyone was there- Pete, Brandon, Travis, Mike, Tre, Jon, Alex, Cliff, Ben, Kelly, Zack, Will, Garrett, Liz, Fredrick McMillan, a couple of people we had worked with in the studio, a bunch of people I recognized but couldn't quite remember their names, Amber from the hospital, even Bam Margera and his group of friends (It was explained later that Brandon had told him about it while I was in the bathroom).
"Surprised?" Billie Joe asked, pulling me into a tight but quick embrace.
"This is why you were gone all day wasn't it?" I asked.
He grinned mysteriously and shrugged.
Brandon, Pete and Travis came over and each hugged me.
"You knew about this all day?" I asked Brandon, punching him in the shoulder.
"Well yeah! I was supposed to keep you busy!" he teased.
"Jerk!" I teased him right back.
"I know this is a little early, but we didn't want your special day getting lost in the album coming out, Pete explained.
"Why would she care? Presents early!" Travis shouted.
I laughed and hugged them all again. I finally got dragged into the crowd of people talking and laughing the whole time. Billie Joe was permanently attached to my side but I didn't mind. This was his idea and I was grateful for it; I had needed a break from everything and a party was just the right medicine.
I finally disentangled myself from well-wishers and conversationalists and went to the refreshments table. Billie Joe poured me a coke and handed it to me. I thanked him and drank deeply, taking in the view.
The yard was gorgeous. We were in Tre's backyard since he had the biggest and nicest house. All the trees had white Christmas lights wrapped around the trunks and up in the branches. The patio was also decorated in lights and there was a large table covered in gifts (it was quite a large pile) and the pool was clean and illuminated in light. It was a cool, clear night and I looked up to see the stars. Music was playing in the background and I hummed along with it.
Billie Joe came and put his arms around me, laying his head on my shoulder and sighing.
"Having fun yet?" he asked.
"Yeah," I answered.
"Good, I'm glad."
He ran his hands through my dark hair and kissed my neck.
"Hey lovebirds, is it time for presents yet?!" Travis yelled.
"Fine Trav, we'll be there in a sec!" I told him, rolling my eyes and giggling.
"Yay!" Travis and Tre screamed in unison and ran off towards the gift table yelling, "Present time, present time!"
I laughed and pushed Billie Joe off of me so that I could follow them. He trailed along mumbling something about idiots and I giggled. The crowd parted to let me through to where the gifts were piled up and my eyes got big. The pile looked even bigger up close.
I sat down in the giant throne in front of the table and waited for Tre and Travis to hand me a present. I glanced at the tag and saw that it was from McMillan. I ripped off the paper and laughed, unfolding the black shirt and holding it up. There was loud cheer from the crowd as well as some laughter. Across the front of the shirt were the words 'Time Spent' and the logo from the cover of the album.
He raised his plastic cup into the air and announced, "You'll be the only one wearing one of those! One of a kind! That is... until the fifth!"
A loud cheer went up and everyone raised their cups. I laughed and raised my own, thanking him for the gift. Everyone drank and Travis handed me the next present while Tre took the one I had opened from me.
***
The pile was getting smaller and smaller until only a few gifts remained. I opened the final one and sighed. I loved all the things I had gotten, but I couldn't help feel both confused and disappointed that I had never opened one from Billie Joe. I looked around for him but couldn't seem to find him in the throng of people now grouped around me.
I began walking through the crowd, searching for him but I still couldn't find him. I finally asked Pete if he had seen him.
"No... not since presents... maybe he went to go get the cake?"
"No, Brandon is doing that," I answered.
"Hm... I don't know. I'll help you look for him if you want."
"No, that's ok, but tell him I'm looking for him if you see him."
"Oh wait, I think I see him!" he yelled, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the gate leading towards the street.
"What? I don't see him-"
"You're just not looking hard enough, that's all."
"Pete, what's going on? There's nobody over here!"
I thought I saw a knowing smile flash over his lips but I wasn't sure if I had for sure. He led me over to the gate and heaved it open. The hinges groaned and people had begun to notice us leaving.
"Pete, where are you taking me you psyco?!"
"Hey, chill with the names!" he laughed, clearly enjoying himself.
The crowd had followed us out the gate and stood a little ways back from where Pete had stopped. There was a sense of anticipation in the air and everyone was whispering excitedly. I had a feeling I was the only one knowing what was going on.
Pete was looking down the street then glancing down at his watch. He finally smiled when a loud grumbling filled the air.
A shiny black corvette drove around the corner, getting louder as it approached us. I gasped as I saw who was driving the car. Billie Joe finally pulled the car over and hopped out. He ran over to me and handed me a photo. I glanced down at it and my jaw dropped. The picture in my hand was of the corvette I had seen that day at the carnival.
"No... surely not... " I stammered, looking from the picture to the car parked in front of me.
"Yup," he answered.
I looked up at him stunned.
"How... when... "
"When I 'went to the bathroom' after you saw it. I went and bought it for you and got it fixed up and painted- just how you described it."
I couldn't help myself; I burst into tears and buried my face into his chest. He laughed and stroked my back and the crowd began talking furiously.
I finally regained some of my composure and wiped my eyes. I was sure that my eyeliner was now thoroughly smudged but I didn't care. He handed me the keys with a smile. I glanced at the keychain hanging from the single key and couldn't help but laugh.
"Thought you'd like that," he told me, grinning.
It was a metal heart grenade with 'Green Day' written across the top. I had always wanted one of these.
"Go on, get in!" somebody yelled from the crowd.
I smiled and walked around to the driver's side. I pulled the handle and opened the door. I slowly ducked down and slid in, taking in every detail.
I breathed in the new car smell as I hungrily took in everything. The entire interior had been redone in original hardware, black carpet and seats. The only modern addition was the cd player that had been installed where the radio had been.
I put the key into the ignition and turned, grinning at the low, loud rumble the engine made. I motioned for Billie Joe to get in and shifted into first. I slowly pressed down on the gas as I released the clutch, slowly inching forward. After getting the hang of it, I gunned it and shifted into second, followed by third. I cheered happily and headed towards the frontage road not too far off so I could really see what it could do.
***
I finally collapsed onto Billie Joe's bed around three thirty in the morning. Everybody had wanted a ride in my new car and we still had to have cake.
Billie Joe dove onto the bed next to me and draped his arm on my back. I smiled over at him and stifled a yawn. He grinned back at me and pulled me closer so that he could kiss me better. I wrapped my arms around his neck and shifted so that I was firmly pressed against him.
"I never really got a chance to really thank you," I told him.
"Well you have all night to... " he grinned.
"Dirty boy," I teased.
His grin widened and he kissed me again. I could feel his hands finding their way under my shirt and I finally gave in. I guess I wasn't getting any sleep tonight...
I found a note in the kitchen later lying next to the coffee pot explaining why the house was so unnaturally quiet.
Something came up; I'll be out for the day.
Call me if you need anything.
-BJ
I put the note down and poured some coffee. I felt odd being at his house alone but I shrugged off the feeling and went back into the living room. I glanced at the large clock over on the wall and frowned. It was only 9:30. Billie Joe never got up that early.
I grabbed my cell phone from the table and dialed his number.
"You've reached Billie Joe; sorry I missed your call-"
I hung up the phone and tossed back onto the table. I went upstairs and took a shower before trying him again. He still didn't answer.
My phone finally rang around 10:30. I snatched up off the table and flipped it open glancing at the name on the screen. I couldn't help but feel disappointed to see Brandon's name.
"Hey, you busy?" He asked.
"No, what's up?"
"Well, everybody else is busy, I wondered if you wanted to do something today."
"You called me last?!" I asked pretending to be offended.
"Well, I figured you'd be busy with your lover boy today," he teased.
I rolled my eyes regardless of the fact he couldn't see me do it.
"I'm guessing you just rolled you eyes at me," he laughed.
"Yes, as it just so happens I did."
"So I take it you're not?"
"Not what?"
"Busy? Duh!"
"No, he had to go somewhere."
"Good, let's meet somewhere. Anywhere."
"Well, I'm hungry, You?"
"Yeah, starving."
***
I met Brandon at a small restaurant in town after having to park ten blocks away which I was not too happy about. The waiter sat us down at a table near the window. Brandon grinned at me from across the table.
"What?" I asked suspiciously.
"Huh? Oh, no I was just smiling at you. I'm glad we're gonna just have some time us time. We barely EVER hang out anymore," he said looking down sadly at his lap.
"I'm glad too. I missed you!"
He gave me another cheesy grin and ordered a drink from the waiter.
I giggled. "Aw, Brandon, you look adorable like that!"
He mocked embarrassment making me laugh. I had forgotten how funny he could be when he wasn't stressing over band details.
***
We finished eating and decided to walk around the streets for a while.
"This is defiantly a step up from what we used to do," he told me.
"Aw, come on, you know you miss it," I teased, shoving him into a group of girls walking the opposite way.
"Hanging around outside of some store? I don't think so," he answered, shoving me back
I laughed and replied, "Well, at least we all got really good at pissing people off."
"Yeah, and skateboarding."
"Hell yeah we did!!" I giggled.
"Man, I haven't even touched a skateboard in months. Not since we got signed."
"Me either... " I trailed off and watched three guys carrying skateboards walk by on the other side of the street.
"What... " he asked, following my gaze and spotting the guys I was watching. "Let's follow them!"
***
We had followed them about four blocks before coming upon a giant skate park surrounded by a high chain-link fence. They walked up to the entrance and nodded at the man standing at the gate. He nodded back and swung the gate open.
Brandon and I looked at each other and shrugged. It was worth a try.
We crossed the street and approached the gate, trying to look confident. The guard didn't fall for it.
"This is an exclusive skate park, sorry."
"Well, uh... how do you become a member?" Brandon asked.
"Many ways, but standing here trying to convince me is not the way."
I stepped in, smiling a very secret looking smile.
"Come on Brandon, he obviously doesn't recognize us."
I turned to the security guard, "It's kinda a nice break really. I'm soooo tired of signing autographs... not to mention posing for pictures. I love our fans, but honestly I'd like some time just to chill with my friends."
I flashed him a quick smile hoping he'd fall for it and hooked my arm in Brandon's as if to pull him away.
"Yeah, it is nice break, and he doesn't look like he'd listen to our kind of music anyways," Brandon said looking the guard up and down. "Let's get outta here."
"Uh... hold on a second, who did you say you were?" he said in a slightly panicked voice as we turned to walk away.
"I'm Chris and this is Brandon... from Time Spent?"
"Oh, Time Spent! Ha, I just didn't recognize you, you look different in person," he said as he dabbed at his forehead. "I'm sure nobody would have a problem with such huge stars as you. Please, enter."
We thanked him as he let us in the gates and I flashed him another smile. Brandon looked as if he was chocking back fits of laughter.
"I can't believe he fell for it! Surely kids have tried that before!"
"I know!" I laughed.
"That was pretty good, you really know how to work people. I've never seen anybody outsmart old Frankie before," a man said in an amused tone from somewhere beside us.
We turned to see a familiar looking man walking towards us holding a skateboard in one hand. He reached where we were standing and held out his free hand.
"Bam Margera, nice to meet you."
Oh so that's why he looked so familiar. I was a little shocked but I had now become used to meeting famous people in unexpected places.
"I'm Brandon, this is Chris. I thought you lived up north somewhere? What are you doing down here?"
"Vacation, I love this skate park so me and some buddies decided to stop by on our way to Brazil. So where did you learn to lie so convincingly?" he asked in his amused tone again.
"Oh... well we weren't completely lying, our first album comes out in six days," I answered.
"Oh really? No wonder I hadn't heard of you yet, pleased to meet you though. Which label?"
"Reprise," Brandon answered.
"Nice job, a lot of good bands have come out of that one. You met cool bands yet?"
"Yeah, Green Day, we hang out a lot. We're gonna open for them when they go on tour soon," I answered.
"Cool guys, I met them last year at some thing, can't really remember which. You look young though... 20's?"
"I turn nineteen in a couple of days and Brandon here is still eighteen too."
"You're kidding! That would have made you still in high school when you started!"
"Yeah, end of senior year," Brandon laughed.
"Wow, you must be real good. I'll defiantly go check out the record when it comes out."
"Thanks man, we appreciate that," I told him.
"Hey, come over here and meet some people," he told us, motioning towards the direction he came from.
***
After hanging out with Bam and his 'buddies' (including Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Bob Burnquist and a few other people from his show) and showing off a few moves on the skateboard, we headed off back towards the restaurant we had eaten at all those hours ago.
The day had been fun; I liked just hanging out with Brandon for a couple of hours. We hadn't really hung out at all lately, any of the band for that matter, outside of the studio.
"We should do this more often, all of us. At not discuss the record or the studio, just hang out like we used to," I told him as we walked into the garage to my car.
"Yeah, defiantly. We won't get much chance to soon because of all the publicity and tour and everything. Doing anything Monday?"
"Not that I know of, I'd love to do something with you and the other two losers in the band," I told him, winking as I unlocked the car door.
"Ok, you're on. Monday it is."
"Alright, talk to ya later," I told him as I got into the car.
"See ya!" he yelled over his shoulder.
***
On my way home I had finally got a call from Billie Joe asking where I was.
"Where I am?! You're the one that went missing!" I told him, half angry and half amused at the question.
"Aw come on, I told you, you could call me if you needed something!"
"I did, multiple times. Where were you?" I asked starting to get slightly annoyed now.
"You did? I must have not had any signal... how bout you come over so we can 'talk' about this?"
I exhaled loudly and rolled my eyes. Guys- they were all the same. They all hated answering direct questions. I just wanted to know... not that I didn't trust him, it was just that I felt left out, never a feeling I enjoyed.
"No. I'm not in the mood to deal with you right now."
"Please Chris... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. Please, come over so we can talk about this."
I wanted to give in but I was angry at him and seeing his face would melt that anger away too easily. On the other hand, I heard true regret in his voice when he told me that he hadn't wanted to upset me.
"Please baby... please?" he begged.
I sighed again. Why was I making such a big deal over something so little?
"Alright fine, but don't try to butter me up. I'm still angry with you."
"Can't promise anything," he told me.
I hung up the phone and threw it hard into the seat beside me. I don't think I was truly angry at him really, only annoyed at not knowing where he was. I never liked secrets and never would. I hated being annoyed.
***
I pulled into his driveway a little while later and turned off the car. I leaned back in the seat and attempted to calm down. It wouldn't help to go in upset at him; he hadn't even explained himself yet.
Eventually I grabbed the keys and got out of the car. I walked in the house to find it empty. Slightly confused, I walked through the downstairs rooms before heading upstairs in search of him. I reached the landing and glanced down the hallway seeing the light coming from under his bedroom door.
I sighed before slowly walking down the hallway and pausing outside the door. I pressed my ear up to it quietly but couldn't hear anything. I opened the door slowly and glanced inside. He was sitting on the edge of the bed texting somebody.
I opened the door a little wider and coughed to get his attention. He jerked his head up, put his phone in his pocket and stood up. He had a large, almost cartoonish smile on his face.
"Hey," he said breathlessly.
"Um... hey?"
He chuckled and rushed over to me, grabbing my wrist and pulling me after him down the stairs and out the door to his car.
"Get in," he told me excitedly.
"Where are we going?" I asked confused.
"It's a surprise, get in. Oh, and put this on, I don't want to ruin it before we even get there," he told me, tossing me a bandana.
I reluctantly tied the blindfold around my eyes allowed him to help me get my seatbelt on and settled. He started the car and began driving, humming softly to himself some song unknown to me.
***
After what felt like an hour, Billie Joe had his arms on my shoulders and he was gently directing me around various invisible obstacles a still humming happily to himself. I could tell I had been led somewhere indoors but I couldn't tell exactly where.
He finally stopped me.
"Don't move, I'll be right back," he told me.
"Alright... " I answered nervously.
I heard his footsteps fade into the distance and I strained my ears for any sound that would give away where I was. The silence around me was so loud I wanted to cover my ears. I finally heard footsteps coming back towards me. I recognized the humming and let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
"Do you trust me?" he whispered into my ear, lovingly draping his arms around my waist.
"Yes."
Although I couldn't see his face, I knew he was smiling at my answer which in turn made me smile.
He kissed me quickly and took my hand into his. He led me in the direction I had heard his footsteps come from and opened a door. I was led back outside into the night air and he stopped me after a few steps. He came around behind me and messed with the knot holding my blindfold closed.
He finally slid it off my face.
"SURPRISE!!"
I grinned and screamed. Everyone was there- Pete, Brandon, Travis, Mike, Tre, Jon, Alex, Cliff, Ben, Kelly, Zack, Will, Garrett, Liz, Fredrick McMillan, a couple of people we had worked with in the studio, a bunch of people I recognized but couldn't quite remember their names, Amber from the hospital, even Bam Margera and his group of friends (It was explained later that Brandon had told him about it while I was in the bathroom).
"Surprised?" Billie Joe asked, pulling me into a tight but quick embrace.
"This is why you were gone all day wasn't it?" I asked.
He grinned mysteriously and shrugged.
Brandon, Pete and Travis came over and each hugged me.
"You knew about this all day?" I asked Brandon, punching him in the shoulder.
"Well yeah! I was supposed to keep you busy!" he teased.
"Jerk!" I teased him right back.
"I know this is a little early, but we didn't want your special day getting lost in the album coming out, Pete explained.
"Why would she care? Presents early!" Travis shouted.
I laughed and hugged them all again. I finally got dragged into the crowd of people talking and laughing the whole time. Billie Joe was permanently attached to my side but I didn't mind. This was his idea and I was grateful for it; I had needed a break from everything and a party was just the right medicine.
I finally disentangled myself from well-wishers and conversationalists and went to the refreshments table. Billie Joe poured me a coke and handed it to me. I thanked him and drank deeply, taking in the view.
The yard was gorgeous. We were in Tre's backyard since he had the biggest and nicest house. All the trees had white Christmas lights wrapped around the trunks and up in the branches. The patio was also decorated in lights and there was a large table covered in gifts (it was quite a large pile) and the pool was clean and illuminated in light. It was a cool, clear night and I looked up to see the stars. Music was playing in the background and I hummed along with it.
Billie Joe came and put his arms around me, laying his head on my shoulder and sighing.
"Having fun yet?" he asked.
"Yeah," I answered.
"Good, I'm glad."
He ran his hands through my dark hair and kissed my neck.
"Hey lovebirds, is it time for presents yet?!" Travis yelled.
"Fine Trav, we'll be there in a sec!" I told him, rolling my eyes and giggling.
"Yay!" Travis and Tre screamed in unison and ran off towards the gift table yelling, "Present time, present time!"
I laughed and pushed Billie Joe off of me so that I could follow them. He trailed along mumbling something about idiots and I giggled. The crowd parted to let me through to where the gifts were piled up and my eyes got big. The pile looked even bigger up close.
I sat down in the giant throne in front of the table and waited for Tre and Travis to hand me a present. I glanced at the tag and saw that it was from McMillan. I ripped off the paper and laughed, unfolding the black shirt and holding it up. There was loud cheer from the crowd as well as some laughter. Across the front of the shirt were the words 'Time Spent' and the logo from the cover of the album.
He raised his plastic cup into the air and announced, "You'll be the only one wearing one of those! One of a kind! That is... until the fifth!"
A loud cheer went up and everyone raised their cups. I laughed and raised my own, thanking him for the gift. Everyone drank and Travis handed me the next present while Tre took the one I had opened from me.
***
The pile was getting smaller and smaller until only a few gifts remained. I opened the final one and sighed. I loved all the things I had gotten, but I couldn't help feel both confused and disappointed that I had never opened one from Billie Joe. I looked around for him but couldn't seem to find him in the throng of people now grouped around me.
I began walking through the crowd, searching for him but I still couldn't find him. I finally asked Pete if he had seen him.
"No... not since presents... maybe he went to go get the cake?"
"No, Brandon is doing that," I answered.
"Hm... I don't know. I'll help you look for him if you want."
"No, that's ok, but tell him I'm looking for him if you see him."
"Oh wait, I think I see him!" he yelled, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the gate leading towards the street.
"What? I don't see him-"
"You're just not looking hard enough, that's all."
"Pete, what's going on? There's nobody over here!"
I thought I saw a knowing smile flash over his lips but I wasn't sure if I had for sure. He led me over to the gate and heaved it open. The hinges groaned and people had begun to notice us leaving.
"Pete, where are you taking me you psyco?!"
"Hey, chill with the names!" he laughed, clearly enjoying himself.
The crowd had followed us out the gate and stood a little ways back from where Pete had stopped. There was a sense of anticipation in the air and everyone was whispering excitedly. I had a feeling I was the only one knowing what was going on.
Pete was looking down the street then glancing down at his watch. He finally smiled when a loud grumbling filled the air.
A shiny black corvette drove around the corner, getting louder as it approached us. I gasped as I saw who was driving the car. Billie Joe finally pulled the car over and hopped out. He ran over to me and handed me a photo. I glanced down at it and my jaw dropped. The picture in my hand was of the corvette I had seen that day at the carnival.
"No... surely not... " I stammered, looking from the picture to the car parked in front of me.
"Yup," he answered.
I looked up at him stunned.
"How... when... "
"When I 'went to the bathroom' after you saw it. I went and bought it for you and got it fixed up and painted- just how you described it."
I couldn't help myself; I burst into tears and buried my face into his chest. He laughed and stroked my back and the crowd began talking furiously.
I finally regained some of my composure and wiped my eyes. I was sure that my eyeliner was now thoroughly smudged but I didn't care. He handed me the keys with a smile. I glanced at the keychain hanging from the single key and couldn't help but laugh.
"Thought you'd like that," he told me, grinning.
It was a metal heart grenade with 'Green Day' written across the top. I had always wanted one of these.
"Go on, get in!" somebody yelled from the crowd.
I smiled and walked around to the driver's side. I pulled the handle and opened the door. I slowly ducked down and slid in, taking in every detail.
I breathed in the new car smell as I hungrily took in everything. The entire interior had been redone in original hardware, black carpet and seats. The only modern addition was the cd player that had been installed where the radio had been.
I put the key into the ignition and turned, grinning at the low, loud rumble the engine made. I motioned for Billie Joe to get in and shifted into first. I slowly pressed down on the gas as I released the clutch, slowly inching forward. After getting the hang of it, I gunned it and shifted into second, followed by third. I cheered happily and headed towards the frontage road not too far off so I could really see what it could do.
***
I finally collapsed onto Billie Joe's bed around three thirty in the morning. Everybody had wanted a ride in my new car and we still had to have cake.
Billie Joe dove onto the bed next to me and draped his arm on my back. I smiled over at him and stifled a yawn. He grinned back at me and pulled me closer so that he could kiss me better. I wrapped my arms around his neck and shifted so that I was firmly pressed against him.
"I never really got a chance to really thank you," I told him.
"Well you have all night to... " he grinned.
"Dirty boy," I teased.
His grin widened and he kissed me again. I could feel his hands finding their way under my shirt and I finally gave in. I guess I wasn't getting any sleep tonight...
