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Chapter 2

JOHNNY DEPP AND STRAWBERRY BLONDE WHORES

BPV

I paused in the back entrance of The Viper Room as I allowed my eyes to adjust to the darkness that surrounded me. Nick, not realizing I'd stopped, bulldozed me into the short, stocky man who was in front of me. He was built like a bulldog.

"Ugh! Nick! What the fuck?" I turned around to glare at Nick and apologized to the man I still couldn't see all that well. "Oh, um, I'm sorry, Man, I didn't mean to dislocate your spine or anything. My friend here has trouble walking and carrying things at the same time."

"Snarky Izz. Thanks!" Nick chuckled.

"Apology accepted. I'm Gregory. I handle the entertainment. So, you two are the rest of the band?" Mr. Shadow, I mean, Gregory responded. My eyes couldn't adjust to the change in light. We needed to move further into the bar. Gregory decided to fill the silence as we scooted further inside. "I've spoken to Ian, I believe his name is, and settled on payment. You will receive half the door, drinks and food from the bar, and $5,000 up front. I have…."

My eyes shot to his face stunned and bewildered. "Whoa, wait just a minute there," I interjected.

"I'm sorry. Is there a problem?" He looked a bit taken aback.

"Well, yes there is actually. You see I think…you have the wrong band. There is no way you should be paying us that amount," I managed to choke out. We were normally lucky to get free Pabst and a small cut from the door.

"You're Dogs VS. Leeches correct?"

"Well, yes we are, but I still think you're confused," I insisted. Who the hell do they think we are? We're no "Sparkle Horse"!

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not. Mr. Depp loved your EP Newborn, and told me to take care of the band's needs. He also told me to allow you access to the dressing rooms so you can clean up, if need be. He wanted me to ask the band to join him in the VIP room after the show. He would love to meet you." He quirked his left eyebrow up as if to say, "I bet you won't argue now." His eyebrow was right. There was no way in hell I was going to complain about meeting, Johnny freakin' Depp.

I hesitated in responding, not because I was going to argue, but because I thought I might faint.

The light headedness was from a combination of the impending meeting with Mr. Depp, himself and from standing there unwittingly holding my end of my ginormous piano for the last five minutes. Nick was smart enough to set his end down.

"Um…yeah… that is very generous of Mr…um…Depp. Thank you." Am I a fucking tard or what? I have to pull myself together.

"Wonderful. After you set up, I will show you to the dressing rooms. Food should be lain out for you by then." He walked away before I could respond.

Nick let out a loud guffaw behind me.

"Pick up your end and shut the hell up!" I could feel the red spread across my face. I hated blushing.

We ran into Ian as Nick sang, "Izzy and Johnny sitting in a tree…." I attempted to shut his big mouth up. God! What if Johnny Depp actually heard him? I was so mortified.

"Who the fuck is Johnny, Izz?" Ian spat, a storm cloud spread across his face. Nick finally shut up, flashed me an apologetic smile and retreated to set up his drums.

I was flabbergasted. Who did Ian think he was, and what the hell was wrong with him. I breathed in and out and attempted to calm down. The last thing we needed was to get in a fight before a show. I tried to laugh it off in hopes of deflating the situation and finding out what was going on with him. "My next door neighbor," I responded sarcastically. Ian tensed and looked around franticly. Really, what was his problem? "Relax, Ian. He was talking about Johnny Depp. What's your problem today? You're acting seriously strange." I was beyond exasperated.

I saw relief flood his face, but he was still tense around the shoulders. "Oh! That makes sense. So, you loooove Johnny, huh? I never knew." He drug out love like a 2nd grader who loooooooved Kelly Kapowski. He and Nick should have started a fucking sideshow. Everyone's got jokes.

He had the nerve to laugh at me. It also had not escaped my notice that he never answered my question. I let it go, but I would find out. "Let's finish setting up so I can go take a shower and have a beer." I suddenly felt tired and dirty.

"You want some company?" Ian jibed.

"Not drunk enough, Buddy, and your no Captain Jack Sparrow!" I taunted. I turned around quickly and pretended I didn't see the hurt that was in his eyes. What the hell?

"Yeah, well hurry the hell up so we can eat and get this show over with." He hurled at me and stomped away in the opposite direction. Really, what crawled up his ass and died?

I set up my equipment in a matter of minutes. It was the unloading that required effort. Gregory walked up to me when he realized I was done. "Ms. Swan, come this way please. I'll show you to your dressing room."

Shocked, I never heard him approach. "Thanks. Your oddly polite for a bar manager. I'll be right there. Just let me grab my bag."

"I am not the bar manager." He scoffed. "I handle PR and booking for the Viper Room. Mr. Depp requires business to be handled quickly and professionally. Plus, he said you were to be treated with the utmost care."

I hoped I didn't insult him. I couldn't really wrap my mind around what was going on, but I did not complain. I needed a shower, and we could use the money for the band fund. I had already dipped farther into the insurance money Charlie left me than I wanted to. Plus, who would say no to Johnny Depp?

The shower relaxed me and I finally had a chance to dress up. I couldn't help but laugh about how insecure and clumsy I used to be. Charlie cured that. He forced me to pick piano back up and then required me to take kickboxing to gain confidence. It was the best thing he could have done for me under the circumstances. My nightmares had begun to take over my life, and I was wasting away. Charlie said I needed to either spend time with my friends or pick up a hobby. That was why I started piano. While I lived in Phoenix, Renee took piano for a few months as one of her crazy whirlwind hobbies. I paid attention and fiddled with it when she was not home. I just did not have the time or confidence to continue. I had an eccentric mother to take care of, but when Charlie paid for real lessons and I realized I had some actual talent, music quickly became my life. He then noticed that I was barring my window at night and was paranoid all the time. He thought I was scared because of a few murders that happened in Seattle. He was actually pretty close. I was scared of Victoria, and she was the one committing those murders. He insisted that kickboxing would not only make me more confident, but it would also make me feel safer. Curing my klutziness was just a bonus. He never actually thought I would be any good, but I ended up winning a few tournaments. I had a lot of anger to harness, and it was the perfect release.

When I walked into the dressing room lounge and grabbed a bite, Ian scowled and Nick whistled. "Nice, Izzy. Who are you planning on killing with that outfit?"

I sashayed over to the table and sat down. "I didn't realize my outfit was a weapon."

"Well your clothes might not be, but that ass definitely is!" Nick barked out and grinned.

Ian still scowled. What the fuck? It's not like I've never dressed up before. I guess it's been skinny jeans and band shirts for a while, but it's not like I'm naked. What's wrong with wearing chunky, black, knee-high boots; fishnets; jean mini skirt; and an off the shoulder "Yeah Yeah Yeahs" t-shirt. I guess the "fuck me boots" and fishnets pushed him over the edge. My inner monologue was out of control. I chose to have a beer and ignored him.

"Nick, what number ya on?" I swiveled my chair around and faced him as he shoved a giant burger in his mouth.

He hurriedly gulped down the burger, chugged his beer, and snagged another while he tossed me one from across the room. "Four. How 'bout you?"

"This is number two. I like to savor the first two, and I can't remember the last time we could afford New Castle! I'm in fucking heaven," I gushed. I rolled my eyes back into my head and a slight moan escaped my lips.

"Fucking heaven, huh? That's what you said last night." Ian smirked.

I rolled my eyes and closed them. "You need to get your head in the game. So shut your trap." Once again I pretended to be asleep. I'd deal with Ian after the show.

A quick cat nap later and I could hear a lot, I mean, a lot of people out there. My third beer steadied my nerves as I tried to forget I was playing in front of Johnny Depp.

I decided to go with what Gregory told me, so I left the dressing room and skipped on over to the bar. Yeah, I said skipped. I was feeling a little giddy. If Johnny Depp wanted my needs taken care of I don't want him disappointed by not allowing him the opportunity!

I was bombarded by a mass of people. Actually reaching the bar was a feat of its own. I had to wade through a sea of sweaty bodies. The smoke swirled around my face lingering before my eyes as I reached my destination. Amidst the innocuous scents of sweat, cigarettes, and alcohol there was a sweetness I couldn't place. Some jackass stepped back and bumped me, throwing me off balance. I apologized to the man in front of me and I tried to wipe his Jack and Coke off my arm. He chuckled. I froze. It sounded like…music? Chills spread across my arm, but it wasn't not from his drink. He…felt… cold! I looked up in slow motion. I felt like it was the second, right before a car wreck, like the way a disaster slows down just enough that you're able to appreciate the pain you're going to be in even before it happens. Gold. I saw golden eyes, but before I could gasp he smiled and I registered that it was not him or any of them. What the hell was a vampire doing here?I muttered, "Excuse me," I smiled and set up a schedule with the bartender. One beer every three songs was the perfect time frame.

I couldn't help but pray he did not see recognition in my eyes. I also couldn't help but notice that he was not the only one there. I walked up to the stage and adjusted my throne. It appeared that Nick had been playing with it again. Shock kick started my alarm. How am I so calm? I should be grabbing the guys and breaking out of this joint. Did I just say joint. Now I'm being flippant about the whole thing. I scanned the crowd while I sound checked. So far, I'd seen two other sets of golden eyes and three sets of red. I needed another beer.

I started my mike check and decided that The Viper Room was not the place for my typical check. I couldn't ignore the thought that saying penis over and over again at different volumes was not a good idea. I was too shy to play the Penis Game in school. I was always terrified the teacher would catch me saying penis and tell Charlie. I went for the quick song route. I didn't know why, but I chose She's Leaving Home by The Beatles. The noise started to die as I sang the chorus, "She's leaving home/ She's leaving home after living alone for so many years." As I sang the second verse, I pondered the fact that I was in a bar full of vampires reminiscing about Forks. The irony wasn't lost on me. I poured my heart into the final chorus, "She is having fun/ Something inside that was always denied for so many years/ Bye-bye she's leaving home bye-bye." Quiet. Everyone was silent.

Ok. Maybe that was the wrong song for this crowd, but who the fuck doesn't love the Beatles?

I thought to myself. As I turned to face Ian to tell him I was ready, the crowd clapped wildly.

The show was going well and we were about to go on break. Well actually, Ian and Nick were going to take a piss, and try to pick up chicks, while I played. I was a little drunk and very nostalgic. I started off with something slow, Fiona Apple's "Sullen Girl." My eyes closed. I saw him behind them. I went from nostalgic to kicked in the cooter pissed in an instant. Thinking about him was never easy. Being pissed was. I started a Wilco song "Via Chicago." I daydreamed about him as I sang the first verse, "I dreamed about killing you again last night and it felt alright with me…." Something drew my eyes up and open as I continued singing, "Your cold, hot blood ran away from me to the sea…." Through the smoky haze, I saw a flash of …bronze. I stumbled on the keys, my hands moved of their own accord. A lullaby. I played my lullaby, but quickly got back on track. My heart wanted to rip open, but there was nothing there. I was empty.

No! It's not possible! As quickly as he was there he was gone. I was just seeing things. He is not here. Breathe Izzy. Don't come undone now.

I muttered to myself. I shook my head as I attempted to clear my thoughts, my head of this hallucination. The bartender walked up when the song ended and handed me another beer. "Thanks," the smile didn't reach my eyes.

Fuck it. If I'm drunk I won't feel or see anything.

Ian walked towards me as the bars of my next song began. He smiled as he heard it. He looked… smug as I moaned "A Mistake" by Fiona Apple.

The song ended. A tear fell. I resigned myself to who I had become.

The rest of the show blew by like a hurricane. I was dazed in the eye of the storm.

Fuck it, Izzy. Give up. Just fucking give up. He is not coming back. He does not love you. He does not want you, and neither do They. No one does. Have some fucking fun.

I smiled as I heard, "On the drums for you tonight is Nick Taylor." He did a quick solo and everyone clapped. "On the keys and vocals, Izzy Swan." The room erupted with applause. "I'm Ian Johns on guitar, and we're Dogs VS, Leeches. Have a good night." The crowd thundered applause. They fucking loved us! We sold out of our EPs and T-shirts.

As I was cleaning up in the dressing room, the headliner, Sparkle Horse came on. I chugged another beer and saw Gregory heading towards me. "Izzy, are you ready to meet Mr. Depp?"

No. I was not ready to meet Johnny fucking Depp! Who would be prepared for that shit? Playing in front of a room full of blood sucking vampires, I had no problem. The thought of speaking to Johnny Depp and I was going to throw up. There was something seriously wrong with me. I manage to stutter out, "S…sure, let's go."

Ian and Nick followed us. Nick was giddy as hell and Ian seemed nonchalant. He attempted to throw his arm around my shoulders. I shrugged him off. We walked up a flight of stairs to a door with security guards in front of it. I reached for the door knob and Gregory pulled me back. Just as I thought I did something wrong a group of people filed out of the room. I couldn't help but notice that one of them was the raven-haired vampire I bumped into at the bar.

"Come in. Please sit down." His voice was…well, it was beautiful.

The room was lit by iron lanterns and the walls were covered in burgundy velvet drapes. Opulent was the word I thought of as I gazed around the room. Low lying couches with plush cushions made a horseshoe on a balcony that faced the stage. Johnny Depp stood and offered us his hand. We each shook it. I dropped my eyes. I was actually shy for the first time in years. My cheeks blushed crimson and I sat down. I noticed something different about him, but couldn't lay my finger on it.

He congratulated us on an amazing show and offered us cocktails. I opted for another beer. That will be number seven. I had built up a hefty tolerance. Johnny offered us a spot on the bill for the following night. My head popped up. It was not that I was ignoring Johnny Depp, it was just that I was distracted. I couldn't help but feel that something wasn't right. Our eyes met for the first time. I gasped. I couldn't help it. He looked familiar. He looked like one of them, but it was off a little. He was not as pale, his eyes were not as gold, and he was not as cold, but I knew he was NOT human. Comprehension flickered across his eyes, but I didn't turn away. I didn't hide. He smiled.

Johnny lifted his cell phone to his ear, but he spoke too quietly and too fast for me to hear. I flashed a smirk at him that screamed "I know what you are, and I know what you're doing." Why am I acting this way? When I came in I couldn't look at him, and now that I know he is not human I flirt? What is wrong with me? My thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of two; I didn't know what to call them but models.

"Giovanna, Lidia, please I want you to meet some friends," Johnny flashed me a smile. My stomach fluttered. He dazzled me!Fuck, that was just crazy. Nick and Ian didn't see. They were too busy gawking at the models. I pretended to throw up in my mouth a little bit. Johnny saw and laughed out loud. Everyone stopped talking, and I pretended that nothing happened. I forgot that things were harder to hide from certain kinds of people. Well, people was definitely not the right word.

"Girls. Why don't you show Nick and Ian around? I'm sure they have not had a chance to enjoy the place," Johnny suggested smoothly with a straight face while locking my gaze. I stopped breathing.

Ian turned to me, "Hey Izz, you wanna go too?" He looked strange, like he wanted out of the situation. Why would he want out of hanging with hot foreign models? Nick's tongue was practically hanging out with anticipation. Johnny glared at Ian.

Before I was able to answer, Johnny interrupted, "I was going to ask Izzy to help me bang out the details for tomorrow's gig. What do you say?" He turned towards me. His emphasis on the word bang was not lost on Ian or me.

I remembered to breathe. "Sure that sounds great. Go ahead guys. Have fun. I'll be down in a bit."

Ian actually eye balled Johnny Depp. "Fine. Whatever. Do what you Fucking want." He leaned into me, lips grazing my ear, faking a hug, and snarled, "Do, whoever you want."

My back stiffened and my hands clinched. I turned back towards Johnny as they left. He smiled and attempted to dazzle me again. That time I was ready for it, or maybe it was just not as potent as a certain other dazzling smile. My expression didn't change, my heart rate stayed the same, and I continued to look directly in his eyes- waiting. He successfully and I might add intentionally got us alone. The only question was, "What did he want."

________________________________________________________________________

EPV

I went to her without a word. I kissed her strongly on the lips. She kissed back. I could hear her thoughts. She was surprised but pleased…eager. She had always wanted this…wanted me. The first time I met Bella and wanted to kill her, I ran to Tanya. She did not try to convince me to stay, but I heard her thoughts. She was upset when I decided to return to Forks.

I opened her mouth with my tongue and tasted her sweet breath. It was sweet. She curled her talons into my hair and pulled me closer, I did not resist. If she were human, her cheeks would have flushed, her heart would have raced, and her body would have been warm. I caressed the small of her back and kissed her more intently. I could never have been this carefree with Bella, she was much too fragile, but Tanya could take all of my force. I quickly took her to her bed and laid her down without breaking the seal our lips made. She had many questions but did not want the answers. She released my hair and ripped my shirt off, buttons ricocheted off the walls of her bedroom; I undressed her with one fluid movement. I just wanted to forget…him…her…them. She rolled on top of me and I opened my eyes long and saw her staring at me but I had to quickly snapped them shut. She wasn't who I wanted to see. She wondered if I really want to do this. I did but not with her. I was sick with guilt but not enough to abate my anger.

I answered her by moving her hand to my inner thigh. She gasped in delight; I made no sound. I allowed my body to release all the anguish from before when I heard his thoughts. I kissed Tanya's neck as I washed away how he heard her groan. I moved back and forth, as I erased his memory of her scent. I concentrated on Tanya's moans as I obliterate the images of their first time together and all of the filth that followed. We laid in her bed motionless, silent. Time was of no consequence here. I continued exploring all the parts of Tanya while I washed away the images of Jacob Black destroying my Bella. Tanya and I stopped when my soul whispered Bella, an instant before my lips did. My demon growled in defeat. I jerked away from her and crashed through the window. I heard Tanya scream my name as I raced towards my salvation, allowing the violent winds to rend away my sins. I had no time for self-loathing. I would tell Carlisle what I had done later; I yearned to find Bella. My need for her was more urgent.

TPV

"Edward," I shrieked into the night. Just as quickly as he came in and swept me off my feet, he disappeared. I couldn't believe he fucked me and left …me. He fucking said that walking blood bank's name while he took me on that unforgettable ride.

No! He made love to me.

Each word pounded individually through my mind. Edward and I were meant to be together; I knew that. We were a perfect fit. I just had to get the human out of the way.

EPV

If I could have gasped for breath I would have. I reached New York in a matter of hours, "They left last night? You do not know where they headed. Okay, thank you very much for your help." Dammit, I missed them by one day. I realized I wasted three days with Tanya. Had I not been with her I would have caught up to them. I decided I would head back to Forks and see if Angela would call her. Suddenly, my cell phone rang.

"Hello Johnny," I said without glancing at the caller id.

."Hello Edward, I am calling you to tell you that your Bella is here at my club," he said.

"Bella's there now," I exclaim. I couldn't believe my karma. "Where are you?"

"I am at the Viper Room. I assumed that you were still interested in la belle femme. I was just wondering because she looks nothing like the Bella you described to me in Denali. In fact she looks more like my type now." Johnny teased. I couldn't hold back a growl. "Calm down. Calm down! I'm on your side, but don't fault me for admiring your mistakes."

"I know Johnny, but I need her. Can you find a away to keep her there? I'm on my way." I couldn't withhold the excitement in my voice.

"Of course man, but you must know that she's …different. Getting her back isn't going to be easy," he warned.

"Getting her back…is the only way to complete me. She is essential for my soul. Without her I am nothing but a blood sucking demon. I will be on the next flight out to California," my self-loathing wass overwhelming. I needed to get control so I could concentrate and reach my love as soon as possible.

"I'll do my best. Just hurry." Johnny insisted.

"Thank you Johnny. I owe you." I snapped my phone shut. I had my chance to see her. Would I leave if she were happy? Hell no! I was going to fight for this. We belonged together and I would have her back no matter what the cost. I played another slide show in my mind of Tanya's hurt eyes as I left New York.