Pulling Teeth(a billie joe armstrong story)

Dumb and Dumber

The afternoon sun streamed through the large kitchen windows, casting a warm, inviting glow over the bustling scene. Maxine stood at the counter, chopping vegetables under Alex's watchful eye. The rhythmic sound of the knife striking the cutting board filled the space as Alex hummed softly, the scent of simmering pasta sauce wafting through the air. It felt like home—a comforting sanctuary filled with the aromas of love and family.

"Max!" Alex called, her tone laced with excitement as she stirred the pot on the stove. "Just letting you know, Billie and I are having a few people over for dinner tonight. Just Mike and Tre, and Mike's wife, Brittney. Tre's wife had some stuff to do at Gilman Street, but you'll meet her eventually."

Maxine froze mid-chop, her heart racing at the mention of their names. 

Panic flooded through her veins, making her grip on the knife tighten. It wasn't just the thought of meeting two famous musicians that scared her; it was the idea of being around more men that sent her spiraling into distress. In the few days she had spent with Billie and Alex, she had slowly started to feel safe, but this felt different, more overwhelming.

"Um, I—" Max stammered, trying to mask her rising fear. "I don't know if I can... I mean, I haven't really met anyone else yet. Just Billie, the boys, and you."

Alex sensed her discomfort immediately. She approached Maxine, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I promise they're really nice, Max. They're like family. It's just dinner. You'll be fine."

But even as Alex spoke, a flicker of doubt twisted in Maxine's stomach. Memories of her past lurked in the shadows of her mind, reminding her of times when the presence of men had led to discomfort and pain. The thought of being scrutinized by more unfamiliar faces filled her with dread.

"What if they don't like me?" Maxine blurted out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alex knelt beside her, making eye contact, her expression tender. "They will love you, Max. You're amazing! And they've been eager to meet you. This is a chance for you to see that not all men are like... well, the ones from your past. Trust me. Mike and Tre are incredibly down-to-earth."

Taking a deep breath, Maxine tried to steady her racing heart, but the idea of Mike and Tre standing in the same room made her feel trapped. The notion of two more men being introduced into her life sent her spiraling into anxiety, and she felt her breathing quicken.

"I don't know..." she murmured, her voice wavering. "It's just... it feels like a lot. I'm not sure I can handle it."

"Max, I know it's a lot to take in," Billie said, stepping into the kitchen. He sensed the tension and turned to her, concern etched on his face. "But it's just dinner. They're really friendly. You'll be just fine, I promise. We're all family here, remember?"

Billie's warm, reassuring smile made Maxine feel a bit lighter, but the gnawing anxiety still clung to her. She forced a nod, trying to convince herself it would be okay, but the weight of her worries was heavy.

"Just try to think of it as a casual hangout," Billie added, attempting to ease her tension. "They're excited to finally meet you."Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting their conversation. Maxine's heart raced again, panic threatening to bubble over as Alex gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I'll be right by your side," she assured.

Billie opened the door, revealing Mike and Tre, both grinning widely as they stepped inside. Maxine caught a glimpse of their exuberance, but the sight only made her anxiety intensify. The familiarity of their presence, combined with the fact that they were men, sent her heart racing as she instinctively stepped back.