Life Is Challenging (RE-MASTERED)

Chapter 15: Chloe Price: Mood Booster

   After the funeral, I walk into Chloes room and take my vest and tie off.  I stay silent the entire time as Chloe goes to the bathroom to change.  My phone is blowing up with texts but I inevitably shut it off.  I change back into my normal clothes as Chloe walks out of the bathroom and hugs me.  "You ready for our little trip?"  Max looks at her confused and then to me. 

     "What trip?" Max asks. 

     "Chloe and I are taking a trip to Portland.... personal time for us.  If you really want, you can come too." I offer.

     "No, that's okay.  I have some work I need to catch up on.  Gotta put some of your jam session photos to use."  Max smiles at me but I can't even smile back. 

    "Well, we can take you back to school Max, we will be back before sundown."  Chloe says as she grabs Max's shoulder. 

    "Let's go, Chloe.  I just want to be on the road."  They both follow me downstairs and to the truck.  Chloe gets in and drives towards Blackwell, Max gets out and then I do.  "I'll be right back babe."  I dash to my dorm, fill an empty gatorade bottle with Whiskey and headed back to Chloes truck.  I tuck the bottle into my pocket and under my shirt so she doesn't see it. 

      "Babe, are you sure you want this road trip?  I mean we can save it for another day.  I know you are still ups-"  I interrupt her abruptly by kissing her hard.

     "Babe, I want this more than anything.  I just want my Chloe.  We are gonna have a great rest of thr day.  It's only 1, we have the entire day plus the weekend to spend together.  I love you Price, you are my best friend and the best girlfriend."

    "Damn right I am, now let's go!"  She floors her truck down the highway as we make our way to Portland.  I look out the window and pull out a can of Copenhagen.  "Babe, I hate that you do that stuff.  But it's gonna be a long trip so I don't mind this time." I look at her with solemn eyes and pack my can.  I put a dip in and look out the window.  I have a flash back to when Dad and I took our road trip.

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    "Jimmy, hand me a coke, would you?"  I smile as 13 year old me hand my dad a coke from the back cooler.  He's driving down the interstate as I look out the window.  Static-X poured from the radio, Wayne Statics voice pouring into my soul. 

     "So dad where are we going?"  I ask as I don't recognize any of the surroundings.

      "Well son, that would ruin the mystery! That's what adventure is all about right?"  He just has his smile as he drives along.  He was a trucker for a long time and I would steal pinches of tobacco from him.  He bought me a can for this road trip.  He tosses it to me as we hit the Indiana border heading towards Michigan.

    "Dad, I'm 13 I can't have this." I look at the can of dip and look back at him.  He winks as he cracks his can and packs a lip. 

     "I won't tell your mother, I know you take pinches from my cans so I got you your own, this is gonna be a long trip so I thought you'd want some to help pass the time."  He still smiles, that's one thing about my dad.  He's always smiling. 

    "Thanks dad.... I uh, appreciate it." I put one in and switch CDs in the radio.  I take out Static-X and switch it with some Motley Crue.  Dad's smile widens as I start rocking out on air guitar. 

     "I think you are gonna like what I got for you."  We travel halfway through Michigan before I see a fair ground like place. 

     "DAD NO WAY!"  I hug him tighter than I ever have before.  We are at Mayhem Fest, one of the largest heavy metal shows in the world.  "Dad this is so sick!"  I look around at all the people and smile.  My anxiety is trying to set in, but when it comes to music I shove it back.  Amon Amarth comes out and starts playing-