One of These Days
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As you can see, I like using Jonathan Larson's more unknown songs as story titles and again this one ends in "days" haha. He actually has three songs with Days on the end, maybe a third segment to the story? I'll think about it. Anyways this chapter is more like a prologue of sorts, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Roger or any other Jonathan Larson's creations, I do however own Stella and all my other characters.
Chapter 1: Change
Roger's POV
A warm summer breeze floated through the open window into the loft as the sun shined in, casting a shadow on my guitar case as it sat on the floor. I sighed and ran my hand through my shaggy dirty blond hair. It's getting too long, I decided. It's time for a change.
I leaned back against the torn up couch, the guitar feeling heavy as it rested on my lap. The breeze raced past me again, sending a paper up from beneath me, from the depths of trash stuffed under the couch. An old poster advertising the Well Hungarians at CBGB's landed next to me. I crumpled it up and threw it across the room where it hit an unsuspecting Mark as he left his room.
"Ouch" He rubbed his head, "Working on another song?" He asked sarcastically. I flipped him off. He just smirked and went to pour himself some coffee.
I took a sip of my black coffee, swallowing down the bitterness. Why did I even like black coffee? I looked down at the murky black fluid, it certainly didn't taste any good. I guess it was just one of the perks I had grown accustomed to along the way. Mark took out some milk and put some in his own mug.
"Mark?" He looked up at me, "Yeah?"
I put my guitar on the floor next to me and brought my cup over to him, "Can I try some milk in mine?"
"Sure" He looked a little surprised but splashed some of the nonfat milk into my coffee. I watched as the colors swirled together. Little changes, little changes in small steps. I lifted the cup hesitantly and took a sip. It was a little sweeter, not as bitter.
Mark smiled as I didn't complain and took another sip.
"Morning" I heard a breathy voice say form behind me. Rachael yawned and came over, wrapping her arms around Mark. On her tiptoes, she reached up and gave him a kiss. I couldn't express how happy I was that they were together, they fit together so well.
Rachael snuck a sip from Mark's mug, "Hey Rog"
"Morning" I said giving her a quick hug before going back to my usual spot at the couch.
I heard them whisper as I set my cup down on the floor and held my guitar again. The breeze hit my face again and I felt at home. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply. I ran my fingers along the wood and then brought them to position to start Musetta's waltz.
"Roger?" I opened my eyes to see Rachael and Mark standing there, but now she was holding little Evie. She looked like a little angel sleeping her mother's arms.
"We wanted to ask you something." Mark said taking a prudent tone that confused me.
"Yeah?" Rachael looked up at Mark, who nodded, then she turned back to me. "We were wondering if you would do us the honor of being her godfather?"
Me, a godfather? I was shocked. "But Collins seems more suitable for something like that, are you sure you want me to?" I asked
They smiled, "We're sure. You're our best friend and you brought us together in a sort. It seems only right if you were her godfather." Mark said
"Wow, well umm thanks. Sure." I said. It gave me a weird feeling, I'm not sure what it was, but it felt pretty good. Rachael handed Evie to me.
I always felt odd holding kids, I never really knew what do. "Am I holding her right?" I asked, my arms feeling stiff.
She nodded, smiling brightly, "Yeah, relax your arms a bit. Its ok, no need to worry."
I took a breath and let my arms relax a little. That was all it took, she snuggled her tiny head into the nook of my arm and kept sleeping peacefully. Small steps I guess.
Stella's POV
I sat down on the crappy plastic seats, resting my head against the cool glass subway window. What was life gonna be like in Alphabet City? I flexed my fingers nervously, what if it didn't work out? I shook my head as I tried to refuse the thought to even cross my mind. It had to work out, there was no way we could go back home.
"Stella, stop stressing, its gonna be ok." I heard Daniel say before he took a drag of his cigarette. My brother's hazel eyes sparkling as he tried to keep me calm.
I took it from his mouth and took a drag or two myself. "But what it this doesn't-"
"Don't worry about it." He said, cutting my off. "The band is gonna work the clubs, you can bartend or something. We'll get by."
I sighed, pulling my thick brown hair into a pony tail. The subway halted abruptly and the doors opened emitting a scratchy sound. The doors closed again, letting in a warm summer breeze. I closed my eyes as the breeze caressed my face. I smiled, these breeze somehow calming me. Maybe be it wouldn't be ok, I guess I had to have some faith.
It wasn't too long before the car came to another stop and I opened my eyes. I grabbed my bags and walked out behind my brother and his band mates. The subway platform was dirty and worn down, had there been some basis to my worries after all? I frowned but Daniel pulled up the stairs towards the bright streets. They were cluttered with trash and homeless lined the streets and parkways; but there was a life in the people. They all seemed to be happy, some of the painting, others playing songs for money. My frown turned back around as I looked at the various buildings with art defacing them and at the people: my new home. I think I might like it here.
