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 8: The Engagement (Part 3)
The next morning Sheila woke to extreme pains in her stomach. She ran out of her room and straight to the bathroom where she began throwing up. Roxanne who was just next door heard the commotion, and went in to help Sheila. Gently she began to stroke Sheila's back, and also helped hold her jet black hair out of the way. She wretched one more time, before slowly leaning back upright. She urgently pushed Roxanne out of the way so she could get to the sink and rinse out the nastiness in her mouth. She reached for her toothbrush and covered the bristles with toothpaste.
"That was bloody awful! I've never gotten sick like that since I was a kid," she spoke with a mouthful of toothpaste.
Roxanne just smiled, "Duh you're pregnant, and this does happen," she giggled.
Sheila spit out the toothpaste and rinsed her mouth out with a glass of water, "and how would you know that yank?"
"Because I got pregnant at 14!"
Sheila scoffed, "bollox Roxy! You ain't never had a kid!" Sheila walked out of the bathroom, but Roxanne immediately grabbed her arm.
"Yes I damn well did Jetski," she snapped, "I had an flippin abortion!"
Sheila looked into her friends eyes, and actually believed Roxanne. Something that deep no woman would ever lie about. It made Sheila's heart sink to learn that someone whom she hated for years actually went though that hell.
"Roxanne...I couldn't do that, but I have no bloody idea what I'm gonna do. I'm really scared. Tyler bailed out on me, and I have no one at all," tears streamed down her pale white cheeks.
"I don't know what the answer is for you Sheila, but you can count on us to be there for you," Roxanne hugged Sheila.
"Bloody hell yank we've been hangin' 'round Jerrica for too long," the two girls laughed and went downstairs to find something to eat.
Roxanne joined Mary and Phyllis at the breakfast table. There were piping hot plates of pancakes, bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs. Each girl took a portion and sat down to eat. Phyllis had her hair up in a clip, no makeup on, and she wore a medium green nightgown. She starred at her food, just picking at it from time to time.
"Phyllis are you doin' okay?" Mary said softly with concern in her voice.
Phyllis dropped her fork and began sobbing. The girls were in absolute shock, because Pizzazz never cried in front of people. She didn't care. At that point nothing mattered.
"Why did daddy leave me?" She slammed her fists hard against the table. A loud "clang" resonated throughout the room.
The girls all exchanged worried glances. Phyllis was a model of never showing this side of her personality. Everyone who knew her either saw her arrogance as a rock star, or saw her temper when she would lose to a rival. When it came to her father she did love him, but his work always kept him too busy for her. That was the biggest reason why her mother left, and why Phyllis became so angry. The times she wanted to get close to her father he would blow her off. Now it was too late to tell him how much she did love him. It was never about the money with Phyllis, and it was never about getting material things. She hid behind material things because she was so insecure. She was starved for his love, attention, and affection.
Mary took Phyllis's hand, "We are here for you."
"Yeah mate, Misfits stick together no matter what," chimed in Sheila.
"Always!" Roxanne sternly said.
"Look, I've never really been alone like this," she sniffed, "and I know you all care for me. Jeez listen to me, I sound like a Hologram." A snicker turned into a full outburst of laughter.
"And we always will Phyllis," Mary smiled brightly.
"But how can you even care about me? After all the crap I pulled when I was trying so hard to be with Riot?" Phyllis never got over all the drama she and her band mates went though after the official breakup, "but here you all are."
Roxanne got up and walked over to the empty chair that was by Phyllis. Sitting down, she turned her friends face to hers, "You gave me a second chance years ago when I quit the band after winning that million dollar lottery. Heck you even gave Mary a second chance after she left the group, and worked with Kimber."
"That's right," both Sheila and Mary said in unison.
"What about all that legal stuff I dragged you all into? I don't even control our music anymore, Stinger Sound and Riot does."
Mary looked at Phyllis, "we'll just have to write new songs, and ones that are better than before. Jerrica has been the best manager we've ever had. She gave us a chance even though we had those years of turmoil with her and her band."
"No one said this was gonna be easy yank, but we're the blinkin' Misfits. We can conquer the world again," Sheila placed her hands on Phyllis's, and was joined by Mary, and Roxanne. In unison they all spoke one phrase.
"Misfits forever!"
Later that day, Roxanne had a bit of anxiety going through her. She really had no idea how Chris was going take meeting her dad. She always lead Chris to believe that he was an evil man, and that if he ever saw her father that he should be the crap out of him. But it was Chris who really helped Roxanne get over that rooted hatred for her dad. It was not so much that she didn't want his guidance, but she didn't know how she was going to handle it. As she brushed her gorgeous platinum hair the phone began to ring.
"Talk to me," Roxanne coyly said.
"Uh..Hello? Roxanne?" A familiar voice spoke.
"Daddy?"
"Yeah sugar it's me. I just wanted to know when I was going to meet up with you and Chris?"
"I'm still waiting on his call daddy. He's at Starlight Music working on final mixes."
"Okay, but I have to be at work at five in the morning."
That's all Roxanne needed was more pressure, "Daddy I'll call Chris right now, and if he's NOT finished working he will be when I get through with him."
"Honey, don't get like that."
"No I'm just teasing, but I will call Chris right now."
"Okay sweetie. I love you."
"Love you too daddy"
"Bye."
"Bye."
Roxanne quickly dialed Chris's number. It rang three times before going to his voice mail box. "Hey leave me a message," the recording said.
"Hey babes, you gonna pick me up? My father has to work really early and I need to know when he can expect us. Call me back as soon as you get this. Love you, bye."
Roxanne clicked her phone shut and tossed it onto her bed. She hurried herself to finish getting ready. Just then her phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey Roxy, I'm sorry I missed your call. I'm on my way over now."
Roxanne was getting a little impatient, "what's keeping you?"
"I had to dry my clothes, because I forgot to last night. And since I was at the studio today I didn't get them in the dryer until an hour ago."
"Geez! You could have called," Roxanne was a bit peeved.
"Babes I really feel bad, but I'm almost to Mary's to pick you up. Just meet me in the driveway."
"Okay you better be here."
"Yes dear."
"Looks like I've trained you well," Roxanne chuckled.
"Yes dear," Chris's tone was a bit more sarcastic.
"See ya when you get here."
"Okay, Love ya.
"Ditto, Bye," Roxanne put her phone in her purse and made one final check of herself in the mirror before heading out, "Oooh Roxanne you're hot tonight."
Roxanne walked out of her room and made her way down stairs. Mary's brother Craig had just gotten home from work and was just about ran over.
"In a hurry Roxanne?" Craig inquired.
"Yeah, sorry I can't talk..., she paused for a moment while sliding on her high heels, "Craig was there anyone else outside?"
"No, but I pulled my car into the garage so I really didn't take notice."
"Crap," Roxanne said quietly. As she was putting on her leather jacket Chris finally pulled into the driveway. She turned back into the house, "DON'T WAIT UP FOR ME!" She shouted.
"Thanks Roxanne I didn't need that ear," Craig said pretending his hearing was really affected.
Roxanne spun on her heel and hustled over to Chris's car. As she got in, Chris checked out her outfit and whistled.
"Wow, I think I'm seeing royalty," he just looked her over. She was radiant, and absolutely gorgeous.
"You're not too bad yourself," Roxanne leaned over and kissed him. She could smell the cologne he was wearing, Eternity for Men. Roxanne was a sucker for that scent.
"So where are we suppose to meet your father?" Chris finally spoke up, but not wanting the moment to end.
Roxanne immediately shot back in her seat, "oh crap I gotta call him. He's still at the hotel. She fussed around her purse looking for her phone. She dialed the hotel's number, and waited impatiently for someone to pick up, "Ugh, would you pick up," she moaned. Just as she spoke those words a young man's voice began.
"I'm truly sorry for not getting to the phone sooner," the young man said meekly.
"Oops, didn't know someone picked up. Can you connect me to Steven Pelligrini? Room 125," Roxanne was still embarrassed.
"Of course. Hold on while I transfer you," Roxanne was put on hold and heard the phone ring.
"Hello?" Steven said.
"Hi daddy, Chris and I are on our way over to pick you up," Roxanne gushed every time she heard her father's voice.
"Okay sugar, I'll wait for you in the lobby. Have you two decided where we are going for dinner?"
"It's called The Cat and Fiddle. The food is really good, and it's really nice," Roxanne and Chris looked all over Hollywood for good restaurants, but this place was one the Misfits use to frequent.
"Sounds good. See you when you get here, bye."
"Bye daddy," Roxanne clicked her phone shut and put it back in her purse.
It was still awkward for Roxanne to come to terms that her father was back in her life. For so long she hated the man, but secretly she needed him. For years Roxanne would cry herself to sleep because her heart ached for him. When her uncle began abusing her, she desperately wanted her daddy there to protect her. As the years went on, she grew more and more to rely on herself. This was certainly true when she first joined the Misfits back in 1984, but the older she got the more she needed her father. Of course Roxanne never admitted to anyone that she needed a thing, but the empty space in her heart was reserved for her daddy.
"Chris," Roxanne started, "I know I really put down my father, but I never meant the words."
"Roxy I'll never pretend that I know what you went through with your uncle or never knowing your dad," Chris began running his fingers through her hair, "I'm just happy to see that you're able to let him back into your life."
They reached the hotel where Steven was waiting for them. Roxanne got out of the car, and opened the rear door for him. Now this is a definite first for Roxanne, because she never would in a million years be that kind to anyone. But this was not just anyone. It was her father.
"Daddy, this is Christopher Michael," Roxanne said as she climbed into the back seat with her father.
"Hi Christopher, I'm glad to see my daughters been in good hands with you," Steven complimented.
"Thank you sir. Your daughter is an amazing woman, but I gotta tell ya she's a feisty one," Chris chuckled.
"That she is Chris," Steven turned to face his now blushing daughter.
Chris began to head towards the restaurant. It was about a twenty minute drive from the hotel, but it really gave Steve the chance to get to know his daughter.
"Roxanne the more I look into your eyes the more I see your mother," he put his arm around her and pulled her close.
"I know so little about mom, because I was what six months old?" When I asked uncle Edwin to tell me about her he just said that you both didn't want me," she felt her father stroke her hair. For the first time in her life she felt at peace.
"Sugar I'm sorry for what Edwin did to you. When I did find out what he did to you I punched him in the face," that made Roxanne smile, "but I do want to tell you that your mother and I adored you. From the day you were born we were a family. When I held you in my arms for the first time I just knew you were my perfect girl," Steve kissed her head.
"What was mom like," Roxanne closed her eyes in the hopes of rekindling any images she had of her."
"Roxanne she was beautiful. Just as beautiful as you are, and she was so full of life. When I first met Danielle she was a waitress at a small burger joint. My friends and I went there one day after school when she was working," Steven got a little choked up, "she waited on us, and I just completely fell for her. Though we never knew that we'd end up together, we knew we could not be a part."
Chris smiled at Steven's words. It's exactly how it was for him the first time he saw Roxanne.
"Please go on daddy," Roxanne snuggled into her father's chest.
"Well we dated about six months before I met her parents. I was scared Roxanne, because her father was very strict. He'd served in the Army during the Korean War, and was tough as nails."
"How'd you ever get past the uniform Mr. Pelligrini?" Chris said while looking over his shoulder to change lanes.
"Please Chris call me Steve, and to answer your question I don't think I ever got beyond the uniform. I just hoped that he was not going to chase me away from his daughter with a machine gun," the car erupted with laughter.
"Daddy, mom must have known you were scared didn't she?" Roxanne fed off her father's voice. It was so soothing and comforting.
"Oh she knew that Roxanne. As soon as she told me we were going to have dinner with them," he gently stroked Roxanne's hair, "I addressed him as sir, and didn't bat an eye when I said it either. He was very direct, and immediately wanted to know what my intentions were with his daughter. Of course I was frozen stiff and could not even get the words out that I wanted to. I just remember that when he walked up to me and patted me on the back I felt more at ease."
Roxanne sat up for a moment and reached in her purse and pulled out a piece of gum. "Do you two want a piece?" They both nodded and Roxanne gave out a stick to them both. "Daddy, when did you have "the talk" with Grandpa?"
"It was that evening that he and I had "the talk" Roxanne, and I was terrified that he was going to throw a grenade at me," more laughter came from the car.
They finally reached the restaurant, and headed for the valet parking. They all got and Chris paid the attendant. Roxanne was then flanked by her father on the left and Chris on the right as they walked into the restaurant. They were greeting by a young hostess, and were taken to a private section on the patio. As they were seated Steven continued talking about Roxanne's mother.
"From the first time I spoke to him about your mother he could see that I loved her," Steven sighed as the memories began to come back vividly to that moment in time, "The hardest part though was getting up the courage to ask his permission for her hand."
Roxanne could feel a lump in her throat the more detailed the story got. Roxanne starting wishing she could have met her mom. The way her father spoke of her mother made it seem as though she were right there. It made Roxanne a little sad that she wasn't, but one thing was clear her mother was an amazing woman.
A waitress came over to their table, and brought glasses of water along with silverware, "How are you all doing today?" Everyone nodded and said good. My name is Jennifer and I'll be your waitress. Can I start anyone off with a drink or salad?" She asked politely.
Roxanne's father nodded in his daughters' direction, "Roxanne dear, why don't you order first."
"I'll have your garden fresh salad with ranch dressing, and a Diet Pepsi" she said while quickly looking at the menu.
Chris began gazing at the menu, but really was not able to make up his mind, "Steve why don't you order. I really can't decide which one I want."
"Yes I'll have your spinach garden salad with a side of bleu cheese dressing, and a cup of coffee" he placed down his menu and took his daughters hands in his and smiled warmly.
The waitress looked over and down at Chris, "are you ready sir?"
"Yeah I did, "I'll have your Caesar salad, and a Mountain Dew" Chris then began to look over the entrées.
"Okay. I'll place your orders and be back in a moment with your drinks," she smiled and just before she walked off, she recognized Roxanne as one of the Misfits, "Excuse me ma'am, but aren't you Roxy of the Misfits?"
"Yep," Roxanne replied quickly. She was so use to this from people.
"I don't mean to intrude, but..." she was cut off by Roxanne.
"You want my autograph," Roxanne smirked. That was one thing about fame that she loved was giving out her autograph.
Jennifer blushed beet red, "Um...yeah..I...I hope that's okay?"
"Sure. It's been a while since I've given one of these out," Roxanne quickly wrote out her name "Roxy" in an articulate form on a small piece of paper she had in her purse. She handed over the paper to Jennifer, "There ya go."
"Ohmigosh, thank you so much Roxy. I'll go place those salad orders quickly," Jennifer hurried herself off to the kitchen to drop off the orders.
Steven was a very proud papa, "My little girl is a star."
"I would have taken those things for granted years ago daddy. I really was a bad girl, and did a lot of stupid things," Roxanne held her head down.
"Honey it's okay makin mischief is just part of being a rock star," Steven paused for a minute, and then looked at his daughter, "You know, when I first learned that you became a rock star I started to collect any magazine, or newspaper articles on you and your band," he smiled warmly and gently placed his hands on hers, "your mother would be so proud of you."
Roxanne felt a twinge of guilt. Was her father that naive? Roxanne was one of the baddest of the Misfits, and far worse than Phyllis ever was. Aside from tormenting their rivals Jem and The Holograms, she'd get into all sorts of trouble that never made headlines.
"Daddy, I'm not innocent in anything. I was really mean to anyone who came around me," Roxanne tried to pull her hands away, but Steven held on a little tighter.
"Rox that was years ago, and things did get better for you as I recall," Chris tried to comfort an obviously distressed Roxanne.
Roxanne hung her head, "I doubt my mom would ever have been that proud of me," she sighed heavily, "I turned to drinking, and drugs just to keep my sanity," Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach once she realized what she'd said.
Steven cupped his hand under is daughters chin and lifted her face so he could see into her eyes, "Roxanne I don't care what happened in the past, because you're beyond that now. I'm never going to pretend I know what you went through, but you're still my baby girl," Steven saw her eyes welling with tears, "And more than anything I love you."
Roxanne pulled back her chair and quickly ran to the restroom. The tears burned in her eyes, and that lump in her throat was making it hard for her to swallow. At the table Steven and Chris exchanged glances, and Steven hung his head.
"Did I say something wrong?" Steven could not deny his daughter the love from him that was never there for her all those years ago.
Chris looked at Steven, "It's really hard for Roxy to hear "I love you" because not many people told her they did. It took her a very long time to accept he words when I first told her," Chris took a sip of his water, "she'd just say rather sarcastically "oh okay."
"I just don't want her to think that the love I have for her is only words," Steven confessed and sighed heavily."
"Trust me I know she loves and adores you, but the words are hard for her to swallow. Just give her a bit to compose herself and she'll be okay," Chris hoped that his words would really reassure Steven.
A few minutes later Jennifer came back with all three salads. She carefully set each one in front of them. She noticed that Roxanne was gone, but she was not going to pry.
"Are you ready to order," she smiled at the two men.
Chris offered up a smile, "Not yet, could you just give us a little while?"
"Sure."
"Thank you," Chris said.
Roxanne returned a few minutes after the salads were brought to them. She had fixed her makeup and did her best to compose herself. Her father couldn't make eye contact with his daughter. He felt really bad inside that he said too much too soon again.
"Daddy? You must think I'm awful," she spoke quietly.
"Why do you think that sugar?" He looked up at his daughter, and tried smile.
Roxanne just started at her salad, "Because, I ran off when you said that you loved me."
Steven looked at Roxanne, and took her hands in his again, "Honey, I understand a little better why you left. I guess I just felt that after the first time I told you the words they'd flow through you."
"One thing daddy is I really believe that you love me," she smiled and leaned over towards him and gave her father a kiss on the cheek.
Steven smiled. After so many painful years he was reunited with his daughter. They were part of each other once again, and would be able to share stories of their lives. Steven also knew that Chris was the perfect man for Roxanne. He would be her strength, her rock, and hold her tight when things went wrong.
The rest of their dinner was filled with a lot of laughter. Roxanne regaled her father with some of her stunts she pulled on Jem and The Holograms. She of them her father reacted like any father would do and scolded her a little. Of course he was just teasing her. Roxanne explained how she, Mary, and Sheila were kicked out of the group by Phyllis. She spoke of Eric's embezzlement of millions from Phyllis's father Harvey Gabor, and not overlooking the millions he ripped off from Starlight Music. Her father could not believe how much his little girl had gone though.
Steven looked back and forth at the two of them. One thing was for sure now that she had Chris in her life and he knew that she'd always have someone to protect her. He reached across the table and took both of their hands and spoke softly.
"Chris, Roxanne? You have my blessing to get married. You two are such a wonderful couple, and I really feel that Chris is a good man for you."
Roxanne's heart nearly skipped a beat when she heard her father's words. For the first time in her life everything was falling into place. She was getting married, and her band was considering a huge comeback. The question now became when Roxanne returns to the stage would the world accept the Misfits once more?
To be continued in Chapter 9: Wedding Bells (Part 1)