The next day was the day of Eddie's show.
Chrissy wanted to call him like she had the day before, but stopped herself.
She'd already taken up his Friday evening and the entirety of Monday. And she was going to see him after his show she assumed.
She decided it was probably best to wait til then.
So, she took advantage of having the house to herself.
That morning, she cooked herself a light breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon.
Gosh it had been so long since she'd had bacon. She fried it extra crispy and ate every bite.
She took a bubble bath in her parents' oversized tub, pouring in a combination of her mother's bubble bath and bath oils. By the time she finished, her fingers were pruny. Her skin was hot, steam visibly rising from her arms and shoulders. And she smelled like eucalyptus.
She dug through her chest of drawers until she found one of the only pairs of sweatpants she owned and pulled them on. She grabbed a tshirt and pulled it on as well. She spent the rest of the morning hours in the living room, half paying attention to some old black and white movie that was on.
She sat in the same spot she'd occupied the night before. Her eyes drifted to where Eddie had sat and let her mind wander to him.
He'd held her hand briefly when she had gotten emotional. His hand was much larger than hers. Warm and slightly calloused.
And when she'd hugged him afterwards, she'd noticed how nice he smelled. Not a strong smell like half the guys on the basketball team, who it seemed, bathed in cologne after practice.
Just a light, clean smell.
She'd quietly breathed that smell in and felt calm in his embrace. She didn't feel like she had to pretend or put on an act when she was with him. She didn't have to downplay her emotions. He allowed her to be herself, no expectations and no judgement. She suspected he was that way with everyone in his life.
He was a surprising person. Not at all like she'd imagined. She'd seen him at school and found him intimidating. And listening to Jason's opinion of Eddie only added to Chrissy's first impressions of him.
Jason hated Eddie. How many times had she heard him leave the cafeteria, ranting about the loud, long haired freak?
He wouldn't be alright with her befriending Eddie. Especially if it was seemingly out of the blue. And if he found out she'd lied about going on vacation with her family…that she'd spent her time with Eddie Munson instead…well, she could picture his reaction.
Jason put on a friendly face most of the time, but he was short tempered if things didn't go his way.
That's the reason Chrissy had lied to him about what she was doing this week; he'd wanted her to come with him and his parents to Colorado to go skiing. If she had been honest and told him she wanted to stay home by herself to relax he wouldn't have understood. He would have expected her to want to come with him. And he almost certainly would've started an argument about it. After all, why wouldn't she want to go?
Maybe that was a good question . . . why wouldn't she? And the answer, if Chrissy was being honest with herself, was that Jason was just another person on the long list of those placing the weight of expectation on her shoulders. He said he loved her but Chrissy often felt he loved the idea of her; she was good for his image. She was a safe option. She would stick by him and marry him and have his babies and be the perfect wife.
Chrissy's chest suddenly felt tight.
She grabbed the remote from where it had slipped between the couch cushions and turned off the tv. The background noise had become too much.
She bent forward, allowing her head the hang between her knees. She took slow measured breaths, but she couldn't seem to take in enough air to calm herself.
All these thoughts of the future had given her a panic attack.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
She chanted the mantra with each measured breath. It took several minutes but her breathing eventually evened out. The pressure on her chest had lessened.
She raised her head back up slowly, not wanting a head rush. She could handle panic, but not panic and dizzy at the same time.
She couldn't let this be her life. Secretly dreading having it all laid out for her. A life with no surprises. No spontaneity. A life that made her purge her meals and seek out drugs for relief and have panic attacks.
Staying home on her own may have been the best decision Chrissy had made. It had opened her eyes to what could be if she only let it. She only had to be brave enough to make that change within herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chrissy pulled up to The Hideout with fifteen minutes to spare. She had always been a stickler for punctuality, oftentimes arriving 30 minutes or more before she was supposed to. In this particular case, however, she had been nervous to be too early.
She'd heard that the bar didn't card their customers, but Chrissy didn't want to be so early that she'd draw attention. She figured mixing in with the crowd would be the better option, just to be on the safe side.
She locked her car, threw the keys into the purse slung across her body, and tried to feign confidence as she walked in the door.
Sure enough, no one there to card her. Relief washed through her.
The bar was a decent size; the stage was to her left, a drum set and microphone stands already set up. To the right was the bar. And in between the two was an open space; a few tables and chairs lined the walls, but Chrissy figured most people stood to watch the bands who played here.
Eddie had downplayed their turnout, she noticed. It wasn't a full house but it also wasn't five drunks.
There was a respectable crowd forming to hear the show. She worked her way into the throng of people, squeezing her way towards the middle for a good view.
She wasn't the only underage person in the room by the looks of it. That made her feel less anxious at least.
And the outfit she and Eddie had picked suited the venue as well. She didn't feel out of place like she'd thought she would.
She stood quietly in her spot and people-watched those in front of her to pass the time until the house lights dimmed and a man came onstage.
The crowd clapped as he took the mic, smiling broadly back at them.
"Alright, I know you guys are here for a good time and good music, so I'll cut straight to the point! Give it up for Corroded Coffin!!"
Everyone around Chrissy was shouting with excitement and clapping. She joined in just as loudly.
Eddie and three other boys that Chrissy vaguely remembered from school took the stage. One boy took his seat at the drums while the others came out already holding their instruments.
Eddie was dressed similarly to his daily clothes: ripped jeans and a dark shirt. He had the usual chain hanging from his pants pocket. The main difference was he'd tied the bandana that often hung from his back pocket around his head, hiding his bangs and holding some of his wild hair back.
He took his place, grabbing the mic nearest to him.
"We're Corroded Coffin! Let's do this!" He shouted.
Chrissy smiled. This place didn't drag their feet; it was straight to the music.
The band was loud. She could feel the vibrations from the speakers under her feet. The bass reverberated through her stomach.
They started with some cover songs. She even recognized a few from riding in Eddie's van. The crowd drank and swayed and sang along. The feeling in the room was incredible. Chrissy beamed up at the band, swaying along with those around her.
One of the boys did most of the singing as he played his bass. Eddie joined in on a few songs. He had a smooth deep voice.
She watched him the entire time, enjoying the way he shook his head and moved as he played. He was in his own world.
After the first song she had seen his eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on her. She waved at him, a blush rising to her cheeks. He'd waved back, a huge grin encompassing his face. After that, he'd looked to her between every song. She felt a strange rush every time those deep brown eyes landed on her.
They ended with a few original songs. Chrissy enjoyed those just as much as the covers.
When they were done, they shouted their thanks and exited the stage. Chrissy cheered along with everyone else until the man from before jogged back up to the mic.
"Corroded Coffin, everyone! They're always a fun time, huh? We have one more band for tonight but first we're gonna reset the stage. Hit the bar and relax. We'll be ready for more music in fifteen!"
Several people shuffled away from the stage to take the man's advice. Chrissy considered going for a drink too but decided to wait. She wanted to see Eddie first.
Only five minutes had passed when Chrissy felt a hand tugging at her own. She turned to see Eddie smiling down at her.
"You're here!"
"Of course I am!" She stood on tippy toes to hug him. He immediately wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up a bit off her feet, setting her down just as quickly.
"You guys were amazing! I loved it!"
"Thanks! We do alright."
"It was more than alright." She insisted.
She squeezed his hand, which she realized she was still holding on to, in reassurance.
Eddie was positively beaming. She could practically feel the adrenaline of performing coming off him in waves. It was contagious.
She squeezed his hand once more before reluctantly letting it go.
"Are you staying for the other band?" She asked, gesturing to the stage.
"We usually do. Have a few beers and hang out. Would you wanna stay too?"
She could see the way he looked hopeful for her to stay longer. Or maybe she was imagining that. Either way, she wanted to stay.
"Yes!"
"Alright Cunningham," he replied, excitement lacing his words. He gently grabbed her shoulders and moved her in front of him. He used his hands to steer her forward through the remaining crowd, making their way to the table where his band mates were sitting.
All three wore various looks of shock as Eddie guided Chrissy forward, pulling out a chair for her. She sat down and gave a small wave to the boys as they openly stared at her.
"Hi. I'm Chrissy."
Eddie drug his chair up close to hers. He held his hand up in the air and snapped a few times, breaking the spell over his friends.
"Hellooo? You guys alright? You're staring like she has two heads or something."
"Sorry. Geeze, sorry…Chrissy. We know who you are, it's just weird to see you here. With Eddie." The boy who had done most of the singing had said this, shrugging apologetically.
Chrissy giggled and nodded in understanding.
"That's okay, I totally get it."
She caught Eddie rolling his eyes at his friends. "This is Gareth, Jeff, and David."
Each guy nodded as Eddie said their name.
"It's nice to meet all of you," she said sincerely. "You guys sound amazing! I'm officially a fan."
They all smiled, Eddie included.
And just like that any remaining awkwardness was gone.
Gareth left the table to get the group a rounds of drinks. He returned with arms full of beer bottles, setting the first one down in front of Chrissy with a nod.
"Oh thank you."
She had had beer before but couldn't say she was much of a drinker. One or two wouldn't hurt if she made sure to pace herself.
The group talked about their set and poked fun at each other as only male friends can. They made sure Chrissy was included in the conversation the entire time, for which she was grateful. Usually Jason's friends left Chrissy on the sideline, so to speak. She was used to sitting by, a pretty prop in the background. A non-speaking role. Eddie's friends talked to her like she had been their friend forever (once the initial shock of her presence had worn off of course).
"Alright everyone, you know what time it is!"
Chrissy turned to the voice emanating from the stage. The announcer was back, the stage set and ready to go.
"Give it up for Sinful Revelry!!!"
The bar patrons whooped in reply, jostling back to the center floor. A band of four guys, a little older than Eddie's group, ran out to the stage. They didn't bother to reintroduce themselves. As soon as they were settled, they jumped straight into the first song. They sounded more Rock than the Metal of Eddie's group, Chrissy noticed.
"And I thought Corroded Coffin was a crazy name!" She teased, turning back to the group.
"Hey now!" David protested lightly. "We worked hard on that name!" He gestured with his beer bottle as he spoke, sloshing some of the contents onto Gareth's lap.
"Watch it!" Gareth shoved at David's shoulder, causing more of the liquid to spill the opposite direction onto Jeff's arm.
"C'mon!" Jeff groaned.
Chrissy couldn't help but giggle, bringing her own beer up to hide it.
Eddie huffed, standing suddenly. He held his hand out to Chrissy.
"C'mon, let's let the three stooges compose themselves huh?" His smile was mischievous as she placed her hand into his and pulled her to her feet.
He guided her along to the floor space, weaving between its occupants.
The music of the other band may have been a different style than Eddie's but it was just as loud. The crowd was once again swaying along, moving their bodies to the rhythm.
Eddie held Chrissy's hand high above her head, spinning her in a circle. She let out a surprised laugh as she came to a stop facing him. He grabbed her free hand then and swayed their joined hands back and forth to the fast paced music. Eddie Munson was dancing with her. Chrissy began to wiggle her hips side to side, letting the beat guide her. Eddie rocked his head along, his hair flailing wildly around his face.
Chrissy felt like a live wire.
She didn't stop dancing the remainder of the concert, only pausing long enough to clap before the next song took off and she was moving again.
By the time the chords of the final song faded away, Chrissy was spent. Her skin was sticky with perspiration. She could feel her bangs glued to her forehead, damp with sweat. The rest of her hair had come free from her pony tail and was surely a frizzy mess. She could only imagine how she looked, but she couldn't care less because she felt incredible.
Eddie looked like he was riding the same high, also covered in a sheen of sweat but grinning ear to ear.
They walked back to Eddie's friends, who were looking at Eddie with raised eyebrows and a hint of a question in their eyes. Gareth was smiling wickedly at him. Chrissy had a feeling Eddie was going to be peppered with teasing and questions on his ride home.
Eddie steadily ignored their pointed looks, focusing on Chrissy instead.
"I gotta drop these knuckleheads off soon. You okay to drive home or you wanna hitch a ride? We can make room."
She smiled softly at him.
"I only had the one drink, I can drive. Would you walk me to my car though?"
"Yeah of course."
Chrissy stood and told the guys once again how nice it was to meet them.
"We'll be looking for you next Tuesday!" Jeff winked at her.
Chrissy rolled her eyes playfully. Truth was, she really did want to come again next week. But her parents would be back by then and she'd probably have to fake staying with a friend to get out of the house this late.
She waved goodbye one last time and walked side by side with Eddie out to her car.
She unlocked the door but didn't open it yet. Instead she turned to Eddie, playing idly with her keys, feeling nervous for some reason.
Eddie was facing her, hands dug in his pockets.
"You really had fun?" He asked softly.
He seemed like he was nervous too.
"I had the best time Eddie, really."
"Good."
His bit at his lower lip, nodding his head slightly. "Would you wanna hang tomorrow? I understand if you don't want to or you're tired or something. I feel like I've been taking up your break so we don't have to…"
Chrissy placed her hand lightly on his chest to stop him. She giggled at the look on his face as he realized he was rambling.
"I'd love to hang out tomorrow."
"Okay…I'll call you tomorrow?"
She nodded.
He opened the door for her and she slid into her seat.
"Hey Eddie?" She asked.
"Yeah?"
"Call me when you make it home? I just…I wanna know you made it after dropping the guys off. If that's okay…"
He studied her face for a beat, his eyes warm and searching. "Yeah I'll call you."
"Okay, good. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow." He repeated, shutting the door gently.
By the time Chrissy made it back home, she was blissfully exhausted. She showered quickly, got into a clean tshirt and shorts, and took up her post by the phone.
She flipped idly through a magazine of prom dresses that her mother had bought for her while she waited for Eddie's call, determined not to fall asleep until she knew he was home.
When the phone finally rang, she answered to hear Eddie's equally tired voice.
"I'm home."
"Good. I won't keep you. I know you've gotta be sleepy."
"You're right. You wore me out on the dance floor Cunningham, I gotta recover."
Chrissy laughed. "Goodnight Eddie."
"Goodnight Chrissy."