Hello again! I know the first part did not say much because it was just a dream that kind of tells you a lot about Edward's personality. However, this is going to be a much longer chapter. A lot of important things happen during this part of the story so I really hope you enjoy it. All comments are appreciated it. Thanks for reading!


CHAPTER 2 – Pain

Great! What a way to start my day. I've just had the most amazing dream and my stupid ass brother had to drag me back to reality in the worst possible way. What an ass!

"Wake up already! It's 2 PM and you have to be ready for your audition in 2 hours. My friend had to pull some major strings to hook you up with this and he'll be very disappointed if you don't show up on time. Well, then again it wouldn't be the first time you disappoint somebody, you know"

Ouch! This scrawny, little bastard whom happened to unfortunately be related to me by blood, was right one hundred percent and had a fair point. It's not that I'm apathetic or careless, but the thing is that I was so disappointed in life and locked inside my own little world that I had not even forced myself to snap out of it. Well, at least that was the case until that one day, when I finally decided that things were about to change.

Thanks to my brother, well, and one of his good friends with some decent connections, I had gotten an audition with my favorite local band. May I add that they are not just any no-name, small time band from the suburbs anymore.

This band, the one I was going to try out for, has a huge fan base and it's not just local. They have somehow managed to build up a loyal following across the country and if you listen to them you'll be able to tell why right away. What's their name you ask? Well, they remain nameless at the moment.

I know it doesn't make sense but even though they haven't made it big time yet, they keep having problems amongst themselves, ergo, the line up keeps changing more than a prog-rock song changes keys, tempos, and well, you get the idea. Yes, you've also guessed it. That's exactly why I thought it would be a good time for me to come into the picture.

I've decided to give these dudes the best impression of me so I could just jump in, learn the tunes, play the gigs and go with the pros in no time. Well, at least that's the way I thought it would work.

"Thanks for waking me up, dork!" – I said this as I threw a pillow, fierce as a missile, at his freaking face. Unfortunately for me, it was a near-miss.

"Anytime bro! Oh, and please, don't thank me. You know I'm doing this so my rep can be kept intact with my friends, so please don't even dare to think for just a sec that I'm actually doing this for you." - Yes, yes, just like me he can be a little arrogant too.

"And another thing dude. Please work on your aiming because you actually throw like a girl. Wait, actually, I think a girl could throw way better than you!"

My body responded with a universally famous hand gesture within a fraction of a second after making such smart ass comments. At the sight of such sign all he could do was give me a smirk and then leave the room.

"That's right you little twerp. Run to the hills before I kill you" – The door slammed once I was done saying this last sentence.

Since I still less than two hours to show up at the rehearsal space I took my sweet time to shower, get dressed, warm up a little and even did some vocal training.

As I was looking at my lovely guitar while polishing it I heard somebody coming up the stairs until my door flew open.

"Ed, stop what you are doing right now and come get some food. You can't seriously expect yourself to perform well on an empty stomach man" – My brother gave me a somewhat disturbing look. The look of what seemed to be a concerned parent. What made it even worse is the fact that Carlisle was actually younger than me. What can I say? This crazy, little nerd actually cared about me.

"I'm coming mother! Please tell my little friends I'll be ready to play downstairs in about 5 minutes" – I looked back at him and flashed my most sarcastic smile so he would get mad at me on purpose.

I hummed a very peculiar tune as I went downstairs. It was a song about really big black holes or something. It was a very catchy song that I had heard the night before and for some reason it was still stuck in my head. Yes, I'll admit something else. It's not always all about metal with me. My heart has a soft spot for other types or nicer music, as well.

I sat down at the table where I spotted a delicious plate with waffles, scrambled eggs and two slices of ham that were awaiting me. It was the most glorious thing I had seen in days. It was also a good sign that this day could only get better and better.

"Saw Kerl" – I was barely able to stop chewing my delicious food as I tried to talk. Did my brother know how to cook or what?

"I'mf sfftocked man. Aye kentt beelieff it!" – I kept on chewing as I said this. I know, I can be a bit disgusting sometimes. I swear I don't do this often.

"Here! Have some juice, swallow your food and then try to communicate with me in a language I can actually understand" – Carlisle set the full glass down by my right hand.

I took a sip of the orange juice and swallowed my food. I was finally able to breathe.

"What was that again? A language you can actually understand? Gee, I don't know bro. I mean, you not only master English already, but are also good at Hendrix knows how many other computer and/or programming languages that are out there. I can´t communicate in those"

I could already tell he was trying to ignore me.

"You know what I meant!" – Now he was getting some food for himself. This seemed to be an even more promising meal.

"Oh, that's right. You are also taking French, Spanish, and even that one thing that nobody speaks.. um…what do you call it..um.. is it…Finnish, I think?" – I was so good at giving him a hard time for anything.

"Why yes, I'm actually learning all of those, and FYI, more people that you'd think, if you can manage to do so at all, DO speak Finnish!" – Oh my, please don't bring out the official statistics.

"Well, whatever Carl. I'm just glad at least you are learning something real. If you ever decide to pick up Klingon, I'll make sure you get disown by the family." – There we go. I got a chuckle out of that. Now it was the time to make him feel bad.

"After all, you are already way too geeky and embarrassing as it is, so please don't go all nerdy on me, oh, and by the way, please get a girlfriend too!" – There. Some tough, brotherly love would help for character building, right?

"Well, look who's talking. First of all, you don't have to be embarrassed by me because I swear I'll never hang out with those primates you have for friends. Second, you want to talk girls all of a sudden? Pfft! As if! When was the last time you brought one home big bro? Yeah, that's right, I've said it. Nobody even talks to you because you are such a delusional loser!" - Touché!

If this conversation would've been a fencing competition, he'd totally kick my ass. I'm ok with that. This little ritual happened every day. You win some, you lose some. The important part of this all was that at least I had this little rascal around to make life more interesting as we were living by ourselves away from home.

"That was some good food bro, you sure are the man Carl."

"So I see, I'm not so geeky all of a sudden, huh?"

"You are on crack. You are still a geek. Maybe that's the reason why you are such a good cook."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Stop kissing my ass before your lips stick to it, ok. Go get ready and grab your gear because we are leaving in five." – He was putting the dry dishes away now.

"Aye, aye, captain of the USS Enterprise" – I did the proper salute signal, Marine style, of course, and then I turned around and ran upstairs.

I loved every inch of my room from the posters to the electronics. Every single corner was decorated with the best of music memorabilia. I had a lovely collection of musical history that I had spent so much time and money on throughout the years. Everything was a part of me. Everything had a huge amount of value, both monetary and sentimental. Yes, everything. Even every single record I owned.

This was my haven, or as I liked to call it, my heavy metal heaven. Everything in this room inspired me and every time I played in there, I had this feeling that sooner or later a masterpiece would come out of this place. I would write an entire chapter about it on my autobiography after retiring. I would explain with very fine details how every single Grammy-award winning single was inspired by the muses that dwelled in this place.

After changing clothes, I sat down on the bed and finally saw her. Yes, HER! Sitting there, always faithful, waiting for my hands to make such sweet, musical love to her. My guitar. My black beauty as I called her. She didn't have an official name yet, however, I figured she wouldn't need one after all. What mattered was the special relationship we had with each other. Our musical relationship.

I grabbed my jacket, put the guitar back in its case, took my wallet, kept it in my pocket and then headed back downstairs.

Carlisle had already loaded up the rest of my stuff in the car. All the stuff I need to play was already in the back seat. The extremely loud, tube amp. The effects work station that enhanced my tone. The cables that transmitted the magic that came to life once my fingers touched the strings. Everything I need to rock was there!

Carl and I finally got on the car and pulled out of the drive way so I could meet my destiny.

"So tell me Ed. How did they kick their last guitarist out again?"

"Ah, well, I don't remember telling you the story to begin with."

"I know genius. I'm still interested though because I can't believe how a local band as good as this one gets to go through such constant line-up changes and still rock hard and remain strong at the end of the day."

"I know, right? Man, I'm surprised even you know their music. But anyways, let's see. I don't honestly know what the real version is, but rumor has it that the lead singer felt threatened by some "power play", soloing showdown that ensued during the other guy's last rehearsal." – I don't know why I still had my fingers in the 'quotation marks' position even though I was done with that phrase.

"Apparently, they decided to add a part on the show in which all of the band members would get to solo for a little bit before the encore. The last part of this little jamming, soloing section had to be executed by the guitarists and as soon as they gave it a try the first time, the other guy started wailing real hard, and some even saying that he kicked major ass. But anyways, so, Jake tried to show off but pretty much couldn't keep with the other dude and that really pissed him off real badly."

"Let me guess. They stopped the piece right there; Jake snapped and then kicked the guy out."

"Correct. However, you forgot to mention the fight that took place before the guy left. What's that dude's face? Oh yeah, I think his name's Eleazar or something like that. Long story short, the fight was a draw at the end, but some say that Eleazar totally could've knocked the crap out of Jake right on the spot." – My right fist was pressed against my left palm but I couldn't explain why. I guess I do get carried away with certain conversations sometimes.

"Damn. That Jacob Black sure is something. He's a great front man, but boy does he lack people skills!"

"Hear, hear, Carl sir."

"Do you think you can handle it, though?"

"Handle what? The audition? The pressure? What, just say it!"

"Well, not exactly. I meant, his temper. Do you think you can handle dealing with Jacob Black for a long time?"

Carl had a worrisome look on his face at this point. It seemed that for some reason he was taking his question more seriously that I did.

"Come on brother, it's me, Ed! You know I can do anything I can put my mind into, besides, just because I'll be joining his band doesn't mean I'll let him push me around."

"I see. So, you are also assuming you'll be getting the gig as well, huh?"

"Of course! Why WOULDN'T I get it?" – Maybe my tone was more exaggerated this time, but I just couldn't stand the fact that he actually doubted me at this point.

"Yeah, you are right. Sorry Ed. Stupid question, stupid answer. We all have our moments."

"Well, jest lake mah momma zed. Stoopid iz as stooped doz!" – Ok. Maybe that was a lame excuse, for a Southern impression of Tom Hanks, but at least I gave it a shot.

"You are not Forrest Gump!" – Carl could barely say this with a straight face. Something was also telling me that he was about to laugh his ass off. – "Besides, your mom is my mom too, dumbass!"

"Just shut up and drive, sonny!" – We kept cracking up for another minute or two and then he turned the radio on as we were reaching the town limits.

We pulled up at Jacob's house after what seemed between twenty to thirty minutes later. I reckon his neighborhood was very nice indeed. The place made you feel as if you could do anything. I was kind of trying to breathe in that sense of power that the rich and powerful must have, after all, I had to get used to it. Once I joined Jake's band, I would finally jump into the major leagues of rock. Or at least that's how this place and its wonderful aura made me feel.

"Carl, don't get to close to the door. Wait until the butler welcomes us in."

Carl ignored my comment, yet, he ended up moving nevertheless, for the garage door had just opened giving us a great view of the killer rides the Black family owned. Right next to the cars was a smaller gate that led us to the garden and then all the way through one of the side's of the house.

"Master Jake, you've got visitors. I think it's the guy that has come here to audition."

There was nothing but silence after this. Was this guy always this rude? I mean, yes, I know he's rich and all, but why must he be such a pompous ass? I was starting to ponder where his 'mightier-than-thou' and 'I can do anything' type of attitude could possibly come from; then again, I couldn't really concentrate because I could hear that him and the rest of his band were coming down the stairs. Now my stomach started to shake.

"Aww shoot! Will you look at that!" –A very tall guy with long dark hair said this as he scanned me from head to toe with the most disapproving look. I believe his name was Embry.

"Oh hell no, man! Please tell me this freaking guy isn't for real. Hey, hey Jake! Come down here real quick man. You are not going to believe this bad joke. This sure is rich!"

Great! Now my reputation was being questioned by some guy that had never seen me before. Just like Embry he had dark skin, long black hair, and even seemed to be wearing similar clothes. This band better not have some type of dress code because uniforms are not metal. I don't even know why this guy keeps making fun of me. This clown was Quil.

"What's all the fuss about you idiots? I'm here now, what the hell do you….oh son of a bitch! – Jake finally looked at me and the look he gave was filled with more of a combination of hatred and pity which was way worse than what I got from his punk ass band mates.

"Well I'll be damned!" – Jake was now mad-dogging me and I didn't like where this was going.

"Out of all people I could possibly think of, look who actually dares to stand here at my doorstep and tries to audition for my band. Hah! Pathetic little scum bag!"

"What did you call me?" – I wasn't going to let any rich, momma's boy treat me like this, especially not during our very first encounter ever.

"You heard Jake already, you moron!" – Embry was only making things worse.

"I was talking to you fuck face. I think this bastard is old enough to answer directly to me, or what, you are going to tell me you wipe his ass, too? Shit!"

"Listen, um…Ed. It's Ed, right?" – I can't believe he actually knew my name. I hated the fact that I felt good for at least being acknowledged while under attack. – "Nobody talks to my band like that, well, except me, of course." – Jake definitely wasn't one for choosing his words wisely.

"I also get to decide who's in and who's out. I strongly believe that YOU are not what we are looking for. Now now, don't take this the wrong way man, I'm not saying you are not – he put his hands in front of him for this – "guitarist material" – his hands were at his side again – but unfortunately for you, you don't have the standards or type of caliber this band is looking for."

Being dozed from above with a bucket of icy water would have been way better than this.

"Ex..excuse me!" – I tried to change my horror-struck face but I couldn't move at all.

"Oh no, I didn't say anything else Ed. I've already spoken!" – The nerve! Had this guy no shame?

"How….how…how can you let me go like this when you haven't even seen me play yet?" – There's no way he could have a good answer for that one.

"It's pretty simple Ed. I just don't wait for noobs like you to show up here now and then. I like to do some talent searching myself. I've seen you play before and to be honest with you, I think you've got no tone. You suck!" – No tone? Was he deaf? – "I mean think about it. If you were a better player you wouldn't even be here begging me for a change to see you play rock star like a child." – No tone he said?

"Or am I wrong?" – Oh that did it.

"Fuck you, you rich piece of shit!"

Apparently my words were the catalyst that made Quil and Embry throw themselves at me. Carl joined me on my right side, standing his ground firmly. I can't believe my brother, the little nerd, was willing to fight with me over this.

"Stop!" – Jake seemed to remain calm for some strange reason.

"Come on you guys. We have class and should know better than that. I've already said what I had to say and I'm sure Ed here will be mature about it and that's the reason why he'll on his way out. Isn't that right Ed?" – Whoa! So now the savage has become the missionary? I must be either having a nightmare, or maybe I'm on drugs, or maybe I'm having a nightmare because I just did some drugs.

"Come on man. You took less crap from Eleazar. If you beat that guy up then this mofo should be dead by now. Don't hold us back!" – Embry was craving for some ass whooping.

"That was completely different. This time isn't personal. Ed here has done nothing to me yet. Besides, I've already got some bad street cred because of that fight and I refuse to ruin my reputation now." – So Jake actually thought he had a good reputation? Unbelievable!

"Jake please, nobody has to know. There's other ways we can keep in the down low. This is so not you. Since do you care about all that crap anyways?" – I wanted to know exactly that. Jake needed a good answer for Quil.

"Enough! If he refuses to go then we can always rely on my security team to show him the way out" – Everyone was laughing at me now. I couldn't take it anymore. This douche bag needed to get more than a knuckle sandwich from me.

"Don't you ever get tired of treating people like crap Jake?" – A sweet, angelic voice rang from not too far a distance. The voice sounded as if it was about to cry.

"What the hell are you still doing in my house? I'm through with you too. As a matter of fact, I thought I kicked you out first."

"Yes, yes, I heard you clearly. You know what? I swear this is the last time I'm doing this. There's no going back Jake. You've crossed the Rubicon with me. I'm warning you!"

A beautiful young, girl maybe a year or two younger that me stopped right in front of his face and pointed at him with what I thought she wished would turn into a deadly index finger all of a sudden.

"This is good-bye Jake. You can be a jerk to everyone if you wish, but not me, not anymore!" She turned around, and kept walking towards the big gate.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah! Keep yapping about it. If I only had a dollar for every time I've heard a girl say that. Oh wait, I don't need another dollar. I have way more than that." – I thought I was being humiliated earlier, but what he said right there simply had no name.

"It's ok, don't come back. I've been cheating on you anyway Bella!"

The girl started to run now. I could hear her crying and for some reason my stupid audition didn't matter. I didn't matter anymore. I could her heart was breaking, but her reaction was doing just exactly the same to mine.

"The game's almost on you guys, let's go back in. Who wants to order pizza? It's on the house, of course!" –Jake and his stupid pack of indecent cronies went back in and left me and Carl just standing there, unattended.

"Hey, wait a minute!" – For some strange reason my body felt compelled to dash all the way to the garage. – "What just happened in there?"

No one responded. Once I realized Carl didn't know what was going on either, I had no other choice but to run after her. I was hoping the girl would turn around, but instead she just started her truck and then took off.

"Ed, what are you doing? Are you going to take those idiots talk to you like that? Ed. ED!"

The truck was completely gone. Invisible just as everything that is hidden beyond the horizon.

"Who was that?" – I was surprised at how fast that question came out of my mouth.

"Never mind that. You can't take crap from Jake man. Have a little dignity please!"

"Screw him. I don't need his band. Don't avoid my question Carl. Who was that girl?"

That sad, beautiful, broken-hearted, brown eyed girl was all I was solely interested in. How unusual, that was so not me.

"Please Ed, be smart for once in your life. Snap out of it. You DO NOT want to get involved with Bella Swan. Trust me!"


You've made it this far. Thanks for your time. So tell me, what do you think about the end of the chapter? Got any predictions of what will happen next? Let me know what you think. I'd like to thank my friend Tammy once more for helping me edit this chapter.