You know those moments where something feels like it’s in slow motion and you try to stop what’s happening but it’s no use? That’s how that moment felt. I tried to turn away so I wouldn’t throw up on her, but I couldn’t. We paused for a moment, our shouting stopped, and just stared at each other. In that sort of, ‘I know that really happened, but did that really happen kind of way,’ not wanting to believe it. Then she screamed, and started to cry. Inside I was smiling and laughing because let’s face it; I really hate her right now. But I yelled a frantic “I’m sorry” as she pushed past me and down the stairs. I just wanted to get home; I stumbled back downstairs in search of John and Daisy. They were waiting by the door with Gabi. The three of the waved at me and just as I reached them someone walked in from the kitchen with a birthday cake.
“We still have to sing Happy Birthday and open presents!” The person shouted. I groaned inwardly, but Daisy clapped excitedly and ran towards the cake. John threw his arms around mine and Gabi’s shoulders.
“Come on ladies, a few more minutes won’t kill us.” He pulled us towards the crowd forming even though we both protested. We all sang, more like shouted, happy birthday to her and cake was pasted around while she slowly opened presents.
Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I turned to see Eric his facial expression was sad. “You’re ignoring me again.” His mumbled, “Why? Is… Is it Poppy, because she doesn’t mean anything to me? I swear.” I turned away from him and tugged on Gabi’s arm.
“Come outside with me, I need some fresh air.”
“Daisy’s almost done can you wait?” she asked skeptically.
“Are you going to talk to me?” Eric asked tapping on my shoulder again.
“No, I can’t. Please come outside with me.”
“Okay, fine.” She stared behind me at Eric before she linked arms with me and we headed towards the door. “Why are you ignoring him?” she asked as we took a seat on the curb.
“He didn’t tell me he was in a band.” I mumbled.
“Wow, you’re seriously mad about that?”
“Yeah, I think that’s something you should tell your girlfriend.”
“I thought you weren’t his girlfriend.”
“Well… I’m not…. But still.” I stuttered stupidly.
“Maybe he just wanted a girl who liked him for who he is…” she sighed, “You’re new to all this, but all the guys just have girls throwing themselves at them. It’s a nice change for them to meet someone who doesn’t know who they are or to be home with the people they grew up with…”
“You’re right… I’m stupid.” I buried my face in my hands.
“Can I talk to Alyssa for a sec, Gabi?” Eric asked from behind us.
“Yeah, I’ll go see if Daisy is done yet.” She got up from her spot and Eric replaced her.
“Where’s my jacket?”
“I dunno, it ran away.” I said, my face still in my hands so it came out muffled.
“Just how much did you drink?” he laughed when I shrugged. “So, John wouldn’t tell me why you’re mad at—”
“I’m not mad anymore,” I said lifting my face out of my hands, “I was just overreacting and it was stupid.” I buried my face in my hands again.
“Was it something Poppy-”
“Her name is Poopy.” I corrected him; he laughed softly.
“Was it something Poopy said?” I nodded. “What did she say?”
“First, she said she was your girlfriend,” I sighed sitting up straight, “I think she wanted to fight me.” He laughed.
“We broke up a long time ago.” He said pulling me to his side.
“I know, Mel told me. Then she…” I paused and sighed.
“She what?”
“Well Mel said something about you being on tour. I asked Daisy, she said you’re in a band…” He tensed up.
“Oh.” Was all he said. I looked up at him and he stared angrily ahead.
“Now you’re mad.” I mumbled after about a minute of awkward silence.
“Well, I wanted to tell you myself.” He said letting out a heavy breath. “Now you’re mad at me for it.”
“I’m not mad anymore. Gabi had a few words of wisdom for me.” I said pulling him into a hug. He hugged me back and ran his hands through my hair.
“You smell like throw up.” he mumbled and kissed the top of my head as he pulled away and looked at me.
“I threw up on Poopy.” I said nonchalantly and smiled as he tried to fight off his laughter.
“Seriously?” I nodded. “That’s fucked up.”
“She wouldn’t get out of my way.” I said defensively but he laughed again.
“Are you coming home with me?” Eric asked a hopeful look in his eyes.
“No!” Daisy yelled as she squeezed in the middle of us. “You’ll just try to get in her pants again. She’s coming home with me; she has to rock out with me and Gabi.”
“But—” I started.
“NO! I do not want any Baby Halvo’s running around. You’re coming home with me and Gabi, dammit.” I glared at her.
“We use protection.” I said with pride.
“Okay ladies, enough of that talk.” John said walking up holding all of Daisy’s presents. “Ready to go?” We walked towards John’s car as Daisy and Gabi tried to Moonwalk to the car. “I don’t think I should leave these three alone while they’re drunk. They might burn the whole state down.”
“I’m a good drunk.”
“You threw up on Poppy.” Eric said laughing.
“You threw up on Poppy?” John asked, laughing himself.
“Her name is Poopy.” I mumbled. “Besides, I’m sobering up.”
“Not when we get back to my place.” Daisy shouted from the car. Before I stepped in the car Eric pulled me into a hug.
“Good night baby, see you tomorrow.” he whispered in my ear.
“I think I have work tomorrow.” He laughed slightly.
“I’ll come visit you.” He groaned. “Never mind, I totally forgot I was babysitting my neighbors kids.” I giggled at the thought of Eric babysitting, kissed his cheek, and got in the car. I sat in the back with Gabi; she was dazed out and looking at John’s head mumbling that he had the best hair ever. Daisy was in front scrolling through John’s iPod.
“Fuck it, I can’t choose I’ll put in on shuffle.” Daisy said putting the iPod down and sitting back in her seat. ‘So What’ blared through the speakers. The three of us looked at each other, then at John and laughed.
“What?” he asked drumming the beat on the steering wheel, “Pink’s my gurl.” He said with a lisp. We all laughed harder, and he turned it up to drown us out.
“I have one thing to say about this song.” Gabi slurred.
“Yeah?” I asked giggling as she reached over and turned the music even louder.
“Fuck Kennedy Brock.” she shouted and started dancing. Daisy joined by waving her arms around at the car next to use, earning the finger from the driver who sped off. I giggled and started dancing with them, against John’s wishes; he was shouting that we were being drunken idiots and that we better not get ourselves sick and throw up in his car. John dropped us off and we stumbled into Daisy’s apartment where I woke up the next morning with no recollection of what happened.
“ALYSSA! WAKE THE FUCK UP!” Daisy yelled shaking me.
“Oh God, my head.” I groaned as she pulled me up. “Oh shit, what did we do last night?” I said as I surveyed the room I looked at the clock. “Oh shit, it’s 1:30, don’t we have to go to work?”
“I do, but you start tomorrow. Now I have to get ready so either clean my house or beat it.” I stuck my tongue out at her and left her apartment.
I’m never drinking again, I thought to myself as I took some Advil. I brushed my teeth and took a shower and after feeling satisfied that the night was washed off of me, I called Eric. “I don’t have work today and Daisy kicked me out.” I said when he answered.
“No Madi that’s not for babies.” He said, his voice sounding far away, “Sorry Babe, she was trying to get my bass. Do you want to come over? I could use some help and we’re going to go swimming.” I laughed.
“I’ll be right there.” I changed into my bathing suit and put a tank and a pair of Eric’s shorts over. I made it to Eric’s house without getting lost and just walked inside. “Halvo?”
“Living room!” he shouted. I navigated my way through his house to find him knee deep in toys, and a little girl sitting on his back, when he tried to get up she pulled his hair and laughed when he yelped. I giggled. “Not funny, get his monster off of me.”
“Aw. She’s not a monster.” I picked her up and swung her around. “Hi, I’m Alyssa. What’s your name?”
“Madison, but Halvo calls me Madi. I’m three.” She said giggling and held up two fingers. I helped her out by lifting up her third finger. “That’s what I meant.” She giggled. “You’re pretty, are you Halvo’s girlfriend?” I looked behind her at Eric who was looking at me curiously.
“Um, yeah, I’m his girlfriend.” She put her hand to my ear to tell me a secret.
“He is kind of weird.” I giggled.
“Hey, no secrets.” He said as he pulled us both into a hug. She let out a high pitched noise that was a cross between a scream and laughter. “Are you ready to go swimming?” Eric asked her. She nodded her head and wiggled out of my arms.
“I’ll go change!” she yelled and ran down the hall way.
“What?” I asked as he stared at me, still hugging me.
“Did you mean that?” I smiled and stood on my toes to kiss him.
“Yeah, I did.”
“Yes!” he said pumping his fist in the air. “I knew you’d give into me one day.” I pinched him as Madi walked back in the room with a bright pink suit on.
“I’m ready!” she announced.
“Okay, meet us at the back door.” Eric said turning and smiling at her. She skipped off, with two arm floaties in her hands. “So, um… you’re not still mad at me right?” he asked letting me go and rubbing the back of his neck. I kissed him again and shook my head no. He smiled, “I have to change, so can you watch her?”
“I’m probably more capable of watching her than you are.” I said with a giggle. He rolled his eyes and left the room.
“I’m waiting!” Madi yelled as I walked towards the back door, I smiled a opened it and followed her out. She put her floaties on and jumped in. I slipped out of my clothes, folded then and tossed them on a chair. “Get in!” Madi yelled at me.
“I’m waiting for Eric.” I called back to her.
“Eric smells!” she shouted and attempted to go underwater but she floated to the top.
“I do not smell.” Eric said as he walked out with three towels. “I took a shower today.” Madi giggled from the water and I rolled my eyes.
“Sure you did Halvo.” I said with a smile. “Why are you staring at me like that?” I asked with a smirk as he looked me up and down.
“Um… sorry I didn’t mean to.” He mumbled looking away and a blushing.
“Eric, you’ve seen me naked.” I laughed and jumped into the pool. “Are you getting in or not?” I asked when I surfaced; he glared at me and jumped in. Only a few minutes later Madi’s mom’s head popped up over the fence and said it was time for her to leave. She whined and we all got out of the pool. Eric gathered all her things and took her home. I sat on his bed and dried my hair as I waited for him to get back. I smiled at my clothes that were neatly folded on his dresser and wondered about the conversation he must’ve had with his mom when she found them. He appeared at the doorway out of breath and a smile on his face. “You ran back here?” I asked with a laugh.
“Yeah I wanted to see you.” He laughed nervously.
“You’re so weird. So what else are you doing today?”
“Dinner with my mom and sister then band practice.”
“Oh really? Can I join?”
“Dinner? Sure.”
“I meant band practice.” I said laughing.
“And I want you to come to dinner with us. They want to meet you.” I arched my eyebrow at him.
“You told them I was your girlfriend this whole time didn’t you?” I asked suspiciously. His eyes widened. “I KNEW IT! You can’t keep secrets from me Eric James Halvorsen!”
“So you know about my other girlfriend?”
“Lucy doesn’t love you.” I joked.
“YES SHE DOES!” I laughed as he jumped on the bed next to me. I wiggled closer to his side and he wrapped me in his arms. “Are you coming to dinner willingly or am I going to have Justin and Nick help me drag you there?”
“First, I am not afraid of Nick, I could snap him in half and, second, Justin and I are best friends. He would never drag me anywhere.”
“So you’re coming?” I groaned. “That’s a yes. Be ready by five.”
“Fine, let me go home so I can get ready.”
“Why, you have clothes here?”
“Let me go.” I whined as I tried to wiggle out of his grasp.
“Never! I don’t want you to leave, I never get to spend the whole day with you.” He tightened his grip.
“Yes you do cry baby. Let me go or come with me.”
“I’m coming with. Let me just get some clothes to change into at your place.”
“You’re getting ready at my place?”
“Well, duh.” I groaned as he ran around his room looking for clean clothes. He grabbed some clothes and when went to my place he got ready in the extra room and I got ready in mine. When it sank in…
Oh, God. He wants me to meet his mother and sister? What the hell am I gonna wear? I ran into my closet and started to pull it apart, looking for pro-family outfit. I’d never actually met a boyfriend’s family before so I had no idea what to wear. I mean, what if I wore the wrong thing and gave his mom the wrong impression?
Just as I was on the verge of hyperventilation, a clip of You Know How I Do by Taking Back Sunday started playing from my phone; it was Daisy.
“Hey, where are you?” she asked me.
“In my apartment,” I said with an edge to my voice.
“What’s wrong?” she sounded concerned.
“Halvo invited me over to meet his mom and sister and I don’t know what to wear.”
Daisy laughed.
“This isn’t funny! What if she doesn’t like me?”
“Oh, Momma Halvorsen? She’s the sweetest person out there. She’s like a second mother to me. She’ll love you, regardless of what you wear, hun.” That calmed me down a bit, but I was still nervous. “Look,” she said, as if she could read my mind. “I’ll be over in five minutes. I’ll help you pick out your outfit if it really means that much to you.”
“Thanks, Zee.”
Five minutes later, Daisy zipped through my door with a makeup case and a pair of navy blue Converse high tops. She sat me down on the bed and proceeded to raid my closet. She pulled out a pair of dark washed skinny jeans and threw them at me.
“Ouch!”
“…sorry.” she laughed. She looked through all of my shirts and made a face. “Do you only wear graphic tees and button ups?”
“…yes?” I said in a small voice. Daisy rolled her eyes.
She put a finger on her chin for a couple of seconds before her eyes lit up. “I’ll be right back.” She ran out of my apartment, leaving me very confused.
Literally two seconds later, she came back with a navy blue top in her hands. “Wear this.” She held it up to show a dressy blouse. It had a smocked neckline and finished with an elastic hem. The sleeves were banded with a pretty flower design on it.
“See? This way, you can be laid back, comfortable in your own skin, yet still look classy and presentable. Momma Halvorsen will love you.” Daisy reassured me.
I sighed. “Whatever you say, Dais.”
“Look, just go take a shower, put the clothes on, and then come over so I can do your makeup and hair.” I nodded and she got up to leave.
Twenty minutes later, I was sitting in Daisy’s bathroom. Daisy was curling my hair with a huge curling iron. I fidgeted with the hem of her shirt and she poked me.
“Hey! That was a $36 shirt from Forever 21! It’s my favorite shirt, and if you ruin it, the least of your worries will be Momma Halvorsen not liking you.” I dropped my fingers and she resumed to curl my hair.
After she finished, she pulled all of my hair into a high ponytail and put on my makeup; a bit of eyeliner, a bit of mascara, and a bit of blush. Not too much, she said.
“You don’t want to cake your face with makeup. Ever. Clogs the pores,” she made a face and I laughed.
“Alright, are you done yet?” I asked, standing up.
“Not quite.” She pulled out a box of jewelery and sifted through it before pulling out a pair of huge silver hoops, a long gold necklace that overlapped with beads in it, and several bangles. “Put these on,” she commanded and I did so.
“Now?” I asked, the butterflies returning at the thought that I’d have to leave to my doom.
She gave me a once-over, twirled me around, and nodded with an accomplished smile on her face.
“Knock ‘em dead.” she winked. “Wait, no, not literally. I TAKE THAT BACK!” she screamed and I laughed, despite the growing butterflies.
“Bye, Dais. Wish me luck.” I waved goodbye.
“Luck!” she smiled and waved back.
I opened the door the same time Eric opened mine, “Jeez I’ve been yelling for name forever!” Eric said laughing and looking me up and down, “Wow babe, you look great.” He closed the small space between us and kissed me. “You taste like lemonade.” He pulled away and I got a look at what he was wearing; a pair of black skinny jeans, paired with a white v-neck t-shirt and a white button up and his beat up vans.
“Thanks, you look really good too. And you taste like Doritos.” He blushed.
“Yeah I raided your cupboards while I waited for you, sorry.” I mumbled.
“It’s cool, I like it.” I heard the door pop open behind me.
“Sorry guys, but I was watching you… I just wanted to say you look really hot today Eric. Work it.” She snapped her fingers and closed the door.
“I know you’re still watching!” Halvo shouted and she laughed from behind the door. “I hate her.” He mumbled.
“YOU LOVE ME! I’M YOUR BEST FRANNNN!” She shouted and I giggled.
“DAMN!” I heard John’s voice from the end of the hallway. “YOU OWN THAT PONYTAIL, GIRL! WORK. DAT. UP. DO.” He shouted as he walked over and Daisy swung the door open.
“THE BACK OF YO HEAD IS RIDICULOUS! CAN I GET CHO NUMBA?”
“So what’s your name Delicate?” I asked as I pushed Eric’s hair out of his face. He smiled and said,
“You got a beautiful face. What you use on that face? You use Neutrogena? You using Neutrogena on that face? Cause it looks like Neutrogena. Is that Neutrogena? Cause that’s a pretty ass face girl.” We all started laughing really loud until the lady at the end of the hall poked her head out and told us to shut up.
“We should get going anyways.” Eric said as he slightly glared down the hallway. Fifteen minutes later we were waiting outside of Olive Garden for his mom and sister. I shivered from the cold and Eric wrapped his arms around me. “I would have a jacket of some drunk chick hadn’t lost it.”
“What a bitch.” I mumbled into his chest and kissed his collar bone. He held his breath and let it on a few seconds later.
“Tease.” He mumbled. “They’re here.” I took a step away from him and watched the two women head our way. “Hey mom, Dana, this is my girlfriend Alyssa.” He said motioning his hand my way. His sister squeaked and pulled me into a hug.
“Oh my God I have been waiting to meet you!” She let me go and turned to Halvo and pinched him in the same spot I do.
“Oh fuck, what was that for Dana?”
“You said she was pretty, you didn’t say she was beautiful.” Meanwhile his mom just stared at me. I stared at my feet awkwardly not knowing what to say.
“Halvorsen, party of four,” someone announced through the speakers.
“Oh I didn’t even notice the thing was blinking.” Eric said I peeked up at him and he was watching his mom with a confused look. “Ready Mom?” she nodded and headed towards the door. I followed behind Eric’s sister, dragging my feet along when Eric pulled me back. “I’m sorry Babe, I don’t know what’s up with her.” He kissed the top of my head. “Just be yourself okay?” I nodded and laced my fingers with his and continued to walk. We slide into a large booth that could easily fit three more people. I pulled at my phone and quickly texted Daisy.
‘She hates me.’
‘what? no she doesn’t stop being a baby’
‘she hasn’t said a word to me. She stared at me like she wanted to kill me’
‘where r u guys?’
‘olive garden’
She stopped texting back and I pouted at my phone. A waitress came to order our drinks. “How about we all get wine?” Dana suggested and we all agreed.
“I’m going to have to see your I.D.” the waitress snapped at me. I arched my eyebrow and looked at Eric who shrugged. I quickly pulled out my I.D. and showed her. “Is this real?”
“Yeah?” I said confused she huffed and turned away.
“That was weird.” Eric said, holding out the I.D. “Do you know her?”
“No.” I mumbled, I guess today was just not my day to make new friends. The waitress came back and gently set everyone’s glasses down but slammed mine down. She began to pour the wine in everyone’s glass and when she got to be she ‘accidentally’ tipped the bottom to far and it poured all over me. I instantly stood up at her and she giggled.
“Oh my God, I am so sorry.” She said in a fake tone. I tossed the napkin that was on my lap on the table and stormed past her and to the bathroom. I heard yelling from behind me that sounded like Daisy but I was probably so pissed I was hearing things. “Daisy is going to kill me.” I mumbled to myself as I stared at the stain through the mirror.
“No, I’m not, I saw everything.” I jumped at Daisy’s voice.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came here to help you out. I’m going to fuck that girl up after her shift.” She sighed and pouted at her shirt.
“I’m sorry, I’ll buy you a new one.” When we both calmed down we headed back towards the table, where John was now seated next to Eric’s mom. He pouted at me then smiled. I rolled my eyes at him and took my seat next to Eric.
“I’m proud of you, you handled that very well. I would’ve socked her.” Eric’s mom said. Everyone laughed and I smiled widely. She talked to me! She finally talked to me.
“Thanks, I wanted too.” I said laughing nervously. From then on our dinner went more smoothly we all talked and joked as we ate our salads and breadsticks. I laughed at Daisy who inhaled her cheese ravioli like she hasn’t eaten in years. “Do you never eat without getting something on your face?” I asked laughed as John wiped her face for her.
“Shut up, you. Why are you scratching your boobs?”
“The shirt is really itchy now. Don’t judge me.”
“I have a shirt in my car you can borrow.” John suggested.
“Please? I’m going crazy.” He got up and left the restaurant.
“Why don’t you just use mine? I’m wearing two.” Eric asked.
“Don’t you dare take that off, Eric, you look hot bro.” Daisy said, well half shouted. When John got back I quickly went to the bathroom and changed. It clung to my body perfectly and I glared at it.
“Stupid skinny ass John.” When I got back everyone had finished eating except for me so I quickly ate. The waitress from before came and slipped the bill to Eric. He handed everyone their separate bills.
“Call me for a good time.” Eric said as he held up a piece of paper that was clipped to our receipt. “Must be for John.”
“Naw, man she wasn’t messing with Alyssa for no reason.” John said waving his hand declining the phone number. I took it out of Eric’s hand.
“Let’s just let my assistant handle this.” I said handing it to Daisy.
“Gladly.” She ripped the paper in fours and tossed it on her plate. Eric and John laughed. “I got yo back gurl.” I giggled. “What are you two up to next?”
“Band practice I think…” I said as I watched Eric’s mom look at Daisy’s shirt and mumbling to Dana that she could get the stain out.
“No way! I want to come! I haven’t heard you guys in forever. Can I come? Can I? Can I come?” she pouted at Eric. “Please.”
“Sure, I guess if you are gonna cry about it.” She clapped happily and we all laughed at her. I wiggled into Eric’s side while we waited for the waitress to come back. “Tired, Babe?” I shook my head no and looked up at him.
“You do look pretty hot in white.” I mumbled in his ear and smiled as I watched his face turn different shades of red. “You’re so awkward.” I giggled and he squeezed my sides and glared at me.
“Alright we’ll see you kids at home.” Eric’s mom said as we all slide out of the booth.
-*-
“TOOK YOU GUYS LONG ENOUGH!” Nick shouted from Eric’s porch. He had a guitar case in his hands. “Justin locked me out!” I laughed at him and he pointed at me, “Shut up, you!” I followed the two into the room they were going to practice in. “Have you met Andrew?” Nick asked when we walked in motioning to the guy behind the drums who waved at me.
“Hi, I’m Alyssa.” He waved again and smiled widely. Eric tossed me a blanket.
“It gets really cold in here. I think Daisy and John are coming so we’ll start when they get here.” He flopped on the couch with his bass and patted the stop next to him. I obeyed and rested my chin on his shoulder while I watched him tune his Bass.
“You guys are so cute together.” Justin said in a gay voice.
“Thanks, we try.” I said giggling. When Daisy walked into the room she sat to my left and whispered, “Don’t let John sit by me,” in my ear. I arched my eyebrow but moved closer to her so I could share the blanket with her. John walked in and took a seat to my right. I felt awkward in the middle of them.
“Any requests?” Eric asked, mostly to Daisy.
“Annabelle and… Fear of Flying! Oh and um… Just Another One.” she nodded excited and they began playing. “You’re going to love them.” she said to me and she wasn’t lying they were amazing.
“Whoa, that was amazing!” I shouted when they finished playing and they laughed at me. “New favorite band. No lie.”
“Hey bro, Tim’s on the phone.” Dana said walking in with the telephone.
“Hello?” He said and put the phone on speaker.
“Roll call, who’s there?”
“Nick!”
“Justin.”
“Anddrreewww!”
“John.”
“Daisy and Alyssa.”
“Okay good, then this is the last call I have to make. I got The Maine and Rocket on a short tour with This Century. We leave the day after Thanksgiving and come back the Monday before Christmas; like I said a short tour.” I sighed, well this was bound to happen… I guess.
I took a picture of a girl I once knew
I kept it here incase I’d run into you
The look on your face could light up a
Room but instead you left-a rocket to the moon
Chapter by Krystal
