My life seemed to take a horrible turn when we found out that Jimmy had suddenly passed away. I could not believe he was gone and Matt and I had a lot of grieving to do. The band was in the process of getting their next album together. Jimmy was not well but no one expected him to pass away so suddenly.

The funeral was the hardest thing I’ve had to attend in so many years and I had not seen Matt that upset since we have known each other. I have been there for him and the guys and I’ve done my best to stay strong for them but also the kids. I am thankful Quinn and Maddox are too young to understand. But Quinn has been picking up on Matts and my own sadness and it breaks my heart. She asked about Jimmy and it has been hard to answer since he loved Quinn and Maddox so much.

It had been just over a week since the funeral and I decided to call Benji to take Quinn for a while so Matt and I could have time together and I could help with his music. My aunt and uncle offered to take Maddox up to their vacation home up north. Matt was fine with that and I was relieved because the kids didn’t need to see our rough patch.

I heard the doorbell ring and I figured that must be Benji. Quinn came running down the hall towards me. “Papa is here?”

“Yeah, he is my darling.” She ran to the door and smiled at Benji.

“Hey, Benj. Thanks again for being able to my take Quinn.” I tried to hold back my emotions because I needed to stay strong and I didn’t want Quinn to see me upset.

“It’s no problem Saige. How’s Matt holding up?”

“He’s doing alright. He’s working on the new Avenged album but it has not been easy.” I ran my hand over my face and Benji reached over and touched my arm.

“I can understand how he feels. Jimmy will be missed by all of us and let me know if you need me to extend my time with Quinn ok?”

“I will.” I handed Benji Quinn’s suitcase. I hugged and kissed Quinn “Be good for Papa. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Quinn hugged me back and I watched as Benji took her to his car and I closed the door behind me. It was always hard when Benji took Quinn but it was for the best right now while Matt and I grieved.

I dropped Maddox off with my aunt and uncle earlier in the day and it was hard to be separated from him as well. Matt came down from his studio just as I said goodbye to Quinn.

“It’s so quiet now that the kids are gone.” I wrapped my arms around Matt’s body and he pulled me close.

“It is really quiet but we know this is the best thing for now.” I looked up at Matt’s face and I could tell he was not having the greatest day. I ran my hand along his cheek “I love you so fucking much please don’t leave me anytime soon.” I rested my head on his chest.

“I love you too Saige and I’m not going anywhere.” Losing Jimmy was not bringing out the best in me but Matt was helping me stay strong.

“I had an idea come into my head this morning. Would you be up for going to the cabin in Big Bear and we can work on the songs and I can get some writing done? I think some time away from Huntington Beach might do us some good. I just want to spend time with you and somewhere that is more relaxing.”

“I like that idea baby. Do you want me to invite the guys or just have it be the two of us?”

“How about we just make it the two of us for now. Then maybe you can invite them up after that and you can work together on writing when I’m not around.”

“That sounds perfect Saige, and I appreciate that suggestion. I’ll go call Brian and let him know our plan.”

“Ok. I’ll start getting the stuff ready and we can head up to Big Bear in a couple hours if that works.”

“Sure thing.” I kissed his lips and then we went to get all the stuff ready for our trip up to Big Bear.

I was looking forward to spending some alone time with Matt and I hoped I could be the motivating factor for him to write some new songs. I walked into our room and I packed all the clothes I would need. I took out some clothes for Matt and I would let him decide what he wanted to bring as well.

I know Jimmy wouldn’t want us to sit around and be sad all the time so I want to help Matt in the best ways I could. I feel honored that Matt is letting me help with the writing and demos for the new album. Zacky, Johnny, and Brian have also thanked me and I wanted to do whatever I could for them.

Matt and the guys also asked me if I could be a part of the recording process and I honestly felt happy about that. I feel like I have a new purpose in life and the band means so much to me since they are my family. I need to keep the family together and help them get through the difficulties that come along with losing one of your own.

As I was finishing packing Matt walked into our room and started getting his stuff together. I walked closer to him and ran a hand over his back. He stopped what he was doing and looked over at me.

“You have been so good to me over the last few years and I don’t tell you enough you that enough.” I smiled at Matt’s words because they were sincere and I needed to hear them.

“Aww Matt I feel the same. You saved me when I needed it the most and you have given me so much more than I could ever ask for.” He wrapped his arms around me and I kissed him softly on the lips. “We will get through this rough patch together I promise.”

I saw the raw emotion in my husband’s hazel eyes and I knew the few months and longer would be challenging for all of us. But I knew our marriage could only get stronger even when times are hard.

“I know we will Saige, and I really appreciate you being with me.” I connected our lips again and ran my hands along Matt’s tattooed arms.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be your support system, Matty.” I moved one of my hands to his chest and rested it over his heart.

I then helped him finish packing and we loaded up the car and we stopped to buy all the other supplies we needed.

The drive up to Big Bear was relaxing and we listened to music and enjoyed the feeling of escaping Huntington Beach, even if was only for a small amount of time.

Notes

This sequel takes place two years after the first part. Just as a heads up I decided to write about the death of Jimmy in a more subtle way and how it affected Matt and Saige.

I know this chapter is on the short side but I promise the next updates will be longer. I look forward to comments and feedback and please feel free to rate this story as well.