Scattered [A Mallory Winston Spin-Off]

[Chapter 1]

I pick up my acoustic guitar, lightly strumming the strings as I sit down on my bed, singing in a quiet voice.

If heaven and hell decide,

That they both are satisfied;

Illuminate the "no's" on their vacancy signs.

If there's no one beside you,

When your soul embarks;

Then I'll follow you into the dark...

I continue to sing softly, putting off my homework, for the time being, taking time to just think and relax.

I really miss Beej...

He had originally planned on taking me to Green Day practice with him tomorrow, but something came up with Tré and it got canceled, which really sucked.

Maybe I could call him...

The idea sparks some happiness inside me, and I pick up my phone, dialing his number.

It rings once, then twice, then three times...still nothing.

Just like yesterday.

And the day before...

It continues to ring until I hear Billie's voice telling me to leave a message or fuck off. I wait for the beep.

"Hey Beej, just me. I just wanted to talk for a bit, so if you're super-duper bored or something could you maybe call me back? Alright, well, see ya soon hopefully...bye..." I trail off, then end the call, disappointed.

That sucks...

I decide to play a bit more on my acoustic guitar, then end up just turning in for the night, falling asleep to the soft sound of Brutal Love playing through my earbuds.

TIME SKIP TO THE NEXT DAY

As soon as I wake up, I check my phone, hopeful, but am met with a wave of disappointment.

Still nothing from Billie...

I shrug it off; he's probably just writing. He's done this before; disappearing for a few days, only to resurface having written basically another album.

Dumbass should still talk to people though...

I get dressed quickly and head downstairs, sitting down to eat my breakfast. I inhale a piece of strawberry toast, then bolt out the door, saying brief goodbyes to my parents before getting on the bus.

The school day flies by in a blur, and before I know it I'm at rehearsal, waiting for James to start practice. I spot Joey sitting all alone, and decide to head over and talk to him. Even though we broke up, things are still pretty chill between us as long as I don't make about Billie and I still meet up regularly for bass guitar lessons.

"Hey, Joey, what's up?" I ask, sitting down next to him.

"Not much, just hella tired..." He says, but it's not like he has to; he looks absolutely beat.

"Yeah, no offense Joey, but you look like you haven't slept in...ever."

He laughs quietly. "None taken; I look like the Grim Reaper's knocking on my door." I laugh at that.

"You could say that. What, is your dad keeping you up with his songwriting?"

Joey blinks, then nods, muttering an agreement.

"That would suck. I mean, it's awesome he can write and all, but not in the middle of the night."

He stares off for a moment, then blinks back to reality. "Um, yeah, I guess..." He trails off, closing his eyes.