Tragedy(Billie Joe Armstrong) (#Wattys2018)

Chapter 51: Back to California

Billie's POV

"First gig in three months," Tré jumped.

"I missed Gilman," I sighed.

"It missed you," Mike added.

"So does Bandit know to come to Gilman when she lands?" I asked.

"I taped a note to her window, she'll figure it out," Mike nodded.

"And I think she'll notice Blue missing," Tré added.

"True," I nodded. "Ready?"

"My car let's go!" Mike held up his keys. He visited his dad who lives a few towns over a few days ago. His dad just gave him his old truck so Mike has been driving us everywhere in the thing he loves it so much.

I can't wait until my mom lets me use the car again. I miss the freedom. I'm just happy I'm allowed to go out during the day. But tonight since I'm spending the night at Tré's they don't know if I'll be out until seven or midnight.

The three of us got in the truck and Mike drove down the freeway to Gilman. Home sweet home. I hopped out of the truck and grabbed my guitar case. We went in and Mike and I leaned our cases against the wall. We don't play for another few hours so we joined the crowd for the next few bands.

Bandit's POV

I got out of the car and stormed up to my room. I kicked the suitcase on the floor and fell onto my bed. I shut my eyes and breathed in my cozy room. I yawned and sat up, time to see what Tré is doing. I went to my window and saw notebook paper taped to it.

"Bandit,
We're playing at Gilman tonight. Hopefully you're back in time. BJ got some leeway from his parents but we can explain later. We play at nine!
From,
Mike"

I looked at my clock, seven-thirty on the dot. Nap time or show up early? Nap. I set the clock for eight-ten and crawled into bed. Those plane rides really fuck me up.

~

I heard the alarm and lifted my head. I turned off the clock and took my sweet time getting up. Boy am I going to sleep well tonight.

I got up and picked out a presentable outfit. I changed out of my leggings and hoodie into a long sleeve Ramones shirt with their classic logo on the front and denim shorts. I went from sixty degree Jersey weather to eighty(humid) California weather.

I went into the bathroom and nearly screamed at my appearance. I'm a zombie! "Oh makeup don't fail me now," I thought out loud. I put on my usual mask of makeup and brushed my bedhead out. I brushed my teeth and looked back in the mirror. That's better, way better.

I slipped on my Chuck Taylors and went downstairs. "Oh I thought you were sleeping," my mom laughed.

"I was, I'm going to see the boys at Gilman street, that okay?" I asked.

"Sure are you spending the night or coming home?" She asked.

"Probably coming home after, I'm pretty tired but I wanna see 'em," I said already feeling a yawn coming on.

"Okay," she nodded and kissed my cheek. "See you in bit."

"Yep," I smiled and grabbed the keys to the car. I wonder where John is? He's not bugging me so that's good.

I drove to Gilman with the radio blasting Led Zeppelin. I rarely drive and I'm the one with the license. I parked the car on the street and put my camera around my neck. I walked into Gilman to the sound of a loud crowd. I looked up at the stage and saw Billie, Mike, and Tré. Shit I'm late.