Turbulence.

Mel and I walked down through the mall in silence. Not tense awkward silence, but 'I got a text from my cute boyfriend' silence.
"So, Vic wanted me to ask you if you were coming to their show tonight. He said that Tony invited you, but since then, you haven't talked to him. And also, that it was a free show."
"I still don't know. I've been debating whether or not I should go since Tony asked. I'm just scared. Like, what if something happens between Tony and I that fucks up my time with Mike?"
"Your time with Mike? Like you mid-bang with Mike and you moan Tony's name?"
She laughed and threw her head back, trying to mimic a high pitched moan.
"NO! That is definitely not what I meant! And I would never do that!"
She continued to laugh at herself, thinking what she said was so clever.
"Oh god. That would be an awkward situation!"
"I know! But seriously, I really want to try and forgive Tony, but it's like a huge part of me doesn't even want to think about forgiving him. It just wants him to get out of my life and forget about me, so I can at least try to do the same."
"I understand. He screwed you over, you don't want that to happen again. But I truly think if he's trying really hard, that maybe he has changed. I'm not saying date the guy, but give him a chance?"
I rolled my eyes at her and opened the exit for her as we walked out the over populated mall.
"He should be an actor.... He's really good at lying."
"But think about it. You want him out of your life. How the hell is that going to happen? One, he's friends with your boyfriend, two, he's in your boyfriend's band, three he's friends with all of your friends."
"Mike's not my boyfriend... And I don't know. I didn't think asking for Tony to leave me the hell alone was such a big thing to ask for."
But she's right. I just recently had that talk with myself. Tony was and is supposed to be in my life. I ran into him at school, and if I didn't I still would've when I went to meet up with Vic, the night of Trigger's last show.
Mel is completely agreeing with what I had already told myself.
"I know. And it's not a big thing to ask for. It's just the mutual friends thing. But hey, if you come to the show, I'll be there. I'll make sure you and Tony don't get too close. If he tries to talk to you, well, too bad, you're coming with me to the bathroom or to go dancing."
Yeah. Mutual friends. We know how that one goes. I pushed all of those people away, but turns out, they didn't get the message.
Something in me hoped that she would drop this subject. She really took sides with Tony?
She barely even knows him. She doesn't know what he put me through, all the high school bullshit.
She just nodded and spun her phone between her thumb and middle finger, taking in the faces of the people around us.
"Well, will you at least go for everyone else? You know, Jaime, Vic, me and Miiiike."
She sang Mike's name, still trying to get me to change my mind on going.
"I'll think about it. I'm seeing Mike probably alittle bit later. He's going to try to convince me."
We finally got to the parking lot where Vic was sitting in his 1998 Honda Civic DX that was parked next to my truck.
"Vic wants me to go out with him before we head out to Shaka's."
"So we're parting ways?"
"Sadly, yes."
I nodded and she hugged me before made her way to Vic's car.
"At least for tonight, forget about Tony and just be with Mike. Think about how he'd feel if you weren't there."
"Yeah, yeah. Go see your man. I'll text you later."
I smiled and waved at Vic, he just gave me a huge smile.

~
I sat on Mike's bed, naked, wrapped up in his blankets as he walked around his room getting dressed. It's been about two hours since I arrived at his place. At first, I was kind of spacing out on him thinking about what I should do. That's when he started to kiss me to bring me back to him, which of course led to touching and we all know what touching leads to.
"Look, Babe, you don't have to go if you don't want to. I'm not trying to force you into it, but I'd still like it."
I fell back on his bed and groaned loudly.
"Fiiiiiine! I'll goooooo. Hopefully it'll make everyone shut up. That's all I've been hearing!"
His smile grew as he crawled back ontop of me and kissed my lips then my neck.
"Good, in that case go home and get ready. Just meet me at Shaka's in thirty."
He nuzzled his face against my neck and kissed it softly.
"And if everything goes good, we can celebrate after."
He purred the last part of that sentence and kissed my neck one more time.
I quickly pushed him off me and sat up.
"Keep it up, Fuentes. Both of us will miss your show."
He gave me a cocky smile as he stood up and pulled me up after his balance was gained. He grabbed the blanket from around my frame and threw it on the bed. He looked me up and down for the longest minute ever, making me worry about my appearance.
"God, you're so beautiful."
He placed his arms on either side of my shoulders and kissed my forehead. A wave of relief seemed to fly over my head and body as he spoke the words to me.
"I should be going now. I'll text you when I'm on my way."
He nodded and kissed my lips before I walked around his room to collect my clothes, as I have done many times before.
~
Just like last time I came to Shaka's I walked around the bar, past the booths and dance floor, searching for any type of familiar face. I was going to walk up to the first person I knew, but changed my mind when I locked eyes with the one person I wanted to avoid.
I quickly looked away and diverted my direction to the bartender, earning a wave from him.
He was the guy that usually served me drinks. He pointed to a glass and motioned for me to come over.
"Hey Chris."
"Hey pretty lady. The usual first drink okay?"
I nodded and drank the fruity alcoholic beverage through the red straw he had placed in it. I wasn't planning on getting too fucked up. Maybe a few drinks that aren't all that strong. Which, that's normally how every time here starts out.
A fruity drink with little alcohol, alittle stronger, stronger, fuck it give me a shot, a few more shots, whatever kind of drink that a guy buys me.
Then by last call, I'm stumbling down the street, giggling along with whatever stranger I wanted. But the last time that happened, I was being pulled down the street in a blur with the youngest Fuentes brother.
I'm going to stay sober, so by the end of the night when Mike asks me how it was, and we go back to his place, I'll actually remember it.
"Hey you."
I stiffened up as Tony sat down next to me.
Breathe. Mike's here somewhere, I have to act like Tony and I are fine.
'Hey."
"I'm kinda surprised you showed up. The guys are in the band room chilling out, I just didn't feel like going back there. Didn't want to leave you by yourself."
He smiled at me and asked for a green Monster from Chris, knowing he doesn't look old enough to be 21 and that he would get carded. It's his baby face.
Suddenly, arms were wrapped around me and a familiar pair of lips were on my neck.
"Hi, babe."
His touch and words sent shivers down my spine, making me wish Tony wasn't to my left.
"Hey."
He sat down next to me and ordered some type of beer that I wasn't paying much attention to. My thoughts were with me being sandwiched between Tony and Mike.
I quickly and nervously stirred my drink, not looking at either one of the boys.
"So, do you know what time you're going on?"
Tony nodded and slammed his hands on the bar before standing up, slightly startling me.
"Yes! We actually have to start getting ready. Front and center, Lydia."
I nodded at him then watched him walked away, trying to spike the back of his hair up some more.
"I hope him and Hime can remember everything. I mean, it's not that hard, but it's their first show with new material. And the fact that their old band was alot heavier than ours."
"Yeah. I hope everything goes well. But, I'm gonna go let you set up your drums by leaving this bar and bugging Jaime... that is, after I get another drink!"
I stared at Chris and he waved me away as he started making a drink he knew that I would like.
Mike kissed me on the cheek and stood up, pulling up his pants alittle.
I smiled and kissed him quickly before spinning off the stool, grabbing my drink then walking away, looking for Jaime.
When I found him, he was standing infront of the door that lead to the back, holdings hands with a very short girl. I had a small argument with myself on whether or not I wanted to join them in some type of conversation. But as I was about to turn around, I heard Jaime call my name.
I smiled and him and walked over. The girl he was holding hands was alot smaller than I thought she would be, a couple inches short of five feet. She wore a big hoodie that I remember seeing Jaime wear so many times in high school. It was hiding any type of shape she could have, but a pair of gray jeans hugged her thighs down to her ankles. Her bright red hair was pulled into a pony tail, the tips of her pony tail being a blonde color. I tried to get a look at her eyes, but the lighting in the room just made them look a brown color, but when she first turned to look at me, I could've sworn they had a greenish tint to the brown. The whole time I took in her appearance, she just smiled at me, but most likely doing the same to me.
"Hi! I'm Corey."
I smiled at her and thanked god that she wasn't angry at the fact Jaime had called over a strange girl.
"I'm Lydia, But you prooobably already knew that from Jaime yelling my name across the bar."
"Hmmm, anyways, I have to go do... band things. I didn't want to leave you girls alone, but now you have eachother for company!" He quickly threw up his hands and screamed, running through the door.
"I worry about that kid sometimes."
"Oh yeah. Definitely. And I've know him for years. So, you want to walk with me to the front of the stage?"
She quickly nodded and grabbed my hand, leading me to the front of the stage. The crowd wasn't big, just a few friends and most likely girls who wanted the guys in their pants.
As the boys set up, I couldn't help but look around. All around me were girls with barely any clothes on, well, except for my newest friend. I felt alittle better when Mel wrapped her arms around me, telling me that she was finally there.
I just laughed and pulled her beside me.
Her and Corey and started gushing about Vic and Jaime, trading stories about the silly things they do. As for me, my attention went to the two girls behind me, who just like Corey and Mel, were gushing about the boys. Only this time, Mike and Tony.
Of course, them assuming Tony's a sweetheart and wondering if Mike was good in bed. I chuckled to myself as I thought about turning around and telling him that Mike is in fact, good in bed. That not even an hour ago, that's where we were. But of course, I'd rather not have these girls talking about me all night, they can do that once they see me leaving with Mike's arm wrapped around me.
I smiled at the thought of someone being jealous over me again. It was oddly nice.
Soon, they were walking out and the girls were cheering in my ear. I wanted to rip their vocal chords out, but as if their excitement was contagious, I was clapping and cheering along. Of course, Mel and Corey joined in. And I no longer cared about the girls screaming behind me.
Mike looked at me and smiled. I quickly stopped my cheering and sunk down alittle. I couldn't help but giggle like a school girl. I felt the girls' eyes on the back of my head, but I couldn't care less.
He sat down, back center of the stage and lightly tapped on his drums while Vic spoke to the small crowd, having a conversation with them for the sound guy to mess with the volume on his mic. Jaime did the same, talking back and forth to everyone, singing a few notes, playing a few chords with Vic and Tony, trying to get the sound just right. Nothing that came out of their mouths made sense to me as I focused on my hot drummer. That is, until Tony started talking. He wasn't having a conversation, just doing the normal 'Check. One, two. Check.' Then telling the sound guy he needed more guitar in the monitor infront of him. I don't know why he caught my attention as he spoke. But it was giving me butterflies. His voice was always so calm. The kind of voice that you want to listen to as you try to fall asleep.
I was startled by Vic suddenly singing into the mic. Then just like old times, Jaime and Tony were everywhere around the stage, just like when they played with their best friends.
I danced around with Mel and Corey, wishing I knew the songs well enough to sing along. But I didn't let that bother me and my good time. I was feeling tipsy from my stupid drinks, but not drunk.
As Vic continued to sing, Mike was going hard on the drums, as the boys did the same with their instruments but then Tony quickly ran infront of me and leaned down, putting his mouth by my ear, singing along with Vic.
"Do you think you'd better love me back?"
He pecked my cheek and went back to playing his guitar. I could feel the Mel and Corey's eyes on me as I stood there shocked. All I could think of was Mike, who was glaring at Tony, unamused, while drumming away.
Way to keep our past hidden, jerk.
I tried to shrug it off, but all I could think of is what Mike had seen and what he thought of it. What would make Tony decide to do that?
Corey laughed and nudged my side, earning a forced laugh from me. As where Mel was worried like I was, knowing I was trying to focus on Mike. And Mike only.
A few songs and four sweaty mexicans later, their show had ended. Of course, Mel and Corey grabbed both my hands and started to make their way to the doors, so we could see the boys.
About five minutes later they busted through the door, wiping their faces and talking about how good they sounded. Of course, Tony was complaining how he missed a few notes, but Vic gave him a pat on the back, saying he still sounded great.
Jaime ran over to Corey and lifted her up, all she did was yell 'ew' at the fact Jaime was dripping wet, Vic gave Mel a kiss and as for me, I got a glare from Mike that made me feel like I was in trouble.
I tried to act like I didn't notice it and I tried to peck his lips, but he quickly turned his head to the side.
Why was I the one getting punished for Tony's stupid act?
I smiled at him and sat down, knowing right now he doesn't want anything to do with me, even though I didn't do anything.
"Soooo, Mike and Vic. What do you think about them? Do they maaake it?"
I smiled wide at Vic as he started his sentence off with 'Of course' but was cut off by Mike.
"Only Jaime."
Everyone's head simultaneously looked at him. Jaws dropped and Tony looked crushed. Seeing the look on his face as he looked at Mike actually hurt me.
"Why? Dude! We haven't found anyone as good as Tony. What the hell?"
Mike shrugged and sat down on the other side of the love seat, trying to stay away from me.
"He fucked up. We needed him to be perfect on the first try."
"Mike! Knock off it! Even I messed up! I even tripped over my own cord. We're not gonna find anyone better than him and you know it."
Vic shouted at his little brother, trying to defend Tony. Mike shrugged and stood up, walking towards the door.
"I say no. You said we'd both have to agree. Well Vic, I agree on Jaime. Not Tony."
He patted Tony's back, giving him a fake apology before walking out the room.
Everyone sat down in silence as we... well they wondered what that was about. But I know. Mike is being childish over Tony's little outburst.
"Look man, I'll talk to him for you. You're gonna be in the band. You're way good."
Tony nodded, doubt written on his face as he sat in the spot Mike was previously in.
"Sooooo, dancing anyone?"
Corey and Mel quickly jumped off the couch, not liking the awkward tension that the room was suddenly filled with. Vic and Jaime quickly followed them.
Mel shot me a glance, pretty much asking me if I wanted to go, keeping her word on not leaving me with Tony. I just shook my head no and shoo'd her away. She nodded and ran after the others.
"I knew the chords. I know all of them. I don't understand what made me fuck up!"
"It wasn't that. Mike couldn't care less if you were 100 percent and then more. It was that stupid move you pulled up there. 'Do you think you'd better love me back' then kissing me. What the hell was that all about? What would make you want to do that?"
Tony threw his head back against the couch and covered his face with his hands.
"I don't even know! I thought you'd like it! I knew the words and I just felt like... Idunno. Have you ever heard a line in a song that just reminded you of someone? That's what that was."
"Maybe if I didn't hate you or if I wasn't trying to get with the drummer, I would've liked it."
"Oh yeah. Getting with the drummer. Then what? Jaime? Are you gonna try to get with him too? I mean, You've known him for years. And at one point it seemed like you guys had something."
"Go fuck yourself. I'm glad Mike is saying no to you. Fucking cunt."
I wanted t punch Tony is the gut for pretty much calling me a band whore. Why? Because I dated Tony at one point and I happen to be hooking up with Mike. I started that before Tony and Jaime even though about joining that band. I quickly stood up and walked out of the room. Of course, my name was being called out from behind me as Tony ran after me.
"Dee, okay. That was unnecessary. I shouldn't have said that. You like Mike I get tha--"
He stopped talking to me as his attention followed where my eyes were looking. Mike had one of his arms around a blonde girl. He twirled her straight long hair around his index finger and started to whisper things in her ear. But I didn't care about that. What I cared about is when he started to whisper things to her, he was looking me dead in the eyes. A smiled played on his lips as inaudible words left his mouth. She giggled and nodded along to what he was saying. They quickly turned around and made their way down the stairs. I followed them and watched them leave out the exit.
Why is it that this whole time I thought something between Mike and I was special? I mean, we have fun together, he's taken me out on dates, he always asks me to hang out with him which doesn't always lead to sex. I always said it wasn't anything but I guess I hoped he was getting feelings for me, because I know I was. I know I have some sort of feeling for him, or else I would've be filled with jealousy, anger, betrayal.
What stopped me from walking up to him and hitting him across the face, or getting a drink and throwing it in his face? You know, the cliche girl thing to do.
But of course, I couldn't. I was at one point in time, that blonde girl. Mike sat down next to me, flirted with me, then took me home. Just like that girl, I'm nothing special. He just wanted me around to get his dick wet, I guess. But all I could think of was him telling Tony, '[i]She's mine[/i]'.
Maybe that's how he was with the girl before me. How he's gonna be after this blonde girl. Maybe that's just how he is...
Tony slowly followed me and when he stood next to me, he rested his hand on the small of my back, trying to apologize for what Mike is doing.
"No. It's fine. Mike.... He can do whatever he wants."
Tony stared at me, clearly getting pissed off.
"Whatever, man."
"Tone... We're not dating. We never said we couldn't see other people."
I shrugged and turned around, stepping up the two small steps to get to the pool table area. I was really trying to seem like this wasn't bothering me, that it was all fine and dandy. Only because I didn't want Tony to know that I liked Mike, for more than sex. I had already told him that's all it was.
Tony read my mind and paid for a game of pool, giving me my pool stick and started to rack the balls, but rolling his eyes in the process. I sighed and pushed my hair back, watching Tony break then looking for the closet ball that I could make into a pocket.
The rest of our game, nothing was said. To be honest, I enjoyed his company when he didn't talk about trying to get me back or trying to get involved with me and Mike. I truly miss Tony being around, what I didn't miss was the sixth sense that he has, he knew I was lying and that I wasn't fine. Even with m poker face on, he could always tell what's going on. He'd try to give me reassuring smiles, when he was examining the table for his next move he'd throw his arm over me and pull me in close, trying to make me feel better. At one point, that's what made me want to cry. The fact that he was trying to make me feel better through actions because he knows that I'm not going to talk to him.
The first thing that broke our silence was him asking me for a cigarette, which I just nodded and followed him outside. But my hand was quickly wrapped around his arm pulling him away from the door. When he gave me a look, I simply told him to by quiet by placing my index finger up to my lips, in a shushing motion.
~*Melanie's POV*~
Vic stood infront of me, running his fingers through his hair out of frustration.
"Are you fucking kidding me? Mel! I could fucking go to jail! I'm 22 years old! And here you are, still in high school! I graduated [b]four[/b] years ago."
He started pacing back and fourth while all I could do was stand there and watch. An unfamiliar pain was all over my chest and the only thing I could ask myself was whether or not this was the end. He had just asked me out a week ago. This can't be over already, it was only just the beginning. I know it's only been about three months, and I'm not saying I'm in love with him, but there was definitely that spark that people talk about. I've never felt that with anyone. Except for Vic. If he's such a grown man, this shouldn't bother him.
I had always talked about having school in the morning, but he finally realized I meant high school.
"I'm turning 23 in the beginning of next year! And here you are, under age!"
"What does that matter? You've been telling me non-stop about how happy I make you and-- and how you could be yourself around me. Why are you gonna let a number fuck all that up?"
I tried to touch his arm but he violently jerked away, giving me a dirty glare.
"You're a fucking child."
I looked down and shook my head, trying not to let his words hurt me more than what they already were. I didn't want to fight with Vic, I didn't want to break up with him either. Everything inside of me was telling me to fight for what we could have. The stupid butterflies, the nervousness, the endless laughs, the sincere moments when he kissed me then stares at me smiling before he tells me how perfect I am.
"Look, I graduate early in a few months and turn 18 in January."
"Then call me after that happens."
He quickly turned away and walked towards his car. All I was left with was his faint scent and his words ringing in my ears.
I just stood there, staring at the wet concrete. What else was I to do? Run after Vic? His mind was clearly made up. I was a [i]child[/i]. Would running after him and try to fight with us be something that a child would do? No. Children would just give up when something gets too hard. I'm not a child.
"Vic! Please wait!"
I saw his body tense up and freeze as he reached for his door handle, suddenly my feet were bringing me close to him, faster than I though I could ever move.
My arms were quickly around his waist, with my face resting between his shoulder blades and the front of my body pressed against his back.
We stayed like that for a moment before he spoke to me softly.
"I've never been in this situation, Mel."
He turned around, in my arms, and wrapped his own around me. He slowly slid down the side of his car, bringing me down with him onto his lap. He rested his head and stayed quiet.
"What if waiting is good for us?"
"How would that be good? Because I personally don't want to wait until January to be with you... I want you now, Vic. I want to go to a stupid Halloween party with you. To invite you over on Thanksgiving and make you try all the food I'm gonna cook. I want that awkward dinner when you meet my parents. I want oyu around for my birthday, not after..."
I felt him lift his head off me and kiss where it used to rest.
"I wish I knew how to explain this to you without hurting you. But Mel, you have to understand that I could get in serious trouble for this."
"But it shouldn't matter. Vic, do you want to be with me?"
He stayed quiet, as if he's thinking of his answer. He lifted me up then stood up, helping me stand up.
"Right now. I'm sorry. But no."
I breathed in deeply, shocked by his answer. All I could do was try not to cry and nod.
Who the hell would ever want to be in love? I could have gone my whole life without this feeling and been just fine.
"I'll give you a ride back to your place, but that's gonna be it. Okay? The end of this."
He cupped my face and wiped the tears that found the strength to escape my eyes.
"I want you to know. Everything I've told you, I meant it."
He kissed my forehead then held my hand, leading me to the passenger seat.



~*Lydia's POV*~
I watched Mel and Vic drive off before walking out the door. I bit my lip and hoped that everything would work out for the two of them. They need it. Mike's been telling me how much his brother has been changing since he met her, and with Mel, she seems to be happy. Still the perverted girl that I've known for a few years, but happier.
"Everything's just going to shit, huh?"
I forced myself to laugh, trying not to cry as I lit my cigarette. I was suddenly wrapped up in Tony's arms and not caring anymore. My face was buried in his chest and I was crying to him, just like I did the other night. He said nothing as he held me, running his fingers through my hair.
"Why do I let myself get hurt like this?"
"It's not you, Dee. It's guys. Guys are stupid. All of them."
He released me but kept one of his arms around my shoulders as he led me to my truck. He unhooked my keys from my beltloop and unlocked the truck, helping me into the passenger seat.
"I'm driving you home..."
I just nodded and closed my door, and buckled myself in. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, listening to Tony getting situated in the driver's seat.
"Stay with me tonight?"

Notes

Title credit;;
Crown the empire - Two's too much.