The World is Ugly(Mikey Way)

Two

We walked into a record store because I had mentioned earlier this week Isabelle and I wanted to get the newest Waterparks vinyl. We weren't best friends with the guys from the band but we got to talk to them a bit while my dad recorded bass for their EP. They're super sweet dudes and we get to see them whenever they're in LA; It wasn't exactly that we were diehard friends but we definitely supported them and their career so buying their music helps them. As I searched for Double Dare, my dad decided to go look for any record he didn't already have in his office but I kept a close eye to make sure I don't lose him anywhere. How terrible that would be.

One thing I love is that we come to the mall at its deadest hour so many don't spot my dad. Granted there are people who know exactly who I am because there are photos of me and my father when I was younger somewhere on the internet so when I'm out with friends, I notice them looking at me from the corner of my eye. I just know they're looking at me. I know things. However, the only thing I don't know is why they don't come up to say hi. I wouldn't tell them to leave me alone, I've never been asked to sign something but I sure wouldn't mind trying. Only recently at ComicCon I started taking photos with people and the only reason was because on my lanyard it said 'Elena Way' and I never left my dad or Kristin's side. I suppose they thought it would be rude to ask my dad and step mom for photos and not me.

I made my way to my dad who was debating between a Doom Patrol record and a Revolution Radio record so I tapped on the Green Day one and he looked at me smiling.
"You already have a Doom Patrol record but not the Rev one" I commented.
"Yes but G gave me the record for free. I wanna support him"
"I'm convinced you're a secret fan of your own brother" I told him laughing as I set the record down. He quickly picked it up again and also took my vinyl and began walking to the cashier.
"Why are you getting both?" I asked.
"Because I feel like it young lady"
"Jheez okay no need to give me attitude" he looked down at me and smiled.

My dad was the type of person to never smile, that's no secret. However, not wanting to sound cocky but I always seemed to make him grin. Between my actions or something I say, I can get him to lighten up and I've always loved that because people would always say "Mikey Way why you no smile" but I didn't have to ask. I'd just do something and my dad is content. He said it was me coming into his life that made him happy but I doubt it. Happiness means long term. Joy is in the moment and my dad is never happy for a long period of time. Especially between the time of 2006-2014. That was terrifying for both him and I. Granted he still has those bad days but he's usually joyful. That's what I'm grateful for.

We cashed out and headed into Forever 21, a store my dad secretly loved because of the men's boots. I usually came to buy shoes but there was a sale for all fitness clothes and though I don't work out, I enjoy their sports bras and leggings. As my dad went to the men's section, I made my way to fitness and began examining what they had and I quickly snatched a pair of black leggings with a grey line going down the side of each leg along with another black pair with mesh down the side and a pink band on the waist. I also picked up a red and black sports bra and a dark purple one before going to their jeans and looking for a pair of black skinny jeans with rips on the knees in my size.

I wasn't one to wear mom jeans or any light wash denim in general, usually wore dark colours. Black, grey, navy mostly. I had two pairs of the same jeans in different colours as well. If it wasn't jeans, I'm wearing tights. I hardly wear shorts unless we go to Disneyland. Even then, Kristin had to wear them with me so I don't feel awkward. Or sometimes Hayley will come with us and when she does, without a doubt she's wearing shorts so we match. She's only 5 years older than me so we get along really well.

Looking across the store, I saw my dad talking to a girl who looked to be an employee but soon she pulled her phone out and they took a photo together signalling she was a fan. I made my way towards the two and when I reached them, she looked at me and smiled.
"You're so grown up" she complimented smiling at me.
"Thank you" I smiled in return.
"I sound creepy but I promise I'm not. I went to Warped back in 2005 and saw Mikey watching Fall Out Boy with you side stage. You were sitting on one of their un used amps and wearing soundproof headphones and I just found it so adorable that you happened to be wearing a Take This To Your Grave shirt" she briefly said.