⌑ Eternally yours/ Vinny M X OC/ ⌑ Complete

Chapter Three

▪️Drummer boy has sent you a message▪️

Drummer boy: Hey Valerie, how's work? I'm just chilling on the drums here.

You: It's pretty slow today, but I got to help a little girl with her flute. I picked up some drum tabs for you as well.

Drummer boy: Thanks, Valerie; you are awesome! See you soon. Have a good day x

▪️end of chat▪️

My stomach filled with butterflies as I read that last text. Wow, a kiss at the end. I have been reduced to being swayed by a kiss.

I popped my phone under the counter and kept my headphones in, listening to Ice Nine Kills. I tapped my platform boots to the beat, and I played with my nose ring.

"Hi there! I've been looking around the shop, and I saw a poster saying that the store does drum lessons for adults over 18. I was wondering where I could sign up?" A guy around my age came up to me and asked.

"I can just take your name and number and put you on the list. We don't have many students coming to classes right now. Do you have any drumming experience?" I asked, smiling at the guy who was writing down his name and number.

"Yeah, I used to play; I just want to get back into it, you know. Are you the teacher?" He smirked and handed me the paper. I glanced at it and held out my hand for him to shake.

"Yes, I am. Nice to meet you, Tom." I shook his hand, smiling. "Nice to meet you too! When can I start my lessons?"

"I can show you the drums now, and you can try them out if you'd like. However, formal lessons will begin in September."I replied, standing at my desk.

"Sure, that sounds fantastic. Would you mind playing for me? I just want to see other drummers' talents as well." He asked as we walked towards the drums in the corner of the room, ensuring I had my eyes on the main door as well.

"Why not, any piece in particular? I'll see if we have any tabs.

"I have no song preference, any song really. How about an MCR one?" he said as he took a seat near the drums.

"Sure, I'm not okay I promise I know quite well." I told him, and he grabbed me my drum sticks, and I began to play.

The guy watched and smiled, but we were interrupted by the doorbell. I continued to play until I saw who was at the door.

"Hey, why don't you try it out for yourself? I just need to go and talk to this guy for a moment," and I jogged over to Ricky.

"Hey Ricky, are you alright?" I said, with concern in my voice, for he looked very stressed.

"No, I'm not. I'm so panicked and stressed, Valerie. You were the only person I could think of to come and talk to." Ricky sighed, shaking his head.

"What's wrong?"

"Vinny is really sick, and we are about to go on tour with our band. I know it is a massive favour to ask, but will you come as well, as a backup drummer? We also need a technician since our last one just up and left the studio"

"Uhh, I guess so? You're in luck; we are closed during the summer, so I will be able to join you guys. Nevermind that, is Vinny okay?" I asked, worried for him.

"He should be fine. We just need a professional drummer just in case! It's probably just the flu or something."

"I better message him and ask how he is, poor Vin." I frowned

"Oh, can you also do me a favor?" Ricky asked in a hurry, jumping from one foot to another.

"Sure, what's up?"

"Well, I'm going to meet my girlfriend later. Are you able to swing by and see Vin? He's almost never sick, so I'm worried," Ricky told me, concern mixed into his features.

"Of course I can. Is there anything he needs—medicine, snacks?" I replied, ignoring the butterflies in my stomach at the idea of going over to see him alone.

"Oh yeah, Vin will eat anything, but he loves cherry sticks! Also, we have some medicine in the house. Thanks Valerie, I really appreciate this."

"No worries, dude! See you soon! Enjoy your night out!" I waved him off as he left, and I went back to teaching that guy, but I couldn't concentrate properly from the thought of Vinny being alone and sick.

---

With a bag filled with bits and bobs for Vinny and me, I marched over to the door and knocked loudly on it.

"Who is it?" Vinny called out, but he sounded fine.

"It's Valerie. I've come to check on you."

Suddenly, he coughs a bit and sneezes, saying, "Don't come in, Valerie; I'll get you sick"

"Nonsense! I've got a mask on, I bought you some snacks, and Ricky said I should get you some medicine." I told him, and put the bag on the doorstep while getting out my phone to turn on the flash since it was getting dark. "I'll take care of everything so you can rest."

There was silence at the other end of the door until Vinny outbursted.

"I'm not a child!" He yelled, "I don't need the likes of you looking after me; I can do things myself. Leave me alone, Valerie."

"Oh" was all that left my lips as I numbly walked back to my car.

As I turned on the engine, my stomach sank. What did he mean when he said he doesn't want the likes of me? What does that mean?

Just as I thought we were getting somewhere,

▪️

I sat in my car and just sat in the darkness for a while; the gentle hum of my engine was the only noise i could hear.

Should I really have agreed to go on tour with them? Vinny doesn't seem to want me around, despite the amount of time we have spent together. Maybe he was just putting up with me for Ricky.

▪️chatting with Rad Rick▪️

You: Are you sure I should come on tour with you?

Ricky: Yeah, of course, I've seen your talent; it's wonderful. Are you having second thoughts?

You: No, it's not that; I'd love to come. But I don't think Vinny wants me around; I don't think he likes me as much as he lets on. He yelled at me when I went over, saying some insulting things. I left the bag of goods on your doorstep.

Ricky: huh, that's odd. Maybe it's just the sickness. I'm sure Vinny didn't mean it, so don't take it to heart. Here are the tour details:

6 weeks long, we leave Pennsylvania on June 2nd (tomorrow) at 11 a.m., and we play a concert four times a week. We stay in hotels and on a tour bus. Meet at our house, and we will take you.

You: Thanks; I'd better go pack now. Please tell Vinny that I apologise for whatever I've done wrong; I feel terrible.

Ricky: Will do; see you tomorrow, Valerie. Should I pick you up at your house?

You: Yeah, that would be great. Thanks, Ricky! What time will you be here?

Ricky: at around nine, so be ready! Message me your address later. See you tomorrow!

▪️end of chat with Rad Rick▪️