We Stitch These Wounds

We decided on going to Denny’s since I was craving a Moons Over My Hammy. I licked my lips as the plate was sat in front of me, my mouth was salivating. “You can wipe the drool off of your face now.” Jake joked. I blushed and wiped my face knowing that it was very possible that I was in fact drooling. My love for this sandwich was that intense. “I was just kidding.” Jake said through a laugh.

“It wouldn’t be the first time she’s drooled on herself over a sandwich.” Ronnie commented as he took a bite out of his omelet.

I scrunched up my face in distaste. “Yucky eggs.” I said pointing my fork at Ronnie’s plate.

Emily looked at me like I was crazy. “You do realize that you have eggs on that sandwich.” She said pointing her syrup cover fork at my plate.

“I do realize that, and that’s why I’m doing this.” I said as I dounced the eggs on my sandwich in hot sauce. “You can’t taste them when your mouth is on fire.” I replied before taking a bite.

“You just poured like half that bottle on your sandwich.” Jake shouted in shock receiving a couple glares from people around us. I just took another bite in response.

“Fancy seeing you here.” A voice said from beside me. I jumped slightly and chocked on my food because there was no one sitting on that side of me. I looked over to see Andy, Ashley, CC, Jinxx, and Sammie standing there. My face was turning red from lack of oxygen, causing everyone to laugh. I guess they thought it was from embarrassment. I started coughing as I held my hands to my throat in a choking gesture.

“Oh shit I think she’s choking!” Sammie yelled when she saw this.

Tears were now forming in my eyes from lack of oxygen and honestly being scared. The next thing I knew there were multiple hands banging on my back. I quickly coughed up the food that was stuck in my throat and spit it into a napkin as I gasped for air. “Thanks.” I muttered barely above a whisper as my lungs filled back up with oxygen.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” Andy said as he sat down beside me. Everybody scooted over in the large corner booth we were in to make room for the new comers.

I grimaced. “I’ve only been here four days and he’s already trying to kill me.” I said to Jake as I gave him my best sad face and pointed to Andy.

Jake opened his mouth to reply, but Andy spoke up before he could. “Why would I kill you you’re adorable, funny, and you love Batman!” He defended himself, causing Jake to scoff, and Ronnie to roll his eyes.

“What have I told y’all about saying shit like that?” I asked glaring between Andy and Ashley.

“That you will kick our asses.” Ashley said after thinking for a few seconds.

“Yea only I get to compliment this beautiful creature like that.” Ronnie commented earning a push from me.

“Why does he get to?” Ashley whined.

“Because she loves me and has known me longer than a couple days. We’ve been through hell and back together.” Ronnie replied as he put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer to him.

I nodded my head as I took a bite of my sandwich. Ronnie leaned down and took a bite of my sandwich earning a punch to his ribs and leg. I glared at him before shoving the last bite of the sandwich into my mouth. “Mine … I hate you!” I mumbled through a mouth full of food.

“That’s not what it looked like this morning.” Emily taunted.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I have no say so in what I do when I go to sleep.” I retorted crossing my arms across my chest and glaring at Ronnie once more. He crossed his eyes, stuck out his tongue, puffed up his cheeks, and pulled his ears. He looked like a retarded monkey. I couldn’t help the smile that formed on my face before I started laughing my ass off.

“I knew you couldn’t hate me.” Ronnie said with a smile.

“No if I could then I never would have forgiven you for going to jail and leaving me all by myself. Do you have any idea how much that fucking sucked?” I asked poking his chest multiple times while I was saying this for emphasis

“Do you honestly think I wanted to go to jail for two and a half years?” Ronnie replied crossing his arms and looking at me like I was crazy.

I hung my head afraid of looking back up at him. “No I know you didn’t, but that didn’t stop the pain. I lost my best friend and Max and the rest of the guys were being douche bags. ” An awkward silence fell over the table.

“So … what are we doing tonight?” Emily asked trying to change the subject. I looked up and gave her a pathetic thankful smile.

Ronnie hadn’t responded yet and I could feel his eyes on me. Without a word he pulled me into his lap and wrapped his arms around me. He kissed my cheek and I still refused to look at him. I knew what I had said had hurt him and I didn’t want to see the pain in his eyes.

“I’m sorry.” I muttered as I nervously played with the rings on my fingers.

“You have nothing to be sorry for you were just stating the truth and I would never hold that against you. I care far too much for something as little as that to come between us. I know I’ve said worse to you and you to me. Just look at me.” He pleaded with me as he gently turned my face to look at him. “I know I hurt you and a lot of other people, but I’m better now, we both are. I promise I will never leave you like that again.” I couldn’t help but wrap my arms around his neck and crash my lips to his. This action earned “Aww’s” from Sammie and Emily.

“You won’t have to have to worry about hurting me like that again, because if I catch you doing anything stupid I will kill you myself. I’m not fucking joking this knife right here…“I said patting the pocket knife in my jean shorts. “Will be covered in a bright red liquid if I so much as hear about you fucking up. I swear I will rip out your heart and eat it!” I threatened as I looked him in the eyes. He just nodded his head yes. I wrapped my arms around him and laid my head on his chest closing my eyes as everyone talked.
“You’re not kidding are you? Remind me to never piss you off.” CC remarked as he took a drink of his coffee.

I let out a blood curdling scream and nearly crawled on top of the table as Ronnie’s phone vibrated in his pocket which I was sitting on (remember me mentioning my ticklish ass). I began uncontrollably laughing and clutching my sides reason number one that fucking tickled, and reason number two I was slightly embarrassed. Everybody was giving me puzzled looks and laughing. “I … uhh … his phone tickled my ass.” I remarked as I looked back to see Ronnie texting on his phone and laughing to himself. “What’s so funny?” I asked sitting back down in his lap and trying to read the text. Yes I’m nosy bite me.

“Max still doesn’t believe it’s you. He thinks the pictures are photo shopped or something. He wants to see a picture of the freckle.” He said hitting send and sitting the phone on the table.

Jake choked on his drink nearly spitting it out on the table. “Jade don’t you dare send a picture of your ass to anybody!” He said glaring at Ronnie and myself. “And how does this person even know about the freckle?!” He demanded.

“First off I have more than just one freckle I’ve got a few on my nose, arms, and one under my left breast too. Secondly I dated Maxwell for a little while.” I replied crossing my arms and raising an eyebrow.

“How could I forget about the famous freckle our Moms use to sing about it all the time.” Jake remarked laughing.

“Your Moms made up a song about a freckle on your ass?” Emily asked surprised.

Jake had an evil smile on his face. “Don’t you dare.” I growled, but it didn’t stop him.

“She’s got a freckle on her butt she’s purdy.” He sang causing me to groan and everyone else to laugh.

“Hey my name is in that song.” Ashley remarked with a proud smile on his face.

“Wait, wait, wait” Jake said back tracking. “You dated Max Green?” He asked doubtful.

“Off and on for about a year or so, more off then on, but yea I did.” I replied.

“And you were okay with this?” He asked Ronnie, causing Ronnie and I to laugh.

“What was I supposed to say? No you can’t date my friend, because I have a crush on you even though I’m dating someone else? I don’t think she would have listened to that. Plus she was kind of good for him … well at least when they weren’t fighting.” He mumbled the last part.

“Anything else I need to know about you? Have you dated anymore rock stars, do you have a kid?” Jake sarcastically asked as he rubbed his hands over his face in frustration.

“Actually …” I began causing everybody to look up at me expectantly. “They weren’t really rock stars yet. They had just gotten signed. I broke up with him for good when they went on tour. I didn’t trust him.”

“Jesus Jade I thought you were about to say you had a kid. I nearly had a heart attack there.” Jake said clutching his chest.

Ronnie’s phone started vibrating and Max’s name and number were flashing on the screen without saying anything I picked up the phone.

“Well hello Maxwell darling. Were your ears burning because I was just talking about you?” I said in a cheesy British voice.

“Mi… Miranda?” He stuttered. “Dude this isn’t funny stop fucking with me.” He remarked.

“Sweetie no one is fucking with you. I’m alive I swear I’ve got the battle scars to prove it.” I said with a slight laugh at the end.

“You’re serious? I saw … I saw your car. I saw then wheel you away on the stretcher with they had the blanket covering you up and there was blood everywhere.” He replied with sadness in his voice. He clearly was remembering that night.

“I uh… I was in shock from the accident and loss of blood. I was freezing my ass off so they covered me up. Can we talk about this later?” I asked.

“Yea sure… can I … can I see you?” He asked nervously.

“I don’t know Max are you sober yet? I am and I have been for a while now. I want nothing to do with and I don’t want to be around that shit.” I said a little coldly. I felt bad for being rude to him, but it was the truth.

He was silent for a few seconds. “Yea I am.”

“Are you sure I heard a little hesitation in your voice there. I swear to God Max if you are lying to me I will cut off your balls and shove them down your throat so fast you won’t even know what happened. You will finally get to be that girl most people think you are.” I replied squinting my eyes and glaring at the table since he wasn’t here.

“Yes I’m sure. I just … it hasn’t been that long it’s been about two weeks, but it still really sucks you know. My new band kicked me out until I got my shit together, so now I’m getting clean and making music again. We’ve got a show tonight if you want to go. I still want to see you this still seems like its some horrible prank.” He said sighing at the end.

“Max listen to me no one is fucking with you. I would love to see your new band tonight. The Natural Born Killers are making it onto my favorites list you know. ‘You brought this on yourself’ became one of my favorite songs the first time I listened to it. Ronnie and I will be over after we finish eating. Do you want me to bring you anything?” I asked slight bouncing in Ronnie’s lap. I was happy to see Max again and his sobriety was even that more exciting.

“No I don’t need anything and you know who my band is?” He asked surprised.

“Well you might have thought I died, but I haven’t fallen off of the face of the earth. I’ve been following you on twitter forever.” I said with a laugh.

“Oh wow … I kind of feel like a dumbass now.” He replied with a laugh. “I’ll let you finish eating. Ronnie should know where I live if he doesn’t just call me.”

“Alright, bye sweetie I’ll see you soon!” I said before blowing a kiss into the phone causing Max to laugh and hanging up.

“So what’s going on?” Jake asked shoving his last bite of hash browns into his mouth.

“We’re going to see The Natural Born Killers tonight.” I replied with a shit eating grin on my face. “Max is sober too. Well he’s working on it and I’m so proud of him. I hope this time it actually works out for him.” I said once again bouncing up and down in anticipation.

“I wouldn’t get my hopes up yet. He’s gone to rehab a few times and it never sticks for long. I hope this time it’s for good, but I don’t want you getting upset if it doesn’t work out.” Jake stated grabbing my hand from across the table and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“I know how hard it is to fight an addiction you don’t have to worry about me. I’m just letting you if he relapses I’m taking over and getting him sober and there is nothing any of you can say or do to make me change my mind.” I said glancing around the table at everyone there.

“I can tell you care about him a lot, but you can’t force someone to get sober.” Jake replied giving me a sympathetic glance.

This kind of pissed me off. I crossed my arms across my chest and kneaded my eyebrows together at him. “To hell I can’t! You apparently don’t know me as well as you think you do. Once I have something in my head I don’t easily back down. You should have more faith in me.”

Jake looked at me a little shocked hurt was apparent in his eyes. “That’s not what I’m saying at all I just don’t want to see you hurt again.” He replied.

I frowned at him. “Look I’m sorry about snapping at you like that, but I’m not as fragile as you think. Yes I have my moments, and I can’t help the nightmares that I sometimes have, but I’m not going to fall apart at the seams every time something doesn’t go my way. I’ve had six years to get my shit together. I will admit the first 4 years I was in a drug induced haze just trying to forget my past, but I’ve learned that I can’t just erase my past. I’ve been sober for the past two years and yes I’ve struggled with temptations and depression, but I have yet to give in. I was sober when I found out that the man who raised me and also beat me into the ground had died and as much as I wanted to I didn’t try to snort my problems away. You’ve got to have more faith in me otherwise I don’t think I can have you in my life. It pains me to say this and I know you’re just worried about me, but I can’t deal with the negativity.” I rambled taking a deep breath at the end. I knew saying this would hurt him somewhat, but it needed to be said. You can hate me if you want, you can call me a heartless bitch, but it’s the truth.

Jake looked pleading with his eyes. “I just … I can’t help but worry about you. You’ve been through so much and I don’t like to see you hurting. I it would kill me to see you in pain again.” He replied pulling me across the table and into his lap for a hug.

“Aww, what a touching family moment!” CC cooed causing everybody to laugh.

“We need to take a picture to document this happy moment!” Sammie said as she flagged down our waitress and handed the woman her phone to take a picture of all of us. “Thanks the picture is perfect.” Sammie said to the lady after she got her phone back.

“I need a copy of that.” I said pointing towards her phone.

“I’m already on it.” She replied typing away on her phone.

**********************************************************************************************

“Are you sure this is where he lives? I thought it would be a little nicer.” I said as we made our way through the somewhat plain looking apartment complex.

“Sweetie he’s been a drug addict for years now do you think he would put all of his money into an expensive apartment? Plus you can get away with the constant in and out traffic here.” Ronnie said motioning to the busy apartment complex.

“Yea you’re right. I never really thought about that. We need to get him out of this place.” I remarked as I watched people run about the small complex.

“I kind of agree with Jake I think you’re looking too far ahead of things. I mean you just talked to him for the first time today. I don’t want you to get your hopes up just to have them crushed.” He replied as we started walking up a set of stairs.

“Well sorry for not being a heartless bitch and caring about my friends and family. I know he’s fucked up but I still care about him. I can’t push him away as long as he’s trying to get help. I can’t act as if I don’t know him. I mean fuck I was in love him at one point in time I can’t act like I don’t care. He will always have a special spot in my heart. If that was you in there I would be doing the same thing Ronnie. That’s not who I am and you know this.” I looked at him my eyes pleading with him to just drop it.

He frustratedly ran had hand through his hair. “Ugh… I know. You’ve always put other people ahead of yourself it’s why so many people love you. You care too much. I won’t argue with you, but you do know how dangerous this could be for you. What if he starts using again and you get tempted?” Ronnie asked as we approached Max’s door.

“There are too many what if’s in life for me to worry about, because I would be a nervous wreck. If I think too much I have anxiety attacks and if I have those it leads to me being put on addictive medication and that could lead me to be an addict again, so let’s just stop with the what if’s. There are a million different outcomes of everyday situations in life to ponder all of them. What if I had been killed in that accident, what if it had never happened all together, what if you had never gone to jail, would you still be in Escape The Fate, would you be sober, would I? Do you get my point? Can we just drop it?” I asked and began knocking on Max’s door before he had a chance to reply.

A woman answered the door wearing nothing but an oversized band tee. Her black and red hair was a mess and her makeup was severely smudged. It looked like she had just woke up. She glared at me her eyes raking up and down my body taking in my appearance before she scoffed and turned her head to Ronnie as she raised a brow. “What do you want?” She asked with an attitude before crossing her arms clearly not wanting us here.

“Sammie, who is at the door?” Max asked from behind her.

“Ronnie and his new flavor of the week.” She replied giving me a dirty look. I stepped forward about to put her into her place but Ronnie pulled me back and put his hand over my mouth causing me to growl in frustration and bite his hand refusing to let go until he moved his hand from my mouth.

“Ignore her she’s not a morning person.” Max said as he pushed past her to greet Ronnie and I.

“Ouch you can let go now!” Ronnie yelled as I bit down harder on his hand which was still covering his mouth. I let go of the chunk of his hand I had in between my teeth and he quickly yanked it away from my mouth shaking it back and forward like that would ease the pain.

“Hey dummy you know that’s not going to make it feel better right.” I replied slightly laughing at him.

“She bit me.” He said to Max in shock.

“Don’t put you hand over my mouth trying to shut me up and you won’t have to worry about me biting you again.” I replied glaring at the girl still standing behind Max.

“It really is you!” Max screamed as he pulled me into a tight bone crushing hug.

“I can’t breathe! If you don’t let go I really will die.” I joked causing him to loosen his grip on me but not let me out of the embrace.

“You look amazing!” He said as he pulled away just far enough to take in my appearance. “You’ve finally put some weight on and you have an ass!” He laughed as he spun me around to look at all of me. Sammie scoffed rolling her eyes before turning on her heel and storming away.

“That’s what happens when you’re sober and actually eat food you know. I don’t look like a walking skeleton with skin anymore. As much as I like the compliments can we please move this love fest inside?” I asked giving Max giving him a smirk.

“Oh yea sorry about that it’s just … wow you’re really here. I never thought in a million years that I would see you again.” He replied moving out of the door way to let Ronnie and me into his apartment.

“I laughed yea Ronnie said something like that.” I said with a laugh as I hugged Max once again.

“So who are you and why are you here?” Sammie asked putting her arms possessively around Max’s waist.

He rolled his eyes before kissing her cheek. “Sammie this is Miranda she knew me before Escape The Fate got big. She was one of my best friends among other things.” He said with a smirk.

“Why is she just coming back into your life now? Did she hear you were starting a new band and wanted a piece of that fame too?” She asked with a laugh.

I stepped forward only to be pulled back by Ronnie. “Look here you fucking cunt I’m here to be his friend again. I’m here to help him out and support him in his decision of becoming sober. I don’t want your man so you can pull that fucking stick out of your ass. I have done nothing to you. You know nothing about me so I suggest you shut the fuck up before I knock the shit out, and I swear if you inhibit his progression the tiniest bit I will beat the shit out of you so bad that you will wish you were dead.” I growled as I shrugged out of Ronnie’s grip and took a menacing step towards her.

“I see someone still has anger issues.” Max replied laughing off what I just said like it was nothing.

“You’re just going to let her talk to me like that?” Sammie shrieked.

“Well you are acting like a bitch towards her. She’s right you have no reason to treat her like shit you don’t even know her.” Max commented.

“I can’t believe you Maxwell. Fuck this!” She screamed walking away and slamming a door to what I suppose is their rooms.

“Sorry about her I she’s not doing that great with the whole sobriety idea. She’s been a complete bitch the whole time.” He said sitting down on the couch and motioning for us to join him.

I sat down between Max and Ronnie a huge cheesy dimpled smile on my face. “What’s going through that crazy mind of yours?” Ronnie asked with a laugh.

“Oh nothing I’m just really happy. I never thought that we would ever be in the same room as each other without a full out brawl happening.” I replied as I wrapped my arms around both of their shoulders.

“I’m still shocked that you’re really here. I felt horrible that the last memory I had of you was you screaming at me with tears running down your face.” Max replied grimacing as he remembered that night.

“What the hell happened?” Ronnie asked defensively pulling me to his side causing me to laugh.

“I went to an Escape The Fate show and Craig was talking shit about you on stage and when he came back stage I decked him knocking him to the floor and started screaming at him for being a complete and total douche bag. Max pulled me away from Craig and told me that I needed to leave before Craig pressed charges and I started yelling at him because he was being a complete and total dick. That you were his best friend that you went to jail for defending him I mean the whole fight started because you came to his defense, and he was just standing there letting Craig talk shit.” I replied trying to fight the urge to punch Max because of the anger the memory brought back.

“I really am sorry about that by the way. I was fucked up beyond belief at the time and I didn’t think about anything but defending our new singer. I wasn’t thinking anything that’s what the problem really was. I didn’t think twice about double crossing the people who had been there for me since the beginning.” Max said as he nervously messed with the bracelets dangling on of his wrist.

“It’s fine we’ve all done fucked up things when we were high.” Ronnie replied giving him a small smile.

“Hey where is the bathroom? I have to piss something fierce.” I said with a weak laugh.

“It’s the second door on the left.” Max replied pointing in the direction.

I walked into the bathroom and my eyes nearly popped out of my head at the sight in front of me. There on the counter there was a card covered in a white powdery substance. I leaned over the counter to expect things closer. The powder was on the counter and you could see the faintest traces of multiple lines on it. Out of frustration I ran my hands over my face and started pacing. I sighed loudly before remembering what I had originally came in here for. I flushed the toilet and washed my hands carefully avoiding what I knew was cocaine on the counter before walking out of the bathroom and into the living room.

I stared intently at Max watching his every move for a good minute before he said something. “Well just don’t stare at me like that speak your mind.” He said with a laugh.

“You’re not lying to me are you, because if you are I will never talk to you again.” I stated as I placed my hands on my hips.

“No what are you talking about?” He asked worry etched into his features.

I walked over to my purse and pulled out a small pen sized flash light out of my purse. “Open your eyes wide and look at me.” I directed as I stared into his eyes watching his pupils dilate. I let out a sigh of relief when I realized he wasn’t lying. I sat down next to Max and took his hands in my own. “You need to break up with her.” I stated flatly giving him a sympathetic look.

“What why? What are you talking about? I know she didn’t give the best first expression but she’s not as bad as she seems.” He replied.

“She’s still using coke.” I replied squeezing his hand. “There is a card on the counter both it and the counter has coke on it. Sweetie she’s no good for you she’s just going to bring you down and I don’t… no I can’t watch that.”

Max eyes widen in disbelief as he stood up and ran to the bathroom. Ronnie eyed me carefully before standing up and following Max. “Sammie what the fuck you know how much this means to me why are you doing this?!” Max screamed as he threw the door open to his bedroom. “I thought you loved me! I thought you cared!” He cried.

“Oh shut up Maxwell you know you won’t stay sober you never have it’s just one fail attempt after another. I don’t know why you even try this is the life you destined to! Why can’t you just accept it?” She screamed at him.

“Get the fuck out of here! I don’t want to see you again!” He yelled.

She stormed out of the room grabbing her purse as she neared me. “You know we were fine until you showed up. He’s just going to disappoint you!” She yelled as she got in my face.

I pushed her away before standing up and glaring at her. “If you ever cared about him you would be willing to support him in his decisions through thick and thin.”

She pushed me back. “You don’t know anything about us!” She screamed into my face.

I bitterly laughed at her. “I’ll give you one good swing before I knock the shit out of you.” I screamed squaring up to her.

She lunged at me swinging. I caught her arm before it made contact with me and twisted it behind her back. I pushed her towards the door purposely banging her head into the siding of the door before pushing her out. “You fucking whore I’m pressing charges!” She yelled as she grabbed her head as blood trickled down her face.

“Go ahead and do it!” I seethed right back her. “Call the cops let them come who are they going to believe the high drug addict or me?! I didn’t touch you this time, but I swear to God if you try to contact him I will break that pretty little face of yours!” I yelled as I shut the door in her face.

“Are you okay?” I asked Max as I walked into the living room and noticed him crying.

“I really loved her you know.” He sobbed into his hands. “I thought she could have been the one.”

“Come on and grab the things you’re going to need for the show you’re coming with me. I’m not leaving you alone.” I replied as I wrapped my arms around him and allowed him to cry onto my chest.