The Screeching Banshees

The next morning Josie woke up and rolled over onto another body. Aries groaned and sleepily shoved her off halfway onto Bexlee who simply mumbled in her sleep. The Banshees had managed somewhat to squeeze in the one bedroom in the RV. Josie, Bexlee, Aries, and Brooklynn occupied the bed. While Lyra and Juno had made themselves small pallets on the floor. Tracy slept on the bench and Rodney had reclined the driver’s seat and slept with his long limbs splayed out.

Josie managed to climb over Bexlee but ended up stepping on Juno’s hands making her groan in her sleep.

“Sorry.” Josie said patting her friend’s back.

“S’okay.” Juno mumbled sleepily.

Josie opened the door walking into the main section of the RV. She peeked out the curtain the sun shining brightly. She pressed the start button on the coffee machine deciding to go for a run that morning.

While the coffee was brewing Josie changed into a sports bra and yoga pants making sure the pants concealed the marks on her abdomen and slipped on her tennis shoes. As she sipped her coffee she heard footsteps and glanced up as Bexlee came out rubbing the sleep from her eyes and her pixie hair cut sticking in all directions.

“Morning Bex.” Josie said.

“Morning.” Bexlee said stretching.

“Get a good nights sleep?” Josie asked.

“You kidding?” Bexlee asked between Lyra’s snoring and Juno’s mumbling it’s a wonder I got any sleep.

“Ditto.” Josie said finishing her coffee. “I’m going on a run you wanna join me?”

“Sure, let me get changed.” Bexlee said disappearing into the room.

After Bexlee was dressed in her running clothes they made their way outside the RV. Josie quietly shut the door as they started jogging pass the Crue’s bus unbeknownst to them a pair of eyes watched them.

The two women jogged for a while before they started walking along looking at the sights.

“So, what do you think about the Crue after finally meeting them?” Josie asked.
Bexlee shrugged. “They seem okay for the most part.” She said. “Mick seems like the most mature of member of the band I think we’ll get along with him just fine.”

“Yeah, he barely talks but when he does he says some deep shit.” Josie said. “What about Tommy?”

“Honestly?” Bexlee asked stopping making Josie stop and face her. “He reminds me a lot of Rodney.”

Josie burst out laughing. “For real?”

“Yeah, he does.” Bexlee replied laughing with her. “He’s tall, lanky, goofy, obnoxious like Rodney is but he also seems caring and lovable.”

“He is believe it or not you know Tommy is like the only member who someday really wants to settle down and have kids?” Josie asked. “I heard he’s the romantic of the band.”

“Wasn’t he settling down with that actress Heather Locklear?” Bexlee asked.

“Brooklynn told me last night he and Heather are having problems and it looks like they’re handing for divorce.” Josie said. “She didn’t even know he was married me, Lyra, and Tracy told her that.”

“He’s still legally married to another woman and she’s making out with him?” Bexlee asked as Josie nodded. Bexlee sighed and shook her head. “I just hope Brooklynn knows what she’s doing.”

“Me too I mean I don’t think she should pursue anything not even a casual thing with Tommy while he’s married but she’s a grown woman I’m not going to tell her what to do.” Josie said.

“I hear you.” Bexlee said as they now walked on the sidewalk.

“How you feel about Vince?” Josie asked making Bexlee groan.

“Oh my God he’s so arrogant, cocky and just uhh!” Bexlee groaned. “I thought for sure Lyra was going to kill him last night.”

“Me too you saw how many times he winked at her and she grabbed her steak knife?” Josie asked.

“Yeah, honestly I think Vince is the one we need to watch out for he just gives me vibes of someone that likes to start conflict.” Bexlee said.

“I agree.” Josie said. “What do you think about Nikki?”

“He seems nice, nicer than I thought he would be to honest.” Bexlee said. “Seems going to rehab and being off the drugs and booze have really done wonders for his behavior.”

“I agree, you know he died briefly?” Josie asked.

“No, I didn’t know that.” Bexlee said. Bexlee didn’t watch a lot of TV so she found out most music related news or any news for that matter from the others.

“Yeah, he died from a heroin overdose and was clinically dead for a couple of minutes but the paramedics gave him two shots of adrenaline which restarted his heart.” “That incident inspired the song Kickstart My Heart.”

“I didn’t know that.” Bexlee said.

“Yeah, unfortunately when he got out the hospital he shot up heroin again because his addiction was that bad.” Josie said solemnly.

“Addiction is an ugly thing.” Bexlee said. “I can’t imagine it being so bad to the point the only thing that matters is your next fix.”

“Yeah, but I’m glad they’re all doing better they all have so much talent and so much to give to the world.” Josie said. “I just can’t understand why you would want to waste it all for a fix.”

“That sometimes is unfortunately part of fame you get caught up in everything and all it has to offer that you just lose yourself in it all.” Bexlee said.

Josie nodded as they came by a coffee shop. “Wanna get a drink and some breakfast?”

“Didn’t you already have a coffee?” Bexlee asked.

“Aw, Bex you can never have too much coffee.” Josie said grinning and opening the door for Bexlee who rolled her eyes and smiled before going into the coffee shop.

A few minutes later they sat on the terrace Josie with her cappuccino and a Danish and Bexlee with her espresso and a sticky bun.

“So Bex how far how you’ve come on the violin?” Josie asked.

Bexlee shrugged “I’m better than I was but I’m still not where I want to be.” “Why you ask?”

Josie set her mug down and pulled a piece of paper out her pants pocket. “Cause I wrote this song and everytime I sing it I hear violins playing during it.”

“What’s it called?” Bexlee asked.

“Eden what to hear it?”Josie asked and Bexlee nodded.

Did you ever think of me as your best friend?
Did I ever think of you?
I’m not complaining
I never tried to feel
I never tried to feel this vibration
I never tried to reach
I never tried to reach your Eden

“Beautiful.” A voice said behind Josie making her jump. She turned to see Mick with his usual hat and shades on.

Mick chuckled softly. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay.” Josie said settling her heart down then smiled. “Good morning Mick.”

“Morning Josie.” Mick said then nodded politely in Bexlee’s direction. “Bexlee.”

“Good morning.” Bexlee said stirring her beverage. “Would you like to join us?”

“Thank you.” Mick said pulling out a seat and sitting down. “Get a good night sleep?”

“I would’ve if certain people weren’t mumbling and snoring in their sleep.” Bexlee said. “But I guess it’s better than hearing people having sex dreams.”

“I’m with you there can’t tell you how many times the others kept me up with their dreams.” Mick said noticing Josie shudder. “They’re not that bad though when you get to know them.”

“I’ll take your word for it Mick since you’ve known them longer then we have but I’m getting the feeling we’re not welcome on this tour namely by Vince.” Josie said.

Mick sighed. “Vince just has an attitude and is being difficult since we got sober which means no more booze or drugs.” “He really isn’t that bad though on a good day.” “If it gives you any comfort me and the others had a big talk with him last night about his attitude towards y’all especially towards Lyra.”

Josie smiled then reached over squeezing his hand. “Thank you , we really appreciate that.”
Mick returned her smile and returned the squeeze. “You’re welcome, though I have to say Lyra threatening Vince was the most I’ve laughed in a long time.”
Bexlee giggled. “Yep, that’s Lyra for you.”

“So, have you two always lived in California or did you move here?” Mick asked.

“Moved I’m originally from Arizona.” Josie said noticing Mick sit up slightly.

“How ironic because that’s the first place on the tour Tucson Arizona to be exact.” Mick said.

“Really?” Josie asked and Mick nodded. She thought of something she knew she shouldn’t ask for much but. “Mick how long are we gonna be in Arizona?”

“For two days first Tucson then Phoenix.” Mick said “Why?”

“Because my mom lives in Quartzsite, Arizona and I was wondering if…

“If we can make a detour so you can visit your mom?” Mick finished for her.

“Yes, I know it have no place to ask for this but…

“Done.” Mick said.

“Really, just like that?” Josie asked.

“Sure, I’ll run it by the others I’m sure they won’t have a problem with it.” Mick said.

“Thank you so much!” Josie shot out her seat and hugged Mick whose eyes widen behind his shades but he returned the hug.

“Sorry.” Josie said blushing seating back in her seat. “I seem to be doing that a lot lately.”

“It’s alright.” Mick said with a smile then looked at Bexlee. “Where are you from?”

“Belvidere, Vermont.” Bexlee said.

“Wow, so you’re from all the way up north.” Mick said.

“Yep.” Bexlee said.

“Is it cold up there?” Mick said.

Bexlee shrugged. “Vermont weather is unpredictable but for the most part it’s pleasant.” “Where are you originally from?”

“I was born in Terre Haunte, Indiana but my family moved to Huntington, Indiana soon after I was born.” Mick said. “Then we moved to Garden Grove, California when I was 9 years old.”

“So, how did you join Motley Crue?” Bexlee asked taking a bite of her sticky bun.

“Well, he put an ad in the Recycler newspaper.” Josie started with a smile fighting against her lips. “Loud, rude, and aggressive guitar player…

“Yours truly!” Mick said smiling, pointing at himself and finishing her sentence. “Why did y’all move to California?”

Josie shrugged. “Not many opportunities in Arizona I figured if I wanted to be a serious musician I should move to California where dreams are made.” “Plus after my dad died I think I moved also to get away from it all.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Mick said sincerely.

“Thank you.” Josie said wiping a stray tear. “So I moved out here and it seem like all the others kinda followed me out here and we’ve been playing clubs, bars, anywhere we can ever since just waiting for a break.” “But it keeps us busy that and my school.”

“What are you studying?” Mick asked.

“Psychology the human mind, how it operates, and how things affect it is really interesting to me.” Josie said. “If this doesn’t work out I might become a psychologist or a therapist.”

“I’m sure you’ll be phenomenal at it.” Mick said then looked at Bexlee. “Are you going to school as well?”

“Yeah, I’m going for astronomy.” Bexlee said. “Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always found the stars to be fascinating.” “Sometimes I’ll just go out and sleep on the roof of my house just gazing at the stars.” “Personally I don’t believe in aliens but the thought of there being some other life out there besides us adds to the appeal of astronomy it’s one of the many mysteries of the world that I hope I have a hand in solving one day.”

“You’re very ambitious.” Mick said making Bexlee blush. “That’s good though ambition it shows that you have a lot of determination.”

“Thank you.” Bexlee said blushing harder as she looked down.

“Well, I personally hope the mystery of whether or not there is life outside of Earth is never solved.” Josie said. “It’s one of the mysteries of the world life is much more exciting when there is mystery it would be really boring if we could just solve and have an explanation for everything.”

Mick chuckled. “I agree.”

For a while the three sat and enjoyed pleasant conversation with each other. Mick talking about how Motley Crue continued to gain momentum and giving them advice on how to deal with the positives and negatives of fame. Bexlee looked at her watch and stood up.

“It’s almost 9.” She said.

“Really?” Josie asked it didn’t seem like they had been there that long. “We better get back before the others start worrying about us.”

“I’ll go with you that is if you two don’t mind an old man escorting you back.” Mick said holding out his arms in invitation.

“We’re sweaty and stink.” Bexlee warned.

Mick shrugged. “Doesn’t bother me.” Josie and Bexlee exchanged smiles as they interlocked their arms with Micks. Yeah they were gonna get along with Mick Mars just fine.

Nikki walked to the longue area of the bus stretching and yawning.

“Morning T-Bone.” He said to Tommy who was sitting near the window smoking a cigarette.

“Morning man.” He said puffing his cig.

“You know where Mick is?” Nikki asked.

Tommy shrugged. “Don’t know he was gone when I woke up.”

“Mmm.” Nikki walked to the frig grabbing a bottle of water as he drank he heard chatter near the bus. He walked to the door opened it and saw Mick with Josie and Bexlee on either side. “So that’s where you were off too Mars.” “Morning ladies.”

“Morning.” They both replied in unison he noticed Josie diverted her eyes from his bare chest. Nikki let his eyes wander over her bare abdomen and her ample bosom in her sports bra.

“Just went for a walk and saw these two having coffee just spent time getting to know each other better.” Mick said.

“Well that’s good.” Nikki said as Tommy made his way up front.

“Well, good morning Josie and Bexlee!” Tommy said with a big grin wiggling his eyebrows making the girls giggle.

“There you chicks are!” Brooklynn said they all looked to see her walking over still in her sleeping clothes. “We were worried I thought Rodney was about to sound the alarm and have a search party.”

“Sorry Brooklynn we just went out for a jog and had coffee.” Josie said returning her friends hug.
Brooklynn then hugged Bexlee. “Morning fellas.” Brooklynn addressed the guys then realized she was still dressed in a tank top and boy sleeping shorts as Tommy took noticed running his eyes over her body.

“Definitely a good morning.” Tommy said making Brooklynn flush in embarrassment as Josie and Bexlee exchanged looks simultaneously rolling their eyes making Mick chuckle.

“So, what’s the first stop on the tour?” Brooklynn asked.

“Tucson, Arizona.” Nikki replied.

“Speaking of which that reminds me is it possibly we can take a detour?” Mick asked. “Josie’s mothers lives in Arizona and she would like to visit her while we are there.”

“If it’s okay that is.” Josie quickly added.

“Should be okay I don’t have a problem with it.” Tommy said.

“Neither do I.” Nikki said.

“Thank you.” Josie said smiling at both catching herself looking at Nikki’s chest again her eyes landing on his nipple piercing. Her eyes met his quickly looking away again making him chuckle.

“If it pleases you to look then do so.” Nikki said to her.

Josie blushed harder. “Okay, I think my friend is embarrassed enough.” Brooklynn said wrapping her arm around Josie. “We’ll see you guys later.”

“Later.” The three Crue members said to Brooklynn as the three women walked to the RV.

“Nice of you two to finally grace us with your presence.” Lyra said chewing her cereal. “Where were y’all?”

“They were having coffee with Mick.” Brooklynn said.

“Y’all had coffee and talked with the Mick Mars?” Aries asked. “I thought he was quiet.”

“He is but when he talks he says some very deep stuff.” Josie said. “Speaking of which Lyra he and the others had a talk with Vince about his behavior towards you last night.”

“Well remind me to give Mick a big kiss thank you thought I could’ve handled Vince.” Lyra said putting her dish in the sink

“He also said your jabs at Vince was the most he laughed in a long time.” Bexlee added.
Lyra grinned. “Well, I am a pretty funny chick.”

“Yeah, you’re pretty scary most of the time.” Rodney said walking out the bathroom and over to Josie and Bexlee. “Y’all okay?”

“Yeah just went for a job is all.” Josie said making her way to the shower with Brooklynn close behind. “Can I help you?”

Brooklynn grinned. “I saw you looking at Nikki’s chest it was a very arousing sight don’t you think?”

Josie rolled her eyes and shut the door in the face of her grinning friend.

“So Mick you trying to set a tent up with one of the Banshees too?” Tommy asked grinning.

Mick shook his head at his behavior. “You know I have Emi they’re really sweet girls both of them.” “They’re really smart too you know Josie’s going to school for psychology.”

“Interesting.” Nikki remarked as Vince walked out.

“What is?” Vince asked going to the frig.

“Nothing, we’re going to make a detour through Arizona Josie wants to visit her mother.” Nikki said.
Vince looked up and smirked. “Already trying to meet the in laws Sixx?” “You really got a thing for this girl don’t you?”

Nikki rolled his eyes. “She hasn’t seen her mother in a while we’re already going to be in Arizona for two days so what if we go by her mom’s house while we’re there?”

“Now, you’re doing favors for her one might think you’re falling for her Sixx.” Vince said. “Have you forgotten all about our little wager?”

“No, I haven’t and I’m not falling for her.” Nikki said making his way toward the shower but was delayed by Mick.

“You’re still going through with this?” Mick asked.

“You’re not here to talk me out of it are you Mars?” Nikki asked crossing his arms. “Did you tell Josie?”

“No, thought I wanted too.” Mick said his eyes narrowing. “I wanted too but it’s not my place too also I was hoping you would come to your senses and stop this nonsense on your own.” “You’re going to hurt that sweet girl for no damn good reason.”

“Making Vince shut up and getting her in bed isn’t reason enough?” Nikki said with a smug smirk. “The money is just a bonus.”

Mick shook his head in disapproval and a hint of disgust before walking to the back.

As Nikki started to close the door to the bathroom behind him he heard a barely audible.

“You’re better than that Nikki.”