Tortured Love
Chapter 1: Warped Atlanta
By:Kerri Vicious
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Benji was having one hell of a good time performing with his bandmates of Good Charlotte on the main stage of the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre in Atlanta, Georgia. The crowd was hyped, the weather was perfect, and he never missed a beat playing his guitar. Yes, he could tell this year’s Warped Tour was turning out to be the best one yet. Looking over at his twin, he could tell Joel was having the same exact thoughts.
Idly turning his attention back to the crowd, Benji spotted a familiar face way in the back of the mass of moshers. Her brown hair was pulled up into a high ponytail with a few natural blonde strands, not long enough to be held with a scrunchie, hanging down on either side of her face. Blue eyes hidden by a pair of Oakley sunglasses, he couldn’t tell who she was watching until she smirked and shot him a bird. He winked at her before turning his full attention back to playing his guitar. Benji decided he was going to make it a point to find her later after Good Charlotte’s set was over for the day…
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In the back of the moshing crowd of punks stood Adrienne Stevens and her college roommate and best friend Melanie Hastings, enjoying the festival going on all around them. They had gotten at the gates super early, at the insistence of Melanie, to ensure that they wouldn’t miss anything.
Adrienne had been looking forward to this day, but she was a little reluctant to see Good Charlotte, especially Joel, again. It had been a year since she had last spoken to any of them though she did get the occasional email from Billy keeping her updated on how they were all holding up. Seeing them for the first time in a year made her realize just how much she missed them and their crazy antics.
Melanie nudged Adrienne snapping her out of her thoughts, “He’s looking at us…”
Adrienne looked confused, “He who? Melanie, don’t you realize how many ‘He’s’ there are here?”
“Benji!”
Adrienne turned her attention back to the stage and made eye contact with him, playfully shooting a bird. “So? What’s so special about Benj-a-hole?”
Melanie gaped and joked, “I know you didn’t just disrespect my Benji!”
Adrienne rolled her eyes, “Really, Mel, you’re acting like a teenybopper.”
Melanie stuck her tongue out at Adrienne, “Nah, I just happen to be really into him.”
Adrienne sighed, “He’s not your type Mel, trust me.”
Melanie raised a blonde eyebrow, “And you would know… how? Aahh I see now, you want him just as bad as I do and am trying to get me to stop liking him so you can have him.”
Adrienne burst out laughing, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Really, Mel, I am not in the least bit attracted to him, I promise.” ‘Joel however…’ Adrienne thought, sighing deeply. ‘Get real Adrienne you know he only considers you a friend.’
“Any guy bold enough to have a pink streak in his hair kicks ass in my book.” Melanie smirked.
“Admit it; you just want to sleep with him.”
“Maybe that’s so.” Melanie replied idly, running perfectly manicured fingernails through her blonde hair. “Think I’d look good with pink streaks?”
Adrienne studied her friends profile for a moment before answering, “Definitely, and while you’re at it, why don’t you go ahead and die your hair black too? Then you’ll look just like Benji.”
Melanie eyed Adrienne, sensing the sarcasm in her voice, “Sheesh Dre I—“
Adrienne shot her a reassuring smile and interrupted, “I was kidding, honestly I think you’d look great with pink streaks… that or green to match your eyes.”
Just then Good Charlotte’s set ended and the girls watched disappointed as the guys disappeared backstage and were replaced onstage by the members of Mest. Adrienne didn’t really care to hear them after a previous encounter with guitarist Jeremiah that was a lot less than pleasant so, after motioning to Melanie to follow her, she headed off in search of a drink.
“Where we goin’?” Melanie asked curiously.
“I’m thirsty, want something too?”
Melanie shrugged and fell in step beside Adrienne as they searched for the venue’s food stand. Finding it quickly, they walked over and got in line. It seemed like it took forever for them to reach the front and they were happy until they saw exactly how much they were going to be charged for only two drinks.
Melanie wrinkled her nose, “Ten bucks per drink? What the hell?”
The guy behind the counter eyed her crossly, “Hey, I only work here. Don’t bitch at me.”
“Yeah but isn’t that a little… ridiculous? I’d rather spend my money on band merchandise than some drink.” Melanie countered.
“Then don’t get a drink and get out of the line, you’re holding it up.” The guy snidely remarked.
“Mel it’s alright, let’s just pay the guy and get back to the stage, it’s not his fault that he’s an asshole.” Adrienne replied, reaching into her pocket for money.
“I’ll take care of that,” said a mysterious male voice as a hand holding a twenty-dollar bill suddenly appeared in Adrienne’s line of vision. Her gaze traveled from his painted black fingernails to his wrist, elbow, shoulder, and finally stopped at his face. Her eyes lit up upon realizing who it was.
“Benji!” Adrienne exclaimed, wrapping her arms around his neck in a quick hug.
Benji smiled and hugged her back, “Hey girl, long time no see. How’ve ya been?”
“Eh, I’m surviving. My best friend Melanie here has been keeping me sane.” Adrienne motioned toward Melanie who was standing beside her eyeing Benji with a shocked look on her face. “Benji this is Melanie, Melanie this is Benji…”
Benji did a fake pout, “But I thought I was your best friend.”
“You’re my best friend too, stupid.” Adrienne said, rolling her eyes good-naturedly.
“So Melanie,” Benji began, turning his attention to the blonde, “known this crazy bitch long?”
“Since high school.” Melanie nodded, trying to keep her cool.
“Wow, that’s a long time to have been putting up with her.” Benji smirked, “how do you do it?”
Adrienne laughed and playfully shoved him, “Knock it off.”
“Jeez you’re abusive.” Benji joked, faking an injury on his upper arm where she shoved him by rubbing on it as if it were hurt.
“Nah, you’re just a big ass wimp.” Adrienne countered.
“I’d have to disagree.” Melanie stated, coming to his defense after finally getting over the initial shock of finding out her best friend knew the band Good Charlotte and had managed to somehow keep it from her until now.
Benji grinned at her, “Why thank you Melanie. Glad to know someone appreciates me.”
“So anyway, loser, where’s your better half?” Adrienne asked curiously.
“Joel’s probably crashing on the bus.” Benji answered and then smiled evilly, “wanna go bug him?”
Adrienne hesitated before answering, “Sure, why not?”
“Alright, you girls stick right by me,” Benji instructed, “and I’ll be able to get you through security.”
Both girls did as told, keeping pace with Benji as they walked towards the restricted area where only band members and roadies were allowed. On the way, Melanie nudged Adrienne and hissed in a whisper so Benji couldn’t hear her, “How in the hell do you know them and why’d you keep this from me?”
‘I’ll tell you later,’ Adrienne mouthed to her friend as they approached a guard.
“They’re with me,” was all Benji had to say for the guard to move over and allow them entrance. Benji smiled at the girls, “That was easy.”
As they approached the tour bus that Benji shared with Paul, Billy, and his twin Joel, little butterflies had begun to flutter in Adrienne’s stomach. Could she really deal with seeing him again?
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to be continued? Please review!