Trashed & Scattered

It's been three weeks since I met the Avenged group. I still try to avoid seeing them when I can, but they make it kinda hard to do. Brian still makes the occasional comment that pisses me off. Thankfully though I have learned to ignore his bitchy moods. Val has seemed to worm her way into my life. We now talk almost everyday.

Jimmy is the other one I have seemed to grow to like, but only as a friend. He makes me laugh until my sides split. I don't hang out with him outside of work though. 

As for the anemia....things seem to be getting better. I don't get sick from the medication as much anymore. And when I have, I've been able to hide it. Not even Joelle has noticed.

It's currently Friday and I have to go into the studio for some meeting. Thor said it was rather urgent that I be there. 

"See ya when you get back! Tell the old man I said hi." Joelle was currently lounging about the apartment in her pajamas. The smirk on her dace tells me she knows something that I don't.

"Ok see ya then. Love ya!"

"Love ya too darling."

I quietly closed the door to our apartment and made my way outside. Since I had some time to spare I decided to go on a coffee run. 

I got myself a Vanilla Bean frappe and a French vanilla coffee for Thor. Traffic in town wasn't nearly as bad as it usually was thankfully.

I made it to the studio right on time and made my way in. Thor was waiting in his office as I arrived. 

"So was there a specific reason I was called in on my day off? Or were you just 'checking on me' like usual?" He glared playfully as I plopped down in the seat across from him.

"Well both actually. But I can see you're feeling better so I guess we can just get straight down to business. Well as you know the boys have another tour coming up soon."

"Yea in two weeks right?"

"Yes, well I need someone to go along for it to help out with stuff. The tour is going to last about 6 months."

"Ok so you need me to find someone? Any specific requests?"

"Well...not exactly. The boys have already chosen someone."

"...So I'm supposed to prepare the person?"

"No...."

"Then what exactly am I here for?"

By this time Thor was glancing around nervously, which is something he does when he knows I might get upset. My eyes narrowed as I sat forward in my chair and crossed my arms on his desk.

"Spit it out."

"They chose you to go. And no it isn't an option. They are officially your new assignment."

"You're kidding right?"

"Nope. So you best be preparing soon. You leave in two weeks." I swear hell was about to freeze over. There is no way I can survive that long away from home.

"I can't just leave.."

"Nonsense, Joelle and I have already figured everything out. We've even arranged for regular doctors visits along the way."

"You better not have told any of them."

"No worries my dear, the only one who knows is their 'on the road' manager. And I only had to tell her for insurance purposes. She knows not to inform anyone."

My glare intensified slightly at his words. They went behind my back to set this up. I realize this is a big deal for my career and a great opportunity...but it's not something I was really looking forward to.

"So I'll be on the tech crew bus right?" the lack of a response told me all I needed to know.

"You've got to be kidding! I can't be on the bus with them! I'll...I'll drive on my own."

"Oh no you won't, everything has already been settled. You'll bunk with the boys. Val will be there, as will Jimmy's fiancé Leana. Gena will be there for the first few weeks. So there will be at least one other girl at all times. Oh! Joelle will be able to join you for a week each month just to check on things."

"You mean to check on me.."

"Well...yea pretty much."

I let a few choice words slip from my mouth as I stalked out of the room. They really enjoy torturing me don't they.

"Mother fucking god damn son of a bitch." I ran my hand through my hair as I made my way into the lounge. I was in desperate need of some Tylenol.

"Quite the mouth you've got there little one."

I practically spit out the water as I spun around.

"What the hell?! Why do you fuckers always do that?" 

"Now is that any way to speak to the people you'll be spending the next 6 months with?" I rolled my eyes at Brian. His cocky attitude was really going to piss me off.

"Wipe that smirk off your face before I do. Actually, never mind I would gladly do it." 

"Ok ok I'm kidding. But seriously what's your problem?"

I sighed, my hand ran through my hair once again as I turned away from the man in the doorway. 

"Nothing. I guess I'm just tired."

"Uh yea...I'm sure."

Unfortunately this is what I would have to live with for the next 6 months. Someone kill me now.

"Just mind your own business."

"Sorry sweets but for the next few months, you're business is my business." 

Yea have I mentioned I'm not a very....patient..person? Well if I haven't, consider it mentioned. 

I slammed the half empty bottle down on the counter before spinning around to face Brian.

"If I hear one more word come out of your mouth that involves me or my life, I will personally see to it that you wake up completely bald and without eyebrows. Do you understand?" he held up his hands in mock defense as I left the room. The rest of the group was left in a fit of laughter. I don't see how pissing me off is funny, but then again people are pretty stupid anymore.

"Skylar wait up!" I turned around to find myself face to chest with Matt. 

"Ok so I'm having a barbecue at my place in about an hour. You and Joelle should come. It'll be fun. Plus this is the last chance we'll all have to hang out. Well except you, you know since you're going with us and everything." 

"I don't know, maybe. Just depends on what Joe has planned."

"Actually I already talked to her....she said you guys would be there." The man has balls, I'll give him that one. 

"Fine. I guess I'll see you there. Did you give her directions?" After he nodded his head I quickly headed back to Thor's office to grab my belongings. He was no where to be found so I left a note on his desk.

('Platelets: 68 and hemoglobin: 9.5. You're lucky you're so old or I would totally kick your ass for this. See ya Monday.')

I never really figured out what the big words actually were but those were the two main aspects of my blood level that I had to watch. They were still too low to be considered 'normal' I've never known what normal felt like.

--------

"You're sure this is the right place?"

"Yea this is the address he gave me." I leaned my head back against the cool leather seat. My nerves were starting to get the best of me at this point. People are not my forte. 

"Everything will be fine." My eyes flickered over to the woman in my passenger seat. I had grown up knowing that nothing would come between us. She was always there for me and I was always there for her. I could depend on her for anything and she knew the same went for her. 

We've had our share of drama but nothing that would harm our friendship. I trusted her with everything.

"Ok let's get this over with." she flashed me a bright smile before darting out of the car. She wore a grey Boys Like Girls tee and white denim Jean shorts while I stuck with my black Papa Roach tee and faded blue Jean shorts. My hair was pulled up in a high messy bun while hers was in a low braid. We both chose black converse. 

She linked her arm through mine as we made our way up the driveway. The house wasn't anything flashy but it gave off that 'homey' vibe. 

I poked the doorbell and a ringing noise echoed throughout the house. Laughter and yelling could be heard from where we stood.

The door suddenly opened and without really knowing what was happening I was suddenly upside down and being carried though the house. I had a perfect view of a random man's ass. 

"Look who I found! Can I keep her?!"

"Jimmy, now you know we've discussed this before. You can't just keep people as pets. They have lives you know."

"But she's just so adorable! I'd feed her and brush her hair. She can be my little dolly." 

I smacked Jimmy's ass as hard as I could, somehow managing to wind up laying in an awkward position on the ground. Hmm, I think that could have gone better.

"Oh no! I broke her!" I giggled quietly as Jimmy began running around like a chicken with it's head cut off as he mumbled to himself. I didn't really understand exactly what he was saying but I did catch a few words such as 'hospital, band aides, and a sewing machine.'

There is something seriously wrong with that kid.

"I'm so sorry about that. Sometimes he just can't be controlled. I think we'll have to come up with some kind of 'Jimmy' insurance to protect people against him." 

I blew my hair out of my face as I stared up at the short girl in front of me. She was gorgeous.

"You must be Skylar, the guys haven't really stopped talking about you. You seemed to have made quite the impression. I'm Leana by the way."

I reached for her outstretched hand as she helped me from the ground. Joelle made her way over to me, yea she was still laughing at Jimmy.

"Uh yea I guess that's me. But I don't really know what they could have said. I just kind of work for them."

"Nonsense, you're a friend. Come on I'll introduce you to the rest of the girls." I nodded my head absentmindedly. Since when had they decided I was a 'friend'? I don't take that word lightly. Too many times had I thought of someone as a friend only to have them stab me in the back.

Joelle and I followed Leana over to a group of girls sitting around the underground pool. 

"Ok so this is Lacey she's dating Johnny, you know Gena and Val, and this is Michele. She and Val are twins. Ladies this is Skylar and Joelle." 

We gave hugs to Val and Gena before shaking hands with Lacey. Leana and Lacey were just like Val and Gena. They were all really sweet.

Unfortunately there always has to be a bad apple. I was getting very uncomfortable with the way Michele kept glaring at me. What is her problem?

"Hey you alright? That fall looked like it hurt." Val glanced over me as if checking for damage.

"Nah I'm fine. It didn't even really hurt."

"You sure?"

"Positive." I sent a smile to Val before glancing over my shoulder at the sound of a door opening.  The rest of the boys emerged from the house carrying food and beer. Jimmy had somehow managed to fall into the pool and was currently floating around making whale sounds. 

True shit.

"Hey ladies, glad to see you could make it." I sent a small smile to Matt who was lighting the grill. 

"Wouldn't miss it. Would we Skylar?" I grumbled and rolled my eyes playfully at Joelle. 

I had argued with her for about twenty minutes about how she was forcing me to be social. Yea she had to practically force me out the door.

"Of course not my dear, dear friend.  Who would pass up such an opportunity to hang out with five famous rock stars?" Sarcasm dripped from my every word as I playfully shoved Joelle.

Had the rest of the girls not been laughing I'm sure they too would have caught the snide comment made by Michele. Apparently I'm a 'gold digger'. 

What the fuck?

I raised my eyebrow questioningly as I glanced at her. Her glare seemed permanently fixed on me. 

"So who's up for a swim?" Everyone nodded happily at Johnny's question. Well except me that is. 

Self consciousness was one of my worst enemies. I had many scars from my past hospital trips. One being where I had a port placed in my chest. It was about three inches long and an inch thick, right below my collar bone on the left side of my chest. The port had been taken out but the scar will forever remain. Another factor in my self consciousness issues was the fact that I was a chubby teen. I used to be overweight. Although I had lost the weight and currently had a very fit body, I still hated the feeling of eyes on me. I always felt as if I were being judged and made fun of. 

I don't think I'll ever get over that.

Joelle always bitch slapped me when I complained about being fat. Yea giving her permission to do that when we were 15 was a really bad idea. She stuck to it. 

"I think I'm just gonna sit out here for a while. But you guys go ahead."

"Oh come on, you have to swim. It's like 800 degrees out here." Val was pleading now. 

"Maybe later." I turned and headed for one of the many chairs set up on the deck. Everyone jumped in the pool as I sat there. 

I happily listened to my iPod and soaked up the sun. Well for about three songs anyways. I opened one eye as a shadow cast over me. Water dripped down on me as I glanced up at Brian.

I pulled one headphone from my ear and sat up farther in my seat preparing for one of his usual comments. The comment that never came.

He sat down beside me, glancing back at the pool. Michele was glaring at me once again. Shocker

"So why aren't you in the pool?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Well I just got out because someone was being a loner and refused to get in. Now what's you're excuse?".

I shifted uncomfortably in the seat, trying with all my might not to stare at his bare chest. His body glistened from the water, which only made his prominent abs stand out more. My hand itched to rub over him. 

Wow...Uh I don't even know what to say about that.

"I just didn't feel like it. Didn't know that was a crime."

A frustrated sigh passed through his lips at my comment. I didn't mean for it to come out rude.

"Look I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. Just the stress of touring. And then with all the Michele drama..."

"Wait..Michele drama? Oh! She's your ex?"

The look on his face answered that one. I still don't understand why she hates me. What did I do?

"Yea, but she's Val's sister so she still hangs out with us occasionally."

"Oh." I glanced back over to the pool, a slight smile crept onto my face as I watched everyone. They really were like one big family. They were so welcoming to Joelle and I. It wasn't something I was used to.

"So do you forgive me?"

"Forgive you for what?" his eyes caught mine as I looked back over at him.

"For being a complete ass these past few weeks."

"No harm no foul." I shrugged my shoulders to brush it off. I didn't really have anything against him in the first place. I had made plenty comments myself.

"Good. Now would you like option one or two?" By the tone of his voice and the smirk on his face I knew I was in for shit.

"What do you mean?" I shifted in my seat nervously, causing his smirk to grow. 

"Well I can throw you in the pool fully clothed, or you can go in willingly. Either way you're going in. You've got five seconds to decide." my eyes widened in shock as he stood from the chair. 

"I....Uh...can't we just work this out? I'll go in later." He only shook his head knowingly. Remind me to kill him later.

"Nope." I sighed in defeat as he continued counting down. If I went in fully clothed I wouldn't have anything dry to wear home. 

I slowly stood from the chair, avoiding his gaze as I walked over to my purse. I tossed in my iPod and cell before slipping off my shorts and shirt. A blush rose to my cheeks as cat calls were thrown my way by the ladies. 

I had chosen my deep blue bathing suit. It wasn't fancy but I really liked the color and Joelle told me it 'made my eyes pop'

Whatever the hell that meant.

The second I laid my shirt down I was lifted off my feet. A slight scream escaped my lips as Brian ran for the pool with me struggling in his arms. 

Seconds later I hit the water. After reaching the surface I punched him in the arm.

"Ow! What was that for"

"I was going in willingly jerk!" Everyone was laughing at us as I splashed him in the face.

"Well what fun is that?" I rolled my eyes before glancing around. All eyes were on us. Including those of a certain angry female.

I slowly swam over to Joelle who had a smile permanently etched onto her face.

"Whats with the grin Mr. Cheshire Kitty?" 

"Oh nothing really....you seem to be getting awfully friendly with a certain someone."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Of course you don't." The grin that remained on her face only grew as she swam away. I quickly spun around before I was lifted out of the water. 

I squealed before looking at my attacker. Of course I could already tell who it was by the sudden feeling of electricity flowing through my body.

"Hi there."

"Uh..hi? Is there a reason I am no longer floating around?"

"No not really." I couldn't help but laugh at the cheeky grin that crossed Brian's face.

"Ok well can you put me down then?"

"What if I don't want to?"

"Who says you have a choice?"

"Hey! I wanna hold her! It's my turn!" I groaned silently as Jimmy dove for us. This could only end one way. Badly

Brian lost his balance which caused us to fall into the water. I came up coughing and sputtering while everyone was laughing. Suddenly Jimmy had me hugged to his chest as he attempted to run for the other side of the pool. 

Before I could comprehend what was going on the guys were in a full out battle to see who could get me first. 

My pleas to the girls went unheard as they all died of laughter. Michele was glaring at me from the edge of the pool. I'll have to have a talk with her about that. Its already getting old.

The boys all piled onto each other as they struggled to catch me. While they continued to wrestle I pulled myself out of the pool and headed for the towel pile. I found the biggest one and wrapped it around myself before reclaiming my chair. 

Laughter and groans of protest could be heard as everyone finally realized I had escaped. 

I'm fucking Houdini. 

I continued to sit there as everyone messed around in the pool. After a good five minutes they also climbed out. Matt headed straight for the grill as everyone else grabbed a beer. I was seriously contemplating getting one. I'm sure I could sneak it.

I was too busy staring at the cooler full of booze to notice that Brian was holding one in front of me.

Joelle claimed the floor in front of my chair and leaned back against me as Brian sat to my right. 

I took the beer from his hand and stared at Joelle pleadingly. She rolled her eyes and sighed in defeat.

"What is she like your mother or something. You have to ask to drink a beer? What's wrong can't make your own decisions" My hand ,which was in the process of popping the top off, froze. I glanced to my left to see Michele, who was looking awfully pleased with herself.

"Michele! Knock it off!" I was surprised that Val stood up for me against her own sister.

"I'm just saying, she was practically begging for it like she hadn't ever had one before. What is she some kind of prude or something?"

"You have no right to talk to her like that!" I shook my head at Joelle, silently telling her to be quiet. 

"So she can't even fight her own battles." 

"Michele seriously, knock it off or leave." Brian seemed to be getting rather irritated.

I quietly stood from my chair and walked over to me belongings. After setting the beer down I slid my clothes back on. 

Everyone behind me had begun arguing. I didn't even try to listen. 

I flinched at the sound of a door slamming and suddenly everything was quiet.

"Skylar?" I sighed and shook my head at the sound of Joelle's worried voice.

I refused to turn around. Tears were threatening to fall from my eyes. I quickly forced them back as I heard someone approaching. 

"I'm sorry about her. I really didn't think she would be such a bitch." I forced a smile to my face as I glanced at Brian.

"It's fine."

"No it's really not. She had no right to act like that. I'm really sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for."

Out of the corner of my eye I saw him run his hand through his hair. His muscles flexed with every movement, causing the butterflies in my stomach to erupt.

I turned to face him after buttoning my shorts.

"You're not leaving are you? Please don't. Michele won't be a problem, she already left."

I shook my head at his question.

"No I'm not leaving." His smile grew as he threw an arm around my shoulder and led me back to the seats. I was met with sympathetic smiles. 

"Seriously guys if you're gonna mope like that I'm going to shave one eyebrow off of each of your faces." The silence was suddenly squashed with fits of laughter from everyone.

"You seem to have a fetish for shaving eyebrows. You threatened both of mine earlier today."

"Yea well everyone loves their eyebrows. And it works doesn't it?"

"I guess it does." He chuckled softly as I opened my beer.  

-------

"Yea seriously! He ran down the street butt naked while being chased by the police. It was fucking great." I was practically dying of laughter at the story about Brian.

There had been many stories about each of the guys getting into trouble. I'll admit I have had plenty mishaps of my own, all of which remain between Joelle and I.

"Ok how about a game of I Never?"

This game was one of my favorites. I knew Thor would kick my ass but I didn't care. I deserved one night of fun.

We all got shots ready and gathered in a circle.

"Ok I'll start. Never have I ever slept with a guy." Johnny smiled at his.

All us girls and Matt took a shot. I busted up laughing at the blush that crossed his face.

"Nothing sexual you sick fucks."

"Ok, never have I ever gone streaking." I felt a blush cross my cheeks as I took a shot along with Joelle, Brian, and Val.

"Never have I ever been arrested."

Everyone but Leana took a shot. Wow that says something about the group. Apparently its my turn.

"Never have I ever skinny dipped in a neighbors pool in the middle of the day." I smirked at Joelle evilly as I spoke. But I knew she was about to get me back.

"Never have I ever flashed a group of high school students." My eyes widened in horror as I recalled the dare gone horribly wrong. We were flashing our bras but unfortunately for me I accidentally grabbed it along with my shirt. She never let me live that one down.

I flipped her off before taking another shot. The group was in hysterics at this point.

The game continued on for a good half hour. Everyone was completely trashed at this point. Well everyone but me, Brian, and Matt. I quit halfway through knowing I had yet to take my medication. 

I stood from my seat and went to fetch my purse. I laughed at the giggling coming from behind me.

I jumped as I felt someone wrap an arm around my shoulder. Glancing up I saw Brian smiling. I sent a small smile his way before closing my purse. 

"Whatcha doin?"

"Just grabbing my stuff. We should probably head home."

"Oh no you're not. Joe is trashed and you have drank too much to drive. You guys can crash here." I sighed as I glanced over my shoulder at Joelle. She was pretty out of it.

"Ok."

"Oh Skylarrr!!" I sighed at my wasted friend.

"Yes Joelle?"

"Did you....did you take your medication todayyy?" my eyes widened as I spun around to face her. Oh no she didn't. 

"Joelle I think it's time for you to go to sleep."

"But...you have to take yourr...the...cyyclospporrinee. And that other stuff. Youu can't have anotherrr siezureee." She made her way over to me on wobbly legs.

I could feel my hands shaking as everyone stared at me. I am so going to kill her for this tomorrow. 

"Ok I think you've had a little to much. Let's go get you some sleep." I quickly moved from under Brian's tense arm and guided her into the house. Everyone was quiet as I closed the door behind us.

I took her to the couch in the living room and helped her lay down. I felt tears pool in my eyes as I covered her up. My frustration was starting to get the best of me.

After she fell asleep I quickly went back outside to grab my purse. Brian and Matt attempted to stop me but I avoided them and made my way back into the house. 

I found the bathroom quickly and locked the door after I was inside. Glancing in the mirror I noticed my red eyes. it was either from the alcohol or fighting off tears.

I quickly rinsed my face off with warm water and then dry swallowed the pills. It took all I had not to throw them up in the toilet. After they went down a drank a cup of water. I would probably be spending most of the night puking unless I was able to fall asleep quickly.

After I made sure I looked semi decent I made my way back out to the living room. Joelle was snoring on the couch so I curled up in the floor in front of it. I used my purse and arms as a pillow and curled myself into a ball to keep warm.

That is how I used to sleep when I was younger. Well at least when I stayed somewhere. I hated asking for blankets or anything. It always made me feel like such a bother.

I switched my iPod onto shuffle and closed my eyes. The soothing sounds of Coldplay allowed me to drift off to sleep easily.

Tomorrow Joelle has hell to pay.