Dreaming of You (Chapter Twenty: Left Foot Switch)

Chapter 20: Left Foot Switch1

“Hey guys I’m going out for a while. I’ll meet you at the show.”2

Mikey grinned up at me from his seat on the couch.3

“Go for it, Gee.”4

His enthusiastic approval made me ashamed of my jealously. I had obviously misread their relationship. I should have known better at least where Mikey was concerned. He’d always been up front about, well everything, always. I owed him an apology, but it would have to wait. I just barely had enough time to accomplish my mission as it was.5

As I walked down the street, focused on only one thing, my Belle, I was the happiest man alive. I had to be, Belle loved me. That was all that mattered.6

I heard the front door shut. I knew Gee had left. Part of me, the part that was me was really worried. He’d acted so strangely this afternoon. Not at all like his usual self. I could tell just by looking at him that he was struggling with something, something huge. I couldn’t tell what it was exactly, but I knew it had to do with me. It worried me that I couldn’t tell what it was or how he felt about it other than apprehensive. All I could do was console myself with the fact that whatever it was, I could handle it.7

The other part of me, the part of me that was him, was a mess at first. Nervous, uncertain, but strangely happy too. It just made things more confusing. The further he got from the house, the happier he got. The made me more nervous. So nervous that is totally distracted me from what I was supposed to be doing.8

I was supposed to be getting ready for the show.9

The show.10

My mind snapped back to attention and my stomach flopped sickeningly. It was one thing to go on stage just me and my guitar, get lost in the music and have fun. It was another to be running the show. To have to talk to the audience, get them going. I had no idea what to say or what to do. I was the front man now, at least for tonight and the one person who could give me advice was gone. Gerard had disappeared on his mystery errand and I was screwed, screwed and hyperventilating.11

“If you keep breathing like that you’re going to faint.” Mikey was standing in my doorway again. “You need to calm the fuck the down. You’re making me nauseous now.”12

I glared at him, not able to make words come out of my mouth.13

“Hey Bob, come here a sec, would ya.” Mikey called into the hall.14

“What’s up Mikes?”15

“Anna over here is going to pass out if she doesn’t chill. Think you can inject a little calm into her?”16

“Sure no problem.”17

I wanted to freak out. It’s easy to freak out when you’re already freaked, but I felt my anxiety level drop rapidly until I was left with a sense of utter contentment and serenity.18

“I wondered what you were.” I said smiling up at Bob.19

“What I was? What’s that supposed to mean?” He sounded a little offended.20

“I didn’t mean it like that. I meant I had wondered what your power was. You know the saying, Birds of a feather? Well it’s particularly true of people who have these kinds of gifts. They tend to be drawn together. I could sense that you were different but you didn’t show anything. You know, no randomly smashing glasses, no sudden energy draws, no knowing things you shouldn’t. I couldn’t figure it out.”21

“Yeah it’s not as obvious as yours. It took me years to figure out that I could do it at will. That is was something I could control. It comes in handy at shows when the crowd gets too wild.”22

“Thanks for the help. I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do onstage tonight but at least I know I won’t be totally useless."23

Bob and Mikey looked at each other then at me.24

"If you need some help, we'd be glad to assist you. For example, you're not really going to wear that onstage are you?"25

I looked down at the white tank top and khaki colored cargo shorts I was wearing.26

"What's wrong with it? It's what I always wear when we preform."27

Mikey shook his head.28

"You don't get it, princess. You're are THE man tonight, the main attraction. You have to look smokin' " Bob said, using his best gay fashionista voice.29

"What? Do these shorts make me look fat or something?"30

Bob rolled his eyes.31

"You look fine, for a band's guitarist. But..." He looked me up and down. "I totally approve of this outfit. I bet Charlie would too."32

I looked at him confused.33

"So? Your point?"34

"My point, Anna, is this, it's just not sexy enough. It doesn't scream, LOOK AT ME."35

I back away from them headed for the hall.36

"If you think you're going to dress me up like a slut or something, fucking forget it!"37

They followed me into the hall.38

"Not like a slut, sexy there's a difference. You need to get their attention."39

I bumped into Jen Jen in the hall.40

"Jen, save me! They're trying to do horrible things to me."41

"What horrible things are you trying to do to Anna?"42

"We just want to make her look good for the show."43

"Yeah, shouldn't you be getting dressed already? You're gonna be late if you don't."44

I sighed, resigned to accepting their help.45

"I am dressed, but apparently the guys are right, this won't do for the show." I turned to Jen Jen. "Just don't let them go overboard."46

I knew I was going to hate every second of this, but it was the only help we had.47

I made it to the club just in time. They'd just opened the doors and most of the crowd outside were flooding through the doors. I paid the cover and searched the club for the guys. I found Ray, Frankie, Jen Jen and Mikey sitting at one of the small booths that lined the walls.48

"Where's Bob?" I asked, taking a seat next to Mikey.49

"Backstage, keeping Anna from totally losing it."50

"I wish he was here to keep me from freaking out." I joked. My hand slid into the pocket of my jacket and toyed with the box it found there. Everyone but Mikey looked at me confused. "Don't worry about it, I'll be fine. What time does the show start?"51

Jen Jen looked at her watch. "Not for another twenty minutes or so. Oh, crap, my cell's vibrating." She pulled the phone out of her pocket and checked the screen. "It's the movie studio, I have to take this."52

"Hey, I'll come with you. I need a cigarette anyways." Frankie said standing up. Ray got up too.53

"I'm going to runt to the bar real quick and grab a drink. You guys want anything?" Mikey and I gave him our orders, and he too left.54

I kept fidgeting with the ring box in my pocket.55

"So?" Mikey asked grinning.56

"So....what?"57

"Don't play stupid with me Gerard Arthur Way. Did you get the ring or not?"58

"How the hell did you know about that?" I asked shocked.59

"You've been a nervous wreck, but absolutely disgustingly happy at the same time. The way I figure it, there's only a few things that do that to a man. The only one that makes sense is that you're going to pop the question to Anna. You're little mystery trip this afternoon confirmed it. So, did you get the damned ring or not?"60

I set the box down in front of him. He opened it and gasped.61

"She's going to love it. It's perfect."62

I looked down at the wedding set I'd bought for her, a white gold claddagh ring set with an emerald and a white gold matching wedding band that fit the engagement ring, set with six more emeralds. When I'd seen it at the jewelery store, it'd reminded me of her.63

"You think so?" I was still a bit uncertain.64

"Of course she will, she's going to say yes too. So stop worrying. She loves you, I mean, really loves you."65

I could feel myself start to relax.66

"Thanks, Mikey. I think I needed to hear that."67

"No problem, bro. That's what I'm here for."68

The lights in the room dimmed and the stage suddenly blazed with light.69

"Come on I want to get as close as I can for this." I said to Mikey.70

"Good luck with that, this place is packed."71

I looked around the room. The massive dance floor in front of the stage was full of people, so full that any thoughts I had of getting close to the stage were crushed. That's when a very large woman nudged me on the shoulder.72

"You Gerard Way?" she asked me in no nonsense tones.73

"I am. What's it to you?"74

"Not a thing to me sweety. However, Viper asked me to bring you and your brother over there up front."75

That's when I noticed the word security printed discretely on her shirt.76

"Who's, Viper?" I asked as she pushed her way through the crowd.77

"Annabelle. I guess she never told you about us." She shrugged as though it didn't matter but I could tell from the brief flash of disappointment I saw in her eyes that it did matter.78

"She doesn't talk much about the past."79

The woman shrugged again and pointed to where the others were standing.80

"Stay there, if something should happen don't move, I'll be back for you." She disappeared as quickly as she'd appeared.81

I must have looked awe struck because Jen Jen nudged me laughing at my obvious discomfort.82

"I see you met Python."83

"Python?" I asked confused.84

"Yeah, I don't know her real name, but she's a friend of Anna's from her military days. Her and the rest of their group do security jobs now." She glanced around as if she were afraid to be over heard. "Scary bitches, I wouldn't fuck with them."85

I nodded, but didn't speak. An guy was standing on stage, trying to get people's attention.86

"Hey Fuckers, shut up out there will ya?" He screamed into the mic. The noise in the room dropped. "That's better. You all know why you're here. Tonight, I'm proud to announce, will be Delayed Reaction's farewell show. They've just been signed to Reprise records and are going to cut an album." The crowd cheered. "Yeah yeah we're all so proud. Before I bring them out, I got a tip from a friend, if you guys can get enough tequila into Anna tonight, I have it on good authority that she'll go all old school for you." The crowd cheered again, though I wasn't sure what they were cheering for exactly. "SO let's cut this shit out and bring out the band. Here's Delayed Reaction!"87

I watched as the band took the stage. Bella was the last one on, when she came out...my jaw dropped. She looked so incredible up there. I couldn't believe that Charlie had let her out of the house like that. Her hair was pulled back from her face but hung long and loose down her back. She had on a black button up shirt, with only two of the buttons done up just below her breasts. Under it she wore a black school girl skirt with red trim and heavy black boots. The skirt was so short I was sure that even a slight breeze would give us all a show of her panties.88

Anna took her place in front of the mic.89

"You heard, Jerry, we're Delayed Reaction. I gotta tell you, we're going to fucking miss Boston." She winked at the crowd. "Well not all of Boston. You ladies know what I'm talking about."90

She started into The World is Full of Bastards, the song we'd heard them playing when they'd practiced in the garage.91

During the song, waitresses pushed past us, led by another of the security crew, a small dark woman who's eyes scared the shit out of me. They were so cold, so calculating. Shot after shot, of what I assume was tequila were lined up along the front edge of the stage. Apparently, this group really wanted her to 'go all old school for them'.92

The song finished and the crowd went nuts. Belle took that time to down three shots one right after the other before she took the mic again.93

"I knew you'd see what I meant. OF course there's one thing we're all looking for, let's see if any of us can get to Punk Rock Heaven!"94

Baby, you’re a poseur95

Honey, I should know96

You ask me where the shows are97

But then you never go98

Poseur purgatory99

Awaits you at the end100

But that’s not my story101

I’ll tell you why, my friend102

Got my Martens on with steely toes103

Spike my hair and pierce my nose104

I’m goin’ up to Punk Rock Heaven105

Hippie Hell awaits you, Jack106

Unless you take that tie-dye off your back107

And jump the track to Punk Rock Heaven108

The smack up there is pearly white109

There’s always time to pick a fight110

The leather pants are nice and tight111

The Pistols play there every night112

Got my guitar and my drum113

Hey Johnny Thunders — here I come!114

Comin’ up to Punk Rock Heaven115

If I was you I tell you, son116

I’d pierce my nipples with a staple gun117

And make a run for Punk Rock Heaven118

The smack up there is white as snow119

Pack my bags, man — here I go!120

Maybe in an hour or so121

I’ll catch a G.G. Allin show122

Hey every junky, punk and freak123

If Manic Panic makes you weak124

Then follow me and catch that train125

Pleased to meet you, Kurt Cobain126

I need a mohawked, tattooed, flannel-clad127

Combat-booted lovely lad128

To take me up to Punk Rock Heaven129

I could see her relaxing as she got lost in the music. I'm sure the shots of tequila between songs helped. But she was amazing, a true showman. She kept the audience in the palm of her hand right to the end.130

"Sorry guys, but that's all we've got for you tonight."131

They started to leave the stage, but the audience started chanting, "Old School, Old School."132

I watched Belle shake her head, she was obviously laughing. She took the mic again.133

"Do you guys really want to hear that?" The crowd went wild again. "You asked for it."134

They all took their places again. Belle strummed a few cords, then held her finger up.135

"One sec, I gotta get this tuned just right," She laughed again, obviously a little tipsy at this point.136

"Here we go, I got it now."137

Curiosity overwhelmed me. Not being part of this scene had left me wondering all night what the hell they were talking about.138

"As most of you know, Delayed Reaction started in a very strange way, right here in this club after hours, with a lot of tequila and me playing this song over and over until I drove everybody nuts. So, here it is....."139

The song was familiar but I didn't remember it fully until she started singing.140

You know I never141

I never seen you look so good142

You never act the way you should143

But I like it144

And I know you like it too145

The way that I want you146

I gotta have you147

Oh yes, I do148

You know I never149

I never ever stay out late150

You know that I can hardly wait151

Just to see you152

And I know you cannot wait153

Wait to see me too154

I gotta touch you155

Cause baby we'll be156

At the drive-in157

In the old man's Ford158

behind the bushes159

till I'm screamin' for more160

Down the basement161

lock the cellar door162

And baby163

Talk dirty to me164

You know I call you165

I call you on the telephone166

I'm only hoping that you're home167

So I can hear you168

When you say those words to me169

And whisper so softly170

I gotta hear you171

Cause baby we'll be172

At the drive-in173

In the old man's Ford174

behind the bushes175

till I'm screamin' for more176

Down the basement177

lock the cellar door178

And baby179

Talk dirty to me180

""Their bassist grabbed the mic from Belle.181

"Anna pick up that guitar and talk to me"182

Cause baby we'll be183

At the drive-in184

In the old man's Ford185

behind the bushes186

till I'm screamin' for more ore more!187

Down the basement188

and lock the cellar door189

And baby190

Talk dirty to me191

And baby192

talk dirty to me193

and baby194

talk dirty to195

uh ......wooooo196

Her voice was husky and sensual. I could feel myself hardening just listening to her sing, imagining her talking dirty to me. When she caught my eye and winked at me, I felt a sense of desperation from both of us.197

Mikey tapped me on the shoulder and yelled over the still cheering crowd.198

"Yeah, I know you and every other guy in here." He laughed. I felt jealousy flare in my chest, but pushed it down. "Let's go back to the table, she should be down in a minute or two."199

I nodded, still thinking about later tonight when Belle and I could be alone.200

We were escorted by two new security members that we hadn't seen yet and a third waited at the table.201

Drinks were brought around and everyone sat chatting and laughing. I didn't pay much attention to them. I was waiting for my Belle. I spotted her as she ambled through the crowd, accompanied by her band mates and the woman known only to me as Python. She talked with people who stopped her on the way. Python never let them keep her too long or let them get too close. Soon she was seated at my side.202

"You were epic, Belle." She blushed scarlet, the Belle from the stage was gone, replaced with the Belle I knew from the past few weeks.203

"Thanks, Gee. That means a lot coming from you." She rested her head on my shoulder. I could tell that the alcohol was hitting her hard and it was starting to worry me. I didn't want my plans thwarted tonight, but I could also tell that she was having a good time, everyone was, and I didn't want to ruin that.204

I should have said something because a few hours later I was escorting a severely inebriated Belle home. I was the only sober one in the house that night.205

Everyone crashed in the living room, flung across couches and chairs. The only consolation that I had was that Belle and I had a couch to ourselves.206

She lay with her head on my lap looking up at me through unfocused alcohol glazed eyes.207

"I loves ya, Gee-man. I really do." I smiled down at her and kissed the tip of her nose.208

"I know you do. I love you too, my sweet Belle." She giggled and started to say something but a sigh cut it off and she closed her eyes and went to sleep.209

Song credit's go to: Mary Prankster- Punk Rock Heaven and The World is Full of Bastards, also Poison- Talk Dirty to Me.