Palm Springs

“Oh come on Amy, don’t be mad” The voice of my best friend rang in my ears as I shelved a few more CDs at the Music Shack. I didn’t look in his direction, continuing to admire the artwork of a newly released album.

“I’m not mad” I sang, lifting up another box and bringing it to the counter.

“So you’re ignoring me because…”

“I’m ignoring you because you’re telling me the same thing you told me last year and I don’t want to hear it again” I answered, opening up the box and organizing them.

I finally look at Vic as she got himself behind the counter, next to me and sitting up the counter as I flipped through the CD’s. He looked like he was analyzing every word I had said allowed but at this moment I didn’t care, because his head was too far up his ass to notice how much him leaving for the summer was hurting me.

“Please understand that Warped Tour was the thing to do and you can come to a few dates” He explained and I scoffed.

“Do you mind me asking why I can’t come with you?” I asked, I was so angry I was so sure the steam was pouring out of my ears. Vic avoided eye contact with me and shook his head

“Because no girls are allowed on the bus”

“Bull shit Vic, straight bull shit” I stated, looking straight into his eyes as my head pounded in result of my anger.

“You know how I feel about you being on tour with us” He whispered to me, placing a hand on my leather jacket clad shoulder.

“Oh yeah, I remember I’m such a burden and you’re going to worry about me” I angrily stated, pulling my shoulder away from him, grabbing a handful of CDs and walking away from him.

“You’re not a burden!” He raises his voice as I walk farther away from him, he jumps off the counter and begins to follow me, like a lost puppy. “I just worry about you”

“I’m 28 years old for god sakes” I mutter audible for him to hear, as I place the CDs in the correct spot.

“And you’re still working in this dump” He muttered, that set me off and I slam from the CDs down and turn to him, getting right up in his face.

“Dump, If you think it’s a dump, why don’t you leave because you know how much this place means to me – heck this place has probably been there for me more than you!” I yelled and began to walk away.

“I lost Cara, I can’t lose you either” Vic stated, I stopped and laughed.

“Don’t you ever put me and that scum in the same sentence ever again”

“Why are you being so difficult?” He asked, seriously and I laughed once again.

“Maybe you don’t know me as well as you think you do” I started, turning to face him again.

“I’m serious Amy” He seems distraught about this, I sighed and ran a hand through my hair

“You don’t trust me”

“That’s no-“

“It so is Vic, you don’t bring me on tour because you don’t trust me. You think of me as some slut or alcoholic, just because I like having a good time” I explained and Vic shook his head.

“You’re right, I don’t trust you but I don’t think you’re a slut and you’re not an alcoholic but what I don’t trust more is those band members who are in a band just to have sex with random girls, I’m afraid that you’re going to get hurt” Vic explained, I looked at him straight into his brown eyes and saw the sincerity.

“Vic, you promised me” I whisper, so exhausted about this fight that seemed to be recurring .

“I know, but the label-“

“No not that, I mean you did promise me that you’d hang out with me this summer but you promised me about four tour’s ago that ‘the next one, you can come’” I interrupt, getting angry again at his excuses.

“I know, I’m just afraid-“ He was really getting on my nerves now.

“You know what Vic, I’m so fucking proud of you for starting from the bottom and now being on the main stage at Warped but it’s been three years in a row that you’ve forgotten my birthday, about two years that we’ve actually hung out properly and I feel like I’m just someone who looks after the house while you’re gone” I explain, pushing my pointer finger into his chest.

“You know that’s not true”

“Well it’s the way I feel and I’ve been taking advantage by you way too much” I state, rubbing my arm and looking away.

“I know and I’m sorry, please believe me but the album comes out this summer and the label said it would be a good idea to release it while we are doing Warped” Vic explained and I nodded.

“Look America, I promise I’ll take you on the next one but please just one more time” Vic said, and I rolled my eyes. He was now on his knees pleading me and soon I gave in, nodding. “Thank you! God you’re the best friend ever”

Then I hit him upside the head.

“Ow! What was that for!?”

“Using the full name, Victor”

“I like your name, it’s unique”

“Yeah and I was born in Canada, my parents must have been doing some drug when I was born” I stated and looked at the time.

“Hey, your parents loved you very much”

“I’m sure, I’m done in five minutes – you want to grab some food?” I asked, and Vic smiled shyly at me.

“I’m actually meeting someone”

“And may I ask who?” I asked, wiggling my eyebrows.

“Her names Rae and she’s amazing” He swooned and I shook my head.

“Be respectful and avoid scoring on the first date”

“It’s not a date”

“Oh I’m sure, now go!” I wave him away and he smiled before walking outside of the store.

I let out a big breath when he is out of sight, he had no trust in me whatsoever and I don’t understand why.