Built a Wreck Out of Me

“Today is today and not yesterday or last thursday, it’s just today.” I reminded myself about what had transpired yesterday, causing me to cringe at the bruise on the right side of my jaw. Running my fingers over the purple tissue I started to cry, it was stupid for me to be this upset but I was regardless, I should have broken up with him a long time ago. I love him though and when you love someone no matter the amount of times they hurt you, you go back to them for the slight chance that they might change back into the person you fell in love with.

I started to date Mike my freshman year, he was a grade ahead but that didn’t matter to me or him. We fit so perfect together until he changed, he didn't want me to go anywhere without him and if I did he had to know who I was with, where we were going, and what we were doing. That started the end of sophomore year. He didn’t start to abuse me mentally or physically until after high school when I wanted to go to college and he said no. Told me they wouldn’t let a freak like me in or why would they ever even let you think about going: You’re not smart enough, you can’t do anything.

I hated feeling this way. worthless, hated, abused and all by someone I thought loved me. That’s probably why when Alana, my best friend asked if I want to go to a concert with her, I said yes. Sure, not the greatest way to cope with loss. Number one: I didn’t know the music band or genre and Two: She was just gonna rub in my face the fact that she was right about him. But regardless she said she’d make me feel better so I believed her. I got dressed in actual clothes like I was supposed to, did my hair and makeup like I was supposed to and now here I am staring at my body in the floor length mirror of my bedroom.

“Damn,” Alana said walking through and laying across my bed. “Sad girl cleans up nicely.” Turning I chucked a shoe at her. “Shut up.” She sat up and tossed my shoe back as I pulled it back on my feet. “Are you ready to go?” She asked standing up. Raising an eyebrow I turned to her. “I thought you said it doesn’t start until six?” “Yeah, but I have connections so we’re getting in early meeting people and sitting side stage, so let’s skedaddle.” Rolling my eyes I grabbed my bag and made my way down the stairs of the apartment I forgot I even owned until yesterday.

Sitting in my car Alana turned on some music. “Alana, who is this?” I asked as she turned it up. “The Wonder Years! They’re fucking awesome,” I nodded and started to do little dances with the flow of the music. “We’re actually gonna get to see them tonight.” I turned down the music while she gave me a death glare. “One sec, how are we getting back stage and such?” She smiled at me telling me this was a story coming up. “Well, when I moved from home I had two brothers and well they may or may not be performing tonight and excited to see me after years!” She said dramatically raising her hands above her head on the word years.

I giggled and covered my mouth with my hand. She shook my shoulder with a crazy look on her face. “See! You needed me!” I turned to her. “I’ll always need you, you’re my best friend. I love you!” I kissed her cheek and continued to drive. A few minutes down the road I whipped into a parking lot. “What’s a matter for you, fool?!” She yelled. “You didn’t not tell me you had brothers!”

She laughed but I just stared at her. “I was adopted you weirdo and I may or may not have taken off to find my birth parents.” Staring at her I pulled her into a hug. “You bitch, how dare you not tell me any of this.” “Yeah, I’m sorry it’s just everytime that I did get to talk to you HE was supervising our conversations and it’s not something I wanted more than one person to know.” She pulled away. “Besides, you know now.” “I guess that’s alright.” I said pulling out of the parking lot again.

“So, what’s your brothers like?” I asked killing time, we were almost there but still. “I don’t really know anymore. I haven’t talked to them in forever it feels like.” I held her left hand with my right, he gaze went up to mine as I gave her a smile. “I’m glad I could be here with you.” She smiled back. “Me too.” I pulled up and pulled into a parking space. Alana, once we stepped out of the car, pulled out her phone. Dialing a number she pushed the phone to her ear.

“Hey, Mike…” She smiled looking down at her feet while she listened and continued to speak. “Yeah, yeah,” She looked up. “I’m actually here now, yeah and I’m with my friend Paige.” She looked at me while I ran over and pulled the phone from her hand, pushing it up to my ear. “Hey, Mike! I’m Paige.” “Hi, Paige I’m Mike. So you’re the one who’s been taking care of my sister?” He questioned as Alana was tackling me for her phone. “Yeah actually, I never knew she ran away from home. I took her in because she beat up a couple kids who were making fun of me.” She pulled the phone from me.

“Sorry bout that. Are you gonna come get us or what?” I laid on the asphalt catching my breath from being pushed down here. “Cool, see you when you get out here.” Alana said hanging up her phone and putting it into her pocket. She laid down on the ground with her head on my stomach. We continued to lay there until we heard footsteps, and only then did we even prop ourselves up on our elbows. One shorter guy with shoulder length hair and another tall skinny guy, shirtless, came running up to both of us. Alana stood up and starting running towards them.

She ran into the shorter one jumping up at the same time using him to hold her up. The taller one went behind her and hugged from behind. I got up and leaned against the side of the car wiping the dirt from my body. They pulled away and I could see Alana’s smile. She wiped her face and motioned and ran over to me. “This is my woman, Paige.” I smiled as both of them pulled me in for a hug. “Nice to meet you,” The shorter one said. “I’m Vic.” “And I’m Mike.” The taller said. “Cool.” We stood there for a minute before Vic spoke again.

“Come on, Let’s get you both inside to meet some cool people.” He said putting one arm around my shoulders. I should have felt weird but I didn’t, I never had a real family so anything anyone is willing to offer is perfect. We walked towards the venue’s doors and entered. We immediately heard people running around and acting crazy. “Jaime, if you spray me with that water gun you will get it!” Someone yelled. I watched several people run around shooting each other with water guns. “Everyone one gang up on Mike and Vic!” Some tall guy with a half blonde mohawk yelled. Mike grabbed Alana and ran out of the way and Vic dropped to the ground rolling out of the way.

It happened too fast for me to move so I just took it in, especially when the bucket of freezing water it my body. The fire power stopped and I opened my eyes to see a group of guys with wide eyes staring at me. I took in a sharp breath and that’s when I realized I was holding my breath. “Paige, I’m so sor-” I put my hand up and crossed my arms shaking my hair a little. “It’s ok, I’m gonna go back home, I’ll change and pick you up later.” I smiled and turned away from them all, heading back to the venue doors. “Wait, I’m so sorry. This is my fault, stay and I’ll get you some clothes to change into or something…” He trailed off. Alana ran up to me making me turn around.

“She would love that…” “Jack, my names Jack.” “Alright, Jack she’s all yours.” Alana pushed me towards him making me trip on my own feet so he had to catch me. He did and I quickly stood up blushing cause I’m always so clumsy. “Here, follow me.” He said taking hold of my hand pulling me behind him. I was shivering cause it was actually sort of cold outside not to mention that bucket of cold water had ice in it. I could see a bus coming up at the other end of the parking lot and Jack slowed down.

“Damn, you’re freezing.” He said as I nodded. He pulled me into his side as we walked towards the bus. “I-I’m gonna get y-you wet.” I stuttered. “So, I’m the one who got you covered in freezing water, and I can change if I get that soaked.” He smiled down at me and I couldn’t help but smile back leaning into the warmth of his side. We reached the bus and he opened the door letting me walk on. “What the fuck Jack, what did you do to this poor girl?” Some large muscly guy asked. “We were playing with water guns and she got in the crossfire.” He said as I stood there while he disappeared into the back.

I waved. “Hi, I-I’m Paige.” I stuttered. One of the three guys stood up, he was relatively my size and had a great smile. “Did he try to convince you to do a wet t-shirt contest? You can tell us, plus if you’re under age.” He said handing me a towel. “No, no. I’m plenty old enough and no he didn’t. I walked into the venue with my friend and them they ambushed the guys we were with and they all got out of the way except for me, and he’s the doofus who yelled ‘Get Vic and Mike!’” I said with a laugh. “Wait, you’re legal?” The one with caramel colored hair asked. “Yeah, I’m well over the age of 18.” I gave with a laugh starting to warm up.

Jack came out of the back and handed me some clothes. “Here, you are. Bathroom’s through that door.” And pointed towards. I nodded and walked in. I saw the state of my face, makeup smeared from the water and hair in crazy knots. I pulled off all my clothes and looked at the stack he gave me. I was surprised to see a bra, a bra in my size. So not only did he have one he guessed my size. I put it on and slipped the shirt over. I didn’t wanna wear my wet thong so I cracked the door seeing all the heads look up seeing me.

Even though they couldn’t see I covered my naked bottom half. “Hey, Jack.” I questioned biting my lip. He stood up and headed over. “Yeah?” He asked stopping infront of the door. “Seeing as you’re the one who got me into this I see it only fair to demand you give me some underwear as a consolation prize for ruining my hair, makeup and outfit.” He stared for a minute. “Hey, Dumbass, get her some of your boxers!” Someone yelled. His cheeks went red and he turned away and came back handing me them.

I slipped them on and pulled on the sweat pants too. I stepped out of the bathroom after placing my clothes in the shower. I rung my hair out in the bathroom. I made it into the living room. “Nice socks.” The muscly one said. “Thanks, they’re from my favorite movie.” I said rocking on my heels. “So,” Said the caramel hair man standing up. “I’m Alex, this is Rian and Zack.” I nodded. “Nice to meet you guys.” I smiled at them placing a piece of hair behind my ear. “I umm, I have to go get my extra pair of shoes out of my car and drop my bag off.” I said as Alex sat back down.

I bit my lip rings and stepped towards the doors. “I’ll go with you.”Jack said following me off the bus. I could see my car from where we were and it wasn’t but a 4 minute walk. Jack and I walked in silence to my car. He had his hands shoved in his pockets. “So,” He started making me look at him. “Are the clothes ok?” He asked. “Yeah, thank you.” “No problem.” He said as it got quiet again. “How did you know my bra size and why did you have a bra?” I clamped a hand over my mouth. “Did I just steal your girlfriends bra?” I questioned as he gave a chuckle.

“No, we get like 50 throw on stage every night most times more, we have an abundance.” I laughed. “Yeah, and I don’t have a girlfriend and I knew because I love boobs, you could call me a connoisseur.” I giggled and we made it to my car. “Well, I like boobs too.” I said popping the trunk and dropping my bag in along with my soaked shoes. I pulled out my new shoes and sat on the back of my car and slipped my feet into them. “So what’s your name, is it Sally?” He questioned. I laughed cause I knew my socks made him think of that.

“No, it’s Paige, Paige Colegrove.” I said looking up at him done with my shoes. He smiled at me. “I’m gonna call you Sally.” He said winking. I closed my trunk after grabbing my wallet. “So, if you don’t mind me asking, Sally,” I rolled my eyes but he continued. “How old are you?” I pushed his shoulder. “How old are you?” I questioned back. “24, your turn.” He said. “I’m 25.” He nodded and we continued to the bus I stopped. “I need to go find Alana…” I said as he turned around. “Ok yeah sure, go ahead.” He said letting his smile fade a little.

“I’ll see you, I’m here for the show.” I said walking backwards to the doors. He smiled. “Alright, I expect you side stage!” Giggling I yelled back as I opened the door. “I’ve never been side stage before, it’ll be my first time!” “Glad it’s with me then!” I smiled, waved then went into the building. I walked around and corner looking for any sign of Alana. “Mike, You lick me again and I’ll beat the shit out of you!” She yelled. Hanging my head and laughing I entered the room.

“Typical Alana, empty threats.” She squealed and jumped into my arms making me catch her bridal style. “Shut up and kiss me!” She yelled grabbing my cheek and kissing it. “Wait, it’s fine if you are but are you gay?” Mike asked. “YES! And this is my lover!” She yelled. I shook my head. “No, but she likes to tell people that.” She smacked my shoulder. “How rude, we are so.” I dropped her on the couch. “No, no we’re not.” She crossed her arms and pouted. “Fine!” I laughed at how childish she was and how much I loved it.

“Wait so are you gay?” Vic asked Alana she rolled her eyes and sat up. “No, I’m actually dating someone.” She said. “Oh do tell.” Some guy with tattoos said as they all sat up. “First, Paige this is Tony and Jaime.” I waved. “And his name is Cameron, you’ve probably actually met him before.” I jumped up and down. “Finally! YES, yes, yes, It happened.” I said and fell to the ground. “Shut up, you bitch.” Alana said sitting on top of my stomach. “Cameron what?” Vic asked. “Cameron Leahy!” I said as she bounced on me causing me to groan. “How did you meet him?” Jaime asked. “Well, Paige takes photos for this magazine and he had an interview so she went to take pics for it and invited me, involuntary.” “Yeah, she showed up and worked her charms on the boy and they seemed to have worked.”

She jumped again making me moan. “Who’s having sex in here?” Someone said walking into the room. “Oh it’s Paige.” It was Alex. “Shut it Alex.” I said as he stuck out his tongue at me. I pushed Alana off me. “Dudes, they opened the doors and people are piling in. Wonder is about to go on.” Alana stood up quickly grabbing my hand and leaving the room. “Alana!” Vic yelled. I tried to keep up behind her as she ran side stage. “Calm down!” I joked. “I can’t, he helped me alot when I found my parents, more like parent and I want to tell him.” She said looking around. Some guy walked by and her grip on my hand tightened and I fell to my knees. “Ow.” I said.

“Dan, I mean Mr.Campbell. I just umm-” Alana said but he cut her off by pulling her into a hug. She made a strange squealing noise and hugged him back. I stood up looking at the bruise around my wrist. “Go ahead and tell me now.” He said pulling away. “You umm, you… like when I moved I went looking for my birth parents and I found them except my mother died giving birth to me and my dad was too young to raise me himself. Teenage Parents, I mean it was a different situation but I still connected to it and it was beautiful.” She spoke so fast I barely caught it. “I’m glad you could listen to it and feel that way, thank you.” He said and gave her a smile pulling her in for another hug.

She made another noise which made me laugh. “Dan, we have to go on now,.” Some guy said as he pulled away from her. He patted her shoulder and she nodded. He ran out on the stage and the crowd cheered. She grabbed onto me with one hand and fell into my body. “Alana, breathe.” I said as we fell to the floor with her curled up into my chest. “I finally thanked him.” She said with tears in her eyes. “Today is so awesome!” She continued as we sat there. I ran my hand through her hair. We were out of the way and she was singing along to all the words. I smiled watching her, she helped me and I only see it fair.

A little while later Alana’s brothers played and I enjoyed it. I was still standing side stage, Alana who knows where I was waiting for the next to walk out when two hands came down onto my shoulders. “Shit!” I yelped seeing as whoever it was scared me. “Sorry, Sally. Didn’t mean to scare you.” Jack said I turned around and smacked his chest. He laughed but it faded. “What happened to your cheek?” He asked pulling my head so he could see. “Oh my um… it’s complicated, He said sorry but-” “A guy did this to you?!” He said examining it. “Yeah but I left him, I was tired of it happening and how he treated me.” His touch on my cheek got softer, but he was still holding it.

“You deserve better, Sally.” He said softly. I heard what sounded like a pulley system pulling up a huge sign and then the crowd cheering. Mine and Jack’s gazes never left the others. “Well, I have to go on stage now.” I backed up looking down. “Oh yeah go ahead.” I said looking back up and smiling at him, innocently. He reached over pulling a guitar out of someone’s out stretched hand. He put it on. I stared at the beautiful instrument in his hands. I loved watching someone’s fingers glide over the frets of a guitar, it’s beautiful and mesmerizing. “Do you play?” He asked. I shook my head. “No, I was never allowed but I love people who do.” I said not thinking about the words leaving my mouth. “I mean to watch, I love to watch.” I said closing my eyes. He chuckled. “It’s alright Sally, maybe I’ll show you.” He said winking at me and then going past me to the part of the stage where they would walk out.

The crowd began to cheer and they walked out, Alex had taken a spot next to Jack. Alana came up and took my arm in hers. “You know, you love one of their songs.” She said watching them. I turned to her raising an eyebrow. “Well two but one’s off a movie soundtrack.” “Which one?” I asked as they started the first song. My eyes shot to the stage and I went closer watching them singing along with every word they sang. “She’s dancing Alone I’m ready to go but she’s so LOST IN STEREO!” I sang, grabbing Alana’s arm I made her dance with me. She giggled when I twirled her. We giggled as more and more songs went by.

Jack came over getting different guitars from his guitar tech, he would always smile. “Alright, husslers! We have one last song for you, I wanna see everyone moving and hear everyone singing with me!” Alex yelled into the mic. “Yeah, and if you don’t I’ll eat your mom!” Jack said making me giggle and double over in laughter. The started and I’m pretty sure I’ve heard this one too, maybe on pandora or something. Jack handed off his guitar and took a mic and went down to the crowd singing along to the song. Zack played Bass and Rina the drums. They were phenomenal. The song was getting closer to the end by what I gathered and I was happy to talk to them again.

Then I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out and pushed it to my ear. The song ended and Two boys were walking towards me but I took off down the side of the stage towards the outside doors. “Paige!?” Alana called after me. “Hello?” I said into my phone. ‘I’m gonna need you to come home now. Don’t you think one day is long enough?’ Mike said into the phone. I stiffened and pushed myself against the wall. “No! I’m never coming anywhere you call home, never again.” I said voice shaky. He laughed into the phone evilly as my blood ran cold and my skin crawled. ‘See it wasn’t an option,’ He said popping the p. ‘But more of a demand, and I knew you wouldn’t come back on your own so I used the tracker I put in your phone to find you.’ I gasped. ‘Nice place to run away to, little old Woodstock, Georgia or High School home town.’

“Don’t you come here, Mike.” I said through clenched teeth. ‘Too late.’ He said and hung up. I went to go back in the doors but he blocked them. Stepping back I tripped over the curb and landed on the ground. “Those aren’t your clothes, who did you cheat on me with slut!” He yelled. “No one! And we’re not dating anymore!” I yelled back as tears rolled down my cheeks. “Oh right I forgot how stupid you were acting yesterday.” He said pulling me off the ground by my upper arm, I winced and cringed at the grip he had. Surely tight enough to leave a bruise. The door opened making both of us look at it. “Paige?” Alana said. “Alana, go b-back inside.” I warned through my tears. “Mike! Go the fuck away!” Alana yelled barreling towards him. He threw a punch but he tossed me to the side and swung at Alana, hitting her in the stomach, knocking her to the ground. Then kicked her in the side of the head. I got up and ran at him. Knocking him to the ground. He threw more punches hitting my stomach and ribs, but I was used to the pain. I threw my head back and head butted him.

He let out a loud groan as I pulled away and grabbed Alana. I draped her arm across my shoulders and carried her inside. I pushed something in the door wedging it shut. I started to go down the hallway but it was hard seeing as I had a limp, from being thrown. “Vic!” I yelled I didn’t get an answer. “MIKE!” I yelled louder. He came running full force and I collapsed as he caught Alana. I laid down on the ground. “Ugh… so tired.” I groaned trying to keep my eyes open. “Paige, what happened?!” Mike yelled as everyone else ran out. “Mike, mike happened,” I looked up at him the best I could, and laughed. “One hell of a family reunion, huh? I’m sorry.” I said in slurred speech seeing my vision do the same. I closed my eyes hearing more footsteps. I fell asleep in the hallway of the venue not knowing what’s coming next.

Notes

Comment please, I know it's a lot going on but I wanted to put all of this in the first chapter. It would be helpful if you tell me what you think... Please, don't make me beg. :P I look forward to your comments :) (PS: the first one to comment will get a special mention and depending I may do more:)

First outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/before/set?id=110806333

Second one: http://www.polyvore.com/after/set?id=110821587