To Love A Punk

Chapter Eleven: Hearts Broken, and Truths Revealed

To Love A Punk

Chapter Eleven: Hearts Broken and Truths Revealed

Karen is nervous, sneaking into her room. Thankfully, Dee Dee is passed out drunk, on the king-size bed. Karen hoped desperately, that she would not wake him while getting into bed. Karen also hoped that Dee Dee hadn't been up for her.

It is now morning. Dee Dee is already sitting on the chair in the corner, by the window. Karen is just now waking up. She takes one look at Dee Dee, and prepares herself mentally, for a game of twenty questions.

"Good morning." Karen says, giving her best fake smile.

"So, where were you, last night?" Dee Dee asks.

"I told you. Arty and I were doing inventory."  Karen says, sticking to her story.

"That late? I didn't get in, until after midnight, and you got in even later than me. Which is surprising, because I was expecting you to be here, when I got in."

"Well you know, since it's my first time in Detroit, I just took a taxi ride around the area to go sightseeing." Karen says with a nervous laugh.

Karen could tell Dee Dee didn't believe her, but what else could she do? She couldn't just tell him about Joey, right then and there. No. She had to at least wait until the tour was over.

After breakfast, Dee Dee and Karen got dressed, and then it was time to get moving. The next stop on the tour was Los Angeles. Karen and Dee Dee sat in their usual spot. Only this time, they were quiet, and much less affectionate. Every now and then, Karen would glance over at Joey who was now sitting alone, sometimes he would smile at her. She tried not to smile back, but it was hard to resist a smile as sweet as his. 

After a couple of hours in the van, they've arrived at a rest stop. Karen is looking forward to being able to stretch her feet. Unfortunately, she knows the continuation of this mornings conversation is soon to follow.

Karen watches Joey from afar, as he sits with Tommy, and his girlfriend. Karen wishes hopelessly that she could be with him, but knows that it will just arouse unnecessary suspicion. So instead, she simply waits for Dee Dee to bring her a hot cup of coffee, and a maple bar. Dee Dee sets the pastry and beverage on the table, and takes his seat, directly across from Karen.

"I'm really not use to you being this quiet." Karen says, partially joking.

"I think we need to talk." Dee Dee says, in a serious tone.

"Really? What's the matter?" Karen says, looking in Joeys direction, and then looking back quickly at Dee Dee.

"You've just been different lately. It's almost impossible to explain."Dee Dee says, scratching his head.

"Nothing is different. I don't know what you're talking about." Karen whispers frantically.

"Really? We haven't even been romantic lately!" Dee Dee shouts.

"Will you please keep your voice down?" Karen's asks, trying to calm Dee Dee down.

"Not only that, but the other day, when I kissed you, you didn't even kiss me back." Dee Dee says, lighting a cigarette.

"I'm sorry. I really just don't know what to say, Dee Dee." Karen says, as she stands up, and walks away.

While Karen is nervously pacing back and forth, she is approached by Johnny.

"So, I guess Dee Dee finally broke up with you, huh?" Johnny asks.

"What are your talking about?" Karen asks, confused.

"Oh, come on! Did you really think he was in love with you? He was only with you because you were better than the junkies, he usually dates." Johnny tells Karen.

"You're such an asshole, Johnny." Karen says, shocked, by what she's just heard.

"Go ahead, and ask him if you don't believe me." Johnny says, walking away.

A small part of Karen, always knew that Dee Dee couldn't possibly love her as much as she loved him. She was willing to accept that. Even though it was somewhat naive, she honestly thought that Dee Dee was falling in love with her. That is, until she spoke with Johnny .

She couldn't stay with Dee Dee anymore. She had to break up with him. Who was she kidding, she didn't even want to be with him anymore! She was clearly falling head over heels for Joey.

Karen marches back over to Dee Dee, who is sitting alone.

"Dee Dee! I just spoke to Johnny. So, you were with me, because I was basically, your best option?" Karen says, clearly angry.

"Oh fuck! He told you that?" Dee Dee says, standing up from his seat.

"Yeah. He did, only he wasn't that nice. It's ok, though. We're over. And you were right! There is something different about me, I'm happy, now. Joey and I are in love." Karen says, walking over to Joey.

"Wait a second! Come back here! I think I deserve more of an explanation than that!" Dee Dee says, getting angrier by the second.

Karen turned around, and she could see the hurt in Dee Dee's eyes. She never meant to hurt him. She never expected to fall in love with Joey.

"Karen, I know that I haven't been the best boyfriend, and I'm sorry."

"That's not it, Dee Dee." Karen says, walking closer to him.

"You didn't let me finish. Even though, I wasn't the best boyfriend, I never slept with anyone behind your back. I'm willing to forgive you, though." Dee Dee says, attempting to hug Karen.

"Really? What about the groupie we found you passed out next to? Never mind. The point is, it's over for us." Karen says, wiping a single tear from her eye.

"Well fuck it then. I guess you and Joey deserve each other, after all!"

And just like that, one relationship head ended, and a new one had begun.