Chapters A Faithful Night of Music
I took a down a sip of my drink. I didn’t even remember what I was drinking. Not from drinking too much, though I hoped to get to that point by the end of the night. It was Wednesday night, and the bar was mostly empty except for a few people. There was the bartender, a middle-aged Man, who seemed like the guy who could be supportive when he needed to be, and aggressive when he needed to be, this emphasized with the shotgun above the bar. Then there was the two gentlemen the booth across the way. Both were huge sports fans by the look of it and, by the bartenders permission, had taken the remote to the bar TV and placed it on ESPN. Both looked to be having the time of their lives, lucky bastards. Then finally, there was the red haired women at the end of the bar. She was pretty cute, and she seemed to be drinking some wine. However, I couldn’t give a shit about that woman, I had two on my mind and the drink helped relax the painful thoughts.
I heard the bar door open, but didn’t care who it was.
“Hey man, an I get a Sco-”
His words dropped and I felt his eyes do the same on me.
I looked up in shock as I saw my best friend, Gabriel, whom I had known since middle school.
“Michael!? What the hell happened!? Last I heard you skipped town or maybe even offed yourself!
I said nothing.
“Dude, what's going on? Does it have something to do with that High class chick and her DJ friend? What were the names.......” He banged a hand to his head, “Octavia and....Vinyl Something?”
The bartender looked up in shock and asked; “You know Vinyl?”
The two of us looked up in equal shock, the red haired women seemed to be intrigued and moved a couple of stools down. The Sports fans kept with their Hockey or soccer or whatever.
“Well, I ‘knew’ them. We had a.....interesting relationship.”
Gabriel said nothing. He had only thought of us as friends.
Well, I haven’t seen her in a few days.” Replied the bartender, “She came in about a week ago with the same look as you. Worry and Sorrow.”
I finished my drink and turned to Gabe.
“Look, I don’t know what happened or where they are. I want to tell them something, that's all I know.”
“Can you tell me?” Asked Gabe.
“I’d need a lot to drink, and I don’t have enough to get me through it.”
The bartender slid me down a shot.
“On the house.” We looked at him shocked. “I’d like to know what happened to Vinyl. She’s had some tough times. I’ve helped her through some of them.
I saw the caring part of him come out at that moment. I felt I should tell the story, for him at least.
By now, the red haired woman was right next to Gabe, who had taken a seat to my right. She seemed to want to know just for the sake of knowing. Probably to tell her friends at book club or the hair salon or wherever women gossip at.
“Alright well,” I started; “It started about Nine Months ago.......”
A Faithful Night of Music
A couple of my friends and I were going down to some club in the city. They were my friend Nick, a guy with an ego the size of his wallet, but he would be there for you when you needed him. Nicole, a Basic party girl, stay out til sunrise, get out of bed at sundown kind of girl. Finally, there was Monica, the bitch of the group. She would lure some poor sap, Male or female, into bed with her and *WHAM,* A year and a half of that guy's life gone in a relationship with her. Unfortunately, she was in her hunt faze and she dragged us along to use as.........what term did she use? Oh yeah, it was........
“Blood in the water.”
What the hell does that mean?” Snapped Nick.
“It means, you start chatting with someone, AKA the shark, and I come in as the ship to catch them.” Snickered Monica.
“Well that makes sense,” I remarked; “You as a ship, I mean. You are always full of Sem-” My words cut off has I felt a heel to my stomach. I fell to my knees outside the club on the sidewalk.
“What was that?” Monica barked.
“My ribs breaking.....” I got back up and tried to say something else, but Nicole stopped me.
“She’s not worth the air.” She remarked. “So, any real goals for tonight? Ya know, so you're not the only person along tonight.”
“Are you kidding?” Nick replied; “Mike here will be my wingman, right?”
“Fuck no!” I shouted as we entered the club; “Every time we do that, you say I’m your assistant from work and start calling me Lloyd. Well let me tell you something Mr. Ari Gold, you're on your own tonight.”
“What! Come on dude, please?”
We all walked out onto the dance floor, and as we separated, I shouted
“And screw you too Monica!”
“I plan to, but not by you!”
The dance floor was packed. The music was loud. And the drinks were....colorful. I stepped off the dance floor and sat in a empty booth. Just trying to get a feel for the place. I ordered a Manhattan and I survey the crowd, trying to see if there was a theme. People try to go with the flow naturally, I never took to the naturally part. I observe the patterns of behavior, see what guy has the girls around him one second, then who has them the next, and when there alone. However, tonight was different. A large group of people were circled around the bar, leaving Monica to wrangle up some poor soul who was still dancing on the floor in a much smaller group. Having nothing better to do, I walked up to the crowd to see what all the commotion was about. I found out they were all around one girl. She was a good looking girl, no doubt but such a crowd had to be for some reason. She was in a White tee shirt, black sweats I want to say, and was wearing a pair of those fingerless gloves. Her hair was Spiked and as blue as.......well. I would say the sea, but the club lights made it look even more blue than that. Her eyes were the next thing that caught me, striking ruby red eyes that seemed to go right through you.
“Ms. Scratch, I’m such a big fan!” yelled one the girls.
“Thank you, very much. Here, take this.” She handed the girl a signed Picture.
Scratch, where had I heard that name before? I looked around and finally realized it. She was the DJ for tonight. Made sense why Monica came here, Famous people = crowds. Crowds = pray. I had noticed DJ’s getting allot more fame recently. Like that Skrillex guy and David Guetta.
I snapped back to reality as I heard her say; “Alright kiddies,” She got up; “its show time.”
She walked over to the stage and placed a pair of purple goggles on her head. I almost felt sad as she did this before the next step of her performance started.
She started to play. The music began low, as if trying to start up a storm. The crowd began to cheer. I was about to slip back, but then the music picked up and I found myself moving my leg to the beat.
I was about to try and sit again, when the music shifted again, and I found myself on the floor dancing........Dancing! I should let you know I am the biggest example of white people not being able to dance. But it wasn’t me, It was the music. I never took my eyes off of her. She seemed to, move with the Rhythm. She was the music, like a mirror and its reflection. It was mesmerizing. I must have stayed out for a couple of hours, but it felt like nothing as I stared at her. When she was finished, she took of the goggles and Raised her hand in the air yelling;
“Thank you all SO MUCH for being here! I love you all!”
She got off the stage and disappeared.
I got back my senses and wobbled to my booth. I took a drink and laid my head back.
What the hell just happened? What was that? What was she?
All of these questions were roaming in my head as I drank and ordered another drink. The club had emptied out fairly quickly, but still had a decent crowd in it. I was still trying to get my wits about me, when I heard a voice come in my direction.
“Well well well, I bet you never expected that, did you?”
I looked up and across the table from me was her, Vinyl Scratch.
I almost did a Loony Toons spit take as I choked down my drink.
She giggled. “I saw you as you walked in. The quiet type. You didn’t seem to belong. But I know your type; card counters. Trying to play the casino for every single drop by studying. Sorry I screwed up your routine, but.....,” she started to chuckle; “seeing you dance was the funniest thing I have seen in a while!”
I was torn. Should I be angered by her insult, proud of her compliment,or Awestruck by her interest in me.
I tried to keep a level head
“I have to give credit where credit's due. And that is to you my blue haired friend. I have never danced just for the hell of it at clubs. I always dance where I know it will get certain responses. But when you began to play, It just became something else. Like music was my blood and it was......I don’t know.”
She shifted closer
“Well, music has that effect on people.”
“Did you learn it? Or was it always there?”
“Kinda both I guess. You learn the turntables. But unless you have that thing inside you, that flame of inspiration, that makes music special, it's only music.”
I listened to her talk about music for a long while. We ordered some drinks and chit chatted. I had a Screwdriver, or a couple, trying to stay some form of sober. She on the other hand, did not. She got glass after glass of whisky and sometimes Tequila, keeping a straight face for most of the conversation. By the time she was done, she was completely out of it. I was able to drive, if I had a car. My friends had driven in together and all of them had left. I guess The subway was my way home.
“Wow,” she said; “L-l-look at the time. I bwetter get gwoing.” It was just about 4 in the morning.
She tried to stand up.
I caught her as she fell forward. I helped her up.
“Are you OK to get home?” I asked.
“Eyep,” she replied; I got a sar out back. My Fr-end is giving me a wide.”
“OK,” I didn’t like it, but it was her choice and I really had no input on it; “but if something happens, give me a call.” I took out a blank business card and wrote my name and number on it.
“Thanks.....handsome.” She took the card and kissed me on the cheek. “Night.”
She went out the door to the back and disappeared. I went ahead and paid the check for both of us and went out the front door. I looked up at the night sky and enjoyed the sight. I turned and began down the block toward the subway station. I decided to go with the station that had some distances from the club, but not a trek. Gotta have some exercise right? It was by this luck I saw something.
There, passed out in the bus stop bench, was Vinyl.
It would have been funny, if there weren't three guys around her sleeping body. All laughing to themselves. I was not going to let this happen. I walked up and yelled:
“Hey! Back off, now!” They all laughed at that.
“And what are you gonna do?” One of them asked; “Take us all down with your fists?”
“No, not with my fists.” I said; “With this.”
I took out my switchblade, the blade I had gotten as a joke and had kept had a good luck charm.
The second they saw this, all three of them ran.
I ran over to Vinyl and tried to wake her up. But no luck.
So what to do. My house was too far away and the subway was no place for a drunk girl like her, even with the blade. Some people on the train are just crazy. I had no idea where she lived and her ID was gone. Maybe she was robbed or maybe she gave it to someone to hold. Or maybe she just never had it. So now what?
“Shit......”
A Faithful Night of Music
Vinyl was used to this feeling. That you screwed up last night feeling. The ‘why did you drink so much?’ feeling of a hangover. She could feel her head pounding in her sleep, in her dreams.
“Wonder if that DiCaprio guy has to deal with this.” She mumbled
As she entered the world of the living, she noticed she was in a hotel or something. But something was off from how she usually woke up in hotels.
For one, she was fully clothed under the blanket.
Second, there wasn’t a guy sleeping in the bed with her, instead he was sleeping in a chair across the room, also fully clothed.
Finally, she also had a very different attitude then she usually does. Usually, she would just sneak out and not look back. But this was different, as she sat up in the bed and stared at the man who had supposedly lead her here. But for what?
Vinyl took off the covers and her eyes fell on the little table next to the bed. Her Goggles were there with a note underneath them. Out of Curiosity, Vinyl picked up the note and began to read.
“Dear Vinyl,
Thank you for a very pleasant evening. I thought that you looked in trouble and opted to rent a room for the night. Don’t worry, nothing happened last night. I just wanted to help you, that's all. If you want, you can leave and go home. I can pay for the room and we don’t ever have to speak again. I’m guessing you get allot of things from people who enjoy your work, so don’t worry. It would be my honor.
Thanks again,
Michael”
“Michael.......Michael.....Oh yeah, him.”
Vinyl Remembered the talk they had last night. About how they talked like she was a normal person, not a famous DJ. It was so amazing to know someone like that was still around, And how he just took her off the street just so she would be safe. She only knew a handful of people who would do that for her. And now, one was basically a stranger.
She walked over and gave him a tap on the shoulder.
“mm mm......No, ...I don’t..wanna go..to school today....”
She shoved a little harder
“Huh...?” I awoke with a grog and served my surroundings. I was surprised to see Vinyl there.
“You didn’t just leave?” Vinyl usually would have taken this as a insult, but she noted the care in his voice that made her think otherwise.
“Well, I never got to say Thank you. No one has ever been so kind to me from the bottom of their heart.”
“It was nothing.” I didn’t think she should hear about the men at the bus stop. Not Yet at least.
“Is there anything I can do to repay you?” Vinyl asked seductively
“No, its fine. Hey what time is it?” I asked
Vinyl looked at the clock. “Its 10:48, are you sure there’s nothing I could do?” Vinyl making a pouting face.
“Believe me, I would love to, but your friend is going to be here in about.....err 15 minutes.”
“That's too..........my friend?” Vinyl was confused.
“I mean, yeah it would be nice and all-” I tried to continue only to be cut off.
“My friend called me?” Vinyl looked very confused
“Yeah, at about six, some girl called your cell. Said her name was Octavia or something. I told her the situation and I told her to pick you up at eleven.”
Vinyl was now in panic mode.
“Why did you tell her this!? Do you know what I’m going to endure for the next week!?”
“She seemed like she knew you! I’m sorry, is she like your stalker or something?”
“Worse.”
*Knock* *Knock*
“She’s my roommate.”
*Knock*Knock*
“You Gotta hide me man!”
“What!? Why?”
“Please!?”
*Knock* *Knock* A voice came from the door.
“Hello?” it asked; “Is anyone there?”
I looked at Vinyl. She gave me a pleading look.
“I’m coming. Hold on.”
Then I whispered “Go hide, now.”
I turned around and I heard her behind me. Not quiet, but it’ll have to do.
I opened the door and what was before me was something I won’t ever forget.
I saw her. She had long black hair, the kind you just want to run your hand through. She was wearing a long black coat, a white scarf, and then I saw her eyes. She had big purple eyes. You know that saying about people with blue eyes, how your lost in a sea of blue? I have no idea whats purple like that, but I was lost in that sea. She finally broke the silence and asked;
“Excuse me, I believe we spoke earlier.”
Her voice was beautiful. Her voice was like a wind in the night. Soothing and relaxing, with just enough tranquility in it to make you think you were in heaven. It was music to my ears and mesmerizing, and I had to snap back to reality soon or I would look like an idiot.
“Yes, we did.” I stammered out.
“Is my friend still here?”
“Uh, no. She left about 20 minutes ago.” She gave me a look that made my spine shiver. I was scared out of my mind now of this women who five seconds ago was so beautiful.
“Is that so?” She replied; “May I come in?”
Shit
“Um, I don’t-” She let herself in before I could answer her.
Shit!
She looked around the room and then she looked at me.
“Is there something I can-” Before I could finish, she casually opened the closet door and Vinyl came tumbling out.
Damn It!
“You need a better hiding place Vinyl.” She said calmly, sitting on the bed.
I helped Vinyl off the floor, to which she replied; “Why today Tavi? Its my day off. So its your day off.”
“Last time you had a day off you spent almost all of your money on booze and parties.”
“I didn’t spend all of My money”
“Not all of it was yours. I don’t need that again.”
I kinda felt out of place in this situation. I was about to leave, when I heard the women “Tavi.”
“Hold on a minute. Where do you think your going?”
I stopped dead in my tracks. My Blood turned to ice as the hairs stood on the back of my neck.
“N...No where.”
She laughed; “No need to be tense. Mind if I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“Did you really save Vinyl, or was that just one of her stories to get her out of trouble. I would usually only believe that she made this whole thing up, but you seem.......genuine.”
“Well.....I um.....” I couldn’t form a sentence correctly.
“He sure did!” Yelled Vinyl; “I’d be a goner if it wasn’t for him!”
“That isn’t something you should be proud of.” she retorted; “But in all honesty, that is quite heroic.”
“Thank you, Miss.......Octavia was it?”
“Oh, where are my manners? Yes, that is my name. I’m Vinyl’s friend and, well........guardian for lack of a better word.”
“What? I can’t handle myself?” Vinyl snapped.
Octavia just looked at her and pointed at me.
“That's different.” She stated.
“Sure it is.” Octavia said with a grin on her face. “Anyway, I can’t thank you enough for helping her.”
“It was no problem.”
“How about we treat you to dinner as thanks?”
“You don’t h-”
“No, No. We must.” Octavia stated; “Its the right thing to do.”
“If you insist.”
She and Vinyl both got their things and headed for the door. Before she left, Vinyl looked back and said; “Thanks again.” On her way out.
The door shut. I looked around and then I looked at my checkout time.
“Noon, not enough time to sleep. Guess I’ll check out early.”
I got my things, payed for my room at the desk, and got on the train to head home. I hoped I could stay awake as not to fall into the hands of some psycho.
A Faithful Night of Music
Chapter 4 (Bonus Chapter)
Authors Notes: This Chapter is a shoutout to the youtubers who got me into FIM. So thank you Otaku Ascended! Go Check them out. I may use these charcters more, still thinking about it.
“Damn Campers!” yelled James through the headset.
“Dude, stop screaming in the mic for five seconds so Mike can finish the story.” Derek replied in a voice that was a mix of pissed off and humor.
“That's basically it.” I finished talking into the headset as I gripped the game controller; “I got on the train and came home.”
“So let me get this straight,” Nick chimed in over the mic; “You met a hot chick, tons of cash, drunk and didn’t get with her?”
“Well.....”
“On top of that, you meet her sophisticated friend and you stammer like an idiot? Tell me, why do I ask you to be my wingman again?”
“Yeah,” James added; “Why wouldn’t you take advantage I mean, I mean you could hav- Damn it! Stop Camping!” He screamed.
“All his screaming aside,”Derek added; “James has a point.”
“Well I try and be respectful towards women. I wouldn’t talk James, since you haven’t a girlfriend in like two years.” I snapped.
“Don’t bring her up.”
“Oh I’m sorry,” I mocked; I shouldn’t bring up Tri-”
“I will hurt you Mike, I have a gun.”
“Too bad you can’t aim, oh Video Game Master.” still mocking him. “Speaking of which what happened with you last night Nick?”
“Absolutely Noth-Damn It Derek! Why are you sniping!?”
“Cause its fun. But are you going to this dinner Saturday dude?” Derek asked.
“Yeah, Why?” I answered with some worry in my voice.
"Because dude, this is Vinyl Scratch! You have to make a good impression." Derek stated, with emphasis on the end.
“I saved her freaking life!” I yelled.
“Yeah but she has to remember it.” Nick stated.
“That is such garbage and you know it. Your all just jealous aren't you? I mean James, it must be hard knowing that your friend is going on a date with a performer just like you d-”
My words dropped just as my character did with the impact of friendly bullets into his skull.
“You asshole!” I screamed; “I was on a kill-streak!”
“Oh, I’m sorry did I break your concentration?” James asked as his character pumped his shotgun; “Please continue.”
“I’m good.” I sighed.
“Good choice.” Derek added; “He would torture you if you kept up with that crap on Tri-I mean his ex.”
“Anyway, all I plan on doing is going to pick them up, in a car which nick will provide since he owes me, in nice clothes, and being respectful. If I play my cards right. I’ll leave a good Impression on them.”
“This isn’t high school dude!” Derek jumped; “You should be a little wild. It is Vinyl Scratch, one of the most craziest DJ’s ever!”
“I guess, whadda you suggest Derek?”
“Well, don’t go in something too fancy. And for God’s Sake don’t wear a Sweater Vest!” Derek said with fear.
“I’m not you at the prom. Alright, I better start to figure out what I’m gonna wear.” I said; “Talk to you guys later.”
I shut off the game, went to my closet and looked at the disaster inside.
“I have my work cut out for me.”
A Faithful Night of Music
As I drove down the block to the address, my nerves had finally caught up with my brain. (Or some of it, at least)
I now knew the impact my actions tonight could impact me for the rest of my life.
On the other hand, a nobody staying a nobody isn’t that unusual. Or somebody who has something to their name, bad or good, can grab people’s attention. So if I screw up, and everyone knows, I could become a name and people would recognize me. Sure for bad reasons, but recognition is a good first step. Maybe I could-
*HONK!!!*
“Jesus!” I swerved out of the way of a oncoming car has I must have drifted into a oncoming lane.
“Maybe I should think about the pros's and con’s of failure later...........when I’m parked.”
I pulled up to the address, a condo building with emulated with that “You can’t afford me” look.
“Can I help you?” her question snapped me out of my trance as I tried to find the right words.
“Um yes,” I stuttered out; “I’m looking for a Miss Octavia. Does she live here?”
“She does, fifth floor. Room 503.”
“Thanks.” I walked away and tried to find the elevator.
As I looked, I stumbled across a lounge type area. Most likely for the residence to come and socialize. It had a bar, a couple of couches, a piano, and a fireplace for effect. It did add a certain something to the room.
I finally found the elevator and pressed the call button.
As I waited, More thoughts rushed into my head. I thought “What if I don’t make a good impression?” I didn’t want to look like an idiot. One girl is high class, smart, and beautiful. The other is wild, talented, and stunning. I mean, what if-
*Ding!*
“Going up, sir?” asked the elevator attendant.
“Yeah, fifth floor.” I stated
The doors closed, and I looked at the attendant.
“This place needs a elevator attendant?” I asked
“Hey, if it pays I really don’t care. Know what I mean?” He laughed and I joined him “You going up to meet somebody?” he asked.
“Yeah,” I replied; “I’m meeting Octavia and Vinyl. Know th-”
“Octavia?” he asked.
“.......um yeah. W-why?”
“Well,” he started; “Octavia’s so reserved I find it hard your going out with her. Vinyl I can understand, but Octavia usually only goes out for business and you don’t look like a Business associate.”
“Whoa pal. This isn’t even a date. It’s a get to know sort of thing.” I tried to keep the worry out of my voice
He looked at me straight in the eyes and let go of the button. we continued upwards.
We got to the fifth floor and I stepped off and looked back.
“If I hear you hurt her, I will find you. I will find out. Because when you control the elevator, you hear everything.” The door closed and I walked down the hallway, shivering down my spine.
I walked down the hall looking at the doors. “505, 506, 50-.” It was then I realized I was going the wrong way and I tried to correct myself with trying to keep some humility.
And there I stood. Outside room 503, wondering what to do next. I mean, I know I should have knocked. But the nerves in my hand wouldn’t let me lift my arm. I was just about to give up, when the door opened and there stood Octavia. Leaving me at a loss for words. There she stood in a one piece black sheath dress, with her hair down, and those eyes looking back at me. I couldn’t speak, only stare.
“Um......Hi” she blushed as she broke me out of my trance.
“Um, Good evening madam.” I spurted out. She laughed.
“There’s no need to be so formal. It’s just Octavia.”
I heard someone behind her approaching
“Come on Tavi,” Vinyl remarked; “You're scaring him.”
Vinyl was wearing a blue spaghetti dress and jeans with a black music note stitched into each side. Her eyes were out for display again for the world to see, though that may have been a bad thing since I bet alot of guys would be starring at her eyes more than their girlfriends or the road.
I was at a loss for words, they both looked, for a lack of term, stunning.
I must have been dazed for at least 6 seconds, but it felt like hours.
When I came to I was already in their apartment
"We have sometime,” Vinyl said; "Let's show you around."
“Vinyl!” Octavia shouted; “We really don’t have the time!”
“Don’t worry,” Vinyl reassured her; “I can get us in the restaurant no problem if we need to.
“Bu-We should......fine.” Octavia finally gave in.
“Alright! Let me show you around.”
The main area of the apartment was very spacious and had a bar off in the corner. There were two sets of couches opposite from each other and a TV against the wall with stacks upon stacks of DVDs, Cds, and what seemed to be books mixed in with magazines. Another thing that caught my attention was what was in the other corner.
“Is that a piano?” I asked
“Yep. Octavia insisted we get it. Made the place seem more classy.”
“As long as people don’t go in your room, that's what they think.” Octavia snapped.
“Can you play?” I asked her.
“Yes Actually. I can play a wide variety of instruments.” Octavia said proudly
“Yeah,” Vinyl snorted; “All the boring ones.”
“If by boring, you mean accepted by a respected clientele, then yes.” Octavia replied.
“If you think those snobs are-”
As those two got into it, I decided to look around more of the Main room. I didn’t think it would be right for me to just walk around the house. As I looked around, something else caught my eye. It was a painting near the piano. It was an oil painting of lower Manhattan, during sunset. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something about this really intrigued me.
It was my intrigue in the painting that made me not realize they had stopped fighting.
“Oh, you like?” Octavia asked; “It's a rare piece, I’m glad someone appreciates it.” She looked at Vinyl with anger in her eyes.
“Yeah well.......maybe we should get going.” Vinyl tried to wiggle her way out of this.
“I agree, we don’t want to be late.” I tried to help her out.
“Fine, lets go.” Octavia led me to the door and she locked it behind her. I think she also typed in a code so she must have a security system. Makes sense, a locked door doesn't protect you in New York anymore.
Author's Notes: This is all I have as of April 26, 2012. I am going to do more, but I want some feedback besides my pre-readers. So let me know what you think.
A Faithful Night of Music
Authors Notes: I don't know why, I just felt like updating this. So yeah, I may work on this with my Scootaloo story.
As we drove, we idly talked about random things. Everything was fine, until Octavia asked a certain question.
“So Michael,’ she asked; “what do you do?”
“Um……I kinda work for Goldman Sachs.”
“Kinda?” Vinyl asked; “What does that mean?”
“Well,” I started; ‘My division is under some surveillance right now. So we can’t work. So they mail me a pay check for me sitting at home because technically I’m working, but I’m not.”
The girls looked at me puzzled.
“It makes no sense I know. But I ain’t complaining.”
Vinyl’s eyes lit up, “That’s the greatest job ever!”
“But if that’s the case, what do you do all day?” asked Octavia.
“Well I don’t have a set routine.” I stopped at a red light and turned to look at them. “I eat, sleep, jog, hang with friends, and do whatever work I can on computer, and so on.” The light changed to green and I turned left.
“So, do you have any family?” Octavia asked.
“My brother, he’s out west working on some scripts or something. We don’t keep in contact much. But as long as he’s ok, that’s fine.” I turned my head to her, “You?”
“None. Well except for Vinyl and she barley can be called that.”
“Oh come on Tavi!” Vinyl shouted from the backseat, “You know you love me! Don’t you?” She said with mock sorrow.
“Ugh.” Octavia put a hand to her face.
“Do you love me Octavia?”
Octavia’s hand grasped her face tighter; “Vinyl please.”
This might be getting awkward.
“Can I put on the Radio?” I asked; “I need the traffic.”
“Sure.” Octavia said.
I switched on the radio, hoping to calm her down before the restaurant.
“This is 1010 Wins.” The radio began; “You give us Twenty-two minutes, we give you the world.”
The drive continued in silence.
We pulled up to the restaurant and I don’t think my jaw could have dropped any farther.
The place was on the waterfront, had chauffeurs, the clientele looked like they were the best of the best. This place had everything going for it.
“Impressive isn’t it?” Vinyl asked from the back.
I turned to her; “That’s an understatement.”
“Believe me,” She leaned back as she talked; “These kinds of places are way too uptight. Only reason I go is because Tavi here says it looks good for my image.”
“Stop making me out to be the bad guy! I’m just trying to help you!” Octavia snapped.
Both Vinyl and I reeled back in fear as Octavia realized what she did.
“I’m-I’m sorry.” She began; “Lets’ just get inside ok?”
We both agreed and all of us stepped out of the car together. A chauffeur approached me and asked for my keys. I gave it to him and he drove it over to some parking complex. I watched him enter the complex and the hurried inside with the girls.
As we entered the building, once again I was taken back from the sheer elegance of the restaurant. But, the inside is a different type of elegance. On the outside, everyone is looking in wishing that they were as good as the people inside. But on the inside, the people know that their better then all of those people on the outside. Just listening to the people in the waiting/bar area, you could feel the smug coming off of them. Talking about their 401K’s and their Miami condos, it made me wonder why people would ever want to become something like this.
It appears Vinyl sensed the same thing I did, as she seemed to be uncomfortable in the bar area as well.
“Are you ok Vinyl?” I asked
“Oh!” She jumped at my question; “Yeah I’m fine….I just don’t like these places that much.” She confessed. “The desserts and booze might be the best, but the people are the worst. I……you wouldn’t understand.”
“Believe me,” I started; “I understand. I may be getting along with Octavia over there,” I pointed to her as she was talking to the waiter trying to get out table; “but these people are not my group. I’m just the kind of person that can move from group to group unnoticed.”
She looked up at me and smiled. Not a devilish or a seductive smile, but a smile that just said “thank you.”
We didn’t wait long and the three of us were taken into a large dining area. The room was covered in paintings, a couple of plants, fancy light fixtures, and a large chandelier. We sat at a table near the center and were given our menus and glasses of waters.
We sat down and the girls got to looking at their menus, but I had something else on my mind. And Octavia saw this.
“Something wrong?” she asked
“Can I ask you two something?”
“Shoot” Vinyl replied
“Why are two really doing this? I mean I just helped out Vinyl, no big deal.”
The two girls looked at each other and Vinyl nodded her head.
“Vinyl told me about what happened at the bus stop.” My eyes shot wide open and I stared at Vinyl.
“I wasn’t completely out of it. I heard everything.”
“I suggested we still go there,” Vinyl interrupted; “It’s like eating in the private kitchen of a delightful Italian Stereotype. Plus I haven’t been there in for-ever!”
“Anyway,” Octavia continued; “After she told me the story, I wanted to thank you even more. Vinyl is a close friend of mine and she owes her life to you.”
I started to blush at this.
“Yeah, I owe you a lot.” Vinyl said this as a waiter came over with some wine.
Octavia held up her glass over the table. “I propose a toast,” she began: “to Michael and everything he did to help a stranger he just met earlier that night.”
Vinyl and I raised our glasses, my face still blushing, and clunked them together with Octavia’s.
But the night was still young.
A Faithful Night of Music
Chapter 7 (Updated Version, Reread)
Authors Notes: Guys, I'm thinking of putting clop in the story. Give me your opinion on this. Not like just getting off clop, clop that is good for the story and its character development. Give me your thoughts. Also, going to BronyCon this weekend, so YAY!
The dinner went by, we chatted throughout about life and our careers and such. The dinner was nice, three courses, fancy wine, the works. The whole thing probably cost them a small fortune, but Octavia seemed to handle the bill with no problem.
After she paid we all went out to the waterfront for a walk in the night air. Although, Vinyl was mobbed by Fans and paparazzi, so it was just me and Octavia.
We walked for a little while before stopping and looking over the railing and seeing the city across the water. It was nice, the lights of the skyscrapers lit up the reflections in the water. But when I looked over, Octavia’s mind seemed to be somewhere else.
“You ok?” I asked her
“Yeah, I’m fine.” She said starring into the water; “I’ve just been thinking about things is all.”
“Like what?”
She was silent for a few moments, before answering; “I’m just wondering if I’m doing the right thing with my life.”
“Ahh”
“I want to know if Vinyl is appreciates me. I give so much for her, yet she only jokes around and treats me like a parent.”
“She does appreciate you, she just doesn’t show it in a…..normal way.”
She was silent after that. The river glistened from the lights coming off the skyscrapers in the distance as a green light illuminated from across the depths of the water. A soft breeze blew Octavia's hair to the side making her somehow look even more angelic. The whole scene was almost divinely romantic but I couldn't help but be reminded of a book from some time ago. (A commenter gave me this and it was too fucking brilliant to pass up. So thanks Zanmatsuken)
“It’s Ironic isn’t it Daisy?” I said with a small grin.
“Come again?” She asked.
“Here we are, on the wealthy side of the city, you want to have something that seems out of reach, and there’s a green light on the river.”
Her eyes went wide for a moment and she giggled. “You’ve read the Great Gatsby?”
“Why yes I have.”
“After High School?”
“Maybe.”
We laughed at this and I found myself more relaxed around Octavia now.
“So Michael,” she continued: “What do you read?”
“This and that,” I explained; “Stephen King, Dan Brown, Richard Bach, etc.”
“Very varied, I’m impressed.” She praised; “Favorite book?”
“Ahh, that’s a hard one.” I confessed; “Either, To Kill a Mocking Bird, or Shawshank Redemption.”
“Classics,” she was very impressed; “Tell me something, have you ever considered writing?”
“Not really, I keep the stories I think up to myself.” I looked out into the water and saw some fire truck lights in the water, along with the sound of the sirens. They were passing the restaurant going into the city.
But something was strange about them.
“Can we get back to the car Octavia?”
“Oh,” she seemed to be day dreaming; “Sure, let me get Vinyl.”
“I’ll meet you there.” I said running to the front of the restaurant.
The car was waiting in the front of the restaurant under the awning. I took the keys from the vale and jumped into the driver’s seat. I reached over to the glove compartment and pulled out a device that looked like a walkie talky. It was my father’s old scanner that he gave me all those years ago. I immediately turned in on and raised the volume. I jumped when I heard the passenger doors open and saw Octavia climb in the front and Vinyl jump in the back. I went back to fiddling with the device.
“What’s that?” Vinyl asked.
“It’s a Fire Department Scanner, I answered; “I can listen into the radio chatter with this.”
“How’d you get one?” Vinyl asked with a raised brow.
“My father was friends with a lot of firefighters. They gave him one so that he could come to fire’s and help out in any way he could. He was a temp fire fighter, and he knew a lot, so he was useful.”
At that moment, the radio exploded with chatter.
“Two alarm fire, fourth and fifth floor, Address is-.”
My eyes shot open as I realized I knew the address. I started the car and raced out of the parking lot.
“What’s wrong!?” Octavia asked with some fear in her voice.
“The address they just said is my apartment complex!”
“What!? But, how did you know to check that thing!?” Octavia asked, still unsure of the situation
“Call it a trait from my father. He always told me to trust my gut.”
We raced down the street, before we caught up to a fire truck.
“Here’s another little trick I learned from my dad.”
I pulled up behind the truck, matched it speed, and used it as a shield to get through the city quickly.
“Nice thinking.” Vinyl remarked from the back.
“I’m really sorry about this girls, I just-.”
“It’s fine.” Octavia interrupted me.
I looked over and she shot me a smile, a nodded and kept up speed with the truck.
When we arrived at the apartments, we were greeted with a terrible sight. The top floors of my apartment building and we could see black smoke rising high into the air. I ran over to the fire chief and showed my father’s old badge. I asked him what had happened. He told me that someone in the apartment above mine was making dinner and something went wrong. Everyone had gotten out, but the fire was hard to get under control. I looked up and saw my apartment was under a fire infested apartment. I saw that the firefighters were busy and that this was my best shot.
In the mist of the confusion, I ran towards the door, trying to get in the building. Two firefighters saw me charging for the door and promptly tackled me to the ground. I begged and pleaded with them, I told them about how my life was in there, but to no avail. They shoved me back as I watched the fire sweep through the building. I watched it travel from room to room, like a wild beast on a rampage.
As time went on, the fire fighters seemed to get control of the blaze and I found myself slumped on a curb with my head in my knees.
I soon felt a hand rest on my shoulder, I looked up and saw Vinyl starring down at me.
"Sorry about all this."
"Its fine." She grabbed me in a hug which I gladly accepted.
We both watched as the fire seemed to be under control.
"So know what?" she asked me
"I don't know, but that's not the main thing on my mind."
"What is?"
I didn't answer her, I just watched as the two fire fighters from before exited the building. I approached them as the two were standing next to the pump. They were surprised to see me, but not angry with me at all. I asked them if I could be escorted in to retrieve just one thing. I knew it could survive the fire's, but I wanted it has soon as possible. The two men looked at each other, and seeing who my father was, they agreed and we shook on it
I walked back to Vinyl, who was know joined by Octavia, as the two men waited near the building, or what was left of it.
"I'm going in."
"What!?" Octavia shouted in shock; "Are you completely mental?"
"I need to get something. I'll be in and out."
"That's far to dangerous. You can't-."
"Let him go Tavi," Vinyl said with a stern look on her face; "He needs to do this."
Octavia was silent, before finally nodding. "Just be careful."
I nodded and walked up to the firemen. They gave me a air mask, a air tank, some gloves, and a firemen jacket. Then we began to climb up the stairs.
The walk up was usually nothing, a five minute walk I enjoyed to take everyday. But the gear made it hell, along with the heat. I looked and saw the damage of the building. To think one person ruined all these people's lives. I shook the thought from my head, it was an accident and I know the man was probably feeling terrible right about now.
We reached the door frame to my apartment as the door had been kicked in by firefighters. I jokingly grabbed my keys and pretended to undo the lock.
'locks a bit sticky today."
The men laughed a little as we entered the house. I looked around. Most of my stuff was gone. All my furniture, all my food, all my stuff. I couldn't believe it. Where would I go? What would I do? But I shook the depressing thoughts from my head and continued to the bedroom. I entered and saw my mattress was a huge burnt mess. I never knew mattress were a super conductor of fires, because that's what it looked like.
I entered the closet and after moving some burnt clothes out of the way, I found what I was looking for.
A small personal safe.
I want to grab it, but one of the men told me he had to take it down for safety reasons.
I was going to question this, but then I remembered where I was.
He grabbed the safe and we began to leave. I turned around and looked once more. I shook my head and left the apartment.
We walked down the hall and almost reached the stairs, when we heard a loud crack sound.
I didn't have time to look, I just did the first thing in my mind and pushed the firefighter out of the way, but it wasn't him who would need saving as I found out when a piece of building fell onto me. I fell to the ground and soon lost consciousness.
More Author's Notes: Thank you Zanmatsuken, I needed to redo this. Hopefully that doesn't happen again with me editing at 1 in the morning.
A Faithful Night of Music
I took a sip of the drink and placed it back on the counter. The bar had become quiet, as the small group of people had gathered around quietly listening to my story. The TV and been turned off or muted, I didn’t know and I wasn’t going to turn around for that. I took another sip of my drink and placed the empty glass upside in front of me.
“So, let me get this straight,” a voice behind me remarked; “You met two incredible hot girls and on your first date you end up in the hospital?”
I turned around for that and saw it was one of the sport fans from before. He had made his way over to the bar, pulled a chair from one of the tables and sat down behind me with his friend. His breath had booze on it, not a lot, but it was noticeable.
“Yeah,” I answered; “What of it?”
“That’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard!” He busted out laughing and fell to the floor.
His friend looked at him with disappointment.
“Christ Rick, can’t you stay sober long enough so we can hear more of this guys story?” He asked.
The drunken man, Rick, climbed back into the chair.
“Ok, *giggle* ok, I’m good”
I rolled my eyes and turned back to the bar.
“So,” the red haired woman began; “You were the guy who was hurt in that fire.”
I turned to her in shock. “You know about the fire.”
She nodded, “I used to live about 10 blocks from that place. I heard about that fire and some guy getting hurt when he was trying to save his stuff.” She looked me in the eyes, “Made me realize how people can do stupid things to try and save objects they hold near and dear.”
“Uh, was that a compliment of an insult?”
“Take it whichever way you like.” The red haired woman giggled as she took a sip from her wine.
“Hey lady, don’t get cute with this guy,” ‘Rick’ joked from behind us; “Or else he might end up in the ER!” He busted out laughing again, as all the other patrons just looked at him annoyed. He found himself alone in his laughter and soon quieted down.
“Christ man.” The other man commented as he put a hand to his face and shook it.. I had just noticed now he was a large fellow. Not too big, big, but big. ‘Rick’ on the other hand was skinny and fit, handsome too. Only problem with the guy was his attitude while he was drunk.
“Uh huh, anyway.” I turned back to the bar and looked at the bartender.
“So, what happened next?” The bartender asked, obviously intrigued by the story.
“Well, my drinks empty,” I pointed to the glass; “and if I recall I said I would need a lot to get through the story. So, can I get a refill?”
“Sure thing,” He replied, taking my glass and grabbing a bottle off the wall behind him.
“Can I get another Coors too?” Gabe asked, he had been unusually silent throughout the whole thing.
“Sure, just let me take care of this guy first.” The bartender replied. Gabe nodded and quietly waited for his drink.
“This might take awhile,” I thought; “might as well try and kill some time.”
“So,” I began as I turned the stool around to face the people; “I never actually got all of your names before I started.”
“Well,” The large man began; ‘I’m Dave and this drunken mess is my friend Rick.”
“I’m Nicole, but you can call me Berry Punch.” The Red haired woman answered as my face turned quizzical.
“Berry Pun-?”
“It’s a college nickname that stuck. I’ve kinda grown to like it.”
“Ahh, I see. Well, you all know who I am, and this is my pal Gabe.”
“Hey.” Gabe answered as he waited for his drink.
“What about you?” I asked to the bartender as he was finishing my drink.
“Names Mick,” he answered; “and before you ask, I know Vinyl from her youth. She was a waitress here at one point. She’s always been kind to me, never forgetting where she came from.”
“Really, so this is the bar she worked at? She told me stories about this place.”
“What Stories?” asked Mick.
“Oh nothing.” I flashed a sly grin as he handed me my drink. I took a sip and tried to recollect my thoughts.
“Now where was-Oh yes, after the collapse.”
Author's Notes: A little short, but I found it necessary. Once again, list if there's any mistakes. Thanks guys who are liking this story.
A Faithful Night of Music
*BEEP*
*BEEP*
*BEEP*
I slowly began to regain my senses, the first being hearing. The first thing I hear is beeping, lots and lots of beeping. I must be in a hospital; I’ve watched enough TV to know that sound. I hear people talking, but its outside, it sounds muffled, I only catch glimpses of the conversation. I try to move, but I can’t. It feels like my body isn’t even there. I can only listen, to those damn machines or the people outside. I sit there and wait, and wait, and wait. Time passes by; I can’t tell how much time passes.
*BEEP*
*BEEP*
Then I hear the door opening. I hear someone walk in; they grab a chair and bring it to my right side. I hear them sit down on the chair and they stay silent.
I wait, but they don’t speak. They just sit there. Then I feel a hand on top of mine. It seems I had gotten feeling back in my body, but I still couldn’t move it. Then they begin to speak.
“Hi there Michael.” It was a woman, more than that; it was a voice I recognize. It’s Vinyl.
*BEEP*
“How ya doing? I’ve been good, Octavia said that she would visit more; she just needs to take care of something. She really wants to come.”
‘What is she doing here? Shouldn’t she be at home working on new beats or something?’
“I know that you probably can’t hear me. But, I want to say this to you. I want to say, I’m sorry.”
‘Sorry? Sorry for what? What did she do?’
“You saved my life, but I couldn’t save yours. I-I know we just met, but-god damn it!” I feel her hand squeeze mine.
*BEEP*
“I-I owe you my life! I should be dead! Now you’re the one in a comma! It’s not fair!”
‘She-she cares that much for me? But….I’m not that special of a person.’
“Please, please just wake up” I feel a tear fall onto my arm; “Please wake up. Please….” I feel her head fall onto my arm.
*BEEP*
‘I didn’t know what to think at this point. I haven’t known this girl long, and here she is crying at my side hoping I recover.’
I feel her raise her head, my arm now wet from tears.
“Well, I’m going to sit here. I’m gonna keep you safe….Like you kept me save.”
I hear here sit back on the chair. And then the room is quiet, except for the sound of her breathing and the machines. Time passes slowly; my mind is full of thoughts of what I just heard.
*BEEP*
I give up on trying to move. It’s no use, my body is too weak to speak or move. I give up and try to relax. I soon feel myself falling back out of consciousness.
I soon begin to hear the world around me again, but now I can open my eyes and move my fingers. I scan the hospital room, it is very clean. I see a counter, filled with medical supplies on my left. I try to lift my head, but its’ no use. I shift my eyes to my right, I see a woman sitting in the chair next to me.
It’s Octavia. She is reading a novel, her eyes flowing from left to right reading. I tried to look at the name of the book. It was called ‘Fifty Sh-.’ And ‘Gray.’ I wished I could get her attention, but I saw no plausible way. Then I looked down and saw my bed had medal railings, which gave me an idea.
I tried to move my arm, just a little bit, so it was next to the railing. My arm felt like it weighed about 400 pounds. But through sheer will power, I was able to inch it over to the railing. I used my fingers and tapped the railing.
*BEEP*
‘That fucking machine! It must have blocked out my noise. When I get up, I’m gonna throw that thing out a window.’
I try again, she hears the noise. She looks up from the book, but quickly goes back to it.
‘Got to try again’
I tap again, trying to use more force. She looks around the room, but goes back to the book after a few seconds.
‘Come on, look down here!’
I tap one more time, as hard as I can. She closes the book and looks around. Then she looks at the bed.
“AHH!” She screams and falls back on the chair. It falls back too and she is now on the floor.
She quickly gets back up. She rushes to my side.
“Oh God, Oh God! You’re awake! What do I do, what do I do!?” She is frantic. She runs to the door and opens it. She pokes her head outside the doors and looks around for someone.
“We need a nurse now! Hurry up for God’s sake” she yells out.
She runs back to me and stays by me.
A nurse with pink hair typed in a bun rushed in and ran to my left.
“Michael, can you hear me?” She asked. I tapped the side of the bed.
“Ok, can you move?” I didn’t tap.
“He woke up too early; he needs to go back under.” She began to prepare a shot.
Octavia grabbed and squeezed my hand. The Nurse shoved the needle into my arm. I quickly began to feel light headed. My eyelids became heavy. I quickly fell back into unconsciousness.
Author's Notes: Kinda short, sorry bout that. But, I have a new project I'm thinking of doing. Although, It would take more then one writer to do it. You see, you guys know about that Dr Whooves Radio show that's floating around YouTube? Well, after watching a Walking Dead marathon this weekend, I want to make a Walking Dead Radio program with ponies. Maybe Human, maybe not. I wouldn't worry about casting or recording yet, but I would need some writers to help me in a Google docs to make a script and to talk in Skype. Also, they would need a knowledge of the show, so if you want to help, go watch the first season on Netflix and find the Second Season somewhere. So, if your interested, PM me your Skype name. If you don't have one, make one. and if you don't have a mic, just make an account and use chat. This would be me and like four other people, so I want good writers. If your interested, I don't want someone who won't do shit but wants credit. OK, that's it. Any questions, Put them in the comments.
Enjoy the Chapter
A Faithful Night of Music
I awoke in the hospital bed, but something was different. For one thing, I could move my body, and it felt great. It was like I was waking up from hibernation. I stretched out my arms and looked around the room. It was empty. I looked above my bed, there was a clock.
“1:15, wonder if it’s AM or PM?”
Then I looked to the door of the room. I was curious if I could walk, and didn’t want to go back under without trying. I put my legs over the bed side and attempted to get up. But the weight on my legs was painful after so long without getting up. Actually, how long have I been out? I would have to find out later. I tried to get up again; this was met with my face crashing into the floor, hard.
“Ow.” I mumbled; “At least it’s clean.” I’ve been in my share of floors in my time, some of those bathroom floors give me the shivers just thinking about them.
I grab the side of my bed and try to climb back up. I clawed my way back onto my feet and tried to stand in place. But I could tell from my wobbling that I needed a cane or something. I didn’t see anything I could use, so I decided to get back into bed. My body began to ache from the unfamiliar exercises I was doing. I laid back on my bed, trying to rest up so I could try again later.
Just then, the door began to open and the pink haired nurse from before walked in holding a tray of medicine. She stopped when she saw I was awake.
“You’re awake?” she asked.
“Yeah,” I began to sit up; “I just woke up. Body’s a little sore.”
“We can give you medication for that.” She answered; “It’ll help with pain and help you relax.”
“Alright, it won’t knock me out again will it?”
“No, no,” she answered with a smile and a laugh; “The only reason we did that was to keep you still.”
“What?” “I jumped back forward
“Well, when you came in, we weren’t sure what the hit to your head had done. But soon, your body started to spasm and we weren’t sure what the long term effects would be from such erratic movements. So we had to pump you full of medication until your body was healed.”
“Jeez,” I laid back; “So how long was I out?” I asked.
“About Six days.”
“What!?” I shouted; “I was out for almost a week!?”
“It’s ok,” she got down next to me and put a hand over mine; “It’s fine, there are no lasting effects to the blow. We just couldn’t have you moving until we knew your body was ready.”
I took a deep breath. “A week….”
“Kind of strange isn’t it?” The pink haired nurse was still by my side, making sure I was calm.
“Yeah, it is. How I can just wake up and almost a week went by.”
“Just think of it as you oversleeping.” She giggled; “If that helps.”
I chucked back; “Yeah it does.” I looked down to her; “I don’t think I got your name.”
She got back up and began to hook up certain machines and made sure others were working. “It’s Nurse Redheart.”
“Well Nurse,” I began; “I wasn’t completely out during my time here.”
“Yeah, we had the time when you woke up and couldn’t move. That was scary because the doctors still wanted you under for at least 12 more hours.”
“Yeah I remember that, but there was another time.”
She stopped what she was doing and looked at me.
“Ok, can you tell me when it was?”
“No,” I tried to remember; “I couldn’t open my eyes or move my body. But I could hear and feel.”
Nurse Redheart grabbed a clipboard and began to take notes. “OK, was there anybody in the room at the time?”
“Vinyl was, I heard her talking.”
“Ok, I check to see what times she came to see you. Then we can determine when you woke up. I need to make sure that if the medicine wears off after a certain time, we fix that.” She stopped writing and looked at me. “You know Vinyl’s in the lobby waiting for visiting hours to start.”
“How long has she…”
“About half an hour.”
“How long is till…”
“About forty-five minutes.” She gave me a smile; “She really cares for you. So does that other girl.”
“Could you….?”
“I’ll let her come in early.”
“Thank you Nurse Redheart.”
Nurse Redheart nodded with a smile and left the room. I laid my head back onto the pillow, thinking about what I had heard. Out for almost a week, Vinyl and Octavia visiting me frequently, and the idea of me not being able to move my body for the rest of my life, all of these thoughts rushed through my head as I laid there. I was no longer groggy; I was wide awake watching the door. I wanted to know once and for all why she cared for me so much. Sure, I saved her life. But I’m sure the security guards at some of her events have done the same, and I doubt that she’s this caring for every single one of them. My thoughts were quickly silenced as the door began to open.
I shot my head up and watched Vinyl enter. She was wearing some jeans, a black T shirt, and one of those life preserver things Marty Mcfly had in Back to the Future except her’s was white.
“Hi.” I greeted her with a smile.
“Hi there, um, how’s the head?” She asked.
“It’s good, a little sore, but overall good.”
“That’s…good.” She was nervous, very nervous.
“Listen Vinyl, you didn’t-.”
“Please don’t say it.”
“Say what?” I asked.
“Don’t say, ‘I didn’t have to come’ or ‘there’s no reason for me to come.” She sat down next to the bed. “I came because I wanted too, not because anyone forced me too, same goes for Octavia.”
I laid my head back down, looking away from her towards the machinery. I had gotten used to that damn heart rate monitor, so that beeping wasn’t driving me crazy anymore. I was more focused on the things I just heard.
“So, what’ll you do now?” She asked.
“Well I don’t know.” I answered with a sigh; “My friend Nick can’t keep me because his family hates my guts.”
“I may or may not have tried to sleep with his sister.” I laughed as the memories came back to me. I had never run so fast in my life.
“My buds Derek and James have no room for me in their apartment. It’s full of anime stuff, so no go because of space. And my female friends, well if I stay with one I’m used as a lure for her to catch a guy and the other I’m going to be drugged up and wasted so much I won’t remember where her house is.” I sighed and laid back further into the bed thinking.
“What?”
“Well, me and Octavia have a guest ro-.”
“No,” I interjected; “I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Because a few reasons. One, you guys shouldn’t worry about me that much, and two, I just met you guys a couple of weeks ago.”
“So!?” she yelled; “We owe you one and we want to repay you!”
“Wasn’t that what the dinner was for?”
“Yeah, some leafs, a piece of meat, and over priced wine really makes up for saving me.” She answered with sarcasm in her voice. “This is way better and you know it.”
“No, I really don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Come on! Please!?”
“No, I-.” I was cut off when I saw Vinyl was giving me puppy dog eyes. She was good; very, very good.
“Vinyl, please stop.” Her eyes got bigger.
"Vinyl I-.” she began to pout her lip.
“I-I…fine, I’ll stay with you guys! Just please stop, for the love of all that’s holy stop!”
“Great, I’ll talk to Tavi about it tonight.” I looked at her in shock.
“You haven’t even discussed this with Octavia yet!?
“No, but she’ll be ok with it. If she isn’t, I can convince her.” She gave me a wink.
“Alright, alright, so let’s talk about something else. Do any gigs lately?”
“Yeah actually!” she answered excitedly; “I had to work at some-.”
We talked for hours and hours, about her gigs, work, equipment, and such. We also talked about my job and the clients I had before I was put on “paid vacation,” until visiting hours were over. Redheart allowed her to stay for a little while longer, but eventually she left. Then I laid back in bed and began to drift off. I wondered if what I agreed to was wrong. Should I have held my ground and said no? Maybe, I would find out in the coming days.
A Faithful Night of Music
I was released in the next few days, after some medication and tests. Nurse Redheart suggested to the doctors that they keep me for a few more days for some more tests, but they told her that they could not keep me in the hospital if there was nothing wrong with me and that they could use the room for someone else. But Redheart still was unconvinced, so she gave me a phone number to contact her at if I needed any help what so ever. I made a joke about how I was the one who should be asking for her number, to which she giggled and winked jokingly at me.
Vinyl told Octavia of her plan to let me stay in their apartment until I got back on my feet. Octavia was…less than enthusiastic, sharing my concerns about how they could have just put me in a hotel. But, Vinyl won her over, stating that they did owe me and how she knows that Octavia liked me. I really didn’t feel like fighting the situation any more. I was homeless, had nowhere to go, and two very talented and pretty women were offering me a place to stay. I was out of options, and the one I had didn’t really seem that bad.
I left the hospital holding a suitcase full of clothes that Nick had given me. He had some of my clothes at his house because my closet had become too full and I needed his space. Though, since my house my now a smoldering pile of rubble, I had tons of space, but no clothes. I thanked him for keeping them for me and I told him it was no problem he couldn’t keep me. His parents would have disowned him, since they lived a couple blocks away and could visit anytime and see me. I looked and Octavia leaning against a black car. From what I could tell it was a Mustang, but not just any Mustang, it was a first generation 1967 Ford Mustang, and it looked brand new! My jaw dropped as I got closer to the car.
“You like?” she smiled as she ran her hand over the roof of the car.
“Like is an understatement!” I exclaimed; “I’ve always loved cars, old and new, and this is one hell of a car!”
“Glad we have other similar tastes.” She said popping the trunk; “We should get going. Put your suitcase in the back and get in.” I did what she said and put suitcase in the trunk. We both got in and she started the car, I swear I started drooling when I heard that engine start. She clutched the stick, pulled back, and off we went.
As we drove, I looked around the interior. It was all either Vintage, or a really good restoration. The dash looked perfect, the seats looked brand new, the engine ran like new.
“Where did you get this beauty?” I asked checking the look of the radio.
“I found it at a junk yard, she was completely trashed.” We stopped at a red light; “I picked her up for about $150. Then I slowly saved up the cash and restored her back to her original beauty.”
“Wow.” I wished that sort of luck would happen to me.
“So since we’re talking, you don’t mind if I lay down some rules right?” she asked. The light changed and we continued straight.
“Sure, shoot. I’m grateful for this, I’ll follow any rules you give me.”
“Well, for starters, no destroying any of our things.”
“Simple enough, so I guess that means no Rock star freak outs?” I asked jokingly.
“Exactly.” She laughed; “Also, I have a book club meeting on Wednesdays, so you can either leave the house those days, or join us if you’re interested.”
“What’s the book right now?”
“Fifty shades of Gray.”
“I’ll find something to do.” We laughed as we hit another red light.
“Don’t worry, that book is almost done anyway. I personally love it, but I understand why you don’t. Oh also, if you are going to live with us, you’re going to help us with chores around the house, deal?”
“Sure, I’ll keep my room nice and tidy, clean the dishes, etc.”
“About your room,” a worried look came onto her face; “we may have some stuff in there that we have to still clear out. You may have to sleep on the couch tonight.”
“That’s fine, I’ve done couches before.”
A sigh of relief came from her as she smiled again. “Good to hear. With my luck, you were gonna be one of those people who need ‘Lumbar support an’ and can’t sleep on a couch.”
Octavia told me a few more rules as we drove to the apartment, basic stuff that I would already do. The drive continued on as we talked about the rules, classic cars, and various topics.
We arrived at the apartment building after hitting almost every red light in the city, although the conversations made sure that didn’t bother us. We parked, grabbed my suitcase and headed into the building. As we got to the elevator, Octavia grabbed her side and cursed.
“Oh Damn.”
“Something wrong?” I asked
“Forgot my phone in the car, could you head up without me? You know the room and Vinyl will let you in.”
“Sure, no problem.” I pressed the button and watched her run back to the car. I began to think about what my life would be like now. Living with two women I just met. At least I shared interests with them. My thoughts were cut short when I heard the elevator open. I entered and was greeted by a familiar face.
Hey there guy!” the elevator worker greeted me with a smile.
“Hey yourself, fifth floor.”
“So, what are you doing back here?” he asked as he pressed the button and the door closed. Soon the elevator began to rise.
“Well, I’m just bringing my stuff up to Vinyl and Octavia’s apartment.”
“What?” his tone dropped drastically.
“Yeah, my house got destroyed in a fire and the girls let me stay w-.” I was jerked back as he pressed the fire button again; a serious look came over him.
“That shit is gonna get old buddy!” I yelled
“So, you’re moving in with Octavia?” He asked showing no emotion.
“Yeah, Vinyl offered me a place to crash.”
“Ok, well listen to me friend. What I said to you that first night still stands, hurt Octavia and I hurt you.”
“Ok, got it. I won’t do anything to hurt her.”
“Good,” he released the button and we continued upward; “Then we won’t have a problem Mr.…”
“Michael,” I said catching my breath; “And you?”
“Ryan.”
“Good to meet you.” The door opened and I walked out. ‘Why does he care so much about Octavia?’ I thought; ‘Does he have a crush on her or something?’
“Remember what I said.” He called out as the doors closed. I kept that in my mind as I walked down the hall to the apartment, the correct way this time.
Author's Note: Sorry about the delay. I just caught up with things. I hit writers block, depression, lost will to write, and then got it back......what a summer! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
A Faithful Night of Music
The day went by relativity quickly. The girls hadn’t really set up a “party,” per say. It was just some drinks and a way to talk to each other. I was sort of glad really. Seeing as how both girls we’re on two different spectrum's of society, a large party won’t have fared well for one or both of them. Even though it was just the three of us having a good laugh, I still felt that pressure not to screw up, seeing as how these two ladies we’re basically my landlords for the next few months.
Hours had past and Vinyl had collapsed on the couch, not from drunkenness, but from exhaustion. She had done a late night venue the night before, and instead of sleeping, she decided to stay awake and get work done before the party, to Octavia’s dismay. Say what you want about her, but Vinyl is hard working. Writing music, recording, finding new jobs, and keeping that smile on her face all at the same time made me realize she isn’t just some party girl, like Nicole. No she is an entirely new type of person to me, which in my type of life is interesting.
Octavia and I helped her to her room and placed her in the bed, before quietly leaving the room.
“This is becoming a normal thing for you isn’t it?” Octavia laughed; “Helping Vinyl to bed and that’s it?”
“What? A guy doesn’t have to be a pervert does he?”
“No, I suppose not” Octavia then had a look of deep thought on her face.
“Something wrong Octavia?” I asked
She shook herself out of it and looked up, “It’s nothing.”
“You sure?” I asked with concern
“Yeah I’m sure.” I wasn’t content with that answer, but I knew not to prod, so I dropped the subject for the time being. She decided to get ready for bed herself and I decided to do the same. Octavia had told me I had reign on the TV in the main room for the night as long as I kept it down, which I did.
Time went by; Octavia had gotten out of the shower and entered her room, and I was left alone. I decided to step out onto the balcony of the apartment for a few minutes to try and clear my mind. I stepped out and was greeted by the lights of New York, the bright lights of cars below and the lights of buildings and signs above. I sat on one of the chairs and listened to the sounds, helping clear my mind and helping me think on some things, such as my current situation.
I considered what had been taken from me, an apartment and personal items. What had been given? A nicer apartment, two beautiful and talented women, and a second chance really. Considering the two, I had made out amazingly. I only hope it lasts.
I opened my eyes again, the lights still there as they were.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?”
I looked to the railing and saw Octavia standing there, leaning on it. She was wearing a long purple night gown, her long black hair blowing in the night wind as she spoke.
I was at a loss for words and blushed; “I um…y-yes.”
“I meant the view.” She smiled
“Oh, right.” I looked down in embarrassment. “It’s an amazing view; it’s nothing like my old place.”
“I love this,” she admitted; “It’s a place I can come out to whenever I need to step away from life. Away from family, away from work, a place where it’s me and my thoughts.”
I thought she said she didn’t have any family besides Vinyl? I wouldn’t mention it, it wasn’t the place.
“Yeah, I can see why.” I stood next to her and enjoyed the view with her for a little while, though time moved slowly. We sat there in silence, taking in the night nights.
She finally broke the silence
“I can get used to this, sharing this view with someone.”
“Yeah, I could too.” I realized the night time wind was starting to pick up. Even though it was the summer, it still had a chill.
“Come on, let’s go inside.”
“Alright, and Michael?”
“Yes?”
She leaned in and kissed me on the cheek, “Thank you.” She walked inside leaving me outside in a daze.
I looked back out to the lights, and started to think. Octavia was also a new type of person. She was smart, beautiful, and didn’t throw it in your face. She cares for people, especially her friends, at least the one she keeps close. She, like Vinyl, seems to be able to juggle many different things on her plate at once. The difference? She isn’t like Vinyl in the sense that she loses that smile sometimes. She needs to get away from it all, needs to try and be at peace once in awhile. These two were becoming people who I could relate to, people who I wanted to know.
“I can get used to this view for awhile.” Then I stepped inside, changed in the bathroom, and found my way to the couch. I laid there imagining the things that had happened.
‘Yeah’ I thought to myself; ‘my life may be crazy, but it’s still a great life.’
I turned off the lights and fell asleep, eagerly awaiting day two.
Author's Notes: SURPRISE! Yeah I'm not dead. I've been trying to write, but things got in the way. Whether it be depression, no confidence, school, family, whatever, I just felt my writing didn't need to be written. But I've noticed that people commenting or people liking the story made me see people do care. So, I don't know what will happen next, but I am back, don't worry. I'm not sure when next chapter will be out, but it will at some point.
Thanks again.
