Beneath the Northern Lights
Jaan Ponima
The time was finally here. Ali and Nicole were both smashing. Both in high heels and dark sleek dresses that the women of Finland began dressing in. Ali’s makeup was dark and classy. She had no one to impress but herself tonight. She smiled and was very satisfied with her look. She smiled,
“Hey you are allowed to keep an eye out tonight. Snatch one of those Finnish men. I hear they are good in bed.” Ali raised a brow and smirked as she looked at her friend. Nicole smiled and adjusted her necklace,
“I have my eyes on one person....”
“Ryan has them for you too....” Ali said abruptly. Nicole shook her head,
“God, no..... I meant my Ville.” She sighed and looked in the mirror, “He is such a fine piece of ass....” Ali rolled her eyes,
“Keep dreaming...” Ali grabbed her clutch and opened the door and walked down the hall to Bam’s door and knocked on it. Bam opened it and smiled. He was dressed up in his “finest” skate gear. He smirked and hugged his sister,
“Damn, you look hot.” Ryan piped up. Bam took off his shoe and aimed it for Ryan’s head. Ryan dodged it and laughed. “You missed, Bam” Ryan smiled widely feeling clever.
“I have two feet... there is still another one.” Bam said and looked at his sister and took her hands, “You look stunning.” He smiled and hugged her tight. Ali smiled and kissed her brother softly,
“If the girls only knew what a sweetheart you could be...” Ali smiled,
“I leave it for the sweetest of all girls. The only one who deserves it.” Bam smiled and fixed her hair just like mom would do sometimes. He whispered trying to avoid Ryan hearing how sappy he was being. “...and that’s my lil sis.” Bam smiled. Nicole then knocked. Ali stood back as the door was opened again for her,
“Shit!” Ryan said and looked over Nicole. She blushed and waved at Ryan. Ali just laughed. Nicole could go over and over the fact that there wasn’t a connection there, but Ali knew there was something.
“Come on lets get the fuck out of here.” Bam said retrieving his shoe and walking down to the elevator.
They piled into the elevator and head down the streets of Helsinki. Their restaurant of choice tonight was the Savoy. It was a classic Finnish restaurant. It was high class or as Ville preferred to say, ‘of good company’. Ali smiled as she had arm linked with Nicole’s as they walked down the sidewalk. Their high heels clicking as Bam’s necklaces jingled. They always called Americans flashy and maybe they were, but thats what Ali loved about traveling around. You get to see the unique personalities of each culture. Dunn turned the corner and laughed when there was a group of Finnish looking vampire rockers. Bam stopped in front of Ville and his band. A puff of smoke flew from Ville’s mouth,
“I feel like this would be an appropriate time to have a street battle....Finland vs. America, but since I’m afraid that the beautiful ladies you brought with you would destroy my men, I think it would be wise to settle on dinner.” Ville smiled and opened the door for his American friends. They all walked in and were followed by Ville’s bandmates. They were lead to the VIP room. They were all seated. Ali smiled and sat between her brother and Nicole. It felt good to be back with all of the guys from HIM. So many times when Ville came over he would leave his band at home so for some of the members it had been years since she had seen them. She didn’t mind being far out numbered by guys. That’s how it always was at home. Nicole on the other hand was extremely excited. This had been the first time that she had met some of them, and here she was having dinner with them. Ali could see some of the tweets she was sending from her phone.
“Don’t get too excited, they can smell fangirl” Ali laughed and held Nicole’s hand under the table for a moment and then pulled back. They all ordered a ton of food. Bam said it was so their bodies could better handle the alcohol they were about to take in. All dinner they passed stories. No one was left out of the conversations. Bam and Dunn would tell some kind of story from the productions of ‘Jackass‘ and then Ville and his thugs would trade tour tales from Asia and Europe. Linde with his interesting blonde dreads leaned over during one of Bam’s stories. He looked at Ali and whispered just audible for her and her friend to hear,
“So... did he do it? Ville told us we might have a wedding to prepare for” Linde said happily. Ville turned his head away from Bam at the sound of his name and looked down a few seats at Linde speaking to Ali. Ali smiled at Linde and then looked down at the food on her plate. She shook her head and looked at Nicole for some reassurance and then sighed and looked up at Linde and shook her head again,
“No....” Linde looked embarrassed and Ali was quick to address it, “Don’t worry about it. Everyone was planning on it. We were all disappointed. I’m not really sure what happened. He never brought it up or anything related. We are young. We’ve only been dating for a year. We have plenty of....”
“There are not a lot of pieces of advice that I would tell you to take from your brother...but I must cut in and say that I’ve never gotten a good vibe from him either, Ali. If you don’t trust Bam, then trust Uncle Ville.” Ville spoke as he looked down the table and smiled lightly. Ali looked at him and she felt her stomach turn into knots. She nodded at Ville and then looked down at her plate pushing some vegetables around it. Ville gave a half smile. He could tell that his words were not welcomed, but he felt better after putting his opinion out there. He smiled and looked over at her and then at Linde before directing his attention back to Bam who was still going on about some horrible trick they did to Knoxville. Linde looked over at Ali and then smiled,
“I don’t know him so I’m not going to say Jack shit....but I value your brother’s friendship and you know I’d lay my life down for Ville...that being said and knowing their opinions, I’m going to suggest to just live it up here in Finland! You’ve never been, and as you know, us Finnish men are a different breed. You might find something you like if you give it a little bit of effort.” Linde raised a brow. Ali smiled and shook her head,
“I’m so devoted to my man, there is no way that I could leave him. Thank you though.” Ali smiled, “I can have just as much fun appreciating your country’s culture instead of it’s male population.” Linde smiled,
“Suit yourself, dear!” Linde went back to eating. Ali looked at Nicole and sighed. Ali felt like the world was against her. She put on a smile and pushed her failed engagement from her mind and enjoyed the rest of the dinner.
_____
“I believe it is that time, boys.” Ville said to his bandmates. The waiter came in and informed Ville that the check would be mailed to him later. Ville seemed pleased and then stood up, “Jaan Panimo!!” the band members walked briskly out of the restaurant and down the street. The four Americans followed,
“What did you tell them?” Nicole asked Ville.
“I told them to go to the Ice bar” Ville smirked and looked down to the light brown haired woman walking at his side. Nicole laughed and looked as if she was making a mental note. Only moments later the four of them as well as Ville and his gang walked into a dark club. Ville made note to the bouncers that the four were with him. They didn’t check ID or anything. Ville practically ran the night life in Finland. The lighting was so amazing. It was dark, but there were frosty blue accents everywhere. It seemed cold as well. The dance floor was full. That didn’t stop people from pushing their way in. A lounge, bar and more VIP rooms were located towards the sides.
“This is fucking awesome!” Bam was already heading back to the deepest part of the lounge to grab a seat after grabbing a beer at the bar. Nicole was already rocking out to the music. Ali walked through slowly and was taking in her surroundings. Ali took a seat next to her brother. They were sitting in a lounge along with some of FInland’s finest celebrities including her beloved rockers. Ali crossed her legs as she looked around at the people. They all seemed so classy. It made Ali happy. At the bars back home their were skanky ass girls and men who were trying to start fights with their girlfriend’s ex lover. Ali rolled her eyes at the thought. How she was glad to be away from West Chester tonight. Ville had bought a few shots for them and a few pitchers of beer. Ali hated beer so she took a shot of the ice cold vodka. It was straight. One thing she loved about Finland. They appreciated the quality of their vodka. They didn’t mess around with mixing their drinks all of the time.
Ali set pressed against her brother. She was giggling with Nicole about some of the people that would walk by. All of the sudden Ryan extended his hand to Nicole. Nicole blushed and took it, and before Ali knew it, the two of them were grinding on the dance floor. It was a scene that her and Bam had to adjust to a little bit but Ali was happy for Ryan. She knew how much he liked Nicole. Ali got some looks from men she didn’t know. She slipped a hand into Bam’s lap and tried to lace their fingers. Bam looked at her and laughed,
“What are you doing?”
“I-I...nothing. Just....”
“Well if you aren’t doing anything how about you get yourself another drink and pick me up a Heineken.”
“Bam... I really don’t want to wa.....”
“Ali I’m sitting like not even 30 yards away. You are ok.” Bam kissed her head. Ali smiled and held firmly onto her clutch. Bam hated showing his sister affection around people especially other celebrities. The fact that he even did this little gesture to comfort her meant a lot.
_______
At another table sat 3 men. All Finnish. One had a large curly light brown fro. He had some facial hair and was a little bit heavier than his company at the table.
“Fucking sakes...She’s a whore. She was using you, Lauri! You know that.”
“Pauli, you don’t know that....” a man replied to the curly haired man. This man had black hair that was of a decent length. It was tucked under a beanie. He had a tattoo down his forearm that read ‘Dynasty’ that was visible as he was holding his head. His name was Lauri Ylonen. He had a shy personality, but green eyes that could be the envy of many girls. He was a tinier man with a tone body. He wore scruff upon his face and had an edgy look that was typical of any Finnish rocker. He had gone through a horrible breakup with his long term girlfriend. In the process losing some of his money and some of his furniture.
“Lauri, lets think about it.... Where else did those 1000 Euros go?” Another man with black rimmed stylish glasses sat next to Lauri. He had a hat on and a scarf around his neck. He fit the perfect definition of a metro European man. He was watching some pretty girls walk by easily becoming distracted.
“Aki, you know how much money goes in and out of my bank account for our albums. You KNOW how much. With a trip to the bank I will be able to check it out. Now please just stop.” Lauri said exhaustedly.
“I say good riddance” Pauli barked from the other side of the table.
“You will be able to concentrate so much better now..” Aki said rubbing Lauri’s back.
“I am fine now...I always was.” Lauri whispered and finished his beer. He stacked it next to the edge of the table for the waitress to take.
“What if she goes after our new tour bus!? You know she hated it when we got it..... Maybe she’s out there .....right.....this....very....”
“Fucking shut up.... you know she wouldn’t do anything like that. She’s mad at my choices. The band’s choices are something completely different. We decided to come here to forget her not to keep talking about the fucking, stealing, witchy whore that she is! Call Eero and make him check on the bus....”
With that Lauri stormed to the bar and sat down asking for a much harder drink. His chest still rising and falling hard from all the steam that he let off back at his friend’s table.
“Well at least we are all on the same page.” Pauli gave out a hearty laugh and texted the man that Lauri had referenced.
________________
Ali walked by the dance floor and smiled at her friend. She paused and ran up kissing her cheek and then pulled Ryan down and slapped his ass,
“Behave” was all that she whispered to the man. He laughed and nodded and continued to sway to the music. Ali pushed through to the bar. Once there she smiled and asked the bartender for their version of a ‘sex on the beach’ and two more heinekens. Ali turned as she waited and watched her friend dance. When the drinks were brought to her she smiled and thanked the man and then began looking through her clutch for money. Part of her intoxication had turned her fingers into jello. She dropped her clutch. She cursed and carefully bent down to pick up her things. The man that was sitting next to her got the bartender’s attention and asked him to put the drinks on his tab. He then knelt down and helped Ali by handing her her lipstick that had rolled next to his shoe. Ali looked up at him and smiled,
“Thanks...sorry.. I think I need to cut myself off after this one.” Ali laughed and then tried to pull money out again. The bartender looked at her and shook his head,
“It’s been covered.” He said smiling and moving onto the next customer. Ali was confused and then looked at the other man to her left that had handed her lipstick back to her.
“Did you.....”
“yah, no worries....” He smiled lightly back at her, “My name is Lauri.” Ali smiled and saw that he had put his hand out to shake. She took a hold of it.
“My name is Ali, and thank you so much! You didn’t need to do that!” Ali blushed lightly.
“I wanted to. Say, are you from the states?” Lauri asked as he raised a brow.
“I am. How did you know?” Ali asked and then rolled her eyes at the stupidity of the question. Lauri laughed,
“yah...the accent gave it away. I’ve been a few times. Great country. Which state?”
“Pennsylvania.”
“Really? I did some work in Pennsylvania, worked with someone on a CD they were making.”
“That’s awesome. So you are a singer?”
“I’m lead singer for my band. The Rasmus.” Ali nodded and smiled biting her lip,
“I can’t say that I’ve heard of them. I will have something to look up when I get back to my hotel.”
“Oh yah? Which one are you staying in?”
“The big fancy one down the street...I don’t know the name right now..” Ali laughed feeling stupid as she put a hand to her forehead. Lauri laughed,
“Ah yes, I know of which one you speak.” Ali nodded and tucked her clutch under her arm.
“It is really nice.” Ali smiled and nodded. Lauri was beginning to really get into the conversation. He looked her over. He loved her dark hair and a smile that seemed to never leave her face until his next question.
“So are you single?” Ali got a disgusted look on her face and shook her head,
“Oh no, I haven’t been for awhile. I’m dating a guitarist back in the states.” Lauri wasn't really sure what came over him. Why did he ask that question after just meeting her? He knew he needed some time to slow down and take it easy. He didn't need to playing girls on the rebound. He took a deep breath, smiled,
“Congratulations. Wish the best for you.” Ali skillfully picked up the drinks.
“Thanks! It was nice to meet you but I really need to get back to my brother.” Ali smiled at the man one more time and then disappeared into he crowds. Lauri sighed and smiled lightly as he went back to enjoying his drink. Ali looked at Bam with a dirty expression. He threw his hands up as he took the beers from Ali,
“Whats the matter with you!?”
“I just got pulled into a random conversation with a guy. He also bought your drinks....or our drinks...” Ali said and sipped her pink beverage.
“Good you now have more shopping money. Way to go. You took advantage of your gender!!” Bam said in a positive light. and then laughed as he sipped his new beer. Ali rolled her eyes,
“I didn’t try to get him to buy me a drink! Bam, ugh....get your own drinks from now on.” Ali said and sat down. Bam laughed and wrapped an arm around her,
“You are very pretty, Ali. All he did was talk and buy you a drink right?” Ali nodded and looked at her drink and nowhere else. “Well then there is no harm in that. Don’t be so angry. Men are allowed to talk to you....I’d prefer that you talked to other men.” Bam said and rubbed her back, “Just chill here with me....” Bam said giving up on his sister’s hormonal behavior. She just wanted to go home to Zacky. She hated being around a crowd that was so negative towards her boyfriend.
About 2 AM the HIM boys had all gone home except for Ville. Nicole and Ryan were now sitting with Bam, Ali and Ville. The girls weren’t allowed to go back till the guys did. It wasn’t safe even in Helsinki for two girls to go walking around by themselves especially with the amount of alcohol in their system. Soon Bam declared the party over and the 5 walked back to the hotel. Bam, Ryan and Ville went back to their room and kept parting for an hour or so more while Ali and Nicole collapsed in their beds.
“Hey you are allowed to keep an eye out tonight. Snatch one of those Finnish men. I hear they are good in bed.” Ali raised a brow and smirked as she looked at her friend. Nicole smiled and adjusted her necklace,
“I have my eyes on one person....”
“Ryan has them for you too....” Ali said abruptly. Nicole shook her head,
“God, no..... I meant my Ville.” She sighed and looked in the mirror, “He is such a fine piece of ass....” Ali rolled her eyes,
“Keep dreaming...” Ali grabbed her clutch and opened the door and walked down the hall to Bam’s door and knocked on it. Bam opened it and smiled. He was dressed up in his “finest” skate gear. He smirked and hugged his sister,
“Damn, you look hot.” Ryan piped up. Bam took off his shoe and aimed it for Ryan’s head. Ryan dodged it and laughed. “You missed, Bam” Ryan smiled widely feeling clever.
“I have two feet... there is still another one.” Bam said and looked at his sister and took her hands, “You look stunning.” He smiled and hugged her tight. Ali smiled and kissed her brother softly,
“If the girls only knew what a sweetheart you could be...” Ali smiled,
“I leave it for the sweetest of all girls. The only one who deserves it.” Bam smiled and fixed her hair just like mom would do sometimes. He whispered trying to avoid Ryan hearing how sappy he was being. “...and that’s my lil sis.” Bam smiled. Nicole then knocked. Ali stood back as the door was opened again for her,
“Shit!” Ryan said and looked over Nicole. She blushed and waved at Ryan. Ali just laughed. Nicole could go over and over the fact that there wasn’t a connection there, but Ali knew there was something.
“Come on lets get the fuck out of here.” Bam said retrieving his shoe and walking down to the elevator.
They piled into the elevator and head down the streets of Helsinki. Their restaurant of choice tonight was the Savoy. It was a classic Finnish restaurant. It was high class or as Ville preferred to say, ‘of good company’. Ali smiled as she had arm linked with Nicole’s as they walked down the sidewalk. Their high heels clicking as Bam’s necklaces jingled. They always called Americans flashy and maybe they were, but thats what Ali loved about traveling around. You get to see the unique personalities of each culture. Dunn turned the corner and laughed when there was a group of Finnish looking vampire rockers. Bam stopped in front of Ville and his band. A puff of smoke flew from Ville’s mouth,
“I feel like this would be an appropriate time to have a street battle....Finland vs. America, but since I’m afraid that the beautiful ladies you brought with you would destroy my men, I think it would be wise to settle on dinner.” Ville smiled and opened the door for his American friends. They all walked in and were followed by Ville’s bandmates. They were lead to the VIP room. They were all seated. Ali smiled and sat between her brother and Nicole. It felt good to be back with all of the guys from HIM. So many times when Ville came over he would leave his band at home so for some of the members it had been years since she had seen them. She didn’t mind being far out numbered by guys. That’s how it always was at home. Nicole on the other hand was extremely excited. This had been the first time that she had met some of them, and here she was having dinner with them. Ali could see some of the tweets she was sending from her phone.
“Don’t get too excited, they can smell fangirl” Ali laughed and held Nicole’s hand under the table for a moment and then pulled back. They all ordered a ton of food. Bam said it was so their bodies could better handle the alcohol they were about to take in. All dinner they passed stories. No one was left out of the conversations. Bam and Dunn would tell some kind of story from the productions of ‘Jackass‘ and then Ville and his thugs would trade tour tales from Asia and Europe. Linde with his interesting blonde dreads leaned over during one of Bam’s stories. He looked at Ali and whispered just audible for her and her friend to hear,
“So... did he do it? Ville told us we might have a wedding to prepare for” Linde said happily. Ville turned his head away from Bam at the sound of his name and looked down a few seats at Linde speaking to Ali. Ali smiled at Linde and then looked down at the food on her plate. She shook her head and looked at Nicole for some reassurance and then sighed and looked up at Linde and shook her head again,
“No....” Linde looked embarrassed and Ali was quick to address it, “Don’t worry about it. Everyone was planning on it. We were all disappointed. I’m not really sure what happened. He never brought it up or anything related. We are young. We’ve only been dating for a year. We have plenty of....”
“There are not a lot of pieces of advice that I would tell you to take from your brother...but I must cut in and say that I’ve never gotten a good vibe from him either, Ali. If you don’t trust Bam, then trust Uncle Ville.” Ville spoke as he looked down the table and smiled lightly. Ali looked at him and she felt her stomach turn into knots. She nodded at Ville and then looked down at her plate pushing some vegetables around it. Ville gave a half smile. He could tell that his words were not welcomed, but he felt better after putting his opinion out there. He smiled and looked over at her and then at Linde before directing his attention back to Bam who was still going on about some horrible trick they did to Knoxville. Linde looked over at Ali and then smiled,
“I don’t know him so I’m not going to say Jack shit....but I value your brother’s friendship and you know I’d lay my life down for Ville...that being said and knowing their opinions, I’m going to suggest to just live it up here in Finland! You’ve never been, and as you know, us Finnish men are a different breed. You might find something you like if you give it a little bit of effort.” Linde raised a brow. Ali smiled and shook her head,
“I’m so devoted to my man, there is no way that I could leave him. Thank you though.” Ali smiled, “I can have just as much fun appreciating your country’s culture instead of it’s male population.” Linde smiled,
“Suit yourself, dear!” Linde went back to eating. Ali looked at Nicole and sighed. Ali felt like the world was against her. She put on a smile and pushed her failed engagement from her mind and enjoyed the rest of the dinner.
_____
“I believe it is that time, boys.” Ville said to his bandmates. The waiter came in and informed Ville that the check would be mailed to him later. Ville seemed pleased and then stood up, “Jaan Panimo!!” the band members walked briskly out of the restaurant and down the street. The four Americans followed,
“What did you tell them?” Nicole asked Ville.
“I told them to go to the Ice bar” Ville smirked and looked down to the light brown haired woman walking at his side. Nicole laughed and looked as if she was making a mental note. Only moments later the four of them as well as Ville and his gang walked into a dark club. Ville made note to the bouncers that the four were with him. They didn’t check ID or anything. Ville practically ran the night life in Finland. The lighting was so amazing. It was dark, but there were frosty blue accents everywhere. It seemed cold as well. The dance floor was full. That didn’t stop people from pushing their way in. A lounge, bar and more VIP rooms were located towards the sides.
“This is fucking awesome!” Bam was already heading back to the deepest part of the lounge to grab a seat after grabbing a beer at the bar. Nicole was already rocking out to the music. Ali walked through slowly and was taking in her surroundings. Ali took a seat next to her brother. They were sitting in a lounge along with some of FInland’s finest celebrities including her beloved rockers. Ali crossed her legs as she looked around at the people. They all seemed so classy. It made Ali happy. At the bars back home their were skanky ass girls and men who were trying to start fights with their girlfriend’s ex lover. Ali rolled her eyes at the thought. How she was glad to be away from West Chester tonight. Ville had bought a few shots for them and a few pitchers of beer. Ali hated beer so she took a shot of the ice cold vodka. It was straight. One thing she loved about Finland. They appreciated the quality of their vodka. They didn’t mess around with mixing their drinks all of the time.
Ali set pressed against her brother. She was giggling with Nicole about some of the people that would walk by. All of the sudden Ryan extended his hand to Nicole. Nicole blushed and took it, and before Ali knew it, the two of them were grinding on the dance floor. It was a scene that her and Bam had to adjust to a little bit but Ali was happy for Ryan. She knew how much he liked Nicole. Ali got some looks from men she didn’t know. She slipped a hand into Bam’s lap and tried to lace their fingers. Bam looked at her and laughed,
“What are you doing?”
“I-I...nothing. Just....”
“Well if you aren’t doing anything how about you get yourself another drink and pick me up a Heineken.”
“Bam... I really don’t want to wa.....”
“Ali I’m sitting like not even 30 yards away. You are ok.” Bam kissed her head. Ali smiled and held firmly onto her clutch. Bam hated showing his sister affection around people especially other celebrities. The fact that he even did this little gesture to comfort her meant a lot.
_______
At another table sat 3 men. All Finnish. One had a large curly light brown fro. He had some facial hair and was a little bit heavier than his company at the table.
“Fucking sakes...She’s a whore. She was using you, Lauri! You know that.”
“Pauli, you don’t know that....” a man replied to the curly haired man. This man had black hair that was of a decent length. It was tucked under a beanie. He had a tattoo down his forearm that read ‘Dynasty’ that was visible as he was holding his head. His name was Lauri Ylonen. He had a shy personality, but green eyes that could be the envy of many girls. He was a tinier man with a tone body. He wore scruff upon his face and had an edgy look that was typical of any Finnish rocker. He had gone through a horrible breakup with his long term girlfriend. In the process losing some of his money and some of his furniture.
“Lauri, lets think about it.... Where else did those 1000 Euros go?” Another man with black rimmed stylish glasses sat next to Lauri. He had a hat on and a scarf around his neck. He fit the perfect definition of a metro European man. He was watching some pretty girls walk by easily becoming distracted.
“Aki, you know how much money goes in and out of my bank account for our albums. You KNOW how much. With a trip to the bank I will be able to check it out. Now please just stop.” Lauri said exhaustedly.
“I say good riddance” Pauli barked from the other side of the table.
“You will be able to concentrate so much better now..” Aki said rubbing Lauri’s back.
“I am fine now...I always was.” Lauri whispered and finished his beer. He stacked it next to the edge of the table for the waitress to take.
“What if she goes after our new tour bus!? You know she hated it when we got it..... Maybe she’s out there .....right.....this....very....”
“Fucking shut up.... you know she wouldn’t do anything like that. She’s mad at my choices. The band’s choices are something completely different. We decided to come here to forget her not to keep talking about the fucking, stealing, witchy whore that she is! Call Eero and make him check on the bus....”
With that Lauri stormed to the bar and sat down asking for a much harder drink. His chest still rising and falling hard from all the steam that he let off back at his friend’s table.
“Well at least we are all on the same page.” Pauli gave out a hearty laugh and texted the man that Lauri had referenced.
________________
Ali walked by the dance floor and smiled at her friend. She paused and ran up kissing her cheek and then pulled Ryan down and slapped his ass,
“Behave” was all that she whispered to the man. He laughed and nodded and continued to sway to the music. Ali pushed through to the bar. Once there she smiled and asked the bartender for their version of a ‘sex on the beach’ and two more heinekens. Ali turned as she waited and watched her friend dance. When the drinks were brought to her she smiled and thanked the man and then began looking through her clutch for money. Part of her intoxication had turned her fingers into jello. She dropped her clutch. She cursed and carefully bent down to pick up her things. The man that was sitting next to her got the bartender’s attention and asked him to put the drinks on his tab. He then knelt down and helped Ali by handing her her lipstick that had rolled next to his shoe. Ali looked up at him and smiled,
“Thanks...sorry.. I think I need to cut myself off after this one.” Ali laughed and then tried to pull money out again. The bartender looked at her and shook his head,
“It’s been covered.” He said smiling and moving onto the next customer. Ali was confused and then looked at the other man to her left that had handed her lipstick back to her.
“Did you.....”
“yah, no worries....” He smiled lightly back at her, “My name is Lauri.” Ali smiled and saw that he had put his hand out to shake. She took a hold of it.
“My name is Ali, and thank you so much! You didn’t need to do that!” Ali blushed lightly.
“I wanted to. Say, are you from the states?” Lauri asked as he raised a brow.
“I am. How did you know?” Ali asked and then rolled her eyes at the stupidity of the question. Lauri laughed,
“yah...the accent gave it away. I’ve been a few times. Great country. Which state?”
“Pennsylvania.”
“Really? I did some work in Pennsylvania, worked with someone on a CD they were making.”
“That’s awesome. So you are a singer?”
“I’m lead singer for my band. The Rasmus.” Ali nodded and smiled biting her lip,
“I can’t say that I’ve heard of them. I will have something to look up when I get back to my hotel.”
“Oh yah? Which one are you staying in?”
“The big fancy one down the street...I don’t know the name right now..” Ali laughed feeling stupid as she put a hand to her forehead. Lauri laughed,
“Ah yes, I know of which one you speak.” Ali nodded and tucked her clutch under her arm.
“It is really nice.” Ali smiled and nodded. Lauri was beginning to really get into the conversation. He looked her over. He loved her dark hair and a smile that seemed to never leave her face until his next question.
“So are you single?” Ali got a disgusted look on her face and shook her head,
“Oh no, I haven’t been for awhile. I’m dating a guitarist back in the states.” Lauri wasn't really sure what came over him. Why did he ask that question after just meeting her? He knew he needed some time to slow down and take it easy. He didn't need to playing girls on the rebound. He took a deep breath, smiled,
“Congratulations. Wish the best for you.” Ali skillfully picked up the drinks.
“Thanks! It was nice to meet you but I really need to get back to my brother.” Ali smiled at the man one more time and then disappeared into he crowds. Lauri sighed and smiled lightly as he went back to enjoying his drink. Ali looked at Bam with a dirty expression. He threw his hands up as he took the beers from Ali,
“Whats the matter with you!?”
“I just got pulled into a random conversation with a guy. He also bought your drinks....or our drinks...” Ali said and sipped her pink beverage.
“Good you now have more shopping money. Way to go. You took advantage of your gender!!” Bam said in a positive light. and then laughed as he sipped his new beer. Ali rolled her eyes,
“I didn’t try to get him to buy me a drink! Bam, ugh....get your own drinks from now on.” Ali said and sat down. Bam laughed and wrapped an arm around her,
“You are very pretty, Ali. All he did was talk and buy you a drink right?” Ali nodded and looked at her drink and nowhere else. “Well then there is no harm in that. Don’t be so angry. Men are allowed to talk to you....I’d prefer that you talked to other men.” Bam said and rubbed her back, “Just chill here with me....” Bam said giving up on his sister’s hormonal behavior. She just wanted to go home to Zacky. She hated being around a crowd that was so negative towards her boyfriend.
About 2 AM the HIM boys had all gone home except for Ville. Nicole and Ryan were now sitting with Bam, Ali and Ville. The girls weren’t allowed to go back till the guys did. It wasn’t safe even in Helsinki for two girls to go walking around by themselves especially with the amount of alcohol in their system. Soon Bam declared the party over and the 5 walked back to the hotel. Bam, Ryan and Ville went back to their room and kept parting for an hour or so more while Ali and Nicole collapsed in their beds.