Monster in Hiding

January 13th, 2000

I found myself sitting in a lawn chair that was set up in the middle of the Sanders’ garage. My crutches were leaning against the wall a few feet away, while the guys were practicing.

“No, no, no- you’re not playing it right!” Zacky groaned, looking in Johnny’s direction. They had decided to take my advice and teach Johnny how to play bass. Although, he was having a bit of trouble keeping the song separate in his mind. He’ll start out right, and halfway through be playing the notes for a different song entirely.

“I think I just need a break.” Johnny said with a sigh, removing the instruments strap from over his shoulder. Only upon putting his bass on the stand did he collapse into the chair next to mine. “A break? You haven’t even gotten one song down.” Brian scoffed loudly and rolled his eyes. Even though he had a point, that didn’t stop him from sitting down as well.

“We’re supposed to be going on tour, how in the hell are we supposed to do that with no bassist?” Zacky was now whining as everyone else moved to relax a bit.

I watched as Matt sauntered over to where I was sitting, and leaned down in front of me. I couldn’t help but smile as I reached up and rested my hand on his cheek. “The label is giving us time to find a new bassist- we have time to figure it out.” Matt’s eyes found mine as he spoke.

Leaning forward, our lips connected for only a brief moment before he sat down as well. “Johnny has a point, I think you all need a break.” I voiced my opinion. I could tell just based off of his face that Zacky was going to start whining again, so I spoke before he could.

“You’ve only been teaching him for two days, and for both of those days you’ve worked for twelve hours straight. Just give him some time.” I sighed. And then, once more before Zacky could say anything in protest, Jimmy spoke up.

“We all know she’s right so don’t even try arguing other wise. The label is giving us plenty of time to get someone new to play bass-it’s not like we hit the road in a week.” Jimmy scoffed a little under his breath as he lay down in the middle of the floor. Still though, Zacky decided to be over dramatic. So dramatic in fact that I could swear I could hear him roll his eyes.

I get it, I really do. They got signed and they’re all overly excited to be going on tour. He’ll, I’m excited for them; but they can’t rush Johnny into this. Or anyone for that matter. Not only is he learning their songs, but learning to play the instrument in general.

Putting that process on a rush would end up being disastrous no matter if it were Johnny or someone else. What if they tried rushing him through the process and then he forgot while one stage?

Feeling uncomfortable, I shifted in my chair. Only to feel even more uncomfortable when pain went shooting through my body starting at my toes. It must’ve shown all across my face, because almost immediately Matt reached over and grabbed my hand. “Hey you feeling okay?” He questioned me, his eyes scanning over my face waiting for a reaction. Clearing my throat, I nodded my head before looking at him.

“Yeah, no, I’m fine. No worries.” I flashed him a smile. I could immediately tell that he didn’t believe me,

“Come on, its almost time for your pain meds anyway. I’ll take you home, yeah?” He gave my hand a small squeeze. Once more, I shifted ever so slightly. “N-no p, I’m fine. I’m not in any pain, really.” My voice caught in my throat.

“I hate to break it to you, but your face says otherwise little one.” My eyes found Jimmy in the floor, as he was the one to speak. I narrowed my eyes down into a glare and stuck my tongue out at him. He simply shrugged his shoulders as a response.

The next thing I knew, my body was being pulled out of the chair and into Matt’s arms. “What is this? What are you doing, put me down right now!” I squealed, kicking out with my good leg. Almost kicking Johnny in the head in the process. “You’re in pain and obviously tired, so I’m taking you home to get your meds and so you can rest.” Matt had a smirk playing on his lips.

“You’re such an ass.” I huff, giving in. He carried me all the way to his Jeep, and even put my in the passenger seat before going back inside to retrieve my bag and my crutches.

I couldn’t help but smile the entire way back to my home. He held my hand the entire way there. He really is just the most sweetest thing.

“I can’t walk, you know?” I sighed as he once more pulled me into his arms. I, in turn, wrapped my arms around his neck. “You can, but it’s just so pitiful to watch.” He laughed loudly as we approached the door to the house. “Matthew Charles, you are such an ass!” I laughed loudly, throwing my head bag ever so slightly.

Pushing the door open, he carried me over to my make shift bed for the time being. I shifted around on the uncomfortable pull-out bed as he disappeared into the kitchen. I climbed under the blankets and popped a pillow up behind me.

Upon coming out of the kitchen, he had my pain meds and a glass of water with him. I took the pills from his hand and swallowed them down with a large gulp of water. And during the process, I noticed the large yawn that came from Matt’s lips as he made himself comfortable next to me.