Chapter 9
When they reached the hospital room, Lynx ran in first, excitedly.
"Helloooooo Bill!!" he cried giddily as he hopped into the room.
Bill held his chest, feigning a heart attack.
"Oh, my...don't do that, Lynx," he scolded playfully, "You know I can't take many more surprises."
"Well, you're gonna hate this then..." Lynx laughed as he turned to the door.
Misty poked her head in before walking into the room. The band mates followed, all whooping and hollering; excited to see him.
"Boys!!" Bill cried happily, "You came to visit! Well, isn't this nice?"
"Of course we came to see you," Johnny grinned, shaking his hand when offered.
"Yeah," Teddy giggled, hugging him, "Why would we pass up the chance to visit with the coolest caretaker?"
"Well, that's mighty neighborly..." Bill chuckled, coughing slightly as Jimmy clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"So, Bill, how ya holdin' up?" Lynx asked sitting on the bed at Bill's feet.
"Oh...I just am..." Bill sighed, before sitting up again, "I almost forgot. I had something to give you, Lynx."
"Oh, you shouldn't have--what'd ya get me?!" he clapped excitedly.
"I saw this and thought I'd get it as a welcome home gift for ya," Bill explained, reaching onto the table for a neatly-wrapped gift, "Lucky me I had it in me pocket the day I was brought here, eh?"
Lynx smiled.
"I guess so..." he laughed as he took the gift, "You really shouldn't have...I woulda thought you'd get something for Misty...."
"Bill knows he doesn't have to give me anything..." Misty smiled, "I just like seein' him."
Bill nodded and smiled at her. They all whipped their attention back to Lynx, however, when he gasped loudly and started cheering.
"What is it?" Misty scoffed.
"The Proclaimers CD I've been wanting!!!" Lynx cheered, "Misty wouldn't let me get it!"
"For good reason..." Misty laughed back, shaking her head and glancing at the confused band mates, "You'll see why on the ride home."
"Bill, this is so cool, thank you!!!" Lynx cried happily as he hugged the man, "Oh, we're gonna totally jam to this on the way home!!"
"I thought that'd make your day," Bill chuckled, patting his back before the teen pulled back again.
"So how are you feeling today?" Misty asked.
"I'm feeling great," Bill smiled before winking a little, "How was your first day back at school?"
"Not bad actually..." Misty smiled, "I like my classes...and I know the guys won't mind helping me with anything I've missed."
"Oh yes," Bill nodded, "That's a good lot these boys."
"I don't get it, aren't you guys supposed to be the goth vampire kids who aren't very...agreeable...?" Lynx asked, tearing himself from his euphoria over his new CD.
"Ya'd think," Teddy shrugged with a laugh, "But no. We don't see why we have to be all dark and angry all the time. Just because we dress like this and have darker and more 'vampire-like' thoughts, doesn't mean we have to conform to that stereotype. We're not juveniles. We might try things that aren't approved of, but we never stick with them. We're just...different..."
"Nothing wrong with different," Misty grinned, "So you guys aren't the stereotypical gothic band who goes out and sneaks a beer or a joint between shows or nothing?"
"Nah," Jimmy shook his head, "That's just stupid. We've got killer skills as it is, why muck it up with weed or booze?"
"Wow..." Lynx scoffed.
"Again, nothing wrong with that..." Misty shrugged, "It means you guys have standards and values in your life. You don't see much of that these days, eh Bill?"
"No, you don't," Bill agreed, "Like I said, that there's a good lot."
"Don't worry, Bill," Misty laughed, "Besides Lynx, I'm careful about choosing my social circles."
"Yeah..." Lynx laughed before glaring playfully, "Ey!"
They laughed for a few minutes, enjoying each other's company before a nurse walked into the room.
"I'm sorry," she began in a light voice, "But I'm afraid your friend there is scheduled for chemo today...I'm afraid you all will have to leave."
Misty frowned. She and Lynx had visited many hospitals while they were in America, searching for a cure for her burn. While there, they'd also seen many cancer patients lying in bed. What saddened her about that was just how the patient looked after their chemo therapy. They looked more tired--more dead. It was a miserable sight. With a sigh, though, she stood and kissed his forehead. It was best not to keep the doctors waiting. It hurt, but they had to try to help him fight. After the band mates and Lynx offered their condolences and best wishes, they filed out of the room. Lynx smiled a little and waved the CD around.
"This'll lift everyone's spirits!" he laughed, "Forget Voltaire! Lynxy's got the Proclaimers!"
"What songs do they do?" Johnny asked thoughtfully.
"The ones Lynx wants to hear will be 'I'm On My Way', and 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)'," Misty explained with a grin, "Those are his favorite songs...possibly ever..."
"I know those songs," Johnny nodded, "I guess it's alright...Just don't go overboard..."
Misty laughed out loud and turned to him.
"You don't know Lynx..." she laughed.
"But I would walk 500 miles," Lynx sang loudly, skipping through the halls a little,
"And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked
A thousand miles to fall down
At your door!"
Misty shook her head.
"Told ya..." she sighed, shrugging and following him to the elevator, where Lynx continued to sing.
--
The ride home was actually much more enjoyable than she'd thought. The other guys didn't seem to mind Lynx's singing and even joined in after a while. At the moment, they were just finishing up 'I'm On My Way', with Lynx singing the loudest.
"I'm on my way to what I want from this world
And years from now you'll make it to the next world
And everything that you receive up yonder
Is what you give to me the day I wonder
I'm on my way to what I want from this world
And years from now you'll make it to the next world
And everything that you receive up yonder
Is what you give to me the day I wonder
They continued their chorus of 'I'm on my way's as Johnny pulled into Gregory's driveway. Anna was waiting outside and ran up to them as they began walking to the door.
"Misty!" she cried excitedly, "I'm so glad your back...Wanna read my poems now?"
"I'm sorry, Anna..." Misty sighed, "It'll have to wait. I've got some homework to finish up for Psychology...And I wanna watch your brother's band while they practice."
"Alright...How 'bout after dinner?"
"Sounds perfect."
Anna beamed before skipping away into the house to find Rudolph and Tony. Misty glanced back at the band to find them unloading a few instruments. Gregory and Teddy were helping with a few of the stands and a couple extra guitars while Johnny an Jimmy retrieved their own instruments.
"What about the drum kit?" Lynx asked.
"Too much of a hassle to get it out of the van for anything but concerts," Teddy explained, "We have a drum kit at each house."
"That must've set you back..." Misty awed.
"Not really," Teddy shrugged, "Like I said, my uncle has a recording studio. He's got loads of extra instruments and stuff so we just moved three of the drum sets to each other's place, I have one at home and then we keep this one here in the back for gigs we get."
"Not a bad system, I guess," Lynx shrugged before walking into the house, humming 'I'm Gonna Be' as he went.
Misty shook her head.
"I know what you're thinking..." she laughed, "Lynx is a nutball...you are correct...He is..."
The boys laughed at the joke as they began to walk inside.
"Where do you guys practice?" Misty asked, glancing at Johnny as he walked beside her.
"Basement here...garage at my house and Jim's and either in Ted's basement or recording studio," he answered.
"Oh, I see...alright..." Misty nodded.
Knowing that, she ran off into the house to open the basement door. The boys thanked her as they slipped past and down the stairs. Once they were safely through the door, Misty walked away and to the kitchen. Freda smiled when she saw her.
"Oh, I'm glad you're here," she sighed, "Will you take these down to the boys? I'm sure they'd like something to eat before they start."
"No problem," Misty smiled as she picked up the tray of sandwiches, "By the way, where's Lynx?"
"I think he went upstairs," Freda answered.
"Alright, tell him we're downstairs, then," Misty spoke tiredly.
"I will," Freda smiled "There are sodas in the mini fridge downstairs if you want one."
"Thanks!" Misty cried back as she turned and left the kitchen, heading for the basement.
She was awe-struck when she reached the bottom step and looked around. There were what could be described as spotlights hanging from the ceiling and amps stacked to the ceiling. The boys were busy setting up the microphone in the middle of one of the areas. Stylish, dome chairs circled the instruments--possibly for the families to sit and watch. A small table sat between a few of the chairs as well. The mini fridge Freda spoke of was against the wall to her right. Teddy's drum kit was in the very back, as per usual with bands and Jimmy and Johnny had placed their instruments on stands on either side of the drums. There were cobwebs inhabited by actual spiders--not that she was surprised; this was a basement after all--and fake bats hung from a few of the rafters. Over in an opposite corner of the room sat a large entertainment area with wire hanging everywhere. There was another room off to the side, a red lightbulb jutting out of the wall beside it and its door closed with a sign on it reading 'Dark Room: Do NOT enter when red light is on.
"Pretty cool setup you guys have here..." she mused with a nod as she walked over and sat down the tray, "Anyone hungry?"
"Hell yeah!" Jimmy whooped, walking over to her and retrieving one of the sandwiches, "Thank you."
"Thank Freda," Misty corrected, "She's the one who made the sandwiches."
"Thank you Freda!!!" Jimmy shouted as he stared up at the ceiling.
Misty shook her head and walked over to one of the chairs before sitting down and relishing in the comfort. Removing her shoulder bag, she stood and walked over to the mini fridge; she wasn't very keen on letting Jimmy get her soda again. It wasn't that she found him untrustworthy. However, that didn't mean she wanted to risk getting soda pop in her face either. After grabbing a Coca-Cola, she walked back on over to her chair before opening it and taking a sip. She wasn't sure what it was about the bubbly beverage, but it always made her feel better after a long day. She glanced at the boys as they went over a few of their favorite songs.
"So what are you guys gonna play first?" she asked.
"We aren't playing anything till you tell us what you're gonna sing to us," Jimmy chuckled back almost devilishly.
Misty sneered at him before sitting back and thinking.
"Well, I did have one in mind..." she replied, "It's one of my favorites..."
"What is it?" Teddy asked, cocking his head to the side.
"It's called 'Fully Alive', by Flyleaf..." she answered, almost dazedly, "Do you know it?"
She was glad the chair was rounded over her head so they couldn't see her. The song had been heavy on her mind for a while. Often, she'd feel the same way, though she'd never voice this feeling. Johnny nodded as he furrowed his brow and looked at her.
"Yeah, we know that one," he told her, "Give us a minute to finish eating and we'll start."
"Okay, everyone; relax!!" Lynx shouted as he hopped down the stairs, "I have arrived!"
"You were gone?" Teddy quipped, earning a fierce laugh from the others and a bit of a scowl from Lynx.
"Ha ha, real funny..." he scoffed playfully, "So whatchoo guys doin'?"
"Nothin' really," Gregory shrugged back as he finished hooking up the microphone stand.
"Just gettin' a little somethin' to eat," Jim smiled as he took a but of his sandwich.
"Sure," Gregory smirked, "There's a peanut butter one right here with your name on it."
The boys gave him a strange look. Misty shook her head.
"Since we've been staying here," she explained, "Lynx has had to sleep in Gregory's room on the spare cot. What Gregory didn't know before was that Lynx has a bit of a snoring problem. I learned a long time ago from him crashing on the couch I have in my room during late night study sessions that the easiest way to absolve this problem was to stuff a bit of peanut butter up in his mouth. If I'm not mistaken, Greg's been doin' that since I told him about it..."
"Hell yeah," Gregory sighed, "Otherwise, I wouldn't get a wink a of sleep..."
"Not that you'd need it, eh Greg?" Lynx scoffed, "I thought vampires didn't need sleep 'cept in the day?"
Gregory rolled his eyes.
"Yes, Lynx, I'm a vampire," he sighed, used to this charade by now, "And if you keep up the snoring, I'll bite you in your sleep!"
"I'd do what he says Lynx," Misty laughed, playing along, "Vampires can be mighty unreasonable if they're pissed off..."
Lynx shook his head and walked over to one of the chairs to sit down. Misty reached into her bag and retrieved a sketch book and a box of pencils. After she'd sang her bit, she would get to work on a drawing. Once the boys had finished eating, the wiped their hands off and walked over to their instruments. Gregory grabbed two microphones and handed one to Misty before walking back to be sure the amps would work.
"How can your parents let you play music down here with all those speakers and not have the house shake?" Lynx scoffed.
"We sound-proofed the basement," Gregory explained, "Little more than the beat will get out."
"That's cool," Lynx nodded, "Misty did the same with her bedroom."
"Only because if I was working on something late at night, I wanted to be sure I didn't do anything to wake the Thomspons," Misty sighed back as she stood and placed the microphone on it's stand.
Lynx shrugged.
"Fully Alive, right?" Johnny asked, checking to make sure his bass was tuned.
"Yeah," Misty nodded with a sigh.
When they were ready, they started. Misty bobbed her head with the music and tapped her foot, waiting for the moment to start. She didn't have to wait long, of course, before the music cued her to begin.
"Telling Layla's story spoken
'Bout how all her bones are broken
Hammers fall on all the pieces
Two months in the cover creases"
She took a moment and licked her lips before continuing to the chorus.
"Fully alive
More than most
Ready to smile and love life
Fully alive
Now she knows
How to believe in futures
All my complaints shrink to nothing
I'm ashamed of all my somethings
She's glad for one day of comfort
Only because she has suffered"
The boys nodded to each other approvingly as they kept playing.
"Fully alive
More than most
Ready to smile and love life
Fully alive
Now she knows
How to believe in futures
Fully alive
More than most
Ready to smile and love life
Fully alive
Now she knows
How to believe in futures"
She closed her eyes during the interlude, simply enjoying the music.
"Fully alive...
Fully alive...
Fully alive
More than most
Ready to smile and love life
Fully alive
Now she knows
How to believe in futures
Fully alive
More than most
Ready to smile and love life
Fully alive
Now she knows
How to believe in futures"
When the music stopped, she glanced at them and shrugged. Jimmy applauded.
"I loved it!" he cried excitedly, "Wow, Lynx, you weren't kidding. She can really sing."
"Dude, shut up..." Misty sighed, "I really don't care if I can sing or not...That's not something I strive for..."
"Well, you should..." Teddy shrugged, "You really oughta try out for the musical..."
"I really don't want to..." Misty sighed.
"My turn!!" Lynx cried happily, "Lemme do somethin'!"
"The Proclaimers again?" Misty smirked back.
"Nah, Nickelback," Lynx smirked.
"Oh...which song...?" Misty asked.
"If Today Was Your Last Day," Lynx replied, "I love that song...and it fits my vocals...:
Misty rolled her eyes.
"You guys know that song?" she asked, glancing at the boys.
They nodded.
"It's up to you then," she shrugged with a laugh, going back to sit down.
"Why not?" Jimmy shrugged, "Take to the mic Lynx."
"Yay!!" Lynx cheered as he hopped up and took the mic in his hand.
He waited for the boys to start their playing. Gregory took another mic stand, to sing any back-up he knew was in the song. He often preferred singing back-up. Being up in front and under those hot lights always got to him, but he was usually able to pull through and get through the concert. Johnny had a few songs he enjoyed singing with Greg singing back-up, but there were few. So, when Lynx started singing, Gregory through out a few of the lines here and there to add to the harmony.
"My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride"
They both started singing here and even the band contributed once or twice. Misty, meanwhile, had started sketching. Her pencil moved like lightening across the page as her eyes darted back and forth between Gregory and the paper. She would be sure to draw the rest of the band, but for now, she wanted to get Gregory only to start small with a face she knew very well.
"If today was your last day
Tomorrow was too lat
Could you say goodbye to yesterday? (Would you? Would you?)
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you have? (Would you? Would you?)
If today was your last day (Would you? Would you?)
If today was your last day..."
Lynx danced a little to the music as before starting up again.
"Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live it like you'll never live it twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life (Would you? Would you?)"
He threw his arm around Gregory's shoulder as the chorus came up again.
"If today was your last day
Tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday? (Would you? Would you?)
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you have? (Would you? Would you?)
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies? (Would you? Could you?)"
He nodded to Misty.
"Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'll finally fall in love? (finally fall in love)
If today was your last day..."
He took a deep breath for the bridge.
"If today was your last day...
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
'Cause the hands of time are never on your side
If today was your last day
Tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday...."
"Last bit Greg!" he shouted with a laugh.
"Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you have? (Would you? Would you?)
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies? (Would you? Could you?)"
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'll finally fall in love?
If today was your last day..."
Once the music had ended, the boys applauded.
"Wow, Lynx," Teddy laughed, "You really CAN sing well when you put your mind to it..."
"Yes I know," Lynx sniffed in a 'high-and-mighty' way.
"So Gregory..." Misty smiled, "What do we get to hear you sing?"
"I guess we could sing the song we wrote..." he shrugged, "If that's alright with them..."
"Sure," Jimmy shrugged, "Shall we get started then?"
A/N: Okay, I know I forgot to mention this in the last chapter, but I DON'T own the songs there or in this chapter. Just throwin' that out there so no one complains.
Anyway, Yay! Chapters in one week! I'm on a roll!! Course, most of this one WAS a bunch of songs, but still, I'm going by words and this met my 3000 word requirement for chapters. So it was good. Besides, I'm glad it ended there. That just means you guys can look forward to Greg's singing for the next chapter lolz