So Go Ahead and Kill Yourself! It All Amuses Me, chapter 12
Bright, blinding light peeked through a gap in the curtains. These rays of pure light landed upon the bed, which as of 30 minutes ago had held a pair of lover's wrapped in each other's arms. The bed has since been disbanded, when the occupants had showered and dressed. The room was by now void of any human movement or sounds until the sound of footsteps drew closer.
Around the doorframe poked the head and neck of the one and only Michael Pritchard. His eyes scanned the floor quickly and quietly. He spotted the missing suitcase hiding in the corner of the room. It was partly covered by the curtains.
A strong and steady voice carried up the stairs "Mike! Have you found that suitcase?" The voice of course belonged to smallest member of Green Day - Tre Cool. Grumbling to himself about annoying drummers, Mike scurried across the room and opened his mislaid luggage. He pulled about a small box wrapped in black paper. Setting it carefully in the centre of the bed, he also pulled out a letter addressed with two words...my love.
Tre's voice called up the stairs once again, irritated this time "Mike! Have you found it?" Without a word, Mike zipped up the suitcase swiftly. With reserved patience Tre shouted up the stairs once again.
"Mike! Have you found..." Feeling the need not to hear Tre ask again, Mike cut him off.
"Yes for fucks sake. I've got it."
Lifting the moderately heavy suitcase with his strong arms, Mike began to leave the room. Stopping at the door, he took one last look around. He knew he would probably never see this room again. He stood memorising every speck of it. He was committing the childlike décor, the posters, the artwork, the mess of songbooks and sheet music to his remembrance.
Tre's voice unknowingly once again, broke through his thoughts. "Hurry up Mike! We want to get there in plenty of time." Closing the door shut with one last peak inside, Mike shouted back "I'm coming! I don't know why we bother. There's gonna be a delay. There always is."
Mike began his short walk to the top of the stairs, continuing to not take any notice of what Tre was saying. Ignoring Tre became more difficult, when he came into sight at the bottom of the stairs. He was tapping his watch repeatedly.
Cocking his gaze to the others in the room, he caught sight of me rubbing my temples. Tanisha was tapping her ear. She was obviously trying to recover her hearing. Mike immediately recognised this as the after affect of Tre shouting in her ear.
Hitting the bottom of the stairs Mike dropped the suitcase to the floor. Unfortunately on its way down it made contact with Andy's foot. A loud crack resonated around the room. Andy immediately followed this as he yowled like a scolded cat.
Hoping up and down clasping his foot, Andy gave Tre and Mike a parting hug and an "I'll see you in a month" before hobbling out the door to put ice on his foot. Tom grinned at Mike's stiffled giggle. "What a nice way to say goodbye."
Someone cleared their throat and everyone turned to see my mum standing at the door holding her car keys. Tossing them to Mike she told him to put the last suitcase in the trunk. Mike trudged out of the hall silently.
Tom sidled up to Tre and for once in his life he was nervous. He held his trembling hand out to Tre for him to shake. Rolling his eyes Tre grabbed Tom's hand and pulled him into a bear hug. "We drummers gotta stick together. I'll see you when you get to California."
Tom patted Tre on the shoulder and gave him a shove towards Tanisha "Can't not say goodbye to t-shirt, can we? You dipshit" Tre threw his head back and laughed heartily. This warmed everyone's hearts.
I grinned to myself as Tanisha embraced Tre in a quick goodbye hug. Pulling back she smiled as Tre once again brought her into the hug. Tre pulled back this time pulling her hair out of it ponytail in the process.
"See ya soon Kid." She smirked to herself as she reached behind her back. She pulled out a baseball cap. Fitting it on his head, she pulled it down further, so it partly covered his eyes. A grin lightened his face when sunglasses were slipped onto his nose.
"There. Now I'm Tre - Undercover FBI agent."
Mike chose this point to return bearing mum's keys. Checking out the scene, he huffed.
"What no hugs for the Dirntster?" Simultaneously Tanisha and Tom sighed and ran into Mike's arms like little kids. With her small statue Tanisha was almost squished between both rather tall men. Neither of them noticed her struggle through their fake tears and sniffles. She had to shout loud to truly be heard through Mike and Tom's playful banter.
"Guys I'm a little stuck here."
They released each other fairly quickly, in an attempt not to get Tanisha angry. They failed and both received a world famous t-shirt slap. Mike pulled them into separate hugs whispering sentimental goodbyes.
"It's been two weeks and I already love you guys like family." A silent tear dripped secretly down my cheek and hit the floor with a small patter.
The small pitter-patter of Mikey could be heard coming down the stairs followed by the heavier thump thump of Leo's feet. Coming into view, we saw that Mikey's eyes were red from tears. "Were you just gonna leave without saying goodbye to me?" he asked his voice filled with pain.
Mike swept Mikey into his arms and held him close. "Of course we weren't. I'm gonna miss my Mike conversations with you little man." Mikey sniffed and wiped at his eyes. "I'm gonna miss you Mike. I don't want you or Tre to go." We could visibly see Mike struggling to come up with a response. Fortunately Tre came to his rescue by taking Mikey off of Mike's hands.
"Yeah but, and this is a big butt," Mikey giggled happily. "But, if you're a good boy for your mum and dad. Your mum might take you to a nice vacation in Oakland. And you could come visit us. Does that sound good?"
A small joyous cry escaped the little boy in Tre's arms "Yeah! Can I?" he asked. "If you're good for your parents, you might get to go. I'll be asking everyday... and if you haven't..."
"I'll be good! I promise!" he yelped cutting off Tre's sentence.
"Good." Tre placed Mikey back on the ground. Both he and Mike ruffled Mikey's hair. Mikey stood hands behind his back seeming hesitant with his next question.
"W-Will Billie Joe be there?"
"Yep," was their immediate response. They stopped smiling when they saw Mikey's face fall. "Don't you like Billie Joe?" Tre asked glancing behind him at mum and me. A blush crept up Mikey's cheeks and he bowed his head
"Not really," he whispered quietly.
Mike seemed uneasy about the sudden predicament. "You don't have to like him kid, but he is your sister's dad." Mikey didn't answer. "But don't worry. He's a real nice guy and he won't be mean to you." Mikey still didn't answer. He stayed quiet.
Tre glanced at his wristwatch and gasped. "We'll see you all soon. We've got to go. We don't want to be late." Mike just shook his head "I'm telling you, there'll be a delay."
"Nuh uh!"
"Yuh huh! But you're right Tre. We got to go. Bye everyone!" he shouted. They both quickly shook Leo's hand and said bye to everyone once again.
Mike, Tre, mum and I headed to the door. We were both escorting them to the airport. Before they left, they stopped at the door and shouted back to Andy. "See ya in a month Andy," a muffled reply was heard which sounded vaguely like.
"You broke my foot!"
They slammed the door shut and rushed out to the car to choose their seats. Tre had sprinted full pelt to the passenger seat shouting, "Shotgun!" Mike sat in the back with me next to him. Mum took her place in the driver's seat.
There was a very attractive rumble as mum started the engine. Closing my eyes briefly I let the sound fill me. I heard Tre start a conversation with my mum. "So Izzy (mum's nickname) are you gonna take Mikey and Leo to Oakland as a vacation?"
I tune myself out to their conversation. By the looks of it Mike had too. He was lying back in the seat; his tongue was hanging out of his mouth as if dead. I giggled and one of his eyes flickered open, fixing me with a one-eye glare. Giggling again I thread my hand into his, checking to make sure Tre and mum weren't looking. They weren't, so I started whispering to Mike.
"I'm gonna miss you so much. I know we discussed this earlier but I'll call you everyday and I promise I'll be yours...forever."
Without any words Mike placed a gently seemingly innocent kiss to my forehead. Releasing his fingers, I pull out a baseball cap almost identical to Tre's and a pair of my men's sunglasses. I slipped the hat over his head, simultaneously perching the sunglasses on his face.
"There we go. Perfect. We can't have you getting noticed can we?"
"I don't think that's..." he started.
"That was a rhetorical question dumbass," I laughed quietly. Turning our attention to the two people in front of us, we find Tre urging my mum to go faster. "Punch it Izzy. We don't want to be late."
Mike snorted at Tre's remark, not even bothering to try and cover it. "I'm telling you Tre. There is going to be a delay. Besides why are you so excited to be going back?" Watching Tre and Mike quibble really puts a spring in your step. "I'm excited because Mona's gonna be there, and there is not going to be a delay. Stop being so pessimistic."
"There is going to be a delay!" Mike near shouted at Tre.
"There is not gonna be a delay!" Tre retaliated.
I rolled my eyes back when both the culprits for the cause my headache, turned to me, asking the exact same thing.
"Don't you agree?" Mum chuckled from the front of the car. Opening my eyes, to see both parties staring up at me expectantly, I groaned.
"Well?"
"Well what?" I asked trying to fake memory loss.
"Do you agree with me?" Tre asked looking for support.
Breaking our gazes I stare out the window for a few moments thinking of my reply. Looking back to him, I pull my most apologetic look. "I kind of agree with Mike. I'm sorry Tre but Airports these days do tend to have a delay almost every other flight." He turned away from me with a pout of his face. The only angry reply he could come up with was, "You're a pessimist as well."
If the situation wasn't so dire I would have giggled. Leaning forward in my seat, I angle my head to face him "Tre?" In response Tre turned his head further away. Leaning forward even more I stare at him again "Tre... I'm sorry," I said in my most innocent voice.
"Okay I forgive you, but if there's no delay you give me 50 bucks," he said extending his open hand. Gripping it tightly, we shake. "But if there is, I get 50," Tre consented. Mike smirked at Tre.
"That's not fair! You never forgive anyone else that easily!"
"It is fair. This is just for Tasha. She has that forgivable face."
Huffing, Mike sat back indignantly. I grinned to myself and rested my head on Mike's shoulder. The drive continued on in silence. Each of us began thinking separate thoughts.
The airport was getting closer and it began looming over us like a bat over its prey. I clutched Mike's hand in fear of them leaving. He just grasped my hand more firmly in a reassuring manner. As mum searched for a parking space, Tre had begun getting impatient once again.
"We're gonna be late and I can't wait to get my 50 bucks." Mum shook her head in exasperation "So this is where you got into gambling. I shall have to tell Adrienne and she can punish you when you get back."
Both parties groaned, knowing they were going to be in for it. Adie took gambling seriously and when she found out they had been tempting me to bet, all hell would break loose. Finally mum found a space to park and both Mike and I were reluctant to get out.
In no time at all Tre had unpacked all 4 suitcases. Two were his and two were Mike's. Handing mum the lightest of his suitcases they waited for the two of us. Mike being a gentleman attempted to carry both his suitcases. Like the nice person I was, I took a suitcase from his load of luggage.
We all set off into the airport. The guy's disguises were either working really well or everyone was in too much of a hurry to notice. I think it was the latter. We had been getting closer to gate 23, where they needed to get on the flight.
"See you guys there's no del..." Tre started until a voice came on over the PA system.
"Flight 160 to California had been delayed due to a slight hitch. It may be another two hours before you can board."
"In the comedy industry that's what is known as comic timing." Tre's face fell when he heard this. Grinning I held out my hand, "What was that Tre? It sounded like the flight has been displayed," reluctantly Tre pulled 50 out of his wallet and handed it to me. Slapping Tre back, mum taunted him jokingly.
"That's what you get for gambling Tre," I laughed from behind mum waving the 50 in the air, smirking. "Yeah Tre! That's what you get."
Mum spun round grabbing the note from my hands. Pocketing it she gave me a smirk of her own. "And that's what you get young lady." It was Tre's turn to laugh as he mimicked mum taking the money.
"Mum!" I whined. "That's not right! I won that money fair and square."
"Stop moaning and let's go get a drink or something." She and Tre started walking off with Mike and me following behind.
Tre turned to my mum after 30 seconds of walking. "Can I have my money back Izzy?"
She just smirked at him. "Nope. That money was won fairly. You don't get it back. But you are treating us all to some food."
"Ha!" I shouted triumphantly, accidentally disturbing some sleeping people waiting for their flight, as Tre sulked once again.
Tre and Mum stopped suddenly making us crash into them. Without even reacting to us jolting them, mum asked, "So where do you wanna go?"
"Starbucks," Both Mike and I said at the same time.
Mum looked sceptical "Is there even a Starbucks here?" Mike nodded excitedly. Before he could talk Tre did.
"Yep, Mike made us stop there when we arrived."
"I did not make you stop."
"Actually, if I remember correctly, your exact words were. Tre if you want to keep your remaining ball, you better let us go to Starbucks."
We turned away to hide our giggles. Mike turned to us trying to explain "I....I.... I...." Failing, he turned on Tre. "You promised you'd never repeat that."
"I lied."
We all broke out into giggles again. Wanting to stop any further argument, Mum turned to Mike. "Lead the way Mr. Dirnt."
Forgetting about his spat with Tre he trotted off in the direction of his favourite coffee shop.
Upon entering, we ordered whatever we wanted at mum's say so. Tre and I went first. Surprisingly Tre ordered chocolate milk, while I had a regular black decaf and we both had a muffin. Sitting down we began munching, while Mum and Mike ordered. Tre scoffed his muffin quickly and took a bite from mine. Imitating Joey from Friends I shouted at him.
"Tasha doesn't share food!" He almost choked as he laughed.
After spending an hour sitting, drinking, eating and chatting. Mike and I decided to go outside for some air, while mum and Tre went looking around the various stores, to prevent boredom.
When we reached the fresh air, I reached into my pocket pulling out my smokes. Mike looked at me suspiciously as I lit up taking a long drag.
"I thought you gave up, when Jason had a lung problem," he asked. Taking another drag, I speak "I cut back. There's a difference"
He let out a harsh laugh "you sound like your dad" he spoke more fondly this time. "So I've been told. Listen I only smoke every so often."
"I understand. I'm a hypocrite!" he cried as he pulled out his own pack "You go a light?" I chucked it and he caught perfectly.
"About your dad, what are you gonna do about him and Mikey?" he asked curiously. Exhaling a puff of smoke I think about it. "Mikey doesn't really like him cause I got so upset about him."
"Really?" he asked sceptically, now sucking on his own cancer stick.
"Yep, besides Mikey would never come out and say anything. He hasn't got the rebel gene." Glancing around I noticed no one looking at us.
Hugging my body close, I pull his lips unexpectedly onto mine, in a furious heartfelt kiss. Our cigarettes fell to the ground forgotten as we stood there memorising each other's kiss. Feeling the need for air we broke apart. Leaning forward once again our lips met in a sweet slow kiss full of longing, our last kiss, at least for a while.
Pulling away from each other we stand side by side contemplating. Mike's phone rings. Checking the caller I.D., he flips it open turning it to speaker phone "Hey Tre"
"Guys where are you? We've only got 20 minutes before we can board. Hurry up!"
He hangs up without waiting for a reply. Flipping his cell shut again, we set off at a very fast pace. Dodging people here and there we finally meet Mum and Tre. They're both waiting near the gate.
People everywhere are boarding. Feeling tears prick my eyes, I hold my head back not letting them fall. Tre cocks his head at my crying face "Hey. We'll see you real soon."
"I know. I love you Tre." Wrapping his arms around me, we hug the life out of each other. Out of my eye I see mum giving Mike a hug.
With my attention not completely on Tre I nearly miss him telling me he loves me too. "Bye Bugaboo," he whispers lightly in my hair. Splitting from the hug Tre sweeps my mum up in the air. Now it's Mike and I. We don't say goodbye, not in front of everyone. With a quick hug they're on their way.
They turn for one last look and then they're gone. With every step they take, the more I loose myself. Looking around at all the weeping families, I feel a thread of pride. I haven't cried. Crying tears the result of a goodbye, show sorrow and sadness. I shouldn't be sad with the knowledge I possess. The knowledge that they go to be with family and that I will see them soon.
We stand there and wait for the plane to take off just as many other have done. This is the first time I've been to an airport and not gotten the plane. It's strange. It's like being on the other side of the mirror. Being the reflection.
The plane's disappearing into the distance and mum is shaking my shoulder. She gives me an encouraging smile. Just like every single time dad had to leave. Mum's so predictable; we'll stop for some ice cream. I'll be stoic and silent. She'll be lively and chatty. We'll come to a stand still. I'll smile and she'll believe me.
Walking to the car, I spend my time watching my mum's lively strides. This time I'm sitting in the passenger seat. To my surprise sitting on the seat is a set of car keys. Picking them up I turn to mum. "I think Tre dropped these when he was in the car." I held them up for her to gaze at. With a small smile she shook her head.
"They're not Tre's. They're yours."
"What do you mean they're mine?" I asked.
"They're keys to your own car" she squealed happily. I opened my mouth to speak but I couldn't get the words to come out. "Now I know you're not of legal age to take the test yet. The car is over at your father house. I've been teaching you to drive since you were 15. Illegally I might add. But as soon as you get to the right age, you can take the test. Then you can have the car" she stopped talking and smiled up at me patiently.
"I...wow," was all I could get out. Mum smiled and waited for the reaction she knew was coming. I flung myself into hear arms screaming, "Thank You! Thank you, thank you!"
"I guess that puts an end to our typical someone flies away routine," she laughed. Settling ourselves into the car, we drive off. I'm on a high for once.
"Can we still stop for ice cream?" I ask meekly.
"Where do you think I'm going," she stated rather than asked.
Crying out with joy again, I tucked the tormented part of my soul away, forcing it down for the meantime. I stare at the keys for almost the whole journey, not believing what kind car that they actually unlocked. How did mum afford that car? I ask myself. I'm in a daze as mum parks at the ice cream parlour.
"Sweetie, are you okay? Don't you want the car? I knew you'd know as soon as you saw the keys," she asked, fear of the rejection of her gift.
"Mum, how did you...?" I can't even ask I'm so shocked.
Opening the door she motioned for me to get out. "Come on let's grab some ice cream and we can talk about this," she suggested. I just followed her. Sliding into the booth, I wait for mum to come back with our usual.
She approaches and sits down handing me my ice cream. I begin eating slowly, playing with my treat.
"So..." she starts.
"Mum it's an Aston Martin DB9!" I state. She nods and smiles lovingly. Reaching a hand out, she cups my cheek gently. "I know. You've loved that car since it came out."
"Mum that car's £103,000 here! It's about $155,000 in the US! How can you afford that?" I rant.
"That is none of your business Natasha!" she scolded, using my full first name. I flinched and bowed my head. Feeling the weight of the keys in my hand, I place them on the table and push them over to her.
"I can't accept this. It's just too much money/" Sighing loudly she grabbed my hand and placed the keys on the palm.
"It is a gift, my baby girl." My head snaps up as she says this. Closing her fist over my palm, she makes me hold the keys. "Billie Joe told me to tell you that. And if you must know...we went half's on it. It is a gift from us both." Releasing my hand, she leaves me holding the keys. Beaming this time she pulls me into her warm hug. I grin widely over her shoulder, lighting up the room.
Not wanting to let go I hold mum just a little tighter. I could feel her gently stroking my hair, like she did when I was small. Tears sting my eyes "I love you mum" I cry into her dark blond hair. "I love you too sweetheart. What am I going to do when you go back to California?"
An idea struck me. I pulled back smiling ecstatically. "Mum why don't you come back as well? You, Mikey and Leo can move to California. Move back to your roots." My smile dropped when I caught her shaking her head.
"Why can't you?" I ask.
"I thought about it when you first got the deal, but Leo said he didn't want to leave England. He said there wasn't much there for us."
"I'm there! Grandma and Grandpa are there as well. And dad! Adie, Mike and Tre," I cry naming people left right and centre.
"But there's no one there for Leo. We can't be selfish and only think about ourselves Tasha," she said tucking a stray hair behind my ear.
"I know, but I just..." I broke off letting out a dry sob, "I just never thought about hard it's going to be to leave you!" Clearing my mind I start speaking again. "You've been there for me my whole life and I can't imagine you not being there for me all the time."
With the hint of a smile mum pointed her index finger towards my heart. "I'm always going to be close to you. I'll be just a phone call away. Let's not think about that now. Your father will be here in 2 and a half days."
With smiles plastered on both of our faces we sat back and continued eating our half melted ice creams.
When returning home at 5pm after a day of shopping, we had discovered that Andy's foot had indeed been fractured by the suitcase. As a treat we had taken him out to his favourite restaurant which just happened to have been Mc Donald's.
6 hours later I happily skip into my room. Spotting a small box wrapped in black paper and a card, I sit down gently pulling both items onto my lap.
Around the doorframe poked the head and neck of the one and only Michael Pritchard. His eyes scanned the floor quickly and quietly. He spotted the missing suitcase hiding in the corner of the room. It was partly covered by the curtains.
A strong and steady voice carried up the stairs "Mike! Have you found that suitcase?" The voice of course belonged to smallest member of Green Day - Tre Cool. Grumbling to himself about annoying drummers, Mike scurried across the room and opened his mislaid luggage. He pulled about a small box wrapped in black paper. Setting it carefully in the centre of the bed, he also pulled out a letter addressed with two words...my love.
Tre's voice called up the stairs once again, irritated this time "Mike! Have you found it?" Without a word, Mike zipped up the suitcase swiftly. With reserved patience Tre shouted up the stairs once again.
"Mike! Have you found..." Feeling the need not to hear Tre ask again, Mike cut him off.
"Yes for fucks sake. I've got it."
Lifting the moderately heavy suitcase with his strong arms, Mike began to leave the room. Stopping at the door, he took one last look around. He knew he would probably never see this room again. He stood memorising every speck of it. He was committing the childlike décor, the posters, the artwork, the mess of songbooks and sheet music to his remembrance.
Tre's voice unknowingly once again, broke through his thoughts. "Hurry up Mike! We want to get there in plenty of time." Closing the door shut with one last peak inside, Mike shouted back "I'm coming! I don't know why we bother. There's gonna be a delay. There always is."
Mike began his short walk to the top of the stairs, continuing to not take any notice of what Tre was saying. Ignoring Tre became more difficult, when he came into sight at the bottom of the stairs. He was tapping his watch repeatedly.
Cocking his gaze to the others in the room, he caught sight of me rubbing my temples. Tanisha was tapping her ear. She was obviously trying to recover her hearing. Mike immediately recognised this as the after affect of Tre shouting in her ear.
Hitting the bottom of the stairs Mike dropped the suitcase to the floor. Unfortunately on its way down it made contact with Andy's foot. A loud crack resonated around the room. Andy immediately followed this as he yowled like a scolded cat.
Hoping up and down clasping his foot, Andy gave Tre and Mike a parting hug and an "I'll see you in a month" before hobbling out the door to put ice on his foot. Tom grinned at Mike's stiffled giggle. "What a nice way to say goodbye."
Someone cleared their throat and everyone turned to see my mum standing at the door holding her car keys. Tossing them to Mike she told him to put the last suitcase in the trunk. Mike trudged out of the hall silently.
Tom sidled up to Tre and for once in his life he was nervous. He held his trembling hand out to Tre for him to shake. Rolling his eyes Tre grabbed Tom's hand and pulled him into a bear hug. "We drummers gotta stick together. I'll see you when you get to California."
Tom patted Tre on the shoulder and gave him a shove towards Tanisha "Can't not say goodbye to t-shirt, can we? You dipshit" Tre threw his head back and laughed heartily. This warmed everyone's hearts.
I grinned to myself as Tanisha embraced Tre in a quick goodbye hug. Pulling back she smiled as Tre once again brought her into the hug. Tre pulled back this time pulling her hair out of it ponytail in the process.
"See ya soon Kid." She smirked to herself as she reached behind her back. She pulled out a baseball cap. Fitting it on his head, she pulled it down further, so it partly covered his eyes. A grin lightened his face when sunglasses were slipped onto his nose.
"There. Now I'm Tre - Undercover FBI agent."
Mike chose this point to return bearing mum's keys. Checking out the scene, he huffed.
"What no hugs for the Dirntster?" Simultaneously Tanisha and Tom sighed and ran into Mike's arms like little kids. With her small statue Tanisha was almost squished between both rather tall men. Neither of them noticed her struggle through their fake tears and sniffles. She had to shout loud to truly be heard through Mike and Tom's playful banter.
"Guys I'm a little stuck here."
They released each other fairly quickly, in an attempt not to get Tanisha angry. They failed and both received a world famous t-shirt slap. Mike pulled them into separate hugs whispering sentimental goodbyes.
"It's been two weeks and I already love you guys like family." A silent tear dripped secretly down my cheek and hit the floor with a small patter.
The small pitter-patter of Mikey could be heard coming down the stairs followed by the heavier thump thump of Leo's feet. Coming into view, we saw that Mikey's eyes were red from tears. "Were you just gonna leave without saying goodbye to me?" he asked his voice filled with pain.
Mike swept Mikey into his arms and held him close. "Of course we weren't. I'm gonna miss my Mike conversations with you little man." Mikey sniffed and wiped at his eyes. "I'm gonna miss you Mike. I don't want you or Tre to go." We could visibly see Mike struggling to come up with a response. Fortunately Tre came to his rescue by taking Mikey off of Mike's hands.
"Yeah but, and this is a big butt," Mikey giggled happily. "But, if you're a good boy for your mum and dad. Your mum might take you to a nice vacation in Oakland. And you could come visit us. Does that sound good?"
A small joyous cry escaped the little boy in Tre's arms "Yeah! Can I?" he asked. "If you're good for your parents, you might get to go. I'll be asking everyday... and if you haven't..."
"I'll be good! I promise!" he yelped cutting off Tre's sentence.
"Good." Tre placed Mikey back on the ground. Both he and Mike ruffled Mikey's hair. Mikey stood hands behind his back seeming hesitant with his next question.
"W-Will Billie Joe be there?"
"Yep," was their immediate response. They stopped smiling when they saw Mikey's face fall. "Don't you like Billie Joe?" Tre asked glancing behind him at mum and me. A blush crept up Mikey's cheeks and he bowed his head
"Not really," he whispered quietly.
Mike seemed uneasy about the sudden predicament. "You don't have to like him kid, but he is your sister's dad." Mikey didn't answer. "But don't worry. He's a real nice guy and he won't be mean to you." Mikey still didn't answer. He stayed quiet.
Tre glanced at his wristwatch and gasped. "We'll see you all soon. We've got to go. We don't want to be late." Mike just shook his head "I'm telling you, there'll be a delay."
"Nuh uh!"
"Yuh huh! But you're right Tre. We got to go. Bye everyone!" he shouted. They both quickly shook Leo's hand and said bye to everyone once again.
Mike, Tre, mum and I headed to the door. We were both escorting them to the airport. Before they left, they stopped at the door and shouted back to Andy. "See ya in a month Andy," a muffled reply was heard which sounded vaguely like.
"You broke my foot!"
They slammed the door shut and rushed out to the car to choose their seats. Tre had sprinted full pelt to the passenger seat shouting, "Shotgun!" Mike sat in the back with me next to him. Mum took her place in the driver's seat.
There was a very attractive rumble as mum started the engine. Closing my eyes briefly I let the sound fill me. I heard Tre start a conversation with my mum. "So Izzy (mum's nickname) are you gonna take Mikey and Leo to Oakland as a vacation?"
I tune myself out to their conversation. By the looks of it Mike had too. He was lying back in the seat; his tongue was hanging out of his mouth as if dead. I giggled and one of his eyes flickered open, fixing me with a one-eye glare. Giggling again I thread my hand into his, checking to make sure Tre and mum weren't looking. They weren't, so I started whispering to Mike.
"I'm gonna miss you so much. I know we discussed this earlier but I'll call you everyday and I promise I'll be yours...forever."
Without any words Mike placed a gently seemingly innocent kiss to my forehead. Releasing his fingers, I pull out a baseball cap almost identical to Tre's and a pair of my men's sunglasses. I slipped the hat over his head, simultaneously perching the sunglasses on his face.
"There we go. Perfect. We can't have you getting noticed can we?"
"I don't think that's..." he started.
"That was a rhetorical question dumbass," I laughed quietly. Turning our attention to the two people in front of us, we find Tre urging my mum to go faster. "Punch it Izzy. We don't want to be late."
Mike snorted at Tre's remark, not even bothering to try and cover it. "I'm telling you Tre. There is going to be a delay. Besides why are you so excited to be going back?" Watching Tre and Mike quibble really puts a spring in your step. "I'm excited because Mona's gonna be there, and there is not going to be a delay. Stop being so pessimistic."
"There is going to be a delay!" Mike near shouted at Tre.
"There is not gonna be a delay!" Tre retaliated.
I rolled my eyes back when both the culprits for the cause my headache, turned to me, asking the exact same thing.
"Don't you agree?" Mum chuckled from the front of the car. Opening my eyes, to see both parties staring up at me expectantly, I groaned.
"Well?"
"Well what?" I asked trying to fake memory loss.
"Do you agree with me?" Tre asked looking for support.
Breaking our gazes I stare out the window for a few moments thinking of my reply. Looking back to him, I pull my most apologetic look. "I kind of agree with Mike. I'm sorry Tre but Airports these days do tend to have a delay almost every other flight." He turned away from me with a pout of his face. The only angry reply he could come up with was, "You're a pessimist as well."
If the situation wasn't so dire I would have giggled. Leaning forward in my seat, I angle my head to face him "Tre?" In response Tre turned his head further away. Leaning forward even more I stare at him again "Tre... I'm sorry," I said in my most innocent voice.
"Okay I forgive you, but if there's no delay you give me 50 bucks," he said extending his open hand. Gripping it tightly, we shake. "But if there is, I get 50," Tre consented. Mike smirked at Tre.
"That's not fair! You never forgive anyone else that easily!"
"It is fair. This is just for Tasha. She has that forgivable face."
Huffing, Mike sat back indignantly. I grinned to myself and rested my head on Mike's shoulder. The drive continued on in silence. Each of us began thinking separate thoughts.
The airport was getting closer and it began looming over us like a bat over its prey. I clutched Mike's hand in fear of them leaving. He just grasped my hand more firmly in a reassuring manner. As mum searched for a parking space, Tre had begun getting impatient once again.
"We're gonna be late and I can't wait to get my 50 bucks." Mum shook her head in exasperation "So this is where you got into gambling. I shall have to tell Adrienne and she can punish you when you get back."
Both parties groaned, knowing they were going to be in for it. Adie took gambling seriously and when she found out they had been tempting me to bet, all hell would break loose. Finally mum found a space to park and both Mike and I were reluctant to get out.
In no time at all Tre had unpacked all 4 suitcases. Two were his and two were Mike's. Handing mum the lightest of his suitcases they waited for the two of us. Mike being a gentleman attempted to carry both his suitcases. Like the nice person I was, I took a suitcase from his load of luggage.
We all set off into the airport. The guy's disguises were either working really well or everyone was in too much of a hurry to notice. I think it was the latter. We had been getting closer to gate 23, where they needed to get on the flight.
"See you guys there's no del..." Tre started until a voice came on over the PA system.
"Flight 160 to California had been delayed due to a slight hitch. It may be another two hours before you can board."
"In the comedy industry that's what is known as comic timing." Tre's face fell when he heard this. Grinning I held out my hand, "What was that Tre? It sounded like the flight has been displayed," reluctantly Tre pulled 50 out of his wallet and handed it to me. Slapping Tre back, mum taunted him jokingly.
"That's what you get for gambling Tre," I laughed from behind mum waving the 50 in the air, smirking. "Yeah Tre! That's what you get."
Mum spun round grabbing the note from my hands. Pocketing it she gave me a smirk of her own. "And that's what you get young lady." It was Tre's turn to laugh as he mimicked mum taking the money.
"Mum!" I whined. "That's not right! I won that money fair and square."
"Stop moaning and let's go get a drink or something." She and Tre started walking off with Mike and me following behind.
Tre turned to my mum after 30 seconds of walking. "Can I have my money back Izzy?"
She just smirked at him. "Nope. That money was won fairly. You don't get it back. But you are treating us all to some food."
"Ha!" I shouted triumphantly, accidentally disturbing some sleeping people waiting for their flight, as Tre sulked once again.
Tre and Mum stopped suddenly making us crash into them. Without even reacting to us jolting them, mum asked, "So where do you wanna go?"
"Starbucks," Both Mike and I said at the same time.
Mum looked sceptical "Is there even a Starbucks here?" Mike nodded excitedly. Before he could talk Tre did.
"Yep, Mike made us stop there when we arrived."
"I did not make you stop."
"Actually, if I remember correctly, your exact words were. Tre if you want to keep your remaining ball, you better let us go to Starbucks."
We turned away to hide our giggles. Mike turned to us trying to explain "I....I.... I...." Failing, he turned on Tre. "You promised you'd never repeat that."
"I lied."
We all broke out into giggles again. Wanting to stop any further argument, Mum turned to Mike. "Lead the way Mr. Dirnt."
Forgetting about his spat with Tre he trotted off in the direction of his favourite coffee shop.
Upon entering, we ordered whatever we wanted at mum's say so. Tre and I went first. Surprisingly Tre ordered chocolate milk, while I had a regular black decaf and we both had a muffin. Sitting down we began munching, while Mum and Mike ordered. Tre scoffed his muffin quickly and took a bite from mine. Imitating Joey from Friends I shouted at him.
"Tasha doesn't share food!" He almost choked as he laughed.
After spending an hour sitting, drinking, eating and chatting. Mike and I decided to go outside for some air, while mum and Tre went looking around the various stores, to prevent boredom.
When we reached the fresh air, I reached into my pocket pulling out my smokes. Mike looked at me suspiciously as I lit up taking a long drag.
"I thought you gave up, when Jason had a lung problem," he asked. Taking another drag, I speak "I cut back. There's a difference"
He let out a harsh laugh "you sound like your dad" he spoke more fondly this time. "So I've been told. Listen I only smoke every so often."
"I understand. I'm a hypocrite!" he cried as he pulled out his own pack "You go a light?" I chucked it and he caught perfectly.
"About your dad, what are you gonna do about him and Mikey?" he asked curiously. Exhaling a puff of smoke I think about it. "Mikey doesn't really like him cause I got so upset about him."
"Really?" he asked sceptically, now sucking on his own cancer stick.
"Yep, besides Mikey would never come out and say anything. He hasn't got the rebel gene." Glancing around I noticed no one looking at us.
Hugging my body close, I pull his lips unexpectedly onto mine, in a furious heartfelt kiss. Our cigarettes fell to the ground forgotten as we stood there memorising each other's kiss. Feeling the need for air we broke apart. Leaning forward once again our lips met in a sweet slow kiss full of longing, our last kiss, at least for a while.
Pulling away from each other we stand side by side contemplating. Mike's phone rings. Checking the caller I.D., he flips it open turning it to speaker phone "Hey Tre"
"Guys where are you? We've only got 20 minutes before we can board. Hurry up!"
He hangs up without waiting for a reply. Flipping his cell shut again, we set off at a very fast pace. Dodging people here and there we finally meet Mum and Tre. They're both waiting near the gate.
People everywhere are boarding. Feeling tears prick my eyes, I hold my head back not letting them fall. Tre cocks his head at my crying face "Hey. We'll see you real soon."
"I know. I love you Tre." Wrapping his arms around me, we hug the life out of each other. Out of my eye I see mum giving Mike a hug.
With my attention not completely on Tre I nearly miss him telling me he loves me too. "Bye Bugaboo," he whispers lightly in my hair. Splitting from the hug Tre sweeps my mum up in the air. Now it's Mike and I. We don't say goodbye, not in front of everyone. With a quick hug they're on their way.
They turn for one last look and then they're gone. With every step they take, the more I loose myself. Looking around at all the weeping families, I feel a thread of pride. I haven't cried. Crying tears the result of a goodbye, show sorrow and sadness. I shouldn't be sad with the knowledge I possess. The knowledge that they go to be with family and that I will see them soon.
We stand there and wait for the plane to take off just as many other have done. This is the first time I've been to an airport and not gotten the plane. It's strange. It's like being on the other side of the mirror. Being the reflection.
The plane's disappearing into the distance and mum is shaking my shoulder. She gives me an encouraging smile. Just like every single time dad had to leave. Mum's so predictable; we'll stop for some ice cream. I'll be stoic and silent. She'll be lively and chatty. We'll come to a stand still. I'll smile and she'll believe me.
Walking to the car, I spend my time watching my mum's lively strides. This time I'm sitting in the passenger seat. To my surprise sitting on the seat is a set of car keys. Picking them up I turn to mum. "I think Tre dropped these when he was in the car." I held them up for her to gaze at. With a small smile she shook her head.
"They're not Tre's. They're yours."
"What do you mean they're mine?" I asked.
"They're keys to your own car" she squealed happily. I opened my mouth to speak but I couldn't get the words to come out. "Now I know you're not of legal age to take the test yet. The car is over at your father house. I've been teaching you to drive since you were 15. Illegally I might add. But as soon as you get to the right age, you can take the test. Then you can have the car" she stopped talking and smiled up at me patiently.
"I...wow," was all I could get out. Mum smiled and waited for the reaction she knew was coming. I flung myself into hear arms screaming, "Thank You! Thank you, thank you!"
"I guess that puts an end to our typical someone flies away routine," she laughed. Settling ourselves into the car, we drive off. I'm on a high for once.
"Can we still stop for ice cream?" I ask meekly.
"Where do you think I'm going," she stated rather than asked.
Crying out with joy again, I tucked the tormented part of my soul away, forcing it down for the meantime. I stare at the keys for almost the whole journey, not believing what kind car that they actually unlocked. How did mum afford that car? I ask myself. I'm in a daze as mum parks at the ice cream parlour.
"Sweetie, are you okay? Don't you want the car? I knew you'd know as soon as you saw the keys," she asked, fear of the rejection of her gift.
"Mum, how did you...?" I can't even ask I'm so shocked.
Opening the door she motioned for me to get out. "Come on let's grab some ice cream and we can talk about this," she suggested. I just followed her. Sliding into the booth, I wait for mum to come back with our usual.
She approaches and sits down handing me my ice cream. I begin eating slowly, playing with my treat.
"So..." she starts.
"Mum it's an Aston Martin DB9!" I state. She nods and smiles lovingly. Reaching a hand out, she cups my cheek gently. "I know. You've loved that car since it came out."
"Mum that car's £103,000 here! It's about $155,000 in the US! How can you afford that?" I rant.
"That is none of your business Natasha!" she scolded, using my full first name. I flinched and bowed my head. Feeling the weight of the keys in my hand, I place them on the table and push them over to her.
"I can't accept this. It's just too much money/" Sighing loudly she grabbed my hand and placed the keys on the palm.
"It is a gift, my baby girl." My head snaps up as she says this. Closing her fist over my palm, she makes me hold the keys. "Billie Joe told me to tell you that. And if you must know...we went half's on it. It is a gift from us both." Releasing my hand, she leaves me holding the keys. Beaming this time she pulls me into her warm hug. I grin widely over her shoulder, lighting up the room.
Not wanting to let go I hold mum just a little tighter. I could feel her gently stroking my hair, like she did when I was small. Tears sting my eyes "I love you mum" I cry into her dark blond hair. "I love you too sweetheart. What am I going to do when you go back to California?"
An idea struck me. I pulled back smiling ecstatically. "Mum why don't you come back as well? You, Mikey and Leo can move to California. Move back to your roots." My smile dropped when I caught her shaking her head.
"Why can't you?" I ask.
"I thought about it when you first got the deal, but Leo said he didn't want to leave England. He said there wasn't much there for us."
"I'm there! Grandma and Grandpa are there as well. And dad! Adie, Mike and Tre," I cry naming people left right and centre.
"But there's no one there for Leo. We can't be selfish and only think about ourselves Tasha," she said tucking a stray hair behind my ear.
"I know, but I just..." I broke off letting out a dry sob, "I just never thought about hard it's going to be to leave you!" Clearing my mind I start speaking again. "You've been there for me my whole life and I can't imagine you not being there for me all the time."
With the hint of a smile mum pointed her index finger towards my heart. "I'm always going to be close to you. I'll be just a phone call away. Let's not think about that now. Your father will be here in 2 and a half days."
With smiles plastered on both of our faces we sat back and continued eating our half melted ice creams.
When returning home at 5pm after a day of shopping, we had discovered that Andy's foot had indeed been fractured by the suitcase. As a treat we had taken him out to his favourite restaurant which just happened to have been Mc Donald's.
6 hours later I happily skip into my room. Spotting a small box wrapped in black paper and a card, I sit down gently pulling both items onto my lap.
