LovePunk: A Short Story

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While this isn't what you'd normally view on this blog. I figured what better way to get my writing out there than to have it all housed under the same roof. Hope you enjoy!

LovePunk

A Short Story by Logan Langley

                  Silence. Pounding, thundering silence falls over the crowd of this year’s forty thousand something attendees as they wait to hear local punk rock superstar, “Bruce Wenum and the Punk Heartstoppers” at the annual Chicada County Fair.  What’s going on out there? Why did the commotion come to a halt? Come on Bruce, not like this. Focus and breathe. Just like Dr. Noikers recommended last month.

Timmy Tune walks off the center stage and spots Bruce nervously pacing back and forth while he waits for the fair producer to call him out on stage. “The crowd is all warmed up for ya’ Bruce,” chimed Timmy as he walks over to Bruce.

“Y– Yeah… thanks,” Bruce struggles to find his words.

“Hey, you’ve got this. Why are ya’ so nervous?”

“I don’t honestly know, Tim. This hasn’t happened to me since our first performance together at our vocal training camp back in middle school.” Continuously pacing, Bruce comes to a halt after he passes by Timmy.

“Ah. Sure does take you back, doesn’t it.” Timmy looks upward towards the dark ceiling before turning his head towards Bruce. With his head hung low, Bruce breathes deeply. “Say, Bruce. Do you remember what our vocal coach told us right before we had our first performance in front of a live audience?”

Bruce picks his head up then looks to Timmy. With a light smirk now crossing his lips, “Give them hell so you can rest in musical Heaven.” Timmy chuckles at hearing that again.

“Never did make much sense, did it?” Asks Timmy.

“I couldn’t disagree more.” With a fiery passion now in his eyes. Bruce looks straight ahead and walks over to the stage. Before walking up, he takes one last deep breath. Thank you, my friend. A smile lights up Bruce’s face as he runs up the stairs to greet his fans that have been eagerly waiting in anticipation.

Bruce steps onto the stage and is greeted by a blacked-out stadium audience. Looking to his left, he notices Amanda, sporting her classic ripped jeans and leather jacket look, as she repositions her seat behind her pristine ivory and navy drum set. He turns to his right to see David fully clad in a black leather jacket and pants, lightly fingering the strings on his beautiful gunmetal gray Fender bass guitar. “You ready, Bruce?” Asks David.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Bruce walks up to the mic, grabs it in hand and screams out, “LET’S KEEP THIS ROCK N’ ROLL TRAIN CHUGGING ALONG!” Bruce points over to David signifying the start of the set. David strums his guitar as the stage lights up revealing the band. At the start of each set, Bruce lets David and Amanda freestyle a bit to have some fun and shake out any last-minute jitters.

While the band is lightening the mood, Bruce holds his mic off to the side and looks down with his eyes closed. Bopping his head to the beat and tapping his foot, he starts to feel the music take over him as the feeling of excitement pushes out his nerves.

“All right! Can everyone make some noise for these lovely musicians playing behind me!” The stadium goes berserk with cheering as spotlights center on Amanda and David. They express their gratitude to their boisterous fans by bowing and clapping. What should we start with? Hmmm.

“Now that we’ve got you all warmed up. Let’s turn this night up to eleven and get rocking!” Bruce covers his microphone and yells out behind him, “Scarlet Eyes in one, two, one two three four!”

As the Heartstoppers jam away in the limelight, only one thought crosses Bruce’s mind. Jenny. What was she up to? What was she thinking? Does she still think of him? The girl that inspired him to come this far. The same very girl that left him broken and tattered after his first ever show. Standing in front of the largest crowd the Chicada Fair has ever brought in; Bruce can only think of her.

Sitting in his dressing room, Timmy can hear the roar of the crowd as they feast their eyes on the Heartstopper. That’s my boy, Timmy thought to himself. Timmy turns up the volume on the speaker in the room and leans back into his seat. While he listens to his friend’s performance, his mind drifts and gets lost in thought. He’s brought back to attention when he hears a knock on the door.

“Mr. Tune–“ a feminine voice calls out.

“Come in!” Timmy swivels his chair so that it’s facing the door. “Oh, Sarah, we’ve been over this. You don’t have to knock every time before you enter. And please stop calling me Mr. Tune.”

“Come off it, Tim,” Sarah enters the room quickly and jumps onto his lap. She leans in real close and rests her forehead on his, “Besides, you know you like it.” She pulls her head back and sees a wide grin underneath Tim’s dazzling hazel eyes.

“It does have a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” Tim pulls Sarah back in and meets his lips with hers. The two share a passionate moment before they get interrupted by the roar of the audience.

“Jesus, Tim. Is Bruce really that electrifying?” Asks Sarah.

“Hehe, please. Don’t you remember how he was back at vocal camp?”

“True, he’d always struggle to go out there. But when he did, it was– “

“Mesmerizing.” The two say in unison.

Sarah gets up and off of Tim’s lap, “Say, why don’t we go grab a drink and head out there to watch him. How’s that sound, Honey?” 

“Sounds lovely,” Timmy stands up, grabs Sarah’s hand, and leads her out of the room, “Do you want the usual?”

“Please. An All American with a little bit of extra sour.” Sarah chimes from behind him.

“With two lemon wedges?” Timmy adds. Sarah starts to blush, picks up her pace to match his, and leans in for a hug,

“You know me all too well, Tim,” Timmy chuckles to himself.

“Here,” the two come to a stop at a balcony overlooking the stage, “While you wait, watch Bruce for me. He was extremely nervous before getting up on stage.” Tim places Sarah’s hand on the railing and gives her a kiss on the forehead before leaving. Watching the Heartstoppers’ performance has put a groove into Sarah’s body. Standing alone at the balcony, her feet start to move on their own. A smile emerges as she feels compelled to dance along to their thrilling tune.

Once Bruce finishes the current song, he addresses the crowd, “All right Chicada County! Are we having a great time?” The crowd erupts with an overwhelmingly positive cheer. Having fun with it, Bruce jumps backward, “Whoa! You guys are so loud you blew me back from all the cheering.” The Heartstoppers play a few more songs off their setlist.

Bruce covers the microphone and turns to look at David.  Using his eyes, he signals him to play a random riff on his guitar before he returns his attention to the audience “Three years ago, I stood upon this very stage for the first time with two of the best bandmates that a guy could ask for. Much like tonight, we played our hearts out to deliver an unforgettable performance.”

The stadium spotlights all center in on Bruce. “As many are aware. That was the first time the Heartstoppers’ played in front of a live audience. Over these past years, we’ve grown as a band. Taking a new stride forward each day to bring you guys nothing but our very best,” Bruce removes the microphone from its stand and begins to walk around the stage.

“From countless late night studio sessions. To the butterflies in all our stomachs as we step on stage before each show. We’ve never forgotten the love you showed us all those years ago. So, Chicada, can you make some fucking noise!?”  As their adoring fans erupt, lights shine bright as they pass over the ground floor. In that moment, Bruce’s attention gets caught by a member in the audience. Somebody that he knows all too well. Bruce is swept away into his thoughts. He gets transported back to the night of their first performance. The same very night that the love his life, Jenny, broke his heart.

. . .

 Having just finished their first show, the Heartstoppers exit the stage. As they are walking back to their dressing rooms, Bruce pauses behind Amanda and David letting them go on ahead. He leans against the wall in the corridor before sliding down to the floor. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. Did that really just happen?  Bruce lifts his head up and looks to his hands. Their trembling. Calm down, this is what I’ve been waiting for. A chance to be shining, to truly fly. Attempting to ease his nerves, Bruce drops his head between his knees and starts to rub his legs. After a while, he places a hand over his heart and can feel it beating at an accelerated rate. Why isn’t this working? Why won’t this all just go away?

 “The shows over Bruce. What’re you doing back here, alone?”  A familiar hand reaches out. Leaning over in front of him, in her marvelously cyan sun dress is none other than Jenny. His now girlfriend of two years and some change. Bruce reaches out and meets his hand with hers. Without a word, the young couple’s eyes lock. As Jenny looks into Bruce’s baby blue irises, she figures out what’s going on, “It’ll be okay, Brucy.” Jenny moves beside him and sits along the wall with her free hand draped around his shoulder.

“Th… tha…” Struggling to find the words he wants to say, Bruce moves Jenny’s hand over his heart and presses it against his chest.

“Shh, it’ll all be okay.” Jenny leans her head against his. Silently, Bruce brings his nose in close and nuzzles her neck. Thank you, Jen. A soft teardrop falls from the edge of his eyelash as if it were morning dew on a blade of grass. Before long, the lone tear turns into a couple more.

                  “I’m not sure if you noticed, but Timmy is here,” Jenny starts to pull away and stands up, “If it’s not too late, we might be able to catch him before he leaves.”

                  A light seems to have been lit behind Bruce’s eyes as he lets out a light chuckle thinking of his friend. “Well, what are we waiting for then?” Bruce uses Jenny’s hand to get up, “knowing him, we should probably check the bar.”

                  The two hold hands as they begin to look for Timmy. Finally mustering the courage to say what he feels, “Thank you, Jen.” She squeezes his hand ever tighter. As the two walk, Bruce raises her hand. His supple lips meet the back of her hand as he gives her a soft, gentle kiss.

                  As they enter the main floor, they notice a tall, lanky man with glamourous curly blonde hair that droops below his shoulders. Little to their surprise, Timmy is standing next to the bar. As they approach, Bruce shouts out, “Can somebody change the Tune!”

                  The man turns to face them, “Talk about a performance, you truly had my heart stopped during the set.”

                  “Hehe, please. I’m glad to see you here Tim,” Bruce gives Timmy a side hug before turning to the bartender, “Johnny, his tab is on the band.”

                  “I’m not going to turn down free booze but are you sure man?” asks Timmy.

                  “As Coach Chase once said; Hell, Heaven, or whatever it was. It doesn’t really matter now. Tonight’s a celebration, drink until your full– “

                  “Steady now. Sarah would kill me if I let you drink too much and black out again.” Jenny interjects.

                  Timmy’s grin turns sly, and he shoots her a sarcastic look, “Good to see you too, Jenny.”

                  “The pleasure’s all mine,” Jenny and Timmy share a laugh.

                  “Say, is Sarah here with you?” asks Bruce.

                  “Only thing that’d make tonight better is if she was. She couldn’t get work off,” replies Tim.

                  “That’s too bad. The four of us haven’t all hung out together since last summer.” A look of longing sweeps over Bruce. Jenny notices and starts to rub his back. A light mood fills the stadium as three lifelong friends catch up over a few drinks.

                  Timmy puts the finishing touches on the rest of his cocktail, “I’ve still got my keys from when I used to work the fairgrounds. Anybody up for a romantic ride around the Ferris Wheel on this lovely summer night?”

                  “Sounds lovely,” replies Bruce. Jenny’s not the most enthusiastic about the idea but decides to go along with it. They finish their drinks and leave the stadium. The trio walk through the now closed fairgrounds on their way to the ride. Now standing in front of a giant, dark, and metallic mass. Timmy goes up to the console and inserts his key. Turning the key causes the yellow lights strung throughout the giant big wheel to turn on. Revealing the rainbow-colored, dual bench carriages. Paired alongside a white frame, it was truly a breathtaking sight.  

                  “Now we’re talking!” Exclaims Timmy as he shouts out to the clear, starry lit sky, “Come one, come all. Timmy Tune’s Revolving Wheel Extravaganza is now open!”

                  Bruce and Jenny can’t help but laugh at their friend’s remark. “Well, what are we waiting for. Let’s take it for a spin,” Bruce adds. The two of them walk up to the carriage and enter.

                  “Now I do have to ask that you two keep all hands and legs inside the carriage at all times.” Timmy, having a blast with his theatrics, closes the door and starts the wheel. “Have fun!” He shouts as his friends pass by on their way to the top.

                  Neither Bruce nor Jenny talk as their carriage ascends to the top. They both sit there silently. Arms wrapped around one another, holding each other tightly. The carriage comes to a halt when it reaches the top. The sudden stop makes Bruce look over the edge, down at his friend. Timmy is smiling cheek-to-cheek and holds out a giant thumbs up. Bruce shakes his head, “Oh, Timmy…”

                  “Talk about a wingman,” adds Jenny.

                  “He always was a smooth operator.” Bruce says with a grin before leaning in for a kiss. Jenny meets her lips with his. When she does, however, it feels odd, unusual even. “Is everything okay?” He adds.

                  Sarah pulls back before looking up towards the sky. Without a cloud in sight, she can easily make out the vibrant full moon. She inhales deeply allowing the crisp breeze of the night air to waft through her nose. She pauses before looking at Bruce, “I think we should talk about happened after the show earlier. What was up with that?”

                  “Honestly Jen, I don’t know.” Bruce leans forward and gently rubs his hands together.

                  “What do you mean?” Jenny repositions herself to sit facing towards Bruce.

                  “I mean just that. I was having a panic attack, but I haven’t a clue as to why. I mean, I was nervous beforehand, but that was nothing in comparison.”  

                  “Look, Bruce. How long have we been dating?”

                  Bruce sits back up, looks over to his Jenny, and for the first time since they met each other, he’s absolutely lost in her dazzling splendor. Her soft, straight black hair flows graciously in the night’s gusts. A sight that he’ll be sure to never forget. Jenny chose the cyan dress knowing that it complements her green, almost emerald like eyes. It just so happens to also be his favorite dress of hers. He swallows before beginning to speak. “Just about 3 years.”

                  “And before then, how long have we known each other?” she asks.

                  “Um, since the summer of second grade…,” confused, his mind starts to race, “But you already know this, why ask?” What was supposed to be a pleasant moment between a young couple, has started to turn sour with uneasiness.

                  “Do you still visit Dr. Noikers once a month?” She continues to press.

                  “Second Tuesday of every month,” Bruce scooches over to the far side of the bench, “I’m not liking this. What point are you trying to get at?”

                  “We’ve been playing this same game for the last three years,” Jen leans over to grab his hand. She interlocks her fingers with his, “I’m sorry, but I’m starting to think that I need a change of pace.”   

                  “Is this it then?” Bruce remains calm.

                  “I think…,” Jenny unlocks her fingers from his as she reaches for the back of her neck, “No; I know. We’ll reach the end of the ride. You’ll walk me through the grounds, back to my car. You’ll tell me to have a good night and then kiss me goodbye.” Unconsciously, Bruce begins to rapidly lift his heel up and down.

                  “As I drive home, the same question will keep replaying in my mind. I love him, but how much longer can I take this? It’s been three years, Bruce. I’m extremely proud of what you and the old gang have managed to accomplish. But I need a change. I can’t keep doing the same thing over and over…,” The carriage finally starts to move again. Bruce remains silent. no longer looking at Jenny, his eyes fixed on the metallic flooring. “Say something, anything. Please.” Still, Bruce remains quiet. His breathing quickens.

                  “This is what I’m talking about. I love you Bruce, and part of me always will. But until you can get your business upstairs figured out, I just can’t be with you anymore.”

                  Only managing to muster a single word, Bruce begins and finishes, “Okay.”

                  “Okay. Is that all you have to say?” Jenny is in dismay. Her feelings quickly turn to frustration however, “I shouldn’t even be surprised at this point.” The two young adults share a much-needed moment of silence. Bruce’s foot tapping comes to a stop at the same time.

                  “I know I’m a rockstar, and that I can get out there in front of an audience and pour out my feelings through the songs I sing. I struggle in the passing moments, though. I can’t always find the right words to say…,” Bruce, having newfound confidence in himself, continues. “I’m sorry, but I don’t really know how to take this. I’ve never really been able to.”

                  Jenny sighs, “There’s only one way you can.” The once inseparable lovebirds, now sit silently on separate ends of the carriage. As if an iron curtain had been drawn between them. Bruce uncontrollably begins to fidget with the ring on his middle finger. Neither of them speak a word until they reach the bottom. “Goodbye, Bruce.” Jenny exits the carriage and walks off into the night. Bruce sits there, watching as she disappears into the blackness of night.

                  “Yo dude, is everything alright– “

…

                  “Dude is everything alright?” asks David. “You’ve just been standing there for a minute now. Amanda’s keeping the audience’s attention. We need you.” The memory fades as Bruce snaps back to reality.

                  “Don’t worry, I’m back.” Bruce quickly regains himself before addressing everyone, “As I stood here just now, I was reminded of something important to me. Years ago, on this very night, I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to someone that I had loved…” Sensing the change in atmosphere, David and Amanda start to play a soft and somber melody.   “That same person is standing out there tonight, amongst all of you.” Bruce looks directly at Jenny. Wearing that same old cyan dress. She looks just as beautiful as the night she left. “Back then, I couldn’t find the right words to say. So let me say them now.” A deafening silence falls over the stadium.

  “I struggle everyday with anxiety. I always have, and part of me thinks that I always will…,” Bruce’s vision starts to get foggy, “I had loved you from the moment I saw you in the second grade. Admittedly, part of me still does. But if you couldn’t love me for who I am, then simply put, you just weren’t worth my time.” Bruce puts the microphone back in its stand.

 He turns and signals his bandmates to begin playing the opening to their new song. As Bruce turns back around, he sees a small light in the middle of a sea of concertgoers. That small light quickly becomes two. Two becomes eight, then eight becomes sixteen. Growing at an exponential rate, it only takes a couple moments for Bruce to get entranced by the sea of waving flashlights.

“I want everyone out there to listen well. There isn’t a single thing in this world more punk rock than self-love. You matter. Regardless of what people think or say, you all matter…,” A single tear begins to stream down his cheek. “I made you all listen to my boring speech. Let us make it up to you by debuting our brand-new song. This song was written for everyone out there, but because of that special one. Here’s Love Punk!” The band starts to play their hearts out. During the chorus Bruce let’s go of his inhibitions and rivers of vindication flow from his eyes. Not a single ounce of shame left, he puts his all into their performance. As the song ends, he musters one last line to his audience before exiting the stage. “Goodbye, Jenny.”

THE END