Might as Well Face it, You're Addicted to Love (Joe Perry/Nikki Sixx)

Chapter 148: Late Night with the Perry Family (Josephine Nicole Perry)

This was the best night of my life! I got to live my greatest dream & what made it even better? Is I got to share the stage with my sister, doing what I love with whom I love. AND I got to perform with my father for the first time! It's nothing short of epic as mom often says. It's been emotional, it's been everything & there is NO WAY I can sleep tonight. I know too Amara won't be able to either, or Tony, James & Frankie say they won't, but I bet the moment they get still they fall asleep.... oh, I just love everyone so much! And....AND....

I feel a gentle touch on my shoulder & find myself looking up into my father: Joe Perry's eyes.... Mom looking on.

"Hey.... we're home sweetheart and you looked so happy."

"I am, this is like the greatest most epic night of my life! It was a dream come true, and I got to do what I love with who I love & I got to perform with you dad for the first time ever & Uncle Pink & all too." Pretty sure I said all that at a 100 mph, but my dad.... both my parents & Siblings KNOW.

'We're always together.... always, whether its physical or not.... Your dad taught me that. really, we taught each other, we taught each other SO much & still are to this day. That's what love, OUR love has taught us...' Something mom.... something he's said many times. I always love hearing stories from him & dad about their love....and how it happened.

"Hey Josey?" Amara.... i glance at my sister, her expression mirroring dad's, "Mine too, and.... i feel the same."

At some point we do all get out of the car & race upstairs to change into comfy bedtime clothes.... Amara & I take a little longer because of the hair & make-up. Mom helps us, and Frankie does too.... Frankie's mom's other clone as dad always fondly remarks. And soon we're downstairs raiding the fridge, which brings me to NOW.... Armed with my favorite snacks: Raspberries & Olives sitting at the kitchen table.... Meanwhile Tony, James & Frankie are still trying to figure out what they want or rather protest when mom tells them nothing super sugary. Amara is sitting by my side with figs.

"But MOOOOM.... please?" Tony begs.

"Just a little?" James adds on.

"I don't know what I want momma.... i don't think James an' Tony knows either." Frankie pipes up.

"I know you three are tired, and don't wanna admit it. And you don't need something that will upset your stomach." Mom is firm.

Dad slides an arm around mom's waist saying, "Your ma is right. It's late." Firmly & softly both.

The three of them mumble an, 'ok daddy.' And then hug him & Mom before coming to sit with Amara & I, and we share our raspberries, figs & olives with them. Our parents soon join us....

I must stop myself from laughing, as the moment after each of my brothers & sisters eat a bit, they fall asleep at the table. And Tony starts snoring, James though is the loudest & as for Frankie? She sounds adorable, that's what mom often says, which dad teases & says mom is basically saying HE is adorable. I love the way my parents are with each other....

Dad & Mom share a look before looking back to Amara & I....

"We'll be right back down, gonna put them to bed. You girls gonna be, ok?"

"Yes daddy, cause we know that you & momma will find your way back to us." Amara responds & our parents eyes fill with tears.... They are very touched.

"IF they wake when you put them down, tell them we love them." I add on.

"You girls got it." Mom smiles & I love his smile.

With Mom's help, he & dad manage to carry our brothers & little sister upstairs. They're not gone to long, before they join Amara & I at the table.

"Well, you were right Josephine...." Dad is amused before his expression turns more serious, "---And we told them......now how are YOU girls feeling?" Dad, I notice holds mom's hand, he always is touching some part of mom...just to feel close I know.

"Is this what it's like, like all the time? Like after you perform?" Amara asks, curiously.

"You mean, that feeling of excitement? Your mind racing? Having a ton of energy?" Mom asks, Amara nods. "I'd say most often it is. The adrenaline rush is something else, and it can take forever to come back down to earth.... calm your thoughts you know? Sometimes it can hit you, the exhaustion out of nowhere....and sometimes 'coming back down' is made worse, if you were like I was once was before your father saved my life. It was the drugs, I didn't wanna be in my head & coming off stage meant parties, meant PAIN." Tears stream down his face, which makes ME cry.... or rather all of us."

"I...I had a moment.... backstage, coming off.... strangers made me nervous, but Amara never let go of my hand & Uncle Tommy & Aunt Stevie 'barked' at people that got too close....and mom? Thanks, I understand." I understand, he was cautioning me, US really about the temptations, about his past, and he is open.... honest, he always is. Both my parents are, no matter how much it pains them. "I'm proud of you mom, for telling us."

I blink and my mom's wrapping his warm, tattooed & much-loved arms around me.

No, you don't always need words....

Mom sits back with dad, not before hugging my sister......

"Momma? You think we could perform with Mӧtley someday?" Amara is hopeful & eager, I am too.

"I think that we can make that happen....and I think that there would be no greater honor that playing with my daughters."

We talk more about the show, asking questions.... just being together. And then we part ways.... Mom & dad telling us how much they love us...to rest & sleep as much as we need. So, Amara & I head to our rooms....

I still can't calm, still 'buzzed' from performing, Each & every moment playing in my head on a loop, like a movie. I sit now in my favorite fuzzy chair, with a book & covered with a blanket that mom made me....

Soft, warm......fuzzy, covered with Aerosmith & Mӧtley logos, along with my guitars & other favorite things. I love it.... I feel the love, always the love.

I have no clue what time it is, but I am starting to realize that I am TIRED & I hear two of the best voices in the world at the door: my parents...whom slowly open the door, and I can't help but yawn.

"Hey, had the feeling you were awake....and getting tired." Dad is concerned.

"I'm tired.... now.... sleepy." I murmur. Next thing I know, I find myself in bed & kisses on my forehead and feel the bed dip as my parents sit on the edge of the bed.

"So proud of my little rockstar, who is not so little anymore. Proud of you & your sister...of all my children. Remember before you fall asleep, to think of those you love & the good things & that if you need us.... you only need to call our names." Mom.

"We love you; we love you so much Josephine. Sleep well." Two voices as one, and I at last give into sleep & I just know there is a smile on my face.

A/N: Late Night with the Perry's from Josephine's POV. More to come in this story my friends