Falling For The Shoulder You Lean On, chapter 2
Seri's POV
It has been a week and a half since Mr. Andy's funeral. Billie has not attempted to call Mike or Al, even me. At the funeral, he did not even cry. He just stared out across the graveyard. It is not good to keep all that emotion bottled up. That is it. I am going to his house today. I threw on my London Calling shirt, a pair of black jeans and my red Chuck's and headed down the block. When I knocked on the door I was greeted by Ms. Ollie's welcoming arms.
"Oh, Seri. I'm so glad to see you."
She was still dressed in black. Her eyes were red and puffy as if she had been crying minutes ago. She got me into this bear hug and would not let go. After a few minutes, she realized how uncomfortable I was and released me.
"So, you're here to see Billie, huh?"
"Yeah, how's he doing?"
"Not so good. He hasn't even so much as picked up his guitar. He hasn't been outside his room and he will barely eat anything. You should go see him. Maybe it'll cheer him up, somewhat."
I nodded and walked upstairs. I walked down the hall to the door with the obnoxiously large Keep Out sign and was plastered with stickers of bands and such. I knocked gently on it. After a minute or so the doorknob slowly moved to reveal a verry pale, verry skinny and very depressed Billie Joe.
"Hi, Billie."
"Hey, Seri."
He moved some stuff around to make room for me on his bed.
"How are you doing? The guys and I have been worried sick about you. I tried calling you, but you never picked up."
"Sorry" It looked as if that was all he could manage to say.
"Sorry? You just can't... Billie, are you crying?"
I looked up and saw his green eyes fill up with tears. I wrapped my arms around him and let him cry. He needed to cry.
"I'm so sorry. Sorry for ignoring you, the band. I'm so sorry."
"Shh. It's okay, Billie. You don't have to be sorry. It's a terrible thing that happened, but it isn't your fault."
"I... I know it's not my fault but I keep feeling guilty."
"Guilty? About what?"
"For my whole life. I wasn't such a great son. We had fights when I'd wish he were dead. I'd get so angry and shit. I wanna take it all back. I miss him so much."
"I know Billie, I know. We all want him back."
For the next hour, Billie just leaned on me and cried. I wish I could take away that pain he is feeling right now. I wish I could bring back Mr. Andy. He finally calmed down and looked at me.
"Thanks, Seri. You're my best friend and I love you."
"I love you too, Billie."
"You... you wanna go with me to band practice?"
I smiled at him.
"Sure, let's go."
( Eight years later. 1990. The Gilman.)
---Billie's POV---
Okay, so about a week ago that asshole, former friend, former band mate, Al Sobrante, decides to drop his entire fucking life for fucking college. How do I feel? Peachy fucking keen. That is okay though because one of my Gilman friends, Tre Cool, is a lot better drummer than that dip shit. I called him up an hour ago and he said he would love to be in Green Day. I love that kid. There he is now in another one of his famous get-ups. An all plaid, thrift store suit died in throw-up yellow with the pants cut to be shorts and red Chuck's. That is Tre for you.
"Hey, man."
"Wassup my brother from another?"
"Nothin'. So are you sure about this?"
"Fuck yes! Where do I signup? When do I tryout?"
"Tre Cool, tryout? The single greatest drummer in the Bay tryout?"
"You're right. I am God."
"Okay, Mr. Ego. Mike'll be here in a few... wait, he's here now."
Mike saw us from the corner and ran to greet us.
"Hey, Bill, Tre. You're drummin', right?"
"No shit, Sherlock fucking Holmes!" shouted Tre.
"That's what I wanted to hear," said Mike, pleased.
"Now, it's almost settled," I said.
"Huh?" questioned Tre.
"We've gotta get the okay from Seri. She's our best friend and fan. We run everything through her first," I replied.
"Oh. Damn, who is that? She's the sexiest girl I have ever seen!" exclaimed Tre. Is eyes were practically bulging out of his skull, and that was not the only thing protruding. I looked over to see who got him this bad and it was... Seri?
"Hey, Billie," she said as she gave me a friendly hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Hey, Mike," she said also hugging and kissing him on the cheek.
Tre's eyes and 'little Tre' had not quite settled back into their normal positions yet.
"Yeah Seri, this is Tre," I said pointing at him practically drooling over her.
"Nice to meet you... two," she started to laugh and Tre turned a dark shade of crimson.
I did not know how to react. You never really know how to react in a situation like this. Your best friend being checked out by one of your guy friend's. A hard place to be in. I do not want Tre checking out Seri, I mean, who wants to check out Seri?
I looked at her again, not as her best friend, but as a normal guy. Her long, jet balck hair fell past her shoulders, her icy blue eyes lit up when she laughed, the way her shirt clung to her. Okay, so maybe she was pretty hot, but she is Seri I love her like a brother would, right?
"Billie, yoo-hoo, snap out of it you goob!"
I snapped back into reality to Seri waving her arms in my face.
"What? Yeah, yeah, I'm here."
"Okay. Well Mike and Tre decided to head over to your house for band practice. You brought the Fairlane, right?"
"Yeah. Okay."
She smiled and we linked arms and walked outside.
"What are you so gitty about?"
"You saw the way Tre kept looking at me, right?"
"You like him?"
"What? No, I barely know the guy. But it makes you feel goos when you're checked out."
"Oh."
"C'mon, you're always the one getting checked out, lemme have some fun for once."
"You've gotta have been checked out before."
"Nope."
"Are you shittin' me?"
"I always get one of two looks. 'That's Billie Joe and Mike's best friend, better wave and run away before they kick our ass.' or 'She's pretty hot, too hot for me, probably gotta boyfriend.' See my dilemma?"
"I never really noticed."
"Yeah, I figured as much."
"Are you mad at me? Because if you are, I'm sorry, Mike and I'll back off and you can be harassed by all those guys you want so bad."
"No, it's okay. Why would I be mad at my best friend?"
"Yeah."
"And who knows, maybe there's something about that Tre guy."
"What?"
She ran off to the car and I chased after her. We finally got into the car and drove to my house.
(Four years later. 1994. Serenity's apartment.)
---Seri's POV---
Tonight is going to be great. A few months ago, Billie, Mike and Tre finally agreed to a record deal. They signed with Reprise Records and today both their new album, Dookie drops in stores and their first music video, Longview , will premier on MTV. I am so excited. My boyfriend of three years, Liam, is even getting off of work early. That is in a few hours so I am stuck here, waiting in my living room. The phone rang.
"Hello? This is Serenity."
"Seri!" shouted the voice on the other line.
"Oh my God! Billie? I haven't heard from you in months."
"Yeah, hey. I'm sorry I haven't called lately. I tried to, but me and the guys have been busy."
"No, it's okay. I understand. Your video is gonna premier tonight. I can't wait."
"Yeah, hey, do you wanna come over? We're having like a world premiere party at my house, so yeah. It'd be great if you would come. You know you wouldn't want to make me sad."
"Fine, fine. I have to wait for Liam to get off of work though."
"You still with him?"
"Yup. Three years last Wednesday. So how are you and Adrienne?"
"Yeah, that's another reason I wanted you to come over."
"Huh? What's up?"
"Nothing. Well, I'll come pick you up. Call me when he gets there, okay?"
"Sure, Billie."
"Bye, Seri. I missed you."
"I missed you too, Billie."
---Billie's POV---
I hung up the phone. I cannot wait to see Seri. This is probably the longest I have gone without talking to her. I had a feeling someone was watching me. I looked ver my shoulder to see a very happy Tre.
"So, you were talking to Serenity?"
"Yeah. Why are you giving me that creepy smile?"
"She's coming over, right? I mean, we are her best friends in the whole, wide world."
"Yeah Tre, she's coming over."
"Yey!" he shouted as he jumped almost three feet into the air.
"I don't know why you're so happy. She's still going out with that Liam kid."
"Damn."
His face fell and it looked like he just found out that his dog died.
"Cheer up, man. Someone's out there for you."
"Yeah, but I want that person to be Seri."
---Seri's POV---
Oh, come on. Liam's job cannot take that long. It was nearing seven thirty. We had to leave for Billie's soon. After what felt like a lifetime, I finally heard that familiar click. Liam walked in the door.
"Hey, baby," he said as he kissed my lips.
"Hey. You'll never guess who just called."
"Lemme think. Santa?"
"Shut up. Billie. He wants us to go to his house for their world premiere party."
"Really? Awesome."
"Yeah. He said he'll come pick us up. Lemme call him."
I picked up the phone and dialed his number.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Billie. Liam's home, finally. So you gonna come pick us up?"
"Be over in a flash."
"Bye."
Bye, Seri."
---Billie's POV---
I hung up and again, I got that nagging feeling I was being watched.
"What, Tre?"
"Can I go with you, please?"
"Why?"
"I haven't seen Seri in a long time."
"You promise to behave yourself?"
"Scout's honor."
'You were never a scout."
"Fine, drummer's honor."
I grabbed my keys and started to head out when a hand blocked the door.
"Where do you two think you're going?" asked mike.
"We're going to pick up Seri!" shouted Tre.
"Seri? I'm coming too."
"Guys, it's not like I drive a fucking bus."
"Shut up, Billie," shouted Mike and Tre.
We all hopped in my now, overpopulated, white Ford Fairlane and drove to Seri's house. I have not been there in so long. I have not seen her in so long. I really miss her. We pulled up to the house and piled out.
---Tre's POV---
Yey! Yey! Yey! We get to see Seri. I really missed her a lot. I hope she missed me too. Billie knocked on the door and Seri opened it. Damn, she is gorgeous. Her long, jet black hair had a died, blue streak. Her eyes were as blue and sparkling as ever. Her body had gotten more toned. She even showed more skin than she used to. She had on a Mr. T Experience shirt that had come to her midriff, a short, black skirt and knee highs with black low tops. A guy's arms were wrapped around her. He had a brown Mohawk, a lip ring, a bunch of tats. He was tall, 6'2 or 6'3, he had brown eyes. I never really knew what she liked in a guy. I just think it is better if I act like myself. I wish I was this Liam guy.
"Billie!" she screamed. She jumped on his back and gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek. She was pretty short, about 5'4, so she made Billie appear taller. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and set her down.
"And Mike!" She gave him a hug. He may not want to show it, but he was happy to see her.
"And Mr. Cool, himself,"
Yes! Now it was my turn. She gave me a tight hug. Her scent, vanilla. I gave her a big hug and she gave me a kiss on the cheek. I blushed. I hope she did not see that.
"Yeah. So guys, this is Liam."
"Hi," he waved. God I wish I was him.
"Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Billie and if you break her heart you're fucking dead."
That Liam guy looked scared shitless.
"I'd never do that."
"Good, just remember what I said. Oh, we got a bit of a problem. My Fairlane doesn't hold five people. Someone'll have to sit on somebody else's lap."
"Seri, you can sit on my lap if you want,' I asked, praying she would say yes.
"Okay."
Hallelujah! Maybe she does like me.
---Seri's POV---
Ah, what the hell. I will let Tre have his fun. Billie and Mike sat up front. Liam sat beside me and I sat on Tre's lap. Liam looked so scared of the guys. I thought it was cute. We pull up to Billie's house and all the guys headed inside.
"Seri? I need to talk to you, in private."
I nodded.
"Liam, go kick back with Mike and Tre, okay? I'll be there in a few."
Billie led me back to his car and I sat in the passenger seat.
"So, that's Liam?"
"Yeah."
"He seems nice, safe and shy, but nice."
"Oh, shut up."
"Just watching out for my girl."
"Okay, so what is it you wanted to say?"
"Oh yeah. Tonight, I thought, was a good enough time as any."
He dug in his pocket and pulled out a gorgeous ring.
"I'm proposing to Adie, tonight."
Woah! Was not expecting that. Not at all. I started to feel sick. Why? I do not care who Billie marries, do I?
"You okay, Seri?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine."
"Okay. Well, you're the first person to know. I thought it only right to tell my best friend first."
He gave me a hug and kissed me on my cheek. For the first time in my life, I wished it were on my lips.
It has been a week and a half since Mr. Andy's funeral. Billie has not attempted to call Mike or Al, even me. At the funeral, he did not even cry. He just stared out across the graveyard. It is not good to keep all that emotion bottled up. That is it. I am going to his house today. I threw on my London Calling shirt, a pair of black jeans and my red Chuck's and headed down the block. When I knocked on the door I was greeted by Ms. Ollie's welcoming arms.
"Oh, Seri. I'm so glad to see you."
She was still dressed in black. Her eyes were red and puffy as if she had been crying minutes ago. She got me into this bear hug and would not let go. After a few minutes, she realized how uncomfortable I was and released me.
"So, you're here to see Billie, huh?"
"Yeah, how's he doing?"
"Not so good. He hasn't even so much as picked up his guitar. He hasn't been outside his room and he will barely eat anything. You should go see him. Maybe it'll cheer him up, somewhat."
I nodded and walked upstairs. I walked down the hall to the door with the obnoxiously large Keep Out sign and was plastered with stickers of bands and such. I knocked gently on it. After a minute or so the doorknob slowly moved to reveal a verry pale, verry skinny and very depressed Billie Joe.
"Hi, Billie."
"Hey, Seri."
He moved some stuff around to make room for me on his bed.
"How are you doing? The guys and I have been worried sick about you. I tried calling you, but you never picked up."
"Sorry" It looked as if that was all he could manage to say.
"Sorry? You just can't... Billie, are you crying?"
I looked up and saw his green eyes fill up with tears. I wrapped my arms around him and let him cry. He needed to cry.
"I'm so sorry. Sorry for ignoring you, the band. I'm so sorry."
"Shh. It's okay, Billie. You don't have to be sorry. It's a terrible thing that happened, but it isn't your fault."
"I... I know it's not my fault but I keep feeling guilty."
"Guilty? About what?"
"For my whole life. I wasn't such a great son. We had fights when I'd wish he were dead. I'd get so angry and shit. I wanna take it all back. I miss him so much."
"I know Billie, I know. We all want him back."
For the next hour, Billie just leaned on me and cried. I wish I could take away that pain he is feeling right now. I wish I could bring back Mr. Andy. He finally calmed down and looked at me.
"Thanks, Seri. You're my best friend and I love you."
"I love you too, Billie."
"You... you wanna go with me to band practice?"
I smiled at him.
"Sure, let's go."
( Eight years later. 1990. The Gilman.)
---Billie's POV---
Okay, so about a week ago that asshole, former friend, former band mate, Al Sobrante, decides to drop his entire fucking life for fucking college. How do I feel? Peachy fucking keen. That is okay though because one of my Gilman friends, Tre Cool, is a lot better drummer than that dip shit. I called him up an hour ago and he said he would love to be in Green Day. I love that kid. There he is now in another one of his famous get-ups. An all plaid, thrift store suit died in throw-up yellow with the pants cut to be shorts and red Chuck's. That is Tre for you.
"Hey, man."
"Wassup my brother from another?"
"Nothin'. So are you sure about this?"
"Fuck yes! Where do I signup? When do I tryout?"
"Tre Cool, tryout? The single greatest drummer in the Bay tryout?"
"You're right. I am God."
"Okay, Mr. Ego. Mike'll be here in a few... wait, he's here now."
Mike saw us from the corner and ran to greet us.
"Hey, Bill, Tre. You're drummin', right?"
"No shit, Sherlock fucking Holmes!" shouted Tre.
"That's what I wanted to hear," said Mike, pleased.
"Now, it's almost settled," I said.
"Huh?" questioned Tre.
"We've gotta get the okay from Seri. She's our best friend and fan. We run everything through her first," I replied.
"Oh. Damn, who is that? She's the sexiest girl I have ever seen!" exclaimed Tre. Is eyes were practically bulging out of his skull, and that was not the only thing protruding. I looked over to see who got him this bad and it was... Seri?
"Hey, Billie," she said as she gave me a friendly hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Hey, Mike," she said also hugging and kissing him on the cheek.
Tre's eyes and 'little Tre' had not quite settled back into their normal positions yet.
"Yeah Seri, this is Tre," I said pointing at him practically drooling over her.
"Nice to meet you... two," she started to laugh and Tre turned a dark shade of crimson.
I did not know how to react. You never really know how to react in a situation like this. Your best friend being checked out by one of your guy friend's. A hard place to be in. I do not want Tre checking out Seri, I mean, who wants to check out Seri?
I looked at her again, not as her best friend, but as a normal guy. Her long, jet balck hair fell past her shoulders, her icy blue eyes lit up when she laughed, the way her shirt clung to her. Okay, so maybe she was pretty hot, but she is Seri I love her like a brother would, right?
"Billie, yoo-hoo, snap out of it you goob!"
I snapped back into reality to Seri waving her arms in my face.
"What? Yeah, yeah, I'm here."
"Okay. Well Mike and Tre decided to head over to your house for band practice. You brought the Fairlane, right?"
"Yeah. Okay."
She smiled and we linked arms and walked outside.
"What are you so gitty about?"
"You saw the way Tre kept looking at me, right?"
"You like him?"
"What? No, I barely know the guy. But it makes you feel goos when you're checked out."
"Oh."
"C'mon, you're always the one getting checked out, lemme have some fun for once."
"You've gotta have been checked out before."
"Nope."
"Are you shittin' me?"
"I always get one of two looks. 'That's Billie Joe and Mike's best friend, better wave and run away before they kick our ass.' or 'She's pretty hot, too hot for me, probably gotta boyfriend.' See my dilemma?"
"I never really noticed."
"Yeah, I figured as much."
"Are you mad at me? Because if you are, I'm sorry, Mike and I'll back off and you can be harassed by all those guys you want so bad."
"No, it's okay. Why would I be mad at my best friend?"
"Yeah."
"And who knows, maybe there's something about that Tre guy."
"What?"
She ran off to the car and I chased after her. We finally got into the car and drove to my house.
(Four years later. 1994. Serenity's apartment.)
---Seri's POV---
Tonight is going to be great. A few months ago, Billie, Mike and Tre finally agreed to a record deal. They signed with Reprise Records and today both their new album, Dookie drops in stores and their first music video, Longview , will premier on MTV. I am so excited. My boyfriend of three years, Liam, is even getting off of work early. That is in a few hours so I am stuck here, waiting in my living room. The phone rang.
"Hello? This is Serenity."
"Seri!" shouted the voice on the other line.
"Oh my God! Billie? I haven't heard from you in months."
"Yeah, hey. I'm sorry I haven't called lately. I tried to, but me and the guys have been busy."
"No, it's okay. I understand. Your video is gonna premier tonight. I can't wait."
"Yeah, hey, do you wanna come over? We're having like a world premiere party at my house, so yeah. It'd be great if you would come. You know you wouldn't want to make me sad."
"Fine, fine. I have to wait for Liam to get off of work though."
"You still with him?"
"Yup. Three years last Wednesday. So how are you and Adrienne?"
"Yeah, that's another reason I wanted you to come over."
"Huh? What's up?"
"Nothing. Well, I'll come pick you up. Call me when he gets there, okay?"
"Sure, Billie."
"Bye, Seri. I missed you."
"I missed you too, Billie."
---Billie's POV---
I hung up the phone. I cannot wait to see Seri. This is probably the longest I have gone without talking to her. I had a feeling someone was watching me. I looked ver my shoulder to see a very happy Tre.
"So, you were talking to Serenity?"
"Yeah. Why are you giving me that creepy smile?"
"She's coming over, right? I mean, we are her best friends in the whole, wide world."
"Yeah Tre, she's coming over."
"Yey!" he shouted as he jumped almost three feet into the air.
"I don't know why you're so happy. She's still going out with that Liam kid."
"Damn."
His face fell and it looked like he just found out that his dog died.
"Cheer up, man. Someone's out there for you."
"Yeah, but I want that person to be Seri."
---Seri's POV---
Oh, come on. Liam's job cannot take that long. It was nearing seven thirty. We had to leave for Billie's soon. After what felt like a lifetime, I finally heard that familiar click. Liam walked in the door.
"Hey, baby," he said as he kissed my lips.
"Hey. You'll never guess who just called."
"Lemme think. Santa?"
"Shut up. Billie. He wants us to go to his house for their world premiere party."
"Really? Awesome."
"Yeah. He said he'll come pick us up. Lemme call him."
I picked up the phone and dialed his number.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Billie. Liam's home, finally. So you gonna come pick us up?"
"Be over in a flash."
"Bye."
Bye, Seri."
---Billie's POV---
I hung up and again, I got that nagging feeling I was being watched.
"What, Tre?"
"Can I go with you, please?"
"Why?"
"I haven't seen Seri in a long time."
"You promise to behave yourself?"
"Scout's honor."
'You were never a scout."
"Fine, drummer's honor."
I grabbed my keys and started to head out when a hand blocked the door.
"Where do you two think you're going?" asked mike.
"We're going to pick up Seri!" shouted Tre.
"Seri? I'm coming too."
"Guys, it's not like I drive a fucking bus."
"Shut up, Billie," shouted Mike and Tre.
We all hopped in my now, overpopulated, white Ford Fairlane and drove to Seri's house. I have not been there in so long. I have not seen her in so long. I really miss her. We pulled up to the house and piled out.
---Tre's POV---
Yey! Yey! Yey! We get to see Seri. I really missed her a lot. I hope she missed me too. Billie knocked on the door and Seri opened it. Damn, she is gorgeous. Her long, jet black hair had a died, blue streak. Her eyes were as blue and sparkling as ever. Her body had gotten more toned. She even showed more skin than she used to. She had on a Mr. T Experience shirt that had come to her midriff, a short, black skirt and knee highs with black low tops. A guy's arms were wrapped around her. He had a brown Mohawk, a lip ring, a bunch of tats. He was tall, 6'2 or 6'3, he had brown eyes. I never really knew what she liked in a guy. I just think it is better if I act like myself. I wish I was this Liam guy.
"Billie!" she screamed. She jumped on his back and gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek. She was pretty short, about 5'4, so she made Billie appear taller. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and set her down.
"And Mike!" She gave him a hug. He may not want to show it, but he was happy to see her.
"And Mr. Cool, himself,"
Yes! Now it was my turn. She gave me a tight hug. Her scent, vanilla. I gave her a big hug and she gave me a kiss on the cheek. I blushed. I hope she did not see that.
"Yeah. So guys, this is Liam."
"Hi," he waved. God I wish I was him.
"Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Billie and if you break her heart you're fucking dead."
That Liam guy looked scared shitless.
"I'd never do that."
"Good, just remember what I said. Oh, we got a bit of a problem. My Fairlane doesn't hold five people. Someone'll have to sit on somebody else's lap."
"Seri, you can sit on my lap if you want,' I asked, praying she would say yes.
"Okay."
Hallelujah! Maybe she does like me.
---Seri's POV---
Ah, what the hell. I will let Tre have his fun. Billie and Mike sat up front. Liam sat beside me and I sat on Tre's lap. Liam looked so scared of the guys. I thought it was cute. We pull up to Billie's house and all the guys headed inside.
"Seri? I need to talk to you, in private."
I nodded.
"Liam, go kick back with Mike and Tre, okay? I'll be there in a few."
Billie led me back to his car and I sat in the passenger seat.
"So, that's Liam?"
"Yeah."
"He seems nice, safe and shy, but nice."
"Oh, shut up."
"Just watching out for my girl."
"Okay, so what is it you wanted to say?"
"Oh yeah. Tonight, I thought, was a good enough time as any."
He dug in his pocket and pulled out a gorgeous ring.
"I'm proposing to Adie, tonight."
Woah! Was not expecting that. Not at all. I started to feel sick. Why? I do not care who Billie marries, do I?
"You okay, Seri?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine."
"Okay. Well, you're the first person to know. I thought it only right to tell my best friend first."
He gave me a hug and kissed me on my cheek. For the first time in my life, I wished it were on my lips.
