Cigarettes and Alcohol

Ginger

The two of us spent the next few days together watching MTV, old movies and reading. We didn't talk much, simply enjoying the peace and quiet of the house. We went on a few walks with Frances, and chipped into my huge bag of weed. He took the piss out of me for my English slang, and I took the piss out of him for doing weird American things. Kurt had taken to calling me ginger instead of Effy. (Oh my God Kurt Cobain gave me a nickname!!). 

The divorce papers came through the mail on our fourth day of relaxing. Kurt took them into his room and filled them in and talking to his lawyer on the phone while I spent some time with Frances. He didn't talk about it so I didn't bring it up.
Other than that, these days were pleasant and relaxing, both of us being somewhat introverted meant spending silent time together was completely fine. It was surreal, spending normal, domestic time with this legendary rockstar. Me and Kurt. Effy Waits and Kurt Cobain hanging out.

I was looking forward to the gig (we went round to some dealer I couldn't remember the name of's place to get me a passport and ID earlier in the week.) I'm sure Kurt will love this concert. Cool Britannia will be in full swing soon enough and hopefully he will be alive to see it.

On the last day before the concert were sat on the sofa in the living room with our mugs of tea (Kurt got me an ugly Seattle tourist souvenir mug. I'm very happy) when there was a knock at the door. I looked at him and he seemed just as surprised as I was, neither of us expecting any visitors. We got up together and walked to the front door where he looked through the peep hole.

"It's the band." He said succinctly. My eyes widened. I wasn't expecting to meet them any time soon. Kurt opened the door while I leant against the wall facing the door.

Holy shit. I'm about to meet Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear. What is my life now.

I quickly looked down at my outfit. First impressions are important. I was wearing a 'Welcome to Seattle' shirt, some denim shorts, stripy socks and my ever present army jacket. My curly red hair was loose down my shoulders. Christ, does this have to be the outfit I'm introduced to Nirvana in?

Yes it does, says the God of fate as the men stepped through the door.

They all gave Kurt hugs and then looked at me.

"Hiya." I said, somewhat nervously.

They looked at Kurt somewhat suspiciously then back at me.

"This is my new, uh, live-in nanny for Frances. She went on a three day bender, starting in England and ending in my house with no recollection of how she got here, so I offered her my spare room."

"why didn't you get her a flight back?" Dave asked.

"Trouble with drug dealers and she doesn't have a home to go back to."

"oh."

I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly and smiled. I decided it best to be polite so I stuck out my hand.

"I'm Effy, it's an honour to meet you all."

"I'm Dave." He shook my hand with a strong grip.

"Krist. It's an honour to meet you too." He said, shaking my hand somewhat more gently and with a smile.

"And I'm Pat. Nice to meet you as well." He shook my hand and nodded.

"I know my being here is probably suspicious, but I swear I haven't a nefarious bone in my body." They all chuckled politely but Dave seemed still a bit off with me. I can understand that, but the lead singer of the Foo Fighters is not someone I'd want to upset.

Kurt led them into the kitchen and I followed behind. 

"Do you guys want some tea?" Kurt asked.

"Man, you seem awfully calm for someone who just broke up with the mother of his child." Pat said, concern evident in his voice.

"How do you know about that?" Kurt questioned.

"Dude, it's been in all the magazines and papers for the last few days. Where have you been?" Krist chuckled.

"I've been at home. I guess I haven't seen any papers recently." Kurt responded quietly.

Krist paused for a moment.

"Kurt, we're worried about you. We all agreed that we think you should go to rehab." He stated.

Kurt stared at him. The room became tense for a moment.

"Well, I can't right now. Me and Ginger are going to England tomorrow."

"What?" They asked simultaneously.

"she wants to show me this band she thinks I'll like." He looked back at me and I nodded.

"Consider this a kind of rehab. Trying new things and getting out for a bit in a different country." I added.

"Are you sleeping with him?" Dave asked coldly. I choked on my tea. I nearly said "I wish", but decided against it. Now was not the time to state my attraction to Kurt. Instead I said,

"Excuse me? I'm not a whore, I'm here to look after Frances and Kurt was kind enough to offer me a place to stay. Why would I take advantage of that?"

He decided to simply frown at me.

"Besides, why would that be an issue? It's not like I'm with Courtney anymore." I choked on my tea for the second time this conversation.

"You're still her husband 'till the divorce goes through. She'll use you supposedly cheating to get as much out of you as she possibly can Kurt." Dave said, his distain for her obvious.

"This is getting off topic. Kurt, your addiction is getting out of hand and we all think you should go to rehab as soon as possible." Pat cut in.

"I haven't shot up in three days, I'm not an addict."

It was their turn to stare now.

"Seriously?"

"yeah, and I have Ginger to vouch for me."

I wave in agreement.

"Nicknames already?" Dave commented bitterly.

"Maybe I should go upstairs and look after Frances? And leave you guys alone to talk? I'm probably intruding, sorry." I ask, a bit unsure. I feel like I should defend Kurt, but they know him better than I do. I ought to let them talk.

When I get up to go he puts his hand on my shoulder. 

"Stay, Eff." 

I stay stock still. His hands are so warm I can feel it through my jacket. Christ.

"Do you guys have anything on for the next few days?" Kurt asked the band.

Krist had to get back to his wife, but Dave and Pat didn't.

"Could you guys look after Frances for the next three days? Our flight is tonight."

"Why'd you leave taking care of your daughter to the last minute like this? Can't Courtney look after her?" Dave asked. 

"Courtney won't return any of my calls, and we had found a babysitter, but I'd rather have friends take care of her than someone I don't know. Is that okay?"

They reluctantly agreed. The thought of two rockstars taking care of a baby was quite entertaining.

"Our flight is at 11 tonight, so do you guys wanna hang out for a bit? I know this was supposed to be an intervention but you may as well. And no injectable drugs, I promise." Kurt laughed.

"Go on then." Pat said.

We spent the night drinking, smoking and playing cards before Kurt and I went to the airport.