𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 - p. anselmo

chapter 13 - untold talents

1991
Denali

ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-

Each month was like a gift and a night mare. I was going up slowly in the music industry and so was Pantera of course, I just pretend like Annihilator doesn't exist. I get asked about them in interviews, but I always skip the question. If I have nothing good today what's the point?

I woke up at 7hr00 to Phil knocking on my hotel room door rapidly.

"I'm coming!" I yelled rolling my eyes, walking to the door. As soon as I opened the door he walked in with something behind his back.

"Good morning, what's that behind you're back?"

"Oh ya know nothin', totally not a Magazine with you on the front" He smirked, knowing i would flip out. I remember doing some photoshoots, but never did I expect to get on a magazine.

"You are joking, right!?" I asked tryna grab at his arms to get it.

"No I am not joking!" He said trying to mock me.

"Asshole! Cmon I wanna see!" I whined and finally he gave it to me.

I was amazed. It was awesome and everything looked so perfect. I looked great, and the words at the side read; "Europes New Favourite; DENALI"

It made me really emotional. Though all I've been through, I pushed through and still kept at what time was made for. Although my mental problems would always stick around, I still was grateful and happy for everything I achieved and have got.

I threw the magazine on my bed and wrapped my arms around Phil.

"I can't believe it, I really can't...I don't even know what to say" I said, parting myself from him and smiling.

"I knew you could do it, you deserve it" he said kissing my forehead.

"But..."

"But what?" Phil said concerned.

"You four have been in this longer then me...how is that fair?" I asked and he sighed.

"It takes time Denny, and im giving this thing time. We're gaining new fans everyday and we've sold 100,000 in America alone, it's all I could ask for right now" he said giving me a smile.

"I know, but sometimes it makes me feel bad that-"

"Hey, don't worry about us. We got this" he said giving me a wink and a smirk.

Back on the bus we went. Although rather then Darrell putting his guitar where the rest of his stuff was, he decided to pull it back out and play on the bus again. All of us decided to just sit around and do nothing together. Play some card games which I won maybe once or twice, talked about our home lives, and the end of the tour. That was something I didn't really want to talk about since the idea was so fresh and the thought of having to leave Phil and go back to New York. I didn't even know if I had enough money for two plane rides, only one, and all that extra stuff I owned? How would that even work.

I set the idea aside and thought about something else. Maybe Phil didn't even want to be with me when the tour ends? Maybe he wants to live alone?

"Denny!" Rex yelled in my face trying to get my attention.

"Sorry!" I said placing my last cards down, landing me first place in crazy 8 countdown.

"Fuck this" Vinnie said annoyed rolling his eyes.

"No no! Just because I won first place doesn't mean the game ends! Go on, keep going!" I laughed watching as they all continued the card game with each other trying to see who would win second.

I got up and approached Darrell and his guitar, watching as his fingers glided over each chord he played. He was really good.

"You wanna try?" He asked, trying. To hand me his pick.

"Sure why not? I haven't played in a bit" I shrugged, taking his pick and the guitar. Once the strap was over my shoulder Phil finally noticed us.

"You play?" Phil asked shocked.

"Yes actually, but I'm sort of rusty" both buys watched in unison as I began to play something I had for a song idea but just never put it to use.

"Hey, what did you just play?" Darrell asked pointing at me.

"I don't know, it was something I came up with but never used" I explained, handing him his guitar back.

"I really like that man" he played it for himself again to listen to.

The other guys heard the melodic chords causing them to also watch as Darrell played.

"Shit that's good, I really like that Denny..." Darrell said again.

"Well, you can keep it, I wasn't really using it for anything anyways" I shrugged sitting down next to him as he came up with the rest of the chords on his own. By the time he was finished winging it we all looked at each other with smiles.

"That's gotta be on the next album or something dude, that's perfect!" Phil said explaining to his band mates.

"I mean...if that's okay with you" Rex said looking at me.

"Yeah go ahead! I don't mind" I smiled as I watched the boys conversant over the new ideas for the future albums. Who knew my playing and riffs would have that much of an effect on these guys?