*A/N- And I am back! This time posting two chapters. As you could probably
tell, I was extremely bored, but watching SOR for the billionth time has
made me feel so much better. And Kevin and Joey still rock my world! Ok,
but anyways, R+R, but no flamers! DEATH TO FLAMERS!! Thanks to all those
that reviewed, you guys are the coolest, and I can't thank you enough.
QUOTE OF THE CHAPTER: "No one is a virgin because life has already screwed us all." –MK Jasper (my friend)
Disclaimer: I still don't own anything School of Rock related other than what was previously mentioned. What I wouldn't give for a Kevin Clark *drool*, or a Joey *continues drooling*.
**CHAPTER TWO**
When he opened his eyes in the morning, light streamed through the open window, drenching his room with the golden rays. Blinking, he sat up and ran a hand through his already messy hair. He had practice today! In a flash he bolted up, jumped in the shower, and changed his clothes, digging through his closet for the other clothes he had stashed away. Without even caring about his hair, he unlocked the door, and flew down the stairs. Skidding into the kitchen, he swung around, and snatched a bagel that sat on the top of a pile of already toasted bagels. Grabbing the cream cheese, he generously spread it on the face of the bagel, and headed for the door.
"Freddy?" His mother asked, coming from the living room. Freddy didn't hesitate a second. He sped out the door, throwing an "I'll be back later!" over his shoulder.
"Fredrick!" His mother yelled to him, but Freddy shrugged and ran, dodging around a parking meter, taking a big bite. Squeezing his way through the crowd of people, and under a couch that some movers were transporting, he finally got to their practice room in the studio they had set up.
"Where've you been Freddy?" Dewey asked, tuning his guitar as the blonde drummer entered, taking his place behind the drums.
"That's not the first time I've heard that one in the last twenty-four hours." Freddy shrugged, replaying the newest fight again in his head." I had a little run in with the 'rents."
"Ah. I see."
"Did they get really angry?" Lawrence asked, his eyes going wide. Freddy grinned lopsidedly, stretching his arms and rolling his head.
"I dunno what you classify as 'angry', but they were sure pissed off."
"Poor Freddy." Marta sympathized in a teasing tone, "Poor widdle muffin."
Freddy frowned, not noticing the look the Katie was shooting him. "I don't need your sympathy."
"Right. Quiet coyotes. Lips shut, ears open, fingers moving!" Dewey cut in, "Let's jam!"
"YEAH!"
The first strains of music came out of the instruments that had lain dormant the night before. Freddy couldn't contain a brilliant smile that came from deep inside him. He loved music, and nothing was going to change that. And he loved the "School of Rock", nothing was going to break this band up, at least, that was his own opinion. He flashed a quick smile to Katie, who looked taken aback before grinning in return.
Half and hour later, Dewey called a break so that he could run to grab some breakfast quickly. As soon as he left, Freddy leaned back casually, twirling his drumstick in one hand. As he did so, he caught sight of a lone girl in the corner of the room, watching the real Ned Schneebly teaching the younger kids. Her long black hair was in a half head; the upper half held with chopsticks while the lower half hugged her shoulder blades. She wore a tight fitting olive green tank top, and khaki cargo pants. Around her wrists were blue bandannas wound tightly. The mystery girl seemed to sense him staring at her and glanced his way, their eyes meeting for a few long seconds before she broke the connection, returning to her own little world.
Katie watched Freddy's expression, seeing a strange look on his face. It was one of astonishment, as if someone had just told him he had won the lottery. But she traced his line of sight towards...another girl. She felt a jealous feeling settle in her stomach as she watched Freddy checking out someone other than herself, not that he'd ever done so.
That bitch. She thought angrily, Who does she think she is? Any other thoughts were rudely interrupted by Freddy himself.
"Hey, who's that chick over there?" He addressed the rest of the band, hoping that someone knew something about her. Freddy couldn't explain it. There was just something about her that he had felt in the few seconds they had made eye contact, something that intrigued him in a way that no one really had.
Four heads other than Katie's craned in the direction Freddy subtly indicated. Three shook their heads in silent apology since they had no clue who she was. Freddy was about to give up and just go over and ask her himself, but then Lawrence spoke.
"That's Arin. I met her the other day at her aunt's house. She and her brother are living there now." The Asian boy paused, trying to remember anything else about her. "She plays the piano very well, and she said I was really good. And nice too. I like her a lot."
Yeah well I like her too, and I didn't even meet her. Freddy smiled, also thinking how stupid that sounded in his head and that at the moment he was just basing off looks. Which wouldn't be a bad thing in his estimation.
"Cool." He quickly formulated an idea in three seconds, putting on the best indifferent face he could put on. Thankfully he'd had many years of practice. Maybe his parent's lectures did do something after all. "Hey Lawrence, why don't you ask her to join us, and...introduce us to her. You did meet her after all, and we don't want her thinking we're frickin' stuck up assholes that won't socialize with anyone outside of their band."
"Okay..."
"I don't think it's such a good idea." Katie piped up, hand on her hips, eyes narrowed slightly. "I mean she might not want to hang out with us. And besides, Mr. S will be back in a few minutes anyways, so we might as well just chill..."
"So? When has Mr. S ever stopped me from doing what I want?" Freddy demanded, swiveling in his chair to face the bassist. She pretended to think, tapping her finger to her chin deliberately.
"How 'bout the auditions for the Battle of the Bands? You went off with a bunch of dorks, and Mr. S went chasing after you ready to strangle you. He stopped you from hanging out with them."
Freddy sighed. "I guess you're right about that one, but he hasn't stopped me from doing anything else."
"How about the time you tried to chug a milkshake in twelve seconds or less?" Zack offered, smiling impishly. He was rewarded with a mutinous glare from his fellow band mate.
"You're not helping much."
"Well you could have choked and died." Katie stated flatly, tossing him a look that he couldn't really read. "So why don't we all just settle this and not invite her to hang out with us."
"I was timing, and if Mr. S hadn't stopped you, you would have done it..." Zack continued, ignoring Katie's last comment. Freddy laughed softly, nodding to his friend before giving Lawrence a pleading look. The pianist sighed and grinned.
"Fine, I'll go ask her." He stepped out from behind the keyboard and crossed the room in that hesitant manner of his.
"Have we ever tried to teach him to walk normally?" Freddy wondered aloud, earning giggles from the girls and a snicker from Zack. "Lawrence really needs to learn to saunter. It gets you places better than walking like a board. But you know, he is a pretty cool guy."
"Cause he has connections to cute chicks?" Zack teased, strumming a few chords to keep his fingers warmed up.
"That too." Freddy chuckled as Lawrence returned with Arin at his heels. Her deep blue eyes scanned each of their faces before breaking into a confident smile.
"Hi." She jerked her head in greeting, folding her arms and scrutinizing them again.
"Hey." Freddy couldn't help but greet her back.
"This is Arin Kam." Lawrence motioned with his hand. "That over there is Zack. He plays electric guitar. Marta, Alicia and Tomika sing backup, Katie plays bass, and Freddy's on the drums."
"Nice to meet you all." Arin said. She could roughly gauge the feelings of the different band members just by looking at their faces. Zack's face was open and friendly, the same with Alicia, Marta and Tomika. Lawrence looked exactly as he did the night before, that same...she didn't want to call it adoration...but respect? Katie was the only one who seemed to be emitting hostility, and Arin wasn't exactly sure why, but she wasn't going to let it get to her. Freddy face was...honestly it was gorgeous, but it was extremely friendly, and he was radiating an infectious mischievous vibe. Arin could practically feel the energy he possessed, and she couldn't help but quickly glance at his handsome face one more time before turning her attention back to Lawrence.
"So is there anything else you want me to do?" She asked, adjusting her necklace simultaneously.
"Well, you could hang out with us." Lawrence suggested, "If you have nothing better to do."
Arin looked regretful. "I think I'll have to take a rain check on that one. My brother is getting out of his class, and Dewey is standing right over there, waiting to get back to jamming."
"You sure?" Zack asked, looking tentatively towards the girl. She smiled and nodded.
"I'll catch you round. It was nice seeing you again Lawrence, and it was nice to meet you all."
"Yeah, same." Freddy shrugged, flipping his drumstick into the air as she turned and went over to the group of kids that were leaving, catching one by the arm and walking with him out the door. Arin paused however, and glanced back, her blue eyes meeting Freddy's brown. The corners of her mouth tweaked upward involuntarily as did his.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm back." Freddy announced optimistically, shutting the door behind him. His parents glanced up at him as he waltzed on in, seeing their confused faces and storing them in his mind for a future laugh.
"Hello Freddy." His mother smiled before it faded as she took in his newest put-together outfit. "What is that you're wearing?"
"Just something I whipped up in under five seconds. A personal best if you ask me." He responded nonchalantly, glancing at his nails.
"You're so...tawdry in that ensemble!" His mother declared in disgust. Freddy laughed softly to himself.
"Well if you're implying that I look sleazy, then that's your opinion. But I'm not a pimp, though I wish I was." He joked, the confident grin fading slightly as he caught sight of the change of expression on their faces.
"Fredrick Jones!"
"I'm just kidding mom. Don't worry, I'm not going to be having bastard children any time soon."
"That is not funny Freddy." She said tightly, looking about as wound up as a wind-up toy.
"Not my problem."
"Fredrick, that wasn't appropriate! Ever since you became involved in that stupid band you've been extremely rude and disrespectful. You still have to apologize about yester...don't roll your eyes at me young man!" His father's frustrated anger bubbled dangerously like boiling water. Freddy gritted his teeth, staring down his nose at his dad, looking like a cat ready to pounce.
"I'll roll my eyes at whoever I frickin' want to." He folded his arms, " And you daddy dearest just happen to be top of my damn list."
"Goddamn you." Mr. Jones spat. "I wish I didn't have a bastard of a son."
"Same. But dad? I'm not an illegitimate son, unless you have something to tell us...so you can't use that shit against me."
"Freddy!" So now his mother was jumping into the fray. "I can't believe how out of control you've become! That's it. You're grounded mister."
"Have fun trying to keep me in. Think I'm out of control? Now at least I know where I get it. Both of you can hardly stop yourselves from attacking me because of the friends I keep and the way I want to look. If you guys just want to keep lecturing me on what I can't do, then I'm outta here."
"Get back here Freddy! I just said you were grounded! You're not going anywhere!"
"Just watch me." He called back to them, slamming the door behind him. Boy was he going to get hell from the two of them when he finally returned home. But now he was just going to go chill someplace, like Zack's house.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"What happened to you?" Zack closed the door behind him and turned to face the blonde drummer. This was not the first time he had opened the door to find Freddy, and they both knew what had taken place. Freddy sat down, his silence giving all the answer that was needed.
"I...see."
Zack went over to the table, rearranging the papers that were strewn all over it, waiting for some sort of response from his friend. A lot of things were running through his mind, and the young guitarist didn't know what to bring up. Zack had the notion that Freddy didn't want to talk about his parents, or school, or even that girl they had all met that afternoon. He was about to make an attempt at a joke when Freddy finally spoke up.
"Are we in that competition coming up in...two months was it?"
The question took him by surprise and he smiled. "Yeah. Do you think we're ready?"
"As ready as we'll ever be." Freddy grinned. "But we gotta practice some more, and speaking of practice...I'm gonna go later and jam at the studio. You wanna come?"
"Sorry." Zack said shrugging. "I have an...issue to take care of."
"Like?"
"Try two beautiful babes ready to kill each other over me." He nodded, not a trace of humor on his face. "It's scary at some points."
"I'll keep that in mind." Freddy's eyes lit up with a mischievous fire. "How's about we go online and terrorize people?" He stated casually, shoving his hands into his pockets. Zack shot him a dubious look.
"Are you talking about sending strange messages to everyone humanely possible?"
"Yeah, you could say that."
"No wa...oh fine, what the heck. Nothing better to do." Zack acquiesced, smiling ruefully.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Am I late?" Freddy asked Greg as he strapped his roller blades on. He had been asked to play in a pickup street hockey match against some other kids from the public high school, and though hockey really wasn't his thing, Freddy had agreed to fill in.
"Nah, you're on time." Greg handed his friend the stick Freddy had bade him hold while he got his blades on. "But we're lucky we have you. They brought on this new kid they call the 'secret weapon'."
"'Secret Weapon'?" He repeated, shooting Greg a confused look. "What do you mean?"
"Don't ask me. I just found out myself." Greg explained, picking up his own stick and pulling his own hat on and twisting it to the side like he was ghetto or something. Freddy laughed and rolled his eyes.
"Well you've got me. And which kid are you talking about?"
"That kid over there." Greg pointed, and Freddy followed the invisible line, shrugging like he didn't care.
The 'Secret Weapon' didn't look that harmful, but he didn't look harmless. It was probably due to the black oversized short sleeved shirt that he had on, because it had a large skull and crossbones on the front, with blue dragons twisting around the bones, and one rearing it's head through the empty socket of the skull. Underneath the picture read 'Follow No One'. The kid also wore khaki cargoes, black sweatbands, and a light blue cap that was backwards.
Almost as if he had sensed he had been watched, the kid turned and fixed a hard stare at him, daring him to come out and fight with an evil grin. Freddy saw with interest that half of the Secret Weapon's face was covered with strands of dark hair.
"That guy just creeps me out big time. We don't know his name, so we call him either 'Secret Weapon', Skull man, or Street Devil." Greg admitted, "Come on, we've got a game to play."
Freddy skated up to square off with the street devil, and watched as the kid smiled lopsidedly, his hand deftly making a few quick motions. He saw the players behind the kid nod and grin. What was going on? They communicated so easily. And the Skull man was too confident that he was going to get the puck. Not if he could help it.
But all efforts to win possession were shattered when they brought the heads of their sticks to meet. He could feel the steadiness, and the sureness of the kid's grip, and when he tried to get the puck, it just wasn't there. Neither was the kid.
Whirling around, he spotted him tearing up the ground, trying to get open for his teammate who had the puck. He quickly caught up with the Skull man, and covered him, but all he got was a salute from the player. In fast turn, the street devil changed direction and skated backwards and around Freddy. He realized he had been distracted as 'Secret Weapon' slammed his stick into the puck that had been sent his way, and scored.
"Nice job." His teammates pounded him on his back, and Freddy watched as he turned and looked back, his blue eyes meeting Freddy's, and instantly narrowing. In that instant, they looked extremely lashy, soft, and--- feminine. Shaking his head, Freddy cleared the thought, hoping he wasn't going gay or something.
Skull man almost laughed to himself when he saw the face of the drummer whenever he outmaneuvered him. Freddy was a much better drummer than a hockey player. And he didn't even know the half of the whole story. The street devil faked a right, and rolled right under his left arm, laughing softly as he did so.
"You gotta do better than that chump." He whispered hoarsely as the puck left his stick, and went to his teammates. Freddy growled in frustration. He didn't take very well to insults.
"You keep that damn mouth of yours shut you frickin loser! Or I'll kick your punk ass right up yo!" He yelled to the black retreating back. The guy turned, blue eye flashing wildly.
"I'd like to see you try. Drummer."
"Call it a day." Greg interrupted quickly, this crackling tension was bugging the hell out of him. He was trying to keep everyone in one piece. But he had respect for that Skull man, even if it was strange that he knew Freddy played the drums. The others nodded, and shook hands with the opposing team.
"Nice moves." Freddy grudgingly muttered to the street devil as they shook hands. Once again he marveled at how much that hand would better fit a female. The more he thought about it, the more he believed in it. Especially when he was packing up, and the 'Secret Weapon' went around, kissing the cheek of all his---or her? teammates. That confirmed it. He was going to get to the bottom of this.
He followed the skull man out of the local rink, and into the parking lot, trying to remain unnoticed. But his footsteps weren't as light, and the kid turned around, hearing himself being followed.
"It was nice seeing you again Freddy." That voice was decidedly feminine. And that smile? Definitely female. But that voice was so familiar, as if he had heard it someplace before. And that pissed him off even more.
"You're a she." It wasn't a question. The street devil nodded and pulled her hat off. Long black hair pooled around her shoulders, and she tucked the hair that had covered the half of her face behind an ear revealing the matching blue eye, smiling all the while.
"I found it hilariously entertaining that you didn't put two and two together." Arin grinned cheekily to his gaping.
"Wow. Who's clothes are those?"
"Mine. Thrift shops rule." She shrugged carefree. "And I had your whole team convinced that I was a guy. I played with the public school kids one time, and they asked me back. They know I'm a girl, and they think it's so funny when I dress up like this and fool other people into believing I'm a guy."
"Hey, you had me fooled." Freddy admitted with a tight smile.
"Didn't I?" She rolled her eyes at him and stalked off, infuriating him even more. Arin was strange, cruel, and yes amusing. Her little airs didn't so much offend as much as make him wish that she gave him a chance to retort, or seriously annoy the hell out of her.
TWO DAYS LATER
As he climbed the steps to the studio at six o'clock, Freddy thought he heard his drums being played, and rather well too. His steps quickened as he pushed the door open and hurried through the double doors at the end of the hall. Freddy's gaze swept over the silent instruments to the not-so- quiet drums, to the vixen in the red tube top with black REBL letting across it, and black cargoes. She froze, her blue eyes widening before narrowing as she caught sight of him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, crossing the room quickly. Arin mumbled a quick sorry, and got up, making to bolt for the door, but Freddy was quicker, grabbing her arm and pulling her back. He hadn't judged his force though, and she collided with his chest, the chopsticks in her hair just centimeters from poking his eye.
"Let me go." She warned softly, attempting to tug her arm out of his grasp though it was futile. Freddy stared in recognition before repeating his question.
"I could ask the same to you." She replied evenly, "But if you have to know, I came here to practice since my aunt doesn't own a drum set." Freddy nodded in understanding, finally releasing her.
"Same here. My parents doesn't exactly approve of me playing the drums and refuse point blank to buy me a set." His eyes darkened noticeably, even in the poor lighting, in memory of the days past, and he sighed discontentedly. "Funny seeing you spring up all over the place. And hey, why do you wear chopsticks?"
"Oh. Cause I can stab people that piss me off with them. What else? I want to." Arin noted the change in posture and expression. "I think I get it. Do you always fight with your parents?"
"It's pretty bad at some points." He broke off, staring down at his feet. Arin didn't know what prompted her to let down her walls and guard, but she reached out and tapped his arm gently.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Her face was genuinely sincere.
"To you after you were such a bitch to me at the game?"
Arin's defenses sprung up once again, and she sounded less sure of herself. "If you don't want to that's definitely okay but..."
"I can talk about it." Freddy smiled quickly, taking a seat on a piano bench, and patting the space next to him. It was an innocent action, but it was so...alluring and seductive. She reminded herself that she had only met him a couple of days ago as she sat down next to him. But what she couldn't help was the initial attraction she had felt towards him when Lawrence had first introduced her to him. Blame it all on the soft spot she had for the bad boys.
"So...spill it Freddy." Arin impishly demanded. Freddy was mildly surprised and quite content with the fact that she remembered his name. Just like he remembered hers. She watched him bite back a grin before going on with what he had started.
"I don't really know where to begin. I just...well, my parents never liked the idea of me being in a rock band, though they didn't know about it in the beginning. And things were pretty smooth after we played in the battle of the bands."
Arin listened intently, not even thinking of interrupting the flow of his words. She did however; perk up when he mentioned playing in the battle of the bands.
"And then a few months after that things really went downhill. And everything is the way it is today. Almost every day they're yelling at me about something. It's really degrading, and makes me feel like I'm just a piece of shit, or dirt from under a rock." Freddy sighed, and turned his head to look at Arin. He was kind of appreciative that she was willing to listen to him. Normally he wasn't so keen on discussing his household problems with band members like Zack because they knew too much already, and Zack could almost always top everything Freddy said his parents said with something his father said to him. But Arin wasn't really a member of their band. And she was different...in a way he couldn't place.
"And you feel that you're constantly trying to find a medium between their expectations and what you want." Her words were surprisingly accurate. He nodded wearily.
"What they want isn't what I want. I don't want to be the one living their dreams. I want to be the one living MY dreams. It pisses me off sometimes that they can't see that. Tell me, are parent's so blind that they can't realize their kids are trying their hardest to please them?"
Arin smiled softly, his words making her reflect on her own relationship with her parents. Or the relationship she used to have. "No. I think they just read a handbook on 'how to make your kid's life suck.' Or at least some of them do."
Her blunt remark made Freddy smile. "Very witty." He commented, and eyebrow quirking. She tilted her head cockily.
"I try to be."
"Mmmm." He bowed his head. "My life is hell."
"For how long?"
"Almost six years." He admitted, inhaling her scent of...cinnamon. Embracing, spicy, yet powerful. "and nearly 24/7."
"That must really suck." Arin watched the cars outside drive by, and saw the flash of the lights of the oncoming car in her mind. Heard the grating of metal. Flinched at the memory of it all.
"To think I only met you a few days ago." He let out a half laugh. "And I feel like I've known you all my life. Spats and fights included." Freddy glanced up, a beaming smile on his face. He really was comfortable around her, but his smile died when he saw her pained expression.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing." She tried to assure him, but the uncertainty in her voice was still there as an undertone, and he heard it.
"You're shaking and that damn well means something." He observed, the tremor of her hands catching his attention. Freddy knew there was something she wasn't telling him, and he was surprisingly worried about what could affect her this bad. In the faint glow of the lamp, and the flickering of the neon lights outside, her face was pale. Her bottom lip was quivering slightly too.
"I'm just cold." She insisted, but she looked back towards him when he placed a hand on her bare shoulder.
"Something's bothering you." Freddy whispered quietly. "You listened to me. Now I'm here to listen to you." He thought he saw the faint hint of a smile before it vanished into her solemn expression. Her eyes were so expressive he realized, seeing the depth of emotion that they could convey.
"You're really sweet, you know that?"
"Unfortunately for others, I'm more of a devil." He grinned lopsidedly. "Don't get used to it."
"Being a devil is so much more fun." She stated with a crafty smirk. Freddy realized she was cleverly steering them off subject. Kudos to her for that.
"You're not getting off the hook so easily." He told her, punching her arm gently. She sighed and pursed her lips, speculating whether or not to open up, or remain partially clammed up. She decided to go with the former. After all, he trusted her to begin with.
"You really want to know what's bothering me?" She challenged, all playfulness gone from her character. He nodded resolutely, wondering if she was just playing mysterious and making a big show out of nothing, or if she was being defensive.
"Fine then. Picture yourself in a car returning home from a school- sponsored event. You're happy, because you just resolved a fight with your parents that you started because you were being a big bitch."
Freddy didn't see where this was going, though he had the feeling something bad was going to happen. Arin got up, and he was worried for a moment if she was going to leave, but then he heard her voice in his ear.
"Now imagine another car coming towards you. Nothing is out of the ordinary, and you're laughing because your dad just told a really corny joke, and you have to laugh as to not hurt his feelings." Arin's arms draped around his neck as she continued with her story. It was kind of hard for Freddy to be imagining all of this, especially with her that close to him, distracting him almost. He wasn't sure why she was doing all of this, but he wasn't about to object or interrupt.
"You see the headlights shining as it comes closer and closer. But now you start to have this feeling in your gut that something isn't right, but you can't figure out what yet." Her lips nearly grazed his jaw line as she whispered. "Then suddenly..."
The warmth of her body vanished as she suddenly withdrew her arms from their position. "BAM!" With a strong movement, she shoved him off the piano bench, watching as he rolled into a sitting position.
"What did you do that for?" He asked her, utterly bewildered now, but coming to terms. She didn't respond to his question, but kept describing, sitting down on the chair.
"The grating of metal against metal is ringing in your ears. Your brother is clutching your hand so hard it feels numb and cold, and there's screaming to top it all off. Screaming. You want it to stop. You want it to all stop. And then you realize that it's you screaming. And your brother is the one crying. You see the faces of your parents, bloody and fearful. And then your world goes black."
The silence was heavy with bitterness, and pain. Freddy was beginning to see why she was so reluctant to tell him about what was troubling her. But he was glad she did, because it gave him an understanding of who she was now. But Arin wasn't finished.
"You wake up in a hospital, confused as hell, and wanting to know where your parents are. Then the nurse looks at you strangely, and tells you the worst news of your life. Your parents are dead. They didn't survive the crash. The world around you seems drained of warmth. There shouldn't be any truth in those words, but it hits you that they are just that, all true. You're so cold that you're not even aware of the tears that are streaming down your face.
And then you're released from the hospital, and go to stay at a friend's house while your relatives are being contacted, and arrangements are being made. All you have left from that car crash is your only brother, a few scars, and the visions of your parents' deaths. Oh yeah, and you have a bitchy attitude to everyone who tries to offer comfort because they look at you strangely and whisper to others when you're walking down the road.
But then that's all gone, and you're out of Toledo and into a whole new environment. With a whole lot of different people to meet and understand."
Freddy waited for her to go on, but it became apparent that she was through. "I'm sorry." He managed to get out. His mind wasn't working straight as he tried to process all of the information at once. Arin smiled half-heartedly. "Me too."
"Can I see the scars you have?" It was a stupid question, and he knew it, but it was the first thing on his mind, and it surprised his companion somewhat. But she nodded, and slid off the bench, joining him on the ground.
"I have one here on my arm," She pointed to it, and let him take a look before pulling up the hem of her top a little. "One here on my side. And one on my jaw, but that's faded a lot."
"And these memories come back to you now and then?"
"Yeah."
She saw his expression. It wasn't like the ones she was used to seeing when people found out about what happened to her. Instead it was...hard to describe, more like compassionate, concerned, and sorry at the same time. An awkward silence reigned in the dusky darkness of the night. Wanting to change the atmosphere, she decided to change gears. "You come here to practice much?"
Freddy frowned. She was doing it again, changing the topic. But this time he let her have her way. Even though they had had a "moment", it wasn't worth seeing the pain on her face whenever she thought about it. "That I do. It gets me out of the house and war zone for a time."
Arin got to her feet and offered a hand to help pull him up. "Then play." She couldn't hide the smirk that rose to her face.
"What about you Arin?" He started to head towards the drums he was so used to using, but paused, looking over his shoulder to the girl standing there. She waved it off, and turned on an amp, searching around in her pockets for something. Finally she produced a guitar pick, and waving it triumphantly, shooed him behind the set.
"I'll play guitar." Arin bent and picked up the one connected to the amp she had switched on, and pulled the shoulder strap over her head. "Ready Freddy."
That brought a huge grin to his face. "What do you suggest we play then hmm?"
"You know Linkin Park? How about their song Numb?"
"Okay." He shrugged easily, grateful to see her smiling again.
"Then we can play Evanescence, or we can play 3 Days Grace 'I hate everything about you'."
"Your call."
"And we should do this more often."
Freddy laughed. "I could not agree more."
*A/N-Click the button below and continue plz. Then read that and review.
QUOTE OF THE CHAPTER: "No one is a virgin because life has already screwed us all." –MK Jasper (my friend)
Disclaimer: I still don't own anything School of Rock related other than what was previously mentioned. What I wouldn't give for a Kevin Clark *drool*, or a Joey *continues drooling*.
**CHAPTER TWO**
When he opened his eyes in the morning, light streamed through the open window, drenching his room with the golden rays. Blinking, he sat up and ran a hand through his already messy hair. He had practice today! In a flash he bolted up, jumped in the shower, and changed his clothes, digging through his closet for the other clothes he had stashed away. Without even caring about his hair, he unlocked the door, and flew down the stairs. Skidding into the kitchen, he swung around, and snatched a bagel that sat on the top of a pile of already toasted bagels. Grabbing the cream cheese, he generously spread it on the face of the bagel, and headed for the door.
"Freddy?" His mother asked, coming from the living room. Freddy didn't hesitate a second. He sped out the door, throwing an "I'll be back later!" over his shoulder.
"Fredrick!" His mother yelled to him, but Freddy shrugged and ran, dodging around a parking meter, taking a big bite. Squeezing his way through the crowd of people, and under a couch that some movers were transporting, he finally got to their practice room in the studio they had set up.
"Where've you been Freddy?" Dewey asked, tuning his guitar as the blonde drummer entered, taking his place behind the drums.
"That's not the first time I've heard that one in the last twenty-four hours." Freddy shrugged, replaying the newest fight again in his head." I had a little run in with the 'rents."
"Ah. I see."
"Did they get really angry?" Lawrence asked, his eyes going wide. Freddy grinned lopsidedly, stretching his arms and rolling his head.
"I dunno what you classify as 'angry', but they were sure pissed off."
"Poor Freddy." Marta sympathized in a teasing tone, "Poor widdle muffin."
Freddy frowned, not noticing the look the Katie was shooting him. "I don't need your sympathy."
"Right. Quiet coyotes. Lips shut, ears open, fingers moving!" Dewey cut in, "Let's jam!"
"YEAH!"
The first strains of music came out of the instruments that had lain dormant the night before. Freddy couldn't contain a brilliant smile that came from deep inside him. He loved music, and nothing was going to change that. And he loved the "School of Rock", nothing was going to break this band up, at least, that was his own opinion. He flashed a quick smile to Katie, who looked taken aback before grinning in return.
Half and hour later, Dewey called a break so that he could run to grab some breakfast quickly. As soon as he left, Freddy leaned back casually, twirling his drumstick in one hand. As he did so, he caught sight of a lone girl in the corner of the room, watching the real Ned Schneebly teaching the younger kids. Her long black hair was in a half head; the upper half held with chopsticks while the lower half hugged her shoulder blades. She wore a tight fitting olive green tank top, and khaki cargo pants. Around her wrists were blue bandannas wound tightly. The mystery girl seemed to sense him staring at her and glanced his way, their eyes meeting for a few long seconds before she broke the connection, returning to her own little world.
Katie watched Freddy's expression, seeing a strange look on his face. It was one of astonishment, as if someone had just told him he had won the lottery. But she traced his line of sight towards...another girl. She felt a jealous feeling settle in her stomach as she watched Freddy checking out someone other than herself, not that he'd ever done so.
That bitch. She thought angrily, Who does she think she is? Any other thoughts were rudely interrupted by Freddy himself.
"Hey, who's that chick over there?" He addressed the rest of the band, hoping that someone knew something about her. Freddy couldn't explain it. There was just something about her that he had felt in the few seconds they had made eye contact, something that intrigued him in a way that no one really had.
Four heads other than Katie's craned in the direction Freddy subtly indicated. Three shook their heads in silent apology since they had no clue who she was. Freddy was about to give up and just go over and ask her himself, but then Lawrence spoke.
"That's Arin. I met her the other day at her aunt's house. She and her brother are living there now." The Asian boy paused, trying to remember anything else about her. "She plays the piano very well, and she said I was really good. And nice too. I like her a lot."
Yeah well I like her too, and I didn't even meet her. Freddy smiled, also thinking how stupid that sounded in his head and that at the moment he was just basing off looks. Which wouldn't be a bad thing in his estimation.
"Cool." He quickly formulated an idea in three seconds, putting on the best indifferent face he could put on. Thankfully he'd had many years of practice. Maybe his parent's lectures did do something after all. "Hey Lawrence, why don't you ask her to join us, and...introduce us to her. You did meet her after all, and we don't want her thinking we're frickin' stuck up assholes that won't socialize with anyone outside of their band."
"Okay..."
"I don't think it's such a good idea." Katie piped up, hand on her hips, eyes narrowed slightly. "I mean she might not want to hang out with us. And besides, Mr. S will be back in a few minutes anyways, so we might as well just chill..."
"So? When has Mr. S ever stopped me from doing what I want?" Freddy demanded, swiveling in his chair to face the bassist. She pretended to think, tapping her finger to her chin deliberately.
"How 'bout the auditions for the Battle of the Bands? You went off with a bunch of dorks, and Mr. S went chasing after you ready to strangle you. He stopped you from hanging out with them."
Freddy sighed. "I guess you're right about that one, but he hasn't stopped me from doing anything else."
"How about the time you tried to chug a milkshake in twelve seconds or less?" Zack offered, smiling impishly. He was rewarded with a mutinous glare from his fellow band mate.
"You're not helping much."
"Well you could have choked and died." Katie stated flatly, tossing him a look that he couldn't really read. "So why don't we all just settle this and not invite her to hang out with us."
"I was timing, and if Mr. S hadn't stopped you, you would have done it..." Zack continued, ignoring Katie's last comment. Freddy laughed softly, nodding to his friend before giving Lawrence a pleading look. The pianist sighed and grinned.
"Fine, I'll go ask her." He stepped out from behind the keyboard and crossed the room in that hesitant manner of his.
"Have we ever tried to teach him to walk normally?" Freddy wondered aloud, earning giggles from the girls and a snicker from Zack. "Lawrence really needs to learn to saunter. It gets you places better than walking like a board. But you know, he is a pretty cool guy."
"Cause he has connections to cute chicks?" Zack teased, strumming a few chords to keep his fingers warmed up.
"That too." Freddy chuckled as Lawrence returned with Arin at his heels. Her deep blue eyes scanned each of their faces before breaking into a confident smile.
"Hi." She jerked her head in greeting, folding her arms and scrutinizing them again.
"Hey." Freddy couldn't help but greet her back.
"This is Arin Kam." Lawrence motioned with his hand. "That over there is Zack. He plays electric guitar. Marta, Alicia and Tomika sing backup, Katie plays bass, and Freddy's on the drums."
"Nice to meet you all." Arin said. She could roughly gauge the feelings of the different band members just by looking at their faces. Zack's face was open and friendly, the same with Alicia, Marta and Tomika. Lawrence looked exactly as he did the night before, that same...she didn't want to call it adoration...but respect? Katie was the only one who seemed to be emitting hostility, and Arin wasn't exactly sure why, but she wasn't going to let it get to her. Freddy face was...honestly it was gorgeous, but it was extremely friendly, and he was radiating an infectious mischievous vibe. Arin could practically feel the energy he possessed, and she couldn't help but quickly glance at his handsome face one more time before turning her attention back to Lawrence.
"So is there anything else you want me to do?" She asked, adjusting her necklace simultaneously.
"Well, you could hang out with us." Lawrence suggested, "If you have nothing better to do."
Arin looked regretful. "I think I'll have to take a rain check on that one. My brother is getting out of his class, and Dewey is standing right over there, waiting to get back to jamming."
"You sure?" Zack asked, looking tentatively towards the girl. She smiled and nodded.
"I'll catch you round. It was nice seeing you again Lawrence, and it was nice to meet you all."
"Yeah, same." Freddy shrugged, flipping his drumstick into the air as she turned and went over to the group of kids that were leaving, catching one by the arm and walking with him out the door. Arin paused however, and glanced back, her blue eyes meeting Freddy's brown. The corners of her mouth tweaked upward involuntarily as did his.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm back." Freddy announced optimistically, shutting the door behind him. His parents glanced up at him as he waltzed on in, seeing their confused faces and storing them in his mind for a future laugh.
"Hello Freddy." His mother smiled before it faded as she took in his newest put-together outfit. "What is that you're wearing?"
"Just something I whipped up in under five seconds. A personal best if you ask me." He responded nonchalantly, glancing at his nails.
"You're so...tawdry in that ensemble!" His mother declared in disgust. Freddy laughed softly to himself.
"Well if you're implying that I look sleazy, then that's your opinion. But I'm not a pimp, though I wish I was." He joked, the confident grin fading slightly as he caught sight of the change of expression on their faces.
"Fredrick Jones!"
"I'm just kidding mom. Don't worry, I'm not going to be having bastard children any time soon."
"That is not funny Freddy." She said tightly, looking about as wound up as a wind-up toy.
"Not my problem."
"Fredrick, that wasn't appropriate! Ever since you became involved in that stupid band you've been extremely rude and disrespectful. You still have to apologize about yester...don't roll your eyes at me young man!" His father's frustrated anger bubbled dangerously like boiling water. Freddy gritted his teeth, staring down his nose at his dad, looking like a cat ready to pounce.
"I'll roll my eyes at whoever I frickin' want to." He folded his arms, " And you daddy dearest just happen to be top of my damn list."
"Goddamn you." Mr. Jones spat. "I wish I didn't have a bastard of a son."
"Same. But dad? I'm not an illegitimate son, unless you have something to tell us...so you can't use that shit against me."
"Freddy!" So now his mother was jumping into the fray. "I can't believe how out of control you've become! That's it. You're grounded mister."
"Have fun trying to keep me in. Think I'm out of control? Now at least I know where I get it. Both of you can hardly stop yourselves from attacking me because of the friends I keep and the way I want to look. If you guys just want to keep lecturing me on what I can't do, then I'm outta here."
"Get back here Freddy! I just said you were grounded! You're not going anywhere!"
"Just watch me." He called back to them, slamming the door behind him. Boy was he going to get hell from the two of them when he finally returned home. But now he was just going to go chill someplace, like Zack's house.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"What happened to you?" Zack closed the door behind him and turned to face the blonde drummer. This was not the first time he had opened the door to find Freddy, and they both knew what had taken place. Freddy sat down, his silence giving all the answer that was needed.
"I...see."
Zack went over to the table, rearranging the papers that were strewn all over it, waiting for some sort of response from his friend. A lot of things were running through his mind, and the young guitarist didn't know what to bring up. Zack had the notion that Freddy didn't want to talk about his parents, or school, or even that girl they had all met that afternoon. He was about to make an attempt at a joke when Freddy finally spoke up.
"Are we in that competition coming up in...two months was it?"
The question took him by surprise and he smiled. "Yeah. Do you think we're ready?"
"As ready as we'll ever be." Freddy grinned. "But we gotta practice some more, and speaking of practice...I'm gonna go later and jam at the studio. You wanna come?"
"Sorry." Zack said shrugging. "I have an...issue to take care of."
"Like?"
"Try two beautiful babes ready to kill each other over me." He nodded, not a trace of humor on his face. "It's scary at some points."
"I'll keep that in mind." Freddy's eyes lit up with a mischievous fire. "How's about we go online and terrorize people?" He stated casually, shoving his hands into his pockets. Zack shot him a dubious look.
"Are you talking about sending strange messages to everyone humanely possible?"
"Yeah, you could say that."
"No wa...oh fine, what the heck. Nothing better to do." Zack acquiesced, smiling ruefully.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Am I late?" Freddy asked Greg as he strapped his roller blades on. He had been asked to play in a pickup street hockey match against some other kids from the public high school, and though hockey really wasn't his thing, Freddy had agreed to fill in.
"Nah, you're on time." Greg handed his friend the stick Freddy had bade him hold while he got his blades on. "But we're lucky we have you. They brought on this new kid they call the 'secret weapon'."
"'Secret Weapon'?" He repeated, shooting Greg a confused look. "What do you mean?"
"Don't ask me. I just found out myself." Greg explained, picking up his own stick and pulling his own hat on and twisting it to the side like he was ghetto or something. Freddy laughed and rolled his eyes.
"Well you've got me. And which kid are you talking about?"
"That kid over there." Greg pointed, and Freddy followed the invisible line, shrugging like he didn't care.
The 'Secret Weapon' didn't look that harmful, but he didn't look harmless. It was probably due to the black oversized short sleeved shirt that he had on, because it had a large skull and crossbones on the front, with blue dragons twisting around the bones, and one rearing it's head through the empty socket of the skull. Underneath the picture read 'Follow No One'. The kid also wore khaki cargoes, black sweatbands, and a light blue cap that was backwards.
Almost as if he had sensed he had been watched, the kid turned and fixed a hard stare at him, daring him to come out and fight with an evil grin. Freddy saw with interest that half of the Secret Weapon's face was covered with strands of dark hair.
"That guy just creeps me out big time. We don't know his name, so we call him either 'Secret Weapon', Skull man, or Street Devil." Greg admitted, "Come on, we've got a game to play."
Freddy skated up to square off with the street devil, and watched as the kid smiled lopsidedly, his hand deftly making a few quick motions. He saw the players behind the kid nod and grin. What was going on? They communicated so easily. And the Skull man was too confident that he was going to get the puck. Not if he could help it.
But all efforts to win possession were shattered when they brought the heads of their sticks to meet. He could feel the steadiness, and the sureness of the kid's grip, and when he tried to get the puck, it just wasn't there. Neither was the kid.
Whirling around, he spotted him tearing up the ground, trying to get open for his teammate who had the puck. He quickly caught up with the Skull man, and covered him, but all he got was a salute from the player. In fast turn, the street devil changed direction and skated backwards and around Freddy. He realized he had been distracted as 'Secret Weapon' slammed his stick into the puck that had been sent his way, and scored.
"Nice job." His teammates pounded him on his back, and Freddy watched as he turned and looked back, his blue eyes meeting Freddy's, and instantly narrowing. In that instant, they looked extremely lashy, soft, and--- feminine. Shaking his head, Freddy cleared the thought, hoping he wasn't going gay or something.
Skull man almost laughed to himself when he saw the face of the drummer whenever he outmaneuvered him. Freddy was a much better drummer than a hockey player. And he didn't even know the half of the whole story. The street devil faked a right, and rolled right under his left arm, laughing softly as he did so.
"You gotta do better than that chump." He whispered hoarsely as the puck left his stick, and went to his teammates. Freddy growled in frustration. He didn't take very well to insults.
"You keep that damn mouth of yours shut you frickin loser! Or I'll kick your punk ass right up yo!" He yelled to the black retreating back. The guy turned, blue eye flashing wildly.
"I'd like to see you try. Drummer."
"Call it a day." Greg interrupted quickly, this crackling tension was bugging the hell out of him. He was trying to keep everyone in one piece. But he had respect for that Skull man, even if it was strange that he knew Freddy played the drums. The others nodded, and shook hands with the opposing team.
"Nice moves." Freddy grudgingly muttered to the street devil as they shook hands. Once again he marveled at how much that hand would better fit a female. The more he thought about it, the more he believed in it. Especially when he was packing up, and the 'Secret Weapon' went around, kissing the cheek of all his---or her? teammates. That confirmed it. He was going to get to the bottom of this.
He followed the skull man out of the local rink, and into the parking lot, trying to remain unnoticed. But his footsteps weren't as light, and the kid turned around, hearing himself being followed.
"It was nice seeing you again Freddy." That voice was decidedly feminine. And that smile? Definitely female. But that voice was so familiar, as if he had heard it someplace before. And that pissed him off even more.
"You're a she." It wasn't a question. The street devil nodded and pulled her hat off. Long black hair pooled around her shoulders, and she tucked the hair that had covered the half of her face behind an ear revealing the matching blue eye, smiling all the while.
"I found it hilariously entertaining that you didn't put two and two together." Arin grinned cheekily to his gaping.
"Wow. Who's clothes are those?"
"Mine. Thrift shops rule." She shrugged carefree. "And I had your whole team convinced that I was a guy. I played with the public school kids one time, and they asked me back. They know I'm a girl, and they think it's so funny when I dress up like this and fool other people into believing I'm a guy."
"Hey, you had me fooled." Freddy admitted with a tight smile.
"Didn't I?" She rolled her eyes at him and stalked off, infuriating him even more. Arin was strange, cruel, and yes amusing. Her little airs didn't so much offend as much as make him wish that she gave him a chance to retort, or seriously annoy the hell out of her.
TWO DAYS LATER
As he climbed the steps to the studio at six o'clock, Freddy thought he heard his drums being played, and rather well too. His steps quickened as he pushed the door open and hurried through the double doors at the end of the hall. Freddy's gaze swept over the silent instruments to the not-so- quiet drums, to the vixen in the red tube top with black REBL letting across it, and black cargoes. She froze, her blue eyes widening before narrowing as she caught sight of him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, crossing the room quickly. Arin mumbled a quick sorry, and got up, making to bolt for the door, but Freddy was quicker, grabbing her arm and pulling her back. He hadn't judged his force though, and she collided with his chest, the chopsticks in her hair just centimeters from poking his eye.
"Let me go." She warned softly, attempting to tug her arm out of his grasp though it was futile. Freddy stared in recognition before repeating his question.
"I could ask the same to you." She replied evenly, "But if you have to know, I came here to practice since my aunt doesn't own a drum set." Freddy nodded in understanding, finally releasing her.
"Same here. My parents doesn't exactly approve of me playing the drums and refuse point blank to buy me a set." His eyes darkened noticeably, even in the poor lighting, in memory of the days past, and he sighed discontentedly. "Funny seeing you spring up all over the place. And hey, why do you wear chopsticks?"
"Oh. Cause I can stab people that piss me off with them. What else? I want to." Arin noted the change in posture and expression. "I think I get it. Do you always fight with your parents?"
"It's pretty bad at some points." He broke off, staring down at his feet. Arin didn't know what prompted her to let down her walls and guard, but she reached out and tapped his arm gently.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Her face was genuinely sincere.
"To you after you were such a bitch to me at the game?"
Arin's defenses sprung up once again, and she sounded less sure of herself. "If you don't want to that's definitely okay but..."
"I can talk about it." Freddy smiled quickly, taking a seat on a piano bench, and patting the space next to him. It was an innocent action, but it was so...alluring and seductive. She reminded herself that she had only met him a couple of days ago as she sat down next to him. But what she couldn't help was the initial attraction she had felt towards him when Lawrence had first introduced her to him. Blame it all on the soft spot she had for the bad boys.
"So...spill it Freddy." Arin impishly demanded. Freddy was mildly surprised and quite content with the fact that she remembered his name. Just like he remembered hers. She watched him bite back a grin before going on with what he had started.
"I don't really know where to begin. I just...well, my parents never liked the idea of me being in a rock band, though they didn't know about it in the beginning. And things were pretty smooth after we played in the battle of the bands."
Arin listened intently, not even thinking of interrupting the flow of his words. She did however; perk up when he mentioned playing in the battle of the bands.
"And then a few months after that things really went downhill. And everything is the way it is today. Almost every day they're yelling at me about something. It's really degrading, and makes me feel like I'm just a piece of shit, or dirt from under a rock." Freddy sighed, and turned his head to look at Arin. He was kind of appreciative that she was willing to listen to him. Normally he wasn't so keen on discussing his household problems with band members like Zack because they knew too much already, and Zack could almost always top everything Freddy said his parents said with something his father said to him. But Arin wasn't really a member of their band. And she was different...in a way he couldn't place.
"And you feel that you're constantly trying to find a medium between their expectations and what you want." Her words were surprisingly accurate. He nodded wearily.
"What they want isn't what I want. I don't want to be the one living their dreams. I want to be the one living MY dreams. It pisses me off sometimes that they can't see that. Tell me, are parent's so blind that they can't realize their kids are trying their hardest to please them?"
Arin smiled softly, his words making her reflect on her own relationship with her parents. Or the relationship she used to have. "No. I think they just read a handbook on 'how to make your kid's life suck.' Or at least some of them do."
Her blunt remark made Freddy smile. "Very witty." He commented, and eyebrow quirking. She tilted her head cockily.
"I try to be."
"Mmmm." He bowed his head. "My life is hell."
"For how long?"
"Almost six years." He admitted, inhaling her scent of...cinnamon. Embracing, spicy, yet powerful. "and nearly 24/7."
"That must really suck." Arin watched the cars outside drive by, and saw the flash of the lights of the oncoming car in her mind. Heard the grating of metal. Flinched at the memory of it all.
"To think I only met you a few days ago." He let out a half laugh. "And I feel like I've known you all my life. Spats and fights included." Freddy glanced up, a beaming smile on his face. He really was comfortable around her, but his smile died when he saw her pained expression.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing." She tried to assure him, but the uncertainty in her voice was still there as an undertone, and he heard it.
"You're shaking and that damn well means something." He observed, the tremor of her hands catching his attention. Freddy knew there was something she wasn't telling him, and he was surprisingly worried about what could affect her this bad. In the faint glow of the lamp, and the flickering of the neon lights outside, her face was pale. Her bottom lip was quivering slightly too.
"I'm just cold." She insisted, but she looked back towards him when he placed a hand on her bare shoulder.
"Something's bothering you." Freddy whispered quietly. "You listened to me. Now I'm here to listen to you." He thought he saw the faint hint of a smile before it vanished into her solemn expression. Her eyes were so expressive he realized, seeing the depth of emotion that they could convey.
"You're really sweet, you know that?"
"Unfortunately for others, I'm more of a devil." He grinned lopsidedly. "Don't get used to it."
"Being a devil is so much more fun." She stated with a crafty smirk. Freddy realized she was cleverly steering them off subject. Kudos to her for that.
"You're not getting off the hook so easily." He told her, punching her arm gently. She sighed and pursed her lips, speculating whether or not to open up, or remain partially clammed up. She decided to go with the former. After all, he trusted her to begin with.
"You really want to know what's bothering me?" She challenged, all playfulness gone from her character. He nodded resolutely, wondering if she was just playing mysterious and making a big show out of nothing, or if she was being defensive.
"Fine then. Picture yourself in a car returning home from a school- sponsored event. You're happy, because you just resolved a fight with your parents that you started because you were being a big bitch."
Freddy didn't see where this was going, though he had the feeling something bad was going to happen. Arin got up, and he was worried for a moment if she was going to leave, but then he heard her voice in his ear.
"Now imagine another car coming towards you. Nothing is out of the ordinary, and you're laughing because your dad just told a really corny joke, and you have to laugh as to not hurt his feelings." Arin's arms draped around his neck as she continued with her story. It was kind of hard for Freddy to be imagining all of this, especially with her that close to him, distracting him almost. He wasn't sure why she was doing all of this, but he wasn't about to object or interrupt.
"You see the headlights shining as it comes closer and closer. But now you start to have this feeling in your gut that something isn't right, but you can't figure out what yet." Her lips nearly grazed his jaw line as she whispered. "Then suddenly..."
The warmth of her body vanished as she suddenly withdrew her arms from their position. "BAM!" With a strong movement, she shoved him off the piano bench, watching as he rolled into a sitting position.
"What did you do that for?" He asked her, utterly bewildered now, but coming to terms. She didn't respond to his question, but kept describing, sitting down on the chair.
"The grating of metal against metal is ringing in your ears. Your brother is clutching your hand so hard it feels numb and cold, and there's screaming to top it all off. Screaming. You want it to stop. You want it to all stop. And then you realize that it's you screaming. And your brother is the one crying. You see the faces of your parents, bloody and fearful. And then your world goes black."
The silence was heavy with bitterness, and pain. Freddy was beginning to see why she was so reluctant to tell him about what was troubling her. But he was glad she did, because it gave him an understanding of who she was now. But Arin wasn't finished.
"You wake up in a hospital, confused as hell, and wanting to know where your parents are. Then the nurse looks at you strangely, and tells you the worst news of your life. Your parents are dead. They didn't survive the crash. The world around you seems drained of warmth. There shouldn't be any truth in those words, but it hits you that they are just that, all true. You're so cold that you're not even aware of the tears that are streaming down your face.
And then you're released from the hospital, and go to stay at a friend's house while your relatives are being contacted, and arrangements are being made. All you have left from that car crash is your only brother, a few scars, and the visions of your parents' deaths. Oh yeah, and you have a bitchy attitude to everyone who tries to offer comfort because they look at you strangely and whisper to others when you're walking down the road.
But then that's all gone, and you're out of Toledo and into a whole new environment. With a whole lot of different people to meet and understand."
Freddy waited for her to go on, but it became apparent that she was through. "I'm sorry." He managed to get out. His mind wasn't working straight as he tried to process all of the information at once. Arin smiled half-heartedly. "Me too."
"Can I see the scars you have?" It was a stupid question, and he knew it, but it was the first thing on his mind, and it surprised his companion somewhat. But she nodded, and slid off the bench, joining him on the ground.
"I have one here on my arm," She pointed to it, and let him take a look before pulling up the hem of her top a little. "One here on my side. And one on my jaw, but that's faded a lot."
"And these memories come back to you now and then?"
"Yeah."
She saw his expression. It wasn't like the ones she was used to seeing when people found out about what happened to her. Instead it was...hard to describe, more like compassionate, concerned, and sorry at the same time. An awkward silence reigned in the dusky darkness of the night. Wanting to change the atmosphere, she decided to change gears. "You come here to practice much?"
Freddy frowned. She was doing it again, changing the topic. But this time he let her have her way. Even though they had had a "moment", it wasn't worth seeing the pain on her face whenever she thought about it. "That I do. It gets me out of the house and war zone for a time."
Arin got to her feet and offered a hand to help pull him up. "Then play." She couldn't hide the smirk that rose to her face.
"What about you Arin?" He started to head towards the drums he was so used to using, but paused, looking over his shoulder to the girl standing there. She waved it off, and turned on an amp, searching around in her pockets for something. Finally she produced a guitar pick, and waving it triumphantly, shooed him behind the set.
"I'll play guitar." Arin bent and picked up the one connected to the amp she had switched on, and pulled the shoulder strap over her head. "Ready Freddy."
That brought a huge grin to his face. "What do you suggest we play then hmm?"
"You know Linkin Park? How about their song Numb?"
"Okay." He shrugged easily, grateful to see her smiling again.
"Then we can play Evanescence, or we can play 3 Days Grace 'I hate everything about you'."
"Your call."
"And we should do this more often."
Freddy laughed. "I could not agree more."
*A/N-Click the button below and continue plz. Then read that and review.