Chapter # 1:
I hated split minute decisions. I liked being able to think something over before I actually decided whether or not I actually wanted or needed to do it.
But she was begging and obviously desperate. My co worker needed me to switch shifts with her at the Chameleon Club where we worked. Her sister was in labor and was going to have her first niece and she wanted so badly to be there. How could I say no to something like that when every other heartless employee had said no?
And of course it was a Saturday. So, it would be crowded with drunk horn dogs. Depending on the band playing it had the capability of getting really severe.
I wasn't going to fret over it though, I'd go, and do the job I needed to do. I had the support of the security guards I knew so well and my boss Max. They had been looking out for me since I first started working at the chameleon. They had become family.
Just as soon as I decided to take a shower my phone buzzed again.
'Are we still on for tonight?''
Oh my gosh. Dan.
It was an ex boyfriend of mine, he had been trying to re connect ever since our falling out about a year ago when he cheated on me.
And of course, gullible me let him in after his long 'I'm so sorry, I'm so stupid speech.
'I'm sorry, I got called into work. Reign check?'
He texted back immediately.
'Sure.'
"Yeah sure, sure my ass. You should just be happy I'm even talking to you."
I threw my towel off and hopped into the shower.
That text put me in a sour mood. I hated the word sure. Couldn't he have even responded with something like 'yeah no problem, sounds good.'
But 'sure' ... Bleck!
Maybe it was because I was lonely. Maybe that's why I was talking to him again.
And maybe I should just let it go for now..
As soon as I was done I got out, blow dried my hair and got dressed.
I just decided to put my ass long blonde hair in a side braid I didn't feel like messing with it anymore than that.
My boots, black pants and a plain mid cut off, short sleeve turquoise shirt.
Who the hell did I need to impress? No one.
Maybe that was also part of my problem. I never really cared. I never really tried.
There was never anyone I ever really wanted to impress... Even Dan.
By 5 o'clock I was headed down to The Chameleon. I did everything. Sound checks, messed with wires, lights, machines, and even served alcohol. Whatever Max needed me to do I would do it. I had been there for 7 years now and I had learned a lot from everyone who worked there. I would even train new employees on different random things.
I parked out back as usual and examined the vans and a big black tour bus that was parked there as well. I didn't recognize any of the logos.
A lot of the bands that played the Chameleon I had never heard of.
Not noticing before on my way in, the line coming from the front door caught my attention.
Holy shit.
I walked over to look around the building. It just kept winding around and around the buildings lined up on the street.
Extra horn dogs tonight. I was absolutely positively sure of it now.
Chuckling to myself, I headed back to the parking lot.
As I started to walk up the back stairs and grab a cig out of my pack at the same time I collided with someone and went tumbling back.
They grabbed onto my jacket and yanked me back until I collided with them again.
It took a moment for me to catch my breath and I held back onto them for a second and finally looked up.
Man. This guy. Was the first thought that crossed my mind.
Those blue eyes. They were accentuated by thick strong shaped black eyebrows.
And he had to be grinning, showing off his perfectly beautiful shiny white teeth.
He chuckled before speaking.
"Are you ok?"
He was still holding onto my jacket and I awkwardly onto his biceps.
I let go and then so did he, hesitantly.
"Y-yeah. I think so. Thank you."
He looked down at the half broken cig hanging out of my pack.
"Here-"
He pulled a pack out from his jacket pocket and gave me one of his.
"Oh no you don't have-"
"But I want to. Is that ok?"
I nodded slowly, still feeling like I was gawking at his face every time he opened his lips to speak.
"Need a light?"
He held out his lighter to me.
I nodded again and took it.
"Thanks."
I lit up the cig and slowly sat down on the top step, still looking at him. He did the same thing.
"I was just coming out to have a smoke now I have some company."
I laughed nervously.
"Yeah it's always nice to have someone to smoke with..."
It got quiet for a second and then he spoke again.
"So what's your name?"
I took a drag of my cig.
"Emma and you?"
I could see the look in his eye without him even having to say anything. He was surprised that I didn't know who he was.
I knew he was in one of the bands playing tonight that much I did know.
"Nice to meet you Emma, I'm Andy."
He held out his hand and as soon as I put my hand into his a shock of electricity traveled through my palm and up my arm.
I let go immediately.
"Whoa, sorry... That was crazy. I didn't mean to shock you." He chuckled.
Just then the doors opened and a guy with shaggy black hair stepped out.
"Andy you coming?"
Andy stood up and nodded.
"Yeah Ash, be right there."
I stood up too and threw my butt onto the pavement.
"I guess I better get in there too. It's time for me to clock in now."
Andy held the door open for me and I walked in past him.
I hadn't noticed it before but the smell of his cologne or whatever he had on made me eyes roll back into my head as I inhaled the smell deeply.
Oh my goodness this man.
I had never seen any one like him in my whole life.
In person that was.
I didn't look back at him as I made my way through the crowds of people to get to the office.
I was scared he'd see the drool hanging out of my mouth. I was acting like a 15 year old little groupie and I didn't like it.
Max greeted me as usual and he sent me to work behind the bar.
Great.
For some odd reason it thoroughly disappointed me because I'd be so far from the stage when Andy went on-
DAMNIT. What was I thinking. Seriously!? I didn't know him. I had just randomly crashed into him, broke my cig and he gave me one of his.
I must have looked like a ditzy idiot.
I angrily put on my apron and clocked my numbers into the screen behind the bar.
"What's up butter cup? Feeling a little violent tonight?"
I turned to look at a grinning Evan. He had been working security since I first started here. He had also become my best friend.
Him and his 'boys' were the only people I really hung out with.
"Violent? Maybe. Irritated more like it."
He sat down at the bar and creased his brows.
"What happened?"
I laughed half heartedly.
"I think I have a crush."
He laughed loudly for a split second and then his face got serious again.
"What's so irritating about a crush? Shit you haven't had a crush in years..."
A customer interrupted our little chat. I got him what he wanted and turned my attention back to Evan.
"He's famous. That's what's irritating."
Again Evan laughed loudly, suddenly pausing right after.
"Don't be irritated honey, everyone's got a crush on Andy Biersack."
"Wha-wha-what how?-"
"Did you see the line all the way down for blocks?"
I nodded.
"Black Veil Brides are playing tonight. Andy is the front man. They're music is kick ass but well then there's Andy too, if you know what I mean.."
"I didn't even know who Black Veil Brides were? Let alone Andy Biersack."
Evan put on a devilish grin.
"Yeah but I was getting out of my car when you collided with him on the stairs."
I reached out and punched him on the shoulder.
"You little dick nut!"
I tried to punch him again but he backed away.
"Later buttercup, gotta get to some securing if you know what I mean."
He winked, stuck out his tongue and walked away.
He was always pulling pranks on me and messing with me head. In a funny honery way.
I was gonna say though, it was almost like he was telepathic for a second, he had me freaked out.
But.. I did believe him. Of course I'm sure there were people here just for him.
ANYWAY. I needed to focus on work... And drunk people. Maybe after work, I'd have a few...
Soon the first band took the stage and then the second. After the third band performed, it was Black Veil Brides turn to come on.
Waiting made me anxious cause I knew I would get to see... Him... Again.
Not close up and personal this time, but I'd get to hear him sing and that got me extremely excited.
Twenty minutes later the lights dimmed and shrieks spread out across the crowd.
It got quiet for a few seconds and then singing vibrated through the speakers.
"Heaven's gone, the battle's won, I had to say goodbye.
Lived and learned from every fable, written by your mind.
And I wonder how to move on, from all I had inside.
Place my cards upon the table, in blood I draw the line.
I've given all my pride!"
And then the lights came on and the music right after.
My heart seemed to leap out of my chest and run off through the crowd as soon as I got sight of him again.
I kept wanting to call him him...
I felt weird calling him or referring to him as his actual name because I was starting to
speak as if I knew him. Like I wanted to...
That would never happy unfortunately.
"I watch the stars and setting suns, as the years are passing by.
I never knew that hope was fatal,
Until I looked it in the eye.
And now I'm not sure I am able
To reach the other side..."
I listened carefully to the lyrics and watched him move around the stage.
I could tell that he was putting all he had into his performance right now.
I could tell just by talking to him for a few seconds, what kind of person he was.
Hardworking, commited and determined.
Even his hand shake was firm.
In that moment, I could have sworn he looked directly at me and it felt like someone had kicked me in the stomach.
I couldn't breathe.
And he didn't just look away right away either. He grinned widely and then did, finally.
Right then a customer got my attention.
"Sorry.."
I took his order and got him what he wanted and quickly turned back to look at the stage.
He wasn't looking at me anymore but I couldn't help but look at him.
He was making me a bad bartender but I didn't care at that moment.
Unfortunately the bar started to get busier and I couldn't pay attention to the guys for long, but at least I could hear... Andy sing.
I loved the music and his voice.
"Emma, hey."
I turned around from pouring a drink to see Dan.
Ughhhh.
He was on a far edge corner leaning in closely. He looked like he had been there for quite some time and I hadn't even noticed him.
"Hey you, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to see you of course silly. You've been so busy I was waiting for a good time to say hello."
Eww so he had been watching me. He must have seen me 'drooling' over Andy at one point.
I glanced sideways at the stage, Black Veil Brides were still performing. They had announced one more song. I sighed.
"Oh? Yeah it's been crazy tonight. Big bands bring in a lot of people."
Dan ordered a beer and I got it for him.
"Something wrong? You seem distracted."
Of course he noticed I was so see through.
"No... Not distracted, just tired."
After what seemed like forever having to force small talk with Dan and his 6th beer, Max came in to fill in for me so I could have a smoke before close.
Black Veil Brides had finished playing and the stage was being cleared now.
Again I sighed, disappointed. Knowing I'd probably never be able to talk to Andy again.
I walked out again through the crowd and went through the back doors to sit on the steps.
No one was out there but me and it seemed overly dark and quiet.
"Emma."
I tried to keep my composure as best as possible but still let out a shrill shriek.
Dan had come around back and he was now standing at the bottom of the stairs.
"What the hell? You can't do that, you scared the shit out of me."
He chuckled annoyingly and grabbed onto the rail to help himself up.
He was drunk. He must have had a few more after I left. He could chug beer down like nothing.
"Sorry hun, I just had to come and talk to you some more. I've been missing you more and more."
He finally plopped himself down next to me and I scooched further away from him.
"What's wrong? Err yerrrrl still mad at me?"
He was even slurring.
Honestly I had never had any intention of getting back together with him. Maybe be friends but that was it.
I was starting to get the impression that talking to him again was a bad idea.
"No. No Dan, I just need personal space. And your drunk. I don't want you getting any ideas ok?"
I seemed to irritate him.
"Any ideas? I thought we weeeeere getting back ter gertherr."
I had to laugh, I couldn't help it.
"Really Dan. You cheated on me. How could I ever trust you again?"
He got silent for a second.
He didn't even look at me.
And then all of a sudden be was barreling into me and my back hit the rail and his mouth was on mine.
I bit his tongue as he shoved it in my mouth and then pounded on his chest.
I pushed him off for a second and he came right back at me.
"Yes we are. You never gave me what I wanted then, you're going to now."
He grabbed my chest hard and I screamed as he tried to push his mouth back onto mine.
Again my head banged against the railing as he pushed his body hard into mine.
"WHAT THE FUCK!"
Suddenly Dan let go of me completely and he was no longer sitting next to me.
He was lying on his back at the bottom of the steps... And Andy was standing over top of him.
"Emma are you ok?"
He looked up at me his blue eyes wide with concern.
"I-I think so.. My head hurts a little but-"
Andy was up the stairs in two seconds and he immediately put his hand on the back of my head.
My whole body shuddered and then I winced.
He pulled his hand back.
"Oh my God, Emma your head is bleeding."
A sudden wave of panic hit me hard and I immediately started shaking.
"I'm taking you to the hospital. Now."
He stood up and put his arm around me helping me to stand beside him.
Just then one of his fellow band members walked out.
"Jinxx get the guys and call 911. That fucker there-"
He pointed at Dan unconscious on the pavement.
"Needs to be arrested. Give them my information and let them know I'm taking her to the ER. He fucking attacked her."
He immediately took out his phone and began to dial and Andy started moving, still supporting me as if he was afraid Id fall down if he didn't.
"Give me your keys, where is your car?"
I Un clipped them from my jeans and handed them to him.
"I'm in the red Passat over there."
I pointed at it and we headed in that direction
"W-what about your tour? Isn't this going to throw you off schedule?"
He unlocked my car and opened the passengers side door, carefully helping me in.
"Pffft... This is more important right now."
He shut the door and headed around to get in the drivers side.
Oh my gosh he was going to be driving my car...
I didn't even have to say anything about it being stick, he started it right up and we were on our way.
"You know... It's probably just a cut."
He didn't say anything.
"Seriously it's not like it's a concussion or anything... I should call my boss and tell him what's up...you can probably just take me home..."
Still nothing. Just continued to drive.
"Andy please... I just wanna go home..."
I hated hospitals.. So damn much. And needles... Getting blood drawn... Ivs...
I felt my stomach churn and I closed my eyes.
"Stop thinking about it silly... It's really not going to be that bad. But it's important that you are looked over ok?"
I immediately opened my eyes and looked over at him.
"Stop thinking about what?"
He shrugged.
"Stop worrying I meant."
For a second there I thought he knew what I was thinking about. Maybe I was out of it... I really hoped that I didn't have a concussion.
As soon as we parked he helped me out again and walked me in, up to the front desk.
They took us back to a room right away and got my vitals.
I guess anything involving blood was an eager situation. And when the head was involved...
Not that I wanted to be away from Andy any quicker but I did want to go home and sleep.
I was guessing I'd have to deal with the police later on, make a statement.
"I could call my mom. You don't have to wait here with me. I'm here now, I'll be ok."
Andy looked at me from the chair across the room he was sitting in and grinned crookedly.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to get rid of me."
"No.-" oh God no. "I just feel bad. You don't even know me. I'm some strange random girl that ran into you and broke my cig..."
"You're not just some random girl. I'm legitimately concerned about you. No man should ever put his hands on a woman like that guy did. I want to know how bad your head is so I know how hard to kick him in his."
My heart skipped a beat.
"Y-your gonna kick him in his?"
Again he grinned crookedly and then the doctor walked in.
"Good evening Ms. Brown, so can you tell me what happened tonight?"
I went through all the detail and Andy told him about Jinxx calling the cops.
He checked my head and determined that I needed 5 stitches. He also ordered a CT of my head.
Panic started to set in.
"It's ok Emma. I'll be right here when you come back ok?"
I nodded and followed the doctor out of the room.
Again it felt like Andy could read my mind. Maybe it was just the way I looked when the doctor told me. I was a pretty transparent person.
The CT took about 5 minutes and I was back in the room were I immediately got my stitches.
They had a shave a small spot of my hair but I didn't care.
And then my CT scan came back ok. Nothing wrong in my head. Thank the Lord.
"I told you didn't I?"
Andy turned around while I took off the gown they made me wear and put my shirt back on.
"Yes, now I can go home."
But just then two cops walked in. I told them everything and after awhile they finally left.
I was feeling very overwhelmed and tired now. All I wanted to do now was sleep.
But hovering over that thought in the back of my mind, was Andy leaving. Finally. It was always there.
This was all almost too good to be true.
Not the getting attacked part or anything having to do with it but Andy being there to save me then take me to the ER and wait the entire time with me.
"Now I can take you home."
I was checked out and Andy walked me back to my car again.
This time it was me who was silent.
As soon as he started the car he looked over at me.
"What's wrong?"
I sighed. "N-nothing. Just tired is all. Thank you for everything and staying with me. I really appreciate it. Most people wouldn't do something like you did for a random person they just met."
"You're not a random person remember?"
It got silent again as we began to drive.
"You keep saying that. But really... How many people do you meet on a daily basis. I mean you get to travel the world..."
Compared to him I really was another random person.
I know I wasn't giving myself a lot of credit and all but I'm sure I never took anybody's breathe away...
I was sure I never made anyone's heart race like this...
The mere presence of him made my whole body feel like it was jello.
He chuckled
"I don't think anyone's ever told me that I've made them feel like jello before."
