So Go Ahead and Kill Yourself! It All Amuses Me, chapter 17
After ten minutes of constant, fast pace walking the four of them ground to a halt in front of the grubby corner store close to the quake. Tasha took a seat on a bench outside and pulled her knees tightly up to her body.
Andy sat down heavily on the floor in front of Tasha, dirtying his lower half. He started nudging her foot with his own. Tom and Tanisha took up identical places, mirroring Tasha and Andy almost perfectly.
"So...do we believe him?"
Seeing no hint of a reply from Tasha, Tanisha carefully injected her own view. "He prided himself on his truthfulness - I say we trust him."
"I don't think we should - He might have changed his morals by now."
"You just don't like him Andy" Tom accused lightly. Andy was fuming - he could almost see the hot air coming from his ears. The two best friends started arguing with each other quite heatedly.
"I agree..." Tasha started. Andy's ears pricked up in anticipation and a half smile appeared on his face. "...with Tanisha." His smile slid away, but he shrugged his shoulders in acceptance.
"What are we gonna do?" asked Tom.
"We go in there," was the answer.
"No seriously, what are we gonna do?" he asked once more, not believing what he had heard.
"We go in there."
This statement was realized in apprehension and disbelief amongst the friends. "But... th-that's like walking into the lion's den," Andy stuttered.
"Plus Angela B. and the guys are tough," Tom added as an after thought.
"There are only four of them. - There are four of us as well you know," Tasha pointed out raising her fingers as if to prove it. Tom chuckled and shook his head lightly. "But they have one girl. We have two... not offence"
"It's not like we're gonna start a fight. If we just went in to get a drink, they would try and provoke us. But when it comes down to it. I'll take on 'Dino the dope.'"
"I'm still not sure Tash," she sighed and looked at her friends in disappointment.
"Think of what they done to that park that has such a special place in us."
You could see this new thought running thought their minds as different emotions passed across their faces. A nod from each was all it took. A cocky smile gripped Tasha's lift as she spoke her next words.
"Let's go get a drink," They grinned to each other and headed to the club that was once their sanctuary.
Approaching the Quake their steps filled with purpose. There was no queue outside the building they knew so well. "Everyone's inside."
The two tall and burly bouncers were still outside when they got to the entrance. "Hey Frank! Hey Steven," Tom greeted with a smile and a laugh. Frank's arm flung out and held Tom in his place.
"Don't go in there you guys. You might unintentionally start a fight. Tanisha looked to the guards in pleading mode. "You won't let us in?" Steven shook his head.
"We'll let you in if you really want. It's just...we heard about the park."
"Angela B. was bragging about it," Frank added.
Andy snorted in disgust, "That's typical."
Tasha addressed Steven and Frank with a sad but determined face. "We want in. It's not all about the park you know. I want to make a point to everyone." Letting out a deep breath Frank let go of Tom's arms. They stepped aside, letting the band enter.
A familiar wave of smoke hit their faces and the beat of the drum sounded through their ears. The flashes of the stage lights illuminated the black walls and their faces. The air in the room grew darker as people recognized them but the music still flowed and people still enjoyed it.
The feeling of hundreds of hateful eyes pierced their skin from all angles like knifes. The music almost grew louder and angrier at their arrival. Tasha headed towards the bar defiantly staring at all those she saw, while the others sat at a table in the center of the crowded room.
No words had come yet, but they would in time. She ordered their drinks from the disgruntled barman and headed the short distance back to the table. Snide remarks were hissed spitefully at her confident form, as it weaved through the dancing crowd.
Tasha approached her friend's table, still carrying the drinks expertly. The table was centered right in the eyesight of Angela B, a Luton born metal music fan and her resident band/gang.
Looking at her friends Tasha could see outward confidence but inward fear. It's one of scariest things to do, to face the hostility and hate of people who you once trusted and loved.
Tasha slid calmly onto her usual stool and started sipping at her vodka tonic. Andy stuck up the conversation in the strained atmosphere. With the help of their drinks, soon all sensible conversation was abandoned to make way for heart lightening jokes and witty banter amongst the newcomers.
But, sitting not 2 tables away Angela B was fuming - Getting angrier and angrier as time went on. Her and her gang's attention was focused as was everybody else's on the so-called 'traitors,' who looked as if they had no worries.
She leaned unto her right hand man's body and whispered something in his ear, showing an evil sneer. The message was passed onto the other tow table occupants and slowly they all began to rise from their seats.
Angela was in front leading them the very short distance towards a certain table. The residents of their destination spotted the approach but chose to ignore it. Tasha was half way through a crazy story when two hands slammed down onto the table.
The room went quiet. Everyone stopped what he or she were doing and watched intently. Tasha stared down at the feminine hands. Her eyes traveled up the lanky forearms, past the elbows and up the muscled upper arms until she settled her eyes on the tanned, angered face of Angela B.
"What the fuck are you doing here, asswipes?" Dino chuckled from next to her "Asswipes - That's funny."
Tasha ignored the insult and assumed a taunting sitting stance "Oh I don't know. What are we doing Tom?" she asked sarcastically. He lifted his almost empty glass with a cheeky smile.
"Just having a drink and listening to some good music which..." He leaned around Angela's unmoving form to look at the band on stage.
"...Seems to have stopped." Slightly flustered the band reached for their instruments.
"STOP," Angela shouted and they froze on the spot.
"Don't play yet. I want these gone!" she growled waving a hand at E.O.T.A.
"You have no right!" Tasha shouted, jumping up from her seat and assuming the same stance Angela herself had taken.
"You gave up the right to come here when you signed with that record company so don't go preaching to us about rights!" A voice from the crowd cried out in anger, causing a sudden surge in conversation.
"We're here for a final drink and a goodbye. We don't have to defend ourselves to you. Not anymore," Tom defended.
"You do fucking have to. You're worse than scum to us E.O.T.A. Get the fuck out now!" Angela B. screamed, banging her fists against the table, shaking it to its foundations.
"Here's what I suggest. I'll leave when you make me Angela," Tasha growled cocking her head to the side in a challenge. One second Toni was grinding her teeth in thought. The next her jaw locked and she threw her whole body in a punch.
Her fist landed on Tasha's face with a resounding smack. The force sent her head lurching backwards.
"Hey!" Andy cried and sprang to his feet in defense of his friend. Tasha straightened herself and massaged her jaw with a slight twinge in her facial expression. A rare flash of pure unadulterated rage showed in her eyes before she lunged forward as she had done not even an hour ago.
Her hands wrapped around Angela's neck tight enough to hold her in place but loose enough so she could breathe. Dino gripped Tasha's arms in his hands and squeezed - hard.
"No Dino. Back off," Angela wheezed as she breathed deeply. Dino reluctantly released Tasha's arms and stepped back. Angela continued talking, seeing as Tasha gave no indication of letting go.
"You just made a huge mistake doing this. You're on my books - You just watch your back Armstrong," she threatened, as if her neck wasn't being held. Tasha pulled her closer with a sharp movement and lifted her 2 inches from the ground,
"I intend to do just that Bell," Tasha breathed, using Angela's last name for emphasis. She dropped her to the floor, looking regretful.
"I'm sorry but we're doing what's best for our band," she choked.
For a second the end of Angela's lips twitched upward in a grin.
"I know," and for one fleeting moment... they were friends again. Then Angela's face twisted into an ugly scowl once again.
Like a lightening bolt the hate radiating from all corners hit Tasha. The realization that this part of their lives was over, sunk in at that moment. They knew that they could go on, they knew that they would go on and they knew they'd make it.
They moved away and made their way to the exit when Tanisha addressed the speechless and dazed crowd.
"Once upon a time, we would have moved stars, planets, suns and moons to be accepted by you. Now, I personally don't give a fuck if you hate me and I know that without a doubt, the people standing with me right now matter so much. I can say that they will always be there, which is more than I can say for you."
They swung the door open and left with no backwards glances.
Andy sat down heavily on the floor in front of Tasha, dirtying his lower half. He started nudging her foot with his own. Tom and Tanisha took up identical places, mirroring Tasha and Andy almost perfectly.
"So...do we believe him?"
Seeing no hint of a reply from Tasha, Tanisha carefully injected her own view. "He prided himself on his truthfulness - I say we trust him."
"I don't think we should - He might have changed his morals by now."
"You just don't like him Andy" Tom accused lightly. Andy was fuming - he could almost see the hot air coming from his ears. The two best friends started arguing with each other quite heatedly.
"I agree..." Tasha started. Andy's ears pricked up in anticipation and a half smile appeared on his face. "...with Tanisha." His smile slid away, but he shrugged his shoulders in acceptance.
"What are we gonna do?" asked Tom.
"We go in there," was the answer.
"No seriously, what are we gonna do?" he asked once more, not believing what he had heard.
"We go in there."
This statement was realized in apprehension and disbelief amongst the friends. "But... th-that's like walking into the lion's den," Andy stuttered.
"Plus Angela B. and the guys are tough," Tom added as an after thought.
"There are only four of them. - There are four of us as well you know," Tasha pointed out raising her fingers as if to prove it. Tom chuckled and shook his head lightly. "But they have one girl. We have two... not offence"
"It's not like we're gonna start a fight. If we just went in to get a drink, they would try and provoke us. But when it comes down to it. I'll take on 'Dino the dope.'"
"I'm still not sure Tash," she sighed and looked at her friends in disappointment.
"Think of what they done to that park that has such a special place in us."
You could see this new thought running thought their minds as different emotions passed across their faces. A nod from each was all it took. A cocky smile gripped Tasha's lift as she spoke her next words.
"Let's go get a drink," They grinned to each other and headed to the club that was once their sanctuary.
Approaching the Quake their steps filled with purpose. There was no queue outside the building they knew so well. "Everyone's inside."
The two tall and burly bouncers were still outside when they got to the entrance. "Hey Frank! Hey Steven," Tom greeted with a smile and a laugh. Frank's arm flung out and held Tom in his place.
"Don't go in there you guys. You might unintentionally start a fight. Tanisha looked to the guards in pleading mode. "You won't let us in?" Steven shook his head.
"We'll let you in if you really want. It's just...we heard about the park."
"Angela B. was bragging about it," Frank added.
Andy snorted in disgust, "That's typical."
Tasha addressed Steven and Frank with a sad but determined face. "We want in. It's not all about the park you know. I want to make a point to everyone." Letting out a deep breath Frank let go of Tom's arms. They stepped aside, letting the band enter.
A familiar wave of smoke hit their faces and the beat of the drum sounded through their ears. The flashes of the stage lights illuminated the black walls and their faces. The air in the room grew darker as people recognized them but the music still flowed and people still enjoyed it.
The feeling of hundreds of hateful eyes pierced their skin from all angles like knifes. The music almost grew louder and angrier at their arrival. Tasha headed towards the bar defiantly staring at all those she saw, while the others sat at a table in the center of the crowded room.
No words had come yet, but they would in time. She ordered their drinks from the disgruntled barman and headed the short distance back to the table. Snide remarks were hissed spitefully at her confident form, as it weaved through the dancing crowd.
Tasha approached her friend's table, still carrying the drinks expertly. The table was centered right in the eyesight of Angela B, a Luton born metal music fan and her resident band/gang.
Looking at her friends Tasha could see outward confidence but inward fear. It's one of scariest things to do, to face the hostility and hate of people who you once trusted and loved.
Tasha slid calmly onto her usual stool and started sipping at her vodka tonic. Andy stuck up the conversation in the strained atmosphere. With the help of their drinks, soon all sensible conversation was abandoned to make way for heart lightening jokes and witty banter amongst the newcomers.
But, sitting not 2 tables away Angela B was fuming - Getting angrier and angrier as time went on. Her and her gang's attention was focused as was everybody else's on the so-called 'traitors,' who looked as if they had no worries.
She leaned unto her right hand man's body and whispered something in his ear, showing an evil sneer. The message was passed onto the other tow table occupants and slowly they all began to rise from their seats.
Angela was in front leading them the very short distance towards a certain table. The residents of their destination spotted the approach but chose to ignore it. Tasha was half way through a crazy story when two hands slammed down onto the table.
The room went quiet. Everyone stopped what he or she were doing and watched intently. Tasha stared down at the feminine hands. Her eyes traveled up the lanky forearms, past the elbows and up the muscled upper arms until she settled her eyes on the tanned, angered face of Angela B.
"What the fuck are you doing here, asswipes?" Dino chuckled from next to her "Asswipes - That's funny."
Tasha ignored the insult and assumed a taunting sitting stance "Oh I don't know. What are we doing Tom?" she asked sarcastically. He lifted his almost empty glass with a cheeky smile.
"Just having a drink and listening to some good music which..." He leaned around Angela's unmoving form to look at the band on stage.
"...Seems to have stopped." Slightly flustered the band reached for their instruments.
"STOP," Angela shouted and they froze on the spot.
"Don't play yet. I want these gone!" she growled waving a hand at E.O.T.A.
"You have no right!" Tasha shouted, jumping up from her seat and assuming the same stance Angela herself had taken.
"You gave up the right to come here when you signed with that record company so don't go preaching to us about rights!" A voice from the crowd cried out in anger, causing a sudden surge in conversation.
"We're here for a final drink and a goodbye. We don't have to defend ourselves to you. Not anymore," Tom defended.
"You do fucking have to. You're worse than scum to us E.O.T.A. Get the fuck out now!" Angela B. screamed, banging her fists against the table, shaking it to its foundations.
"Here's what I suggest. I'll leave when you make me Angela," Tasha growled cocking her head to the side in a challenge. One second Toni was grinding her teeth in thought. The next her jaw locked and she threw her whole body in a punch.
Her fist landed on Tasha's face with a resounding smack. The force sent her head lurching backwards.
"Hey!" Andy cried and sprang to his feet in defense of his friend. Tasha straightened herself and massaged her jaw with a slight twinge in her facial expression. A rare flash of pure unadulterated rage showed in her eyes before she lunged forward as she had done not even an hour ago.
Her hands wrapped around Angela's neck tight enough to hold her in place but loose enough so she could breathe. Dino gripped Tasha's arms in his hands and squeezed - hard.
"No Dino. Back off," Angela wheezed as she breathed deeply. Dino reluctantly released Tasha's arms and stepped back. Angela continued talking, seeing as Tasha gave no indication of letting go.
"You just made a huge mistake doing this. You're on my books - You just watch your back Armstrong," she threatened, as if her neck wasn't being held. Tasha pulled her closer with a sharp movement and lifted her 2 inches from the ground,
"I intend to do just that Bell," Tasha breathed, using Angela's last name for emphasis. She dropped her to the floor, looking regretful.
"I'm sorry but we're doing what's best for our band," she choked.
For a second the end of Angela's lips twitched upward in a grin.
"I know," and for one fleeting moment... they were friends again. Then Angela's face twisted into an ugly scowl once again.
Like a lightening bolt the hate radiating from all corners hit Tasha. The realization that this part of their lives was over, sunk in at that moment. They knew that they could go on, they knew that they would go on and they knew they'd make it.
They moved away and made their way to the exit when Tanisha addressed the speechless and dazed crowd.
"Once upon a time, we would have moved stars, planets, suns and moons to be accepted by you. Now, I personally don't give a fuck if you hate me and I know that without a doubt, the people standing with me right now matter so much. I can say that they will always be there, which is more than I can say for you."
They swung the door open and left with no backwards glances.
