Hi guys!! How you doin'?!
As always, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the kind comments! You know they mean the world to me! Hahahaha
So, this is the story finale! And it's LONG! I know I have said that before, but this is HUGE! I could devide it in 3, but this chap has a story line on its own, and I didn't like the idea of cutting it.
So, don't mind if you take a lot of time to read it, it's ok but let me know what you think later!!
Since this is the last, I'd like to take my chance to thank ALL the support I got while writting this. I'm proud of what I've done and that has a lot to do with you!
Special thanks to my Big Sis, Isaac, Marcela, El, Steph, my parents and all the english teachers I've had!
Cap. 32
The time to move to NY finally came, I was extremely anxious about it. Sure, Jack and I were together most of time when he was in town and when I wasn't working, but LIVING together it's a whole new deal, and it scared me a bit. I quit the job on the Detroit News, Ollie didn't really like it, but I didn't care. I was thinking about moving out anyway, why not to NY then? Of course apartments are more expensive there than in Detroit, but maybe that was just where I was supposed to be. All in all, I decided to take a shot in all this and go with Jack, no regrets.
Tim, Tyler, Jack and I were all getting into the van. It was a four-hour ride; we didn't feel like going by plane, it was senseless. So we decided to split the hours, each one would drive one hour, so no one would get tired.
"Mel, why don't you let Jack drive yours too?"
"Why would I do that?" I asked to Tim as Jack stopped the car to switch places
"Because I wanna get ALIVE to New York"
"Fuck you Tim!" Everyone cracked a laugh.
Jack and I drove the first two hours, and after a little break at a gas station, Tim and Tyler took over.
"You girls back there, behave yourselves, 'k?" Tyler said smiling at us. He was sat on the front with Tim, while Jack and I on the back. "Jack, where's your hand?"
"Depending on the point of view, it's either before or after my arm" Jack answered with a big grim, what made me to laugh hard.
"Smart ass!"
"And pretty too!"
"Jackie-O gets all full of himself when Mel's around!"
"Why shouldn't he?" I asked at Tim
"Because he ain't all that?"
I laughed "EW Tim! Have you been keepin' an eye on my boyfriend?"
"Fuck no! I'm just saying what everyone else says…"
"What does everyone say?"
"That I'm hotter than Tyler and Jack combined"
"Who told that? A poor blind and perv old lady?"
"Ha-ha-ha very funny! Ya just sayin' that to please your man!"
"Nope, I really speak my mind"
"Then say something that you don't like about Jack!" Jack looked at me curious and I smiled at him
"He snores!" Everyone laughed
"Your turn Jack!"
"Why?!" I protested
"Because it's just fair!"
"She can't cook to save her life"
"Oh, so you want me to be your slave and cook you meals everyday?!" I pretended to be pissed at his answer
"No, I just think it'd be nice if… Damn Tim, look what you did!"
We just had a good laugh about it during the rest of the trip. Tyler turned the radio on and we'd sing along with almost every song. Sometimes Jack would just put his hand on my mouth so I'd stop singing and hurting everyone's tympanums. I can sing as good as I can cook.
I had brought my video camera, so I could record everything. The boys kept doing weird faces at the camera and laughing. One time, 'Lips of an Angel' started playing and everyone cheered before singing along. Right after, 'It's my life' by Bon Jovi played, this time I cheered alone, what made everyone to laugh, but that didn't keep everyone from singing. After all, it's a classic.
…
We finally made it to the hotel. It wasn't a Hilton, but it was far to be a crappy hostel, it felt cozy. Each one went to the respective rooms, our bags were already there. I threw myself on the bed and closed my eyes, just to feel the bed shaking a bit when Jack laid next to me, I opened my eyes to find him looking at me.
"Hi" I said smiling
"Hi beautiful" He said before bending to kiss me "So, you like it so far?"
I started to roll over the bed, he gave me an odd look "Yeah, I like it so far" He laughed and we started to kiss again.
After a nap, we went out for a meal and a couple of drinks. By the time we got back to the hotel room, it was already dark but we weren't exactly tired. Jack gave me a malicious look and I smiled in response. He turned to Tim and Tyler.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow" He took my hand in his
"Going to bed early baby Jack?"
He laughed "You can pretty much say I'm going to bed, but it's not gonna be early"
It's a hot night, the native are restless
We're sweating by the light of the moon
There's a voodoo mojo brewing at the gogo
That would knock a witch off her broom
We slither on in and shed your skin
Make our way into the bump and the grind
I'm passing by, she gives me the eye
So I stop to give her a light
Na-na-na-na-na-na… alright!
One wild night (blinded by the moonlight)
One wild night (24 hours of midnight)
One wild night (I stepped into the twilight zone and she left my heart with vertigo)
One wild, one wild, one wild, one wild night
Havin' as much fun as you can in your clothes
Margarita had me feelin' alright
Just might be I found religion
I've been on my knees for half of the night
…
Days went by and the band started recording their new album. I was happy for them but was also sad because I hardly got to see Jack. During the first days, I only used the hotel services, walked randomly around the streets, visited my old friends and not even being a big fan of shopping, I did it. But then I got tired of not doing anything productive, I was a journalist after all!
So I started that annoying, almost brutal search for a job. But I had to start over and wouldn't let the 'no' I was getting over and over, to be on my way.
"Hey baby! I'm earlier today!"
"Hey Jackie! Sorry, but I have a job interview now! Bye bye!" I took my bag, kissed him goodbye and left in hurry through the door, but it didn't close before I heard him sighing. Well, it's not my fault!
…
Three days later, I got a call saying I got the job. It was a small magazine, and it was mostly about women. It kinda sucked, but hey, I needed it! And even not being my dream job, I was thrilled and rushed to the phone so I could call Jack.
"Mel?"
"Jack! Jack! Guess what?" I squealed happily
"I can't right now baby, we're discussing this beat on the song. I'll talk to you when I get there, 'k?"
This time, I sighed "Fine" and hung up. No one said it was gonna be easy…
…
If I could kidnap an angel
I'd clip off his wings
And bring 'em to you
That would fix everything
I opened my eyes lazily; just then I realized the sunshine coming in the room through the window.
"Fuck! I'm late!" I said to myself in out loud and quickly jumped out off the bed. An amused laugh came right after that and I looked around, just to find Jack sat on a chair right beside the bed.
"It's Saturday Mel!"
I sighed and dropped myself back on the bed. Jack got up and lied beside me, my head on his chest and his arms around me.
"You comin' tonight, right?"
?? "Hmm… where?"
"To the bar! Remember? I told you we were invited to play at that place. Doesn't pay much, but it's just for fun anyway"
You did? Fuck! No, I don't remember! "Oh! Right… right! Yes, I'm coming"
"You forgot, didn't you?"
I sighed. Seems like, I've been sighing a lot lately. There was no point in lying "Yes, I'm sorry. There's a lot going on and-"
"Yeah" He cut me off. We were already apart, sat on the bed facing each other "There's a lot going on and you're not being part of it!"
"Excuse me?"
"I come home early to see you, and you're on your way out!"
"Well, I call you to tell you I got a job and you almost hang up on my face! Seems like we're even, huh?"
"That's different!"
"Of course it is! I MUST be there for you, but you CAN'T be here for me!"
"What are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about!"
He buried his face on his hands for a moment, and then looked into my eyes "I'm sorry. You're right"
"You saying this just to stop the argument or because you mean it?"
"Damn, because I mean it!" He got closer to me "Please, forgive me. I've been stressed because this new album. It's not like things are going great. It has nothing to do with you, I'm sorry"
I looked into his eyes, searching for the truth. His eyes were crystal green, there was no shadow of lie "Just promise we're not gonna do this again"
"Scout honor!" He said smiling
"You never were a scout boy"
"Alright, then… Mercer honor!"
"That should do" I said smiling before we started kissing.
…
All the girls and the boys
And people making noise
Just let me hear you shout
Bring 'em out! Bring 'em out!
Jack singed as Tim and Tyler played like crazy, but in a good way. They were enjoying themselves. I was set on a stool near the bar, drinking bear and singing along quietly to myself. The place was crowded, most of them were girls. Some were sat aback, drinking and enjoying their time like me, and others screaming at the boys.
"Hi" I turned to my side and saw a guy sitting on the stool nearby.
"Hi" I answered simply with a small smile.
"Are you alone?"
I looked at the stage and then back to the guy "Kind of"
"Well, mind if I make you some company?"
"No, it's ok"
He smiled at me and offered a hand to shake "I'm Brandon"
I took it "Melanie"
"I knew it!" He exclaimed and I half jumped, we both laughed. "You are from Detroit, right?"
"Hmm… No, actually I'm from here. But lived there for a long time. Why?"
"I read an article you wrote for the Detroit News and-"
"Saw my photo on the top of the page"
"Exactly!" He laughed "You did a great job about that"
"Thanks" I smiled and took another gulp of my bear.
"Hey guys!" Jack exclaimed and all heads turned to him, including mine and Brandon's. "Well, we have a special guest today! She's starting on the business now so, be nice!" He said smiling "Please welcome, Hailey!"
Everyone clapped hands as a red haired with blonde locks girl walked on the stage. She wore a crazy ripped top, skinny black jeans and red Converses. They started singing together with all the energy they had, like if they knew each other for a long time. Jack started playing a solo with his guitar, everyone screamed, and as he came back to sing, he and the girl shared the same microphone, there faces a mere distance away. That distance was smaller when they faced each other. Son of a bitch!
"Interesting couple, don't you think?" Brandon said with a raised brow
"You think?"
"Yeah, I mean, they have a lot of energy and the same style, they match" I looked back at the stage, he was right. "Don't you think?"
I gave him a small sad smile "He's my boyfriend"
"Oh!" He got all embarrassed "I'm sorry! I-"
"It's ok. Excuse me" I said getting out of the chair, aiming to go to the bathroom
"Sure. Hmm… are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you" I lowered my head and went to the bathroom. Thank God it was really clean, since it wasn't a crappy bar, so I could chill in there for the rest of the night. My eyes were full of tears, but I refused to let them out. What if he's not the right one? What if I'm not the right one for him? What… what if he already knew that girl? Fuck! I hate my own mind so much! I hate myself for letting this to get over me!
A girl walked in the bathroom
"Excuse me" I turned to her "Do you have a cigarette?"
She smiled "Sure" and took off one from her tiny purse "Do you need a lighter?"
"Yeah" She handed it to me
"I'll take on my way back; I really need to use that!" She smiled as she walked in the cabinet
My hands were shaking. What the hell am I doing? God! Well, they say it's good to calm the nerves, so maybe…I put the cigarette in my mouth and put the flame close, as I sucked the stick, a weird taste and smoke came in my mouth and I started to cough.
After the girl flushed the toilet, she walked out and washed her hands "First time?"
"Yeah…"
"Look, I don't know what's making you to do this and I don't even know you, but listen to me: don't do that again. Maybe this one will help you now, and in other occasions but then, only one won't have the same effect and every little thing that happen you'll search for it. So don't. I could rip it off your hands, but it's your call to make"
"Why do you smoke then?"
"I started a long time ago, and regret it to death" I handed the lighter back to her "Think about it" She said smiling at me before walking out.
I looked at the burning cancer stick between my fingers. I took a long draft and then stuck it in the sink's water remains, before tossing it in the garbage while blowing the smoke out. She's right… and this doesn't even taste good!
Related to the cigarette or not, I relaxed after that. Maybe I'm overreacting…For my sake, I decided that I was. Just forget it…
By the time I went out, the presentation had just finished and Jack was walking out of the stage. I asked for another beer and waited for him to come, Brandon wasn't there anymore.
About ten minutes later, Jack made his way through the mass of dancers; the DJ had taken over now, Hailey was behind him. That's a bit too much! Breathe…
"Hey Baby!" Jack came smiling, grabbed my shoulders sweetly and kissed me.
"Hi" I said half smiling
"This is Hailey; she's from Montana and wants to be a singer"
"Hey" She smiled and extended her hand at me
"How you doing?" I took her hand and shook it, not meaning to be impolite.
"Great! It's really amazing to sing with Jack and the boys! They have such energy!" She said smiling broadly. That energy crap again!
"Well, you did great yourself!" Jack said at her smiling and she smiled back. Ok, that IS too much! "Mel, she has no place to stay, so I invited her to stay over with us. Is that ok with you?"
WHAT?! My eyes widened "No"
"What?"
"I said it's not ok with me!"
He looked embarrassed at Hailey and then looked at me "Come here a sec" He took my arm and leaded to a corner "What are you doing?"
"I ask the same! You want to bring her to our room? You don't even know her!"
"She needs help Mel!"
"There are hundreds of hotels, hostels or whatever around New York! WHY do you wanna bring her with US?"
"Don't be selfish! She doesn't have enough money Mel… Are- are you jealous?!" He asked half laughing
"Fuck yes!" I half yelled seriously and he stopped laughing "I'm fucking jealous! So go to our room with your little friend and laugh at my expensive! Perhaps you wanna fuck her too! Don't mind with me!" I threw my beer bottle on the floor and started pushing people so I could make my way out.
"Mel!" I heard him calling, but didn't take a second to look back.
As I got out of that place, I started walking. I was extremely lucky, there was a cab coming, I needed to get out of there quickly, other wise Jack would reach me.
"Where to?" The man asked and I told him the name of the street. I flipped my cell phone open
"Hello?" A sleepy voice said
"Mark!"
"Mel?"
"Can I come over?"
"Mel, it's nearly 3am"
"Please?"
"What happened? Are you alright?"
"Yes, I just need a place to stay"
"Sure! Sure! Come, I'm waiting"
"Thanks!"
I couldn't go to Andy's because first, that would be the first place Jack would look for me. That if he will ever do it! And second: she was at a nearby city, doing a job in the hospital, she'd only come back in two days. I paid the cab and rushed to the building where Mark lived.
"Hey!" He said as he opened the door and I hugged him tightly, he gently closed the door and rubbed my back. My eyes were burning because of all the time I fought against the tears; he looked at me "Let it go Mel. Cry, you know I don't mind"
We sat on the couch and I cried hard. I rested my head on his shoulder; he didn't ask what happened, because he knew I wouldn't say a thing now. Knowing I was alright, at least physically, was enough. The talking was a morning business.
…
"Good morning sleepy head" Mark smiled at me. I was laid on the couch, with a pillow under me head and had an extremely strong headache. He was sat on the coffee table.
"Hi" I said with a small smile and stretched my back.
"Sorry about that, you slept on my shoulder, I tried to take you to bed, but you told me to fuck myself, the only thing I could do was bring you a pillow"
"God! You have me in your apartment at three in the morning and I tell you to fuck yourself?!" He nodded laughing "I'm sorry"
He kept laughing "Don't worry about it. You were just being yourself!"
"Hey!" I threw the pillow on him and he laughed
"So, are you feeling better?"
I nodded and laughed "Good way to ask what happened"
He got up from the coffee table and went to sat on the other side of the couch "Yeah, I have my tricks" He said smiling
"I hope Misha doesn't get mad by all this"
"She won't… and if she does, I can live with it" He said smiling and I told him everything that happened. "Look…" He took a deep breath "Don't you think you're overreacting?"
I sighed "You think so?"
"Yeah… I mean, I can understand your jealousy and stuff. But think about it: you said he had a tough childhood, and it wasn't easy for him to come where he is now. Maybe he's just trying to help someone; maybe he's trying to do what was done for him somehow. After all, isn't it what his mother taught him?"
"Makes sense…"
"Mel, their song is planning almost every damn time on the radios, a song that many people may not know, but YOU know it was made for you! I mean, he must have had a good reason to want to help this girl. And if you ask me, I think it has nothing to do with fucking her"
I buried my face on my hands "I'm a bitch"
"We all know that but-" I lifted my head up in shock and he chuckled "Go talk to him, go back" I didn't move "GO MEL!" He yelled and I jumped out of the couch "Does your brain only work when we yell at you?"
"Only by morning" I said smiling as I made my way to the bathroom. Five minutes later, Mark was driving to the hotel in his car; I couldn't help but squeeze my own hands fiercely. Something inside my head told me everything was alright but the other; this tiny boring one told me that I'd have a bad surprise by coming in the room.
"You want me to go up with you?"
"No, it's not necessary. You've already done too much for me. Thank you!" I hugged him tightly
"You're more than welcome Melly, you know that!" I kissed his check "Now Misha might get a bit jealous" He chuckled.
"Tell her that if you're a great boyfriend as you are as a friend, she's the luckiest girl in the world"
"I'll let her know! Good luck!"
"Thanks!" I hurried inside the elevator, and the time seemed to have frozen. The doors finally opened and I made my way to where our room was. I took the card from my back pocket and put it in the little golden box to open the room's door. After the 'bip', I quietly and slowly opened the door.
Jack was sat on the small couch our room had, right beside the table where the phone was. His cell phone was by his side and he still had the last night's clothes on. His hair was messier than ever and he had purple circles under his eyes, his skin was also paler than usual. He probably didn't hear or didn't pay attention when the door opened, but when I closed the door, he looked up.
"Mel!" He jumped out of the couch and reached hurriedly to put me in a tight embrace "I was so worried about you!" He kissed the top of my head "You're here… you're safe" He finally let go of me "What happened to you? Why didn't you wait for me?" I looked into his eyes; they became all teary at the same that relief took over him.
"Jack, I-" I couldn't finish since he glued my mouth to his
"Never, EVER do this to me again, you hear?"
I smiled a bit "Yes… Where's Hailey?"
"She managed to rent a room in a hostel down town. Is that why you ran away? Because of her?"
"The way you sang together, all that freaking energy up stage, the way you both dress! It matches, and that's not me saying, the guy beside me said that! Suddenly I felt that something was wrong, maybe I'm the wrong person for you, maybe you're the wrong one for me, or maybe we're not even supposed to be together!"
"What the hell are you talking about?! You let a random guy's opinion get over you and make you to freak out?!"
"No! I had already felt it by the time he mentioned it, but I thought it was just my messed brain. But then he said it and it was like a click, you know? And I couldn't stand it! Because it's- it's wrong! We've been through a whole lot together, if that doesn't mean we're supposed to be together, I don't know what it does" I sobbed by the time I finished saying this all at once.
"Mel, you know I've been through a lot! Seeing this girl where I was years ago made me to feel sort of impelled to help her, you know? Because I know that if someone had done that for me when I was there, I probably wouldn't have been a drug addicted and all that shit!"
"That's what Mark said…" I said to myself in out loud
"Who?"
"Mark, you know, that friend of mine…"
"From that pic?"
"Yeah, I was at his place"
"What? I spent the whole night worried about you, haven't eat anything since yesterday's breakfast, didn't sleep one minute, was thinking about calling the cops and you were at HIS house!?" He said in a hard tone, and my eyes widened a bit. He looked at me and his expression softened "I overreacted right now, just like you did. I trust you, and even though I'm deadly jealous right now, that doesn't mean I'll ran away and leave you here wondering what the fuck just happened"
I hugged him "I'm sorry"
He hugged me back "I'm just glad you're alright… But nothing happened, right?"
I couldn't help but laugh "No Jack, nothing happened"
…
Days went by… Jack and I had little arguments, as we always had, but none of them was as big as the 'Hailey' one, by the way, I never saw the girl again and after all, I felt bit bad about it. We called home, Bobby gave us a lot of shit, and Ollie was all sweet and was happy to know I had a job here.
I had just walked out of the magazine building when my cell phone rang
"Mel?"
"Hey Jackie!"
"Are you busy?"
"No, I just got out. What's up?"
"Can you do me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"Can you bring your video camera? We decided to record a video while we're here to put on Youtube"
"Oh, ok! I have it here with me, so I shouldn't take long"
"Alright! I'll be waiting for you! Bye, love ya!"
"Love ya too!"
The recording studio wasn't that far, and considering today I was using comfy shoes, I decided to go by foot. As I got there, Jack was waiting for me
"Hey!" He smiled and kissed me.
"Here it is" I handed him the camera
"Cool!"
"Well, I'll see you when you get there! Bye!" I was about to kiss him goodbye, but he stopped me.
"Why don't you stay? You never did it before"
"You sure?"
"Yeah!" He answered smiling broadly
"Jackie, what you up to?"
"What you talking about?" He said while trying to hide a smile. He leaded the way. "Go ahead"
"Why me? And why are you turning the camera on?"
"Just get in!" He answered with a huge smile. Crap… what the hell is he doing?
I opened the door, we were on the outside of the recording room, all that separated us from there, was a glass window. Until there, no big deal… the thing is WHO was recording at that exactly moment: BON JOVI! Oh my fucking God!! My hand went up quickly to cover my shocked open mouth.
Jack was recording everything. By the time Jon saw we walking in he waved at us, I looked at Jack like asking if that was really for me and he assured with his head, I turned and waved back at him smiling. We also could hear his voice singing…
I will love you, babe, always
And I'll be there forever and a day, always
I'll be there till the stars don't shine
Till the heavens burst and the words don't rhyme
And I know when I die, you'll be on my mind
And I love you, always…
Always.
My heart almost came out from my body through my mouth. Listening to Jack singing this was amazing, but listening to Jon Bon Jovi himself was a dream! And he was near, so near!
"I could have asked him to sing 'It's my life' but thought for this moment, this one should fit better!"
"It's perfect!" I exclaimed and clapped my hands before kissing him deeply.
"Now, what kind of boyfriend would I be if I only let you see him through the window?" He asked smiling and my jaw dropped "Probably the smart one, I guess" He laughed
"You kidding?"
"Come on, he wants to meet you!"
"No shit!"
"Well, I told him a lot about you"
"What is he doing here?"
"Luckily, they just started working on their new CD and well, you know, we musicians like to help each other!" He said before blinking one at him
"Oh my! Jack, I love you!" I squealed before kissing him
"Yeah, please remember yourself of that when you're inside"
We finally walked in. Jon and his band mates all looked at us smiling. I probably had the stupidest and biggest grin ever.
"So, you must be Melanie! It's great to finally meet you" Jon came over to us smiling, he extended his hand at me but in an impulsive action, I hugged him. Everyone in the room laughed, including him, but he hugged me back.
"It's great to finally meet you to! And I'm sorry for… this" I said a bit awkward about the hug.
He laughed "Don't worry about it! It's not everyday a pretty girl like you come to visit us while recording"
I blushed a little. Oh my God!! Did he just say that? Gosh, I'm such a kid! I laughed "I'm sorry for disturbing you guys too"
"No, we thank you. We needed a break anyway" Richie Sambora said laying down his guitar. "So, Jack told us you're a journalist"
"Yes!" I nodded "I've worked in an entertainment magazine, the Detroit News and now I'm in this magazine aimed to the female people"
"Oh"
I laughed "It's not exactly what I want. That entire make-up thing all the time gives me the nerves, but you gotta start from somewhere, and usually is from down low, right?"
"Exactly!"
"So, you guys recording a new CD, huh?"
"Yeah, it's called Lost Highway"
"Brand new songs or you'll put some classics too?"
"Damn girl, you really are a journalist!" Jon laughed
"I told you she's curious as hell" Jack said laughing
"They're all brand new" Jon answered smiling
"Cool! Can I have a sneak peak?" Jon raised an eyebrow "Please?"
"Sure!" And Jon sang a bit of a new song.
"Sounds great! I can't wait to the whole thing!"
"Yeah, you're gonna have to wait, no sneak peak" We all laughed
"Mel, come on. They gotta keep with their work"
"Oh man, it's true! Sorry!" I stood up from the chair I was sat and extended my hand to Jon "It was a great pleasure to meet you!"
Instead of taking my hand, he hugged me. I couldn't help but laugh, and melt deep inside "As it was for me!" Following Jon's example, all the band's members hugged me. I couldn't be happier.
"Now Mel, I bet you have your camera with you?" Jack asked
"Yeah, in my bag" He turned the video camera off and took the digital one. I had totally forgotten to ask for a picture! Everyone got together, Jon by my side, of course, and smiled. "So, thank you so much for your time!"
"Mel, we have something for you" Jon said and handed me a little thin red package, I looked at him oddly and he smiled. As I opened, I saw it was their past CD, autographed by everyone "Woah! Thank you SO much!"
"No problem! And good look with your career!"
"Thanks!"
"Come on Mel" Jack put his arm around my shoulders "Bye guys, thank you for everything"
"No worries man, you're a lucky guy!" Jon said before we waved our final goodbyes and closed the door. When we reached for the street I started jumping and squealing. Everyone around gave me an odd look, but I didn't care, I had just met BON JOVI! And hugged Jon! I HAD a good reason to freak out.
"THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!" I started kissing Jack, and he kissed me back between his laughs.
"I'm happy you liked my surprise"
"Liked? Are you kidding me? I LOVED it!"
"Ok… that's enough. I'm still your boyfriend, remember?"
"Sure!" I said smiling "And…" I started tracing invisible lines on his chest with my fingers "…How am I ever gonna make it up to you?"
"Hmm…" He smiled "I've got a couple of ideas"
"Yeah?" He wrapped his arms around my waist, bringing me closer to him.
"Yeah…" He got closer to my ear "I'll show you them all later" He whispered before biting my ear lightly.
…
And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated; I'll hang from your lips
Instead of gallows of heartache
That hangs from above
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
Rain falls angry on the thin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
And you're my survival
You're my living proof
My love is alive and not dead
More days passed and tomorrow was the day we'd come back to Detroit for Thanksgiving. I was walking holding hands with Jack through New York's streets.
"Are you ever gonna tell me where we're going?"
He looked at me and smiled "Nope" I sighed. Five minutes later, he stopped on a corner.
"So?" He took a black piece of fabric from his back pocket. "What the hell is that for?"
"Just calm down, will you?" He came behind me and started covering my eyes with the dark fabric.
"Oh my God Jack, what are you gonna do?"
"Ssshhh! Quiet! I'll lead the way"
"Wow, that makes me feel so much better" I said in an ironic tone
He laughed and sweetly slapped on my butt "Shut up"
"Watch your hands little sir!" I said laughing and he laughed as well.
We started walking, my body was glued to his, trying to keep up with his steps. It's terrible to not know where you're walking or where you're being headed to.
"Are we there yet?"
"No… We've got steps now, so…"
"WHOA!" He caught me like a sack of potatoes and put me on his shoulders "Jack! I can walk!"
"No, you're gonna start bitching about falling"
"Am I that predicable?"
"To me, yes"
"Not funny…" I pinched his butt, I couldn't see it, but I could feel it, and he jumped in surprise before start laughing. After a while of going up, he finally put me gently on the ground.
"Where are we?"
"You're gonna find out if you wait JUST a minute!"
"Aaaww mad already Jackie?" I asked teasing him. I heard the noise of a door being open; he soon took my hand in his.
"Come on" He closed the door and we started walking. After a quick period of time, we stopped again. "Ok, time to find out where you are" He started undoing the knot on the back of my head and finally took the fabric off my face.
"Argh!" The amount of light made my eyes to close at the same time, I gave them a time to get used and then opened again. "An empty room?" I asked more to myself and looked at him, he smiled. I looked on the wooded floor and saw a towel, with two glasses and a bottle of wine on it. "Jackie?"
He smiled broadly "Welcome to our apartment!"
My eyes widened "What?"
"This is our room! There's another one, but it's smaller!" He said happily
"Wait, wait! Did you just say…OUR apartment?!"
His smile couldn't be bigger. He started to reach for something inside his jacket's pocket and when he found it, he kneeled on the floor. Holy crap! It can't be! He opened a black little velvet box and showed me what was inside, a diamond ring!
"Melanie Parker, will you marry me?"
My jaw fell open "Are you serious about all this?"
He grinned and I couldn't help but smile happily. I kneeled in front of him with my hands covering my mouth.
I took his hands in mine "Yes Jack Mercer, I will marry you!" I said smiling as much as I could before kissing him deeply. When we broke apart, he put the ring on my finger, it looked perfect! A shy tear of happiness went down on my right cheek. As I looked at him, he smiled and whipped the tear away with his thumb, we kissed again. The light coming in through the uncovered window made this moment look like something enchanted. I can't believe this is happening!
"I wanna spend the rest of my life with you"
I ran my fingers through his hair "Always and forever"
We smiled at each other and kept kissing. After drinking the whole bottle of wine, we lied on the empty floor and started sharing memories. Since the day we first met until today, what we thought about what happened, what we did when we were away. And after talking about the past, we started making plans for the future; we even started discussing the furniture we'd buy to put in there. That was probably, the happiest day in my entire life. I was going to marry Jack Mercer.
…
Time to go back to Detroit! We were already in the middle of the road; Tim decided to make a video us
"So tell me you guys, how does it feel this whole marrying thing?"
"Perfect!"
"Amazing!" Jack and I said and then smiled to each other.
"So you already gotta a place to live, huh?"
"Yeah!" I answered
"Why is it in New York and not in Detroit?"
"Because Detroit isn't exactly the place you'd like your kid to grow up" I narrowed my eyebrows at his answer "That's what your parents did!"
"Jackie-O's already thinking about little Jacks and little Mels!" Tyler, who was driving, yelled and we all laughed.
"No, it's because in New York we have more opportunities and it's safer for US!" I said to the camera
"What's the problem about kids?"
"For God's sake Jack! We're too young!"
"No, I think we're in a good age for that"
"You're sick!"
Tim turned the camera to himself "And they aren't even really married yet!"
"Tim, my turn to ask you something" I said
"What?"
"What's up between you and Andy?" Jack and Tyler yelled making fun of him
"Shut up both of you! You know… we get along"
"He likes her!" Tyler yelled
"Pay attention to the road dude, and to your business!"
"I got to know that while we were there, you asked her out and stuff"
"Yeah, I did"
"So…?"
"So that I like her, ok?" Everyone cheered.
"What about you Tyler?" I asked
"Tyler is a man whore!" Jack said before him and Tim started laughing. Every joke was recorded, and it was like this until when we stopped in front of the Mercers.
Jack carried our bags and I knocked on the door, Angel got it.
"Hey!" He smiled as we hugged
"Jack!" They gave each other a brotherly hug
Jack bent his head down a bit "Did you get your teeth whitened?"
"Shut up Jackie-Poo!" Jack and I laughed and got inside the house.
"Ollie!" I squealed and ran to where he was, I jumped and he caught, spinning me around
"Little Mel! God! I missed you so damn much!" He put me on the ground "Look at you! It seems like it's been ages since you've been gone"
I hugged him tightly "Missed you too big brother" I hugged and kissed Jerry, Camille, Sofi, Daniela and Amelia
"Bobby!" I smiled and he smiled back just before we hugged tightly
"Missed you Ladybird"
"Aww Bobby! Too bad I can't say the same" I said smiling and with a smirk on his face he messed my hair. Nobody had noticed the ring, so I stuck my hand inside my jacket pocket and went to look over for Jack. I found him talking to Jerry.
"Jerry, can I steal him for a second?"
He smiled "Sure" and walked away
"What's up?"
"You wanna tell them?"
"Yeah!" He smiled "I wanna see your big brother's face!"
"And I yours!" I laughed
Everyone was on the TV room, Jack and I went there holding hands, but the one with the ring was hided.
"How cute!" Bobby mocked and I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Hmm… I'm not good at this Mel, you tell 'em"
"Tell us what?" Sofi asked full of curiosity
"Why tell if we can show to them?" I said smiling at Jack and he nodded smiling. I took my hand out of the pocket and widened opened it, so they could see what I was showing them on my finger.
"Oh my Gosh!" Sofi exclaimed with widened eyes. Everyone cheered. Ollie got up
"What are your intentions with my little sister?" He crossed his big arms in front of his chest.
"To marry her, sir" Jack answered smiling
"Do you have a place to live?"
"Yes" Jack's smile grew bigger and I was fighting against my laughs.
He was taken aback by that "You do?"
"Yeah! I bought an apartment in New York for us"
"Then you can have her hand, young man" Ollie said with a deep voice before laughing and hugging us. "I'm happy for you"
"Thanks Ollie" We both said. Soon everyone had greeted us.
"You don't let him stall you like Angel did to me! And keep your eyes open; after all, he's a Mercer!" Sofi whispered to me and I laughed.
"Who's the fairy now?" Jack asked to Bobby when he was about to hug Jack.
"Married or not, you'll always be a little fairy" Jack laughed and they hugged.
Bobby hugged me tightly "You already were, but just to make it official… Welcome to the family"
"Thanks Bobby"
And we celebrated about it for the rest of the day.
…
"Where's Louise?" I asked Ollie when I woke up
"She went to her family's city to spend Thanksgiving with them"
"Oh…" He stared at me half smiling "What?"
"You're gonna get married"
I smiled "I am… if sounds weird, doesn't it?"
"Hell yes! I couldn't imagine that little girl who carried stuffed animals around with her would marry a rockstar"
"Argh! Can you please not mention that I used do that again?" He laughed "Yeah, I never thought I'd marry a rockstar"
"Did he really buy a place for you?"
"Yeah, that's where he asked to marry me"
"Smart guy" We laughed "Are you ok? You look a little pale"
"I'm a bit dizzy. I thought I was just hungry, but now that I took a look at the food, I don't want it"
"Aaahh what's wrong? Got used to the New York's life?"
"I guess!"
We went over the Mercers latter, after all this time sleeping by Jack's side everyday, I gotta say it was a bit weird not having his arm to grab onto.
"Hey Baby"
"Hey Jackie"
"I'm watching Pimp my Ride, wanna see it?"
"Sure" We sat on the couch, I rested my head on his chest, and both had the feet on the coffee table. He started running his fingers through my hair
"Are you feeling alright? You're cold"
I shrugged "I was a bit dizzy this morning"
"Do you think you ate something that didn't make you feel well?"
"I don't know… I'm ok"
Just then, Sofi came from the kitchen "Hi Mel!"
"Hi Sofi" I stared smelling a weird sent.
"Look, I know you love them!" She showed me a tray full of chocolate cookies. When I looked at that, I felt my stomach turning upside down and an urge to throw up. I covered my mouth with my hand and rushed upstairs to the bathroom. As I got there, I lifted up the toilet's seat cover and 'threw up', I didn't really do it, because there was nothing to throw out, but the feeling and the awful taste was all the same.
"Mel!" Jack exclaimed seconds after I was there, Sofi was with him. "Call a doctor Sofi! She's… green?"
"I'm not green!" I protested before trying to throw up again, Jack held my hair back.
"Jack, go downstairs" Sofi said calmly
"No, I won't leave her"
"Please, do what I'm asking you! I'll stay here with her"
"Fine!" He kissed the top of my head and left.
"Mel, look at me" I looked at her with teary eyes, since I had nothing in my stomach, the stomach's contractions were just more painful than normal. "Do you think you ate something that made you ill?"
"No…"
"I'll be right back. You stay here and don't let ANYONE come in, ok?"
"Why?"
"Just do it!"
"Fine!" And Sofi hurried outside, closing the door behind her.
After a couple of minutes I heard Jack's voice on the other side of the door "Mel?"
"Yeah"
"Are you feeling better?"
"A bit… at least I'm not trying to throw up anymore. Where's Sofi?"
"I don't know. She went outside and I'm forbidden to come inside, but I don't know why"
"I can't let anyone in either… I feel like a kid"
He laughed "Me too. So I'll just stay here with you until when she comes back, ok?"
"Yeah"
"I missed you last night on the bed"
I smiled "Me too. It was weird not finding your arm to grab"
"What about my nose to punch?"
I laughed "I only did it once!"
"And it hurt enough for three times"
"Sorry"
"What were you dreaming about?"
"I don't really remember, I just remember I was fighting someone"
"Yeah, I could figure that" We both laughed "Mel?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you"
"I love you too"
"Sofi's back!"
"Move Jack!"
"What's going on Sofi?"
"I'll let you know soon!" Sofi came in the bathroom, locking Jack outside. She was holding a small paper bag.
"What's this?" She handed me the little box inside. Pregnancy test "WHAT?!"
"Isn't it obvious Mel?"
"No! No! No! No!" I started shaking my head. "It can't be! No! No!" I started crying
"What's going on Sofi?" Jack asked from the other side
"Get the fuck out of here Jack!"
"Mel's crying!"
"She'll be fine! Just leave!"
"Fine!" He protested and we stayed in silence to hear his steps
"You're still there Jack" Sofi yelled
"Damn!" He cursed and this time we heard the steps.
"Here, pee"
"Sofi, I can't! I don't want to!"
"Mel, this is the most beautiful thing in the world!"
"No, it's not! I don't want this!"
"Let's be sure first honey"
I sighed and cried while I urinated in the little cup, that was rather disgusting. And then Sofi put a stick in there.
"Now we gotta wait for fifteen minutes"
"Fifteen?! Damn! How sure that can be?"
"It's the savviest in the market"
"Please, no, no, no!"
"Why are you acting like this Mel?"
"Because I don't want to be preg- I don't want this! Not now! I know I'm not a teenager anymore, but I'm still making my career! I'm not even emotionally stable yet!" I cried ever harder
"This is gonna change your whole life, it's true, but it's so amazing Mel. Having a little being that depends on you for everything! I'd give anything to have that!"
"Wanna switch places?" Sofi spent the rest of the time trying to convince me that this was a good thing; nothing that she said changed my mind. "Is it time yet?"
She looked on her watch "Yeah"
"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! … You go get it!"
"Alright" Sofi got up from the floor and went to the sink, she looked at the stick and smiled "Positive"
"NO!" I yelled and cried desperately. I don't want this! No! I don't want this! How could I be so damn stupid?! Sofi left the bathroom.
"Mel, what happened?" Jack appeared by the door way and kneeled in front of me, holding my hands "Sofi won't tell me what's going, she just said you needed me. Why are you crying?" I only shook my head 'no' "Mel, are you hurt? What's wrong?" He asked desperately
"Impre- sob- gnat"
"What?"
"I'M FUCKING PREGNAT!" I yelled
"Really?"
"No Jack! I'm crying like this because I'm a fucking good actress!"
He ignored my rudeness and hugged me tightly "That's so amazing!"
I got rid of his embrace "No! It's not fucking amazing!"
"Why aren't you happy Mel? We're gonna have a baby!"
"STOP saying this! It's not you who will have to carry this, this THING inside of you for nine months! How am I gonna work like this? I'm not even 23 years old Jack!"
"But this is amazing Mel! We're gonna get married, he or she will have a mom and a dad who will love him or her as we love each other! I promise you, I'll be the best dad ever! He or she will have everything that I didn't have during my childhood! It's gonna be wonderful!" His words just made me to cry harder.
"Did you do that on propose?"
"What?"
"You kept talking about a baby all the time, you wanted it"
"Yeah, I always thought it'd be a good idea! But I'd never do this against your will Mel! Never! It just happened. Maybe it was supposed to happen"
"Don't come with that destiny crap to me! Leave!"
"What?"
"Get out! I need some time by myself"
"I don't wanna leave you alone like this!"
"GO AWAY!" I yelled and he got up. I knew my words hurt him, but what the hell was I supposed to do? I knocked the back of my head on the wall, my cry became softer.
I'm pregnant… There's a… baby inside me. Jack's baby… I looked down on my tummy; I lifted the black top I was wearing up. What am I gonna do when it grows? …Soon I started doing something that I never imagined I would.
Hi there! Hmm… I'm sorry for freaking out like that about you. You just weren't expected. That man's your father, his name is Jack, he already loves you and I know he's gonna spoil you, so I gotta keep an eye on him. And I guess I'm your mom… fuck! Oops, you didn't hear that! So, I AM your mom… and I'm gonna protect you, ok? And love you, because you're a part of me… that's what my mom used to say. You won't meet her, or your other grands, they are all in Heaven. But I promise you won't have a lack of love because of that. And then there are your uncles… Ollie is my brother, he's sweet. Jerry will probably help you with the school, Angel with the girls or the boys and Bobby… well, don't listen to him; just learn how to play hockey with him, even if you're a girl. I think now you know everything you should, at least for now… can you just not make me feel sick? I hate it! You can understand me, right? Because I feel rather stupid right now! Anyway, I yelled at your dad and now I gotta talk to him. Well, WE gotta talk to him! Come on!
I had just talked to my baby, that made a small smile to pop out on my face. Maybe it's not as bad as I thought, maybe it's cool. Plus, I'm gonna have Jack by my side, everything's gonna be alright!
I went to Jack's room and found him lied on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Hi" I spoke softly, my voice was still a bit cracked after all the crying.
"Hey" He sat up quickly and patted the place beside him. I walked in his room, sat beside him and rested my head on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry for yelling at you" I said softly and lifted my head up to look into his eyes "I'm just scared" A single tear fell from my left eye
Jack took a lock of hair out of my face "You don't need to be scared. I'm here with you and always will be! I know this isn't what you had in mind, but it's not as bad as you think" He placed a hand on my tummy "We're gonna love this little one and raise him or her together and be a family, a happy family"
"You promise you won't leave me when I get fat and ugly?"
He laughed "Mel, you'll never get ugly. And about being fat, after the baby's born, we know an efficient way to burn lots and lots of calories; you don't need to worry about that. I'll never leave you"
I laughed "I love you Jackie"
"I love you" He kissed me "And you" He kissed my tummy and I laughed.
"You're gonna be a great dad Jack" I said smiling at him, that was probably what he wanted to hear, a huge smile popped out on his face and he kissed me deeply. This meant a lot to him, to be a good father, because he never had one.
…
"What you think about… Peter?"
"Sucks"
"Troy?"
"Maybe…"
"Angelina?"
"Because of Angelina Jolie? Then I go with Brad!"
"That sucks!"
"Yeah… I already have an option if it's a girl" I said smiling to Jack as we discussed names. We had been doing this for over half an hour, and even though I said we had plenty of time to decide, he kept coming up with names. Sooner that day we went to the hospital to be sure of the test's results and I no longer wished it'd be negative. Jack and I kissed deeply went the nurse brought the positive answer.
"Which is…?"
"Evelyn" I said simply at him
"You serious?" I nodded, he smiled "Thank you" and hugged me.
"What about if it's a boy?"
"Bobby, of course!" Bobby himself said as he joined us in the living room.
"No, I wouldn't do that with my kid" I answered smiling at him.
"I still think it should be Jack"
"That only proves you're not creative! Put your name on your son! That sucks!"
"You have a better idea?"
"Dean"
"Nah…"
"Well, I'll tell you what, you choose the boy name! I picked the girl, you pick the boy. But it CAN'T be Jack"
"What about Carlos?" Sofi joined us too
"Fuck no!" Bobby exclaimed "You don't come with your Hispanic bullshit to my nephew!"
"You're so full of shit Bobby!"
"Yeah yeah! Bring me another beer and make yourself useful!" Stupid Sofi went to take another beer for him, that's why he never stopped the jokes.
"Jason!" Jack exclaimed all of sudden
I looked at him "Jason… hmm… I like it!"
"Sounds good" Bobby said and we raised an eyebrow at him "What? It does!"
"So it's settled! Evelyn if it's a girl" A smile popped out on Bobby's face "And Jason if it's a boy!" I said smiling and Jack nodded.
…
"You look amazing!" Jack said smiling at me. We'd go out to have dinner and celebrate the baby. I wore a simple black dress that went until the middle of my thighs and a white overall to keep me warm, black panty hose and black high heel shoes. The only jewelry I wore was my engagement ring and a pair of golden hoops, my hair was untied and with smooth curls. Jack had a black suit on along with black shirt and shoes. His hair was slicked back with hair gel, like Bobby's, what made me to chuckle.
"You ARE handsome" I said as I got near him before kissing his lips.
"Damn, you won that one" I laughed "How you doin' little one?" He said bending and looking at my tummy.
I laughed again "Just fine"
"Good! So let's go!" I handed him my car's keys and he drove us to a fancy restaurant. The place was beautiful, with candle lighting, it had a really cozy and romantic atmosphere. After ordering and eating our food, Jack got up and extended his hand
"Will you give me the pleasure to dance with you?"
I smiled "Certainly"
I laughed as the band started playing 'All About Lovin' You' by Bon Jovi.
"I couldn't get him here this time" Jack whispered in my ear
"Well, I'll forgive you if you sing to me"
"Why didn't you say it before?" He asked smiled and started whispering along with the lyrics in my ear, only I could listen to it and it couldn't feel better as we moved close and slowly with the rhythm.
The band they played our favorite song
And I held you in my arms so strong
We danced so close
We danced so slow
And I swore I'd never let you go
Together- forever
Holdin' on to never say goodbye
…
The next morning I woke up and stretched my body on the empty bed. I lazily made my way to the bathroom and then to the kitchen.
"Morning Bobby"
"Morning Ladybird, you feelin' alright?" I smiled. It was almost hilarious how concerned he had become about me and the baby.
"Yup, everything is fine"
"Fairy's in the kitchen"
"Will you ever stop calling him like that?"
"Maybe when the little one is born"
"Hmm… I'll hold you to your word!"
"Hey, I said 'maybe'!" He yelled as I went away
"Morning daddy" I said smiling to Jack and he turned with a huge grin.
"How you feeling?"
"Good! Thanks for separating my clothes this morning" When I woke up, the clothes I left at the Mercers was set on his desk.
"That'd keep you from looking for it"
"Hey, I'm pregnant, not sick"
"Being pregnant of Cracker Jack is almost the same as being sick" Bobby said as he walked in the kitchen.
"You're just jealous!" I laughed and so did Jack.
We all went to the living room. Jerry arrived to congratulate us, Camille and the girls went to visit their grandma in a nearby city, but they'd do it later. Angel and Sofi also were there with us, just after we turned the TV on, Ollie arrived.
Just five minutes later, what was a mass in the Mercer's TV room, turned into separated groups: Sofi went to the kitchen, Jerry, Ollie, Bobby and Angel were discussing something on the corner, Jack and I were sat on the couch, kissing. The doorbell rang, no one else heard, only Jack and I. I sighed.
"I'll get it" He said while gently taking me off the top of him.
"Don't take too long"
"Like if I'd stand" He said smiling before walking away.
"Where's Jack?" Bobby asked while looking around.
"He-" A gun shot didn't let me finish my sentence, everybody froze but Bobby, as quickly as someone could do it, he reached for a shotgun near the vase and rushed outside.
"JACK!" Another shot. Everyone went outside, only to see a van stopping by the corner and four hooded man coming out of it. Jack, who was kneeled on the ground with his hand on his right shoulder, got up and tried to run, but the shooters started to shoot and he screamed in pain.
"NO!" I yelled and tried to run to where he was, but Ollie held me. Soon the shots reached the house and everyone threw themselves to the ground, Angel grabbed Sofi's ankle so she'd fall quickly and Ollie grabbed my arm, making me to fall on the top of him, so it wouldn't hurt me.
"BOBBY!" We heard Jack screaming
"JACK!" Bobby yelled back before start shooting.
"BOBBY!"
"JACK!" Jerry yelled before a glass window crashed on him
"You stay here!" Ollie said to me
"But Jack is-"
"Think about your baby!" He yelled, opened a drawer nearby and took of a gun.
"Sofi, give me the gun!" Angel yelled and she quickly glided two guns to him.
"BOBBY!" Jack yelled again, by his scream, I could clearly feel his pain, he was crying.
"JACK!" I yelled
"STAY THEre" His voice cracked in the end, his was losing strength.
"Jeremiah where are you going?" Sofi yelled as he ran to the back door. Right after shots were heard the a door being kicked
"I got kids! A wife… A family!" A thud was heard, like a body falling and then a knife.
Angel was upstairs, Bobby on the porch with Ollie. Sofi and I were in the TV room, I was between the couch and a vase and she was behind a cabinet. Jack's dying! And I could do nothing about it, I started crying in despair. Sofi also cried
"Not again! Not again! This is just like before!"
"BOBBY!" It was Angel's voice "BOBBY! THE VAN! WATCH OUT!"
Then all of sudden, a really loud car crash was heard and the shots stopped. Everybody stood up and raced outside.
"WE NEED AN AMBULANCE!" Bobby yelled as we kneeled around Jack, he was breathing hard; the snow around him was stained with blood.
"SOMEBODY HELP, CALL 911!" Angel yelled
"I'm calling! I'm calling!" Sofi answered
"Jack! Don't leave me!" I cried beside him
"I'll always- love you! Ta- take care of- of our baby!" Jack said with lots of effort
"Jack come on! You gotta breath!" Bobby said crying
"I love you Jack! Don't go! You're strong! Everything is gonna be fine!" I cried, he gasped for air and as he opened his mouth, blood came out of it.
"Don't you die on me you little fairy!" As Bobby said this, Jack smiled before gasping for air again, he convulsed and then his body simply stopped moving.
"JACK!" I yelled and rested my head on his chest to try to hear some hear beating, there was none. "NO!" I cried desperately. "Jack, you can't leave me! We-we have plans! You promised you'd be here with me when I get fat and ugly! Jack!" I cried my heart out and yelled at him, waiting that he'd open his eyes and fight more. I grabbed his long sleeved t-shirt "Jack listen to me!" and shook his body. Ollie grabbed me and pulled me away from him "No! Let go of me! He'll come back! Jack… I NEED you to come back!"
"He's gone Mel" Ollie hugged me
"No! He can't be!" I let go myself on his arms and fell on my knees "I'm gonna have his baby. We're gonna raise him together and be a happy family! And he-he will be a great dad!"
"Ssshhh" Ollie kneeled by my side and I cried on his chest, I couldn't say or do anything else, he was pale and cold. My Jackie was gone.
I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
You've gone away
You don't feel me here…anymore
Five minutes later, the ambulance came with the police. Bobby gave them a lot of shit, if they had arrived earlier, Jack could still be alive and he'd watch his kid grow.
"Miss, are you hurt?" A paramedic asked me, even listening to her, I didn't move. I just watched as they put Jack's body in a black bag, tears were uncontrolled falling down from my eyes. "Miss, can you hear me?"
"He was her fiancé" Ollie said to her with a hand on my shoulder
"Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss" Again I didn't move, I barely blinked "Are you feeling anything? Are you hurt?" She asked patiently.
"She's pregnant and fell when all began, can you check the baby?"
"Sure, let's go to the ambulance" She got up and started walking, I didn't follow her but Ollie put me up, and I didn't protest as he leaded the way. When we got inside the ambulance, I lied down on a stretcher and she started doing an ultrasonography.
"The baby's fine. I recommend resting; though" I didn't answer again "Let me take care of that cut on your forehead" She did it. "You can go now."
"Mel, come on." Ollie said as he helped me to get up. Bobby, Jerry, Angel and Sofi were sat on the door steps talking to a cop. I didn't want to listen what they were talking about, nothing else mattered. The only man I really loved was gone, forever. I sat on the couch and embraced my legs, resting my chin on my knees.
A while after the brothers came back in. I looked at the wall; the portraits had all the glasses broken. Ironically, Jack's had a hole on his right shoulder. I loved that pic; he had a small innocent smirk that always put a smile on my face, except for now. The thought I wouldn't see that again, cracked the remaining pieces of my heart.
"I don't know. I don't know what to do anymore" I heard Bobby crying. "I already lost one brother. You guys are all I got."
"Stop it" I said facing him "Don't seek for revenge Bobby, not again. Not like you did to your mother. Do you know who did this?"
"Billy Sweet. He's Victor's son. That fucking David was spyin' on us. Since I found out, he was patient enough to just wait until our guard was down and followed his father's fucking footsteps"
"If you kill him, there will be another one after, and then other and other until all of us are dead. I've already lost Jack; I can't lose Ollie, Jerry, Angel… I can't lose YOU Bobby!" More tears fell "I need help with this baby. I'll do the impossible to give him the best life he could ever ask for, but I can't do it by myself. I NEED your help. So stop it! I beg you Bobby, STOP it! For me, for Jack, for this baby inside of me! Stop it" By the time I finished saying this, I was standing in front of Bobby. He got up and hugged me tightly.
"WE will give him the best life he could ever ask for" He kissed my cheek "I'm by your side Ladybird" He smiled and messed my hair; I hugged him and cried on his shoulder for a couple of minutes.
…
We were standing in the middle of the snow, while the priest said his words. It was only me, Ollie, Bobby, Angel, Jerry, Sofi, Andy, Rachel, Gimmy, Jay, Tim and Tyler. The wind was cold, but putting my long jacket closer to my body wouldn't help in anything, because it was colder inside of me.
After saying the final goodbyes, they buried Jack's body and I cried silently. I love you Jackie… He had gone through so much during his whole life, he deserved to have a happy ending, but I guess that's not up to us to decide.
I miss you
Miss you so bad
I don't forget you
Oh it's so sad
I hope you can hear me
I remember it clearly
The day you slipped away
Was the day I found
It won't be the same
I didn't get around to kiss you
Goodbye on the hand
I wish that I could see you again
I know that I can't
I hope you can hear me
I remember it clearly
I've had my wake up
Won't you wake up
I keep asking why
And I can't take it
It wasn't fake
It happened you passed by
Now you're gone
Now you're gone
There you go
There you go
Somewhere I can't bring you back
Now you're gone
Now you're gone
There you go
There you go
Somewhere you're not coming back
I miss you
…
A couple of weeks went away, the feeling of loss was still too strong to handle, but I had to survive for the baby. The men had fixed the house and Andy, who had heard the news from Ollie, didn't come back to New York, she decided to stay to help me with all the little clothes we needed to buy and stuff, and Sofi was bit jealous by that.
I decided that I'd stay in Detroit for two years and rent the apartment Jack had bought. I know he didn't want the baby to grow up there, but I couldn't make a living and take care of a baby all by myself. After that time, I'd see what happened.
Today we'd find out the baby's sex.
…
I walked into the Mercer home, EVERYBODY was there, waiting to know. Apart from me, Andy was the only one who already knew.
"IT'S A BOY!" I yelled with my arms in the air and a big smile on my face, everyone cheered!
"Do you already know the name?" Rachel asked
"Jason!" I said while caressing my tummy, that now was much bigger "Jack had chosen it, so that's it!"
After partying a bit, everyone went away. Andy went to the hospital, apparently there was a vacancy there and she wanted it. Bobby was in the shower. I went to my room, that once belonged to Jack, and started looking through some stuff until when I found the tapes we had recorded while going to and coming back from New York. I started watching.
"Jack, where's your hand?"
"Depending on the point of view, it's either before or after my arm"
"Smart ass!"
"And pretty too!"
"Jackie-O gets all full of himself when Mel's around!"
"Why shouldn't he?"
"Then say something that you don't like about Jack!"
"He snores!"
I started laughing while remembering all that moment.
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of angel
We sang all together and when I noticed, I was singing along with the video. Then the other song came and I cheered alone. I cracked a laugh. I looked so stupidly happy… I was happy.
"Whatcha doin'?" Bobby asked coming downstairs
"Watching the vids we made while going to New York. Come here, watch it"
"You really met Bon Jovi?"
"No Bobby, it's a video montage!" I laughed. Right after I said that, I hugged Jon while I was supposed to have shaken his hand, Bobby laughed out loud and I did too. I missed that, but after I hugged him, Jack turned the camera to him and made a disgusted expression, it was hilarious.
"You're sick!"
"And they aren't even really married yet!"
…
"Congratulations Melanie! You just had a perfect little boy!" The doctor said "And he likes to make some noise!" Jason cried hysterically, I couldn't stop smiling. Just like his father!
Andy, who was with me in the delivering room (since the boys were too chicken to do it), squeezed my hand "You did it Melly!"
Just then, they brought Jason so I could see him "Why is he purple like that? What's wrong with my son?!" Everybody laughed
"Chill out Mel, it's completely normal" Andy answered still laughing "He's perfect"
"Of course!" I smiled cockily "He's my son!"
Jason was born 2 moths earlier, just like me. Welcome to the world Jason Mercer!
"Holy shit! He's JUST like Jackie!" Bobby exclaimed when he saw Jason through the glass window and then laughed "Look at the little hair!"
Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick,
And think of you
Turning in circles confusion
Is nothing new
Flashback to warm nights
Almost left behind
Suitcase of memories,
Time after
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you I'll be waiting
Time after time
If you fall I will watch you I'll be waiting
Time after time
Time after time
After your pictures fades and darkness has
Turned to grey
Watching through windows I'm wondering
If you're OK
And you say go slow
I fall behind
The drum beats out of time
…
"So little Jason, this is our home for the next two years" I said to the little package I had in my arms while we walked in the Mercer home. I could live with Ollie and Louise, but you know, babies aren't easy to handle. I'd rather have an empty house with them across the street. Funnily enough, Andy moved in to Tim's apartment, which he had bought with the tour's money. Bobby came back from Chicago once each two weeks. So it was pretty much only me and little Jason, except when people were visiting.
Angel and Sofi adopted a little girl. Jerry, Camille, Amelia and Daniela were the most stable family I had ever seen. Louise was pregnant of a little girl, Ollie was thrilled. After a while living together, Tim asked Andy to marry him
"You're gonna have a lot of work there!" I said at him laughing
"I can handle it! I'm superman!" He answered smiling
Tyler found out he was passionate about painting, after a while, he had his own gallery. The Spare's next CD was never released.
Gimmy and Rachel still worked on the video store, but it had expanded and now they had video games there. When there was no one around, you could find both of them playing!
Jay moved to Vancouver, Canada. Funnily enough, we still keep in touch, but nothing ever happened between us again. He was part of the crew of Smallville, when he told me that, I was thrilled. He promised he'd take me to the set someday.
…
My original plan was to stay 2 years in Detroit, I ended up staying 3. Everything was right with the apartment; it was ready for Jason and I. He also already had a place to start studying and it wasn't too far from where we lived. The only thing missing was a job.
"Mommy, why are we going away?" Jason asked while I put him on the little chair and locked the belts.
"Because now we're going to live in the place daddy bought for us before he went to Heaven"
"What's he do in Heaven?"
"What is he doing" I corrected him smiling
"Yeah! What is he doing in Heaven?"
"Remember that I told you that he turned into an angel with wings and went up there when God called him?"
"Yes!"
"So, from up there, he is taking care of us!"
"Can he fly?" He asked excited "Can he use his wings to come back? Will he be waiting for us there, mommy?"
I squeezed my eyes tightly to hold back tears as I closed my door "No honey. Daddy can't come back from Heaven"
"Why?" He pouted
"Because it was his time to go there. Everyone has a time to go"
"Will you go there too, mommy?"
"Eventually…"
"What's 'evesntuably'?"
"Eventually. Means that someday I will go there"
"I don't want you to go mommy! I love you!"
"I love you too, little one! But don't worry about it; I will always be taking care of you… Now, which song you want to listen?"
"One that is NOISYYY!" He squealed while clapping his little hands, I laughed.
"The Offspring?"
"Yeaaahhh!!" He yelled happily and I laughed. I looked at him while he tried to keep up with the lyrics and smiled, he was just like you'd imagine Jack when he was little. A normal mother would kill me for listening to this kind of song with my 3 year-old son; my own mom would do that. But the thing is: rock's in his blood. Plus, it makes him happy and we could sing together.
…
I kneeled in front of Jason "I'll pick you up in the afternoon, ok?"
"You promise you will come back, mommy?"
"Of course I will! Now, behave yourself. Ok?"
He jumped a little "OK!"
I kissed his cheek "Have fun"
He kissed my cheek and gave me a tight hug with his little arms before hurrying inside his new school. I stood there watching him, he turned back and waved at me smiling, I waved back and he ran inside. A single tear fell from my eye. It felt so weird not having him by my side all the time.
I started walking through New York's streets, while Jason was at school I'd try to find a job. I was a little rusty with the writing but on the other hand, while I was in Detroit, I learned how to cook! I laughed while remembering that Jack complained about me not being able to do it. I completely zoned out from walking while thinking about that and bumped hard into someone
"Whoa! I'm sorry!" I started taking the papers that the person had dropped.
"No, problem! I was distracted too!"
When I handed him the papers, I felt like I had seen that man before, he probably had the same feeling because he stared at me.
"Melanie?" I narrowed my eyebrows, trying to find out who he was, but I couldn't and he noticed "Brandon Rough!" He extended his hand "Remember that night at the bar? Your boyfriend playing with that girl…"
He didn't have to say another word "Oh right! I'm sorry" I shook his hand "I've been distracted lately, as you can see" I laughed
"It's ok. I read about Jack. I'm sorry"
"Yeah…"
"How you doing?"
"I'm fine… I have a 3 year-old son and we came to New York a couple of days ago"
"Really? Do you already have a job?"
I sighed "That's my major problem right now"
"Well…" He reached for a card inside his pocket and handed it to me "Look for me tomorrow! I need to go now! See you!"
"Bye and… thanks!" He went away and I looked at his card. Brandon Rough, editor chief of The New York Times! HOLY SHIT!
The other day, I went to The New York Times' building and looked for Brandon. After talking for a while I got a reporter job! And the best thing was that my schedule matched exactly like Jason's! That night, Jason and I celebrated eating popcorn and watching Finding the Nemo.
…
It was a Saturday afternoon, Jason and I had just come back from the Central Park, he was taking a nap in his room. I was tired too, but didn't want to sleep. That's when I took an old notebook of mine and started writing. I started writing about my life after my parents died and went on… I decided to divide it by chapters. Each word seemed like a living memory, like if had happened just moments ago. I laughed when I wrote how I first met Jack.
By the second chapter, I decided to type it on my laptop. Using my memories and the memories I shared with Jack right here in this room, years ago, I started writing this book. By Jason's 4th birthday, it was almost ready.
Somehow, Brandon saw and read it, he was amazed. Five days latter, I got a call from Brandon. Some people wanted to meet me. So after leaving Jason at school, I went to the restaurant where we were supposed to meet. Turns out that those people were from some kind of movie production and they, through Brandon, read my almost finished book and were amazed about the Mercers.
They wanted to make a script about them and turn it into a movie. When I heard that, I got a bit confused, but they explained that they wanted to do a movie about the Mercer brothers before we met. They'd use each one's characteristics, but it'd be set a bit before of when they had revenge for Evelyn's death, though the ending for Jack would be the same. According to them, it was more dramatic. I ignored it. They had no idea how their drama hurt.
After gathering enough information, the writers had the scrip ready. Then, they started the casting. I wasn't exactly part of if, but they asked me how close to reality it was so far.
"Only coming back in time to be more real" I wish I could.
They took me to meet the actors who'd be playing the Mercers. I almost peed on my pants when I found out that Mark Wahlberg was going to play Bobby. Tyrese Gibson was Angel; Andre Benjamin was Jerry and Garrett Hedlund… Jack.
"So Mel, do they look like them?"
My eyes were glued to Garrett, when I watched Friday Night Lights; I didn't realize how much he resembled Jack. It was as if he had just jumped out of my memories. Now everyone could know a bit of this for guys who changed my life forever.
"Yeah"
Before going back home, I went to where Garrett was.
"Hey Mel!" He said smiling
"Hi! I- hmm… I just wanted to apologize for staring at you before" I laughed awkwardly "I hope I didn't freak you out"
"Don't worry about it. It's ok, I understand. I read your story, great work!"
I smiled "Thank you. Well, I gotta go and pick up Jason! Bye!"
"Bye!"
And I never saw those people again. Oh, the name of the movie? Four Brothers.
A band called Hinder, recorded Jack's songs. They are well known for Lips of an Angel. My song, the song that every time I heard, I had to fight against tears, because I remembered the times Jack sang it to me. That's why this is the book's name…Because it's full of memories.
They say that you only have a true love once in a lifetime. I'm sure I had mine and he'd always be with me.
…
I was making breakfast when a 5 year-old Jason got out of his room smiling. His hair was a bit longer than usual and since he had just woke up, messier than ever. His green eyes were shinning, even though he was rubbing them. My mini Jack walked to where I was.
"Good morning sleepy head!"
He laughed "Good morning mommy!"
"I made some pancakes for you"
"Thanks!" He said happily and attacked them as soon as I placed the plate in front of him.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah… I had a dream"
"About what?"
"There was a man. And nothing else around"
"Who was he?"
"I don't know… He didn't say anything. He just smiled and looked happy to see me"
"Do you remember how he looked like?"
"He was like… a big me" The cloth I was holding fell on the ground "It was daddy, right mommy?"
I turned my back to Jason and faced the sink with my head down as tears went down on my cheek.
"Yes"
Jason got up from the chair, ran to where I was and hugged my legs. "He's taking care of us mommy"
You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side
You know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No, I won't give in
Keep holding on
Cause you know I'll make it through,
I'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you'll know I'm here for you,
I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say
Nothing you can do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
Cause you know I'll make it through,
I'll make it through
So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late
This could all disappear
Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side
I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Hear me when I say
When I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change
Nothing's gonna change
Destiny
Whatever is meant to be
We'll work out perfectly
So keep holding on
Cause you know I'll make it through,
I'll make it through
The End.
Ok, before you hate me with all your strength and wish me a horrible death, let me explain why what happened... well, happened. I know many of you, if not all, are disappointed...
The point was: to make everything believable. I mean, make you to believe that the Mercers exist, existed in Jack's case. And as I explained in the chap, Mel wrote a book, so, the movie was based in her book, and Jack couldn't die out of the blue, that's why I had to do that. Believe me, it hurt like hell!
I'm not explaing this because I think you're stupid, hell no! hahah I just wanna make myself clear!
So, now, everytime I listen to Lips of an Angel, I can't help but really think about Jackie!
And to share it with you: I kinda concored what I want, I spent the year talking about my fanfic and a friend of mine finally decided to watch the movie, she told me that when Jack died she was like 'no, he can't die! Mel has to come up and there's the romance!' I laughed my ass off at that, she said that only when they really burried him that she realized that Mel was a character I had created. LMAO
Oh and I know the filmografies don't match, since Mel watched FNL years ago, but just pretend it's real, ok?! hahahaha
And just for legal care: This is JUST a fanfic. The movie wasn't based on my story or Mel's, whatever you want. And I don't own anything except her and unkown characters.. And Hinder did not recorded Jack's songs in reality, I don't even know who wrote them, that's their problem! LOL Well, you know all that stuff...
ALL IN ALL, WHAT YOU THINK?
Songs:
One Wild Night by Bon Jovi
Kidnap an Angel by Bon Jovi
Bring 'em Out by Hawk Nelson
Always by Bon Jovi
I'll Be by Goo Goo Dolls
Never say goodbye by Bon Jovi
Slipped away by Avril Lavigne
Lips of an Angel by Hinder
Time After Time by Eva Cassidy
Keep Holding On by Avril Lavigne