"It smells like something died in here," Jared cried out, entering my room.
"Get out," I grumbled from under the covers, trying to throw a pillow at him. It hit a framed picture of Kennedy and I that I had sitting on my dresser. Oh, the irony.
"Great aim," he mocked.
"I said get the fuck out, I am not kidding, Jared," I mumbled into my pillow.
"Woah, woah! Since when do you call me Jared? Am I not JMCM anymore?" he asked, sounding hurt.
"If I call you JMCM will you leave?" I asked.
"Uh, no. Sorry. You have been in here for four days. Have you even eaten anything?" he asked.
"Yes," I lied.
"You are the worst liar in the world, Peyton," a second voice said. I lifted my head and saw Pat there. I let out a very un-lady like grunt and pulled my pillow back over my head.
"Go away, both of you."
"Or you'll what? All three of us know you aren't going to get your lazy ass out of that bed and do something about it," Jared stated, true facts.
"Fine, stay. Whatever," I sighed, closing my eyes, trying to get my fourteenth consecutive hour of sleep.
"We're taking you out to get some food, because if you get any thinner, John won't be the skinniest person in our group of friends and he will kill himself. Then we are going to the mall. Then we may catch a movie or go out for drinks. Who knows what Tempe has in store for us today? Let's go find out. Get up," he demanded, smacking the wall twice for emphasis.
"I don't want food. Don't mention he who must be named. The mall really? Fuck the movies, FUCK THE CLUBS," I screamed into my pillow.
"Did she let's fuck in the tub?" Pat asked Jared. Jared let out a testosterone fueled grunt.
"That would be even better than our plans." Pat said, satisfaction hinting in his tone. I couldn't help but giggle and turn my head to the side to look at them.
"I appreciate it guys, really, I do. I'm just not ready to face the real world. My bed and Greek on DVD have been my best friends for the past few days."
"I thought we would always be your best friends," Pat said, his smile turning downward, his face falling in disappointment.
"You guys always will be," I sat up, kicking the covers off of me. "How did you get in here?" I asked, just now thinking about it.
"Your dad was on his way out when we were on our way in." Jared shrugged.
"You guys have been here since 7:30?" I asked, looking at my clock. It read that it was just after noon.
"Your dad has Judas Priest and Black Sabbath DVD's." That was good enough explanation.
"You reek. Go shower. We'll be watching Ronnie James Dio, may he rest in peace, until you get out," Jared said, saluting me as he walked out of the door. Pat copied Jared and followed him back into the living room.
I was lucky I had friends who gave a damn, but come on. Let me sleep.
"You're supposed to actually knock the pins down," Jared was telling Pat, who had gotten his fourth gutter ball in a row. Bowling was not my idea of fun, but the boys insisted, and I couldn't let them down.
"I thought you said that Garrett, Stephen, John Gomez and Jobe were all coming?" I asked, taking a sip of my ice water.
"Well, John, just texted me saying that they had an emergency band meeting to discuss something important and Garrett is kind of-" and then he mumbled something incoherently.
"What was that last part?" I asked Pat.
"He's kind of –," more mumbles.
"In human speak, please," I begged.
"He's mad at you and thinks being around you right now would be a terrible idea."
"Well, I actually understand," I shrugged, standing up to bowl.
"You do?" Pat asked as I passed.
"I hurt one of his best friends in one of the worst possible ways I could. It was unintentional, but it happened. The past four days have been some of the worst days in my life, but I deal. Because I have to. And I am sure Kennedy is dealing, because he has to. How is he?" I asked, softening my tone.
"Well, it only took him three days to get out of bed, not four," Jared shrugged. "He's just as pathetic as you are."
I ignored that last comment and went to bowl. I didn't care about this game at all. I wanted to go back home. It just sucked that I was actually good at bowling.
"Another strike?" Pat asked when I was walking back to the table. I just shrugged. Thank god this game was almost over.
"Have you tried calling him?" Pat asked, shoveling food into his mouth. I still hadn't touched my plate, but I was going to attack in a minute.
"No why on earth would I do that?" I asked.
"Because, everyone knows you guys will end up together except for the both of you," he informed me.
"I pretty much ruined it," I shrugged, taking my first bite of food in four days. My stomach reacted with leaps of gratitude.
"You don't know that unless you try," Jared piped in.
"And I will try to call him, just not today."
"Tomorrow?" Pat asked.
"Not tomorrow," I said, getting frustrated. "Can Kennedy just be a topic we don't discuss today."
"So we can't discuss Kennedy or John?" Jared asked.
"No, we cannot discuss Kennedy or He Who Must Not Be Named."
"Voldemort is never the topic of any of my discussions," Pat shook his head. I tried not laugh, but I failed.
"Well, I kind of want to go to the bookstore," I said, putting down my fork.
"Sure, we will, as soon as you eat more of your salad," Jared said, in the tone that a big brother would use. I rolled my eyes and popped a cherry tomato into my mouth.
"Bookstores are boring, I'm going to Gamestop," Pat said, walking away.
"I'm with Pat." Jared said, waving goodbye.
I loved bookstores. The smell of books and the aroma of coffee made me feel at home. It didn't get any better than this. Getting lost in a book was about the best escape there was. Bump drugs, read books. I ran my fingers along the top row of books, finally resting on one that looked good and retrieved it from the shelf. I thumbed through it, walking towards a chair and not paying attention. My body collided with another, and I instantly threw an "I'm sorry!" out into the air. We collided hard, and he held onto my waist for both of our support. I looked up from my book and gazed into some very green eyes. They were almost emerald.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," I said again.
"No worries," he smiled. "It's not every day fate intervenes and thrusts me into a conversation with a pretty girl."
Gutsy.
"I'm Ben," he said, holding his hand for me to shake.
"Peyton," I replied, a little annoyed. I just wanted to read. It was then that I realized I had made him drop all of the flyers he had in his hand.
"What are these?" I asked, bending down to pick some up.
"My band is playing tonight. You should come by," he smiled. He had a great smile, that was for sure.
"Your band is called?" I scanned the flyer.
"Walking After Dark," he said.
"Walking After Dark? Who came up with that?" I asked.
"Our drummer."
"So your band is WAD?" I asked, giggling.
"I think that's why he chose that name," he winked at me. "So, do you want to come?" I thought about it. Jared and Pat more than likely wouldn't want to go, and I was tired of their pity party.
"I guess I could make an appearance," I said, folding the flyer and placing it in my back pocket.
"Hope I see you there," he smiled again, and picked up the rest of his flyers. "It was nice to have bumped bodies with you, Peyton."
I wanted to roll my eyes with how cheesy this guy was, but I needed fun and shows were my home away from home.
I sat down and started to read my book, but was interrupted a few minutes later. By two guys poking me.
"We need to go," Jared said, poking my side, while Pat's poking had turned to thumping.
"We just got here," I sighed, trying to pick up where I left off reading.
"We need to go, now." Jared said, more insistently.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because," Pat said, shrugging.
"What are you guys not telling me?" I asked, curious as to all of this secrecy.
"Garrett is here," Jared answered.
"Oh right, Garrett. Who is mad at me," I sighed. "He wouldn't come in the bookstore, would he?" I asked. "I mean, I really want to read right now."
"Kennedy is with him," Pat said. Jared gave Pat a death glare. I threw the book on the table, mouthing an "I'm sorry," to the employee standing there as I ran out of the door. I knew I would run into him eventually. I wasn't stupid. We had the same friends, we lived in the same town, all of that grand stuff, but the knot in my stomach was so tight it literally hurt me. I was nervous being in the same building he was in. I was nervous because I couldn't stand the thought of him hating me. What would he say to me if he saw me?
As fate would have it, I was about to find out. Little did I know that he was on the other side of the door that I forcefully pushed open, so fast that it hit him in the face.
"I am so sorry," I was saying, before I saw him crouching in pain on the other side.
"It's okay, I just think you broke my nose," he said, blood dripping all over the floor.
"Oh, Kennedy," I bit my lip, crouching down in front of him to take a look. He looked up at me, and his body went stiff, his eyes glazing over with some emotion I had a hard time reading. Was it hate?
"It's fine really," he sighed, standing up, tipping his head back. "You broke my heart, why not break my nose as well. An added bonus."
"That's not fair," I said, taking a step away from him. Garrett, Jared, and Pat all stood around awkwardly watching our exchange.
"It's not fair?" he asked. His face suddenly softened and he wiped the remaining blood from his face. "I don't want to fight with you, Peyton. What happened, happened. There's no point in fighting about it."
"Can we just talk? Please?" I asked, almost begged.
"Sure," he nodded, finally stopping the bleeding. "Tomorrow fine?" he asked. I nodded, thankful he was at least being civil towards me.
"Tomorrow is perfect," I tried to fake a smile, but even I knew it looked forced.
"Meet me at the house at noon. There's some stuff you left," he said, turning to walk with Garrett. I leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. I had one shot and one shot only to talk to him, more than likely, and I needed to make it count.
Walking into the small venue that night, I felt out of place. I felt like I was cheating on Kennedy, except for the fact that I was no longer with Kennedy, and this Ben guy and I weren't starting anything. It was hard shaking Jared and Pat off. They were hanging all over me, trying to make me feel better. Loved them, but it was annoying. I got there just in time for the show to start, and I waited patiently until Ben's band played. They were headlining, if you wanted to call it that. They had a pretty good following, for them not to be well known. There were a lot of teenagers here, like the ones who went to The Maine's shows. I debated on whether or not to drink, but voted against it. I didn't need to do anything I would regret tonight. I was just going to enjoy some music. That was all.
"How are you guys doing tonight?" I saw Ben finally take the stage. His skinny jeans were tighter than mine, and his v-neck showed his chest piece. What was with lead singers and chest pieces?
"We are a band called 'Walking After Dark.' And this song is called "Changes!" he yelled and immediately went into the song. It was catchy. It was pop-rocky. It was good, I would give them that. n could sing. His voice wasn't deep and throaty like John's, but it did come from deep inside of him, projecting through the whole room. It was a lot little higher than I expected. It had a sound all of its own. It was unique, and I respected that.
The song ended and the crowd's applause almost deafened me. I was surprised I had never heard of this band before.
"So Ben ran into this girl at the bookstore today," the guitarist started.
"Andy, shut up," Ben said, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Why? I am just jealous you got to meet her. I have had a crush on her for about a year."
Why? I was nobody. He must have met someone more interesting at the bookstore.
"Did she come tonight?" the guitarist, Andy I suppose, asked Ben. Some girls in the front started screaming for no reason.
Ben scanned the crowd and his emerald eyes finally landed on me.
"Yep," Ben smiled at me. I guess they were talking about me. Andy followed his gaze and stared at me, his mouth agape. No subtlety there.
"Hey, you're hot," Andy smiled. I rolled my eyes and decided that was my cue to leave. I waved at Ben and started making my way towards the door.
"Wait, don't go. We rehearsed this all day, just for you," Ben said, and I stopped and turned around.
They didn't. Please for the love of god, tell me they didn't. They did.
"Well I picked you up, and lifted your wilted frame into the sun," Ben started singing.
There were tears stinging my eyes. Not from sadness. From rage.
He thought he knew me. He knew I ran with The Maine, and that was fine. He thought he knew me, but he didn't.
"Sunlight, Sunshine. All for you my daisy," he said, singing the words, and wasn't going to lie, they sounded good coming from his mouth. The crowd gave them a good reaction. They sang along. The Maine was well known in these parts.
Was this a joke?
Did he know that Kennedy and I almost took the plunge and got married?
Did he know that I was still hurting?
Did he care?
I didn't even know the guy, and he was making me regret even coming. I sighed and walked out of the venue, coming into contact with the fall air. It was perfect weather, and I was thankful it wasn't in the hundreds anymore.
I knew what I had to do. I couldn't wait until tomorrow to talk to Kennedy. I had to do it now.
Ben gave me the push, whether he knew it or not. Singing that song, made me miss Kennedy all the more.
Twenty-two minutes and fourteen seconds later, I was parked in front of our house. Well, what used to be our house. Now it was just Kennedy's house.
I took a moment to gather myself, and thing about what I would say to him. Was I going to go in with this really great planned speech, sweep him off of his feet and fix everything?
No, that wouldn't happen. I just needed to know that I did everything I could. I knocked on the door, and waited for a good minute. Nothing. I tested the door to see if it was unlocked. Bingo.
"Kenny," I shouted as soon as I was inside of the walkway. Nothing. It was a pretty big house, so I figured he couldn't hear me. I walked through the hallway and into the kitchen. He wasn't in there, but whatever he was cooking smelled delightful.
Little known fact about Kennedy Brock, he was a wizard in the kitchen.
I snaked around the doorway and into the living room, and what I saw almost made me sick at my stomach.
A leggy blonde sitting on the couch with Kennedy, a glass of wine in hand, giggling at something he had just said.
She noticed me and cleared her throat, almost uncomfortably. Kennedy followed her gaze and he went white as soon as he saw me.
"Peyton," he stood up. I looked from the blonde to Kennedy and then bit my lip, trying to keep my emotions in check. I wasn't going to lose it in front of Kennedy. He wouldn't get the satisfaction.
I slowly backed up, retracing my steps through the kitchen, the hallway, the walkway and down the long lighted sidewalk to the driveway that housed my car. I heard him call after me, but I ignored him. He sure got over me fast.
I should have known he would. He cheated on his last girlfriend. I wasn't his fiancé anymore. I was just a good story he could tell when he was drunk.
I got in my car, and the second my door closed, I lost it. I wasn't an attractive crier, at all. My face turned red, my eyes got puffy and my nose ran like there was no tomorrow.
I could barely see the road as I drove back to my dad's house. I ran inside, ignoring his concerned tone as he called after me.
I grabbed my suitcase, threw all of my clean clothes in it, not bothering to fold them. I packed anything I might need. I grabbed my cell phone, stole my dad's platinum card and kissed him on the cheek.
"See you, daddy," I said, carrying everything to my car. He was yelling after me, but if I talked to him, he would talk me out of this. I needed this.
I grabbed my cell phone and called the only person I wanted to see right now.
He was just a road trip away. A very long cross country road trip. I needed to get out of the west coast. The east coast was more appealing to me right now.
See you later, Tempe.
Fuck you, Kennedy.