“So the countdown
begins.” Richie said during breakfast on Monday morning. “What do you mean?”
Sarah asked more than a little confused. “Six days until you leave, nine until
I leave, twenty until I go back to work.” He preferred using the word work
instead of tour, just in case. “Right, you’re playing. I hope I find a job
quickly.” Sarah sighed. “You…” He almost said she could come with him. “You
will find something.”
After the kitchen clean up, everybody moved to the group therapy room again.
Sarah was surprised about what today’s topic would be.
“By a show of hands, who has a job to go back to after your stay?” Their
therapist asked. Richie’s hand was one of the few that rose. “Great, you’ll get
to help. Today we’ll re-enact a job interview. What do you say? How do you act?
Pair up with the person sitting across of you in the circle and sit at one of
the tables.” He pointed to the tables by the walls.
For a second Sarah panicked but when everyone got up so did she and walked
across the circle.
“Hi, I’m Jerry.” The man introduced himself. “Sarah.” “Nice to meet you Sarah,
let’s find a table.”
Once sitting at their table she looked around nervously and found Richie on the
other side of the room, she sighed, she’d be fine.
Again the therapist spoke. “Imagine you’re at an interview, what do you think
you will be asked?” People started raising hands. “What are your studies?” “Do
you have experience?’ “Why this job?” He wrote down all the questions on the
white board.
Then he spoke again. “Now ask your partner these questions and decide if you’d
hire them.”
Richie already had a job and was sure he wasn't going to lose it any time soon. So he asked
his partner the questions.
On the other side of the room Sarah noticed it was hard to answer all the
questions Jerry was asking her. They switched roles and asking questions was a
lot easier.
“Not so easy is it? That’s why we do this. Now,” he started passing out pens
and paper. “write down your educations and write down what you would answer in
an interview.”
Sarah started writing, she wanted to write down her studies in college but
decided to leave it and move on to writing down the answers she would give.
When they did it again with their answers prepared it went so much better. She knew
what to say and felt more confident.
Afterwards she folded the piece of paper up and put in her back pocket. She’d
keep it for next week.
Richie waited for her by the door. Maybe she was right about feeling like she
was in high school, he used to wait for girls by doors then too.
“Hey, how did it go?” He asked when she walked out. “Pretty good, I’m keeping it
for next week.” She padded the back pocket of her jeans where she put the
paper. He would love to pad that but took her hand instead as they went to the kitchen.
“What’s on your planning this afternoon?” Sarah asked Richie while they had
lunch. “Too much therapies.” He complained, he knew a better way to spend his
afternoon. “You’re not alone.” Richie chuckled when she said it. “My week is
very full.” Sarah hardly had free time this week. “What’s so funny?” She asked
him.
“You’re Not Alone, it’s the title of one of my songs.” He smiled “I might just
turn into your biggest fan.” She said proudly. “I wouldn’t mind that at all.”
He gave her a quick kiss.
“See you at dinner.” Sarah hugged him a good minute before reaching up and
kissing him. “You okay?” He asked a little worried. “Yeah, I just wanted a hug,
I like hugs.” She said. “Okay,” he said, reassured, “see you later.”
He let her go and watched Sarah walk into the room they were standing in front.
Richie walked down the hall to his own counseling.
There he was again, addiction counseling, when he realized he hadn’t thought of
drinking since the first time he spend time with Sarah. He wouldn’t have been
able to drink anyway but he didn’t want to either. He didn’t feel lonely which
always made him drink and forget, he had Sarah, with her, he would be fine.
Sarah once again felt proud of herself and told her therapist about her
morning. How she worked with Jerry while Richie was on the other side of the
room. She talked to another man, thought of answers with him and practiced an interview
with him.
She hadn’t felt scared, she just did was she had to do and she did it even
without Richie right next to her. She was confident, next week, she’d go look
for a job. As long as Richie was with her, she would be fine.
Go to the next chapter
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Chapter 15
Sunday morning Sarah
stepped up to the reception desk to ask Tina a few things. She had something
planned for the afternoon and hoped that Tina would allow it so she could go on
with it. Sarah had planned it last night, hoping Richie would like it.
Unlike Richie Sarah got her phone calls on Sundays and phoned her sons now that she was there. Tina gave her her phone and Sarah walked over to the same place Richie always sat when he phoned home.
She entered her home number and waited for the ringing tone to turn into a voice.
“Matthews’ house.” She finally heard. “Caleb? Hiya Kid, how are you?” She asked her oldest son. “Hey mum, I’m good, how are you doing?” He sounded very happy to hear her. “I’m good too, one more week.”
She realized she really only had one more week with Richie. “Can’t wait until you’re home, I miss you. Do you want to talk to grandma?” Caleb asked. “I miss you too Kid. Can you get her for me?” She really did miss him and his brother, one more week and she’d be home. “Yeah.” She heard him lower the phone and walk around.
“Sarah?” She heard her mum’s voice. “Hi mum.” “Hey sweetie, how are you doing?” Her mum asked. “Really good, I think I made a lot of progress this week.” Sarah finally realized that she had and was proud of herself for it.
“You’re doing good, keep listening to your therapists, they’ll help.” Her mum encouraged her. “It’s not only them…” Sarah didn’t finish the sentence. “Who else?” “Richie.” “Richie? That’s a man’s name.” She said surprised. “Yeah, he’s a really good friend.” “You’re making friends? I’m so proud of you.”
“He’s very sweet; I really like him, a lot.” Sarah said with a smile, even though her mum couldn’t see it, Sarah was sure she knew it was there. “Sarah,” She said strictly, “go for it, I mean it, if you like him in that way don’t let fear stand in the way.” She encouraged her daughter. “I’m trying to do that and he knows so he’s going slow too.” “That’s good, keep it slow and talk to him so he knows what you want.” “I know mum, I’m trying.” Sarah sighed.
She continued to tell her mum what she planned this afternoon before asking if she could talk to her boy.
When her 45 minutes were up she gave the phone back to Tina and thanked her.
She looked up at the big round clock above the desk, almost noon, she should go find Richie.
A few minutes later she found him in the living room, watching MTV Classic, he must be really happy to listen to some music so she sat down next to him instead of him asking to go with her yet.
“What are you watching?” She seemed to recognize some tunes. “80’s music.” He answered. He was sure he’d show up in the program but hoped no one realized it was him.
Sarah recognized the guitar play that Richie had played for her only a few days ago. She looked up at the tv and surely it said Bon Jovi. She wanted to say something but caught herself before she did. Instead she reached up to whisper in his ear. “You looked silly.”
His lips curled into a smile, he knew she was only teasing. “I was considered pretty hot back then.” He whispered back. “Not anymore?” She wondered. He shook his head. “Nah now I’m considered an ugly 50 year old.” “You’re 50?” She said out loud, surprised.
He chuckled. “51.” “Really? I would have never guessed that.” Just then a nurse tapped Sarah’s shoulder and asked her to come with her. Sarah got up and followed her to the kitchen.
Together they got all the things together and Sarah went back to the living room. “Want to go for a picnic?” Richie looked up at her and she showed him the basket she was holding. He didn’t have to think about it and got up. “Show me the way.”
Sarah walked outside and to their bench but walked past it, around the pond to where the trees were, they’d have more privacy there.
Richie helped her spread the blanket on the ground. He sat down and pulled Sarah with him to sit right next to him. “What are we having for lunch?” He asked. Sarah reached for the basket and started unpacking it. “Orange juice, sandwiches and cake.” She placed every item on the blanket as she named it. “Looks good.” Richie said.
They started eating and talking about all kinds of things. Sarah told Richie about her plan of getting a job after she left the center. He liked the idea and encouraged her, sure she could do it, they started thinking of all the jobs she could do.
She told him more about what she had studied and how she wanted to do that now more than ever. Deep inside she hoped she would have enough courage to go back in September. She only had one more year to finish, wouldn’t it be possible?
After lunch they moved the basket away. Richie lied down on his side, supporting on his elbow, Sarah did the same, and she faced him. “Come here.” He reached for her chin, he kissed her, making the kiss deeper before he realized what he was doing. He let her go and leaned back.
“God Sarah,” he sighed, “I gotta tell you and I hope I don’t scare you away.” His eyes met hers before he continued. “I like you, a lot and I want to keep seeing you after we leave.” He finally said the thing he had been wanting to say.
“I want that too.” Sarah smiled at him. He couldn’t be happier at that moment. “And I want to take this slow for you, so you have to tell me what you want.” “I will.” She agreed.” “And tell me what you don’t want or if I’m going too fast.” “I will.” She agreed again. “But right now I want you to kiss me like that again.”
She moved closer to him, Richie smiled, exactly what he wanted. He kissed her again, leaning her back on the blanket, but she didn’t let him and pushed him back. Sarah took his free hand and placed it on her hip. Richie deepened the kiss, he stopped trying to lay her down as Sarah wouldn’t budge, he just lay next to her.
His hand on her hip, slightly travelling up to her side, stroking back down over her back.
“I feel like I’m in high school again.” Sarah said when they broke apart. “What? Did you take boys on picnics back then too?” Richie joked. “No, more like learning to kiss and trust again.” She shook her head when she laughed.
“Learning to kiss?” Richie asked confused, surely it wasn’t the first time she kissed anybody. “Well, I haven’t kissed a man in about 10 years, even longer since I’ve enjoyed it.” It was true.
Richie felt some sort of pride that she enjoyed it with him. “You must be a natural then cause you’re really good.”
Go to the next chapter
Unlike Richie Sarah got her phone calls on Sundays and phoned her sons now that she was there. Tina gave her her phone and Sarah walked over to the same place Richie always sat when he phoned home.
She entered her home number and waited for the ringing tone to turn into a voice.
“Matthews’ house.” She finally heard. “Caleb? Hiya Kid, how are you?” She asked her oldest son. “Hey mum, I’m good, how are you doing?” He sounded very happy to hear her. “I’m good too, one more week.”
She realized she really only had one more week with Richie. “Can’t wait until you’re home, I miss you. Do you want to talk to grandma?” Caleb asked. “I miss you too Kid. Can you get her for me?” She really did miss him and his brother, one more week and she’d be home. “Yeah.” She heard him lower the phone and walk around.
“Sarah?” She heard her mum’s voice. “Hi mum.” “Hey sweetie, how are you doing?” Her mum asked. “Really good, I think I made a lot of progress this week.” Sarah finally realized that she had and was proud of herself for it.
“You’re doing good, keep listening to your therapists, they’ll help.” Her mum encouraged her. “It’s not only them…” Sarah didn’t finish the sentence. “Who else?” “Richie.” “Richie? That’s a man’s name.” She said surprised. “Yeah, he’s a really good friend.” “You’re making friends? I’m so proud of you.”
“He’s very sweet; I really like him, a lot.” Sarah said with a smile, even though her mum couldn’t see it, Sarah was sure she knew it was there. “Sarah,” She said strictly, “go for it, I mean it, if you like him in that way don’t let fear stand in the way.” She encouraged her daughter. “I’m trying to do that and he knows so he’s going slow too.” “That’s good, keep it slow and talk to him so he knows what you want.” “I know mum, I’m trying.” Sarah sighed.
She continued to tell her mum what she planned this afternoon before asking if she could talk to her boy.
When her 45 minutes were up she gave the phone back to Tina and thanked her.
She looked up at the big round clock above the desk, almost noon, she should go find Richie.
A few minutes later she found him in the living room, watching MTV Classic, he must be really happy to listen to some music so she sat down next to him instead of him asking to go with her yet.
“What are you watching?” She seemed to recognize some tunes. “80’s music.” He answered. He was sure he’d show up in the program but hoped no one realized it was him.
Sarah recognized the guitar play that Richie had played for her only a few days ago. She looked up at the tv and surely it said Bon Jovi. She wanted to say something but caught herself before she did. Instead she reached up to whisper in his ear. “You looked silly.”
His lips curled into a smile, he knew she was only teasing. “I was considered pretty hot back then.” He whispered back. “Not anymore?” She wondered. He shook his head. “Nah now I’m considered an ugly 50 year old.” “You’re 50?” She said out loud, surprised.
He chuckled. “51.” “Really? I would have never guessed that.” Just then a nurse tapped Sarah’s shoulder and asked her to come with her. Sarah got up and followed her to the kitchen.
Together they got all the things together and Sarah went back to the living room. “Want to go for a picnic?” Richie looked up at her and she showed him the basket she was holding. He didn’t have to think about it and got up. “Show me the way.”
Sarah walked outside and to their bench but walked past it, around the pond to where the trees were, they’d have more privacy there.
Richie helped her spread the blanket on the ground. He sat down and pulled Sarah with him to sit right next to him. “What are we having for lunch?” He asked. Sarah reached for the basket and started unpacking it. “Orange juice, sandwiches and cake.” She placed every item on the blanket as she named it. “Looks good.” Richie said.
They started eating and talking about all kinds of things. Sarah told Richie about her plan of getting a job after she left the center. He liked the idea and encouraged her, sure she could do it, they started thinking of all the jobs she could do.
She told him more about what she had studied and how she wanted to do that now more than ever. Deep inside she hoped she would have enough courage to go back in September. She only had one more year to finish, wouldn’t it be possible?
After lunch they moved the basket away. Richie lied down on his side, supporting on his elbow, Sarah did the same, and she faced him. “Come here.” He reached for her chin, he kissed her, making the kiss deeper before he realized what he was doing. He let her go and leaned back.
“God Sarah,” he sighed, “I gotta tell you and I hope I don’t scare you away.” His eyes met hers before he continued. “I like you, a lot and I want to keep seeing you after we leave.” He finally said the thing he had been wanting to say.
“I want that too.” Sarah smiled at him. He couldn’t be happier at that moment. “And I want to take this slow for you, so you have to tell me what you want.” “I will.” She agreed.” “And tell me what you don’t want or if I’m going too fast.” “I will.” She agreed again. “But right now I want you to kiss me like that again.”
She moved closer to him, Richie smiled, exactly what he wanted. He kissed her again, leaning her back on the blanket, but she didn’t let him and pushed him back. Sarah took his free hand and placed it on her hip. Richie deepened the kiss, he stopped trying to lay her down as Sarah wouldn’t budge, he just lay next to her.
His hand on her hip, slightly travelling up to her side, stroking back down over her back.
“I feel like I’m in high school again.” Sarah said when they broke apart. “What? Did you take boys on picnics back then too?” Richie joked. “No, more like learning to kiss and trust again.” She shook her head when she laughed.
“Learning to kiss?” Richie asked confused, surely it wasn’t the first time she kissed anybody. “Well, I haven’t kissed a man in about 10 years, even longer since I’ve enjoyed it.” It was true.
Richie felt some sort of pride that she enjoyed it with him. “You must be a natural then cause you’re really good.”
Go to the next chapter
Friday, May 11, 2012
Chapter 14
Just as fast as the rest of the week had gone, there was Friday already.
Richie woke up with a fantastic idea and picked up his guitar after he had dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.
He played a few songs, almost including every album. When he had played all the songs he woke up thinking of he noticed the time on his alarm clock.
He quickly put his guitar back down and ran out of his room, pulling the door closed behind him, letting it slam. He sprinted down the stairs, careful not to fall, through the hall to the group therapy room.
He was already late; would Sarah still have gone without him? He pushed the door open and saw everyone already sitting in a circle and did a quick scan of heads on who was there as he apologized for being late. “I’m sorry I’m late, I was playing guitar and forgot the time.”
“It’s alright, please sit down so we can continue.” Their therapist said.
Richie noticed Sarah sitting and the empty chair on her left. He walked up to her and sat down in the chair next to her. “Thanks for saving me a seat.” He whispered to her.
Sarah smiled, she had been hoping he was just late and was so relieved when he almost stormed into the room, although if he hadn’t showed up, she would have stayed too. She would have been too scared to get up and leave, so she would have sat it out. After the first half hour she got less nervous and realized she’d still be fine in a room full of people without Richie. But now that he was here, she couldn’t be more relieved.
By the time it was lunch Richie was starving. Having missed breakfast he hoped therapy would be over soon so he could eat. He heard his stomach growl again and hoped nobody else heard it.
Finally they were dismissed and the group moved to the kitchen for their lunch break. As usual Richie sat down next to Sarah.
“Any plans for tonight?” He asked her. “I don’t even have plans for this afternoon, why?” She had the whole afternoon off and planned to either watch tv or sit outside on the terrace, reading a book. “Great, we should check if our bench is still there after dinner.” He was sure she’d like his idea. Sarah nodded, “Good idea.”
After lunch Richie was off to his private therapies and Sarah went to the living room. The tv was already on but she wasn’t interested in what was on and walked over to the book closet to look for something more interesting.
Just like every time she was about to start a book, she had no idea which one to pick out to read. A little confused she looked around the room, finding a familiar face at the table; she pulled out a chair and sat down next to the lady.
“Hi, I’m Sarah.” She introduced herself as the lady put a bookmark between the pages of her book and looked up at Sarah. “Hi, I’m Sandy.” She smiled friendly. “Nice to meet you Sandy. I wanted to ask you something. I noticed you read a lot of books and I can’t make my mind up about which one to read, so can you tell me a good one?” “Of course I can.” Sandy said cheerful and got up to walk to the bookshelves with Sarah.
Sandy started pointing out books quickly telling Sarah what they were about. Sarah nodded and listened.
After Sandy finished explaining Sarah picked out a book and Sandy was about to go sit down again. “Would you like to sit outside with me?” Sarah asked, she liked Sandy, she seemed like a shy person but a friendly person. “Yeah of course.”
Together they walked out and sat on one of the sun beds to read their books.
While they read they talked just like yesterday when Sarah watched tv. Although she did feel more comfortable to talk to one person at a time. After introducing herself she felt a lot more comfortable already.
It felt nice to sit outside, talking to a person. She hadn’t been able to just talk to anyone, she didn’t have any friends.
It was nice to talk to Sandy and they spent the whole afternoon talking and occasionally reading their books. First they were just talking about their books but soon the books were forgotten and they talked about whatever their conversation brought them to.
During dinner Sarah sat with Richie and was surprised Sandy joined them. Richie introduced himself to Sandy. He remembered Fred pointing her out two weeks ago but he had never said anything to her. It was nice talking to her; she seemed like a relaxed person.
After dinner Richie went up to his room, he picked up his entire guitar case and walked back downstairs. “Ready to go?” He asked walking into the kitchen.
Sarah quickly said goodbye to Sandy who nodded in answer and walked outside with Richie. “Are you going to play for me?” She asked when they sat on the bench and Richie put his guitar case up straight against the arm rest.
“Yes, it’s time for you to come out from under your rock.” He said, it was just impossible she didn’t listen to any music. “What if I like my rock?” Sarah joked, comfortable enough around him to make jokes. She wouldn’t mind some music.
“If it’s bad, I won’t play any music for you again.” Richie said, knowing she’d like it anyway. “You’re very sure of yourself.” If he was willing to not let her listen to music again, he must be very sure he was really good or that she would be impressed.
Richie picked up his case and zipped it open to take his guitar out. He zipped open a small pocket and took one of the guitar picks out. “Ready?” He asked. “Go for it.” Sarah turned a bit in her seat to be able to see him better.
Richie tuned the strings a tiny bit before playing the first song.
Halfway through the song Sarah started smiling and nodding along, he knew she’d know it. “I know that song.” She said excited when Richie finished playing. “I knew it was impossible to not know Bon Jovi.” He smiled. “That was Livin’ On a Prayer.” “So I know your band.” Sarah said happily, if she did know them, his band must be really good then.
Richie cleared his throat and started the next song. He was proud of the band and of himself, if someone that didn’t listen to music knew them, which must mean they really are that good.
He’d just have to get her the Ultimate Collection if he would see her in two weeks.
“So you do know my band.” Richie smiled happily after a few more of their greatest hits song, even though she only knew the tune or the chorus, she still knew the songs. “I guess I do then, at least those songs.” She hadn’t expected she would but was happy she knew his music anyway. An embarrassment averted.
She knew his music and really liked it too. “Was that my private concert?” “I’m not done yet, I have a few more songs but you probably won’t know them.” “What if I do?” Sarah asked, doubting that she would. “Then you can call yourself a Bon Jovi fan.” He was pretty sure she wouldn’t know them.
“That was beautiful, so sensitive. What’s it called?” Sarah was touched by the song. “Everybody’s Broken.” “It’s really beautiful.” She repeated. “Ready for the next, three more to go.” He smiled and started Superman Tonight, followed by Seat Next To you.
He hoped she could fit the songs together and understand what he was trying to say. “This one is one of my solos. I hope you liked this one too.” Richie tuned the stings again and played the next song.
“Do you have a lot of solo albums?” Sarah asked afterwards, impressed with the song. “Only two.” Richie reached for his guitar case to put his guitar safely back again.
“You should do more solo, that last song was beautiful.” “That one is called The Answer.” He was glad she even liked one of his solo songs, so much that she thought he should make another album.
“I liked all of your songs. The ending was beautiful.” Sarah said as Richie sat up straight again. He gave Sarah the guitar pick he had just played with.
Sarah looked at it, it was white with his name written on it in gold. She swiped the pad of her thumb over the writing. “Thanks.” She was touched by the small gesture.
“I’m glad you liked all the songs.” He had played almost a whole set, almost 15 songs. “I had a very nice evening.” Sarah said as they walked back to the building. “I did too, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Richie smiled.
“See you tomorrow.” He said goodbye at the top of the staircase, he was about to turn around when Sarah stopped him.
“Wait, don’t I get a goodnight kiss?” She teased. “All you need to do is ask.” Richie was relieved she asked him.
He bent down a little as Sarah reached up, they gently kissed.
Richie woke up with a fantastic idea and picked up his guitar after he had dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.
He played a few songs, almost including every album. When he had played all the songs he woke up thinking of he noticed the time on his alarm clock.
He quickly put his guitar back down and ran out of his room, pulling the door closed behind him, letting it slam. He sprinted down the stairs, careful not to fall, through the hall to the group therapy room.
He was already late; would Sarah still have gone without him? He pushed the door open and saw everyone already sitting in a circle and did a quick scan of heads on who was there as he apologized for being late. “I’m sorry I’m late, I was playing guitar and forgot the time.”
“It’s alright, please sit down so we can continue.” Their therapist said.
Richie noticed Sarah sitting and the empty chair on her left. He walked up to her and sat down in the chair next to her. “Thanks for saving me a seat.” He whispered to her.
Sarah smiled, she had been hoping he was just late and was so relieved when he almost stormed into the room, although if he hadn’t showed up, she would have stayed too. She would have been too scared to get up and leave, so she would have sat it out. After the first half hour she got less nervous and realized she’d still be fine in a room full of people without Richie. But now that he was here, she couldn’t be more relieved.
By the time it was lunch Richie was starving. Having missed breakfast he hoped therapy would be over soon so he could eat. He heard his stomach growl again and hoped nobody else heard it.
Finally they were dismissed and the group moved to the kitchen for their lunch break. As usual Richie sat down next to Sarah.
“Any plans for tonight?” He asked her. “I don’t even have plans for this afternoon, why?” She had the whole afternoon off and planned to either watch tv or sit outside on the terrace, reading a book. “Great, we should check if our bench is still there after dinner.” He was sure she’d like his idea. Sarah nodded, “Good idea.”
After lunch Richie was off to his private therapies and Sarah went to the living room. The tv was already on but she wasn’t interested in what was on and walked over to the book closet to look for something more interesting.
Just like every time she was about to start a book, she had no idea which one to pick out to read. A little confused she looked around the room, finding a familiar face at the table; she pulled out a chair and sat down next to the lady.
“Hi, I’m Sarah.” She introduced herself as the lady put a bookmark between the pages of her book and looked up at Sarah. “Hi, I’m Sandy.” She smiled friendly. “Nice to meet you Sandy. I wanted to ask you something. I noticed you read a lot of books and I can’t make my mind up about which one to read, so can you tell me a good one?” “Of course I can.” Sandy said cheerful and got up to walk to the bookshelves with Sarah.
Sandy started pointing out books quickly telling Sarah what they were about. Sarah nodded and listened.
After Sandy finished explaining Sarah picked out a book and Sandy was about to go sit down again. “Would you like to sit outside with me?” Sarah asked, she liked Sandy, she seemed like a shy person but a friendly person. “Yeah of course.”
Together they walked out and sat on one of the sun beds to read their books.
While they read they talked just like yesterday when Sarah watched tv. Although she did feel more comfortable to talk to one person at a time. After introducing herself she felt a lot more comfortable already.
It felt nice to sit outside, talking to a person. She hadn’t been able to just talk to anyone, she didn’t have any friends.
It was nice to talk to Sandy and they spent the whole afternoon talking and occasionally reading their books. First they were just talking about their books but soon the books were forgotten and they talked about whatever their conversation brought them to.
During dinner Sarah sat with Richie and was surprised Sandy joined them. Richie introduced himself to Sandy. He remembered Fred pointing her out two weeks ago but he had never said anything to her. It was nice talking to her; she seemed like a relaxed person.
After dinner Richie went up to his room, he picked up his entire guitar case and walked back downstairs. “Ready to go?” He asked walking into the kitchen.
Sarah quickly said goodbye to Sandy who nodded in answer and walked outside with Richie. “Are you going to play for me?” She asked when they sat on the bench and Richie put his guitar case up straight against the arm rest.
“Yes, it’s time for you to come out from under your rock.” He said, it was just impossible she didn’t listen to any music. “What if I like my rock?” Sarah joked, comfortable enough around him to make jokes. She wouldn’t mind some music.
“If it’s bad, I won’t play any music for you again.” Richie said, knowing she’d like it anyway. “You’re very sure of yourself.” If he was willing to not let her listen to music again, he must be very sure he was really good or that she would be impressed.
Richie picked up his case and zipped it open to take his guitar out. He zipped open a small pocket and took one of the guitar picks out. “Ready?” He asked. “Go for it.” Sarah turned a bit in her seat to be able to see him better.
Richie tuned the strings a tiny bit before playing the first song.
Halfway through the song Sarah started smiling and nodding along, he knew she’d know it. “I know that song.” She said excited when Richie finished playing. “I knew it was impossible to not know Bon Jovi.” He smiled. “That was Livin’ On a Prayer.” “So I know your band.” Sarah said happily, if she did know them, his band must be really good then.
Richie cleared his throat and started the next song. He was proud of the band and of himself, if someone that didn’t listen to music knew them, which must mean they really are that good.
He’d just have to get her the Ultimate Collection if he would see her in two weeks.
“So you do know my band.” Richie smiled happily after a few more of their greatest hits song, even though she only knew the tune or the chorus, she still knew the songs. “I guess I do then, at least those songs.” She hadn’t expected she would but was happy she knew his music anyway. An embarrassment averted.
She knew his music and really liked it too. “Was that my private concert?” “I’m not done yet, I have a few more songs but you probably won’t know them.” “What if I do?” Sarah asked, doubting that she would. “Then you can call yourself a Bon Jovi fan.” He was pretty sure she wouldn’t know them.
“That was beautiful, so sensitive. What’s it called?” Sarah was touched by the song. “Everybody’s Broken.” “It’s really beautiful.” She repeated. “Ready for the next, three more to go.” He smiled and started Superman Tonight, followed by Seat Next To you.
He hoped she could fit the songs together and understand what he was trying to say. “This one is one of my solos. I hope you liked this one too.” Richie tuned the stings again and played the next song.
“Do you have a lot of solo albums?” Sarah asked afterwards, impressed with the song. “Only two.” Richie reached for his guitar case to put his guitar safely back again.
“You should do more solo, that last song was beautiful.” “That one is called The Answer.” He was glad she even liked one of his solo songs, so much that she thought he should make another album.
“I liked all of your songs. The ending was beautiful.” Sarah said as Richie sat up straight again. He gave Sarah the guitar pick he had just played with.
Sarah looked at it, it was white with his name written on it in gold. She swiped the pad of her thumb over the writing. “Thanks.” She was touched by the small gesture.
“I’m glad you liked all the songs.” He had played almost a whole set, almost 15 songs. “I had a very nice evening.” Sarah said as they walked back to the building. “I did too, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Richie smiled.
“See you tomorrow.” He said goodbye at the top of the staircase, he was about to turn around when Sarah stopped him.
“Wait, don’t I get a goodnight kiss?” She teased. “All you need to do is ask.” Richie was relieved she asked him.
He bent down a little as Sarah reached up, they gently kissed.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Chapter 13
Thursday morning Sarah
accompanied Richie to group therapy again. He was proud she made the step to go
with him; he hoped she would for the rest of the days too.
If anything did work out between them, she’d see a lot more people, but if she got over her fear of people, mostly men, she wouldn’t be scared anymore, wouldn’t she? He hoped so or it would get really difficult.
In the afternoon they were both off to their own therapies.
Richie knocked on the door he had knocked on almost every day for the last two weeks. Two weeks, he realized, he had been her for two weeks already, he was halfway there. Livin’ – shut up, he told himself.
He thought about how much he had learned already. In group therapy he understood that addiction affected the people closest to him, which made him think of Ava and he knew it was true. During his time off he had spent more time getting drunk than with her and he didn’t want to hurt her at all. She was the most important person in the world to him.
She was the reason he was doing this, for his Princess. She was also the reason he’d succeed in this. He knew this time would be good, after this month he was done. No more alcohol. None at all, he’d be a bore at parties but what does it really matter what someone drinks? From now on he was going to have fun without alcohol.
At least he’d remember the fun he’d had the night before and wouldn’t feel horrible the next day. He was going to get his life right again, on the right track.
First he was going to stop drinking, then after the tour he was going to be home for a whole year. Catch up on lost time with Ava. He would work on his solo, this time Jon would have to wait. And when he did have to travel, he wouldn’t be gone for more than a few days. He was going to be home for Ava.
And between all that he was going to pursue Sarah.
Being with her, he couldn’t drink, he couldn’t do that to her.
He couldn’t believe how many reasons he had to not drink. Therapy had shown how many people he had let down, Ava, all his friends, his millions of fans and even Heather.
On the other hand, he was proud he was doing something about his addiction and the problems that were the reason of it.
This time he’d be fine after he left.
He hoped he would still have Sarah then too; he liked her around him, when she was around, everything just seemed ok, and everything was going to be ok.
A few doors down the hall Sarah was just leaving her private therapy. She closed the door behind her and walked to the stairs to go up to her room. She stopped when she reached the stairs and looked around to the different rooms. Finally ending on the living room, she turned around and walked away from the wooden staircase and towards the living room where a few people were sitting. It was only a handful of people, she’d be ok.
The tv was on and everyone was watching it so she sat down in an empty arm chair and watched too.
Only when the commercials started did someone talk to her. She had talked to Fred before. Well Fred had talked to her, she hadn’t said much back.
This time they did the formal how are you and how was your day. Then Fred introduced her to the four other people in the room. Sarah politely smiled at everyone in the room.
The documentary on tv started again and everyone’s attention went back to it.
It went like that every commercial break. Sarah liked it, she talked for 5 minutes and had 15 minutes to recover of it and talk again. In the short 5 minutes she actually liked having a conversation and sharing her opinion with everyone in the room.
She was actually happy she didn’t have any more sessions in the afternoon. Even though the short conversations weren’t really about anything important, mostly about the documentaries they were watching, she was actually having a good time.
Sarah was proud of herself; she was talking to people instead of hiding in her room like she did most of the time.
Tomorrow her therapist would encourage her to talk to more people. She only had one more week here and she did feel less frightened and not only around Richie. He must have been right about group therapy, look where she was right now.
She had felt nervous the moment she walked in but even now when there were more people in the room than before, she still felt good and realized not every person was a bad person.
When the third documentary she watched was over and the fourth had been a few minutes into it she felt someone sit on the armrest of her chair. She almost jumped up in surprise before realizing who it was. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” He apologized. Sarah smiled at him. “It’s ok, this is just very interesting.” She pointed over at the big tv screen. “Seems all they have here is discovery channel.” Richie said, at least it was on all the time. Where were the music channels?
He got up from the chair and walked over to sit on one of the couched. He would have loved to cuddle up with her in the chair but from this seat on the other end of the room he could watch her.
Her dark blond hair reached to the middle of her back, her eyes were intent on the tv. Then he noticed her lips, so full and pressed together. He was glad he had finally kissed those lips and knew he’d get to again. Just beautiful. His eyes wandered South, her chest rising and falling as she breathed. Those breasts, just perfect, he knew they would fit in his hands perfectly.
Don’t go there, eyes up. He told himself. Slow, he reminded himself, he had to go slow. Thinking of her breasts was not slow. If any chance he had, he had to go slow.
He only had two more weeks left at the center. Sarah was there before him which meant she was leaving sooner, but when? Would he still see her after they both left and had gone back to their own lives?
Finally Sarah felt his eyes on her as the commercials started. They made eye contact and she smiled at him. He looked so sweet caught in his act, Sarah thought.
She realized he looked sweet every time she saw him. Maybe it was something about him. The same thing that made her feel so comfortable around him.
Richie looked away from her and turned his attention to the animals on the tv screen.
Sarah continued watching him. She liked the rock star look he had, now that she knew he was a rock star, it made more sense and he looked good. His dark hair reached to his shoulders. From under his t-shirts sleeves she thought she saw a tattoo on his toned arm.
Sarah wondered if she could keep feeling the comfortable feeling she had around him, after she left. Next Sunday she would go home again, to a new life, would he be in it? She knew had 10 more days with him but did she only want 10 Days? A hundred? Or maybe even a thousand?
Go to the next chapter
If anything did work out between them, she’d see a lot more people, but if she got over her fear of people, mostly men, she wouldn’t be scared anymore, wouldn’t she? He hoped so or it would get really difficult.
In the afternoon they were both off to their own therapies.
Richie knocked on the door he had knocked on almost every day for the last two weeks. Two weeks, he realized, he had been her for two weeks already, he was halfway there. Livin’ – shut up, he told himself.
He thought about how much he had learned already. In group therapy he understood that addiction affected the people closest to him, which made him think of Ava and he knew it was true. During his time off he had spent more time getting drunk than with her and he didn’t want to hurt her at all. She was the most important person in the world to him.
She was the reason he was doing this, for his Princess. She was also the reason he’d succeed in this. He knew this time would be good, after this month he was done. No more alcohol. None at all, he’d be a bore at parties but what does it really matter what someone drinks? From now on he was going to have fun without alcohol.
At least he’d remember the fun he’d had the night before and wouldn’t feel horrible the next day. He was going to get his life right again, on the right track.
First he was going to stop drinking, then after the tour he was going to be home for a whole year. Catch up on lost time with Ava. He would work on his solo, this time Jon would have to wait. And when he did have to travel, he wouldn’t be gone for more than a few days. He was going to be home for Ava.
And between all that he was going to pursue Sarah.
Being with her, he couldn’t drink, he couldn’t do that to her.
He couldn’t believe how many reasons he had to not drink. Therapy had shown how many people he had let down, Ava, all his friends, his millions of fans and even Heather.
On the other hand, he was proud he was doing something about his addiction and the problems that were the reason of it.
This time he’d be fine after he left.
He hoped he would still have Sarah then too; he liked her around him, when she was around, everything just seemed ok, and everything was going to be ok.
A few doors down the hall Sarah was just leaving her private therapy. She closed the door behind her and walked to the stairs to go up to her room. She stopped when she reached the stairs and looked around to the different rooms. Finally ending on the living room, she turned around and walked away from the wooden staircase and towards the living room where a few people were sitting. It was only a handful of people, she’d be ok.
The tv was on and everyone was watching it so she sat down in an empty arm chair and watched too.
Only when the commercials started did someone talk to her. She had talked to Fred before. Well Fred had talked to her, she hadn’t said much back.
This time they did the formal how are you and how was your day. Then Fred introduced her to the four other people in the room. Sarah politely smiled at everyone in the room.
The documentary on tv started again and everyone’s attention went back to it.
It went like that every commercial break. Sarah liked it, she talked for 5 minutes and had 15 minutes to recover of it and talk again. In the short 5 minutes she actually liked having a conversation and sharing her opinion with everyone in the room.
She was actually happy she didn’t have any more sessions in the afternoon. Even though the short conversations weren’t really about anything important, mostly about the documentaries they were watching, she was actually having a good time.
Sarah was proud of herself; she was talking to people instead of hiding in her room like she did most of the time.
Tomorrow her therapist would encourage her to talk to more people. She only had one more week here and she did feel less frightened and not only around Richie. He must have been right about group therapy, look where she was right now.
She had felt nervous the moment she walked in but even now when there were more people in the room than before, she still felt good and realized not every person was a bad person.
When the third documentary she watched was over and the fourth had been a few minutes into it she felt someone sit on the armrest of her chair. She almost jumped up in surprise before realizing who it was. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” He apologized. Sarah smiled at him. “It’s ok, this is just very interesting.” She pointed over at the big tv screen. “Seems all they have here is discovery channel.” Richie said, at least it was on all the time. Where were the music channels?
He got up from the chair and walked over to sit on one of the couched. He would have loved to cuddle up with her in the chair but from this seat on the other end of the room he could watch her.
Her dark blond hair reached to the middle of her back, her eyes were intent on the tv. Then he noticed her lips, so full and pressed together. He was glad he had finally kissed those lips and knew he’d get to again. Just beautiful. His eyes wandered South, her chest rising and falling as she breathed. Those breasts, just perfect, he knew they would fit in his hands perfectly.
Don’t go there, eyes up. He told himself. Slow, he reminded himself, he had to go slow. Thinking of her breasts was not slow. If any chance he had, he had to go slow.
He only had two more weeks left at the center. Sarah was there before him which meant she was leaving sooner, but when? Would he still see her after they both left and had gone back to their own lives?
Finally Sarah felt his eyes on her as the commercials started. They made eye contact and she smiled at him. He looked so sweet caught in his act, Sarah thought.
She realized he looked sweet every time she saw him. Maybe it was something about him. The same thing that made her feel so comfortable around him.
Richie looked away from her and turned his attention to the animals on the tv screen.
Sarah continued watching him. She liked the rock star look he had, now that she knew he was a rock star, it made more sense and he looked good. His dark hair reached to his shoulders. From under his t-shirts sleeves she thought she saw a tattoo on his toned arm.
Sarah wondered if she could keep feeling the comfortable feeling she had around him, after she left. Next Sunday she would go home again, to a new life, would he be in it? She knew had 10 more days with him but did she only want 10 Days? A hundred? Or maybe even a thousand?
Go to the next chapter
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Chapter 12
Monday
morning Richie was one of the first in the kitchen, usually he was last but
this morning he felt exceptionally cheerful and didn’t want to stay in bed.
Now he knew Sarah liked him too, why would she kiss him otherwise? He knew if he kept the pace slow he could make something happen between him and Sarah.
He looked up when the chair next to him got pulled out. “Good morning.” He smiled happily. “You look dorky when you smile like that.” He chuckled at her remark. “That’s your fault.” It was, his day just turned even brighter just by her showing up. “It’s cute too.” Sarah smiled back at him. “Peanut butter?” Richie asked when he was done putting it on his toast and wanted to pass it to Sarah.
“I should head off to group therapy.” Richie said as everyone was leaving the kitchen. “Are you coming too?” Sarah shook her head as soon as he asked his question. “I’ll be there, right next to you.” Richie encouraged.
“No, I can’t.” Sarah said, she already had to sit through breakfast with everyone; she couldn’t handle 3 hours of group therapy. “Alright.” Richie said, “Think about it, and come with me tomorrow.” He was going to convince her to come with him and meet everyone but he wasn’t going to push it either. He was going to be there with her through all this. He got up from his chair, kissed her cheek and left the kitchen.
Tuesday morning went the same, Richie tried to convince Sarah, telling her he wouldn’t leave her alone for a second and would be at her side the entire time but Sarah said no again.
Richie didn’t particularly like group therapy himself but it had helped him understand what he was doing to the ones around him and how he was supposed to talk to them about his feelings. He was sure he’d put everything he had learned the last week into action after he left the center and went back on tour, it wouldn’t be easy but he was confident.
He didn’t give up and asked Sarah again on Wednesday if she was going. “You promise?” she asked carefully. “Yes, right next to you, the entire time.” He said quickly, hoping she’s say yes, if she did, she had made progress. Sarah took a deep breath, Richie became more hopeful. “Alright, I’ll go with you but you can’t leave me for a second.” She couldn’t believe she agreed to but Richie was going to protect her. “I wouldn’t dare or want to.” Richie said and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. He was going to ensure her there was nothing to be afraid of.
Half an hour later they stood in the therapy room. The room was at the back of the building and had an entire glass wall like the rest of the building.
Richie stood on Sarah’s left and held her hand in his. After everyone had said hello they sat down on their chairs in the circle. Sarah didn’t know what to expect but was happy to see they were only talking. She wouldn’t have to say a thing, unless someone would talk to her, she hoped they wouldn’t.
Soon enough that hope was taken away. “It’s nice to finally see you here too Sarah” Their therapist said from his lonely spot in the circle, almost across of her. Sarah simply smiled and Richie squeezed her hand. “And good to see you’ve made a friend.” The therapist added before telling what they were going to do today. “Tell the people next to you what you hope to achieve when you leave here.”
Sarah sighed, she didn’t know what she wanted to achieve, to not be afraid and find a job maybe even start a relationship. She couldn’t possibly tell them that.
She looked at Richie on her left, he simply held her hand and smiled, and then she looked away, to her right. The difficult part first. Richie did the same and turned to his lift.
A few minutes later they met again. Richie had the same comforting smile on his face as before; suddenly Sarah knew what to say. “I want a good and healthy relationship.” She said barely louder than a whisper.
Richie squeezed her hand again and his smile grew wider. “I want that too,” he said, “with you.” He added, making it clear for her.
Sarah’s smile spread across her face, she leaned in to Richie and kissed him.
When she realized she was in a room full of people, kissing someone, she pulled away. Richie chuckled with her reaction and saw her cheeks turning pink. “It’s not funny.” Sarah scolded him. “Sure it is.” Richie said as he leaned in again, “besides, I like kissing you.” He kissed her again; therapy couldn’t be over fast enough for him now.
After dinner they sat at their bench by the pond again. “I’m beginning to think to take this bench home with me in two weeks.” Richie joked, it was their bench, they had met there every time they had talked and their relationship grew closer.
“As a rock star you probably can.” Sarah said. “But as a rock star I can also do this.” He nipped her bottom lip before kissing it. “And I like this better.” He mumbled against her lips
Sarah melted into him. “So do I.” she tried to say as Richie’s tongue slipped between her lips and past her teeth, finally rubbing over hers.
Sarah sighed when they took a second to breathe. It had been years since she had kissed someone like that and actually enjoyed it. It felt good to do. Richie pulled her closer again and Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her.
After a while Richie just held Sarah against him, her head on his shoulder as they watched over the pond. During the second week of May the weather was warm as always in Los Angeles but Sarah shivered. “Let’s go inside.” Richie suggested, it was already getting late and helped Sarah up from the bench. Together they walked back to the building.
Richie had his weekly phone call to make and was going to his room afterwards.
At the stairs in the hall he hugged Sarah for the last time that night. “Good night.” He watched her go up the stairs until she turned the corner to the ladies bedrooms wing.
He walked over to the front desk, leaning on the high desk, he smiled at Tina. “Hi” Tina chuckled at his happiness. “You look happy tonight.” She said, she started to look for his phone. “How can I not?” He asked. “I found the most perfect girl in the place I’d least expect it.”
Tina handed him his phone. “Sarah? I’m glad you two found each other, but it’s not going to be easy, you both have your struggles.” She said. Richie nodded, he knew that. “But together we’ll get through it.” He said and turned to the sitting area by the entrance.
He dialed Jon’s number first. A surprised “Rich?” sounded on the other end. “Jonny!” Richie said excited. “How are you?” “Good Rich, how have you been?” Richie smiled, it was to hear his best friends and he was just happy. “Pretty good, can’t be better actually, well yeah it can, I could be on stage, but at the moment…”
Jon was surprised his friend was having fun at rehab. “You didn’t escape did you?” “No, don’t think I want to escape either.” Richie laughed out loud. “What kind of drugs are they giving you there?” Jon joked, but sounded serious. “Bad medicine.” Richie said simply, knowing Jon would get it. “Really? Is she pretty?” “She’s the most beautiful girl ever.”
Richie sighed as he thought of Sarah, she was so beautiful and he finally got to kiss those lips. “Leave it to you to find a girl at a rehab center.” Jon joked again, in fact he was happy Richie had found someone he could get support from and maybe more.
“I’m not cancelling the tour so you can elope to Vegas.” Jon said strictly. “Don’t worry,” Richie answered, “I’ll elope on my day off in the middle of the tour.” He heard Jon laugh on the other end.
“Jon, I have to go, say hi to everyone from me.” “Will do, take care.” Jon said and with that their conversation was over and Richie phoned Ava.
After talking to his daughter Richie gave his phone back to Tina and said goodnight.
Go to the next chapter
Now he knew Sarah liked him too, why would she kiss him otherwise? He knew if he kept the pace slow he could make something happen between him and Sarah.
He looked up when the chair next to him got pulled out. “Good morning.” He smiled happily. “You look dorky when you smile like that.” He chuckled at her remark. “That’s your fault.” It was, his day just turned even brighter just by her showing up. “It’s cute too.” Sarah smiled back at him. “Peanut butter?” Richie asked when he was done putting it on his toast and wanted to pass it to Sarah.
“I should head off to group therapy.” Richie said as everyone was leaving the kitchen. “Are you coming too?” Sarah shook her head as soon as he asked his question. “I’ll be there, right next to you.” Richie encouraged.
“No, I can’t.” Sarah said, she already had to sit through breakfast with everyone; she couldn’t handle 3 hours of group therapy. “Alright.” Richie said, “Think about it, and come with me tomorrow.” He was going to convince her to come with him and meet everyone but he wasn’t going to push it either. He was going to be there with her through all this. He got up from his chair, kissed her cheek and left the kitchen.
Tuesday morning went the same, Richie tried to convince Sarah, telling her he wouldn’t leave her alone for a second and would be at her side the entire time but Sarah said no again.
Richie didn’t particularly like group therapy himself but it had helped him understand what he was doing to the ones around him and how he was supposed to talk to them about his feelings. He was sure he’d put everything he had learned the last week into action after he left the center and went back on tour, it wouldn’t be easy but he was confident.
He didn’t give up and asked Sarah again on Wednesday if she was going. “You promise?” she asked carefully. “Yes, right next to you, the entire time.” He said quickly, hoping she’s say yes, if she did, she had made progress. Sarah took a deep breath, Richie became more hopeful. “Alright, I’ll go with you but you can’t leave me for a second.” She couldn’t believe she agreed to but Richie was going to protect her. “I wouldn’t dare or want to.” Richie said and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. He was going to ensure her there was nothing to be afraid of.
Half an hour later they stood in the therapy room. The room was at the back of the building and had an entire glass wall like the rest of the building.
Richie stood on Sarah’s left and held her hand in his. After everyone had said hello they sat down on their chairs in the circle. Sarah didn’t know what to expect but was happy to see they were only talking. She wouldn’t have to say a thing, unless someone would talk to her, she hoped they wouldn’t.
Soon enough that hope was taken away. “It’s nice to finally see you here too Sarah” Their therapist said from his lonely spot in the circle, almost across of her. Sarah simply smiled and Richie squeezed her hand. “And good to see you’ve made a friend.” The therapist added before telling what they were going to do today. “Tell the people next to you what you hope to achieve when you leave here.”
Sarah sighed, she didn’t know what she wanted to achieve, to not be afraid and find a job maybe even start a relationship. She couldn’t possibly tell them that.
She looked at Richie on her left, he simply held her hand and smiled, and then she looked away, to her right. The difficult part first. Richie did the same and turned to his lift.
A few minutes later they met again. Richie had the same comforting smile on his face as before; suddenly Sarah knew what to say. “I want a good and healthy relationship.” She said barely louder than a whisper.
Richie squeezed her hand again and his smile grew wider. “I want that too,” he said, “with you.” He added, making it clear for her.
Sarah’s smile spread across her face, she leaned in to Richie and kissed him.
When she realized she was in a room full of people, kissing someone, she pulled away. Richie chuckled with her reaction and saw her cheeks turning pink. “It’s not funny.” Sarah scolded him. “Sure it is.” Richie said as he leaned in again, “besides, I like kissing you.” He kissed her again; therapy couldn’t be over fast enough for him now.
After dinner they sat at their bench by the pond again. “I’m beginning to think to take this bench home with me in two weeks.” Richie joked, it was their bench, they had met there every time they had talked and their relationship grew closer.
“As a rock star you probably can.” Sarah said. “But as a rock star I can also do this.” He nipped her bottom lip before kissing it. “And I like this better.” He mumbled against her lips
Sarah melted into him. “So do I.” she tried to say as Richie’s tongue slipped between her lips and past her teeth, finally rubbing over hers.
Sarah sighed when they took a second to breathe. It had been years since she had kissed someone like that and actually enjoyed it. It felt good to do. Richie pulled her closer again and Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her.
After a while Richie just held Sarah against him, her head on his shoulder as they watched over the pond. During the second week of May the weather was warm as always in Los Angeles but Sarah shivered. “Let’s go inside.” Richie suggested, it was already getting late and helped Sarah up from the bench. Together they walked back to the building.
Richie had his weekly phone call to make and was going to his room afterwards.
At the stairs in the hall he hugged Sarah for the last time that night. “Good night.” He watched her go up the stairs until she turned the corner to the ladies bedrooms wing.
He walked over to the front desk, leaning on the high desk, he smiled at Tina. “Hi” Tina chuckled at his happiness. “You look happy tonight.” She said, she started to look for his phone. “How can I not?” He asked. “I found the most perfect girl in the place I’d least expect it.”
Tina handed him his phone. “Sarah? I’m glad you two found each other, but it’s not going to be easy, you both have your struggles.” She said. Richie nodded, he knew that. “But together we’ll get through it.” He said and turned to the sitting area by the entrance.
He dialed Jon’s number first. A surprised “Rich?” sounded on the other end. “Jonny!” Richie said excited. “How are you?” “Good Rich, how have you been?” Richie smiled, it was to hear his best friends and he was just happy. “Pretty good, can’t be better actually, well yeah it can, I could be on stage, but at the moment…”
Jon was surprised his friend was having fun at rehab. “You didn’t escape did you?” “No, don’t think I want to escape either.” Richie laughed out loud. “What kind of drugs are they giving you there?” Jon joked, but sounded serious. “Bad medicine.” Richie said simply, knowing Jon would get it. “Really? Is she pretty?” “She’s the most beautiful girl ever.”
Richie sighed as he thought of Sarah, she was so beautiful and he finally got to kiss those lips. “Leave it to you to find a girl at a rehab center.” Jon joked again, in fact he was happy Richie had found someone he could get support from and maybe more.
“I’m not cancelling the tour so you can elope to Vegas.” Jon said strictly. “Don’t worry,” Richie answered, “I’ll elope on my day off in the middle of the tour.” He heard Jon laugh on the other end.
“Jon, I have to go, say hi to everyone from me.” “Will do, take care.” Jon said and with that their conversation was over and Richie phoned Ava.
After talking to his daughter Richie gave his phone back to Tina and said goodnight.
Go to the next chapter
Friday, May 4, 2012
Chapter 11
The next morning Richie
was glad he had played some songs, he had missed it. He couldn’t resist it to
start thinking about writing but couldn’t find a note book in his night stand
or in his desk drawer. He didn’t have his iPhone for notes either. He just
hoped he remembered what was going on in his mind until he found some paper to
write it down. He wasn’t sure if it would become something but he had to try
and see what it could become.
At breakfast he found a seat next to Sarah. “Good morning Sarah, how are you this lovely Sunday morning.” He asked with a bright smile.
Sarah chuckled. She noticed she did that a lot around him. “I’m alright. You seem cheerful this morning.” She said. “Yeah, I got to play guitar and I get to sit next to you now.” He smiled again.
Sarah chuckled again; he was so sweet to her. “You know that pond we always end up?” Richie asked after he finished a bite of his toast. “The one with the water and the tree behind it?” Sarah joked. “Yes exactly, that one!” Richie laughed. “Anyway, do you think we can go there again and maybe talk?” He asked.
Sarah just couldn’t stop laughing at his silliness, it was cute. “I think we can, I don’t have any big plans.” She couldn’t believe how comfortable she felt around him, it was so easy.
After breakfast Sarah and Richie got up together and walked to their bench. When they left the main path to step on the grass to find their bench Sarah took Richie’s hand in hers.
Richie smiled to himself and turned his hand around to hold hers. Sarah smiled too, happy Richie had returned her gesture.
As they sat down on their bench Richie didn’t let go of Sarah’s hand so she couldn’t sit too far away from him. “What do you want to talk about?” Sarah asked, looking at their joined hands. “You told me about your life so I think I should tell you about mine.” Sarah nodded, that seemed fair to her.
“So eumh,” Richie started, “I grew up in New Jersey, started playing guitar when I was 13. I went to college for a while but didn’t do well, too busy playing music. After that I got signed to a band and we’ve been playing ever since.” He said, he didn’t want to get into details yet. “You play in a band? Is that your job?” Sarah asked, so many people played in bands but good enough to live off. “Yeah, we’ve sold over 150 million records.” Richie said proudly and watched Sarah’s expression turn surprised.
“So you’re a musician? Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll?” She asked, wondering if that was the reason he was at a rehab center. “In the beginning it was, but not anymore.” Richie said. “We left the drugs in the 80’s but alcohol always followed me. In 2007 I got divorced and my dad died and alcohol made me forget all of it but it affected my music. I was screwing up so badly, my friends talked about it and I went to rehab.” He explained.
Sarah could understand how alcohol was always within his reach, his job sort of came with it. “I’m so sorry about your dad.” Sarah squeezed his hand. “It’s been 4 years now.” Richie said somber. “But recently I started drinking again and my ex-wife threatened to take full custody of Ava if I didn’t stop drinking.” He said sadly. “But you’re doing it now, you’ll be fine and she won’t have a reason to take Ava away from you.” Sarah tried to comfort him, stroking her hand over his arm. “I know.” Richie said still sadly.
For a minute Sarah got doubts, she was unsure. Her ex-husband had been addicted to alcohol; would Richie be a safe person?
Sarah pushed her thoughts away. She liked him; she had been able to leave alcohol behind, so why wouldn’t he be able to?
She was going to support him through it, like how she wanted support all those years ago, until her time at the center was over. “So that’s your life?” Sarah asked.
Richie thought about it, sure he had mentioned it all. His life hadn’t been as difficult as Sarah’s. “Being a rock ‘n’ roll star isn’t that easy.” Richie smiled.
Sarah smiled back. “Rock music? Tell me about your band then?” She knew she probably didn’t know them. “Well we started in the 80’s Jon had recorded a song and got a contract but needed a band. I saw them playing one night and wanted to be part of it, so I went to ask Jon and all together we formed Bon Jovi.” He explained.
Sarah nodded and smiled again, she had no idea. “You don’t know Bon Jovi?” Richie was surprised, he was sure everyone knew them. Sarah just shook her head, Richie’s expression turned even more surprised which made Sarah laugh.
“Bad Medicine? Livin’ On A Prayer? Wanted Dead or Alive? You Give Love a Bad Name? Keep the Faith?”
She just shook her head with every song title he said.
“It’s My Life? Have a Nice Day?”
Again Sarah didn’t know.
“We Weren’t Born To Follow?” He asked hopeful. “No, sorry.” Sarah said. “I told you I don’t really listen to music.” Richie smiled, “Don’t be sorry, I think it’s good.” It was good, this way she had no idea who he was and wouldn’t think she knew him like people always did just because they knew his face.
He gently tucked back the locks of hair that had fallen loose while Sarah shook her head, he leaned in to reach her better.
Before Sarah knew what she doing, she had leaned into him, kissing his soft, full lips.
He softly kissed her back, not wanting to push her, his hand moved and held the back of her head as he sucked her lower lip before gently kissing her again.
Sarah didn’t want to let go, it felt so good to kiss him, to be close to him.
Go to the next chapter
At breakfast he found a seat next to Sarah. “Good morning Sarah, how are you this lovely Sunday morning.” He asked with a bright smile.
Sarah chuckled. She noticed she did that a lot around him. “I’m alright. You seem cheerful this morning.” She said. “Yeah, I got to play guitar and I get to sit next to you now.” He smiled again.
Sarah chuckled again; he was so sweet to her. “You know that pond we always end up?” Richie asked after he finished a bite of his toast. “The one with the water and the tree behind it?” Sarah joked. “Yes exactly, that one!” Richie laughed. “Anyway, do you think we can go there again and maybe talk?” He asked.
Sarah just couldn’t stop laughing at his silliness, it was cute. “I think we can, I don’t have any big plans.” She couldn’t believe how comfortable she felt around him, it was so easy.
After breakfast Sarah and Richie got up together and walked to their bench. When they left the main path to step on the grass to find their bench Sarah took Richie’s hand in hers.
Richie smiled to himself and turned his hand around to hold hers. Sarah smiled too, happy Richie had returned her gesture.
As they sat down on their bench Richie didn’t let go of Sarah’s hand so she couldn’t sit too far away from him. “What do you want to talk about?” Sarah asked, looking at their joined hands. “You told me about your life so I think I should tell you about mine.” Sarah nodded, that seemed fair to her.
“So eumh,” Richie started, “I grew up in New Jersey, started playing guitar when I was 13. I went to college for a while but didn’t do well, too busy playing music. After that I got signed to a band and we’ve been playing ever since.” He said, he didn’t want to get into details yet. “You play in a band? Is that your job?” Sarah asked, so many people played in bands but good enough to live off. “Yeah, we’ve sold over 150 million records.” Richie said proudly and watched Sarah’s expression turn surprised.
“So you’re a musician? Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll?” She asked, wondering if that was the reason he was at a rehab center. “In the beginning it was, but not anymore.” Richie said. “We left the drugs in the 80’s but alcohol always followed me. In 2007 I got divorced and my dad died and alcohol made me forget all of it but it affected my music. I was screwing up so badly, my friends talked about it and I went to rehab.” He explained.
Sarah could understand how alcohol was always within his reach, his job sort of came with it. “I’m so sorry about your dad.” Sarah squeezed his hand. “It’s been 4 years now.” Richie said somber. “But recently I started drinking again and my ex-wife threatened to take full custody of Ava if I didn’t stop drinking.” He said sadly. “But you’re doing it now, you’ll be fine and she won’t have a reason to take Ava away from you.” Sarah tried to comfort him, stroking her hand over his arm. “I know.” Richie said still sadly.
For a minute Sarah got doubts, she was unsure. Her ex-husband had been addicted to alcohol; would Richie be a safe person?
Sarah pushed her thoughts away. She liked him; she had been able to leave alcohol behind, so why wouldn’t he be able to?
She was going to support him through it, like how she wanted support all those years ago, until her time at the center was over. “So that’s your life?” Sarah asked.
Richie thought about it, sure he had mentioned it all. His life hadn’t been as difficult as Sarah’s. “Being a rock ‘n’ roll star isn’t that easy.” Richie smiled.
Sarah smiled back. “Rock music? Tell me about your band then?” She knew she probably didn’t know them. “Well we started in the 80’s Jon had recorded a song and got a contract but needed a band. I saw them playing one night and wanted to be part of it, so I went to ask Jon and all together we formed Bon Jovi.” He explained.
Sarah nodded and smiled again, she had no idea. “You don’t know Bon Jovi?” Richie was surprised, he was sure everyone knew them. Sarah just shook her head, Richie’s expression turned even more surprised which made Sarah laugh.
“Bad Medicine? Livin’ On A Prayer? Wanted Dead or Alive? You Give Love a Bad Name? Keep the Faith?”
She just shook her head with every song title he said.
“It’s My Life? Have a Nice Day?”
Again Sarah didn’t know.
“We Weren’t Born To Follow?” He asked hopeful. “No, sorry.” Sarah said. “I told you I don’t really listen to music.” Richie smiled, “Don’t be sorry, I think it’s good.” It was good, this way she had no idea who he was and wouldn’t think she knew him like people always did just because they knew his face.
He gently tucked back the locks of hair that had fallen loose while Sarah shook her head, he leaned in to reach her better.
Before Sarah knew what she doing, she had leaned into him, kissing his soft, full lips.
He softly kissed her back, not wanting to push her, his hand moved and held the back of her head as he sucked her lower lip before gently kissing her again.
Sarah didn’t want to let go, it felt so good to kiss him, to be close to him.
Go to the next chapter
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Chapter 10
Saturday night
was entertainment night and Richie had promised to play some songs, showing
them how to play real guitar. He hoped Fred was still the only one that knew
his secret.
Maybe, he thought to himself, he should tell Sarah, she had been so honest about her life. Maybe he should tell her about his, just so she knew in case something did happen between them.
After dinner Richie helped cleaning the kitchen just because Sarah was. It would give him some time with her.
He stacked up all the plates at the table and followed Sarah to the kitchen. “How are you Sarah?” He asked when he put the plates on the counter next to the sink. There was no dishwasher; they were supposed to do the dishes together, team work. “Pretty good.” Sarah turned on the water, filling the sink.
“No exciting events?” Richie asked, not really know what to say anyway. He grabbed a towel out of a drawer. Sarah chuckled. “Here? Nothing at all.”
Richie dried the first plate Sarah handed to him and put in on the counter in front of him. “So are you coming to my concert?” He changed the subject.
Sarah chuckled again, he started to like that sound. “You’re having a concert?” She asked. “Yeah last week we played guitar hero, tonight I’m showing everyone I’m a real guitar hero.” He explained.
Sarah looked up from the dishes. “You play guitar?” Richie faced her. “Yeah, I thought you knew.” Had he told her? He thought he did. “I don’t think you mentioned it. It will be nice to hear some music. I don’t really listen to music.”
Richie looked astonished, no music? He couldn’t live like that. “Really, don’t you have a favorite song or band?” Richie asked amazed.
“No,” Sarah thought, “not that I can think of.” Richie smiled as he put all the plates away in the cupboard. “Maybe you’ll like some music I’ll play tonight. I was gonna ask if you wanted to hear a specific song but I guess not then.” He stood up again. “No, I’m sorry, but I’m sure I’ll like it.’ Sarah let the water run away and helped Richie put away the last of the dishes.
2 hours later Fred started pushing Richie to get his guitar while they were watching tv.
Finally Richie gave in and got up to walk to his room to get his guitar
When he came back the lights in the living room were turned down, except a standing lamp behind a chair that was placed in front of the tv. Other than that light and the lights in the open hall it was dark in the room.
Even the couches and chairs had moved to look like an audience, nicely in a row and behind each other. Richie thought it was nice, this way it looked like a small show, something private.
Fred and Tina were sitting on the front couch but he didn’t see Sarah. His heart sunk and he felt disappointed. He really thought she would be here.
Richie sighed and walked up to the chair. He sat down and placed his guitar on his lap. It was pretty dark and he couldn’t really see anybody’s face.
He placed his calloused fingers tips on the strings over the frets, pressing down and strummed with his other hand over the strings.
He hadn’t really put thought into what he was going to play, hoping the audience would tell him what to play. Just requests for tonight. He had only picked out a few songs, hoping he could fill up the rest with what the group wanted to hear.
Maybe, he thought to himself, he should tell Sarah, she had been so honest about her life. Maybe he should tell her about his, just so she knew in case something did happen between them.
After dinner Richie helped cleaning the kitchen just because Sarah was. It would give him some time with her.
He stacked up all the plates at the table and followed Sarah to the kitchen. “How are you Sarah?” He asked when he put the plates on the counter next to the sink. There was no dishwasher; they were supposed to do the dishes together, team work. “Pretty good.” Sarah turned on the water, filling the sink.
“No exciting events?” Richie asked, not really know what to say anyway. He grabbed a towel out of a drawer. Sarah chuckled. “Here? Nothing at all.”
Richie dried the first plate Sarah handed to him and put in on the counter in front of him. “So are you coming to my concert?” He changed the subject.
Sarah chuckled again, he started to like that sound. “You’re having a concert?” She asked. “Yeah last week we played guitar hero, tonight I’m showing everyone I’m a real guitar hero.” He explained.
Sarah looked up from the dishes. “You play guitar?” Richie faced her. “Yeah, I thought you knew.” Had he told her? He thought he did. “I don’t think you mentioned it. It will be nice to hear some music. I don’t really listen to music.”
Richie looked astonished, no music? He couldn’t live like that. “Really, don’t you have a favorite song or band?” Richie asked amazed.
“No,” Sarah thought, “not that I can think of.” Richie smiled as he put all the plates away in the cupboard. “Maybe you’ll like some music I’ll play tonight. I was gonna ask if you wanted to hear a specific song but I guess not then.” He stood up again. “No, I’m sorry, but I’m sure I’ll like it.’ Sarah let the water run away and helped Richie put away the last of the dishes.
2 hours later Fred started pushing Richie to get his guitar while they were watching tv.
Finally Richie gave in and got up to walk to his room to get his guitar
When he came back the lights in the living room were turned down, except a standing lamp behind a chair that was placed in front of the tv. Other than that light and the lights in the open hall it was dark in the room.
Even the couches and chairs had moved to look like an audience, nicely in a row and behind each other. Richie thought it was nice, this way it looked like a small show, something private.
Fred and Tina were sitting on the front couch but he didn’t see Sarah. His heart sunk and he felt disappointed. He really thought she would be here.
Richie sighed and walked up to the chair. He sat down and placed his guitar on his lap. It was pretty dark and he couldn’t really see anybody’s face.
He placed his calloused fingers tips on the strings over the frets, pressing down and strummed with his other hand over the strings.
He hadn’t really put thought into what he was going to play, hoping the audience would tell him what to play. Just requests for tonight. He had only picked out a few songs, hoping he could fill up the rest with what the group wanted to hear.
Richie
played the first 5 songs he had picked out; none of them were Bon Jovi songs.
He didn’t feel like playing them right now but he had a feeling either Fred or
Jerry would ask for Prayer anyway. If they asked, he’d play it.
When he finished the first 5 cover songs, he put his guitar down on his lap. “Any requests?” He asked looking around the dark room.
“What can you play?” Someone asked but Richie couldn’t see who it was, hadn’t he just proved he could play pretty much everything by doing 5 cover songs? “Anything you like.” He answered, he was sure he’d know whatever song they would ask for.
“Do you know Old Time Rock ‘n Roll?” Richie chuckled. “Of course I do.” He picked his guitar up again and started playing the song he had played more than a few times in the last 2 years.
At the end of the song, more people started requesting songs, he didn’t have to ask anymore, and near the end they’d just shout the next song. It was fun to just play what he felt like or what other people wanted to hear. That way he made them happy, and he liked that.
Just like on tour, all those happy fans that were enjoying themselves just because he was playing, and the rest of the band, but him mostly of course, who could resist the guitar player anyway. At least he could play guitar, unlike Jon.
Finally there it was, Prayer, and it was Fred that asked for it. Richie looked around the room again before picking up his guitar. He couldn’t believe Sarah hadn’t showed up. He was so sure she was going to, she even sounded a little excited when they talked about it, but she wasn’t here.
He started the opening chords to the song and sung it acoustically. Richie liked played this version, it was a change to the song he played every night at a concert.
When the song finished he looked over at the group again to hear to next song but there at the end of the hall, where the lights were still on, at the top of the stairs he saw Sarah standing.
Then he knew what to play and ignored what the rest had said and played Pretty Women. Sure he wanted to play something more meaningful but that was the first song he could think of and it had been on the set list a lot lately.
Sarah sat down at the top of the stairs watching over the group to Richie. Thanks to the light behind him she could see him perfectly. From the top step she had a perfect view and could still hear what he was singing.
Richie was so happy Sarah was finally there, he wanted to put his guitar down and go give her a huge hug but he couldn’t do that, he was performing and he was almost sure it would scare Sarah.
He played another few songs and got up. When everyone applauded he smiled and made a little bow. Then he left the room and walked up the stairs.
Sarah stood up. “That was really good.” She smiled up at him. “Thanks, it got a whole lot better when you showed up.” He said sincere.
Sarah’s expression turned surprised, did he just say that. Richie saw surprise and a little bit of panic on her face. “No,... I meant… That eumh…” He shook his head; he meant it was great she was there and that he was happy she showed! “You’re my friend and it’s nice that you came to watch. That’s what I meant” He explained.
Sarah chuckled, he was sure he liked that sound, so sweet. “And I thought I was going to be the nervous one.” She smiled at him, she surprised herself again by saying that but for some reason she hardly felt nervous now. That was strange but she was ok with it.
“I’m sorry.” Richie said. “I just didn’t want to say anything that would upset you.” He explained carefully.
“I know you wouldn’t do anything like that. It’s hard for me but it’s ok.” Sarah said, and she meant it. She was going to trust him, on everything.
“Why didn’t you come down?” Richie asked as he sat down on the step beside her. “Look how many people are there.” Sarah pointed to the room. “But we all have dinner and stuff together too.” Richie said confused. “Yes, but during dinner nobody talks to me, they might have said something tonight and there were more people than just our group, the staff was there too.” Sarah explained.
She was right, there were more people than just their group, which only was about 20 people but he understood she was scared of people. At least she had made it in the end and he got to play her a song, even though she probably didn’t realize it was for her.
Go to the next chapter
When he finished the first 5 cover songs, he put his guitar down on his lap. “Any requests?” He asked looking around the dark room.
“What can you play?” Someone asked but Richie couldn’t see who it was, hadn’t he just proved he could play pretty much everything by doing 5 cover songs? “Anything you like.” He answered, he was sure he’d know whatever song they would ask for.
“Do you know Old Time Rock ‘n Roll?” Richie chuckled. “Of course I do.” He picked his guitar up again and started playing the song he had played more than a few times in the last 2 years.
At the end of the song, more people started requesting songs, he didn’t have to ask anymore, and near the end they’d just shout the next song. It was fun to just play what he felt like or what other people wanted to hear. That way he made them happy, and he liked that.
Just like on tour, all those happy fans that were enjoying themselves just because he was playing, and the rest of the band, but him mostly of course, who could resist the guitar player anyway. At least he could play guitar, unlike Jon.
Finally there it was, Prayer, and it was Fred that asked for it. Richie looked around the room again before picking up his guitar. He couldn’t believe Sarah hadn’t showed up. He was so sure she was going to, she even sounded a little excited when they talked about it, but she wasn’t here.
He started the opening chords to the song and sung it acoustically. Richie liked played this version, it was a change to the song he played every night at a concert.
When the song finished he looked over at the group again to hear to next song but there at the end of the hall, where the lights were still on, at the top of the stairs he saw Sarah standing.
Then he knew what to play and ignored what the rest had said and played Pretty Women. Sure he wanted to play something more meaningful but that was the first song he could think of and it had been on the set list a lot lately.
Sarah sat down at the top of the stairs watching over the group to Richie. Thanks to the light behind him she could see him perfectly. From the top step she had a perfect view and could still hear what he was singing.
Richie was so happy Sarah was finally there, he wanted to put his guitar down and go give her a huge hug but he couldn’t do that, he was performing and he was almost sure it would scare Sarah.
He played another few songs and got up. When everyone applauded he smiled and made a little bow. Then he left the room and walked up the stairs.
Sarah stood up. “That was really good.” She smiled up at him. “Thanks, it got a whole lot better when you showed up.” He said sincere.
Sarah’s expression turned surprised, did he just say that. Richie saw surprise and a little bit of panic on her face. “No,... I meant… That eumh…” He shook his head; he meant it was great she was there and that he was happy she showed! “You’re my friend and it’s nice that you came to watch. That’s what I meant” He explained.
Sarah chuckled, he was sure he liked that sound, so sweet. “And I thought I was going to be the nervous one.” She smiled at him, she surprised herself again by saying that but for some reason she hardly felt nervous now. That was strange but she was ok with it.
“I’m sorry.” Richie said. “I just didn’t want to say anything that would upset you.” He explained carefully.
“I know you wouldn’t do anything like that. It’s hard for me but it’s ok.” Sarah said, and she meant it. She was going to trust him, on everything.
“Why didn’t you come down?” Richie asked as he sat down on the step beside her. “Look how many people are there.” Sarah pointed to the room. “But we all have dinner and stuff together too.” Richie said confused. “Yes, but during dinner nobody talks to me, they might have said something tonight and there were more people than just our group, the staff was there too.” Sarah explained.
She was right, there were more people than just their group, which only was about 20 people but he understood she was scared of people. At least she had made it in the end and he got to play her a song, even though she probably didn’t realize it was for her.
Go to the next chapter
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)