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Beneath the Surface Chapter 14 Part 1

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*Adrien*

A few weeks went by and Jamie’s pretty much healed. His dad hasn’t attacked him since that night. I haven’t cut in a while and, as far as I know, neither has he.  

Mason has a girlfriend now.

“Hey guys, guess what?” He says, swaying a little.

We’re all at Richie’s. Mason and Jamie are working today and we decided that we might as well have our jam session here for once.

“You learned how to play the tuba?” Jaydon asks sarcastically.

“Seriously?” Mason rolls his eyes. “I’ve been playing tuba since I was like 8.”

Jamie laughs.

“Anyway, I met this girl, Emily, at FYE last week. I turned on the charm,” he winks at me, “and landed a date with her a few days ago. So, we started talking and… Guess what?”

“Dude, we all suck at guessing. You might as well get on with it.” I say, rolling my eyes.

“Psh. Emily is also known as… brace yourselves…” he continues to pause dramatically. “Emma Rosco.”

“Emma Rosco? As in, THE Emma Rosco!?” I ask in amazement.

“Yup!” He says, grinning.

“Holy shit! You’re dating Emma Rosco, the Emma Rosco who’s the daughter of Jeffrey Rosco from Translucia Records!? You’ve gotta be kidding!” Jamie says, his eyes wide.

“Nope! Best part is…” Mason pauses again.

“DUDE, WHAT!? SPIT IT OUT!” Jaydon grabs him by the shoulders and shakes him.

“OKAY! Okay! Emily says that she’s seen our stuff on Tumblr, and loved it so much that she’s going to show her dad!”

“Oh my god, that’s HUGE!” I yell, slapping Mason’s outstretched hand.

Jamie runs up and hugs me. I hug him back tighter. I hear a beep behind him.

“HOLY SHIT!” Mason yells.

“What?” Derrick asks.

“Dude! Emily just texted. She said that she just finished showing Jeffrey Letting Go.”

We’re all silent.

“He loved it.”

The biggest smile spreads across Jamie’s face as the rest of the guys scream

“YES!” and “Oh my god!” and shit like that.

“He says he wants to meet with us on Saturday to see us play live and, maybe, discuss ‘our future’.” Mason finishes.

While the rest of the guys celebrate, Jamie looks at me terrified.

“Play… live?” he whispers.

Goddammit.

*Jamie*
(Saturday; two days later)

Shit. It’s today. Our show for Jeffrey Rosco is today. If he likes us, this could change everything. We could be on our way to fame. We could be better than any of those bastards who ever doubted us, made fun of us, beat us up, or pushed us around. This could change everything, for the better. Jesus, I could finally be rid of my dad…

A red convertible pulls up in the driveway.

Richie, Sandra, Nina, and Penny are there. Richie, as you know, is Mason's Uncle. Sandra is  Mason's aunt and Nina and Penny are his sisters. Richie and Sandra adopted Nina and Mason when their parents died in a plane crash. Richie and Sandra had Penny when Mason was 6, a few years after his parents died.

Derrick’s sister, Jill, is here and so is Jaydon’s mom, Henrietta. Me and Adrien are here for each other.

Ding dong.

They’re here.

Mason goes to open the door and greets Emily with a kiss. She takes his hand and walks in. Her dad stands in the doorway, his shoulders touching both sides of the frame.

He’s 38 but looks about 29. He wears loose jeans and a big t-shirt. He has on some bronze aviators and tattoos cover his arms. He kinda reminds me of Billy Armstrong from Green Day but that just scares me even more. I grab Adrien’s arm as Emma introduces Mason and Mason introduces his family.

“Oh god… I don’t think I can do it, Adrien.” I whisper, once we’re alone in the kitchen.

“What do you mean? Jamie, we’ve played this song a million times. It’s nothing new.”

“What if I screw up? What if I cost us the entire thing? What if he likes everything but me? Then you guys all leave and I’m left here in the dust.” My voice cracks. “Again…”

“Jamie, come on. You won’t screw up. You’re too good to leave behind… he’ll be able to see that, I mean, anyone can. You’re the front man. We wouldn’t be anything without you. Plus, I would never, ever leave you.” He pulls me into a big hug and kisses my forehead.

“What if he’s homophobic? What if we lose this chance because of you and me?”

“That won’t happen, okay? Mason already asked Emily about that. He’s fine with it. God, I can feel your heart racing. You must be terrified…” he whispers.

I nod, silently.

“Come on. It’ll be okay. I’m here.”

He drags me out into the living room.

“This is Jaydon and his family.” Mason motions for Jaydon to come up.

Jaydon takes Jeffrey’s outstretched hand and shakes it.

“Hi.” Jaydon says.

“You’re the drummer, right?” Jeffrey asks in a deep voice.

“Yup.” Jaydon grins at being recognized.

“I love your intro on that cover you guys did of Cemetery Drive.” He smiles. “You guys are really good. I’m really exited to hear you play.”

“Gosh, thanks.” Jaydon says, eyes wide.

“This is Drake and Adrien, our two guitarists.” Mason points at Derrick and Adrien.

“I heard that you can play a twelve string. Is that true?” he asks Derrick.

“Yes, sir.” Drake grins.

“Hey, I’m Adrien. Nice to meet you.” Adrien shakes his hand, politely.

“You were the original singer, am I correct?” Jeffrey says.

“Yeah, but, I was replaced by this talented son of a bitch.” Adrien laughs and places his hands on my shoulders, pushing me toward Jeffrey Rosco.

Jeffrey laughs.

“You’re Jameson, right?” He asks, shaking my hand.

“It’s… just… Jamie…” I try to smile, but god, I’m so terrified.

“Boy, do I wish I could’ve sung like you at your age.” He says. “Adrien’s right, you know? You’re extraordinarily talented.”

“Thanks.” I say blushing.

He winks and turns to Mason.

“So where exactly are you guys set up?”

“Right now, Adrien’s garage.” Mason replies.

“Let’s go.”

We all file into the garage, Jeffrey and his daughter first, then the band, then the family. We set up a bunch of chairs and stools for everyone watching us, earlier. The adults sit in the back, the kids in the middle, and Jeffrey and Emma up front.

“Go ahead, whenever you’re ready. Just pretend we’re not here.” Jeffrey smiles at us, warmly.

We honestly had no idea what to do. We should’ve planned it out more. We automatically just did what we do during every band ‘get together’.

Adrien goes back to his drum set and grins at me. He starts tapping a beat and Jaydon matches him. They start a sort of drummers-battle, each of them trying to out do the other. Derrick pulls on his guitar and starts strumming an intricate storm of chords over the beat.

“Adrien!” Mason calls out over the noise. Pointing to Adrien’s guitar he calls, “Can I borrow this?”

Adrien nods, smiling.

Mason takes the tuned guitar and starts dueling with Drake. They play the difficult chords with ease, putting all other guitarists to shame. Even Jeffrey seems surprised at how well the guys play. I stand to the side, not sure what to do. Adrien sees my confusion and points at the keyboard in the corner. Mason had set up a microphone in front of it.

I sit at the piano and start tapping keys. A flurry of notes comes from beneath my fingers and I have no idea what I’m playing, but Hell, I do play it well. My eyes flicker over to Jeffrey and he looks utterly impressed. Adrien and Jaydon slow and transition into a familiar beat. Adrien gets up and takes his guitar from Mason, Mason picking up his bass. Derrick slows and stops. Jaydon does the same and I’m the last one playing. I blush and start playing Fake Your Death by My Chem.

“Some people watch
Some people pray
But even lights can fade away.
Some people hope
Some people pay
But why'd we have to stay?”

The guys start playing.

“'Cause even heroes
Get the blues
Or any misery you choose
You like to watch
We like to use
And we were born to lose”

Adrien harmonizes with me.

“I choose defeat
I walk away
And leave this place
The same today
Some like to sleep
We like to play”

“Just look at all that pain”

“You want the heart
Or to be saved
But even good guys still get paid
So watch my back
And keep the blade
I think it got you laid
So fake your death
Or it’s your blame
And leave the lights on when you stay
Take off your clothes
And dream that fame
Come on and feel that shame”
Jeffrey taps his feet and starts clapping to the beat. Everyone joins in.

“I choose defeat
I walk away
And leave this place
The same today
Some like to sleep
We like to play
Just look at all that pain”

“Just look at all that pain
Just look at all that pain
Just look at all that pain
Just give me all that pain
Just give me all that pain
Just give me all that pain “

“I choose defeat
I walk away
And leave this place
The same today
Some like to sleep
We like to play”

I sing alone.

“Just look at all that pain”

The guys switch the beat and melody into our new song and I begin to sing Adrien’s beautiful lyrics.

I end the song on the piano.

After hitting the last note, silence stretches out through the garage.

Applause breaks the silence.

Families call out their kid’s name and we all just bask in our glory.

Jeffrey stands up, clapping. Holy shit, HE’S clapping for US!!!

“Guys, that was incredible! The way you started off going crazy on the drums, then you two,” he looks at Mason and Derrick, beaming, “on the guitars… and then you.” He points at me. “You are the most phenomenal pianist I’ve ever laid eyes on. AND you can sing like nobody’s business!”

Adrien wraps his arms around me and whispers sarcastically,

“Yeah, he definitely hates your guts, Jamie,” he snorts.

“Alright. Down to business. I love this,” he gestures to us and everyone shouts ‘Yes!’ “I know it’s not very traditional, but I’m not very traditional, either. And it’s obvious that you guys aren’t, so… Fuck it, I want to make a record with you guys.”

“Holy shit!” Mason yells.

Derrick high fives Jaydon, pulling him into a hug. Adrien picks me up and hugs me, laughing and swinging me around. After a few seconds of celebrating, we’re pulled back down to earth.

“Of course, Jaydon and Jamie are under 18 so, I’m gonna need some parent signatures from you guys. That won’t be a problem, will it?”

I feel the blood drain from my face.

“Actually,” Adrien starts but is cut off by Richie.

“Jeffrey?” Richie shakes his hand. “I’m Richard. I’m Jamie’s uncle. I’ll be signing for him.”

“What about his parents?”

“Gwendalyn, my sister, passed several years ago.”

“I'm so sorry... And his father?”

“Jim is an alcoholic. I seriously doubt you’ll get him to do anything.”

“I’m sorry but I need some sort of parental agreement, be it written or otherwise.” Jeffrey says sadly.

“I’ll call him over here.” Richie says, taking out his phone.

Oh god. I haven’t spoken to my dad since… well… you know.

Jeffrey turns to Jaydon. Henrietta takes out a pen and signs some paperwork Jeffrey brought.

“Hey, Jim?” Richie says into the phone. “It’s Richard. I need you to come down to 1549 Ocean Park, just for a few minutes.”

I tune out the rest of the conversation and walk back to the kitchen, grabbing a can of Coke from Adrien’s fridge.
Two long arms wrap around my waist.

“God, I’m freaking out, Adrien. He’ll be here any second. I’m more terrified than I was this morning.” I whisper.

“Yeah,” he whispers back, “you’re shaking like crazy… I’m really sorry, Jamie.”

I turn around and kiss Adrien. He kisses me back and hugs me, tightly.

Someone knocks on the door.

“Oh, fuck no!” I yell, running into Adrien’s bedroom. I lock the door behind me.

I climb in his bed and pull the cover over my head as someone knocks on the door.

“Jamie, it’s just me…” Adrien calls. “Let me in.”

I crawl out of the bed, the blanket wrapped around my shoulders. I unlock the door and jump back in the bed before Adrien walks in. I turn to face the opposite wall. The door clunks shut.

“I’m such a coward.” I whisper.

“No,” he sits on the bed and pulls me into his lap, stroking my fucked up hair.  “You’re the bravest kid in the world.”

“Really? Then why the hell am I scared of my own father!?”

“Because he’s hurt you. He’s beaten you, physically and emotionally. Don’t blame yourself for what HE did.”

“You know, he did stop.” I whisper.

“What?”

“He stopped drinking. He got better… He was fine for several years. A good, happy man. Then he saw you… saw the way I looked at you… he hated it. He hated me for it. Still does…”

“What’re you saying…?”

“He beats me because I’m gay. You must’ve heard him screaming ‘Fag’ at me the other night…”

I sigh.

“It is my fault…”

Everything’s quiet.

“Why do you stay with me?” he whispers.

“Huh?”

“Why do you stay if you know that I’m the reason you’re getting beat up constantly?”

I turn and face him.

“Even if I wasn’t with you, I’d still be gay, Adrien. You’re just the one who showed me what I really wanted.”

He’s quiet.

“I stay because I love you, and I rather die than lose you.”

He looks down at me and turns my body around, hooking my legs around his waist. He pulls me in close and kisses me, deeply.

“Don’t ever leave me…” I whisper as we part.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

And he pulls me back in to his lulling lips and rolling tongue. His right hand grips my waist tight while his left hand holds my head to his. My hands stay around his neck, five fingers in his hair, and five trailing the skin between his shoulder blades. His thick lips put me in a trance and his tongue runs over mine, telling me that everything will be okay.

For a minute, it was.

And then…

It wasn’t.
I'm having so much fun writing this xD I really am falling in love with these characters... hopefully, I'm not the only one :P
© 2015 - 2024 mooooosaysmrcow
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