An Old Friend

Chapter 8

November 3rd, 1988

I didn't ask Billie who he wrote the song for yesterday because I was scared he was going to say someone else. But I'm pretty sure it was for me. The way he looked up at me when he sang some parts of the song was quite reassuring.

"Elizabeth, can you come downstairs?" were the first words I heard that day. Whenever my dad called me by my real name, that meant it was serious. I rubbed my eyes and got out of bed to put on my bathrobe. I was barefoot on my warm carpet which felt nice. I looked at the clock and saw it was only 5:30. I had 2 1/2 hours til I had to leave for school.

Damnit, what does he want now.

I thought since my nightmares stopped my dad would lose interest in me, but I forgot about one little secret...Billie Joe Armstrong.

"What's up dad?" I tried to sound casual but I think I knew what was coming.

"Liz, I heard the Armstrong's are back in town." He said with a raised eyebrow.

"Really? That's nice."

"Oh give it a rest Lizzie, I know that you know. You've barely been listening to me lately, you're like in a daydream all the time, you don't have anymore nightmares, and now you're sneaking out to go to a 'friend's house'? For cryin out loud Lizzie, why did you keep this from me. I really liked that family."

"Dad, I'm sorry. I ran in to Billie Joe, their youngest son who I used to be close with at school. I was so shocked and then we talked about why his family left, and it's 'cause his dad died of cancer ok? I told him about mom and we've grown closer ever since." He looked still ashamed that I lied to him.

"Look, dad, I've haven't felt a purpose for myself in a long time. And now I do. And I've also made friends with this guy Mike that's friends with Bee- um, Billie Joe. It's really good for me, dad. I'm happy and I hope you can be happy for me."

"Alright hun, I understand, but if that boy causes you any trouble, you let me know," he said sternly but with a but of humor. I chuckled at him.

"Oh please, it's not like that, papa," I leaned my head back against the wall.

"Mhmm, you go get yourself ready for school now."

"Alright dad, thanks."

"Sure Lizzie," he hesitated, "and if you want to bring that Billie Joe kid over sometime, you can."

"Thanks, dad, I love you." I was truly grateful to him. I didn't think it would go that smooth. I hadn't said "I love you" to my dad since mom was alive. I could see it in his eyes that meant the world to him.

"I love you too, Lizzie."

I left my house at 8:00. Right on time in order to get to school on time at 8:30. I was so excited to talk to Billie and Mike about the start of their new band. I was completely on board with the idea. I would be their biggest fan.

I got caught up in my daydream. I made my way down Billie's street, and as I approached his house I saw-

Oh no...

There were ambulances and firetrucks parked all around their cute little property. The whole garage was burned down. I saw Ollie and I sprinted to her.

"Ollie! What happened? Where's Billie?"

"Oh darling, just a stupid lighter fire. I'm very shaky when I light my cigars. It slipped out of my hand, but all that matters is that no one was hurt."

"Oh, thank god. Where's Billie, is he fine?"

"Uh, I haven't seen him all night, he never came home. He told me he was going over to Mike's house for the evening. I'm sure he's with him, dear. Don't worry." Her voice was calm, but her face said it all. She was worried alright, worried sick.

"Ok, I guess I'll catch up with him at school." I assured her and I walked away. She smiled at me and I was on my way. I took one last look at the house and Billie's window looked like it was cracked open slightly...

I was walking so fast, I couldn't be late again, my dad would kill me right after I just told him I loved him.

Ok, Lizzie, stay calm, you'll be able to see Billie in first period.

The bell rang and I hurried to class. My leather jacket was making a bunch of clicking noises from the zippers on it as I walked though the crowded hall of stangers.

I took my seat and looked to the back of the room hoping to see Billie sitting next to Mike staring right back at me, smiling.

But he wasn't.