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Who Are You?

Almost Easy

.:.:.

I heard the door to Elise’s room shut and I couldn’t help but smile against my beer. This woman was different, there’s no doubt about that. She seemed to be becoming a good friend to the group pretty quickly. Any person would be lucky to have her.

You could have her.

I have Val.

No, you don’t, and you know it.

My thought process was starting to make me irate, causing my grip to tighten around the glass bottle. Everything was so confusing in my life and I couldn’t wrap my head around anything. My phone and the memories that plagued me every time I swiped through my photos weren’t helping. The whole time everyone was here hanging out I selfishly kept to myself. My best friends were all having fun getting to know Elise and I couldn’t bring myself to contribute to the conversations.

I threw my head back against the soft chair and let out a sigh. My mind began to wander again as I absent-mindedly swiveled the OS chair side to side with my foot. Before I knew it, I was dozing off.

.:.:.

So sacrifice yourself, and let me have what’s left. I know that I can find the fire in your eyes

I slowly woke up to the sound of a soft, lovely voice. A small smile crept across my face as I listened to Elise while my eyes remained closed. I recognized it to be Breaking Benjamin so I sang along to their lyrics in my head only to hear Elise’s voice fade away toward the end. It was almost sad sounding? The vibration in my lap snapped me from my thoughts as I checked the message.

Lee: Still waiting for the luggage to show, probably gonna be here a while longer. Might just stay at Jimmy’s since it’ll be late. You’re more than welcome to stay at mine, I’ll feel better knowing Elise won’t be there by herself tonight. See you tomorrow!

I quickly texted her back to let her know I appreciated it, especially since I shouldn’t be driving right now. Double especially since I planned on drinking more. Speaking of which, it was time for something a little stronger than this 5%. My search for Jimmy’s whiskey didn’t last long. I wobbled back to my seat with both the bottle and another beer in hand before plopping my ass down. After taking a big swig of Jameson’s smooth liquor my body instantly relaxed as I sunk further into the cushiony leather.

The bathroom door opened and closed while another door was then opened. Heh, that sounds metaphorical. I thought and chuckled at myself.

I could hear Elise shuffling around in her room before the start of Windows 7 quietly rang out. It was quiet in the apartment since I opted to leave the TV off. The silence was soothing but soon became boring. I unlocked my phone again and began texting Brian. My message was short, I only asked him how 'Chelle and everyone at her house were. I hadn’t personally talked to Michelle in a while but I had seen her on occasion. Each time more painful than the last. Her hair may have been brunette with blonde streaks but she reminded me so much of my ‘from-black-to-blonde’ bombshell.

Knowing the hole I’d get myself into, I decided to distract myself by bugging Elise. I placed the whiskey bottle onto the coffee table, held onto my beer, and steadily paced myself to her room. The door was ajar with Elise sitting on her bed. Her laptop sat open with fingers typing away, her mouth barely muttering each word she typed. It was amusing…and adorable.

Chill, man. My inner monologue warned as I pinched the bridge of my nose, my eyes never leaving her.

Her eyes peeked over the top of the computer. “Uhh, hi,” she greeted while lowering the screen.

I made a witty comment which resulted in a tongue poking fun at me. My eyes gravitated to the metal bar I hadn’t noticed before.

Duh, you’ve been ignoring her since this evening. How would you see it?

We went back and forth. It was nice to smile and joke with her.

“It’s a wonder you didn’t tear your ears of.”

That immediately struck a chord with me. A flashback flew through my mind as I was taken back to when we were first starting the band.

“Alright, alright, I think you two have warmed up enough.” Brian, or Synyster Gates now, impatiently groaned.

“Just a quick song then I’m good.” I shot back with the same annoyance Syn was projecting.

He only rolled his eyes and turned back to his friend, Michelle. Val was helping me with some vocal warm ups even though today was supposed to be a fairly lax session. Somehow I found myself singing Patience by Guns N’ Roses. A huge grin broke across this gorgeous woman’s face, her short black hair falling around her as she shook her head, shyness taking over.

“But you set my mind at ease. There is no doubt you're in my heart now.” I sang softer as I grabbed her hips and brought her towards me.

She pressed her forehead against mine, “Said, sugar, take the time ‘cause the lights are shining bright. You and I’ve got what it takes to make it. We won’t fake it.”

“I’ll never break it, ‘cause I can’t take it.” I held her face in my hands before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “You’ve such an enticing voice.”

She nervously giggled, “Really? I’m surprised you didn’t run away tearing your ears off.”


I shrugged my shoulders completely forgetting what we were talking about. We exchanged a few words, and I left her to sleep. They say ‘beer before liquor, never been sicker’ but I didn’t care. I needed to be numb and pass out into a dreamless sleep. I made my way to the fridge and brought back a couple more beers to the sofa.

“Here’s to forgetting for a while.” I cheered myself before turning the TV on and sipping the whiskey.

.:.:.

I woke up to the front door softly closing with the lock clicking over. It took a second for my eyes to adjust until I could read the time on the cable box.

9:59

The pressure in my bladder was too much to ignore to fall back asleep. I got up, did my business, then grabbed my hat and glasses before quickly heading outside.

From across the lot I could see Elise sitting in her truck, oblivious to the world around her. My dimples presented themselves thanks to the devious smile I had spreading across my face. I hurried to light a cig before trotting over. Hopefully I didn’t get punched in the execution of my devious plan.

.:.:.

I couldn’t help but watched Elise walk into McConnell’s. Good genetics packed into yoga pants were a guys’ best friend.

There’s no harm in looking. I smirked.

Breakfast was great until it turned into a shameful display of bad jokes. I felt badly about the way she was quiet after my stupid “date” joke. I’m actually kind of glad Johnny and Jimmy surprised us. In all honesty, I didn’t want to tell Elise what I was thinking. Hell, I don’t even know what I was thinking or trying to say. My phone buzzed and I quickly looked at it, my smile becoming deflated as I read who it was from and what it said.

Syn: Not sure if Jimmy told you but meet up at our place tonight around 7ish. Sorry, I got your text last night but I forgot to reply. I just really need someone to talk to later, man.

For sure, bro. Anything for you. I shot back a message and continued to play on my phone.

Brian and I go way back. He’s truly my brother and we’d go through thick and thin for each other. He’s been my rock these last few miserable months and I couldn’t ask for a better bandmate and friend. Somehow, he’s always remained strong against whatever life has thrown at him and for him to reach out, it must be serious. Another message popped up and I instantly groaned.

Mom: Call me!

I pressed Call and waited for my mom to answer.

“Hi, honey!” She greeted.

She sounds too happy. What happened this time?

“Hey, mom. What did you do now?”

“You know how my car has been in the shop?”

I blinked a few times before slowly answering. “Yeah…”

“Well,’ she started nervously chuckling, “I sort of took your car to see your aunt in Oxnard early this morning…”

“Ok…” I replied while still being unsure where she was going with his. Oxnard was far and I was surprised she didn’t ask me first. Not that I mind, she did bring me into this world and keep me fed.

“Everything was fine until I was headed back home. It started to overheat and I could see steam coming from the hood. Your aunt called me just as I was pulling up to the house and said there was a HUGE puddle of oil in her driveway. Long story short, I hit something on the way up and turns out I put a hole in your oil pan…” She finished in a very quiet tone probably hoping I couldn’t hear that last part.

My poor Impala… I thought in disbelief.

“Mom, you drove from Oxnard back to Huntington with no oil in my car?” The blood was pumping through my veins now at an abnormal flow. Sure, it’s not the end of the world if you catch something like this early on but I had to be sure. I’m just thankful the engine didn’t seize up on her.

“I’m sorry, Hon. Your father will be home later on to take a look at it. I’m sure you’re busy hanging out with Brian since he just got back.” My mom sounded extremely guilted and apologetic.

I let out a big sigh, “It’s alright, mom. I’m just glad you’re home safe. I’ll be home in about an hour or so. Until then, don’t go anywhere.” I joked with a chuckle.

We ended our call and I closed my eyes while rubbing my scalp in frustration. There was so much on my plate I didn’t want to think about anything. My brain wasn’t so nice. I was constantly heartbroken and hopelessly in love with Val, Brian has something going on with him, almost every song I write is shit, we’re all stressing over the switch from Hopeless Records to Warner Bros. (even though it’s a good thing). Especially with the band being as solid as ever since having Johnny join us. And now, I have a classic car to fix.

What about Elise?

Was I really as in love with Val as I believed since I was having such conflicting thoughts about Lee’s new roommate? I really had no fucking idea. I love Val, and I miss her, but she’s not here. Elise is. But was I only seeing her as a warm body? My thoughts were cut short when Elise hopped into the seat beside him.

.:.:.

Elise parked and quickly made her way outside faster than I could get my seatbelt off. Our interactions were so hot and cold. It was ridiculous and all my fault.

I really need to quit these. I thought as I set a freshly lit cigarette between my lips and stared at the black screen of my phone.

Elise briskly walked past me and I could barely make out what she said. My head shot up from the distraction in my hand just in time to see her walking away with a head hung low.

“Good job, dick hole.” I murmured to myself as I gave Zacky a quick call, hoping I could get a ride if he and Gena weren't having a ride themselves.

Yeah, everything in life was almost easy.

Notes

Another Matt POV! This has probably been my favorite chapter to write so far. If you haven't heard Patience before I highly suggest you do!

Quick note: I realize some things might not line up in Avenged's real life timeline, but I gotta tweak things to make them work.

Thank you to everyone that has continued to read!

Comments

Well damn! ;) glad you’re back!

So glad you came back! That update was definitely worth the wait.

Buggaloo Buggaloo
6/2/19

Communication is difficult, but I swear sometimes technology makes it ten times harder.

Buggaloo Buggaloo
3/23/19

Woo! Go Matt for taking charge! Definitely worth the wait

That's definitely the best way to stop the teasing. I love that Matt was bold enough to cut the bullshit so to speak.

Buggaloo Buggaloo
3/21/19