The Incredible League of Goth Pizza Haters (RH)

Part 62

Author's Note:
Hey, I just wanted to make sure you guys know that this story isn't discontinued or anything, it's just that I've been working on my other book and haven't had a lot of time for this one. The due date for the other book is approaching quickly and once that book is finished you guys can expect much more regular updates on this one.
I hope you all have a wonderful day/night and I thank you all so much for the reads and comments!

---Sylvia---
I grasped the handle of the suitcase, lifted it off the ground and began walking it to the tour bus parked in front of our house. Behind me, Balz lugged a bunch of equipment with him. I set the luggage with the other three bags out in front and walked back in to help with something else.

"Thanks," Ricky said from the kitchen as he and Chris lifted some guitar cases. I nodded and picked up the last of the equipment, tailing them out to the front. Angelo and TJ had already hauled everything of Balz and Ricky's inside. The last thing to go in before they left was them. Angelo gave me a small smile before he got in while TJ and Ryan loaded in without so much as a glance. I couldn't blame them, I hadn't seen them in a while.

"Bye, V." Balz said gave a little wave before vanishing inside. That left just Chris and Ricky and I. Chris gave me a hug for the second time that day. The last time he'd seen me was just after Ian had been hauled off to jail and my face had been all fucked, so when they'd first arrived that morning to pick up their bassist and keyboardist he'd hugged me for about a minute straight.

"Take care, Via." he said and vanished into the RV.

"And then there were two," Ricky murmured and I smiled. We hugged, tight. He kissed my hair and then my lips. When we parted he looked as sad as I felt.

"Two months," he reminded me, "But maybe sooner, if you'll be able to tag along for a bit." I nodded and smiled. I hated how sad this was. He wasn't dying. He wasn't going to war.

"I hope I can," I said, I leaned in and whispered jokingly, "Beware of girls."

"I will," he laughed and responded, still joking but with a bit more seriousness, "Beware of strange almost break-ins at two am."

"I will," I laughed and he pecked my lips. There was a pause and he had that look on his face, the one he had last night by the fountain.

"RICKY," Someone yelled. He stepped back then stepped forward and gave me one more long kiss before whispering one more quick goodbye as he stepped away and entered into the tour bus.

I stood back as they pulled away and waved as they drove off down the street. Alone now, a quiet sigh escaped my lips before I turned and took myself back inside.

***

The rest of the day I spent working.

Editing and writing, mostly. I took a brief break to make a microwaved dinner and I talked with Mena over the phone. She invited me over the following night. I agreed and that night I fell asleep on the couch.

***

The following day I texted Ricky on and off and went to see Mena in the afternoon. We relaxed at her house and watched movies. She'd never been one for underage drinking or illegal drugs. Probably because her parents worked for the government. We ate a bunch of junk food and drank soda and it was honestly very enjoyable. Things are much more lighthearted when you're not under the influence of something illegal. And besides, we didn't need drugs to act high.

We fell asleep around 10am the next morning and slept until the afternoon when a FedEx man ringed the doorbell and woke us up. Our sleep schedules were officially fucked. I found some missed calls from Dani.

I went home later that day but made plans to go visit my family the following weekend. I fell asleep skyping Ricky around eight-thirty. I awoke the next morning to find my laptop had died.

Days passed with phone calls and hours spent editing and writing on my laptop. Dexter and Wally were finally beginning to get along and the biggest events in some of my days were breaking up the occasional cat fight. At nights I cuddled my cat and my pillows. I had another night terror one night and lay awake for hours. I almost texted someone but figured at my age I should be over being afraid of nightmares. Even if PTSD does bring some of them to life.

When the weekend came, instead of me coming to visit them like usual, my family came to visit me. They'd seen the house when I was moving in and helped me transfer furniture and things but they hadn't seen it all put together. I was glad they were coming over, it forced me to clean up all the trash that had been gathering up over the past few days.

It was only Dani and my mother and we mostly just talked. My mom offered to cook dinner and I didn't refuse. Afterwards they left me with my thoughts and half of a baked chicken.

I thought of breaking out the Jack Daniels again but decided not to because of my performance at the club the following night. I knew I would probably drink when I was there, so why waste some of my own private stash?