I’ve never met him. My boss. They said that he’s a strict person when it comes to work. If he caught you online surfing through Facebook or YouTube then you’ll be done for. I just started working here a month ago, hoping that I could somehow caught a glimpse of him. But no. He rarely comes here. That is understandable because he’s too busy being someone that belonged to the world. He’s travelling all over the universe while I’m stuck here being his number one fan.

I lived in Huntington Beach my whole life. But sadly I didn’t even realize that we had produced an awesome band until I first heard City of Evil’s Beast and the Harlot. I have a huge crush on their rhythm guitarist and I practically stalked him ever since.

And now, after two years of worshipping him, here I am. Working in his clothing unit headquarter, Vengeance University. How the hell did I ended up here?

It was Reese’s idea.

Reese is my best friend from high school and he works here as the shipping and maintenance guy for a year already. He’s the one that got me a job here. My work revolves around inventory and checking for mail orders online and when I’m bored, I assure you I will sneak through Facebook, Tumblr and all the other social network sites I have, to update my status for being here.

I’ve been updating and telling my followers that I work in VU and they were stoked. They told me that I’m lucky because I get to see those Avenged guys anytime I want but the hard cold truth is, I’ve never even met them. Sure I see them when I’m attending their concert but I’m not a wealthy person, so I can’t afford box seat or even front row tickets. I can only see them from afar and if I’m lucky enough I’ll catch whatever they are throwing at us.

Living in Huntington too doesn’t mean that I easily get to see them. Huntington is huge and you gotta admit, rock stars don’t bump into you randomly. Their life is hectic, and full of privacy and shit. I just hope that me working in VU can actually make me see them, even from afar I’d be happy as fuck.

So far all my updates involved ‘Not seeing Zacky yet.’ My readers and followers are bummed. Some even left my page. But to hell with that. Right now, I work to gain money. I don’t even care if Zacky came through the door and said hi to me.

Okay I lied. That would be the greatest moment in my whole life.

“Erin, have you packed #5567? They ordered a Survival Kit sticker set and a OG hoodie.”

I quickly shut my Tumblr down and turned to the voice. It was Sarah, the managing director for VU also known as The Bitch among all the workers here because she spread rumors of her going out with Zacky when none of us have actually seen them together.

“What were you doing earlier?”

I calmly glanced around and saw the other workers were looking at me once and moved on with their work.

“Nothing.”

“You’ve been on Facebook again? This is a last warning Erin. If you’re here to work, then work! If not then do me a favor and leave!”

Ugh. This bitch roared at me and her breath stinked.

“Go pack #5567 now.”

I huffed and got up from my seat. I already packed them yesterday you dumb blonde shit! But nevertheless I walked to the product room and pretended to do as she told. I found Reese at the corner of the racks, putting stuff into boxes and when he saw me, he smiled.




“Hey E. What’s up?”

“Bored as fuck. The bitch yelled at me, again.”

He chuckled slightly. “Don’t get too worked up on it. She’s just jealous of you.”

“Of me? What for?”

“You’re prettier than her. She’s afraid that if Zacky saw you he might go for you instead of her.”

I laughed hard and squatted down, pressing my stomach.

“You’ve got to be kidding me Reese. Zacky? Go for me? Pffttt. I dress like boy.”

Reese smirked while gazing me up and down. I went to work in my Metallica tshirt, skinny jeans and my red Vans. Nothing special. Nothing like Sarah who wore high heels, a skirt to die for and her tank top shows a little much cleavage than necessary. Plus I’m a bit short, probably the same height as Johnny, their bassist.

And plus, plus, Zacky might prefer a blonde woman because his last girlfriend, Gena is blonde. I sighed at the thought and stood up straight.

“Whatcha doing? Need any help?”
“Uh, why not. Just put these caps and bandanas in this box and ship it for me.”
“Excuse me, ship it for you?”
“Yeah. I gotta run by five though. Got a hot date.”
“What the fuck, Reese? I don’t have a car.”
“Just take the company’s car. It’s basically Zacky’s car. You know you want to.”
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t even have a driver’s license.”
Reese shot his eyebrows up at me. “Still? When are you going to get it?”
“Shut up. I’m still in trauma.”
Reese sighed and moved on to another box to pack on.
“It’s been 3 years E. That kid you ran over, is alive and kicking.”
“I know. I just don’t want things like that to happen again.”
He groaned and shoved a stack of tshirt into the box. “Grow a pair.”

I ignored his nagging for me to get my license and helped him pack the products. The story is - when I was 17, I practiced driving using my mom’s car and I don’t know what the hell happened, a kid from nowhere just ran across me and I hit him hard. He had a concussion and I was detained from driving for a while - which was not a problem because I freaked out and swore to never drive again.

And now Reese expects me to ship these stuff all the way to Santa Ana? Though I know the USPS did it all for us but I still gotta register them in and what not. It was all his work, not mine!

“Hello?”

I snapped back to earth when I heard Reese answering his phone suddenly. I didn’t even hear it rang.

“Uh-huh. Yeah at five probably. What’s up mom?”

I listened to his conversation but kept putting in the Zombie design of VU caps into the box.

“What? How far worse is he?....Shit. Okay. I’m on my way now.”

As soon as he hung up, he grabbed both of my shoulders, making me flinched.

“E, I gotta run. My brother’s been in an accident. He’s in the hospital. I gotta go. Can you ship these for me? They have to be in USPS record by today. Please?”

I have no choice but to nod. Reese’s brother is like my brother too. “Let me know if anything happen.” I hailed to him before he went out of the door.

Well, shit.

How am I supposed to do this? I don’t know any of the workers here that well, because I’ve only been hanging out with Reese and I certainly don’t wanna ask for a help from Sarah. Mindlessly, I kept packing and ticked off the inventory list, making sure I’ve got the right order. But how am I supposed to send them to USPS though? VU only had one shipping guy and it’s Reese.

Looks like I’m lifting these all the way to the bus stop. I was at my final box when I heard a loud cheer and murmur from outside the product room. I wonder what happened outside. Do they even know that they’re missing one staff and she’s been hiding in here all by herself?

I creaked the door open slowly and saw them gathered around in the lounging area. And I mean all of them. They didn’t even invite me. Go figure.

I saw Sarah was laughing happily and her hand rested on a shoulder of a man. That man’s back was facing me but by the sleeve tattoos on his arms I immediately recognized him.

I’ll be damned. It’s Zacky Vengeance.

I watched from afar how they greeted him happily and would lightly touch his hands and laughing at his jokes and so on. My feet were planted to the ground. I’m in the same room with my fucking idol and I can’t move.

“So the tour’s done, I take it?” I heard Sarah asked him, her voice sounded seductive that I gagged in my mouth.

“Just a couple of weeks off. We’re headed to Japan in the next one. How are you guys? Wow, can’t remember the last time I’ve been here.” He replied and I melted with his voice. His hands moved awkwardly and I can tell that he’s a little uncomfortable by Sarah’s action by his side. Hah, take that bitch! He’s not into you!

But I’m sure he’s not into me either. I’m just his biggest fan. Just a cyber stalker. Oh God, this reminds me. I gotta update my Tumblr!

“Now who is this lovely looking girl?”

I was about to move on to my desk when I heard Zacky’s voice blared next to me. I stunned and slowly glanced at him. He thinks I’m lovely looking? Damn it my cheeks just turned red.

His green eyes shot straight into mine and his lips curved up in amusement. Oh God my knees trembled. I stood up straight and started to offer my arm to him.

“Hi, I’m -”

“Oh she’s just a new staff. Doing packing and things like that. Still on probation.” The bitch cut me off and I flamed in fury. I was about to protest when Zacky moved forward and took my hand.

“Probation or not, she’s part of the family. Hi, I’m Zacky.” He shook my hand and I felt shivers all over my body.

“I’m Erin. Erin Williams.”

“Nice to meet you Erin.”

“Just call me E.”

He smiled and his eyes glinting at me. Then he finally let my hand go and I swear I’m not going to wash this hand ever again.

“So E, how’s working here so far?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Great. Everyone’s been great to me.”

I lied. Actually they all had been shitty towards me. They claimed that they were friends of Zacky and the boys when I know for a fact that they’re just like me. Hoping Zacky will notice them like he noticed me right now.

“Good to hear. I can’t believe I’ve built a family in here and with you around it’ll be more awesome!”

I chuckled nervously but wandered at the thought. What did he mean by that? With me around then it’ll be more awesome? I couldn’t follow up more with him as the others just bugged him with questions and invited him to a drink and everything. I just backed away slowly and went towards the product room once again.


I can’t believe Zacky is here. My heart leapt, and was about to fall out of my mouth when I saw his green eyes gazed into mine. I was swooning over the thought when my phone suddenly rang. It was Reese. Ooh I gotta tell him this great news.

“Reese you wouldn’t believe what-”

“E, my brother’s in a coma.”

I stopped talking abruptly and just stood there in silence as I heard him breathing on the other side. I know he held back his tears and I would give anything to be there with him right now.

“I’m…sorry to hear that, Reese.”

“Doc said he’ll wake up maybe an hour later, maybe a week, maybe a year. We don’t know.”

“Reese you have to be strong. At least for your mom.”

“I’ll try.”

“Don’t hesitate to ask me if you need anything okay?”

He didn’t answer. But a while later he asked in a hoarse voice;
“Did you ship it already? The orders?”

Shit. This guy. His brother is in a coma and he still talks about work?

“Not yet. But I will.”

I glanced over at the boxes weakly. I gotta do this for him. Even if it takes me to lift them up all the way to Santa Ana by walking.

“Thanks E. You’re the best.”

I smiled and he hung up. After letting out a deep sigh, I stacked the boxes up and went out of the room. They’re not really heavy but to carry them off by bus is quite tiring.

I glanced over at the lounging area and saw Zacky was sitting on the couch, talking to Sarah and a couple of VU designers who are really superior to me. I’m just a fucking probation girl. I didn’t realize that I was staring at Zacky until he turned his head towards me. I winced a little, smiled at him and went to the front door with two boxes stacked in my arms. The bus stop is not really far from the VU headquarter, so thank God for that.

“Wait!”

I tilted my head to the side when I heard someone’s calling me from behind.

“E! Wait!”

I stopped walking and turned around. I can’t believe my eyes. Zacky was running towards me.

“Where are you going?”

“Shipping?” I answered him in half question. Damn I gotta stop answering him in short sentences. This is Zacky Vengeance we’re talking about!

“Isn’t that Reese’s job?”

“Oh, bitc- uh, Sarah didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Reese had to take off. His brother’s been in an accident.”

“Oh shit. I didn’t know. How is he?”

“He’s in a coma.”

“God. I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah me too.”

Wow, how can I be this awfully calm when I’m standing in front of him? Zacky put his hands on his hips and frowned at the ground.

“Hey boss, can I be excused after I ship these two boxes? I want to visit him at the hospital.”

Zacky looked up to me and I just quickly drowned in his piercing green eyes.

“Can I go with you?”

I froze there, my mouth dropped open in an utter shock. I can feel my cheeks flushed and hot from embarrassment because one – he’s Zacky V and he wants to follow me, and two – because I’m taking the bus.

“Uh, sure. The bus will be here in 15 minutes though.”

“What? You’re taking the bus? No way. Let’s take my car.”

Wow. Just fucking wow. This is the best day of my fucking life. Minutes after minutes, they just got better.

“Let me carry that for you. They look heavy.” He took the boxes from my hands and our skin touched lightly. I swear I could feel electricity ran through my veins.

“Thanks boss. It really isn’t that heavy.”

“Stop calling me boss. Just call me Zacky. Or Z, if you prefer. Since I call you in a singular alphabet anyway.”

I laughed hard at his statement. E and Z. Woah. Almost easy but it’s not that easy.

“So E, what makes you want to work with us?”

Zacky asked me suddenly right after he drove away from the headquarter and into the highway. I was tossing and turning, admiring his convertible silver Audi but then I shot a glare at him when I heard his question.

“Is this my job interview all over again?”

He laughed. “Relax, I’m just trying to break the ice here.”

I smiled shyly at him. Should I tell him that the reason I work at VU is because of him? Because I’m a fucking stalker?

“Uh, because I love your brand. They’re awesome. Nice designs.”

“Thank you.” he said while turning his wheel to the left junction headed to Santa Ana.

“I have an idea of a design though.” Yeah, believe it or not. I don’t spend most of my time slacking on my job you know.

“Yeah? Shoot then. I’m all ears.”

I cleared my throat and he chuckled. “Jack O Lantern.”

He frowned but his eyes still on the road. “Excuse me?”

“Uh-” I scratched my head for a bit. “A tote bag, or a tshirt with Jack O Lantern design on it. You know black background, and orange eyes with ‘Vengeance’ word down at the bottom that looked like -”

“-Jack O Lantern’s teeth!” He cut me off, and continued with a wide grin on his face. “Nice idea! I can already picture it. Good work E.”

I smiled and all of a sudden I became relaxed.

“And maybe you can call it Zack O Lantern.”

Zacky laughed and looked at me in disbelief. “Wow why are you in packaging? You should join the creative team!”

“Really? I would love that.”

“Okay, I'm officially promoting you to creative team now.”

I clapped my hand once and kissed him on the cheek without knowing. He was astounded by my action and I quickly pulled back.

“Sorry, Z. I didn’t mean to.”

“Hey, don’t be. It’s nice to get a kiss from a pretty girl once in a while.”

I blushed upon his remark. “Shut up, you’re surrounded by hot girls all your life.”

“No I’m not. I swear to you. It’s always the guys and their girlfriends and more sweaty guys.”

“Get out of here!” I crossed my arms, not believing him.

“You want me to get out? Like right now?” he playfully trying to jump out of his car while we were still moving. Holy shit that scared me off a little.

“No! It was figure of a fucking speech! Get back here!” I pulled him down and he laughed at me.

“You’re cool, E. I like talking to you.”

Ohh Zacky, Zacky. You don’t even know how my heart beats for you right now.

“Me too.”

Then he drove in silence but a grin never left his face. So do I, as I drank in the view around me, letting the wind muffle my long red-brownish hair. How far is Santa Ana, really?

“Hey, if you don’t mind me asking.” He began, breaking the silence between us.

“Um, nope. Not at all.”

“Uh okay. How long have you known Reese?”

I tilted my head back, a little perplexed by his sudden question about Reese.

“Since I was – 12, 13 I guess. We went to high school together.”

He nodded. “Are you guys – you know”

“What?”

“You knoww.”

I chuckled. I don’t know if that was his trademark or what but he said ‘you know’ a lot in his speech.

“No Z, I don’t.”

“Dating.”

Woah. I didn’t see that one coming. I was about to answer him when he suddenly slowed down the car and parked. I glanced on my right. A big blue building of USPS stood tall right next to me. I quickly unbuckled my seat belt and turned to the back seat to get those boxes. I got so embarrassed by that question and just ran into the building with boxes in my hands, without looking back at him.

**************************************************************************************
After we were done shipping those boxes, which I still can’t believe I’m delivering it with Vengeance University’s own boss – we headed to the hospital near Santa Ana. Reese texted me earlier that his brother was admitted into the ICU there.

When Zacky and I reached the floor, I saw Reese’s mom first. She was devastated, her head dropped down with palms on her face and Reese was sitting by her side, rubbing her back up and down.

“Reese!” I called and they both glanced at me. Reese came towards me, dragging his mom along.

“Mrs Taylor. I’m so sorry for what happened to Riley.”

She smiled bitterly at me and Zacky. “Thank you, Erin. It means the world for us that you came and visit him here.”

“Anytime, Mrs Taylor.”

Zacky went and hugged Reese. They have known each other since a year ago, but not really close as Zacky is a busy man. Reese told me that he only went to a drink with Zacky once and that was with Johnny and Brian. I would love to go for a drink with them someday.

Hey Erin. Don’t steer your focus. You’re here for Reese.

“Reese.”

“E.”

As I pulled him into a tight hug, he sobbed into my shoulder. “Hey don’t cry. Zacky Vengeance is here!” I whispered to his ear and he chuckled.

“Finally your wish came true.” He replied in a low voice.

“I feel like I’m still dreaming.”

He tightened the hug and I can feel his smile growing on my shoulder. Oh God, what would Zacky think of us? We’re just best friends, nothing more. Besides, Reese had always been a ladies’ man. He was practically a manwhore.

I pulled away from the hug and caught Zacky’s eyes were glaring at me. His expression, unreadable.


Zacky drove on in silence as the evening grew darker after we excused ourselves from the hospital. I wanted to start a conversation but I don’t know what to say. So I just blurted out whatever that crossed my mind.

“No we’re not.”

He looked taken aback by my sudden remark.

“Huh?”

“No we’re not dating. Me and Reese.”

“Why not? He’s tall. Buff. Handsome. Blue eyes.”

I laughed. “Wow. Why don’t you date him then?”

His mouth opened in disbelief as I laughed hard at him.

“You should have seen your face, Z.”

“I’m serious, E. Why don’t you date him?”

I settled in my laughter and shrugged at him. “Because my heart is with someone else.” Yeah, with you Zachary Baker.

“I see. And that someone is…?” he cocked one eyebrow and leaned closer to me. Which was a bit dangerous because he was driving.

I blushed in pink. I can tell that he already knew what my answer would be. Why is he so interested anyway?

“Zackybaker.” I mumbled in a low voice, with one breath and made sure he didn’t hear me.

“I’m sorry, what?” he leaned in a little more closer, his right ear almost touched my cheek. I took the opportunity to pinch his cheek hard and he screamed in pain.

“Ouch! What was that for?” He rubbed the red mark on his cheek and frowned at me. His body leaned back to his seat.

“For making me blush!”

He raised his eyebrow at me. “I’m making you blush?”

I saw him grinning stupidly and I crossed my arms to my chest.

“What about you? Are you and Sarah, ‘you know’?” I mimicked his trademark and he snorted out a laugh.

“Sarah? Please. She’s just an employee. And I can’t stand her.”

“Really?” my eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Finally I can get back at that bitch for spreading that false rumor.

He nodded and smiled but then I realized that he missed a junction to Huntington Beach. He just drove forward, ignoring the signboard.

“Uh, you missed a junction. Where are you going?”

He looked at me intently before turning his gaze to the road again.

“Let’s take a little detour, shall we?

Am I dreaming? Because it felt like a dream. Just hours ago I was bummed because I haven’t seen Zacky yet during the time I work at VU and now he’s sitting next to me, on top of his car hood, under the stars. He parked his car here, on the edge of a hill, facing the view of the famous HOLLYWOOD sign in LA. I’ve always wanted to come here but I never would have imagined coming here with the man I adore the most.

“- and Brian is just plain crazy. He’s a badass on guitar but as a person,” he chuckled lightly, as I listened to him describing his best friends to me. I already knew who they are, but I loved hearing it from him.

“Jimmy is the craziest and combined those two you’ll get chaos.”

“You must have loved them so much.”

He gazed at me and smiled. “They’re like brothers to me, E. How bout you? Other than that hunk Reese of yours, any other best friends?”

I rolled my eyes at him. “Reese isn’t ‘mine’. We’re just friends, how many times do I have to tell you this?”

“As many as I want to hear it, until you tell me who’s in your heart right now.”

I stunned at his request. He’s Zacky Vengeance! Why would he be interested in my love life? It’s him anyway, the one that has my heart. It’s always been him.

“If I told you, would you leave me alone?”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“On the name you’re about to say.”

I hesitated, words stuck in my throat but i gathered my courage to finally confess.

“It’s – Zachary Baker.”

I quickly looked down to the artwork of Metallica on my tshirt after I said his name. And to my surprise, he didn’t react. He put a finger under my chin and tilted my head up softly.

“How can I leave you alone now?”

He smiled and leaned closer to me. I shut my eyes as our lips touched softly and I swore I can hear explosion in the background. My insides melted when he gently placed his hand on my cheek and licked my bottom lip, asking for permission. I granted it and the explosion became louder like it’s New Year celebration right now. He pulled back finally and I opened my eyes to see him.

“You have my heart at first sight, Erin.”

Oh my God, I have a lot to update to my Tumblr now!

Notes

A/N: there you go @elovebakervengeance! I hope you like it! Thank you for requesting :)