Ashley was staring out the window, her head phones on, just bopping to the new Good Charlotte CD. She was on a train with her best friend Nikki, on her way to a Good Charlotte show in Chicago. She lived in Virginia, but the GC tour wasn’t coming there this year, so Ashley and her friend were traveling out of state. Nikki was reading the new issue of Alternative press magazine, complaining about how Good Charlotte was never in the magazine anymore. But its not like Ashley could hear her, she was busy listening to the sweet sound of Benji’s voice as he sang about his father. Ashley heard the words of Emotionless fade, as she drifted off to sleep.
Ashley felt a tug on her arm. “Ash, come on were at the station.” She heard Nikki’s voice and took off her headphones. Ashley set her CD player down on the seat between her and Nikki. “Man you must have been asleep for about 3 hours, the food cart came round. I got you some chips if you want ‘em.” Nikki threw her the bag of Salt and Vinegar chips.
“Thanks,” Ashley mumbled, still half asleep. Ashley watched as people of all shapes and sizes filed out of the isles, and off the train. Nikki and Ashley followed, and hopped off. The station was filled with subway posters advertising the GC concert.
“Man I can’t wait until tonight, it going to be awesome. Getting squashed half to death, smelly armpits in your face, listening to GC, I cant think of anything else I’d rather do,” Nikki sighed, a little dazed. Ashley suddenly remembered. “Oh my gosh! I left my cd player on the train!”
Ashley and Nikki ran back to the train running as fast as they could. Nikki told Ashley that she would be waiting outside. Ashley shot onto the train searching all the isles looking for the one they had been sitting in. She got halfway down the isles, but stopped at the sound of a very familiar voice. “Dude check it out, were not the only ones that like our music! Man this thing must be worth at least 90 bucks easy.” What was Ashley hearing? Had someone found her CD player?
“Dude, put it back, man you’ve already got like three.” Whose voice was that now? Ashley thought. Then it hit her. Her eyes drifted to the subway poster outside of the train. She couldn’t believe it. It was Benji and Joel. She made her way to the back of the train, to where the voices were coming from, getting just a little nervous. Ok fine, extremely nervous. She stopped dead to see Benji and Joel arguing over the CD player. Joel must have seen her too, and he stopped and stared.
“Um..is this your CD player?” Joel asked Ashley. She turned bright red.
“UH..yea uh it is…,” Ashley managed to say, as Joel handed it to her. She swore for one second that he touched her hand.
“Are you coming to our show tonight?” He asked.
“Yea me and my friend traveled here from Virginia.” Ashley told him. “We love you guys!” Ashley watched as Joel turned bright red. Aww..how cute, Ashley thought. There was an awkward silence, but it was broken by Benji stepping out from behind Joel.
“Well we can’t have you come all this way and not hang out! Find us after the show, well be in the back by the guitars, we’ll tell the security dude your coming. Okay?” Benji asked. Ashley nodded, too dazed to say anything.
“Yea that would be cool,” Joel managed to say, also breaking out of his daze.
“Well uh..we have to get to sound check, see ya, hope you enjoy the show.” Benji said hurriedly as he rushed to the front of the train and hopped off.
“Uh..I guess I’ll see ya later then? Have fun at the show.” Joel hesitated, and then jogged to the front of the train and hopped off as Benji had done. Ashley just stood there, trying to come to grips with what had happened. She had only come back to earth when the train driver had instructed her to get off.
Nikki was waiting for her outside. “Oh My gosh, Benji and joel walked by me!” Nikki exclaimed. She seemed way too excited to just see them, Ashley couldn’t imagine what Nikki would do at the concert. Ashley was thinking, she should have gotten seat tickets, that way she could have strapped Nikki down to one. A huge smile spread over Ashley’s face at the thought. She couldn’t take it any longer, and she spilled out all what had happened on the train, Benji and Joel inviting her, talking to her, and Joel staring at her. Everything. When she was done, Nikki had a devilish smile on her face, a smile that sent chills down Ashley’s back. She remembered the day that she very first saw that smile on Nikki’s face. It was when Ashley had just moved down to Virginia from New York. She had met Nikki at school, and invited her over for dinner. They were in Ashley’s room, Nikki going through Ash’s wardrobe, cringing at all the New York styles. Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, Tommy, Nikki just couldn’t take it. Nikki had electric green hair, piercings in every place you could imagine, and she had gray dickies and a shoulder torn Rancid shirt on. “You can’t tell me that you actually enjoy wearing all of this, do you?” Nikki asked, absolutely disgusted. “Well my mom buys most of it, so I’m forced to wear it, because my mom is the type of person that can get offended quite easily, but I really want to dress like you.” Nikki was delighted, and the same devilish smile appeared on her face, and lets just say Ashley was never the same. Now Ash was scared to think what Nikki had in mind this time. Today Nikki had Pink hair, spiked in the back, long at the front, Black patched dickies on, and her green Donnas shirt on. Ashley had brown hair with purple streaks, and Mxpx shirt and bondage pants on. Nikki called Ashley’s style her handy work, and was very proud. Nikki’s smile spread by the minute.
ats good“He likes you…doesn’t he?” Nikki asked, well more like confirmed. Nikki had an uncanny ability to be right about these types of things. “Nix come on he’s a rock star, I’m a poor lonely pathetic no use for existence freak, who walks around the streets at three o’ clock in the morning, hoping to meet Good Charlotte.” “Yes well I guess that paid off, because look where you are now, I mean its every fans dream to do what you just did, and half of them wouldn’t even have the guts to,” Nikki answered. Ashley could tell this conversation was going nowhere fast so they just dropped it.
“What do you think there going to do at the show?” Ashley asked Nikki. “Sing.” Ashley couldn’t believe how absent-minded Nikki could be sometimes. “I know that dipstick,” Ashley said slyly and threw the piece of fluff she was fiddling with into Nikki’s face. With all the talking they had been doing, they had already made it to the car rental. Ashley rented a black ford mustang, and I only cost her 100 bucks for one week. It was a discount if you’re staying in a hotel in the area. About half an hour later, Nikki and Ashley were on the road to the hotel. They pulled in to the Tudor-style home, and just sat in awe. The place was huge! From the solid oak doors, to the arch above it, Nikki was practically drooling. After taking in their surroundings, they got out of the car with their bags and made their way to the lobby. They got their hotel room key, and walked up the antique style spiral stairs. They opened the door to the hotel room threw in their bags, and Ashley, almost exhausted from driving, flopped down on the bed, and a huge sigh escaped her. Nikki looked at the clock.
“Ash, what time does the concert start?” Nikki asked, herself falling back into a chair.
“6, why?”
“Uhh…because its five o’ clock.”
Ashley jumped up suddenly, grabbed a Mest shirt, and black dickies, and shot into the bathroom before Nikki couldn’t even get out of her chair. Nikki changed into a MADE shirt, and Red bondage skirt. She ran to the mirror on the far side of the room, and applied heavy eyeliner, and purple eye shadow. By the time she was done, Ashley was already out of the bathroom. She had on black eye liner, and red eye shadow to finish off her outfit. She put on her flame converses, and sat on the bed waiting for Nikki. While she was waiting, she started to think. Why were Benji and Joel on the train, when they have a tour bus, and why weren’t Paul and Billy there with them? She figured she’d just let it go and ask them later that night. Nikki slipped into her fishnets and combat boots, and they were ready. Ash grabbed a few GC posters and her dickies bag before slipping out the door. They exited the lobby almost skipping, and got into the car. Ashley popped in a Rancid CD and her and Nikki bopped to the music to pass the time. They finally got to the arena, but it was extremely difficult to find a place to park. Nikki turned down the music, as she could see that Ash was concentrating. An old man on the side of the road gave them directions to a huge parking lot, a quarter of a mile away.
“Thanks so much.” Nikki thanked the man, and they continued to drive in search of the car park. They found it about three minutes later. They pulled up and walked to the arena. It was packed.
“How are we ever even going to get inside?” Nikki asked, slightly annoyed.
“This place is over run with teenies. Man there’s only like 5 true fans here at the most.”
“Nikki calm down, we are gonna get backstage anyhow. Just chill ok?” Ashley answered. Nikki just silently nodded, and knocked a teenie to the floor.
“Oh I’m so sorry, I got pushed,” Nikki exclaimed, half-sarcastic, half-snotty. “That’s OK,” the teenie mumbled under her breath along with some cursing. After about ten minutes, they finally got inside. It was now 6:12, but the beginning was just the opening acts anyway. Ashley could see Nikki out of the corners of her eye, over at the merchandise table. Ash rolled her eyes, and walked over to Nikki. “What should we get?” Nikki asked. “I dunno, hey that shirt looks cool!” Ashley stared at the shirt, which almost made her giggle. It had the cartoons of the guys on it, and they looked quite distorted. “I want that one,” Ashley said pointing to the shirt. “Yea I’ll get that one too.” They paid the man, and walked down to the floor. They were currently in the third row, but Ashley figured that would change as the show went on. Her and Nikki would get pushed to the back, but Nikki is quite outspoken, and she would without a doubt say something.
MxPx left the stage and that could only mean one thing. Good Charlotte. There was a 20 minute break so that they could set up their equipment. Joel came on to test the mike, and the teenies went wild. Joel looked Ashley’s way and winked at her. She waved at him, and he turned bright red and yelled “Benj, it works!” and ran back into the dressing room. Nikki turned to Ashley. “See I told you! He is crushing on you!” “Yea watever can we just enjoy the Joel, I mean show,” Ashley said quickly, hoping Nikki wouldn’t notice what she said. “Fine,” Nikki mumbled. Ashley let out a sigh of relief, Nikki hadn’t heard her. The lights dimmed slowly, and Ashley smiled brightly as the tune of The Little Things began to start.
“That concert was the best I have ever been to in my life. This has to be about the happiest day of my pathetic exsistence.” Ashley said. “It’s not over yet…” Nikki reminded her of their little “date” with Good Charlotte. “We better get going if we want to find them” Nikki said, pushing Ashley through the crowd to the back of the arena. Ashley trudged up to the security guard, getting a little scared, and wondering if Benji really did tell him that they were coming. “Um..Excuse me.” Ashley waited for the guard to turn around. “Can I help you?” He said, in a deep, Arnold Swartzeneggar type voice, which made Ashley tremble. “Um…we’re here to see Good Charlotte.” Ashley answered. “Yea you, and another thousand.” The guard was starting to get a bit snotty. “No, I mean they invited us after the show, uh…my names Ashley.” “Oh…sorry bout that, when you work on security duty you cant really let your guard down. Follow me, I’ll take you to where they’re hanging tonight.” Ashley and Nikki thanked the guard, and followed him down a long corridor, lined with plaques and guitars. Nikki was in awe, staring at all the dressing rooms. There was actually one dressing room, which had a sign on the door saying “Good Charlotte Soundstage.” Nikki started jumping up and down, causing Ashley to look at her like she had a shopping bag on her head. “Sorry.” Nikki coughed out, quietly turning red. “You know, as much as I hate to admit it, you sound like an over obsessed groupie.” Ashley told Nikki. “No I’m just happy to meet my idols that’s all.” “Yea sure…” They finally came to a door, and the guard unlocked it. “Just in there ladies, enjoy your stay.” Nikki thanked the guard again, and both Ash and Nikki entered the room.
Joel and Paul were competing in a violent game of football on Benji’s XBOX, Chris was reading alternative press on the bed, and Billy was playing Silverchair on his CD player. Benji was having a battle with his gel in the bathroom, which was now all over the floor. Benji looked half dead as he came out. His eye makeup was smeared around his eyes, making him look like a koala, his pink and black hair drooped across his face, and not to mention he was covered in gel. He was the only one that noticed that Ashley and Nikki were there. “Oh hey Ash, and you must be Nikki?” Benji asked, turning to her. Nikki nodded silently, as Benji went to alert the others that they were here.
Benji threw a pillow in Joel and Paul’s face, causing them to lose control of the game. “Benj,” yelled Joel getting up to chase him, “I’m gonna kick your…” Joel was cut off by Billy who turned up Silverchair’s “Freak of Nature” up to full blast, muffling out all other sounds. Ashley couldn’t help but giggle. Joel was in nothing but his boxers.
“Uh…Joel put on some clothes man.” Benji said. “No, I’m comfy,” Joel replied sticking his tongue out at Benji. It was only then that he noticed that Ashley and Nikki were in the room. Ashley had never seen Joel turn so red in his life. He ran to the bathroom, and came out minutes later with a wife beater and dickies on. Cashdog ran from the back of the room to inspect who came in the door. Ash and Nikki sat down on the bed by Billy and Chris, and Cashdog immediately flew at Ash and started licking her arms. Nikki started laughing as she realized that benji had his beanie, that he had been trying to put on for the past half hour, on backward. Nikki jumped up at such an opportunity, and grabbed the beanie off of poor Benji’s head, and flew out the door. Obviously Benji started chasing her, and slammed the door behind him. Billy claimed he needed new chucks, jumped off the bed, grabbed his hoodie, and scrambled out the door also, taking Chris with him.
Paul was determined to win the game of football, so he kept on playing, even thought Joel wasn’t. Joel settled down on the bed next to Ash. They talked about high school crushes, music, and just life in general. They had been talking for at least half an hour when Paul got up and left to go and tune his bass. “So, you like our band huh?” Joel asked. What a stupid question, Ashley thought. “Of course, you guys are awesome!” Wow that conversation is gonna win an Oscar. Joel nodded. There was an awkward silence, and then Joel leaned in to kiss Ashley. She turned her head away, not knowing what to think. “Joel, I’m sorry…” Ashley explained quietly. She got up from the bed, and made her way to the door. She didn’t look back, and she was glad she didn’t, or else she would have seen the crushed look in Joel’s big brown eyes. She turned the door handle, only to see Benji standing there. “Leaving so soon? Dude we just got pizza!” Ashley was getting quite annoyed, and stormed past Benji, running down the hall.
Benji entered the room to see Joel staring down at his chucks, sitting on the bed. “Bro, what happened?” “I tried to kiss her Benj, I freaked her out,” Joel stammered. Benji turned his head at the sound of the door opening. Joel looked up, hoping it was Ash. Nope, it was Nikki. “Well I feel welcome,” Nikki stated as Joel gave her a dirty look at her bad timing. “Aww Nix, he didn’t mean it like that, come join us for pizza.” Benji said, as Nikki sat down on the bed by Joel, handing Benji his beanie back, but not taking the pizza. “So uh…Joel what happened, I heard Paul left you guys in here alone,” Nikki said smiling. Although Joel didn’t smile back. Instead he turned away, as a soggy tear ran down his cheek. “Maybe you should go, we’ll be here tomorrow, come and see us then ok?” Benji compromised with Nikki. Nikki nodded silently and walked out the door.
Benji couldn’t help but smile. “Joel are you…crying?” Joel would have usually said something or flipped him off, but he just sat there, as another tear ran down his face, leaving a damp mark on his wife beater. “Aww dude come on, she’ll be back. Nikki wouldn’t come back with out her.” Joel turned back to Benji, and unexpectedly hugged him, as more tears streamed from his eyes. After what seemed forever, Joel pulled away. He curled up on the bed, said goodnight to Benji, and soon drifted off to sleep, shortly followed by Benji. But Benji awoke soon after, at the sound of Paul coming into the room. “Hey Benj, uhh billy wanted me to tell you that they’re crashing at Lars’ house tonight,” Paul whispered, as he himself flopped down on a bed. Benji replied with a grunt, and fell asleep shortly after.
Joel was awakened by Billy bursting in the door. “Joel, Benj! Me and Chris just found a nude beach about a mile from here!!” Billy sounded way too excited. Benji jumped up grabbed a beanie and hoodie, and ran out the door with Billy. But Benji stopped half way out. “Joel, are you coming?” “Na I think I’m just going to wait here for Ash.” Joel replied. “hehe suit yourself,” Benji snickered and ran out the door. Paul had over heard, and followed Benji out too, leaving Joel sitting on the bed. When is she going to get here, Joel thought to himself. He gave up waiting, and walked over to the TV. Joel sighed as the anthem video came on. He immediately switched off the TV, and flopped back down on the bed. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Joel jumped up and answered it. Nikki and Ash were standing there. “Oh come in ladies.” Joel stated in a formal tone. As soon as they got in the door Nikki flew into the bathroom.
“Joel, can we talk?” Ashley asked. “yea sure, what’s up?” “Look I’m sorry about yesterday, I just didn’t know what to do, I guess I freaked out.” Ashley said. “But uh.. we can try that again, if you want.” Ashley’s whole body went weak as Joel lips crashed against hers. All Ashley’s troubles faded away when she was with him. They both laid back to the bed, still locking lips, just as the bathroom door opened, and Nikki was standing there. Joel and Ashley shot up, both turning red. Nikki giggled, and left the room, but Ashley could swear that she heard her cough “told you” on the way out. Ashley just smiled. She could care less if Nikki was right. When she was with Joel she just didn’t care.
“Hey I uh..got something for you.” Joel went to a bag over the far side of the room, and pulled out a small box. He handed it to Ashley. “Go on open it!” Joel urged her. Ashley opened the small box to come face to face with the most beautiful thing she had ever received as a gift. It was a silver heart shaped locket, on a fine silver chain. A small tear ran down her cheek. “Oh don’t cry your sposed to be happy!” Joel pulled her into a tight hug, and when they parted, she whispered, “I love it.” Joel placed it around her neck as she admired it in the mirror. Joel and Ash lay back down on the bed, as Joel held her in his arms. “I love you.” “I love you too,” Ashley answered.
“Wake up, were almost there!” Ashley could hear Nikki’s muffled voice, but she didn’t want to wake up, she wanted to get lost in this forever. Ashley eyes fluttered open as she took off her headphones. She was back on the train. It was a dream, she thought, all a dream. There was no backstage pass, no Benji covered in gel, no neckla—Ashley stopped dead as she looked down. A gasp escaped her. It was a dream wasn’t it? It had to have been. But if it was a dream, why was the necklace Joel had given her, hanging around her neck?