*~*Val’s POV*~*

“Hello?” I answered cautiously, not recognizing the number.

“Hi. Val?”

“Yes… May I ask who’s calling?”

“It’s Chloe… From high school?”

“Oh my God! Chloe! How are you!? I haven’t heard from you in forever! How did you get my number?!”

“Well, I saw the guys’ new CD when I got back into town and I went down to Hopeless and found Larry. I begged him for your number. I hope you don’t mind?”

“Of course not. So wait, are you in Huntington?”

“Yeah. I actually just moved back earlier this week. I was hoping you, your sister, and the guys were in town, I’d love to catch up with all of you. What has it been? Like 4 years?”

“Yeah I guess it has. Unfortunately we aren’t in town just yet. The guys have a show tonight, and another tomorrow night in L.A. at the House of Blues. If you aren’t busy tomorrow you should come! The guys would be so happy to see you! I can get you on the list, or you can just come see me selling merch.”

“You’re still selling the boys’ merch outside?” she laughed.

“Yes I am. Michelle refuses to do it, but you know I have to support these guys in any way I can.”

“You always did. Well, I’ll see if I can get away for tomorrow night. I guess just put me down on the list and if I can make it I will. If not, I’ll just wait until you guys come back to town.”

“Ok. Oh my gosh I’m so excited to see you!”

“I’m excited to see you guys too! I’ll see you tomorrow!”

“Alright. Take care!” I said excitedly as I hung up.

“Who was that?” Matt asked as he came outside to smoke a cigarette.

“Oh, it’s a surprise. I think you guys will enjoy it. I might just enjoy it a little more though.” I trailed off as I made my way into the back of the van.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I couldn’t wait to get to the show the next night. I waited outside in the humid heat, passing out demos to people as they walked into the club. I scanned every person that walked by me, hoping that I would catch a glimpse of Chloe. I honestly had no idea if she had changed her appearance, but I could tell on the phone that she was still one of my best friends from high school on the inside.

It really was too bad that she and Zacky didn’t stay together. They were high school sweethearts, Chloe being one of the first people to ever talk to him when he moved from Washington. She introduced him to me and then the guys and really had a big part in helping the band come together. She used to be the one to help me sell merchandise and pass out demos outside of their gigs. After high school, Chloe got accepted into New York University and was conflicted to go. She had a full scholarship in journalism and both Zacky and I told her that if she didn’t take it, she’d be making a huge mistake.

After about a month with her gone, the band got picked up by Hopeless and they really started getting out there. That was when Chloe decided that she wanted to let Zacky go. I remember she told him that she didn’t want to be the one holding him back from his dreams and success. He pleaded with her that it wouldn’t be like that, that he wanted to make it work, but she told him that it was better if he wasn’t always thinking of her and focused on his music. After another month of the two of them talking about it almost every day, I suppose they both realized it would be for the best, and they broke it off. Being so close to both of them, Chloe my best friend, and Zacky my boyfriend’s best friend, I knew how heartbroken they both were. Chloe called me crying that day, wishing it wasn’t the way it was and Zacky was at Matt’s house for weeks crying over her leaving. After that day, I never heard from Chloe again.

Until yesterday. Now I was nearly jumping up and down outside the House of Blues, hoping she would show up. I checked my watch and saw it was almost time for the guys to come on, meaning I would need to make my way back in. I handed out the last 3 demos I held, and looked up and down the sidewalk hoping to catch her before I went in.

*~*Chloe’s POV*~*

I pulled the visor in my car down one last time, checking to make sure my eye makeup was on point. Pleased with my face and hair’s appearance I got out of my car, smoothing out my new skull dress. It was the perfect thing to go to this kind of show in. It was sleeveless, and black with purple and red roses along with skulls that came down to mid-thigh. I paired it with some trusty old black converse. I slipped my cell phone into my wristlet wallet and double checked that I had my money and ID to get in. I locked my car and padded off down the sidewalk to the entrance of the club.

I could barely contain my excitement at getting to see my old friends. I hadn’t spoken or seen any of them in a very long 4 years and so much had changed since then. I was happy to have graduated from NYU and be able to come back to Huntington to start my own music magazine in my hometown. Being able to get in touch with Val had been a god-send as the only other people I knew still in Huntington had been my brother, Jake, everyone else had moved on much like I did.

I got to the door and walked up to the security guard with the clipboard in his hands.

“Uh, Hi. I’m here for Avenged Sevenfold.” I said politely.

“So is everyone else miss.” He replied pointing to the large line I had avoided.

“Oh, yeah, well I’m supposed to be on a list for them. My name is Chloe Edwards.” I said twirling my bright red hair as he looked at the list.

“Yes you are Ms. Edwards. Please go ahead on in. I was told to let you know that you are to step backstage after their performance. There is a door to the far left from the stage that you should report to afterwards.” He informed me.

“Thank you very much.” I said as he unclipped the velvet rope allowing me to pass.

“You’re very welcome, enjoy the show miss.”

I entered and was happy to see that the place was packed. A few bands must have gone before as there were lots of sweaty bodies roaming the crowd. I found a spot closer to the front but still a good distance from the stage itself as people moved away while the stage setting was changed. I looked around hoping to see Val or Michelle somewhere near the stage, but they were nowhere to be found.

The lights cut off all of a sudden and the screams of the crowd filled the air. Then I heard the sound of Zacky and Brian’s guitars shredding notes. It was the only song I had heard of their new album and I noted how much they had improved since the band practice’s in Matt’s parents garage. I smiled as the lights lit up the stage and I saw the guys I grew up with. Jimmy was like a madman pounding the drum kit he sat behind as Zacky and Brian played on either side of Matt, who was standing on one of the large speakers.

I watched their entire set, lingering behind as Brian and Zacky threw out guitar picks to the crowd. I watched the man I loved as he smiled wide at the reactions of the fans, his green eyes brighter in the lights. Zacky came to the front of the stage and leaned down, doing his old pouty face, that I adored, as he took a picture with a girl. After he turned back and made his way backstage, which reminded me that I had somewhere I needed to be.

I made my way to the left of the stage and knocked on the door. A man opened the door and looked down at me with a clipboard in his hands.

“Name?”

“Chloe Edwards.” I replied.

“Right this way ma’am.” He said as he led me down a small hallway to a closed room filled with laughter.

I stood there and stared at the door with the sign “Avenged Sevenfold” on it for a minute, smiling, as the man opened the door.

There they were, 5 guys, now tattooed and pierced, all with shocked looks on their faces at this person that just entered their dressing room after a show. Val and Michelle were sitting on a couch and they looked up at the guys’ sudden silence.

“AHHH! YOU’RE HERE!!” Val screamed as she jumped up and ran over to me throwing her arms around my neck hugging me tight.

She pulled back, “That I am. I missed you!” I said as I saw Zacky cock his head to the side to get a better look at me.

“Chloe?” his voice still the same, sending chills down my spine.

“Hi Zacky.” I replied quietly.

*~*Zacky’s POV*~*

I couldn’t believe my eyes. I dropped my water bottle on the floor, spilling it everywhere, and rushed to her, instantly pulling her to my chest. Everyone else in the room had stopped everything and just watched.

“Am I missing something?” Johnny asked.

“That’s Chloe. THE CHLOE.” Brian told him not so quietly.

“Oh. I see.” Johnny nodded, still looking lost.

I leaned down and breathed in her hair. She smelled the same as she did the day she left. I did my best to not start breaking down in tears then and there. She shifted under my hold but still gripped onto my shirt.

“Zacky. You’re kinda sweaty and gross.” She said quietly.

I pulled away, “Sorry. I’m just so happy and surprised to see you. How are you?” I smiled.
“I’m good. You guys were great out there but I always knew you would be.” She smiled back.

I couldn’t stop smiling as she gave hugs to everyone in the room even Johnny whom she didn’t even know.

“Johnny, this is Chloe. She’s one of our closest friends from high school. She was there when it all started.” I said beaming.

I was so happy and surprised to see her that I didn’t know what to do with myself. I sat down in a chair then immediately stood back up. Brian just chuckled and shook his head at me.

“Zacky. Let me talk to you for a minute.” He stood and said.

I followed him out into the hallway when he turned to me, grabbing me by my shoulders.

“Zee. You have got to calm down. You are so fidgety.” He said.

“I know Syn. I’m just so fucking happy. I haven’t seen her in 4 years man! 4 fucking years.” I told him as I jumped up and down a few times.

“I know Zack. None of us have ever since she left for college. I just want you to take it easy. She could have a boyfriend or be married for all you know. I know you still love her and I just don’t want you to get hurt.” He explained to me, which dampened my excitement some.

“Oh, yeah. I didn’t think of that. Shit.” I said coming to my senses.

A girl as beautiful as her had to be taken already. She was such a good person too that I was sure she had met someone really smart from NYU. She didn’t want to stay with an idiot like me who didn’t even finish high school. I still think that’s the reason she wanted to break it off when she left.

“Hey, look. I’m not trying to kill your buzz or anything, but I just don’t want you to get hurt either. Ok?” he told me seeing my saddened expression.

“Yeah. Thanks Bri.” I said as I opened the door to the room again.

Chloe was sitting on the couch between the twins, talking about her recent move back to Huntington.

“So you are going to start a new music magazine? That’s so awesome. Can we be your first story?” Jimmy asked.

“If you want to. I wasn’t going to ask since I know you guys probably do interviews and stuff all the time.” She replied.

“Shit yeah we want to!” Jimmy yelled.

“Alright then you guys can be my first cover story…” she said before her phone started going off in her wallet.

“Sorry guys I gotta get this.” She said as she stood up and walked out into the hall.

Everyone turned and looked at me with a worried expression on what I was going to do. I felt my face get hot as I turned away to grab a beer out of the mini fridge in the room. I sat down on a chair as we casually chatted at how amazing it was that Chloe was back in Huntington.

Chloe stepped back in the room after a few minutes, a look of hesitation on her face, “So I’m sorry guys but I have to get back to Huntington. Jake called and needs me to come home back sooner than I thought. You guys are going home tonight right? Maybe we can all catch up tomorrow at the old park?”

“Yeah that sounds great!” I said surprising everyone with my enthusiasm.

“Ok. I’ll text you Val and we can set up a time. It was really great to see all of you tonight. You guys put on a great show.” She said as she went around the room giving goodbye hugs.

I hugged her tight again, whispering quietly to her, “It was great to see you’re doing good Chloe. I really missed you.”

“I missed you too Zacky. I told you you’d be better without me holding you back.” She quietly said back as she pulled away.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said as I held the door open for her as she waved bye again.

“Sounds great.” She smiled.

After closing the door, I took a deep breath and turned around to face the others. They all responded by throwing the pillows off the small couch at my head.

“Damn Zacky still got it bad for her.” Matt teased.

“Fuck you. I’ll always love her. She was the best thing that ever happened to me and you know it.” I said as I flipped him off, picking up my beer from the table.

“That I do, Baker. That I do.” Matt nodded.

“She’s still so adorable. The only thing that’s really changed is she doesn’t have that crazy, kinky, brown hair. I love that red she’s got. Do you think it would look good on me Brian?” Michelle asked.

“I don’t know babe. I like your hair however you do it.” Brian said absentmindedly.

“Come on guys. Let’s get going. I want to sleep in my own bed tonight.” Jimmy said grabbing his shirt off the table.

We headed out to the van that we would all ride home in and started loading our stuff. I stopped Val before she could get in the van.

“That was quite a surprise.” I told her.

“Yeah wasn’t it? She called me yesterday and said she moved back to Huntington earlier this week. I knew you would be as excited as I am.” She smirked.

I put my arm around her shoulders, hugging her to me, “Thanks Val. That was the highlight of my night.”

“I know Zacky. That was probably the highlight of hers too.” She replied before making her way into the van.

Notes

So this is my new story that I came up with and never posted until now... It is also posted on Wattpad.com as well. Please leave me some comments so I know what you think. Thanks muchly my little lovelies! XoXo <3