Changed {Billie Joe Armstrong}

04

Mackenzie jumped as we hit some turbulence, looking at me with wide eyes.

"It's okay, just some bumps. It'll go soon."

She nodded and went back to drawing as asshole awoke with a start.

I looked him over and frowned as he gripped the seat, clearly panicking. I didn't know this guy but I knew he was scared.

"Hey, it's just some turbulence. It's alright." I patted his arm but he wasn't comforted, and he gripped my arm. I wrapped my arms around him, my motherly instinct taking over as I covered his ears until it was over. When I let go, he slowly sat up, apologising profusely, clearly embarrassed.

"Never mind that, are you alright?"

He nodded and thanked me for calming him before going back to reading his magazine.

When the flight was over, I walked out with him, holding Mackenzie's hand. He bought us two a bottle of water and Mackenzie some juice to say thank you and I waited with him to meet his friends.

They came over and the tallest one introduced himself as Mike. Just as 'asshole' took a big gulp of water, I introduced myself only to have the water spat all over my face.

"Alicia?!" He backed me up against the wall, his hands cupping my face as he studied me. As soon as he said my name, I recognised him.

He looked so different. They all did, and I had never even noticed. He looked so much older, more mature. Which I suppose marriage does to you. Or maybe divorce. He had dark circles under his eyes and he had put weight on. All his curls had been chopped off and his new hair was bleach blonde, straightened.

It had been so long.

Mike's long brown hair was now blonde too, short. He also looked significantly older and much taller.

Tré looked completely different, his hair spiked up in true punk fashion.

Billie stared into my eyes in wonder and I wondered how I had never recognised those emerald eyes.