Dead & Gone. [UNDER REVISION]

Chapter 13: Drumming Just as Fast.

Chapter 13: Drumming Just as Fast.

Sitting in the recording studio in Matt’s basement was weird. Val wasn’t home and I was with the five guys. Watching the magic happen in this room was amazing. I sat on the couch in the far corner. I didn’t want to get in the way. I watched as they scattered over the music and lyrics.

Brian and Zack must’ve been the loudest since they were playing guitar but my dad will soon be the loudest when they put the drums down. Johnny fiddled with his bass. I smiled and watched the magic unfold.

Jimmy turned to me with a serious expression, he pointed at me with his index finger. I couldn’t help but blush. What did I do? I’ve been sitting here begin quiet all day.

“Now Peasnie, no leaking our shit.” He warned. I nodded and pretended to write it down on the palm of my hand.

“No, leaking shit.” I repeated after him and smiled. The guys laughed and shook their heads.  

“Hey Jimmy want to do the vocals on the song you wrote?” Matt asked with a whiny sounding voice that had deepness to it. Jimmy smiled with some blush and nodded. He got up and went into the booth and slid the headphones on. His sunglasses sat on the table in front of me. I watched and carefully took notes on how things worked in a recording studio. I smiled as I heard the music they worked on yesterday while I was at school started playing. The lyrics were amazingly accurate to me. It makes sense since Jimmy wrote this song.

“Hey kid!

Do I have your attention?

I know the way you've been living

Life so reckless, tragedy endless

Welcome to the family.” Dad sang the song with his hazel gaze darting towards me every once in a while. It made me feel like he cared even though this song was about losing a fight. I wonder what the fight is.

“Hey (hey kid)

I have to question

What's with the violent aggression?

Details blurry lost him too early

Welcome to the family.”Those were the words that got to me. I knew what the violent aggression is. He obviously found out that I’d get into fights back in Chicago; he knows that I was angry all the time and I lost my temper too easily. I watched as he sang the words carefully. I know Matt sings but since this is my dad’s song he gets to lay down how he wants it then they’ll try to fit the music perfectly. He got out of the booth and came over to me, jokingly sat on my lap making me laugh hysterically. He sat up and looked at me with glee and pride in his eyes.

“So chicky, you play drums just like your old man, right?” Brian asked with a sly smile. I nodded and blushed slightly. Dad’s been talking about me and hopefully it’s been all good. I smiled widely and looked at my proud father.

“Yeah, I play drums.” I replied.

“Holy shit, she’s the female fourteen year old Jimmy.” Zack said. I rolled my eyes and shook my head with a flattered smirk. Dad shook his head and pulled me into a head lock.

“She knows how to make a father proud.” Dad said with a proud tone. I pulled from under his arm and did an expression he so often wears but I did it with more attitude. The guys laughed at the face I made. Dad stretched out slightly and smiled.

“I’ve got an idea.” He said with excitement in his voice. He stood up, pulling me with him. Jimmy guided me to the booth with the drum set in it and motioned me to go in.

“I’ve never actually heard you play. I want to know how much competition I have.” He said in a joking way. I shook my head seriously. I couldn’t play with them watching, it’d be too embarrassing. I only play on my own in my room. I’ve never played in front of anybody. I swallowed hard and looked up at Jimmy who was still wearing that very proud expression.

“I can’t.” I said with a weak voice. They stared at me carefully and furrowed their eye brows at me. All of their gazes made me feel like I had the spot light on me and I didn’t know the words to the song.

“Why not?” Johnny asked.

Come on Peasnie. This is what you want to do for the rest of your life. You’re gonna need to play in front of people sooner rather than later. If you want to make your goal as world’s fastest drummer, they’re gonna need to watch you; it’s not like you can just claim to be the fastest drummer and not have proof. I smiled wearily at the five men and shrugged playfully.

“I don’t have a song.” I replied.

“Play the song we just did.” Zacky said as he swayed in the rolly chair. I smiled and nodded. My stomach knotted as I was tripped my way into the booth. The drum set was huge compared to me. It felt that way anyways. I felt tiny and unheard. I sat down behind the drums and took the long, cold wooden drum sticks in my over heating and sweaty hands. My gaze ran from the set that sat in front of me to the five men behind the glass. My heart raced as Jimmy stood there waiting in anticipation for me to show him how good I am. I sucked in some air and smiled at Jimmy before hitting the drums to match the beginning of Welcome to the Family. My heart raced as I played through the song, I didn’t miss a single hit. I didn’t pay any attention to the guys and only focused on the drums in front of me. I could feel sweat start to seep down my back and head. By the time I finished the song, I did what I’ve been told his signature move is. I twirled both sticks around my fingers with a smile. My gaze ran up to see five dumbfounded men. One looked more proud then amazed. Jimmy stood there with a huge smile on his face. I set the sticks down and skipped out of the booth with a joyful hop. I did it. I played in front of them and I didn’t screw up. I’m so proud of myself, it’s amazing. I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it but I did. Jimmy wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a tight hug. He and the guys seemed to be cheering with a chuckle. I pushed myself away from Jimmy and smiled a proud smile.

“Jimmy looks like you have some serious competition on your hands.” Matt joked happily.

“Yeah, she’s as good as you.” Brian added. I felt my face blush brightly as they complimented me. Jimmy looked down at me with pride, his arm hooked around my shoulders as we stood there.

“Damn, I expected you to be good but that was amazing.” Jimmy said happily and kissed my head. I must be good if he is this proud. I think it runs in the genes. We are so much alike, it’s sometimes scary. I mean what if Zack was right; I’m the girl version of fourteen year old Jimmy. I couldn’t help but smile and giggle at the amazing things they said.

“I guess it’s a Sullivan thing.” I said and glanced up at Jimmy. He smiled down at me. In an instant I was blinded with a flash. My eyes saw black dots everywhere as I tried to regain my sight. I blinked and looked around. Brian stood there with a camera in his hands, he pressed capture a few more times, catching a few memories of me and Jimmy. I guess these were happy memories that’ll stay with me forever. I know he hasn’t been here from the start but he’ll be here until the end.

“Look!” Zacky bellowed out loudly with a goofy smile. I jumped and glanced over at him. Everybody did the same; their expressions were much more worried than mine. Zacky smiled widely.

“Her new nickname is Mini Rev.” Zacky said with a lively tone. I smiled and shook my head at him. The guys seemed to agree with Zacky even though they know that won’t be my nickname. I went from having no family to having just my dad to having these crazy guys. I laughed and leaned toward my dad.

“Dad, can I tell you something?” I asked in a hushed voice. He looked down at me with a weary smirk and nodded. I could barely contain my giggles by what I’m about to say.

“I see crazy people.” I said in a whisper. He laughed loudly, his laugh was somewhat creepy but after a while it grows on you. I giggled and watched him. Jimmy hugged me tightly and laughed.

“You’re a true Sullivan.” He muttered into the top of my head. I smiled and nuzzled closer to him. I love the feeling I get when I get hugged by him. He’s such a nice guy and I love it. I love my dad so much. I’m so glad I ran away from home and found him. I love my dad.