The Jesus of Suburbia

Give Me Novacaine

I stepped into the shower and let the hot water run over my body. My back was extremely tense and the water seemed to just irritated it further.

I really should have known that this would be a disaster.

Less then eight hours into my new home, I already had two people against me. Adrienne, who I'll have to deal with for at least a year and even worse, Mike Dirnt. He'd been my hero for years and now he probably thinks I'm so neo-generation freak.

Billie probably didn't like me much either anymore. I admit that I'd been a bit harsh to him earlier, but what did he expect?

Some quiet, obedient girl from some third world country?

If that's what he expected, then damn. I'm sorry.

Even though nobody is watching, I roll my eyes. The muscles in my back are relaxing and I sigh quietly.

I look at my arms which are honestly a mess. Harsh red lines tear across my wrists in an attempt to free those tiny bugs I feel under my skin sometimes, itching and waiting to get through the restraints of my skin.

Then there are puncture wounds there too, where needles have pierced through. Somewhere I know it's wrong, but it doesn't matter to me.

It helps me forget.

I doubt it'll be hard to find what I need here in California. It's basically stereotyped for being the drug state.

After another twenty minutes of contemplation and maybe some actually showering, I'm out.

The bathroom is a foggy haze of white and I laugh, stepping across the hallway and into my room where I get dressed.

My wardrobe doesn't really change much and apparently it bothered everyone in Brooklyn but myself. According to the people I respect, you can wear black jeans and a band tee anywhere.

I slipped on my Oasis shirt and started checked the video again. There had been few views, but no serious commentary or anything.

A knock came to my door and I called "Yeah?" in an annoyed time.

"It's me." A boyish voice said, Joey.

"Oh." I softened my tone and ran a hand through my gradually drying hair. "Come in."

The door opened and Joey stepped inside. He leaned against doorframe and looked me up and down for a second. "Dinner's ready."

I groan. I'd completely forgotten about dinner.