I'm The One (A Van Halen FanFic)

15

     {3 weeks later; July 24,1978; Pasadena, California}
"More potatoes, dear?" My mom asked at the dinner table.
"No thanks, ma. This is plenty."
"I'll take more," Alex chimed in.
Passing the bowl, my mom chuckled. "Still the hungrier one, my Alex."
"You know it, ma."
There was a 7-day break in our tour and we decided to go home after our show last night in Oakland. I definitely needed some rest, and definitely needed some time to get more information about Mary out in the open. Every day has been a living hell. Every time the phone rang on the tour bus, I'd jump and get my hopes up too high. During a concert, I gave every guard a picture of Mary and told them to scan the crowds. When we were out and about, I would see a girl with dark hair and deep blue eyes and get closer, only to be met with disappointment. I know I sound like I'm losing my marbles, but I'm not. I had to take any opportunity, any sighting, as a possible sign.
"So, son, would you like my help down at the newspaper tomorrow?" My dad asked through a bite of pork chop.
"No thanks, dad. Remember I used to be a paper boy. I know them well enough."
"Oh, that poor girl. Wherever she is she must be scared." My mom remarked.
"I know, ma. Trust me I think that, and sometimes worse, when I imagine her on her own. But I always remember that she's a strong girl. I never have thoughts that she could be dead. I do sometimes have nightmares that she's being held captive. I just pray that she's fending for herself. Or trying to get home." As soon as I said that, it dawned on me. Get home. Yes. Of course. How have I not thought of that! I just had to find out where she lived!
"Al, do you remember what town we were by when we found Mary?"
"Fuck no, dude. That-"
"Al, language, Jesus." Interrupted my dad.
"Sorry, dad. Ed, that was a long time ago."
"I know, I know. But maybe if we think about it we could at least estimate where she came from."
"Or you could put an ad in the newspaper and ask for her family to contact. You know something like this is going to be spread."
"Yeah, yeah I guess that's more logical. I just thought maybe-"
"I know man. But think about it: let's say I did remember which city we were in or by. We would be going around in cities trying to track down her family. It would be a huge waste of time. And depending on when she left, she could've been far from home. Your chances of putting it in media is way better."
"Alright, tomorrow I'll go down to the newspaper then."

********************
"Hey, Eddie, long time no see!" The head of the Pasadena Star said to me. I shook hands with him and proceeded to tell him my story. In the end, I got them to publish a missing persons about Mary and her picture, all with no cost as a favor.
I got home around 11am and ate some cereal. I put my parents' phone number and the tour bus phone number. I also added that if it reaches anyone who knows Mary or her family to contact me.
Later, around 7pm, I was watching Happy Days, in honor of Mary, when the phone rang. I hopped up and answered it quickly.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Is Eddie around?" A rough female voice asked.
"This is he."
"This is Mary's stepmom. A cousin of mine found your ad in the newspaper today. Can we meet in person?"
My heart fluttered. "Uh-uh-yes! Where would you like to meet up?"
"Could you make a trip to Hanford? That's where she and I are from."
"Sure. I'll be there tomorrow. Address please?"
Mary's stepmom gave me the address and I made plans to drive up to Hanford as soon as I woke up. I don't know why I didn't ask, but as soon as I hung up I realized I didn't ask if Mary was home. Maybe, just maybe, she would be there waiting for me...