Life is but a Fiction...

19 - Another rockstar?

I woke up with a huge headache, it was past eleven. I was disappointed Zacky didn't stay with me for the night, but I recall him repeating how he might still be contagious and he didn't want me to catch something. I missed him. 

I got up and went into the living room, where Jimmy was asleep on an air mattress on the floor. I quietly went in the kitchen to grab a glass of water and painkillers. I heard him groan. 

"What time is it ? " He asked.

"Almost noon." I answered.

"What are the plans for today? "

"Waiting for the pain to leave my body. Then missing class. Hang out together maybe?" I suggested.

"Sounds like a good plan to me… but does not seem wise to skip class on your end." Jimmy said.

"You're right… I'll text Zacky to see if he wants to skip too."

"Are you always like that ? Making wrong decisions? " 

"Sometimes…"

I texted Zacky I was spending the day with his friend and invited him. He replied a few minutes later.. 

"Hey, I can't. I already missed class yesterday and I actually have to attend if I want that car. I've been kinda distracted by this hot girl lately, so I need to get serious." His reply made me smile widely. 

Funny though how he was the one attending class, but already had a career, unlike me. 

"So, is he coming?" Jimmy asked. 

"No, he is not. "

Jess came into the living room. We discussed today's plans and she suggested we go shopping, so here we were, at the mall. We decided to follow her. She was trying on so many clothes, Jimmy and I were sitting on a fitting's room sofa. 

"It's funny that the last time I went home, I looked at your old house wondering what you'd become and here you are, in front of me." I reminisced. 

"How does my house look?" 

"They redid the exterior. The rest still looks the same." 

"I should visit soon." 

"Why don't you come with me to my parent's house over the weekend? I'm already going."

"Okay, yeah. I'll go. What about your ex? Are you going to this hearing? " 

"No. I won't be able to look at him. It still hurts, you know, even if I don't want anything to do with him anymore."

"Fuck him." We heard Jess say from the cabin. 

We looked at each other and laughed. 

"Are you done yet?" I asked. 

"Almost." She said. 

"My mom will be thrilled to see you." I added, excited to have company. "My dad too, but he's sick right now. He has pneumonia. He has medicine but he doesn't seem to respond to it well yet." 

"I'm sorry, I hope he gets better." Jimmy said. 

"Yeah… " 

The rest of the week was boring. Attending my classes, working and studying for once. Zacky and I chatted a little, but nothing more. He asked me to hang out this weekend with Jimmy, I told him I would most likely be free to see him on our way back Saturday. I know he was sick last weekend, but he seemed distant with me despite the clear signals I sent him, like the kisses on his neck at the bar. However, now that I think about it, I recall saying something to Jimmy too, so can I blame him for doubting it was the liquor talking? 

We left my apartment Saturday morning, Jimmy and I, in his car. I called my mom to tell her I was not gonna be alone. We planned on having lunch and spending the afternoon with my parents, then driving back to LA for the night to join Zacky. 

We stood in front of what used to be Jim's house, leaned against the car. Two teenagers were playing Basketball in the street. They were seemingly the kids who now lived in this house. 

"You used to play Basketball. Why don't you go meet them?" I asked. 

Jimmy walked towards them to play with them for a few minutes. I followed him and their mom stepped out, ordering them to come into the house, probably worrying about her kid's safety. One of the boys told his mom that the weird looking tattooed stranger in front of her used to live in this house and was in fact the drummer of his favorite band. He greeted her and she made him visit after a few minutes chatting about the house. 

Their mom saw Jimmy was honest when he started to describe some details about the garage. After a while, we were on our way. 

"Brings us so many good memories." He smiled. 

"Yeah, it does. Did you know back then that I had a massive crush on you?" 

"What? The blond spiky hairs? Really? " He asked, as if it was impossible. 

"Yeah, I was kinda obsessing over you. Why do you think I spent so much time in that garage listening to you play the drums?" 

"My drum skills?" 

"Well, yeah, of course. But you were the most funny person in the world to me. I knew it was impossible though. I had the worst hairstyle and braces, typical non attractive 12 years old." 

We chuckled. 

"I am still the funniest person ever. And, I mean, you were a bit too young for me, not gonna lie." 

We went knocking on my parents' doors. My mom came to meet us. She greeted us, but stared for a few seconds at Jimmy. 

"Hi honey! Who do we have here? Another rockstar?" She seemed surprised. 

"I brought you someone from the past." 

"Hi Mary, it's good to see you again." Jimmy laughed at her comment.

"Oh my god, I know that voice.  You're Barbara's son ? James ?" She smiled and hugged him. "What a handsome young man you've become. Where did my daughter find you?" 

"I am Zacky's best friend and bandmate." He explained.

"Wow, come on in. We were setting the table. Lunch's almost ready"

My dad and Emily arrived behind her as they heard her chatting. Em was freaking out once again, but she managed to keep her shit together and act like a semi-normal person.