Tales From Another Broken Home, chapter 6
-Adi's POV-
I woke up the next morning around seven-thirty. I wrapped myself up in the blanket Billie put over me, and walked into the kitchen. There was a note scribbled on the fridge.
Good Morning, beautiful.
If I am not here when you
Wake up, don't worry, I'm getting
Some breakfast. If you want, you
Can call my cell, 555-1890.
Love, Billie.
He is so sweet, twenty-two years we have known each other and he still cares. I was going to put on my clothes from last night, but I knew they were dirty. I went upstairs and found a bathroom in this huge bedroom, must be Billie's, and I took a shower. It felt god, I was starting to get adjusted to my new surroundings. A hand pulled back the shower curtain.
"Aaaaaahhhh!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and swung at him.
"Woah! Sorry, Adi. I didn't mean to scare you. It's me, Billie."
"Sorry, I just thought you were someone else."
"It's okay. I was checking up on you. I bought breakfast from this little diner up the block. When you're done you can come down and eat with me. I left you a towel on the counter."
He gave me a kiss and closed the bathroom door. I finished bathing and got dried off.
-Billie's POV-
Adi hits hard, she can really protect herself. My arm was a bit sore when she hit me with the showerhead. I set the food on the table and looked up. There she was, descending the staircase in nothing but one of my black shirts. She was gorgeous, not that fake made-up gorgeous, but true, natural beauty. She did not need the makeup, the hair, the clothes, the jewelry; it was her. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me romantically.
"Wow! The food smells great."
"Yeah, I love this place. You know, you hit hard."
"I'm sorry. If I would have known it was you I wouldn't have. I'm just a bit paranoid right now."
"It's okay, just relax. No one is going to hurt you here, you're safe now. I'm just relieved to have you back."
"I know. I surprised, after all these years, you'd still miss me."
"Miss you? All my thoughts were only of you. I thought that I'd never see you again."
We sat in silence and finished our meal. Not that awkward silence when there is nothing to say, but a good silence, when there is no words to describe how you feel. We stared into each other's eyes and just smiled, just happy to share each other's company again. As soon as we get our things straight, we will be together forever.
"Mike and Tre' are coming over for practice this afternoon. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not, I can't wait to see them again!"
"Oh, because Adrienne didn't like it too much when they came over. She said it was rude and they were disrupting the household."
"Adrienne was your wife, huh? I'd never say that about Mike and Tre', they're like our brother's, it would be too quiet around home without them."
She smiled and I smiled back. I loved how she made me calm, she always made me feel like everything was fine. We sat down and watched the television the rest of the morning. I sprawled out across the sofa, my head in her lap and she was playing with my hair whn the guys walked in.
"Honey, we're home!" screamed Tre'.
"Oh my God! Adi? Is that really you?" asked Mike.
Tre' was silent for a moment, it took a while for the name to register in his brain, then he looked at her.
"Adi!"
He came running across the living room and got her in a big, bear hug. She hugged back just as hard. Mike walked towards them and patiently waited his turn. They all had tears in their eyes.
"Mike, wow you look so good," she gave him a hug and he smiled.
"You look amazing, Adi. So how are things?"
I saw Adi's smile fade so I spoke up.
"You guys want breakfast? We got doughnuts... With sprinkles."
Mike and Tre's ears perked up, just like them, always thinking with their stomach's. I wrapped my arm around Adi and we walked to the kitchen. This was the happiest I had been in years.
-Adi's POV-
It was so good to have our little family together again. Just to see Mike and Tre's smiling faces was enough to make me smile. They were hungry, they gobbled down what was left of the food. After breakfast, the guys and I went into the basement which had been converted into a recording studio. The guys were laying down tracks for what would be their next album. I smiled, reminiscing of the old days, as I watched them play on into the night. It was around eight-thirty when the session finally ended and Mike and Tre' had to go.
"I'm so glad that you're back, Adi. I'm just, really happy for you guys." said Mike as he hugged me and walked out the door.
"Bye, girl. I love you." said Tre, who grabbed me into another bear hug before he left.
Billie looked at me and we both laughed. I went upstairs and laid across one of the big lounge chairs outside. There was a gorgeous pool in the backyard. Billie came outside and lit the tiki torches that were positioned around it.
"You wanna go for a swim?" he asked.
"I don't have a bathing suit."
"I didn't say anything about a bathing suit."
We stripped down and jumped into the pool. It was surprisingly warm and Billie grabbed me form behind in a hug.
"Adi, I love you with all of my heart. I know you do too. If I told you I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, would you say yes?"
"What are you asking me, Billie?"
He got out of the pool, in all his glory. He ran to one of the chairs and dug into his pants pocket for something and he got back into the pool.
"Adi," he spun me around so now I was facing him, "will you marry me?"
He opened the palm of his hand to reveal the most gorgeous diamond ring I had ever seen in my entire life. He took my left hand in his.
"Well, Adi? I kinda need an answer."
"Of course, but, you aren't divorced yet. I'm not either. Don't we want to wait 'till we get settled. Is this legal?"
"I'm allowed to propose to you. You just have to give me an answer. We'll handle all the legal problems in the morning. Adi, will you marry me?"
He looked deep into my eyes, his were filled with a mixture of anticipation and longing, as if he had wanted to ask me this for years.
"Yes, yes Billie. I loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you. I will always love you."
He slipped the ring on my finger and grabbed me into the longest, most passionate kiss I ever had. We were in the middle of the pool, bathed in moonlight, our souls as one.
-Billie's POV-
Last night we managed to take our engagement celebration, to my room. I awoke early, again. This time I meant to handle the divorces. I was in the study, talking on the phone with my lawyer. He told me that, if I got our spouse to sign the papers, he would have us divorced in two weeks. Two weeks? That is hoe long I would have to kept Adi a secret from the media. Adi walked into the study, completely nude, to my enjoyment, and presented me with yet another problem.
"Well, that's one hell of a wakeup call."
"It would be, but Billie, I have no clothes."
"Damn, that is a problem. You can't just keep wearing my t-shirts. Some of Adrienne's clothes may still be upstairs."
"Are you sure they will fit?"
"It might actually be a bit big on you, but that's the best I can do right now."
Adi walked upstairs. I need to find Adrienne to sign those divorce papers, and fast. I decided to call her cell phone, someone else answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey, this is Billie, I... "
"No, she doesn't wanna talk to you. She said she's made up her mind and that's final."
"I know, I'm calling to get her to sign the papers."
"Oh. Hold on. Adrienne!"
"Hello, Billie Joe."
"Hey, I was talking to my lawyer and he said if I got you to sign the papers we'll get the divorce finalized in two weeks."
"You've made up your mind as well?"
"Yeah. I thought about what you said and you're right, this isn't working out. It's best for us and the kids to get a divorce."
"Well, I'm glad you see things my way. All I want is split-custody and child support. I'll let you keep the house and everything. Just send me the papers."
"When will I get to see Joey and Jake again?"
"As soon as we get this divorce, about two weeks, right?"
"Yeah, is it gonna be one week with you and one week with me?"
"Yeah. Bye, Billie."
"Bye."
Yes, one down. Now I will have to talk to Adi. We will have to confront that guy, but she will not be alone. I hope she will understand that. I walked upstairs to my bedroom, well, our bedroom now. Adi managed to find a shirt that fit her and some shorts that were a bit loose. She looked up at me as I came in.
"Hey baby. How do I look? It was the only thing I could find."
"You look great, you always do. I need to talk to you about something."
"What?"
"What was your husband's name?"
"Rick? Why are we talking about him?"
"Well, I was on the phone with my lawyer. I'm going to be legally divorced in two weeks. I got Adrienne to sign the divorce papers so we can finally be together. Don't worry, I'll be right by your side, you'll have nothing to fear. If he so much as thinks of touching you, he's dead. So, are you willing to go?"
Adi was silent for a while. I could see in her hazel eyes that she was nervous. I went over to her to try and comfort her.
"Yes, I have to get this over with. All I want is to be with you, to be yours. I'll go and ask him. When are we leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning we'll be flying out. Today, we need to get you some clothes."
"Aren't you worried about the press? They still think you're married to Adrienne."
"It doesn't matter. We're getting divorced. We're separated right now so they can't say anything, besides, I can't have my woman wearing the same outfit forever."
She laughed. I love that laugh. I got dressed and grabbed the keys to my black BMW and we drove to the mall. Adi's guesses were right, the paparazzi swarmed us as we tried to go shopping. The mall had to close down the entire top two floors, just so we would be left alone. We walked through a bunch of stores but none had really caught her interest.
"Damn, Adi. Why so picky?"
"I know, it's just their all so sluttish. I wish there was a store with clothes that had actually like."
"Oh, fuck. Since we can't find anything, let's just go to my store."
"Wait, you mean, on top of the whole rock star thing, you have a clothing line?"
"Yeah, Adeline Street clothing. You'll like them, trust me."
We left the mall, the paparazzi followed. I always hated those nosy fucks. We pulled up to the Adeline headquarters and I walked myself and Adi inside.
"Hello, Mr. Armstrong. How are you today?"
"Hello, Cindy. I'm trying to get some clothes for Adi here."
"Hello, ma'am. Right this way, Jean' is in the back room. He'll st you up."
"Thanks, Cindy."
She walked back behind her desk and I grabbed Adi's hand and lead her to the back room. She was a bit in awe at all the clothes. She fell in love with every piece of fabric she laid her eyes on. We wound up getting her everything from the Spring line. She thanked Jean' and gave him a big hug. Then we went back here to pack.
-Adi's POV-
My new clothes were wonderful. Who knew Billie had such good fashion taste? We packed our things and went to sleep. Billie held me in his arms and gently sang, Rest, to me.
Hey can you hear me?
I'm calling your name
Hello? Or is this goodbye?
The gleam in your eyes
It troubles my brain
Will I see it again?
So I can rest my head
Angel... Angel! Dancing away
As all of my thoughts get rearranged
Angel... Angel! Turning away
Just when thing seem
To have changed
So I can rest my head
Hey can you hear me?
I'm calling your name
Hello? Or is this goodbye?
The gleam in your eyes
It troubles my brain
Will I see it again?
So I can rest my head
After he was finished singing I was already fast asleep. The next morning we got in the car and boarded the plane. I was going back to New Orleans, back to that hell-hole.
I woke up the next morning around seven-thirty. I wrapped myself up in the blanket Billie put over me, and walked into the kitchen. There was a note scribbled on the fridge.
Good Morning, beautiful.
If I am not here when you
Wake up, don't worry, I'm getting
Some breakfast. If you want, you
Can call my cell, 555-1890.
Love, Billie.
He is so sweet, twenty-two years we have known each other and he still cares. I was going to put on my clothes from last night, but I knew they were dirty. I went upstairs and found a bathroom in this huge bedroom, must be Billie's, and I took a shower. It felt god, I was starting to get adjusted to my new surroundings. A hand pulled back the shower curtain.
"Aaaaaahhhh!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and swung at him.
"Woah! Sorry, Adi. I didn't mean to scare you. It's me, Billie."
"Sorry, I just thought you were someone else."
"It's okay. I was checking up on you. I bought breakfast from this little diner up the block. When you're done you can come down and eat with me. I left you a towel on the counter."
He gave me a kiss and closed the bathroom door. I finished bathing and got dried off.
-Billie's POV-
Adi hits hard, she can really protect herself. My arm was a bit sore when she hit me with the showerhead. I set the food on the table and looked up. There she was, descending the staircase in nothing but one of my black shirts. She was gorgeous, not that fake made-up gorgeous, but true, natural beauty. She did not need the makeup, the hair, the clothes, the jewelry; it was her. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me romantically.
"Wow! The food smells great."
"Yeah, I love this place. You know, you hit hard."
"I'm sorry. If I would have known it was you I wouldn't have. I'm just a bit paranoid right now."
"It's okay, just relax. No one is going to hurt you here, you're safe now. I'm just relieved to have you back."
"I know. I surprised, after all these years, you'd still miss me."
"Miss you? All my thoughts were only of you. I thought that I'd never see you again."
We sat in silence and finished our meal. Not that awkward silence when there is nothing to say, but a good silence, when there is no words to describe how you feel. We stared into each other's eyes and just smiled, just happy to share each other's company again. As soon as we get our things straight, we will be together forever.
"Mike and Tre' are coming over for practice this afternoon. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not, I can't wait to see them again!"
"Oh, because Adrienne didn't like it too much when they came over. She said it was rude and they were disrupting the household."
"Adrienne was your wife, huh? I'd never say that about Mike and Tre', they're like our brother's, it would be too quiet around home without them."
She smiled and I smiled back. I loved how she made me calm, she always made me feel like everything was fine. We sat down and watched the television the rest of the morning. I sprawled out across the sofa, my head in her lap and she was playing with my hair whn the guys walked in.
"Honey, we're home!" screamed Tre'.
"Oh my God! Adi? Is that really you?" asked Mike.
Tre' was silent for a moment, it took a while for the name to register in his brain, then he looked at her.
"Adi!"
He came running across the living room and got her in a big, bear hug. She hugged back just as hard. Mike walked towards them and patiently waited his turn. They all had tears in their eyes.
"Mike, wow you look so good," she gave him a hug and he smiled.
"You look amazing, Adi. So how are things?"
I saw Adi's smile fade so I spoke up.
"You guys want breakfast? We got doughnuts... With sprinkles."
Mike and Tre's ears perked up, just like them, always thinking with their stomach's. I wrapped my arm around Adi and we walked to the kitchen. This was the happiest I had been in years.
-Adi's POV-
It was so good to have our little family together again. Just to see Mike and Tre's smiling faces was enough to make me smile. They were hungry, they gobbled down what was left of the food. After breakfast, the guys and I went into the basement which had been converted into a recording studio. The guys were laying down tracks for what would be their next album. I smiled, reminiscing of the old days, as I watched them play on into the night. It was around eight-thirty when the session finally ended and Mike and Tre' had to go.
"I'm so glad that you're back, Adi. I'm just, really happy for you guys." said Mike as he hugged me and walked out the door.
"Bye, girl. I love you." said Tre, who grabbed me into another bear hug before he left.
Billie looked at me and we both laughed. I went upstairs and laid across one of the big lounge chairs outside. There was a gorgeous pool in the backyard. Billie came outside and lit the tiki torches that were positioned around it.
"You wanna go for a swim?" he asked.
"I don't have a bathing suit."
"I didn't say anything about a bathing suit."
We stripped down and jumped into the pool. It was surprisingly warm and Billie grabbed me form behind in a hug.
"Adi, I love you with all of my heart. I know you do too. If I told you I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, would you say yes?"
"What are you asking me, Billie?"
He got out of the pool, in all his glory. He ran to one of the chairs and dug into his pants pocket for something and he got back into the pool.
"Adi," he spun me around so now I was facing him, "will you marry me?"
He opened the palm of his hand to reveal the most gorgeous diamond ring I had ever seen in my entire life. He took my left hand in his.
"Well, Adi? I kinda need an answer."
"Of course, but, you aren't divorced yet. I'm not either. Don't we want to wait 'till we get settled. Is this legal?"
"I'm allowed to propose to you. You just have to give me an answer. We'll handle all the legal problems in the morning. Adi, will you marry me?"
He looked deep into my eyes, his were filled with a mixture of anticipation and longing, as if he had wanted to ask me this for years.
"Yes, yes Billie. I loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you. I will always love you."
He slipped the ring on my finger and grabbed me into the longest, most passionate kiss I ever had. We were in the middle of the pool, bathed in moonlight, our souls as one.
-Billie's POV-
Last night we managed to take our engagement celebration, to my room. I awoke early, again. This time I meant to handle the divorces. I was in the study, talking on the phone with my lawyer. He told me that, if I got our spouse to sign the papers, he would have us divorced in two weeks. Two weeks? That is hoe long I would have to kept Adi a secret from the media. Adi walked into the study, completely nude, to my enjoyment, and presented me with yet another problem.
"Well, that's one hell of a wakeup call."
"It would be, but Billie, I have no clothes."
"Damn, that is a problem. You can't just keep wearing my t-shirts. Some of Adrienne's clothes may still be upstairs."
"Are you sure they will fit?"
"It might actually be a bit big on you, but that's the best I can do right now."
Adi walked upstairs. I need to find Adrienne to sign those divorce papers, and fast. I decided to call her cell phone, someone else answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey, this is Billie, I... "
"No, she doesn't wanna talk to you. She said she's made up her mind and that's final."
"I know, I'm calling to get her to sign the papers."
"Oh. Hold on. Adrienne!"
"Hello, Billie Joe."
"Hey, I was talking to my lawyer and he said if I got you to sign the papers we'll get the divorce finalized in two weeks."
"You've made up your mind as well?"
"Yeah. I thought about what you said and you're right, this isn't working out. It's best for us and the kids to get a divorce."
"Well, I'm glad you see things my way. All I want is split-custody and child support. I'll let you keep the house and everything. Just send me the papers."
"When will I get to see Joey and Jake again?"
"As soon as we get this divorce, about two weeks, right?"
"Yeah, is it gonna be one week with you and one week with me?"
"Yeah. Bye, Billie."
"Bye."
Yes, one down. Now I will have to talk to Adi. We will have to confront that guy, but she will not be alone. I hope she will understand that. I walked upstairs to my bedroom, well, our bedroom now. Adi managed to find a shirt that fit her and some shorts that were a bit loose. She looked up at me as I came in.
"Hey baby. How do I look? It was the only thing I could find."
"You look great, you always do. I need to talk to you about something."
"What?"
"What was your husband's name?"
"Rick? Why are we talking about him?"
"Well, I was on the phone with my lawyer. I'm going to be legally divorced in two weeks. I got Adrienne to sign the divorce papers so we can finally be together. Don't worry, I'll be right by your side, you'll have nothing to fear. If he so much as thinks of touching you, he's dead. So, are you willing to go?"
Adi was silent for a while. I could see in her hazel eyes that she was nervous. I went over to her to try and comfort her.
"Yes, I have to get this over with. All I want is to be with you, to be yours. I'll go and ask him. When are we leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning we'll be flying out. Today, we need to get you some clothes."
"Aren't you worried about the press? They still think you're married to Adrienne."
"It doesn't matter. We're getting divorced. We're separated right now so they can't say anything, besides, I can't have my woman wearing the same outfit forever."
She laughed. I love that laugh. I got dressed and grabbed the keys to my black BMW and we drove to the mall. Adi's guesses were right, the paparazzi swarmed us as we tried to go shopping. The mall had to close down the entire top two floors, just so we would be left alone. We walked through a bunch of stores but none had really caught her interest.
"Damn, Adi. Why so picky?"
"I know, it's just their all so sluttish. I wish there was a store with clothes that had actually like."
"Oh, fuck. Since we can't find anything, let's just go to my store."
"Wait, you mean, on top of the whole rock star thing, you have a clothing line?"
"Yeah, Adeline Street clothing. You'll like them, trust me."
We left the mall, the paparazzi followed. I always hated those nosy fucks. We pulled up to the Adeline headquarters and I walked myself and Adi inside.
"Hello, Mr. Armstrong. How are you today?"
"Hello, Cindy. I'm trying to get some clothes for Adi here."
"Hello, ma'am. Right this way, Jean' is in the back room. He'll st you up."
"Thanks, Cindy."
She walked back behind her desk and I grabbed Adi's hand and lead her to the back room. She was a bit in awe at all the clothes. She fell in love with every piece of fabric she laid her eyes on. We wound up getting her everything from the Spring line. She thanked Jean' and gave him a big hug. Then we went back here to pack.
-Adi's POV-
My new clothes were wonderful. Who knew Billie had such good fashion taste? We packed our things and went to sleep. Billie held me in his arms and gently sang, Rest, to me.
Hey can you hear me?
I'm calling your name
Hello? Or is this goodbye?
The gleam in your eyes
It troubles my brain
Will I see it again?
So I can rest my head
Angel... Angel! Dancing away
As all of my thoughts get rearranged
Angel... Angel! Turning away
Just when thing seem
To have changed
So I can rest my head
Hey can you hear me?
I'm calling your name
Hello? Or is this goodbye?
The gleam in your eyes
It troubles my brain
Will I see it again?
So I can rest my head
After he was finished singing I was already fast asleep. The next morning we got in the car and boarded the plane. I was going back to New Orleans, back to that hell-hole.
