Call Connected

Johnny's POV:

Another conversation ends with me disappointed.

Each time I held my breath silently wishing he would answer. A different voice would pick up and a part of my mood plummeted. I had lost count after the seventh call. For all I knew the operators had choice about not taking certain calls.

~

My phone was in my hand again. It had been in my hand many times before always to make the same call. I didn't know how many times I had done this now. I would start to dial only to immediately stop wondering what the hell I was doing.

If I wanted answers then I had to call Zack. I knew that. What I didn't know is what I would say. I wasn't even sure he'd answer my call. It's not like it wasn't obvious that I'd been avoiding doing things with the guys.

My car pulls into the parking lot. I'd almost forgotten what I was doing. I walk into the store leaving those thoughts behind me at least for now. My eyes search the aisles until finding the one I'm looking for.

I couldn't believe they actually had what I was looking for. It didn't matter that it was a children's toy. I remembered having one back in the day. That's exactly the reason I bought it because I know that it really works. Taking my purchase I leave the store with a smile on my face.

Climbing into my car I nearly jump out of my skin when I hear Enter Sandman blaring. I feel stupid when it dawns on me that it's my phone. Fishing the phone from my pocket I swipe the answer bubble then bring it up to my ear.

"Hello." I say.

"Christ we're going out for drinks tonight. Johnny's at 8 everyone is going." Matt's raspy voice informs me.

I open my mouth to tell him I can't make it but I can't say a syllable as Matt speaks first.

"No you don't have anything you have to do. You'll be there." He demands hanging up.

I guess it was time to face Zack. I don't know why I'd thought I could avoid him. We are in the same band and we both have the same friends.

As eight drew closer and closer I kept hoping that he wouldn't be there. Maybe I'd be lucky and something really would come up.

By the time seven o'clock rolled around I had given up hope. It was time to face the music. Praying that I could act even semi normal was all I could do.

I made sure I got there early. I might be able to act normal if I pep myself up. Sitting in my car I stare at the sign stating that this is Johnny's Saloon.

You can do this. It's not like you woke up in bed next to Zack. Nothing happened. A phone isn't a big deal.

If that was true then why did I feel like it was a big deal? Was I making too much out of this? I mean it's not like I called knowing Zacky was going to be on the other end.

Why did I keep calling with the hope that he'd be on the line again? Why did I go out and buy a voice changing toy phone? What the hell is wrong with me?

A knock on my window draws my attention. I see Brian standing there arms folded across his chest. Opening my door I climb out then shut it behind me.

"About time. I've been standing there five fucking minutes." He comments.

I simply ignore him. I hadn't asked him to stand there. As we near the front door I opt to have a smoke before going in.

Brian joins me. If I didn't know any better I would swear he's babysitting me. I shrug it off choosing instead to enjoy the feel of smoke filling my lungs.

"You know if something is bothering you I'm happy to listen." He offers blowing out a puff of smoke. I nod my head.

"It's not like you to turn down drinks. We all know something is up but we can't do anything if you don't talk to us." He tells me.

"I can handle it but thanks." We finish our cigarettes and head inside.

I make a dash for the bar. I order a shot and my usual Long Island Iced Tea. Downing the shot I grab my drink and head to the pool table I see that guys playing on.

Each of the guys greet me normally including Zack. I was determined to act right. If he wasn't effected then I was going to be either!

Notes