That Thing You Do! (Multiband Fan Fic)

Chapter 12 - Pennsylvania

Dylan's P.O.V

I saw that Monroe had zoned out, seeming to be in deep thought... Going even deeper as Stevie put a Sweet cassette into the stereo. I climbed into the passenger seat and looked out the window. A group of bikers went by us, all riding Harley's.

"I wish I had a Harley..." Stevie spoke up.
"You like bikes?" I turned to him, not believing we actually had something in common.
"Yeah! My dad used t' ride a Harley, and sometimes he'd take me t' school on it, buh he had t' sell it when he broke a disk, or sumthin', in 'is back, four years ago. He's fine now... a'l good, buh he wasn' goin' to ride again." Stevie told me.
"I fucking love Harley's! I really want one, but never have the money! I have this idea in mind, what she'd look like..." I did the dream hands, with my right hand, as I spoke. "Yellow... A touch of black and a hint of some red... 'Hollywood Taxi'."
"Yeeeeaaah, I like the rush of ridin' one. I'm noh stupid! I'm not-a 'drenaline junkie or anythin'. I just like the freedom..." Stevie replied, stopping me from any worries or concerns.
I nodded. "We actually have something in common..." I was amazed.

"So, you were a geek in school?" I asked him, as the bikers were way ahead of us now.
"Well... I guess." He shrugged, grabbing his water bottle. He took a sip, placed it back in the drinks holder and continued. "I like learning... and readin'... I got straight A's and A+'s... The other kids didn't like that. Thought I was weird, ya-know... I don' 'ave any friends. Hearing from Katie was the best thing to 'appen to me... Ever..." He thought about it. "No one likes me..."
I looked at Stevie as he spoke. He was sad... Upset.
I felt bad for him. He damaged his mental state to fit in, but they still wouldn't take him.
"So, are you like super smart, then?" I asked him.
"I guess..." He glanced at me, with a shrug. "Are ya gon'a test me, or sumt'in'?" He asked.
"Nah, I was just asking." I smiled at him. "You know... If we don't make it, as a band I mean... I'd still like to be your friend, Stevie." I looked at him, speaking honestly.
He took a look at me, before going back to the road. He nodded. "Me too... You're a bi' of a dickhead at times, buh I like ya! You're funny and wise..." He smiled.
"I like you too." I pet his shoulder, as we came off the motorway.

Monroe came back round, without us noticing. Her cheeks seemed a bit red and puffy, but I felt I shouldn't ask. It seemed... Personal. Like she was thinking back to something she forgotten and wished she hadn't.

Stevie drove through the town and then through some streets, seeming to take a couple of short cuts. This was his home, so why was I surprised?
He pulled onto a street and drove up onto a drive.
"Welcome to my house!" He grinned at me. One of his big cheesy grins.
I nodded, chuckling lightly, following him out the bus. I opened the door for Monroe, who flashed a smile, before climbing out.

"Are you alright? Need to talk about anything?" I offered.
"Nah, I just remembered something... I'm good." She wiped her eyes on her hoodie sleeves. Her black Skid Row hoodie seemed too big for her. I was guessing it belonged to someone else, but not Stevie. Stevie doesn't wear hoodies - He feels like he's choking in them.
"I'm here if you want to talk. I don't mind." I promised, grabbing my guitar.
Monroe nodded and grabbed her bag, following after Stevie, who just walked into the house.
I grabbed my bag and locked the van up, following behind the cousins.

It had been a long, long time, since I had been in someone's family home. I was a little overwhelmed.
"Mum and dad are at work, make yourselves at home!" Stevie called out, stood in the kitchen doorway, holding a note.
"Great..." I nodded, looking into the living room, where Monroe disappeared to.
"You can go in..." Stevie smiled at me.
I nodded. "You mind if I get my own room?" I asked him, turning to face him.
"Uh, sure! The room opposite mine is the spare. You can go on up! You'll know mah room when ya see it." Stevie pointed up the stairs, as he walked passed me into the living room.

I thanked him, as I heard the TV switch on, going to Now 80's... Had to be Monroe's choice.

I headed up the stairs and saw a shit ton of Queen, T. Rex and ELO posters on the first door to my right. The room above the garage.
I smiled and looked inside of it, seeing a mattress on the floor and posters covering the light blue walls. All the same bands I knew and loved.
There was a record player sat on a stool, opposite the bed. Stevie really didn't have much, but seeing his room, I could tell he was very happy with who he was.

I smiled and looked back into the hall. The room opposite Stevie's.
I closed Stevie's bedroom door and walked over, opening the plain white door.
It was a fair sized room, white walls, blue carpet, with a double bed under the window, accompanied by a black and grey striped duvet set, a couple of black side tables and a closet full of boxes. One labelled 'The Monroe Family'.
"This will do." I dropped my bag on the floor, placed my guitar against the wall, and went to lie on the bed.
I was happy with this!

. . .

It was late at night. I couldn't sleep. I lay in bed, giving out a huff.
"Guess I could smoke..." I sat up, reaching for my pack of red Marlboro.
A gentle knock on the door stopped me.
"Damn it, Leighton." I growled, before remembering where I was.
"Hello?" I looked to the door.

Stevie peeked into the room, looking knackered. His hair was a messy and his eyes were squinted, as my lamp light hit him.
"Hey... I can't sleep... I was gonna go f'r a smoke, buh I'm out. Can I borrow one?" He asked.
"Sure, man!" I chucked him my pack.
He missed the catch, having them drop by the closet.

He came in a picked them up, spying one of the boxes.
"I can get rid of these, if yah wan'?" He stood up, turning to me, talking about the boxes.
"Nah, it's fine. What are they?" I asked him, shuffling my way to the foot of the bed.
"Just old stuff mah mum keeps." He frowned.
"What's 'The Monroe Family' one?" I pointed it out.
Stevie pulled it out, placing it on my bed, next to me.
"Katie's family." Stevie whispered, as I saw old books, photos, letters, and a certificate.