Items on Polyvore to go along with Eternity!

Eternity

Eternity

I am posting the first chapter of a new story I am working on, I have had someone ask about it so I am putting it up here for her to read. I hope you enjoy it!

I am taking liberties with Stephanie Meyer's characters and lots and lots of songs in this story. No harm is meant by their use in any way, I am simply putting two things that I enjoy together;) I will have a complete list of songs added later.

~~Edward Masen~~

Two fucking months, that’s how long I’ve been hanging out here at the house. I craved the smell of the bus and the constant movement that lulled me to sleep each night. I needed to get out and do something before I lost my mind. Grabbing my jacket, my keys and wallet, I left the house. I didn’t have a destination in mind I simply drove and would be happy anywhere that I ended up. I just wanted to be out of my house, anywhere but there. Chicago had plenty of places I could go and hang out, hear some music and just be a real person.

I put the top down on the car as I exited the garage, and waited for the gate to open that would allow me access to the world. My iPod was plugged in so I hit random and waited for something to come through my speakers. Liking the song that played was not a problem. I only downloaded songs that I loved. I was real selective with my iPod, some people downloaded everything they heard. Not me, I only wanted stuff that moved me in some way. It didn’t matter if the song made me mad, sad, happy, or ready to dance, I just wanted to be moved by the song. Just then some old school Journey pumped through my speakers. I turned it up loud, you couldn’t get it too loud, if you asked me. ‘La Do Da’ was one of my favorite Journey songs and perfect for tonight. I wanted something to pump me up.

Who would’ve known that the four people I trusted most in the world would turn around and fuck me over like they did? So much for picking an applicable name for my band, Band of Brothers. I grunted at the name, we were the farthest thing from brothers. Brothers would not stick a knife in your back and walk away with you still bleeding. I guess I should’ve been more open to their new music, but I couldn’t play and sing that shit every night. We always write all of our material, and I wasn’t letting some no named writer from a publishing company write or pick our songs. We’d be a glorified Milli Vanilli! I wasn’t hanging around for Band of Brothers to go down the toilet in a huge media spectacle like Milli Vanilli did. I packed my shit and walked away. No argument from the other ‘brothers’, they were all for this new idea from management. Glad I left when I did, I just saw the new video. Bubble gum pop is the only words that come to mind to describe it. Now, don’t get me wrong Bubble gum pop is good for some people, but that isn’t what our audience is looking for. We attracted a more mature, selective audience, at least we used to attract a more mature, selective audience. What the hell ever, I’m not shedding any tears over it. I have other options. Maybe I’ll do an album of songs with different guest singers, hmmm… that’s not a bad idea. I’ll call Eric tomorrow and see if he can get started on this idea for me.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, good thing I remembered to set it to vibrate. I would’ve never heard it over the music in the car. I pulled it out and checked the screen. There were a lot of people that I had been avoiding for the last two months. Emmett, my cousin, was not one of people on the avoid list. I haven’t talked to him in a couple of months. I tapped the screen to answer the call.

“Dude, how the hell are you?” I was suddenly glad for the call.

“Edward, I’m cool. What about you?”

I could hear music in the background and wondered if he was playing tonight.

“Could be better, but all in all, I’m good. So to what do I owe this honor?”

“Dude, my Mom talked to your Mom. She mentioned that you were lying around the house all day doing nothing, that true?”

Shit, I wish my Mom would keep her gossip to herself.

“Well sort of, I have been planning an album, nothing definite. Why do you ask?” I knew Emmett, he never called to shoot the shit, he always had a reason.

“Well, truth be told our slack ass guitar player left us in the middle of our tour. And we need help, I was hoping that you may be able to help us out and play with us until we can find someone else. Nothing permanent, I swear. Just about three months of tour and then we are home for the new album, so we can find someone then. You know you miss the road man, don’t even lie.”

Emmett had a point. I was saying that same thing less than twenty minutes ago. I hated it when he was right, and especially when he knew he was right.

Emmett always wanted a brother, but he got Alice, so I was his little brother. He gave me hell growing up, even though we were several states away from each other, he still managed to find a way. I loved coming to stay each summer with him and Alice in Forks.

“Sounds ok, when would I need to meet you?” I was hoping it would be soon, boredom had set in and I really did want to be back on the road.

“Well, see that’s the thing. We just got into Chicago and Mike walked out on us last night, so technically we don’t have anyone to play tonight. That’s why I’m calling now, could you meet us by nine tonight for our set?”

“What the hell did you do to him that he walked away in the middle of a tour?” I laughed at Emmett’s predicament.

“He wanted to be a full partner in the group and we voted. Unfortunately he lost, you know how we are. We all have been together for so long that it’s hard for some outsider to step in and be accepted as a full-fledged part of the band. He couldn’t take it, so, he walked. We can do an acoustic set tonight but we won’t be able to pull that for long. So, what do you think, you in?”

I could hear the desperation in Emmett’s voice, he really needed the help. I really wanted to play again in front of an audience, but could I play with them? They had a chick for a lead singer and I wasn’t sure that their kind of music was what I wanted to play, even for three months. I had a little more of an edge than they did and if I went to play with them I’d again be letting someone else tell me what to play and sing each night. That would make this no different than what I had with BOB.

“Emmett, I’m not sure man. I don’t think that I’m the man for you. I have a harder edge than what you all play. Are you sure that this is what you want?”

“Edward, listen our management have been calling around all day. We can’t find anyone else quickly. At least come and play with us for a week or two. If you aren’t happy then, we’ll part ways and no hard feelings. That’ll give us some time to find someone else and not screw over our audiences that have paid good money to see us, you know.”

Ok, he had me with the audience thing. I always worried about how I could make every concert a great experience for them. They spent their hard earned money to see us and I didn’t want them walking away with anything but a big fucking smile on their face.

“Here’s what I’ll agree to, I’ll come and see you play tonight. I don’t want anyone to know that I’m there, not even the rest of the band. I want to see you in your environment, if I like what I see then I’ll come and play for three months until you come home on break. Deal?”

“Dude, you are the fucking bomb, deal!”

“Where and when?” I was glad to at least see my cousins and enjoy some good music. I suddenly felt ashamed that I’d never kept up with ‘Eternity’. I knew from growing up that Emmett and Alice could both play well, and they had excellent taste in music. So, I assumed that the band they played with should be good as well. I did know that the band was made up of friends from school that Emmett and Alice grew up with. I knew them all, met them over the years of staying summers in Forks. But I didn’t keep up with the band and how well they were doing. I couldn’t tell you much about their songs, or how many albums they had put out. I was ashamed of this, they were family for crying out loud. My life had revolved around me for far too long, maybe this was exactly what I needed to make it up to Em and Ali for being a shitty cousin.

“We’re playing the Ballroom at nine tonight. I won’t tell anyone. I’ll leave your name with the front door, you still go by Spunk Ransom?” he chuckled at my pseudonym that I used when I wanted anonymity.

“That one works as well as any other. See you later Emmett.”

“Hey, I owe you one for this, thanks Edward.”

“It’s cool, we’re family. See you then. Hey Em, don’t suck tonight.”

I heard his loud laugh as I was hanging up. Emmett was a great guy and no one else I would like to have in my corner if I needed a fucking grizzly bear to protect me. He was massive, and funny enough Alice was tiny. I used to tease her that they accidentally shrunk her when she was a baby, and now she couldn’t grow. She hated it when I said that.

I grabbed my phone and called my Mom to tell her where I was going tonight.

“Mom?”

“Baby, why do you wait so long to call me? And what have you done that you feel the need to call me now? Do you need bail money?”

I laughed at her sense of humor, only my Mom would assume I was calling for bail money. I had more money in the bank than her and Dad made their whole lives but she thinks I would call her for bail money?

“No Mom, I’m calling because you got me into some deep shit and I’m calling to gripe about it. You told Aunt Esme that I was lying around the house doing nothing, now Emmett is calling me. They need a guitar player for their band. So because of you I look like an ass if I say no, and if they suck then I have to play with a shitty band for three months. So what do you have to say for yourself?”

“I say watch your mouth, I’ll still beat your ass for talking like that. Now, I’m sorry. I promise Esme and I were just talking. The whole guitar player hadn’t even happened when we talked last week, just coincidence that this has happened now. No conspiracy theory, I promise. Now, why haven’t you called your Mother sooner?”

“Mom, I love you but I got to go. I got to be at the club to hear ‘Eternity’ play, I promised Emmett that I would listen to them and let him know at the end of the night. If I like them, then I’ll play with them for three months until they come off the road to do their new album. So if this works out you won’t see me for three more months, so blame yourself. Tell Dad I love him and I’ll see you both as soon as I get back. If I don’t go I’ll call you next week and we’ll plan something together sooner, ok?”

I hated to be short with my Mom, her and Dad stood by me and never pushed me harder than I could take. They paid for music lessons and when other parents would have flipped out over their son becoming a guitar player my Mom and Dad were as proud as they could be. Even now they come to at least three to four stops I make on tour. They gave me time with the whole Tanya thing and never pushed me, they supported me and that was all I could ask of them. I’ll make sure they’re taken care of for the rest of their lives, for that alone. I love both of my parents and was proud to say that we’re friends.

It was a little after eight now, so I had to get a move on if I was going to get across town and be there on time. I wanted to slip into the back and try to remain unnoticed, if I could. I wanted to see how they were naturally onstage, putting on a show for the audience, and not for me.

I walked in as the owner was announcing them, perfect timing.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, you know them and you love them! Let’s give a big round of applause for Eternity!”

The crowd erupted and all five of them took the stage. Not in a cocky-in-your-face way, just in a comfortable-I-love-to-be-here way. Rosalie charged out first, waving and playing with the crowd.

Rosalie grew up with Alice, they had been best friends since grade school. She played the bass guitar. Not a bad way to start the show, send out the tall, beautiful blonde.

Rosalie was followed by Alice and Jasper, who were holding hands. Jasper was Alice’s boyfriend and Rosalie’s brother. He was one talented motherfucker, he played guitar, mandolin, harmonica, a little piano, and who knows what else. He was always in a musical frame of mind. He could take anything and make brilliant music out of it. Alice and Jasper had been a couple for over ten years, since the beginning of high school. I didn’t know any other couple that ever made it out of high school together, but they defied the odds.

Emmett took the stage next and stopped to whisper in Rosalie’s ear. I was worried that he was spilling the secret but then she turned to look at him and gave him the most sinful smile, so I changed my mind about what he said to her. It was something entirely different that was obvious. Em and Rosalie had also been a couple for about six years. I was sure that bus was one hell of a place to be with two couples on it. It didn’t matter if they were fighting or fucking, all the others were screwed. There is no place to get away from either action on a tour bus.

The last one to take the stage was Bella, she was the lead singer. I knew the least about her. She had been friends with Alice and Rosalie since first day of high school, but she was so shy that we didn’t get to know each other that much during our summers together.

She walked straight to the microphone and took command of the crowd and her band with two words.

“Hey y’all!”

The crowd erupted for her and she smiled back at them.

“Tonight is going to be a little different for us, our guitar player had to rush home for an emergency so we are going to do a mostly acoustic set. So hang with us, I hope you like it.”

She turned and nodded to Jasper and he began the count for the first song. Jasper began to strum his mandolin as Bella stepped up to the mic again.

“If you know this please sing along with us.”

She tucked her hair behind her ear as she nodded her head in time with the funky-bluegrassy beat.

To the left, to the left

To the left, to the left

To the left, to the left

Everything you own in a box to the left

In the closet, that’s my stuff, yeah

If I bought it please don’t touch

Keep talkin’ that mess, that’s fine

But would you walk and talk at the same time

That’s my name on the Jag

So go get your bags and

Let me call you a cab.

I sat listening to her for a few lines, the song was familiar but I couldn’t place it. Then it hit me. Holy shit, she was singing a Beyonce song, and doing it true justice. She had a great set of pipes, perfect pitch and beautiful tone. Jasper had added the mandolin and changed the beat into this funky-bluesy-bluegrass thing that sat real easy in your head. When Bella hit the chorus, the rest of the band chimed in to help her out.

You must not know about me

You must not know about me

I could have another you in a minute

Matter of fact, he’ll be here in a minute

Baby, you must not know about me

You must not know about me

I could have another you by tomorrow

So don’t you ever for a second get to thinking you’re Irreplaceable

I listened as she sang and played to the crowd, as did the rest of the band. They had the crowd eating right out of their hands. I was totally surprised and shocked at what I was watching. Bella had been on stage for a total of five minutes but she had the crowd whipped into a nice little roar. She seemed completely in her element, which gave such a contrast to the shy, reserved girl that I met during the summers. I was intrigued, to say the least.

Come on Chicago why don’t you sing…

To the left, to the left

Everything you own in a box to the left

To the left, to the left

One more time ‘cause I can’t hear you…

She held the mic out to the crowd for them to sing

To the left, to the left

Everything you own in a box to the left

One more…

To the left

And with that the song was finished. The crowd loved it.

“You guys sing really well, wanna join us on tour? We need to get rid of a few of these boys that are making the bus stink, so you all could take their place, what do you say?”

Jasper and Emmett threw their heads back and laughed. Jasper pulled his mandolin off and made to leave the stage, then rushed back at the last second.

“I’m going to do something for you that I almost never do, so you can’t make a big deal about it ok? I’m going to break out my electric guitar for this next song, just because it can’t be played with only acoustic. It goes against nature to do it, so bear with me. If it sucks, blame Emmett.”

She gestured to Emmett and the spotlight followed her gesture. Emmett held up his hands and shrugged.

Emmett started them off with a nice loud drum beat, and Bella hit her mark with the electric guitar. She was rusty but talented. Rosalie stepped up and took the other side of the microphone with her.

Bella started singing.

Midnight, gettin’ uptight

Where are you?

You said you’d meet me, now it’s quarter to two

I know I’m hangin’ but I’m still wantin’ you

Hey jack, it’s a fact they’re talkin’ in town

I turn my back and you’re messin’ around

I’m not really jealous, don’t like lookin’ like a clown

I think of you every night and day

You took my heart and you took my pride awayayayayaya

I hate myself for lovin’ you

Can’t break free from the things that you do

I wanna walk but I run back to you

That’s why I hate myself for lovin’ you

Bella’s voice turned to grit and gravel for this song, it matched perfectly. She had a way of interpreting each song and putting her spin on it.

I think of you every night and day

You took my heart and you took my pride awayayayayaya

I hate myself for lovin’ you

Can’t break free from the things that you do

I wanna walk but I run back to you

That’s why I hate myself for lovin’ you

Rosalie and Alice joined her on the chorus and they sounded badass.

Bella played the solo and nailed it. Joan Jett rocked out loud and she would be proud of the performance these ladies put on.

“Now if I could pull off the mullet and eyeliner we would be in business, right?” Bella called to the crowd.

“I want to take a minute to introduce the band for those of you that have been hiding under a rock and don’t know us. On drums is the best big brother anyone could ask for Mr. Emmett Cullen.” Emmett played a quick solo and then stood to take a bow.

“Then to my right on keyboards, and piano is a girl who should have been my sister. She is one of my best friends, Alice Cullen. Give her a hand.”

Alice danced out from behind the keyboards and took a bow.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, you will want to know the lady standing to my left. She is 5’10 and built like a brickhouse.”

Emmett and Alice took off playing ‘Brickhouse’ by the Commodores, as Rosalie danced up to the front of the stage.

“She has best hair in the business and she rocks harder than any other bass guitar player I know. She is my soul sister, give it up for Rosalie Hale.”

Rosalie played the heavy bass line for ‘Brickhouse’ and then walked back to the left side of the stage.

“Watch out guys she’s taken, besides she can take care of herself. Anyone want to arm wrestle her?” The crowd applauded. Then, the music faded so Bella could introduce Jasper.

“Now, without this last guy we would be lost. He is our musical genius and my other big brother. He plays anything with strings and a few without, Mr. Jasper Hale.”

Jasper stepped up and took a bow. He stepped over to the mic and Bella stepped away.

“Now that you know us, don’t you want to know who she is?” Jasper motioned towards Bella.

“This beautiful lady I have had the pleasure of playing music with since we were in high school, she sings, she plays and she can cook a mean lasagna. Please make welcome, Bella Swan.”

A stage hand brought out several stools for Bella and Jasper, and they sat down. Bella and Jasper pulled their acoustic guitars across their laps.

“We’d like to play a few songs we’ve written, we’re thinking of putting them on our new album so let us know what you think of them. The first one, Jasper will sing for you.”

Jasper began strumming a haunting melody, he leaned in to the mic and began singing. Only Jasper, Bella and Emmett were playing.

I opened my lungs to breathe in forgiveness and love

Haunting me now, reminders of how I used to be

And on down the road, my troubles are sure to follow

Looking out the window, hell if I know where I will go

So I just keep on driving, on my way to LA

Looking into the review as the roads fade away

I’ve sworn off my past, first and last bad call that I ever made

And tell me how to make right, every wrong turn

That I’ve learned so this can all end tonight

Tennessee line, just changed my mind

And it’s my heart I’ll follow this time.

Jasper was singing and Emmett was providing back up, none of the girls were singing. Rose and Alice had even left the stage. Bella only stayed to help play guitar. I started to picture myself up there playing with the guys.

On my way to LA

Looking into the review as the roads fade away

I’ve sworn off my past, first and last bad call that I ever made

And tell me how to make right, every wrong turn

That I’ve learned so this can all end tonight

Tennessee line, just changed my mind

(Tennessee Line)

And it’s my heart I’ll follow this time.

I’ve sworn off my past, the first and last bad call that I ever made

(And it’s my heart I’ll follow this time)

I’ve sworn off my past, the first and last bad call that I ever made

(Oh, yeah)

I’m gonna turn it all around tonight

(Turn it all around tonight)

Turn it all around tonight

I’m gonna turn it all around tonight

At the Tennessee line

The music slowed and faded off. The audience was stunned into silence for a split second. When they regained their minds the place erupted into deafening applause. Fucking brilliant, everything about this group was brilliant. They weren’t your normal contrived ‘wanna-be-a-star’ group. These five people played music because it lived within their soul. They wrote what they knew and played the hell out of their instruments. Fuck yeah, I’d tour with them for three months and who knows maybe longer.

“Thanks so much, Emmett and I wrote that a few months back and I’ve been dying to play it for y’all and see how you like it. I’ll take that applause as a yes.” He shook his head and laughed as the applause got louder.

“The ladies would like to do a few songs for you.”

Jasper stepped back into the shadows as Alice sat down at the piano.

“I’ve been playing with this song for about a year, and it just wasn’t working for me. I tried and tried but always came up with a half finished song. Bella came running into my hotel room about a week ago and yelled out the lines I was missing. No one outside of the band has heard this yet, I hope you like it. It sure took us long enough to write it,” Alice giggled as she hit the first keys.

She played a slow, deep, subtle melody.

Well I put so much though into getting ready, And now I know that was the best part

It’s so easy to get caught up in what I’m regretting, Forgetting what I get from a wounded heart

I’m the one who likes gardenia, I’m the one who likes to make love on the floor

And I don’t want to hang up the phone yet, It’s been good getting to get know me more

I’ve been seeing all my old friends in the city, Walking alone in Central Park

Doing all the things that I neglected, I traded them all in to be in your arms

I’m the one who likes gardenia, I’m the one who likes to make love on the floor

And I don’t want to hang up the phone yet, It’s been good getting to get know me more

Well I hear my own voice, It sounds so silly

I keep on telling my story all around, Everything that I lost

I’m so different, ‘Cause this is how everybody get’s found

I’m the one who likes gardenia, I’m the one who likes to make love on the floor

And I don’t want to hang up the phone yet, It’s been good getting to get know me more

My cousin was fucking talented. It was beautiful, just her and the piano. None of these over arranged pieces that most stars were putting out on the air. It was simply Alice and her piano.

I stood up and walked to the stage door. A bouncer met me, I asked him to tell Emmett that Spunk Ransom was here and needed to talk to him. The bouncer just smiled and opened the door. He said he remembered the name from earlier when Emmett gave it to him.

I walked back to see Emmett, and Jasper standing off to the side watching as Alice sang. Bella and Rosalie stood behind the piano and just swayed with the music.

I pushed Emmett and he turned to confront me. His face relaxed when he realized who was responsible, suddenly he tensed again.

“Man, what are you doing back here? The girls will see you. I told them that you’re out of town and couldn’t come. Get out, you’ll get my ass kicked.” Emmett shoved me towards the door again.

“Em, wait. I’m here to tell you that I’m in. You guys are fucking brilliant. I want in, I mean it.”

Emmett grabbed me into a big bear hug and clapped me on the back.

“You are my fucking hero, you know that. Thanks man, I promise you won’t regret this. Jasper, do you remember my cousin Edward?”

Jasper held out his hand, with a large smile on his face, and I shook it.

Alice started a new song on the piano for Bella to sing. I didn’t recognize it so I think that Bella may have written it, but then again I wasn’t the most up to date on chick songs. We all turned back to watch her as the music swelled.

Piece by piece I take apart this complicated heart

And I hope to find, Something that I can prove is real

I can feel is truth, I can say is mine

That’s all I ever wanted to be

The closer that I got the further I could see

Lovers change and the night feels strange

We choose our own, The letting go

I came here to let you know the letting go has taken place

As Alice faded out I turned to Emmett.

“Did she write that?”

“If you mean Bella by she, then yes, she wrote that.”

I wondered who had hurt her, for her to pour her heart out in those lyrics, such a shame. What an asshole.

Emmett turned and whistled as he headed back on stage, followed by Jasper. The stage hands were pulling the piano back to the side and allowing all of them more room to move around. Emmett stopped to gather them in the center of the stage. He whispered to them as they huddled together and then they all looked over at me. I saw them nod and Emmett waved me out on stage.

Emmett met me as I stepped out, the crowd gasped as recognition kicked in, and asked me to play a song with them. I nodded and a stage hand handed me a guitar. I stepped over to the kick pad, plugged in and nodded to Alice and Rosalie. Bella walked over and stepped right up to face me.

“Hey Edward, what do you want to play?” She smiled and I lost my train of thought. I could see her black lacy bra peeking out of the deep v of her shirt. Up close her hair looked darker than it looked under the stage lights and the small amount of red that highlighted her hair had to be natural. Her eyes were deep chocolate brown and framed with the longest, darkest lashes I have ever seen. Her face was beautiful and she wore just a hint of makeup. She had a natural beauty. Not overly made up or fake looking. I was stunned.

“I know Emmett and Alice know ‘Hurts so good’ by Mellancamp, and what about ‘Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’’ by Journey?” I shrugged and she nodded.

“Good choices, Masen. Let’s play.”

She walked back towards the mic.

“Well, what did you think of our new songs?” She paused for the crowd to applaud for them. “We have another treat for you tonight. I told you at the beginning of the show that our guitarist had to leave us in the middle of our tour. Good thing we have good connections. Our dear Emmett and Alice are related to one of the finest guitar players of our time. He has agreed to come and help us out for the rest of our tour. Please welcome to the stage to play with us, Edward Masen.”

I walked towards the mic that was set up for me.

“Thanks, so glad to be here. I just showed up and we didn’t have any time to practice so we’re gonna do a few songs that Ali, Em and I played growing up. I know that Rose and Jasper were there as well. Bella hadn’t joined them yet, but I’m sure she knows the songs. Sing along if you know them.”

My heart settled into a nice rhythm and I felt at peace with life. I was good, I had a guitar, a mic and an audience to play to.

Emmett started the drum beats for ‘Hurts so Good’ and Bella nodded at me to sing.

I sang to the crowd but when I came to the ‘girl like you line’ Bella strutted over to me and pushed me in middle of my chest and walked away. She wiggled her sweet ass across the stage, and enjoyed the song. Her and Alice clapped the back rhythm and danced around the stage. For the chorus Alice ran over to Jasper’s side and sang with him on his microphone. Bella stepped over to me and faced me as we sang to each other. I almost forgot the words to the song with her so close to me. She was fucking beautiful, and she was singing with me. She stayed close and we finished the song together, inviting the crowd to join us. Bella stepped close to my ear as the crowd was applauding and asked to sing with me on ‘Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’’. I nodded.

“It’s my Dad’s favorite, and I love it as well.” Her breath fanned across my ear and I could smell her perfume. It was earthy, slightly sweet and just right for her. Not too over done or fake. It matched Bella.

The music began and I had to concentrate to jump in at the right spot. This was fucking ridiculous, I had played this song since I was in middle school. Journey was one of my dad’s favorites and I knew this song like the back of my hand. Bella, however, was causing my brain to follow one track and it was hard to focus on anything but her.

You make me weak and wanna die

Just then you said we’d try

Loving’, touchin’, squeezing’ each other.

I again motioned to Bella and she played it up for the crowd. She walked around behind me and put her arms around me and rubbed up and down my arms.

When I’m alone all by myself

You’re out with someone else

Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’ each other

She walked over and started to rub across Jasper’s back, he threw his head back and laughed.

You’re tearing me apart, every, every day

You’re tearing me apart, oh what can I say

You’re tearing me apart

Bella walked back to my mic and nodded at me. I nodded my agreement for her to sing the next verse.

It won’t be long, yes till you’re alone

When your lover oh, she hasn’t come home

Cause she’s lovin’, oh she’s touchin’, oh she’s squeezing’ another

She’s tearing you apart, Oh every, every day

She’s tearing you apart, Oh boy what can you say

Cause she’s lovin’, touchin’ another

Now it’s your turn boy to cry

We all sang on the last part together.

Nanananana, Nanananana, Nananananananana

When the song was finished, Bella hugged me and whispered into my ear, “Thanks, Edward, this means so much to us. You’re the best and I’m happy it’s you out touring with us.”

And with that she kissed me on my cheek.

“Uh…you’re welcome, anything for my family.”

Alice danced up to the mic and grabbed it out of the holder.

“So what do you think, should we keep him for a few months?” She smiled as the crowd applauded their approval. I took a bow, and started off the stage.

Bella put her hand on my arm and stopped me, “Where are you going?”

“I was going to go and sit, “I shrugged.

“Not so fast mister, stay and play with us.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me. I understood her double meaning.

“Right here in front of the crowd?” I asked, playing along, and raised my eyebrows back at her.

“Ok, maybe not. Why don’t you just play some more of that guitar for us?”

“How many songs you got left?” I asked her.

She held up two fingers.

“What do you want me to play?”

“Do you know our songs ‘Gunpowder and Lead’, and ‘Heaven’?” She asked as Jasper came over to us.

“I know ‘Gunpowder and Lead’ fairly well, besides Jasper should carry the load of that song on the acoustic, right?” I looked over at Jasper and he nodded at me. “I don’t really know ‘Heaven’ very well at all.”

“I can carry you through the first few bars of Heaven and you’ll pick it up by then, so follow me, ok?” Bella asked, motioning towards my guitar. I nodded at her.

We all stepped back to center stage. Jasper pulled me towards the back as the girls took front center for ‘Gunpowder and Lead’. I liked the dynamics of having women and men in the band. It was easier to trade off songs when you had both. Besides let’s be honest, it brought in more fans. Males and females, both wanted to come and see the shows, so it’s a win-win with a mixed band.

Jasper started the opening chords as Bella turned her back to the crowd. She was getting her game face on for the crowd. This was a badass song about a badass girl and Bella was preparing to be badass.

County road 233, nothin’ on this wide rock but little old me

I got two miles ‘till, he makes bail and if I’m right we’re headed straight for hell

I’m going home, gonna load my shotgun, wait by the door and light a cigarette

He wants a fight, well now he’s got one, he ain’t seen me crazy yet

Slapped my face and he shook me like a rag doll, don’t that sound like a real man

I’m gonna show him what little girls are made of gunpowder and lead

Bella has badass down to a science- she played the crowd and makes it all believable.

Well it’s half past ten, another six pack in

I can feel the rumble like a cold, black wind

He pulls in the drive, gravel slids

He don’t know what’s waitin’ here this time

I’m going home, gonna load my shotgun, wait by the door and light a cigarette

He wants a fight, well now he’s got one, he ain’t seen me crazy yet

Slapped my face and he shook me like a rag doll, don’t that sound like a real man

I’m gonna show him what little girls are made of gunpowder and lead

Rosalie and Alice join Bella at the center mic, they all sing together. The harmony is unbelievable between the three of them.

His fist is big but my gun’s bigger, he’ll find out when I pull the trigger

I’m going home, gonna load my shotgun, wait by the door and light a cigarette

He wants a fight, well now he’s got one, he ain’t seen me crazy yet

Slapped my face and he shook me like a rag doll, don’t that sound like a real man

I’m gonna show him what little girls are made of gunpowder, gunpowder and lead

Gunpowder and lead, hey

Bella played the ending on her electric guitar. She steps back and waits a half a second before launching into ‘Heaven’. She is fucking hot as hell, playing her guitar and teaching me the licks for the song. I watch her fingers and she nods when I start playing with her. I could get use to being close to Bella.

When Emmett chimes in and sings the song, I could have fallen off the stage. Never in my life have I heard him sing. He usually stays behind the drums, but he sounds great.

Bella takes the lead again for the solo and I just watch her, when the same chords start back over I play with her this time. She looks up at me and smiles. She bites her lip in between her teeth and sways along with the music. She closes her eyes and allows herself to just feel what is coming out of her instrument. I turn away from her and walk towards the edge of the stage, never before have I been so distracted while playing. I don’t know how Jasper and Emmett do it night after night, watching their girls get into the music. All the while standing off to the side and practicing the restraint to not pull them down onto the stage and do them right there in front of the audience. I shake myself out of my haze as Emmett is singing the last verse.

‘Cause I know there’s a better place than this place I’m living

How far is heaven

And I just got to have some faith and just keep on giving

How far is heaven, Lord can you tell me

How far is heaven, ‘Cause I just gotta know how far, yeah

How far is heaven, Lord can you tell me

How far is heaven, ‘Cause I just gotta know how far

I just wanna know how far

By the end solo and fade, I have the song down. Bella mouths ‘nice’ when I finish and I smile at her, happy that I made her happy.

Funny how the events of one night can turn so quickly, when Emmett called me, the last thing I wanted to do was go on tour with a band that had a girl for a lead singer. Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with girl singers, but I didn’t see how it was for me. I didn’t see how I could relate to the songs they sang and could enjoy playing them each night. But I have to admit that the arrangement that ‘Eternity’ has is working great for me. I like playing up each person and developing a full band, not just the lead singer or lead guitarist. People identify with a band so much better if they feel they know them, the audience develops a bigger attachment. And in this day when everybody’s money is tight, bands need to make sure they have the edge, something that will keep the public buying and coming out to see them in concert.

They all step up to the center of the stage to say goodnight, and Bella motions me over. We all wave and make our bows.

Alice is practically walking on air by the time we get to the dressing room. She jumps straight into my arms and throws her legs around me for a full body hug. I twist her around and set her on the ground.

“You’re one sneaky man, why didn’t you just say that you wanted to come and see us play first?”

“Well, Ali. No offense but the last time I saw you guys play was the summer before high schools started and you weren’t that good then. So, I wanted to see if you had the stuff and boy do you have the stuff. I also needed to see what kind of music you played, and if I could play along with you. Band of Brothers played mostly alternative or hard rock, I wasn’t sure if I’d be a good fit for your music. So, I took the sneaky route and lurked in the back for a few songs.” I ruffled Alice’s hair as she punches me in the arm.

Everyone moves off to pack up their stuff and get ready to go. I sit in the chair and talk while they move around.

“So when do we head out and what do I need to bring?” I ask to whoever is listening.

“We leave in about two hours and bring whatever you need. We have amps and cords, you bring everything else. We have a stipend that pays for meals but it’s not a lot so we don’t eat real fancy. I can cook easy stuff on the bus, but otherwise you eat snacks and microwave stuff. Bring your own. We either sleep in the bus or we split hotel rooms. All the rest of them are couples so that leaves you and I sharing a room, don’t get any ideas. I don’t sleep with band members. That is a rule I don’t break, so we share a room, not a bed. Got it? You are responsible for packing and loading your stuff. We can’t afford that many roadies yet, so we do most of the work. Do you need time to go and get your stuff?”

Bella fired all of this info at me while she moved around the room gathering all of her stuff and throwing other stuff to whomever it belonged to.

“Uh, yeah. I only came with my keys, phone and wallet. So yeah, I got to go and get everything.”

I pulled my keys out of my pocket and started for the door.

“Wait, Edward.” Jasper stopped me, he turned to the group and addressed all of us.

“If Edward leaves now and gets his stuff, then we have to wait for him to find a way back here to meet us. Why don’t we pack up here and follow him to his house in the bus, that way when he’s ready he can walk out and get on the bus. No car left anywhere for months and no one has to worry about getting him back here to us. Besides I’m hoping he’ll be nice to us and allow us to shower while he is packing, otherwise we’ll have to wait until we get to the next stop which will be late tomorrow afternoon. I don’t want to wait that long for a shower, so let’s vote on it.” I looked from face to face as everyone nods their agreement to vote.

“All in favor of following Edward home and taking a shower raise your hand.” Every hand raises except mine. I just stand there, while they all look at me.

“What? I didn’t know I was supposed to vote,” I say as I raise my hand.

“Okay that’s settled, Edward, will you help me and Emmett load the gear, while the girls pack up the other stuff?”

We had the gear and all the personal stuff loaded within the hour and headed off to my house.

The bus had to be parked about three blocks from my house, so everyone rode to my house in the car with me. The driver waited with the bus.

I have three bathrooms, Rosalie and Emmett take the guest bathroom, Alice and Jasper take the bathroom on the lower level, leaving the master bathroom for Bella. I show everyone around and take Bella with me to the master bath. I leave her in the bathroom and promise that I’ll go and pack my gear that’s down in the lower level music room. Bella closes and locks the door. I roll my eyes at her gesture of distrust as I leave the room.

I run downstairs and grab several guitars and all the equipment I’ll need. As I’m taking them upstairs Emmett shows up to help. He loads the guitars into my car and drives them back to the bus. I run back upstairs to grab my clothes.

I enter my bedroom and check the bathroom door. It’s still closed so I pull out my bag and head to my closet to start packing. After packing all the clothes I’ll need I grab several pairs of shoes, a couple belts and underwear. I shove it all into my bag and when I walk back into the bedroom Bella is standing beside my bed. She is wearing a pair of black lace underwear with a matching bra, and nothing else. I loosely call them underwear, they don’t cover much. She has her back to me so I’m treated to a nice view of her ass, I stop short and take my time to look her over. Her body is beautiful. She has long sleek legs, a tiny waist that gently curves into her hips. I’m sure that my hands will fit perfectly on each hip to hold her close to me. I shake my head to clear my thoughts, I can’t think of Bella that way. I have to live on a small bus with her for the next three months and I need to keep it platonic. I need to think of her as my sister, nothing else. I decide to head back into the closet and make some noise so she’ll hear me. Turning around I walk back in and kick closed the bottom drawer of the dresser that holds my socks and underwear. Bella makes a small squeak, so she must have heard me.

“Edward is that you?” She asks timidly.

“Yeah, I finished downstairs and came up to pack my clothes, so we wouldn’t be late getting out of here. You decent?” I call from the closet.

“Hold on, let me slip on my sweats,” she calls out, and I picture her in some baggy, ugly sweat pants. Thanking my lucky stars because after seeing her in nothing but her underwear I need the ugly sweats to erase the previous image.

“Ok, you can come out,”she called to me.

Grabbing all my stuff from the closet I head back out to the bed to try to zip up my full bag. My feet stop moving when I see Bella. She is wearing a tight pair of some kind of athletic pants and a long sleeve t shirt. The pants hug every curve of her body, to include the nice little curve at her pussy, I allow my eyes to look her over for a second and then look away. Sweats, my fucking ass, I think as I zip up the bag and head into the bathroom to gather what I need from in there.

Bella sits down on my bed and watches me. “You sure have this packing thing down to a science, you’re fast.”

“Yeah, about seven years on the road helps you narrow down what you’ll need and what you won’t. Besides I’m a guy I don’t bring all the extra stuff that women lug along with them. Clean underwear, deodorant, and my toothbrush are about the only things I can’t go without. All the rest will wait.” I shrug trying to explain myself to her. She just smiles and nods.

I open my nightstand drawer, I pull out two books, my laptop and a notebook that I write in. I throw them in a smaller bag, tossing in my iPod on top and zip it all up. Picking up both bags, I move to leave the room. Bella stands to leave with me.

We walk back into the living room, where I drop my bags. Emmett grabs them up and heads out the door. I run into the kitchen and grab as much snack stuff as I can find. I dump it all into a grocery bag and open the freezer. Bella pushes past me to peer into the freezer.

“Bingo, I knew it,” she shouts. She turns to look at me and I send her a questioning glance. “What? You’re a single guy, I knew we could find lots of microwave stuff in your freezer, this will save Angela from having to buy of groceries tomorrow. She’ll love you for this. Can I load it up?”

I hand her several more grocery bags and let her forage for what she wants. She finishes up in the freezer as Emmett comes back from taking my bags down to the bus. He hands me the keys for the car.

“I left it in front of the garage, I didn’t know how to open the garage to pull it in.”

“No biggie, I’ll pull it in as we leave. Everybody ready?” They all drift back into the living room with me and Emmett. Bella has her arms loaded down with food, Alice has several books and Rosalie has some magazines.

“Thieves,” I throw at them and they each just shrug at me.

“Let’s go out through the garage, the maid will be in tomorrow and she’ll clean everything up.”

I follow them out, click open the garage and pull the car in. I lock the car, put the keys in the lock box and hit the button to close the garage doors. We all start the three block walk back to the bus.

I feel the adrenaline start to pump through me at the thought of getting back on a bus and hitting the open road to play every night for an audience. I missed the rush of playing every night for a crowd that was into what you were playing. The emotion they feed back to you is better than any drug out there. Every step excites me a little more, and when we reach the bus I am almost shaking with joy.

Jasper introduces me to Ben and Angela. Ben is the tour manager and will take care of our daily business needs. Angela, Ben’s girlfriend will handle all of our personal needs as well as taking care of concessions for the band. I make a mental note to have my manager send out some of my items that we can sell in the concession stands. Ben takes me outside and shows me where he has packed my guitars and other equipment in the under bus storage, and I thank him for taking care of my ‘babies’.

Emmett shows me around the bus before we leave. It has a small front lounge that holds the two dining tables, a loveseat, a kitchen area, and a small bathroom. On towards the back are the eight bunks and a back lounge. The back lounge has several TV’s, all the video game equipment you can imagine, DVD players, and some recording equipment that can be use to lay down tracks while on the bus. I love idea of recording while on the bus. I tried to talk the BOB into investing into that. They didn’t want to invest the money, I was glad to see that some people were smart about their careers. A lot of time is spent on the bus and you might as well use it for good and not just waste it.

We load up and take off for parts unknown. I didn’t even think to ask where we were heading. I walk back to the front of the bus and find Ben. I give him Eric, my manager’s, numbers and email. I ask him to take care of sending Eric a tour schedule, as well as having the concession items sent out to us at the next stop. Ben takes the info and starts typing in his blackberry so I leave him to take care of business.

I search for my bunk. I find my bags thrown on the bottom bunk on the left. Right across from Bella’s, what sweet torture to sleep two and half feet from her every night and not be able to touch her. Not be able to pull her up to snuggle against my body while we sleep. I move my stuff around and place my clothes in the built in drawers. The rest I leave in the bags.

I lay down on the bunk as Ben yells out, “You guys ready to roll?”

From various places on the bus shouts of acknowledgment come back.

“Edward, what about you?” Ben calls to me.

“Sorry, ready!”

The doors close and we pull off, headed off to play a gig tomorrow night. I take a deep breath as I lay in my bunk, and realize that sure enough all buses smell alike. I close my eyes, taking in the smell and the movement that will rock me to sleep so much faster than a normal bed. I should sleep good tonight.


Well, there you have it! I will begin to work on this after I am well into to posting my story Truth, Lies & their Consequences on fanfiction.net. Let me know what you think!

Simply click here so you can access all my other stories and one shots on fanfiction.net as well!