The Speed Of Pain

Charlotte's Web

Chapter One

Denver, Colorado

June 24th, 1997

Charlotte

At last, freedom! Four years of toil within the confines of the school system have come to an end, liberating me with a degree in business management. Now, before delving into the so-called "real" world, it's time to revel in the pleasures of summer.

First on the agenda? Ozzfest, naturally! Accompanied by my dad, it's my inaugural journey on this tour, brimming with an array of sensational bands to witness. It's been too long since I've seen my brother and sister, and I anticipate nothing short of exuberant moments with them during this excursion.

Navigating swiftly backstage, I spot my old man engaged in conversation with Billy from Black Sabbath. The backstage area is a chaotic mix of cables, equipment, and a medley of rock stars and crew members bustling about. The scent of sweat, leather, and a hint of incense lingers in the air, blending into an oddly comforting aroma.

"Dad!" I exclaim, rushing forward to envelop him in a hug. "I've missed you."

And truly, I have. My upbringing hasn't been easy, navigating the complexities of my parent's strained relationship... Or lack thereof. Now, with school behind me, I aim to seize every opportunity he is giving me and to spend time with him.

"I missed you too, Schroeder," he responds, holding me close.

Pulling back slightly, he plants a kiss on my cheek. "My eldest."

"My daddy," I reply, smiling as Sharon enters the room. The walls of the room are adorned with posters from past tours, giving it a nostalgic yet vibrant feel. "Mom!"

I rush into her embrace, savoring her unique warmth. "Hello, my darling. It's good to have you back," she says, before stepping back to examine me.

"It's good to be back. Just relieved to have my degree behind me," I admit, weariness evident in my tone.

She nods, affirming, "Yes, of course. We're all so very proud of you."

"Thanks," I reply graciously. "I can't wait to embark on my career and bid farewell to academia."

"Sis!"

Turning, I spot my brother Jack racing towards me, with our sister Amee in tow.

"Amee, look at you!" I exclaim, pulling her into a hug, marveling at how she's grown. "And Jack! You've shot up at least four inches in the last six months."

He gives me a smug look before correcting me. "Five."

"Well, pardon me," I say, laughing, before tousling his hair, eliciting a groan.

Then, from behind, I hear, "Hey, Lotty!"

I recognize that voice—my baby sister, Kelly. Turning, I'm greeted with a remarkable yet unsettling sight. Instead of focusing on Kelly, however, my attention is inexplicably drawn to him, as if seeing those faux heterochromia eyes for the first time. It's then that I shake myself out of it and get back to Kelly.

"Kel's!" I nearly squeal, scooping her up in a hug and twirling her around. As I set her down, I smooth out her pigtails, smiling. "I missed you."

"Me too... Meet Marilyn! He's really fun," she says, linking arms with him.

Extending my hand, I introduce myself, "Hi, I'm Charlotte. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise. Any sister of Kelly's is a friend of mine," he replies, shaking my hand. His grip is firm but gentle, and as our eyes meet, I feel a strange, magnetic pull. His mismatched eyes—one blue, one brown—are mesmerizing, holding a depth that hints at both darkness and charm.

His voice, unexpectedly, stirs something within me, more than his appearance ever has. It's like melted chocolate blended with a touch of mischief. Damn.

"That was my favorite book growing up," he remarks casually.

Confused, I respond, "Hmm?"

"Charlotte's Web," he clarifies, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

Smiling, I roll my eyes. "Mine too. I think it's the first chapter book I ever finished."

"Schroeder, come spend some time with your dear old dad," I hear him call.

With one last smile directed at Marilyn, I reply, "Coming."

Glancing back at the oddly attractive man, I say, "I'll see you later."

Manson

Being at my first Ozzfest is amazing. Initially unsure about joining, considering the unexpected nature of the offer, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Plus, Ozzy is cool, so it's a nice gig. Meeting him and Sharon, I realized it's a good fit, especially seeing how their kids, Kelly and Jack, embrace the punk rock lifestyle.

The festival grounds are a sensory overload—throngs of fans milling about, the distant thrum of music, and the ever-present scent of beer and food wafting through the air. Kelly, especially, has taken a liking to me, sticking to me like glue since our arrival. Normally, I'm not fond of kids, but I make an exception for her and Jack. They're the epitome of punk rock. We've been having a blast, to put it mildly. I'm surprised Ozzy and Sharon are comfortable with their children in this environment, but I suppose it's better to be familiar with the devil than unknown demons. At least they know where Kelly and Jack are at all times.

After sound check, while hanging out with the band in our makeshift backstage lounge—a haven of worn-out sofas, mismatched chairs, and a haze of cigarette smoke—we notice a commotion near Ozzy's camp.

"What's happening?" I ask, as Pogo returns from catering.

"Some leggy blonde just showed up. She's hot, but looks like she could give any one of us blue balls just for fun," he remarks with a shrug.

Just then, Kelly rushes over with a beaming smile. "Marilyn! Come on, I want you to meet my other sister," she insists, grabbing my arm and pulling me along.

"Hey, Lotty!" she calls out as we approach.

The figure she's leading me to has her back turned, a nice view indeed, her golden hair glowing in the setting sun. As she turns around, her gaze locks onto mine.

Wow. Blonde hair and blue eyes aren't usually my thing, but her smooth, pale complexion is striking. She continues to stare, and though I'm accustomed to such attention, this feels different—more curious and intrigued than judgmental or fearful.

"Kel's!" she exclaims after a moment, lifting her into a hug.

I stand awkwardly as they share a moment until Kelly remembers my presence.

"Meet Marilyn! He's really fun," she says, holding onto my arm.

Extending her hand, she introduces herself, "Hi, I'm Charlotte. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise. Any sister of Kelly's is a friend of mine," I respond, shaking her hand. As our hands touch, I feel a jolt of electricity, an undeniable spark. Her eyes widen slightly, and I wonder if she felt it too.

Suddenly, my mouth speaks before my brain catches up. "That was my favorite book growing up."

"Hmm?" she asks, clearly puzzled.

I shrug. "Charlotte's Web."

"Mine too," she laughs, sounding like an angel in the presence of someone like me. "I think it's the first chapter book I ever finished."

Just as I'm about to say something else, Ozzy appears, disrupting the moment.

"Schroeder, come spend some time with your dear old dad," he calls out.

"Coming," she replies, glancing back at me. "I'll see you later."