The Ballad of Roxanne Pelligrini
Written by: Craig Phillips
The characters herein this story is the property, copyright © and registered ® trademarks of Hasbro. The characters Jonathan Lawrence Patterson, Christopher Michael, Max Rogers, Edwin Pelligrini, Steve Pelligrini, Tyler McConnell, and Manic Deeds are my creations. The story itself belongs to me and is copyright ©. Reproduction of this story in any manner without prior written consent is strictly prohibited.
One word of warning, I do not believe in censorship of any kind, and therefore what you read is what you get.
Chapter 4 (Rise of the Phoenix)
It was already noon when the meeting at Starlight Music ended. The Misfits were full of new life; they finally felt they could move on. They were free of Stinger Sound and Pizzazz for good. None of the girls realized they had been taken for millions like that. What hurt more was that Phyllis was in on it. But why? She certainly didn't need the money; her father was Harvey Gabor, one of the wealthiest men in California. It didn't matter anymore to the girls why Phyllis took the groups money.
As they were heading back to The Misfits van, Mary remembered that she and Roxanne needed to pick up their new gear.
"Hey, we have got to get down to Hollywood's Guitar Center." Mary blurted out.
"I totally forgot about that. I want my new bass." Roxanne said with a smile.
As they headed off to Guitar Center, Sheila turned to Roxanne who was in the passenger seat. "How ya holding up mate?" She patted her friends arm.
Mary just sat back in confusion. "Did I miss something?"
"It's alright Mary, Sheila and I had a long conversation at her place." Roxanne felt a warm sensation fill her body. Then she went on and retold the story of her past love, Johnny. When they reached their destination, Mary poked her head around Roxanne's seat.
"God, tough as nails Pelligrini." Mary giggled. "I don't know how I would have dealt with something that horrible. They all exited the van and headed inside.
"There was a point that I was really suicidal." She showed Mary and Sheila her scars upon her wrists. "He was the only guy that loved me for who I was. Not just some sex crazed pervert." Roxanne said as she opened the door.
An hour went by before the girls returned to the van. Behind them were a few sales reps helping the girls load the new equipment. This was a bigger shopping spree than all the times at their favorite clothing store.
"OK, do you think we have enough?" Mary laughed. "I have never had that much fun buying a synthesizer."
"Well duckies, I have a date tonight, and I can't be late." Sheila said with as she got back into the van.
"So you're not going to Starlight mansion for dinner Sheila?" Roxanne questioned.
"I can't. See there is this guy whom I quite fancy, and well I can't disappoint him."
"Is he cute Sheila?" Mary teased as she got into the back seat.
"Hell yeah he is, and besides I haven't had a good shag fest in a long time." Sheila winked.
Mary and Roxanne rolled their eyes. Modesty was not suited for the Briton, they knew. Sheila was no prude; she was the biggest pervert they'd ever met. From sex toy gag gifts on Christmas, to condoms in their Easter baskets, Sheila Jane Burns knew no boundaries, the girl was kinky.
"Well, we'll let Jerrica know that you have a hot and heavy date tonight." Mary said coyly, and clicked her tongue.
"Yeah, and you better not skip on the juicy details." Roxanne added. She smiled inwardly thinking of the first time she'd made love to Johnny. "God, what was a great night." She said to herself. "Johnny was a stallion in the sack, I always slept like a baby after." Roxanne giggled.
"What about you Mary. Did you ever find yourself lost between the satin sheets of desire?" Sheila turned around and winked at her friend.
Mary turned beet red when she was asked that very private question. She never slept with a man, she was still a virgin. She was one of the rare girls that wanted to wait until marriage. Even today at 25 years old, she remains pure.
"I…uh…that is…um…" Mary was just too embarrassed. "Can't we change the subject?"
"Mary, I'm getting the feeling that you have never had a guy pop ya?" Roxanne and Sheila laughed playfully.
"C'mon that's not funny. I just wanted to remain a virgin for my future husband. Besides, hearing all about your wild nights Roxanne, Sheila, doesn't make me want to go fawning after some guy just so I can get…popped." Said Mary, still blushing. Though she often desired to be touched, caressed, and be passionately made love to, the right man never appeared in her life. Sure there was Angus, but he was more about living as a nomad.
"Look yank, we're just teasin' ya. I think its sweet you are waiting for the right guy." Sheila said as she pulled into Mary's driveway, and turned off the vans engine.
Roxanne looked at Mary. "Mary, you'll find your true love. I mean what guy would not want you. You're gorgeous; faithful, talented…well I am gonna stop so I don't give you a swelled head."
"I hope you're right Roxanne. Love has never been easy for me. I've had two guys in my life. Craig and Angus. Well, Craig's my brother, and I have not heard from Angus in a long time." Mary admitted with a heavy sigh.
Roxanne turned to face her friend. "Mary, I'm gonna introduce you to someone. He's the lead singer in a band called Manic Deeds. His name is Max Rogers." She gave Mary a pat on her leg. "Actually I have a picture of him in my wallet." She reached into her purse and pulled out the wallet. Thumbing though the random pictures she found Max's. Sheila snatched it from Roxanne.
"Damn, Rox he's hot!" Sheila gawked at the photo of Max and Roxanne backstage after a gig. The picture showed Max with his arm wrapped around Roxanne. They both were making funny faces at the camera.
"They are still playing in the underground music scene. Maybe Jerrica could go down and check them out?" Roxanne mused. She had been following the band since their regional tour took them to Philadelphia, the concert where she met Johnny. "Max and I are really good friends, but he's been clubbing, and we've been dealing with our drama's that I have not called him in a while."
Sheila handed the picture to Mary. She then looked at Roxanne and gave her a wink, then Roxanne turned back towards Mary who was blushing badly.
"So, Mary do you want me to see if he's available?" Roxanne said playfully.
Mary continued starring at the photo; Max was a real good looking guy alright. Tall, long hair, and he had cute face. "Wait…what…What are you going to tell him?" Mary panicked.
"Me?" Roxanne turned to Mary. "I'll get him on the phone, but you'll do all the talking."
"Rox…I…" Mary really became shy.
"You'll be fine ducky." Sheila said and then winked.
"I…don't know…I mean…" Mary signed. She was never good at talking about intimacy, love, or guys. "I guess I'll talk to him."
Sheila looked at her watch. "OK, well, I've got to run. Me lovers waitin'." Roxanne and Mary left the van, and unloaded the gear from the back. Sheila started the van up and began backing up. "'Hey, tell Jerrica, sorry I missed her shindig. Ta chickies," Sheila did a burn out on the street creating a white cloud of smoke.
"C'mon Mary, let's get the gear inside and set up. I want to jam before we have to head to Starlight House." Roxanne said as she carried a large box that read "Korg" on the side.
Mary and Roxanne headed into the house and downstairs to the home studio Mary put together. It was divided into three rooms, a live room in where a drum set and amplifiers were placed. Then there was a smaller quite room for vocal recording, and finally the control room. This room housed the mixing and recording desk, along with various pre-amps, patch panels, processors, and a couple of synthesizers.
Roxanne set down the heavy box and flopped down on the love seat couch. "Damn, that thing is a beast. You couldn't by a little Casio keyboard?" Roxanne chuckled.
Mary snorted. "Now if I did that, it would not be a workout for you." Roxanne threw a pillow at her.
"Listen Mary, I gotta go burn off some energy before I can play."
"Um my brother Craig has a weight room at the other end of the basement. If you want you can use the equipment," she said opening a small box.
Roxanne nodded and headed out the studio door, and walked down the hallway. She came upon a pretty decent size workout room. She scanned the area, and noticed an Everlast punching bag. "Well, I think I found what I was looking for," she had a sly smile on her lips.
On a small table she found a pair of sparring gloves. She put them on, but they were a little big for hands. "Fuck it." Roxanne said as she threw them onto the floor. She walked over to the punching bag, and just started jabbing at it lightly. Her jabs and punches started to get a little more intense. As she was working up a little sweat, she began to visualize her uncle as the punching bag. Her punches became even harder and more violent. Roxanne began grunting on each successful hit. Hit after hit, seemed to enrage her even more. Her heart began to race, and sweat poured off her forehead. She began kicking the bag, first in the side, then head on. Her fury was at a high point. "You motherfucking son of a bitch, I want you fucking dead." Roxanne screamed as more and more hits reminded her of the lashings she got on her back. "DIE, DIE DIE, DIE, DIE, GOD I FUCKING HATE YOU BASTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD! She screamed at the top of her lungs as she hit the bag as hard as she could.
Craig came running down to the basement and looked on in horror in what he was seeing. Mary came out of the studio and stood back by her brother, and watched her friend explode into a full on raging assault. She began to see blood all over the punching bag. Roxanne didn't seem fazed by the blood, pain, or the fact that she was not alone. She kept on throwing the punches and kicks to the bag; her mind was on fire with anger, her body was maxed out on adrenalin.
Mary looked at her brother with deep concern in her eyes. "Shouldn't we stop her?"
"No, this is probably therapy for her. Just go get some water and ice, when she calms, the pain will be intense." Mary agreed and went upstairs.
After eight minutes of pure fury, Roxanne collapsed to the floor panting, bloodied, and sweaty. Her hands shook from the abuse they took. She looked at them and saw that she split her knuckles wide open. She whispered under her breath, "If it's the last thing I do, when I find you, you're fucking dead."
Mary and Craig walked over to Roxanne. She looked at them both, starring them down like a lioness protecting her young. Craig offered her some water, but Roxanne shook her head. She got up and looked at the bloodied punching bag, she smiled triumphantly. Roxanne then looked at her hands again. Her left hand index finger was turning black and blue. "Fuck, I think I broke my finger."
"Oh God Rox, can you move it?" Mary wondered.
Roxanne tried to wiggle her finger, and then let out a scream of pain. "Fuckin' A' that hurt. I gotta get this checked Mary."
"Mary, get her hands cleaned up, and we'll take her to the emergency room." Craig took off and grabbed the keys to his car, and went outside to start it.
Mary ran to the bathroom and returned with a can of first aid spray. "OK Rox, this may sting," she sprayed Roxanne's knuckles.
"Fuuuuuuck," Roxanne screamed through clenched teeth.
The cuts were not that deep, but Roxanne's finger was looking pretty bad. They both headed out to Craig's car, and rushed to the nearest emergency room.
Two hours went by before they all headed out. Roxanne broke her finger, and cracked her knuckle. The doctor wrapped her hand and put a splint on her finger for stability.
"Dammit, I just realized that this is going to set us back weeks now." Roxanne fumed over her injury.
"Rox, what set you off?" Mary inquired.
"My asshole of an uncle that's what set me off. All I kept seeing was his face on that punching bag, and I just attacked it even more." As Roxanne passed a "No Parking" sign, she leaped up and hit it with her right hand. She let out a shriek of anger when contact was made.
"Roxanne, you gotta chill, you're gonna ruin your hands," Craig tired to reason with her.
She didn't say another word, she just wanted to get back home and go to bed for a couple of hours.
The car ride back was silent; Craig, Mary, and Roxanne got out and went back inside.
"I gotta get some sleep you two, these drugs they gave me for the pain are really kicking in," she headed off to her room.
Mary was woken up by a horrifying scream by Roxanne. She ran to Roxanne's bedroom and saw her friend clutching her stomach. She was rocking back and forth, her eyes were wide open, and she was biting her lower lip.
"Rox? Roxy, i-it's me Mary," she lightly caressed Roxanne's arm. She still continued to rock back and forth, her knees pressed tightly to her chest. Mary leaned over to try and make eye contact with Roxanne. "Rox, you OK sweetie?"
Roxanne snapped out of her trance, looked at Mary, and placed her hands over her face. "Oh my God Mary, I had the most horrible dream of my life. My Uncle Edwin pulled a gun on me and started shooting," she clutched her pillow. Mary shivered. "Mar, he first shot me in the leg, then in the shoulder…," Roxanne closed her eyes tightly.
Mary wrapped her arms around Roxanne, and held her. "It was only a dream, Rox," she reassured.
"I hate that fucking prick," she threw her pillow across the room. "Now he haunts my dreams, he beat me, he put me down. I swear Mary, if I ever find that man, I'll kill him."
Mary shuddered at the words Roxanne just spoke. Scariest part was that Roxanne was serious and Mary new it. Being abused can make a lot of people unstable, but some go too far. "Rox, please. Don't say things like that, you'll end up in prison."
"Look at what he did to me, why can't I make him suffer?" Tears streamed from Roxanne's face.
Mary was at a loss for words, she hugged her friend. They spent the rest of the night talking.
Six weeks went by before Roxanne was able to play her bass again. She had been going through Hell; first she broke her finger, and then was haunted by nightmares. Why did she feel that she was cursed?
"I'm gonna go jam for a bit, I have a bass line I what to develop. It has really sucked that I have been out of practice for this long."
Mary looked up from the keyboards operators' manual. "You wanna roll tape on it?"
"Might as well, just in case something sparks and I forget what I played," Roxanne put her bass strap over her shoulder, and headed into the live room, and plugged into her classic Ampeg bass amp. She began riffing, and then playing a pulsing beat on the bass.
In the control room, Mary tweaked a few knobs and dialed in Roxanne's sound. She then went back to reading the manual. "Oy, this is gonna take a while."
Sheila came to a small tan house, just a few miles from Mary's place. This was the home of her boyfriend Tyler McConnell. Sheila and Tyler had been friends since living in North London; they fell for each other almost immediately. Tyler moved to America two years before Sheila did to attend U.C.L.A. When Sheila got the call that he was in town and he wanted to be with her, she did not hesitate.
Their first date since London consisted of a walk along Malibu beach. It was a great vacation for the two of them. Even more memorable for Sheila, because she lost her virginity to Tyler that night in the hotel room they shared. When he got his first teaching job at a local technical college, Tyler bought his first home.
Sheila turned off her car and locked the doors, the alarm chirped when she pressed the button on her key fob. She approached his front door, but before she could ring the bell, Tyler opened the door for her and stepped outside. She jumped into his arms and wrapped her legs tightly around him, and kissed him passionately. Her tongue and his rolled around in gentle but firm motions. Light moans and heavy breathing escaped the back of her throat. Tyler carried her inside the house, still kissing her passionately. He laid her onto his leather couch, and began kissing Sheila down her neck giving her goosebumps. She squealed in delight and he nibbled lightly just below her earlobe.
"God, I missed you Ty," she purred. Tyler continued kissing and nibbling on her neck mumbling in agreement. Tyler began running his fingers through her raven black hair. Moving his lips to her now puffy and ruby red lips.
"Mmmm, baby I love your perfume, very intoxicating," he whispered seductively into her ear.
Sheila just smiled and enjoyed the tingling sensations she was receiving. Tyler made his way under Sheila's t-shirt to her supple breasts, and gently squeezed and caressed them, not missing one sensitive location on them. As he teased her breasts, he began a light grinding motion on her leg, to let her know that he was more than ready for her.
Sheila tightened her leg muscles as he continued his grinding. She could feel him grow. This really turned Sheila on. "My, my, my, you naughty boy. Whatever am I gonna do with you?" Sheila playfully teased.
Tyler leaned up and gently ran his tongue across Sheila's red lips. He began to unbutton her jeans, and slowly allowed his hand to slide between the fabrics. Sheila grinned wickedly, and closed her eyes. Tyler could feel the heat between her legs; he gently pushed aside her panties and let a finger slip inside of her trembling body. Sheila bucked and moaned from his touch.
"Oh God, Ty, don't stop," she whispered. Tyler continued moving back and forth, increasing his speed. He then stopped, just before Sheila climaxed. She begged him to keep going.
Tyler looked at her as he brought his finger to his mouth so he could taste her. He smiled approvingly, licking his lips. He then carried Sheila off to his bed, and slowly took off her clothes. Sheila did the same to him, looking down to see if he was ready. She giggled with excitement. He lay down on the bed so Sheila could straddle his waist. Her body shook as she felt every bit of her man. An hour later, Sheila and Tyler came out of his room. She was still trembling, and as she walked it only increased. They both sat down on the couch again, and turned on a movie. Sheila stayed the night with Tyler and after the movie; they made love one more time.
Mary continued to rub her friends back. "Hey Rox, I know this is really bad timing but, you got a call from a Christopher Michael?"
"Chris called?" Roxanne immediately forgot about the nightmare and grabbed the phone. "When did he call, did he say when he got into LA?"
Mary giggled. "He called at seven-ten this morning, and just wondered if you wanted to meet up later today. So who is Chris, a love interest Roxanne Pelligrini?" Mary gave her friend a wink.
Roxanne flipped her off while she waited on the phone for Chris to pick up. "Hey this is Chris; sorry you're not important enough for me to talk to you right now. No just kidding. Sorry I missed your call, leave your name, number and a brief message and I'll get back to you," the recorder beeped.
"Hey baby, it's Roxy. I just got word you're in town. I'm staying with Stormer for a couple days so give me a call at her number, 555-3143. Love ya cutie." Roxanne hung up her phone. She glanced over at Mary who was trying to keep from laughing. "Mar if you say one…"
Mary interrupted. "Rox, you like the guy, just admit it."
"There's no denying it Mary, I fell in love with Chris a while ago," she sighed. "Things is Mary, I didn't know if I was over Johnny, and I guess I felt guilty about moving on."
"Rox, I saw how you lit up when I told you he called. Now you don't pull this honoring Johnny's memory shit. You have got to move on, and if you don't I will kick your ass," Mary giggled and poked Roxanne in the side, making her chirp.
"God, don't do that, I am so ticklish."
"See I can always get a smile from you," Mary smiled.
Roxanne hugged her friend. "Mar, you were up late, did you get your synth going?"
"Ugh, yes, finally. I swear the people that write those manuals expect you to have a PhD. But yes I finally got it going. We do need to get cracking on the songs, if we are ever going to get an album produced."
"I'll call Sheila." Roxanne picked up her cell phone and speed dialed Sheila.
"Sheila Burns, wanton sex goddess with a very bad man between her thighs."
"Gimme a break Shei. You planning on writing music, or getting laid?"
Sheila thought for a moment. "Can't I do both love?"
"Just come back to Mary's, we need to start recording."
"Bloody hell Rox. Fine ducks give me an hour and I'll be over." Sheila hung up the phone, and looked at Tyler. "I'm sorry love, but I am needed back at the studio," she kissed his lips.
"Sheila, your needed here," Tyler said as he slid his hand between her legs.
She groaned and shook as he hit her clitoris. "Ty, I'm serious. I promise I'll make it up to you. Don't be mad baby."
"Hey, don't worry Sheila. I'm not," he kissed her. "You have a kick ass album to write." Tyler gave her a big smile.
"This is why I fell in love with you Ty."
It was four in the afternoon, when Jerrica pulled up to Mary's house. She walked up to the door and knocked on it. Craig greeted her.
"Hi Jerrica," he smiled warmly.
"Craig, when did you get back?"
"Actually I got in about an hour ago. Have you seen Aja?"
Jerrica gave Craig Aja's new cell phone number. "She changed cell phone providers. Call her in an hour; she said she was going to take a warm bath. So are the Misfits here yet?"
"Um, yeah they've been recording in Mary's studio in the basement. Since Rio's been at another convention, Mary offered up her studio." Craig led Jerrica down stairs just as their music began blaring through the control room speakers.
"Wow, they are solid." Jerrica said as she and Craig entered the control room. Craig nodded. They did not disturb the recording session going on.
"OK Sheila, a few notes were a bit sharp, so let's punch you in going into your solo." Mary said over the talk-back microphone. Sheila didn't talk, but gave a "thumbs up" signal. Mary placed a marker five seconds before Sheila's sax solo, then created a five second stop point. "Ok here we go Shei."
The tape rolled and five seconds later, Sheila wrote the most masterful sax solo. After the solo ended, Mary got back on the talk-back. "Brilliant, that's the take we'll use. You wanna come listen to it?" She released the talk-back button.
"Yeah, mate. Me solo felt bang on song." Sheila said triumphantly.
Jerrica greeted Sheila and Mary. "That sounded incredible you guys. This album is definitely going climb the charts, and put you Misfits back on the map."
"I have not had this much fun since our early days in the studio. Why we ever compromised that for sabotage is beyond me," Roxanne chimed in eating a doughnut.
"Because we let that bastard Eric manipulate us," Sheila snarled as she entered the control room. Jerrica just smiled.
"Well look, that's all behind in the past. From what I have heard of your demos, the Misfits will be better than ever," she opened her brief case and displayed the newly printed posters. It showed the city of Los Angeles in flames, with a large phoenix flying towards the camera, and the Misfits walking out of the flames. The Misfits logo was emblazoned in green, black and red at the top, while the album title was in a blue flame custom font that spelled out "Hotter Than Hell."
"Jerrica, will our album cover display this design?" Asked Mary who was entranced by the details.
"Yep, and this will also be available on your new t-shirts." Jerrica opened a small bag that contained three custom t-shirts with the poster design.
Roxanne just looked at the swag, and felt tears well up. "Eric never believed in us like Jerrica does. This is everything any of us could have hoped for."
"That's my job as your manager; this is your rebirth as the new Misfits after all."
At five, the band decided to call it a day. They had rehearsed and recorded three new songs which Mary and Sheila composed. Roxanne was still blown away at how good the three of the sounded, not to mention how good Sheila could be on an actual drum set.
"We've never sounded better. God when I think about Pizzazz's singing voice on our earlier albums," she shuddered. "That woman could not carry a tune in a tin fuckin' bucket."
"Who cares about Pizzazz anyways? All she ever did was put us down just to satisfy her own damn ego." Mary remarked dryly. "Especially when I wrote my ballads, and by the way I'm glad you both love them."
"That we do yank," she yawned and stretched her arms above her head.
"Soooo, how'd your evening go with…um...what's his nuts?" Roxanne patted Sheila on the shoulder.
"Tyler, Tyler McConnell. He's been a mate for a while now, well more than a mate." Sheila blushed.
"Yeah, I'll bet. Roxanne winked. "And judging how you sorta walked in a bit bow legged earlier, must have been a helluv a ride."
Sheila just rolled her eyes. "Well at any rate, I'm getting tired and Ty and I have a dinner and movie date. Ta duckies."
Mary and Roxanne were covering up the mixing desk when Mary's house phone began ringing. "God, if that is another telemarketer, you're gonna be a Misfit short, because I am gonna kill them." Mary picked up her phone. "Hello?"
"Uh, hi…Roxy?" The voice asked politely.
"No this is Mary, hang on here's Roxanne," she handed the phone off to Roxanne and gave a smile. Roxanne mouthed silently "who is it?" Mary just shrugged.
"H-hello? Who is this."
"Roxy? It's me Chris; I just got your message."
Roxanne filled with excitement. "Oh my God hi baby, where are you at?"
"I'm at a hotel in Hollywood, Manic Deeds is playing here, and we got an offer to sign with Starlight Music. Anyway, I can't talk long, but can we meet up for dinner tonight, I really missed you kitten."
"Awww you did?" Roxanne felt a rush of blood to her face. Chris gave her the pet name of kitten the first time they met. "Well I just finished my studio session, but I'm rather sweaty and in need of a shower. Come by Mary's house in an hour, ok?
"No prob kitten, I'll be there. Oh and please wear your tight black jeans, you got a great ass," he playfully remarked.
"Bad boy," she said seductively and giggled. "I'm gonna have to punish you later."
"Look forward to it," he purred back. "Well Roxy I gotta get going and you have to get all sexy for me. I bid you adieu my little kitten."
"Adieu Chris," she sighed happily as her heart melted by his voice.
"Wow Rox, I've never seen you get that hot for a guy before." Mary walked over to see her friend brushing her platinum hair and humming.
"Mar, he's not just any guy," she paused. "He's my guy, and Mar," she turned and looked at Mary. "Since Johnny's death, I never thought I'd ever love again, but I really love Christopher."
To be continued in Chapter 5: Only in My Dreams