Brighter | I. Stradlin

16

IZZY'S POV - Late February, 1990

"Jeff! Breakfast!"

I was sitting at the back porch, guitar and notebook sitting by. I had been trying to write for a little bit, but nothing was really working. Author's block, but make it a musician's obstacle.

"Jeffery!"

"Sorry, coming!" I packed everything up, and left it by the door. I rushed into the dining room, seeing Mom and Tim sitting there. "How's it going, princess?" Tim started. Mom rolled her eyes, "Nice to know the brotherly love is still alive."

She took her plate, and began to walk off. "I got a shift, I'll be back later today. There's supposed to be someone coming over today, so just keep a lookout Jeff," she stated as she started washing dishes. "Alright, Ma."

"Oh and Timothy, no more skipping," she pointed at my brother strictly as she gathered her things.

"Skipping? Oh wow, living on the wild side," I commented. He rolled his eyes, "Says the one using home as free rehab."

"Damn, Tim."

"Happy New Year, Douche."

"A month late, Fuck-Knuckle."

DANI'S POV

"Feels weird, I forgot some things in Chicago," I mumbled to myself as I started unpacking. Lauren went out with Axl, so I was alone. From my understanding, since Izzy left, Axl and Lauren have been going out more. I find it interesting, Lauren never has really settled down much...or at all, if I'm being honest. Axl seems to have somewhat chilled her out, but that's not really a good thing in my mind. He's a lead singer with an ego, I'm sure he sleeps around. He doesn't really try to hide it either.

In the corner of my room, sat a new guitar. I didn't notice it until now, it blended in with my room well. Now, I'm not gonna lie...I know nothing of guitars, but it looked nice. It's a warm brown color, sitting right next to my acoustic.

As I leaned down to analyze it more in awe, I noticed a small note.

Late birthday & Christmas gift
- Izzy <3

I smiled faintly, taking the note and pinning it my board full of memories. "Bah Humbug," I giggled, picking up my older guitar. I had to relearn before I picked up a brand new one.

I light strummed the out of guitar, tuning as I did. There was a specific tune I had stuck in my head, just you know...circling I guess you could say...

"mm...Summer's gone, seasons change. He's got a heart of construction paper, all of his problems buried away inside the sleeve of a green windbreaker."

Loud knocks came from the door, multiple knocks at the same time. Scared me half to death, I slightly jumped out of my seat. Looking through the peephole, it was Charlie and Meg.

"Okay, chill out."

They walked through the door in a rush, Megan basically jumping on top of me. "So we were thinking, Charlie was supposed to go visit Izzy but..."

My heart instantly began to race, butterflies fluttered in my chest and stomach. "Wait no, you want me to..."

"You came here! You can go see him, right?" Charlie questioned. I shrugged with a huge smile. "Your plane leaves later this evening, you got about five hours or so."