Tragedy(Billie Joe Armstrong) (#Wattys2018)

Chapter 9: Eye Witness

Billie's POV

"Hey," I approached Bandit.

"Hi," she smiled faintly.

"You okay?" I asked.

"Just a little flustered," she shrugged.

"From what? You were acting strange today," I added.

"Just people," she said.

"What is my stupid school doing to you?" I asked.

"Nothing you need to worry about," she said.

"Um, yes I do," I corrected.

"Why?" She asked.

"Because you're my friend and I don't want anyone pushing you around," I told her.

"Billie, believe me, it's nothing you need to worry about," she told me.

"Whatever you say," I sighed.

"Wanna come over?" She asked.

"Yes," I nodded.

"Cool, let's get to my house then I'm starving," she said.

"Me too, what's on the menu?" I asked.

"Mac and cheese?" She asked.

"You are the best!" I exclaimed.

"Aw thanks! Wanna watch a movie?" She asked.

"Of course! So this is just a normal hang out then," I laughed because we always ate food and watched movies while her parents were at work.

"Duh, what movie should we watch?" She asked.

"Good question," I sighed.

"The Labyrinth?" She asked.

"I love that movie!" I said.

"Who doesn't?" She said.

We arrived at her house and rushed to make Mac and cheese. We were so hungry. "I think we have a problem," Bandit laughed as we were staring at the pot waiting for it to boil.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"We have a food addiction," she laughed.

"Food is everything," I said.

"Agreed!" She said and we finished cooking the pasta.

We sat on the couch with our bowls and watched the movie. David Bowie is so talented. How?! How can you be a singer and great actor?!

"I am so tired," Bandit yawned.

"Thanks for that," I said since she caused me to yawn.

"No problem," she shrugged.

I was really tempted to put my arm around her waist or hold her hand or something dumb that I always did. I always did something like that in these situations. We were watching a movie we both loved, she was tired, and with any other girl I would've done something, made some move. But I was freaked out. I've never felt this way around a girl.

I was lost in thought I didn't even realize her head resting on my shoulder. She was asleep. My body tensed. What do I do? What is wrong with me? Why am I feeling this?

I took a breath and relaxed. I left her comfortable on my shoulder. I watched the movie. My thoughts kept running on. Don't do anything stupid. She's not just a girl she's someone amazing. I can't screw this up.

I cleared my head and watched the movie and rested my head on hers. I found myself slowly blinking. That turned into my eyes shutting and me falling asleep as well.

~

I woke up and it was dark out. 8 o'clock. "Bandit," I said. "Bandit, wake up," I repeated.

"Huh?" She lifted her head yawning.

"It's eight," I told her.

"I don't care, I'm tired," she said.

"You can go to bed, I'll head home," I told her.

"No, stay. I washed your clothes you left here last week," I told him.

"Oh thanks, I'll wear those tomorrow," I said.

"Let's go," I followed her upstairs. She fell onto her bed and shut her eyes.

I laid down on the other side and was facing her back. Her dark brown hair spread across the pillow. She looked so vulnerable and calm. For the last two weeks I've noticed she really isn't comfortable around people. But look she's letting me sleep next to her. The last time I spent the night I slept on the floor.

That was a fun night. We were at a party a few blocks away. We ended up leaving and going to the beach. We ran around the shore throwing sand and splashing water at each other until dawn. I went home with her and crashed on the floor. She said we were lucky her stepdad didn't catch me in her room.

The image of her running after me on the beach played on repeat in my head. Her big laughing smile. Those blue eyes that were a pool of mystery. Her loud laugh that put a smile on my face. She wasn't afraid to be herself which was one of her qualities I loved. I was really tired and ended falling asleep as I thought of fun in the past two weeks.

~

I woke up to something pulling me off the bed. I opened my eyes and saw John. "What the hell are you doing here?! Who said you could sleep with my daughter?!" He said and I fell off the bed.

"What?" I heard Bandit. "Oh my god! Stop! Leave him alone!"

"No Bandit! I won't you know how I feel about boys in this house," he growled at her. "You will get out and never touch my daughter again!" He looked at me.

"I'm not your daughter you asshole!" She said to him. John looked at her then grabbed her arm and slammed her back against the wall.

"What'd you say you little whore?" He said and smacked her mouth.

"Bandit!" I said and went to comfort her but John stopped me. I instinctively punched him in the face and knelt down in front of Bandit.

"Billie run! Get out! Hurry!" She told me and pushed me. I looked at the door then at the window. I opened the screen and jumped down. Lands in trash bin, great job now you smell like shit!

I heard Bandit and John yelling. I didn't know what to do. I stood outside and put my hands on my head and paced. I just listened and witnessed Bandit being screamed at and hit by her stepfather, because of me.