Faded Memories (Guns N Roses - Izzy / Axl / OC)

Red Carpet

December, 14. 2012
Hollywood – California

Izzy

God, I hated these events. I hated to get all dressed up. I hated to get there by a fucking limo. I hated to make all the way over the red carpet and stop once in a while for pictures. Man, I just hated that kind of attention.
Again, I was really close to just tell the driver to stop a block away to make my way in though the back entrance. That was more my style. Just to get in plain and simple, have some fun and leave without anyone even noticing I was there. Perfect for me.

This complete rock star shit has never been my thing anyway. I was a musician. I just wanted to play. Sure, it was nice to feel the huge audience but after doing my thing, I just wanted to go home and cuddle my dog. But things turned out differently when GNR hit big. No wonder I got caught up in this whole drug bubble at that time. There was no other way to get this over with.
I felt nervous. My palms were damp and my leg was trembling. Fuck. I hated these things.
Wiping my hands at my pants I eyed the liquor cabinet of the limo. Calm down, Isbell. Everything's gonna be fine.

Then I felt Melissa grabbing my hand and I suddenly calmed down a bit.
I looked at her and she gave me a smile.
'You're nervous?'
I breathed out heavily. 'Yeah. I hate these things. Too much attention.'
'Seriously? You're playing in front of thousands of people and a red carpet gives you the creeps?' She raised an eyebrow.
'Pretty much because I just do my thing on stage. On the carpet people expect you to talk to them. I hate interviews.'
She chuckled.
'Yeah figured. Never read a lot of you. You're really closed up all the time. But I really appreciate you're taking me. I'm really excited.'
'Sure I was going to take you. I wanna show you off. Being all your proud dad, you know?' She giggled.
'You're going to tell them?'
'Yeah, I am going to tell them. Because otherwise you'll be reading on "Intouch" about old Izzy Stradlin fucking a girl not even half his age.'
'Is that why you're nervous?' Yeah baby, you got it right. I let out a groan.
'This will hit big, honey. Could affect your personal life, too. You're sure you wanna bring this to the open?'
She gave me a nod.

When the car stopped, I took a deep breath, put on my shades and stepped out. Immediately I tried to cut out the screaming, the flashlights and the huge amount of people around the red carpet.
I held out my hand to help Melissa out of the car.
When she stepped out, the flashes even went wilder. Yeah. She looked stunning and I had to admit: I was proud as hell. She was beautiful and she was my baby girl.
I felt unremarkable beside her. She wore a short, black, strapless dress and high heels. Nothing fancy or some sort of designer shit. But she just looked very rock 'n ' roll.
I laid a hand at the small of her back and lightly guided her towards the entrance.
We stopped for some pictures and answered some questions. Like I thought, the news spread like a wildfire and everyone was harassing us. It was time to get inside.

Once we hit the party, I relaxed a bit. These events were insane. I just wanted to crawl inside a corner and stay there. But I wanted Melissa to have a good time and proud dad that I was, I even enjoyed showing her off.
I was sipping on my diet coke, watching Melissa talking to some model chick, when a strong hand grabbed my shoulder. When I turned to see who it was, I came face to face with Slash.
He gave me a wide grin.
'Izzy, man. Never expected to see you here.' I gave him a firm hug.
'Yeah, dude. I promised my daughter.' His eyes went wide and I couldn't help but laugh.
'Daughter? What did I miss?'
'Long story, dude. You remember Ana? That girl I met in '88 near Frisco? I think you might've hooked up with her friend April.' He looked confused. But after a couple of seconds he smiled at me.
'God, that crazy blonde chick? Didn't she cut Axl's hair or something? You'd never believe what she did to me that night.' I chuckled. Yeah, I'd met April several times now in the last few weeks. She was beyond crazy.
'Yeah, right. That chick. Whatever, her friend Ana and I hooked up. And I met her in Vegas again. Now, meet my beautiful daughter Melissa.' I interrupted Melissa and pulled her towards me. 'Honey, there's someone you should meet.'

When she said good bye to that model chick and turned to face Slash, her eyes went wide.
Slash looked at me puzzled for a second and held out his hand to Melissa.
'Wow. Sorry, sweetheart. But that's kind of a shocker.'
'Oh my god. Slash. Wow. It is so great to finally meet you.' Melissa shook his hand. 'Sorry, but I'm really trying hard not to go all fan girly on you.'
'Melissa is a huge fan of yours. Can't really imagine why because her dad is a much better guitar player and song writer and shit. And it sure as shit ain't the looks.' I teased.
Melissa's elbow hit my ribs. 'He's so much better than you. So shut up already.'
I laughed and Slash just skipped his gaze between me and Melissa.
'Wow. Thanks. Uhm... I'm really speechless. She really looks like you, man. But way prettier.' Slash said. 'I'm sorry, sweetheart. It's nice to meet you too. And you can go all fan girly on me if you like. As long as my wife is not around.' He joked, and I hit his ribs with my elbow.
'Perla will skin you alive and feed what's left of your sorry ass to the dogs. Remember that, dude.'
Slash just snorted as I gave him an evil grin.
'This is so cool. I've a crush on you since the first time I saw you on MTV. That was when I decided to play guitar. And look at me, now. I've the coolest dad ever and am talking to you.'
'Come on girl, let's get you another drink and you can tell me all about you. I am curious.' Slash put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her too tight for my concern.