Emotionless

[Ravynlee]

I love your flashbacks! They seem so... I dunno, poigniant! Love 'em, and again, Rob - urgh! Damn it man, I can't tell you just how many times I want to hug him one update and smack him the next! You capture it all so well, trully! Especially loved that little part about what, 6 in the bed, you, Vi, Sarah, Fox, and the mum and dad, that was a definate aww moment. Good to have glimpses of some normalcy in the chaos or you would wonder what the hell poor Mel is fighting for huh? Bless her. Poor kid. Can't say's I blame her none neither for her reaction to seeing her mum go on the GC bus (though I remember when I first read that my jaw dropped, but after some consideration, and AIM chats with you, it makes more sense now. Kudos for that move really)

Just as she's fighting not justto find herslef as a growing adult and a woman and trying to sort out her torn emotions between two men, and the tug of war with her feelings of loyalty and self-gratification, and trying to prove herself as an artist independant from her father's fame amidst her far more famous peers and its associated pressures, NOW she has to cope with her mother doing... well what Rav has always been good at in the past; basically looking for affection the wrong way (in anyone else's bed. Makes me wonder on a side note how deeply she cares for Joel or if she's using him to get under someone else's skin as she loves doing) and you know I can't help but feel it's a trait she's passed on to seemingly each one of the girls too in one way or another.

Foxxy falling for undesirables, Sarah getting pregnant at such a young age and now Mel in this tug-of-war between two men (rings bells) - just pity them is all I can say. And what about poor Vi in all this? The forgotten male heir in almost every respect. Goes overseas to better himself and is still practically ignored upon return. Man this trully is one eternally discombobulated family - and with Sarah's twins, Alyssa, and eventually Mel's twins (as eluded to from start) it doesn't look to be improving any time soon!

Yay for Mel's uncles and friends, being the veritable calm spots in the storm huh?

Awesome as always. Eagerly await more.

Thank you!

[Pheonix791989]

CH09

I headed off the bus the next morning to help set up some of the equipment before I was acosted by my mom. She was relentless and just didn't get it.

"What do you want mom? I have work to do!"

I stated as I helped Benji push and amp slowly down a ramp. It was one of those huge amps that my mom would need a stepladder to see over. My mom voiced her dissaproval of her daughters doing what she called "Man's work" before pulling me aside. I let out a sigh before she was joined up by my father. I looked over my shoulder to see Benji and David shrug their shoulders before getting back to work.

"Look Phoenix, I understand that you want to help your friends but...."

"No you don't understand!"

"Just let me finish. You arn't going to get what you need by hanging out with pathetic bands like that!"

"You wouldn't know a pathetic band if it bit you in the ass."

Rob, i can't even call him my dad any more, ran hand over his face. He gave a sigh before running his hand through his hair in frustration.

"Look.... I'm no good at this dad thing you know that. Look dude, you gotta know that I'm just trying to watch your back. I'm gonna lay it out strait man, you gotta stop this crap unless you wanna end up like your sister!"

I shook my head at my dad's attempt at being gangster or whatever, embarressing me more then if he would have tanned my bare ass in public, and turned on my heel towards my friends before giving a frustrated yell.

"Someone shoot me now! There's a parent trying to understand me!"

I gave both of my parents one last look before running off. I hated it when my parents tried to understand me, they just didn't get it no matter how much they tried to understand. They can't understand the fact that do not understand me. I ended up bumping into Sarah.

"I take it that mom and dad found you."

"You know I hate it when they try to understand me."

Sarah gave me a pat on the back. I wondered if she knew about mom and Joel, if she did why didn't she tell me.

"Ever since I found out that mom was with Joel, things just seemed to be going down hill from there."

Sarah said with disdain dripping from her voice.

"When did you find out?"

"About a week ago. Did mom tell you? She said she was going to."

"no I found out from Benji."

I said with a shake of my head. Sarah raised an eyebrow at me.

"she didn't tell you?"

"No."

I said frowning. Sarah put an arm around me and pulled me into a hug.

"Makes me wonder what else they've been hiding from us? Anyways how did you meet david?"

"I think all of us want to know that."

Sarah and I picked up our heads to see Vi standing with Justin and Preston. I jumped up and threw my arms around my brother.

"God I missed you Vi!"

I said nearly strangeling him. He chuckled before messing up my hair.

"I don't think that I'll be going back to england next semester. I'm transfering to UCLA so I can be closer to my sisters. Speaking of sisters where's Fox?"

"Probably drinking with her boyfriend Shawn."

Sarah said shrugging. I gave a laugh before preston climbed up into my lap.

"For a bennington she does more drinking and partying then her dad."

I snorted. Vi had pulled Justin up onto his shoulders as we started to watch the crowd of people going and passing. It was almost like we were back to normal as a family, well, as normaly as our family ever got.

"so how did you meet david? who is he? Spill the details already phi!"

Vi said giving me a noogie on the top of my head. I laugh as I recounted the story of meeting David in the secluded spot of the arena and of chuck breaking his shoulder. Vi just laughed at me before asking me a question that made me blush.

"So has he fucked you yet?"

"What? Viking!"

I felt my ears go pink with heat. Sarah gave her mischevious grin that made me know that she knew.

"HE DID! he did he did he did!! Aww our little phi is growing up!"

Sarah laughed as she gave me a hug.

"Yeah yeah, well it had to happen some time you know. I'm not a little kid anymore despite what dad thinks."

I shook my head as Benji came over with Alyssa. Alyssa was giggeling and playing with Benji's new pink patch that he had put in. I liked the pink patch the best out of all his hairstyles.

"Are you dating David now? come on details woman!"

Vi said poking at me in the side as Alyssa started to jabber away to benji telling him stuff.

"Not really. I mean I like him but there's someone else."

"ooh and who might it be?"

Vi said with a very girly voice. It made me laugh at how gay he sounded.

"Come on Vi, you did that entirely too well."

Sarah quipped with a laugh. I s******ed as benji came closer and Alyssa climbed down from his arms.

"Yeah seriously Vi the last time I saw, you were holding Amber's little Chihuahua driving a powder blue Pris with christmas decorations on it and it was pretty. I mean come on, you really are a queer."

I pointed out to Vi in the best gay voice I could muster up. He shook his head and chucked me the finger. Benji laughed as alyssa tugged his hand to sit over by me. I laughed at her as benji sat down on the amp with me. I smiled at him. Sarah gave me a knowing look before giving me an eye to eye twin warning that he was off limits.

"Mind if I steal this charming lady away from you?"

"Lady? Where?"

Sarah and I both looked arond and knocked head on accident. Benji laughed.

"Gotta love the twin thing."

he said with a laugh. Sarah and I both nodded. I had almost forgotten that Benji was a twin. Benji grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet as we wandered through the concert area.

"I know that what I'm going to ask you is a strange request and i know you might not want to because of Joel and your mom but I still think that its totally worth it."

Benji said in a flustered voice. I raised an eyebrow in question at him. The benji I always knew and liked was well, never nervous like this.

"I want you to be my Riot Girl."

"You want me to be yours?"

I asked incredicuously. He nodded fevourshly before rubbing the back of his neck in an unconcious manner.

"like I said I know theres an age difference and I know that, there's also the deal with my brother and your mom but even Billy says I should go for it. So that's what I'm doing."

"Alright. I think its worth a shot."

I said turning a tiny bit pink. I wondered how david was going to take it. Even I have to admit that what happened that night in the hotel room was just a passionate lust. Benji gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek. I found it hard to keep a strait face as Benji put an arm around me. Alyssa was giggeling away over as she watched me and benji talk. the devious four year old looked at me and giggled as she then ran off to find her dad. i felt a tugging on my leg to see that it was justin.

"You know where poppy is?"

he asked in his childish voice. I smiled and told him that alyssa knew where he was. Justin and Preston ran after her giggeling and laughing. Benji gently took my hand in his rough one and smiled a tender look that I had seen on my dad's face when he looked at his drumset occasionally. Never saw him look at my mom like that.

[Ravynlee]

Benji gently took my hand in his rough one and smiled a tender look that I had seen on my dad's face when he looked at his drumset occasionally. Never saw him look at my mom like that.

Now see, that hurt.

Hahaha.

It's funny, I never saw him look at me in that way either, not in any of our stories (except maybe Sarah's and even then he was playing between two women, so.. yeah) - why did that line so stick like a thorn in my side? I'd say can't be easy for anyone in this family, him included, but I get tired of defending him sometimes. The fact his daughters are growing up the way they are bypasses any sympathies I would otherwise have for him. But am happy none the less Mel's finding love with someone that seems to love her back. That would be a novel experience for the men of this mixed up family that make a habit of knocking up the women on a whim and then running off when the deed's done (okay not all their fault, but still!) As a mother I would be way less than thrilled to see you following in my footsteps with a musician of any sort after my entenglement with at least two, but as a woman would be happy you're at least in love with the hope of something better - and lets face it something I never had. Poor kids growing up in a family knowing that there's no love there, kinda makes me wonder what has been painted on the slates of who these 'kids' are as people.

We prolly screwed them up royally! haha

 

Now;

My mom voiced her dissaproval of her daughters doing what she called "Man's work" before pulling me aside.

Would never happen. Only maybe if I saw able bodied guys standing around watching you do all the work, maybe I'd react. Or to put the guilt trip on someone, that might do it. Too tough to admit to feminine vulnerabilities. Especially when have something to prove (say, around Rob perhaps, see I really CAN move on without you big boy ) haha. But you know what, not one of us are the stereotypical girly-girls, see that? That's sorta what amused me most about that comment. Can I not walk into a scene without muttering the word 'hypocrite' at the screen? Prolly not.

 

"Someone shoot me now! There's a parent trying to understand me!"

*lmao* Now THAT was funny! Must be a universal thing considering Sarah mentioned sth almost exactly the same to me last night about her family. Wow. Captured the essence of teen angst there well, so you did.

 

"Makes me wonder what else they've been hiding from us?..."

Indeed! I'd like to know myself now you mention it! I read that and for a split second had a gut-drop sensation. Was like - now what? Poor kids! Like they need more drama in their lives (they're finding enough for themselves now anyway!) haha.

 

"Yeah yeah, well it had to happen some time you know. I'm not a little kid anymore despite what dad thinks."

Well said. And that little interreaction between siblings was just a lovely (?) moment. Very heartfelt despite the humour and sexual connotations. They actually feel like the old family there. That was sweet. Nicely done.

 

And now... I eagerly await more

[woodyloveslinkin]

"Someone shoot me now! There's a parent trying to understand me!"

 

The most truthful quote of the century. Haha. That seriously cracked me up (despite the fact you told me on AIM a couple of days ago about this line but nonetheless it's a crack up line).

I love the fact that we are incoporating non-LP band members into our stories (and Benji tends to be in two now....)..*meh* one to one's liking I suppose (looks back to DS and Nightwish band members)

Talk about dramas!

What are we without dramas? Dead corpses? Haha.

Geez Liouse.

Keep it coming.

:thumbsup:

[Pheonix791989]

CH10

I let out another sigh as I streatched out after helping change Chuck's bandage. Pierre grinned at me before Benji came over and handed me a rose before planting a kiss on my cheek. David looked away pointedly before pulling me to my feet. David pulled me aside before saying what he had to say.

"I know you like Benji. I just want you to know this, I love you and what ever decision you make, I will be your best friend and still love you. i hope you're happy with him."

David said giving me a hug before we were called on stage to play. I gave the drumming a %110 tonight. I was just so happy that Benji had asked me to be his girl. I felt a bit bad about david though, I couldn't shake this feeling that was growing inside me. Benji greeted me the moment I came off of stage as well as the fact that I was greeted by Dave and Mike. They gave me congradulations as well as brad who had torn himself away from monica to see me play. Rav came up as Benji pulled me into a hug with a kiss on the cheek.

"You were like really great. Like, almost better then like your dad."

Brad said in all of his infinent wisdom. I laughed as Rav came up and congradulated me. I watched as Benji's boxer Cashdogg ran by with a pink pushpop in his mouth, barking as Alyssa, Justin and Preston started to chase him. It was really a first and a shock to see my father come up. He let out a sigh as he set his jaw, trying to hold back what he wanted to say.

"You......you did good."

I blinked at Rob, not even believeing what he was saying.

"Phi I'm sorry. I just don't want to accept the fact that my little girl is growing up."

Rob said as he pulled me into a hug despite the fact that I was drenched in sweat. I just blinked at rob. I didn't know how to react towards him. It was strange. Then I couldnt believe what had come out of my mouth,

"its okay daddy I forgive you."

Vi and Sarah congradulated me as well. Then Chester came up with a dark look on his face as he came to our little pow wow. For a brief moment he looked like Rob when he was pissed. I blinked at him as well as Benji gave my hand a squeeze. Sarah and I shared a twin moment before Chester opened up his mouth to speak what was on his mind.

"Anyone seen Fox? I haven't seen her for two days. I'm worried. Shawn hasn't even seen her."

Chester mumbled. I raised an eyebrow as Sarah muttered about when Fox got caught on a drug bust. Chester shot me and my sister a look before going on about how we should go look for her.

"I think we can do that. I'll take Dave and Brad, we'll find her."

Rob said in his slow voice.

"Yeah like, we'll find her."

Brad pipped in.

"Rav, you, Joel, Benji and phi see what you can do. If we can't find her by about ten, we'll head to the poliece."

Chester said darkly. Shawn came sulking around the corner before he was told by Vi and Sarah that he was to come with them so they could look for Fox. I put on my backwards facing hat that for some reason seemed to match the clothes that I had borrowed from David since he was the only guy whos clothes were small enough for me to fit. My many wrist bands adorned my tattooed arms.

"Who's gonna watch the kids?"

Rav asked. Billy stepped forward and said that he'd gladly take the job since when he was with paul it was like babysitting anyways. I worried about my little sister with the boys. I smiled, to be honest she was her daddy's little girl. Even I had to admit that she was cute with her dark curley hair, big brown eyes, freckles and her missing teeth. She would be a heart breaker when she got older. Benji took my hand as we followed my mom and Joel to a car.

"Where should we start first?"

Joel asked.

"Start with the clubs first duh."

I said with an eyeroll. What was mom playing at trying to bring this guy into our already fucked up family? I let out a sigh as we headed to some of the well known rock clubs in the city. My mom was making sharp comments under her breath about how much of a bad dad chester was. I didn't really blame Chester for Fox in the slightest. She was always dissapearing and appearing at her own leasure despite the warnings of her parents, sibblings, and uncles. When we couldnt find her at the rock clubs, we started interrogating all the bouncers with a picture of fox, trying to find her.

"Is it always like this?"

Benji whispered into my ear, I rolled my eyes and whispered back

"Kindda, it normally dosent involve search parties thought. She normally comes back on her own"

I said. I felt worried about fox, especailly if it was bad enough for chester to think we needed to find her. My mom was beside herself and Joel was doing a bang up job of trying to comfort her. I finally got tired of Joel's fruitless attempts.

"Shut up Joel. Don't worry mom, this is Fox we're talking about. If anyone's capable of holding their own its her and you know it."

I said. She shot me a glare but then nodded. I couldn't blame her for being waspish, I shook my head at the stupid stuff that Fox did to stress mom out. I mean I might be in my rebellious part of my years but I'm no where near as bad as Fox. we drove around for hours trying to find her, spending gallons of that four dollar gas. My mom gave a small defeated sigh before saying that we should head back. I nodded and assured mom that Fox would turn up somewhere before the end of the week just like she always did. We met up with the rest of the search party back at the stadium where the trailers were already packed up and the rockstars had already made their ways back to the hotels. I saw Billy playing with the boys and Alyssa and smiled. I wanted a family like that in the end. I didn't want it the same way my parents went out. Chester went with my dad and mom to the poliece station to see if she might have turned up there. Sarah made a quip about how they should have checked there first. Benji had gone to make sure that all of his things were packed up like they were supposed to be. I went to go see where I had left my drumsticks and over heard Joel talking to benji. oh man Joel was giving Benji an earful.

"Are you sure its smart to see her? I mean she is Rav's kid after all..."

"No Joel she's not a kid. she's an adult and I happen to love her."

"It dosen't matter, why are you being selfish and trying to break me and rav up?"

"I'm not. you're the one being selfish joel."

"how am I the selfish one?"

"Because you can't let me be happy! you always gotta screw it up for me. Are you even gonna tell her about Barry?"

"You leave my son out of this fatass!"

"She's gotta find out sooner or later. Its gonna be kindda hard to hide a 12 year old boy."

Benji snarled at Joel. I had never heard him this mad before.

"you spoil this for me joel and I swear to god rav will know and so will everyone else out in the world."

Benji threatened. I quickly turned and headed back to the simple plan guys. Pierre started to poke me with my drumsticks. Once again I would be rooming with david when we got to the hotel. David gave me a smile but in his eyes i could see sadness and longing. I knew that emotion well, I saw it in all of my sibblings eyes at one point, even in my parents eyes occasionally.

"Hey Kid Vicious, Chuck needs a bandage change."

Jeff said. I nodded as I headed into the back, avoiding David's sad brown eyes. Jeff helped me change up Chuck's bandages I decided to ask him what was wrong with david.

"Jeff, porquoi David est triste?" (why is david sad?)

"Parce que il y a une femme qui il adore beacoup mais elle aime un homme qui n'est pas il." (because he loves a girl alot who likes another guy)

"J'aime David. Mais J'aime Benji aussi. je ne sais pas qui je choisis. Benji est drole et independant. David est drole et charmant et beacoup drole." (i like david and i like benji too. i dont know who to choose. benji is funny and independant. david is funny and charming and really funny)

"When the time comes you'll know."

Jeff muttered as he messed up my hair. Chuck was clueless as he looked between us.

[Ravynlee]

Well, I will say one thing, you're full of surprises aintcha? Joe's 12 year old son (did I read that right?) and Fox being busted for drugs at soe point - of course, it's almost par for the course with this family - are the Madden's even sure they really want to be part of this I ask? (On a side note while I think about it, haven't we come a long way? Now that Chas and Rob can actually come together for the welfare of the kid - being Foxx - and put their well-known differences on that matter aside. How very mature - and surprising - of them. I was impressed actually!) And you should know I actually do worry for Foxxy even in real life cause she and I are barely in touch these days, so this thing with her going awol was poigniant for me on that level too as a reader. Hope Foxxy's not... oh to hell with it, she's a Bennington, of course she's up to no good, she seems to have grown up under the impression that she had a point to prove by outdoing her wayward father! *shakes head* I don't blame Chester for the way she turned out but jesus if this were real he and I would be having regular and severe talks I can assure you *insert Rob frowny face* Haha.

As for the French that was a cute touch. Thank god you added translations or I'd be all 0_0 ke? But that was sweet. Poor (your) David. That part about reminding him of the win and sea was good - though the first thing I thought was add them together and you get a hurricane so... might go some ways to explaining your temper when you get mad enough Maybe.

As for the Madden's going at it - that makes me wince. Actually there's something about Joel that keeps making me feel... unsettled. Not that I don't like him as a character, damn he seems more suited to Rav than anyone else she's had prior, but after his confab with Benj I can't help but think still he's up to no good or that for all his good intentions something bad has to come from this union - maybe it's the age old scepticism kicking in again (as if it ever goes away!)

Sheesh!

Oh, and before I forget, the description of Alyssa was gorgeous! Finally she's not a blank canvas anymore! That was oh-so-adorable, much love for that inclusion! AND last but not least, relieved that Rob finally bit the proverbial bullet and embraced his daughter for all her 'apparent' faults. Sign of a bigger man and I think he deserves some praise for that move. Smart. Finally. Prolly the smartest thing he's done so far. Slow down man, you'll hurt yourself! haha ouch!

And still I can't help but feel my heart going out to poor Mel again - the rose from David wasn't it? That was an 'aww' moment, but damn man, he needs to let go. At least for now. I know he loves her but clearly knowing she's in love with another, he should take a step back and just be there for her for when she does eventually change her mind. Maybe. Poor kid. Nothing seems to go right for her very long does it?

[Greyfoxx]

Wow. Count on me to end up dissapeared. Ha. Fun fun. Great update sis! can't wait for more...

 

AW Mum, i always knew ya cared. lol. (fyi, LOVE your siggy)

 

anywho, *looks around paranoid-like* Nobody shall find me!!! BWHAHAHAHHAHA

[Pheonix791989]

Ch11

The next morning I woke up and streatched. My joints popped in an un-natural sound before I swung my feet out of bed. David was still asleep like a log. He really reminded me of my dad when he slept. Hell itself could erupt into the room with a Jimmi Hendrix rendition of "Starspangled Banner" and he would still be asleep. Today was a day off for us. no playing or anything like that. Just chilling and hanging out was what was on the menue for today. It was raining, but despite the depressing weather I was in a good mood. I showered and put on another tank top and a pair of David's pants that I was borrowing. I pulled on my old worn chucks before bouncing around the room in a random manner. I didn't know what it was that I wanted to do but what ever it was I was going to do it. There was a knock on the door and I wondered who it could be at nine in the morning. It was Benji. He smiled as he then gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Me, Joel, and your mom are going to breakfast, wanna come with?"

He asked as he leaned agaisnt the door frame. I looked back at David and nodded before going to scribble a quick note to David so he wouldn't worry about where I was. I grabbed my hat before heading out. It was a torrental down pour outside and the heat and humidity was making my hair frizz like nothing else.

"If the humidity keeps up everyone who's shorter then me will have a free umbrella. I can hear my hair frizzing as we speak..."

I muttered as Benji laughed.

"I hate the humidity too, don't feel bad. i hate humidity too."

"I remember reading that somewhere.... on a Fan website I think."

I said as Joel and Rav waved at us from a car. I didn't know what my mom would say about me being with Benji... personally I'm not really looking forward to that little discussion. Its gonna SUCK.

"Hey mom"

I said as I climbed in the car after Benji.

"Thought you were with David sweetie..."

I shrugged before saying something about friends. It was true, I had very few female friends. I mean most girls my age are really vicious and hungry for revenge. We drove to a little pancake house to eat. I could tell that my mom was a bit strained and she must have been worried about Fox. She shook her head, giving me a sense that she didn't want to talk about it at the moment. I nodded and turned back to my breakfast. I s******ed as I watched Benji dump about sixteen packets of sugar into his soda before dowining it in four large gulps. Joel shook his head before counting down with his watch for something. I laughed as Benji started to bounce off the walls like Joe after he had ingested much more sugar then a body should have in it.

"oh and before I forget i made this for you and i hope you like it because i really like it and and and its got good songs on it and and i just really really really like it!!!"

Benji said bouncing up and down in his seat. I laughed as he pulled out a CD from one of his many pockets. my mom shook her head as she whispered something to Joel about me and Benji being alot alike. Benji tugged at my hand once he paid for our breakfast.

"lets go play on the swings at a park."

Benji laughed. We jumpped onto the swings together on the same swing. it was still raining but I didn't mind it as much as i normally would have. I don't know what Joel or my mom were doing but I didn't care. I let out a sigh as we both jumped off the swings and started to walk back to the hotel. We chilled in his room for hours before our playful video gaming turned into tickeling. I gasped for air as I tried to squirm out of his reach. I smiled as Benji picked me up and tossed me on the bed. we wresteled back and forth for a bit before he planted a kiss on my forehead and slowly started to travel downwards to my neck. I laughed as his rough, caloused hands gently went down my neck. This time I woke up to the sounds of people above us. The setting sun was casting long shadows through the small slits in the curtins that were drawn tightly across the windows. I looked to see what had originally caused my awakening. Benji and I both jumpped as we heard his cell phone went off. I gave a low curse before I sat up and looked at the clock. Benji muttered something incoherant before sitting up himself.

"I told you you were gonna see god..."

Benji said with a slight hint of his rockstar mentality.

"And you screwed me how many times?"

"Lost count after six."

He chuckeled as he pulled his boxers on and fished his phone out of his pocket. He smiled as he put it to his ear and headed into the little kitchen area of the little room. I looked around to try and find what was left of my clothes on the floor. Benji returned and handed me my blue bra with the skulls and bows on it.

"Mike is calling a tour meeting of the bands. Since you're filling in for Simple Plan you're expected to be there."

Benji said with a cheshire cat grin. He pulled me to my feet and picked me up in a swirling hug.

"God I've never been so happy."

He said. I nodded as I fished my shirt and pants from under the covers. I hurriedly got dressed and waited for Benji to finish his makeup before we headed out of the hotel to the resturant where Uncle Mike had booked a back room for all of the bands. I wondered how this was gonna work out. I mean there were alot of bands.... Disturbed, Linkin Park, Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, Godsmack, Cradle of Filth, Avenged Sevenfold, not to mention all of the opening bands and side acts. The entire resturant entrance was crowded with people that I see on a daily basis. The customers that were already there were looking at us either in awe or disgust. Once we were seated by band, we ordered drinks, food and appitizers by waitresses that gave us the all familiar 'i-know-you' look. We were given papers with our touring and playing schedual, flight times, hotel addresses, phone numbers, and other things that mike felt that we should need. It covered the next three-Four months of the tour while we would be in europe/ asia. I watched Joel and rav fawning over alyssa, making me want to puke slightly. she's going to grow up as a happy kid, somthing me and my sibblings never had. Mike clapped his hands together and said that we would be leaving on a flight to London at 6 for the show there. I got up as David bounced over to me and started to poke me with straws. I stuck my tongue out at him before getting attacked by Chester with a surprise wedgie.

"ahh! great.... im gonna be picking underwear out of my asscrack for the rest of the year..."

I groaned as my dad then sprung a suprise wedgie on David Draiman. Just as he started to pick boxers out of his ass, chester pulled him aside to talk to him about something. I shrugged.

[Ravynlee]

Hahaha omg that last part made me laugh hard! Wedgie paradise! Lord Rob might actually be happy for once in his life with a place full of potential victims - but picking up Dave... well, game man. Game and strong! Show off Have to admit made me laugh out loud though. Great stuff!

We addressed this on AIM but just a side note, may want to revise your 'editted' version because somewhere after breakfast I lost the flow. You went from point A to point C with no point B and it confused me momentarily. I got the gist, and it's a shame this is a general all ages forum for that purpose *damnit!* but yeah... might wanna look into that.

(Post me the unedditted version when you can! Yay!)

The scene of Mike converging everyone for scheduling and itinerary was good. Visual. Set well.

And the part about Mel's reaction to seeing Alyssa being doted on by Joel and Rav in a way she and her siblings never had was bittersweet.

All in all very keen to see what lays ahead... hmm... :thumbsup:

[Pheonix791989]

CH12

(general POV)

Phi thought about how her dad always said that when she got deep in the tour, she would hate it and want to go home. In all honesty, she was having a blast playing for the past two months with simple plan while Chuck was on the injured list. She was just glad that he was much better now and able to play the last month of the tour. Benji had given the idea that they should do a Duet with the song Emotionless each night when they preformed. They were at sound check making sure that everything was set right. Phi looked up to see her mom with her littlest sister and Joel. Phi just shook her head as Benji pulled her to the side of the stage and held her close. Phi nuzzled her face into his black shirt and smiled. Rav looked up as Joel pointed out his twin and possiably step-daughter snuggeling too close. Rav felt the anger rise up in her chest as she watched Phi with her boyfriends twin.

"Joel, keep an eye on Alyssa will you?"

"Sure thing, what's up?"

"I'm putting a stop to this right now."

She said from gritted teeth as she stormed off to confront her daughter.

"Phoenix Kenji.... What the hell do you think your doing?"

Rav growled, nearly starteling Benji. Benji looked between the two of them before saying he had something to check over by the sound system.

"Nothing mom..."

Phi started to say. Rav cut her off with out letting her finish

"It didn't look like nothing to me..."

Phi fell silent as she tried to think of what to say.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Rav's voice started to rise and some of the techies looked at the two women like they were nuts.

"What? I'm not doing anything wrong.."

"Like hell. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"What are you talking about mom?"

"What do you mean what? What about the other guy you were with? David or whatever?"

"We're friends. Just friends you know most of my friends are guys mom."

"That didn't look like being just friends to me. I thought you were here for tour, for the music. This isn't some summer camp of the sexes where you can screw any guy that comes along with his kickstand out, no matter what your father seems to think-"

Rav gave a shake of her head even though her voice wasn't level.

"How long have you been doing this? Does Joel know?"

Phi gave a snort of disdain.

"Who cares what that asshair knows or doesn't know? I sure as hell know benji better then you know joel."

phi shot back.

"Asshair? Oh grow up will you? I'd expect a jibe like that from your father not from you. He already fires enough of that crap in my direction..."

"Don't you have a go at him! Benji is ten times better then Joel could ever hope to be!"

Phi shouted back at her mother. Rav looked aghast for a moment before digging back into her daughter.

"'ten times better? at what? look at him! What does he do for you Mel? He's a rockstar, what does he want wth the likes of you? You're a child, okay, I don't care what you think, in the eyes of the law you're still a kid and he should know better - better my ass. He's using you and that's what. I just wish you and your sister could open your eyes and see that. They're all alike! He gets what he wants, pushes you away and then moves on, what then?"

"They look the same mom! They're twins! Beside I'm ninteen I'm allowed to make my own decisions by law! This aint the Outback! You wouldn't even know who Joel was if it wasnt for me blasting the music at the top of my fucking stereo every single morning! Benji loves me more then any guy ever did!"

Phi glowered and looked pissed. Rav almost backstepped because her daughter looked too much like Rob when he was pissed. Rav shook her head and crossed her arms with a glower.

"I'd bet anything that Joel hasn't even told you about Barry."

"You're ninteen... what do you know about love... who's Barry?"

"What do I know about love? Easy more then you. All you know is lust. Besides Barry is Benji's nephew... Joel's son."

Phi said with a smug look on her face. Rav's jaw dropped before she quickly regained her composure and gave Joel a glare as he played with Alyssa.

"I'll deal with that later. Lust? Yeah you're your fathers daughter alright. besides,"

"You're just as bad as he is always fucking jumping to conclusions! Why can't you just let me live my life and let me make and learn from my own mistakes? Your fuck ups make it seem like you're trying to live my life for me so you feel better about yourself!"

Phi gave a gutteral growl.

"because you're a fucking teenager! Okay, not completely teenager, but you're not an adult yet. You're not mentally ready enough to even be considered an adult. Don't talk to me about things you wouldn't even understand!"

Rav paused with a groan before going on.

"Look I don't want to fight. I don't. I just dont wanna see you making the same mistakes I did. Don't be so naive. Look I don't want to fight. I don't. I just dont wanna see you making the same mistakes I did. Don't be so naive"

"and what makes you think im not ready for my own family huh? what are you gonna do disown me? too late for that one you already did it when you kicked dad out!"

"would make two of us..see that would hurt..."

Rav glared at her youngest twin. She blinked before picking up on phi's uneasiness at the word family.

" the sec you said ready for my own family means you already seem to think you want to settle down with him/have fallen way too hard and too fast fot him."

Phi glared at her mom, tears streaming down her face.

"My family sure as hell won't be fucked up like this one is."

Phi shouted. Rav glared as she turned to walk away. Phi doubled over and promptly puked on the ground.

"Its my fucking life..."

Phi glared as rav looked back at her with embarrassment and tried to comfort her. phi glared and walked away as benji came back by the sound of puking. Benji put a gentle hand on her shoulder as he looked between Phi and her mom. He then gave Joel an apologetic look as he then leaned in close to phi

"You should lie down or something... you look flushed. Maybe the heat's getting to you."

Benji said as he led phi inside to the dressing room, making her lie down on one of the couches.

"Wanna tell me what's going on?"

"Just mother and daughter talk."

phi said as she grabbed a waterbottle and started to drink it as fast as possible. Sge was so tired and dehydrated.... The cool air was a welcome relief. Phi frowned as she heard shouting and yelling from outside of the room. She sat up as phi heard her mom and dad screeching at each other like banshees. SHe frowned before just dumping the rest of the water bottle over her head to try and cool off. There was slamming on the door, making both benji and Phi jump almost a foot in the air.

"Phoenix! Are you sick? Your mom told me you threw up, what did I tell you about drinking plenty of water?? Open up!"

"I'm fine dad, I've just been out in the sun too long and need to cool off."

Phi nodded for benji to let her dad in the room. Benji looked as if he wanted to say he didn't think it was a good idea.

"After what you and your mom just did I don't think its the best idea..."

Benji said as phi nodded her head telling him to shut up. Benji realized what he had said and mouthed 'I'm Sorry' to phi.

"You were fighting with your mother? What about this time? Christ phi... why does no one ever tell me this shit?"

"Don't worry about it dad..."

Phi said as Rob started to get slightly angry.

"Can't you two ever get along...."

"Not really no."

Phi growled, the heat rising in her face again. Rob paced back and forth in the dressing room with a frown on his face that made phi wince. Benji noticed the wince as he took up a stance between Rob and Phi.

"Rob maybe you should go..."

"And why's that?"

Rob fired at benji with a look of pure hatred and contempt.

"Because she needs some rest and peace and quiet."

Benji said looking Rob in the eye and not backing down. Rob shot the both of them a venemous look before turning on his heel and heading out the door.

"Just like your mother..."

He growled.

[Ravynlee]

Don't even know where to start - omg some of that, a lot of that actually, so sounded like me, I actually had to laugh to myself at the screen. Glad to see our chats come in handy

Very intense. Rob's attitude, though predictable, was infuriating as usual. Again, his heart's in the right place, but his head needs to wake up!

Poor Phi. Man I hope she really is okay. If you're going where I think you are, and not changed your mind about it, then all this stress can't be good for her. Nor is it the best thing for a blossoming relationship. Amused to see Benji stand up and eyeball Rob (despite obvious height discrepancies) that was a tense, albeit awww moment. That's love. Again Joel and this Barry thing worries me. Oh and that passing comment at the end...

*grr*

Just as well I wasn't within earshot, the man wouldn't have to worry about fathering anyone else again. Hahaha.

Awesome, awesome as always. Admittedly a tad weird to go new POV on me now but I could handle it. Not as intimate as first person POV but still empathetic enough. Poor kid. Eternally feel sorry for her. Had a real hard up life that one. All of us I think. Wondering sincerely just who the hell's going to win this battle of wills between Rav and Joel Vs Benji and Mel.

Hmm.

Great. On the edge of my seat for more as always. Please *puppy dog eyes*

[Pheonix791989]

Ch13

"Benji... I got something to tell you."

Phi started out in a small voice as she grabbed another bottle of water. Benji sat down beside her on the floor next to the couch and put a comforting hand on her cheek. Phi was burning hot to the touch.

"You can tell me anything babes..."

Benji said with a tender look in his eyes.

"There's a possibility that I could be pregnant... I missed my period.."

Phi said her voice shaking. Benji blinked for a moment before he registered what Phi had said, a wave of relief seemed to wash over him as he let out a shaky breath. He gave a small s****** before pinching the bridge of his nose.

"And here I was thinking you were getting bored of me and found another rockstar to bang."

He said chuckeling. Phi smiled and shook her head.

"The only thing is though, I'm not sure. It might be David's kid. Before we started seeing each other David and I had a One nighter. It might be his..."

Benji shook his head before planting a kiss on Phi's sweltering head.

"It dosen't matter... you're mine, not his. Just as long as a kid doesn't have to go through what I did then everything is good."

Benji gave a sigh before taking her hand in his.

"We can be a great family... better then what the both of us had."

"Don't get your hopes up, might be a mistake too...."

Phi reminded him.

"we'll just let time tell."

Benji said as he smiled, cradeling her in his arms. Phi smiled, burrying her face into his dark shirt. She took in a deep wiff of his natural musk.

"Are you gonna tell your family?"

"Eventually."

Phi and Benji looked up as they heard a squealing noise outside the door.

"Uncle Benji!!!!!"

It was the unmistakeable sound of my little sister crying for Benji. I laughed as Benji opened up the door and looked for Alyssa.

"Uncle Benji!!! Uncle Joe stole my kitty!"

Alyssa said, talking about her stuffed cat that she had named Goomba.

"Oh really? I guess we'd better go find him then."

Benji said as he picked Alyssa up, making Phi smile even wider.

"I'll come with... I'm the only person who can keep track of Joe."

Phi said with a laugh as Benji shot her a look asking her if she would be ok to do it. Phi shot him a determined look before getting up and saying that she was fine and in good enough shape to go Joe-Hunting. They looked around for Joe, pausing when they saw something that caught all three of their eyes. Benji looked up to Alyssa on his shoulders motioning for her to be quiet. She nodded and clamped her hands around Benji's mouth so he wouldn't make a sound. It was Fox and David Draiman. Phi almost snorted out loud, Her mom wanted to go into her for seeing Benji yet Fox was here flirting with Draiman like it was just second nature. The worst part was he was getting a bit too friendly in Phi's opnion. Phi shook her head and pulled Benji by the hand towards a row of buses out back.

"There he is!"

Alyssa spotted Joe running around the bus with a super soaker in one hand and Goomba in the other. Phi laughed as the three of them sneak attacked Joe and got the cat back. The four looked up once they heard the sound of Chester talking with Fox in a heated manner. Apparently he had found her and Draiman together and wasn't taking it too well.

"Look Fox I think you need to spend some time in rehab. No Questions!"

Chester barked at Fox. She was going toe to toe with him and not backing down.

"You and your fucking white coat nazi's can stay the hell away from me! No!"

"You have no choice!"

Chester physically picked her up and put her into the van that was waiting with the name of a rehabilitation center written on the side. Chester turned to Draiman and told him to look after her before Draiman then climbed into the van and went with Fox. Phi felt as if she had been sucker punched in the stomach. Chester was making Fox leave? Phi then sourly thought that it was too late for him to play father to his wayward daughter. Benji sensing her discomfort, took alyssa off of his shoulders before tugging on phi's hand to follow him. They wandered into the sound booth, quiet and isolated from the rest of the comings and goings of people just trying to do their job.

"Hey you were in a band before this right?"

"Yeah we were called the "1-up Shrooms.""

Phi said with a laugh as she thought about the days back when she was with her friends, trying to be a band, trying to get signed, and making a general mess of things as a band.

"Who all was it?"

"It was me, CJ, and Ed. Boy were those the days. We had our first show at school... it was this thing they did called the Jam fest... things couldn't have gone better.. or worse for that matter..."

*Flashback*

Phi was nervous, more so then she had ever been before. there were hundereds of people out there and it was their first show. She looked out, trying to find her parents but as always no one in her family was there but her uncles Dave and Brad. She gave a snort of disgust, it was stupid of her to think that her parents would keep their promises. They never did it before when they were together, now that they were divorced... what difference should it have made? Phi could pick out all of her friends in the crowd, one even had a video camera to record the occasion of their first show.

"We got this guys. we can do it. "

CJ said, flipping his floppy blond hair out of his eyes.

"Its only three songs, just like practice."

Phi said in a halting voice as she fingered the fret board of her uncle brad's hand-me-down guitar. They were given an intro before they had trooped out on stage with a sigh. The projector screen dropped down behind the drum riser as phi went up to the mic, catching what looked to be fleeting glances of her parents before starting into their first song. Phi's voice was close to a combonation of Adam Lazarra's from taking back sunday and Tom DeLongue from blink-182. The group finished their first song before going into the second one with an intro that Phi was suposed to say

"50% of all american households have been broken up by divorce...."

They started to sing the song "Stay together for the kids" from Blink-182. Phi looked out and thought she saw her fathers face before it seemed to vanish as suddenly as it appeared.

"It's hard to wake up, when the shades have been pulled shut

This house is haunted, it's so pathetic, it makes no sense at all

I'm ripe with things to say, the words rot and fall away

My stupid poem could fix this home, I'd read it every day

 

So here's your holiday,

hope you enjoy it this time, you gave it all away.

It was mine, so when you're dead and gone,

will you remember this night? twenty years now lost.

It's not right.

 

Their anger hurts my ears, been running strong for seven years

Rather than fix the problems, they never solve them, it makes no sense at all

I see them everyday, we get along so why can't they?

If this is what he wants, and it's what she wants, then why is there so much pain?

 

So here's your holiday,

hope you enjoy it this time, you gave it all away.

It was mine, so when you're dead and gone,

will you remember this night? twenty years now lost

It's not right.

 

So here's your holiday,

hope you enjoy it this time, you gave it all away.

It was mine, so when you're dead and gone,

will you remember this night? twenty years now lost.

It's not right

It's not right

It's not right

It's not right "

Phi felt the words end up choking in her throat as she sang while the projector screen showed a small film that she and her friends had put together for their psychology class on divorce. Her friends.....they were going through the same thing as her... the pain was still there as each of her friends faces filled the screen. She remembered the screaming of her parents going back and forth, of how her dad shook her off, making her land on the floor hard without even realizing it. Phi remembered how happy Fox was the morning after. Phi shook away her tears, focusing on her guitar more then anything else as she sang along with her friends into the Mic. After the song finished, they then started into a more upbeat song from the band Rancid.

*End flashback*

"Must have been hard..."

Benji said with a small sigh as he took her hand up in his. Phi shrugged before turning her head away from him

"It made me feel as if I was the one pushing them apart, that it was me wanting to be like my dad that seemed to make things worse."

Phi said as she looked up with a sigh. Benji gave her a s******ing kiss into her neck with a smile, his pink patch tickeling her ear as his head moved ever so slightly. Phi felt the smile in his voice as he talked to her. Phi liked how he was with Alyssa, he seemed to be more gentle with kids then anyone would ever think.

"Just one thing though.... How are we going to explain to our kid that his Grandpa is his uncle?"

phi mused out loud, prompting Benji to s****** against her neck, his breath tickeling her.

"no idea...."

[Greyfoxx]

Damn white coat nazis....lmao. Great update, keep it coming!

[Ravynlee]

Love it! Love it! Love it!! Maybe just cause I literally crawled out of bed and havent had morning caffeine yet but you may wanna explain those last two lines to me, mores specifically the grandpa/uncle thing. Don't get it. Maybe I should wake up first before I decide to respond online or sth? Haha. Ow wow, just wow, you know I reckon you wrote Phi's and Benji's reactions and exchange WAY better than we were discussing before. You really did it justice, and Benji's reaction I found typical of what I know of him, so a big kudos for that.

Now Chas and Fox on the other hand, Chester annoys me, not so much for his heavy handed tactics against Foxx (she's kind of had this intervention coming a while now) but his whole running hot and cold to her as parent - makes me wanna slap him in the ear-hole. And I know Draiman is like a close friend, but was it just me or was David actually helping Foxx play up and THEN have the audacity to agree to 'help' or was he merely acting all along to get Foxx's trust so that he could turn on her for his good mate Chester? Either way he deserves a severe reprimand for screwing around with poor Foxxy in whatever sense - the man should know better! Hahaha (yeah, I know, weird coming from me of all people who'd gladly cross the floor and have baby number 130,654,229 with the man, if he'd let her :rofl: )

But yeah S0 adoring this story. You seem to strike the right balance every time between comedy and emotion, and the flashback and subsequent song as always was just a tender moment. Way to go. I'm not even Rav but you sure know how to give a woman the guilts just by a few simple words than you realise - and THAT is what you call powerful writing! :thumbsup:

Awesome as always. Hanging off the edge of my seat right now for more.

[woodyloveslinkin]

Damn white coat nazis....lmao. Great update, keep it coming!

 

Couldn't have put it better myself. :ok: Well done Mel.

[Ravynlee]

Hello... just strolling by... was hoping to see an update but... okay, will come check later

Hope all's well Mel *hug*

TTYL