Chapter 10

Chapter 10 (Andy’s POV)

My mom seemed to hold onto me for what felt like 30 minutes but it had only been about 30 seconds. I felt her tears seep through my clothes. I had no idea why she was crying but she just wouldn’t stop. “Mom, I think we should get off the steps and head back to grandmother’s house.” I told her. All she could do was shake her head. I helped her up the stairs and we got on the subway to grandmother’s house. While on the subway, I just stared at mom. In seven years, she looked like she had aged about 20 years. The drugs were taking a toll on her. I was glad she wanted to go into rehab.
About 30 minutes later, we finally make it to grandmother’s house. She had some food ready for mom and me even though it was 11 at night. I helped my mom unpack some and while doing so, I checked all her stuff to make sure she didn’t bring any drugs with her. I didn’t find anything. She left for rehab in 2 days and I’d rather her go in sober then high. After all the unpacking, I attempted to head to bed.
“Where are you going?” My mom called after me. “We’ve barely had any time to talk. We need to catch up.” Great, after 7 years NOW my mom wants to be a mother.
“Mom, I really do not want to talk right now. I have to get to bed since I have rehearsal tomorrow.” I didn’t want this conversation right now, can’t it wait until tomorrow.
“Just a few questions, hun. I haven’t had a real conversation with you in over 7 years.” I breathed deeply but just shook my head showing her that I would answer the questions she had. “Well, How’s high school? How did you meet the guys in the band? Have you had any performances? Are you dating anyone? What’s her name? Are you being safe with her? Remember darling, no glove no love!” I didn’t think she could get so many questions out in just one breath. I decided to ignore the girl questions and just answer about the band.
“Uh, high school is nice. I’m glad grandmother could send me to St. Claude’s. Do you remember Alex from when I was younger? Well him, two guys we met freshmen year, and I decided we wanted to start a band. We had our first gig yesterday and it went really well. Some producers were there. We hope to hear back tomorrow or the next day.” I replied. I hope she would forget the whole girl thing.
“Well, isn’t that sweet. Now the girl. You didn’t answer those questions. What’s her name? I can tell you care about her, but remember to be safe. It only takes one time.” Boy didn’t I know that. One mistake and now I’m losing the girl who has changed my life in just one week.
“Mom, do we have to talk about this now?” I just looked at her pleading her to not make me answer the questions.
“No, we can discuss it tomorrow. But remember, mistakes may happen but always follow your heart.” I said thank you and walked out the door. How did she know that I was dating someone and what was up with the no glove no love thing? Did she know that I had made a mistake with Jessica? How did she know about Erica? What did she mean follow my heart? I fell asleep with all these questions on my mind. I knew it was going to be a rough night sleeping.

I woke up the next morning at 9:30. I needed to be at Jason’s house at 10. Crap! I am always late. I jumped out of bed, took the fastest shower known to man and rush to the subway. I get to Jason’s at 9:58. 2 minutes to spare.
“Where the hell have you been?” I hear Jason screaming at me from behind.
“I’m sorry. I had something last night and I didn’t get to bed until late.” I still hadn’t told them my mom situation, that could wait until after practicing.
“Yeah ‘something’ to do!” Alex replied taking his fingers and making air quotes while he said something. I was about to tackle him when Mike stepped in.
“Alright, whatever. Let’s get to rehearsal. We might be hearing from a record producer today!” We all mumbled in agreement and got to rehearsing. We had been going at it for about 2 hours when the phone rang. We all stopped and stared at each other. Michael looked at the phone and noticed it was a number he didn’t recognize. My heart was racing as fast as possible. This phone call could change our career.
“Hello.” Mike answered hesitantly. His voice cracked while he said it. We couldn’t hear what the man was saying on the other end of the phone call. All we could hear was Mike’s yes sirs, mhmm, and his nodding. “We can definitely do that sir. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”
Alex, Jason, and I just stood there standing at us while Mike got off the phone with the producer. We figured it was good news but what type of good news. Were we signed or did we have more stuff that we needed to do for that to happen?
“Well, that was Mr. Jonas from Jonas Records. He was there last night and said that he really liked our sound. He wants us to record ‘See U in the Dark’ and send it to him. He is going to give it to the people higher up, but he said it looks good.” We didn’t know what to say. All of a sudden we were hugging each other and giving each other high fives. Alex, Mike, and Jason called their parents and families. I was about to call Erica but I couldn’t yet. I needed to see her and tell her in person. We decided to end practice there since it was such a good day, but I needed to tell them about mom.
“Guys, I hate to damper this mood, but there is something I need to tell you.”
“Don’t tell me you got someone else pregnant.” Alex said sarcastically. I glared at him.
“Ha ha, very funny but no. It’s about my mom.”
“Your mom? But you said you haven’t seen her in about 7 years.” Mike stated.
“I haven’t but she came back into my life a few days ago.” I proceeded to tell them about the whole situation with my mom and how she returned and was going into rehab.
“Well, your life has been fun lately Andrew?” Jason replied with a little attitude.
“Is that what fun is these days? I wouldn’t know,” was all I could say. The guys seemed to understand and they weren’t mad at me in any way for keeping it from them. They understood now why I was late for practice. After the conversation we went and got some pizza and then headed our separate ways. I went right to Erica’s house. I needed to see her and I wanted to talk to her more than anything.
As I walked up to Erica’s house I became nervous. I hadn’t seen her since Friday night and our last conversation was very um.. dramatic to say the least. After about 2 minutes, she finally answered the door. Her eyes were bloodshot and red all around them. It looked like she hadn’t stopped crying for the past 2 days. Before I said anything, I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into the tightest hug I could ever think of. I felt her tears fall on me but could tell she was happy I was there. I was her support. I was the first guy she had opened up to.
“I’m here now baby, for you and only you.” I whispered into her ear.
“What about Jessica?” She mumbled into my shirt.
“You’re the one I want. I will support the baby but you are the one I choose. I will not leave you.”
“Andrew, you are the best thing that could have happened to me.”
“I’ve heard that a lot.” I said sarcastically while I added a wink. Erica looked at me with an evil stare and smacked me at the back of the head. “What did you do that for?” I said rubbing the back of my head.
“For being a smartass, that’s what.” Erica said. She then pulled away from my hug and started running from me. She already knew me well enough to know that I was going to get her for that comment. She ran away laughing and I finally caught up to her. I tickled her like crazy. Our tickle fight turned into some kisses. Just like Friday night, the kiss shot fireworks through my veins and woke up the butterflies in my stomach. In a matter a days we have gone through so much which has brought us closer. I never thought it was possible that the new girl could be the one.