That Thing You Do! (Multiband Fan Fic)

Chapter 15 - Riot

Eddie's P.O.V

I woke up finding myself in Maria's bed. I smiled, hearing her music playing, and her softly singing along.
"Baby?" I grumbled, closing my eyes, lying back.
"Good morning, Hun!" My girlfriend replied, climbing onto her bed.

It was a double, with a purple and blue duvet, that had butterflies on it. We don't live together, but I swear, when we get a place of our own, the butterflies are gone.
I placed my right arm to the back of my head and opened my eyes, seeing Maria smiling at me.
This woman was my queen. She got me like no one else did.
We've been together since we were thirteen.

"Have you thought anymore of those bands? You can't be in a Skid Row cover band forever..." She asked me, her hair wet from her shower, strands in her face.
I smiled, brushing some of her hair from her eyes. "I don't know... It was kinda funny how both bands were looking for a bassist and a singer..."
"They're hard to come by. Everyone wants to either play drums or guitar." Maria sat up, grabbing her hairbrush, from her side table.

I nodded, looking to her window, on my right. Her purple curtains were open a peek, letting the light come in, as the wind blew, making her curtains wave.
She had an America flag on the wall, above her bed, with loads of pictures of her and I tacked up around it.

"One band is based in Boston... I'd have to go there. I don't know how long for..." I looked at my best friend.
"It's OK. I'll come see you, once you're all in and settled. Give it a month or so... You can call me, whenever you like!" Maria smiled, brushing her golden brown hair. It was dyed, her natural being dark brown, but I loved it.
"I know how badly you want this, and I know that you can get this. You just have to pick a band, and the rest will all fall into place. I know you, like no one else does... Live up to your name, and start a riot." Maria smiled.
"I love you." I smiled, looking up at her.
"I love you." She paused on her hair and leaned down, kissing me.

"Maria and Eddie! Are you two up yet?!"
"Coming, mom!" Maria and I called back, laughing at ourselves.
Maria's family have known me for years. I'm apart of the family here, so it's no surprise for me to just walk in and make myself at home.
"Also, in Boston... Your stepdad can't get to you." Maria added, before finishing off her hair.
I nodded and got up, changing into my jeans and tee, from last night.

. . .

"And where were you?" My stepdad, Philip, asked, sat in his armchair, facing away from the living room door.
I had just got home, trying to sneak on past. "Morning, Phil. I was at a gig, last night. I told mom, and even left a note on the fridge." I smiled, rolling my eyes at him.
I saw my younger sister stood in the kitchen doorway, snickering.
I glared at her, playfully, getting ignore by Phil. "Well, see ya!" I waved, before heading into the kitchen.

"I need to talk to you, Miracle! I got two band offers, both serious, wanting to make it!" I whispered to Heather, so Phil couldn't hear.
"Upstairs. Ten minutes." Heather nodded, before heading upstairs.
I smiled. I gave Heather the nickname 'Miracle'. I'm adopted, you see. My parents, Paul and Monica, couldn't have kids, so they adopted me. Then, four years later, mom got pregnant with Heather. We were told mom, or Heather, wouldn't make it through the birth, but they both did.
Even though our parents got divorced, and we don't see dad as often as we'd like, we've always been a strong family. Mom, Heather and I supporting each other through everything.
They knew about my dream of being a rock star, and came to as many gigs as they could, but Phil wasn't so supportive.
Constantly telling me to 'grow up' and 'get a real job', oh and not to forget 'Stop hanging around with that little girl. She's no good'. 'Little girl' being my Maria.
We don't get along, but he likes Heather?!

I met Heather in her room, after ten minutes.
She was sat by her desk, with her laptop open, and a coffee besides her.
"Knock knock." I stood in her doorway.
"In! IN!" She shut her laptop, smiling at me.
I smiled and sat on her bed. "So, I met two bands, last night! As I said, both want to make it, and they both really like my playing. It's all the good shit! Everything all fair and equal. Thing is! One is based in Boston, then second I'm not sure... Now, I think about it. They were both British... Anyway, they both asked me to consider joining their bands. I have numbers for them, but for the Boston one, I have a hotel and room number." I gave Heather the napkin.
She looked it over. "Hey, this isn't that far from here..."
"I know, but there's one more thing!" I looked at her, hoping she'd hear me out.
"Go on..." She nodded.

"I'm going to have to go away and I don't know how long for..." I frowned.
"Eddie, it's OK... This is your dream. You know mom and I will back it." Heather came and sat on her bed with me.
It wasn't a big room, and only a single bed, but Heather was happy.
"I know, it's just... You and mom... You need me here." I hugged my sister.
"Hey, look... When you make it, you can always send us money. You said that yourself. Also, it's not like you're going to the other side of the world. We'll always be able to call each other and we'll see each other as often as we can..." Heather smiled softly.
I smiled at her, brushing her hair out of her face. "You look so much like mom, you know that?"
"Yeah, I know." She smiled at me, nodding.
"You take after her too... I'll give Monroe a call... Find out more about her band..." I pulled my phone out of my jacket pocket.