“No” I mumbled

“You gotta. It’s 9am and you guys need to start practising” He said

“Fine, I’m up” I murmured and rolled over on to my back, drifting back to that stage where your aware of all your surroundings, but still asleep. I felt the covers being pulled off me and my shirt pulled up a little but didn’t take much notice. When the freezing cold water was poured into my belly button I jumped up and threw a punch at whoever was closest. It just happened to be Tré. Him, Billie Joe and Taz were all pissing themselves laughing.

“Fucking cunts” I said and strode past them. I could hear them laughing all the way down to the lounge room. I made myself a coffee and some breakfast and sat at the table.

“BJ said you had a phone call last night” Jenn said

“Yeah, it was just Kev. He wants us to have 10 songs learnt before he comes here” I said

“Whe’s he coming?” she asked

“Thursday, but Billie and Tré said that they’d help us” I said seeing the look of horror sweep across her face

“Maybe we should get a little more serious about this” She said

“maybe you’re right” I agreed.

“I think we should have the lyrics in the liner notes this time around” She said, helping herself to a slice of my toast

“That’d be cool” I said nodding

“And have them hand written” She grinned

“Yeah, that’d be awesome” I grinned back. Tré, Taz and Billie Joe appeared in the kitchen, still laughing and I glared and turned away from them.

“Oh come on, it was funny” Taz said

“I’m sorry baby, I’ll never do anything like that again” Billie Joe said

“Good” I said and had a sip of coffee.

“Cmon Jai, don’t be angry” Tré pouted

“I’m not” I said

“Really?” Billie Joe asked

“Promise” I said. He grinned.

“We should write down the 10 songs we like the most and learn those” I said

“Lost It All” Taz said straight away. That was the first song Billie Joe and I wrote, that week I stayed with him.

“Here” Billie Joe said handing me some paper and a pen. I wrote it down and looked at my 2 friends.

“International Night Life” Jenn grinned. That was one the 3 of us wrote together. Billie Joe and Tré left the room, going outside for something. I watched them through the window for a minute before shrugging at my friends and waiting for more suggestions

“Mike was telling us about a play around song that you guys did in Melbourne when AJ wouldn’t leave you alone” Taz said

“Ohh, Revenge of A Born Again Rocker” I said laughing

“Why don’t you write that? It’d be a kick ass song” Jenn grinned

“Maybe. I think we should do Drama’s Of A Teenage Girl, that song really is fucking amazing” I said. Taz smiled. It was her song that she wrote while we were at the pub one day before all this happened.

“Oh, it always makes me cry” Jenn said

“But it’ll mean something to a lot of girls” I pointed out

“We need some real rock songs though, fast and heavy” Taz said

“I think we should write a song about Green Day” Jenn grinned

“Fuck yeah!” I said, sitting forwards a little

“We can’t use their names. That’d be a bit damn obvious” Taz said

“Who cares? We can do it like Jesus Of Suburbia from American Idiot, have sub songs named after each of them” Jenn said

“Oh I fucking love it” I said, grinning, but at the same time wondering how the fuck we’d be able to pull it off.

“What else are we gonna learn?” Taz asked

“Boot Camp?” Jenn asked. That was a song about the rougher times of touring.

“Ooohhh that ones good” I said

“Have you got your notebook?” Taz asked

“yeah why?” I asked

“We can look through it and find some more that we like” She said

“Don’t you guys wanna use your songs?” I asked

“No, we like yours better, or the ones we wrote together” Jenn said. I looked down, feeling bad.

“Don’t be like that Jai, we’ll use some of our songs on the album too, we just prefer yours” Taz said

“Ok, but I dunno. I’d feel like I was taking most of the spot light” I said to them

“Well, Frack I hate to break it to you, but you already are” Jenn said with a grin

“I don’t wanna make it even more obvious” I said

“Fuck your stubborn” Taz said shaking her head and standing up

“Where are you going?” I asked

“To get your lover to try and explain this to you” She said and went to the door, hollering for Billie Joe and Tré. It took them about 5 minutes but they eventually made it back up to the house.

“You write for Green Day correct?” Taz asked him as the 5 of us sat at the table

“Yes, yes I do” He said, taking my saying

“Therefore you get a lot of the credit for the band etc. Basically you’re in the media and all that more often than Tré or Mike” Taz said

“Yeah…” he said, unsure of where this was going

“I beg to differ” Tré said

“On the contrary?” Jenn and I asked at the same time. He grinned at us.

“Why?” Taz asked

“I have a shirt, it says ‘Who The Fuck Is Tré Cool’ he doesn’t have a shirt about him” Tré said proudly

“No, he has a whole clothing line” I said. Tré cracked up laughing and Billie Joe just kinda smiled at me.

“Ok that’s the truth” Tré said, still laughing.

“Do you really care that much that BJ writes and is the frontman, sings everything, bl,ah blah blah?” Taz asked Tré

“No, but at the same time, I do. Sometimes in interviews and shit it’s like all I can say is ‘I can count to 4 and repeat, I’m a drummer’, but than I look at what BJ’s done for us all and I’m so glad we pushed him to be what he is in our band now” He said

“You  forced him into it?” I asked

“it was more like a persuasive nudge” Billie Joe grinned

“Why did you wanna know?” Tré asked, laughing

“They want me to do it and I don’t want to because I’ll be taking that little bit of extra fame away from them” I said

“That’s a down side to it but do you wanna know one of the upsides?” Billie Joe asked

“Spose” I shrugged

“You get invited to more parties” He said seriously. I laughed.

“No, just kidding. It’s like this, you are ultimately the one who stands at the front, who sings most if not all of the songs, you seem to take charge more often than Taz or Jenn do. Why not be the front woman for the group?” Billie Joe asked

“But why? When everything could be equal. You can’t honestly tell me that you don’t get paid more than Tré or Mike” I said

“You’re right I can’t tell you honestly, I do get paid more, but let’s not forget that I have that tiny bit more responsibility than them” he said

“This is a group thing and I’m not going to accept more than them on anything” I said

“Jai, we’re telling you that we WANT you to do this” Jenn said

“But it’s not fair!” I exclaimed

“Neither’s a black fella’s bum, but he still managers to live with it” Taz said

“Fine, whatever” I said shrugging and standing up, going outside for a smoke. I sat down at the table and sparked up, thinking it over in my head. So what if I was the front woman? I’ve been doing it since we first got together, I just didn’t want to think about it. I glanced in side and saw Jenn and Taz bent over the piece of paper while Tré and Billie Joe were doing something in the kitchen. I finished off my smoke and went back inside.

Chapter 12

I sat back at the table with my friends who grinned at me.

“We put down Police Unit 69, is that ok with you?” Jenn asked

“Yeah, I like that one” I answered, (I’m pissed as a nit for the time being. 12/1/06) getting up momentarily to get a beer for the 3 of us even though it wasn’t quite 10am yet. I cracked mine open and downed at least half in 3 big, and I mean big, gulps. We finished off our list and I went and got dressed, in some of Billie Joe’s clothes of course, and we all retreated to the garage where Tré and Billie Joe sat on the lounge, watching us expectantly as we fiddled with our instruments. We all had sheet music in front of us and we read quickly through it, just to get our bearings before we started playing. The first time we played Lost It All we really sucked, but we played it again and again, both Tré and Billie Joe giving us pointers to remember it as a whole instead of parts. Mike showed up at about 11 and showed Jenn the easiest way to play some chords and riffs that were in the songs. By the end of the day we had Lost It All and Police Unit 69 pretty much down pat. Jenn had decided to take Drake to a hotel for the night and Billie Joe and I were left alone.(is very tired at this stage, *continues writing*)

“The first time we’ve been alone in a couple of days, what do you wanna do?” Billie Joe asked as we sat at the table outside so I could have a smoke.

“Let’s talk” I said as I put my smoke out

“About what?” He asked. I shrugged and took his hand. He followed me inside and we sat on the lounge, his arm was resting behind me and I had my hand on his thigh.

“I have something we could talk about” He said after a minute or two of silence

“Mmm, and what’s that?” I asked

“Let’s talk about you” he said

“Why me?” I replied

“because I want to know everything I can about you” He answered with a grin

“Such as?” I asked

“Why did you come to my humble country?” he asked

“To get away from an abusive relationship” I said, amazed at myself for actually telling him straight out

“How did you meet Jennisen?” He asked, rubbing my arm slowly

“Well we actually met on a Backstreet Boys website. That was when I first knew I was pregnant, we started talking through instant messages on the forum and eventually MSN and Yahoo Messenger” I said

“how old were you?” He asked. He seemed really interested and again I was amazed at his tender side.

“I was about 17” I answered. He nodded and was quiet for a while

“You and Jenn are like real best friends huh” He said

“Yep, Jenn and I are so much a like but at the same time, so different. Sometimes it’s scary” I answered

“Why?” He asked

“I remember this one time before I moved to Yankee Land we hadn’t spoken for a couple of days and I sent her a message on Yahoo and 2 seconds later I got a back dated message from her saying basically the exact same thing. But as much as we have the same kind of thoughts and shit we agree on different things. It’s basically the same as Taz and I. She’;s my best friend too, but she doesn’t believe in best friends so I’m only a close friend to her. When she first moved here as well we were together for not even 2 hours and we were already finishing each others sentences” I said and realised I was rambling quite a bit. I shut up instantly.

“Am I a best friend too?” He asked innocently

“Of course. Sometimes you’re better to talk to than Taz or Jenn. You have a different point of view to them, considering your male” I said (yup, still pissed, incase u couldn’t tell). He nodded.

“I’m glad I met you Jaime” He said quietly

“I’m glad I met you too Billie” I answered, just as quietly.

“I wonder what we’d be doing right now, had I not given you those passes” He said

“I’d probably be sucking some fucker’s dick in hopes of getting some affection” I said, shaking my head

“I’d probably still be with Adrianne, not divorced” He said

“Where did you put your wedding ring?” I asked

“It’s in my safe. I figured I should keep it because it was such a big part of my life. Something to show our grandkids” he grinned. I turned away from him

“jai, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that” he said

“I know” I said and half smiled at him. He kissed my temple and stood up.

“Want a beer?” he asked

“Yeah” I answered. He nodded and went into the kitchen, emerging a second later with 2 beers and a packet of chips. I grinned. He sat back down beside me and opened my beer before handing it to me. He opened his own and than opened the packet of chips.

“I’m such an alcoholic” I said as I took a swig

“Fuck it, you’re a rock star” He said

“Fuck yeah” I said. We drank our beer’s and ate the chips in silence, the only sound being the crunch of chips in our mouths.

“Jaime” he said after a while

“yeah?” I answered

“I really think Green Day and Dysfunct should do a song together” He said

“No” I said

“Ok” he answered

“I don’t wanna ride on everyone else’s fame” I said

“Fair enough. You will do a concert with us though yeah?” He asked

“No” I said again

“Hmm. Ok” He said

“Sorry” I said

“No, I understand where you’re coming from” he said, smiling at me.

“Oh, that reminds me. Kev wants you to be a writer for us” I said

“I won’t write for you, I’ll write with you” He said

“That’s exactly what I said” I grinned

“I’d be honoured to write with a group as talented as you 3” he said. I grinned even more.

“You got a favourite song of ours?” He asked

“Well to be honest, I wasn’t really into you guys all that much, but my all tiem favourite green Day song would have to be Hitchin’ A Ride” I said

“You weren’t into us?” He asked

“Not all that much. I mean, fuck I was like 5 when you guys released your first single. My sister was more into you guys than me” I said

“I’d like to meet her” he said

“One day. You can be my date for her wedding” I said

“ok” he grinned

“You got a favourite song of ours?” I asked

“To be honest Jai, I really, really, really like your version of Forever Rebel” he said

“You’ve heard the original?” I asked

“Yeah, I’ve listened to a lot of the music you 3 were associated with before” He said

“Cool” I nodded

“My all time favourite would have to be Free Beer though” he grinned. I grinned back and had another handful of chips as well as another swig of beer.

“Are you excited to be going back into the studio?” he asked

“not so much because we were kind of forced into it. I’ll enjoy it so much more this time around though, me finks” I said

“You didn’t like it the first time?” He asked, curious

“I did, kinda, but I wasn’t as sure of myself as I am now though. You guys have iven me so much confidence. Man, that one time I played infront of 55,000 people was a real ground breaker for me” I said

“how did you feel?” he asked

“To tell you the truth, I can’t remember. It’s like when I was playing hockey as a goalkeeper. I couldn’t remember any of my good games” I said

“You were a hockey goalkeeper?” he asked, chuckling

“Don’t be so surprised” I said

“I’d like to see that” he said, chuckling again

“Not the kind of keeper you’re thinking of. I was a grass hockey keeper” I said

“Well still. I’d like to see you like that” he said

“Come to Australia with me one day and I will show you” I shrugged, finishing off my beer and getting up to grab us both another.

“Deal” he said

“We’ll probably go there after we finish recording the album and release it as part of our tour. You should come too” I said

“I can’t. Green Day shit” he said, frowning

“Aww, well maybe you could come and visit me” I said

“I’ll visit you every chance I can get” he said. I smiled and handed him his beer, dropping onto the lounge beside him again.

“Cheers” I said holding my now open beer bottle up to him. He nodded and tapped his bottle against mine and we both took a swig. We drank our beers in a comfortable silence, just content with sitting with each other. I put my beer bottle, which was now empty, on the ground beside my feet and turned to face him. He cocked his head to the side and looked at me, grinning.

“Let’s practice” I said

“For what?” He asked, still grinning

“What do you think?” I answered, rolling my eyes

“Oh, you wanna practice that” He said, stupidly. I cracked up laughing and shoved him. He laughed and put his arm around my shoulders, pulling me towards him. He kissed my forehead and grinned at me again.

“We can do that” he said. I smiled at him and followed him down the hall. Indeed we practiced, for at least 5 hours. By the end I was quite used to all kinds of things, but we decided not to rush into the threesome and instead practice some more. As we lay, naked and sprawled out, on his bed we talked about our music and what we hoped to achieve. After a while we both drifted to sleep. I woke up at dawn and lay in Billie Joe’s arms for a while, trying to go back to sleep after only 3 hours sleep. I couldn’t so I carefully removed myself from his grasp and stood up.

“Where you goin?” He murmured

“I can’t sleep” I answered, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

“I’ll get up too than” He said sleepily, he still hadn’t opened his eyes.

“No, you sleep. I’ll be ok” I said

“Ok” he said and was quiet. I grinned and walked to the bathroom, turning on the shower. I was a little sore this morning, but it wasn’t too bad. I washed myself off and stood under the hot water for about 10 minutes before getting out and drying off. I got dressed in a pair of jeans and a tshirt. It was starting to warm up now that it was getting closer to my birthday. I went into the kitchen and made myself a coffee before searching the cupboards and fridge for something to eat. I decided we needed to go grocery shopping, but first I was going to  get breakfast from somewhere. I finished my coffee and grabbed Billie Joe’s car keys. I hoped he didn’t mind me using his car. I drove around, not to far from his place so I didn’t get lost, looking for somewhere to get some breakfast food. I finally spotted a café that was open and parked the car. I went in and looked at the take away menu and than checked the funds in my wallet.

“Can I help you?” Asked a young lookin guy with a tongue ring and what appeared to be a cool hair cut done in a geeky way, no doubt for work.

“Yeah I’ll have 2 bagels, 2 croissants, 2 bacon and egg rolls and that’s about it” I said with a grin. Recognition flickered across his face, but he recovered quick enough to write down my order and hand it to the kitchen staff. I stepped to the side incase there were people behind me, but there was apparently no one cos the guy kept looking at me. I grinned again and winked.

“You’re Jaime Cobain right?” He asked me

“Sure am” I said

“You’re the best guitarist I’ve ever heard, I saw you guys live in LA when you toured. You were fucking fantastic” He said in a hushed voice

“Thank you” I said

“Oh my god I can’t believe you’re in my work. Shit I can’t believe your in my town” He said

“The 3 of us are here with some friends, practicing some songs for our new album” I said

“I was worried you weren’t gonna release a new one” he said

“No, we are. But last year we just needed to get our prorities straight. Jennisen had her baby, you know that. I had a few problems with my ex and Taz, well, she also had ‘ex’ troubles” I said

“With those Backstreet Boys right?” He asked

“Yeah” I said

“I only heard you guys because my sister went to a Backstreet Boys concert when you opened for them. She bought you’re cd and than I got into you as well” he said. The bell on the door jingled, signalling someone had entered. I smiled at him as he hurried back to the counter. I looked at the clock above the counter and saw that it was now 7am. After the guy had finished serving the customers he came back to me.

“I think I can guess what friends you’re staying with” He said

“Oh?” I asked

“Yeah, Billie Joe Armstrong” He said

“Nope” I lied and grinned, hoping I looked convincing.

“But I thought you and him were together” He said, puzzled

“You thought wrong than didntcha” I teased. He shook his head in amazement.

“Can I have your autograph?” He asked

“Sure” I smiled accepting the piece of paper and pen he handed me. I quickly signed my name on the paper and he shoved it in his pocket and passed me 2 plastic shopping bags.

“Bye” I said

“Bye Jaime” He said. I left the café and got in Billie Joe’s car, drving back the way I’d come. I pulled into the drive way and went inside. I’d just put the bags down when Billie Joe came out, wearing a towel around his waist. His hair was wet, but sticking up everywhere.

“Morning” I said

“Morning” He answered and started poking through the bags

“There’s 2 of everything” I said, sitting down and pulling the containers out. He sat opposite me and we both started eating.

“How do you feel this morning?” He asked me

“Good” I said, not looking at him

“Sore?” He asked

“A little” I said, blushing.

“Jai, don’t be embarrassed, it’s normal” he said grinning. I laughed and took a bite of my bacon and egg roll.

“What time are they coming over?” He asked

“About 9 or something. I dunno” I shrugged. He nodded. We ate in silence and than he cleaned up. I followed him back down to the bedroom and watched him get dressed, both of us talking about nothing in particular. We’d just opened the garage door when Jenn arrived home, carrying Drake with Mike in tow. I raised my eyebrow at her and she smiled. It wasn’t a ‘good morning’ smile it was more like an ‘I got laid last night’ smile. I quickly followed her inside and followed her down to the room.

“If you don’t start talking soon, I’m gonna do something really mean” I said, as she laid Drake on the bed and started changing him.

“I have nothing to say” She said, but I could hear in her voice that she was lying.

“Jennisen…” I trailed off

“Jaime” She replied

“Look me in the eye and tell me you have nothing to say” I said. She turned around to face me, but instead of talking she just grinned, laughed and turned away again.

“You fucked him didn’t you” I said bluntly

“Shh” She hissed, slapping my arm gently

“Well?” I asked

“Yes” She said

“What about Jason?” I asked carefully

“He knows” She said

“You told him?” I asked, surprised

“No. We talked about our relationship and both of us had gotten bored. We love each other, that’s for sure, but it’s an open relationship” She said shrugging and pulling a cute little shirt over Drake’s head

“So you took it upon yourself to root Mike” I said, quietly

“It was mutual, if that’s what you mean” She said

“No, but that’s good” I said

“I didn’t go to a hotel last night” She said

“Figured as much” I grinned and nudged her. She laughed. She finished changing Drake and the two of us went back out to the garage where Taz, Tré, Mike and Billie Joe were talking.

“Let’s get this show on the road” I said

“Let’s kick ass” Taz shouted. We all looked at Jenn expectantly

“Let’s uhh, rock” She said and did the rock symbol. I laughed and watched as she handed Drake over to Mike who held him against his chest. I shook my head and picked up my guitar. We did a run through of Lost It All and Police Unit 69 before we looked at the next song on our list which was Drama’s Of A Teen Girl. Much like the day before the 3 guys gave us pointers and helped us out as much as possible. I couldn’t get this little part of the riff right so Billie Joe showed me the easiest way to do it to the extent of him standing behind me and placing his fingers on top of mine on the frets and helping me get the positioning right. A light flashed in front of us and the both of us looked up to see Tré holding a camera and grinning.

“Gotcha” He said

“Ooohhh BJ and Jaime’s first unofficial picture” Jenn teased

“I don’t mind having my photo taken with this hott rocker” I grinned, so this time when Tré lifted the camera to his eye, Billie Joe draped his arm around my shoulder and smiled, I put my hand up on his cheek and leaned closer to him, also smiling.

“Hey, that’s a really nice picture” Tré said

“Show us” Billie Joe said. Tré came over and showed us the picture. It was nice and I considered using it on the website I had planned for Dysfunct. I doubted Billie Joe would let me, so I stayed quiet. He showed me one more time how to play the riff and than I played it back to him. He grinned proudly and clapped before going back to his seat on the lounge. We played the song through a few more times and moved on. By the end of the day we had nearly all the songs learnt pretty much by heart and Tré had taken shit loads of pictures. When we went inside to order pizza I checked my mobile and saw I had 10 missed calls, 9 from Kev, 1 from AJ. I called Kev back and listened to him rant and rave before he told me what gate to pick him up from at the airport the next day. I went outside for a smoke to ring AJ. I dialled his number and sparked up, listening to the ringing of the phone.

“Hello” He said sleepily.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” I asked

“Yeah, but it’s ok” He said

“What’d you call for?” I asked straight out

“I just wanted to know how you were and how everything was going in Rodeo with Billie Joe and the girls and stuff” He said

“It’s going real good, we’ve done a lot over the last couple of days. Billie Joe, Mike and Tré have been fantastic” I said

“That’s good. I’m glad things are going well for you” he said

“What about with you?” I asked, looking up as Tré came out and sat on the chair next to me

“Things are good, When you guys have finished in the studio Backstreet is gonna do some writing and hopefully be in the studio by this time next year” he said

“That’s really good AJ” I said. Tré’s head snapped around and I shook my head.

“You sound happy, are you really?” AJ asked after a minute or so

“Happiest in a long time” I said

“Does he treat you right?” He asked

“Yeah, he does, though we’re not together” I said

“I heard you were” He said

“You of all people should know not to believe everything you hear” I said

“True. I also heard you got arrested for indecent exposure” He said, laughing. I couldn’t help but laugh too.

“News travels fast. Yeah, I did. It was just a spontaneous thing” I said

“It’s nice to hear from you Jai. I’m sorry about all the hurt I’ve caused you. I just want you to know that. I’ll let you go now” he said

“Ok, Bye AJ” I said

“Bye” he said and I hung up and took a drag of my smoke, looking at Tré.

“He gonna bash BJ up again?” He asked

“Nope” I said

“Good” He replied

“Whatcha doin?” I asked

“I was bored inside, so I came out here to be bored” He said

“Fair enough” I said and put out my smoke.

“BJ and I were talking” he said

“No, you weren’t. I can’t believe it” I said feigning shock. He chuckled

“Well we were. He said you were nearly ready” he said

“Yeah, but tell ya what, it’s real painful the first 5 times” I said. He cracked up laughing and nodded.

“I know” He said

“let’s go inside before they think we’re havin our own little party out here” I said. He stood up and offered me his arm. I took it and we walked inside. Everyone was sprawled out on the lounge room floor or various chairs. Billie Joe was half sitting, half lying down on the lounge so I went and made myself comfortable beside him. There was a knock on the door but no one moved.

“Pizza seems to be here” Taz said from her position on the bean bag

“Money pool” Mike said pulling a fiver from his wallet. We all did the same and he took the money to the door. He came back a minute later and placed the 6 pizza’s on the table in a stack

“Dinner’s ready” He said. We all somewhat reluctantly moved to get our separate Pizza’s and started eating.

“Hey Jai” Taz said

“Hey what” I answered

“Do you remember-“ She started

“Uh oh” I said. She laughed

“Do you remember that time at school when you were pissed?” She asked

“Which particular ‘that time’ are we talking about?” I asked, much to the amusement of Mike, Billie Joe and Tré.

“When you had to get Jane to help you up the stairs in Castlereigh?” She asked. I cracked up laughing.

“Vaguely” I said.

“You were pissed at school?” Tré asked

“Many times, Tré, Many times” I said. He laughed.

“I would have LOVED to see that” He said

“It was funny, Jane, our friend had to help her, cos she was so pissed” Taz said laughing

“What about that time you farted and cleared out our little area” I said. Both of us cracked up

“You were the only one to stay beside me” She said

“only because I was paralysed by the stench” I said, which made us laugh even harder. Billie Joe was now laughing. Jenn was shaking her head and Mike and Tré were trying not to laugh but failing miserably.

“Geez we hated each other back than” I said

“I know!” She said

“You didn’t like each other?” Mike asked

“No, Taz absolutely despised me. I don’t know why. I was so cool” I said

“you were not cool in school Jai” Taz said laughing

“No, I was a bit of a geek and really fat too huh” I said

“Kinda, yeah, but so was I, fat that is” she said

“you were a geek too, don’t try and deny it, I’ve got Photo’s” Jenn said

“yeah it’s true, I was a geek too” Taz said. This time they didn’t laugh.

“I have a question” Mike said

“For whom?” Jenn asked

“All 3 of you” he said

“Hit us with your best shot baby” I said

“How did you get the gig as the Backdoor Boys support band?” He asked

“We auditioned” Taz said. They gaped at us.

“It’s not any interesting like we were playing at a club and they saw us and wanted us. Our manager at that time told us about it and put our name’s down to audition. We had to go back 3 times before they made the decision” Jenn explained

“Are you glad you did it?” Asked Tré as he ate another slice of pizza

“If we hadn’t, we wouldn’t have had the year off and I wouldn’t have gone to the Green Day concert in Sydney” I said

“That’s not an answer” Mike piped up The 3 of us looked at each other and I knew they wanted me to speak.

“Yeah we’re glad, we got exposure, even if it was to a bunch of teenyboppers and therefore we made the album, did the film clips and all that” I said

“We loved every second of it” Jenn said

“yeah, right up until Jenn ahd Drake than we just needed a break, but you already know about that shit” Taz said. Mike nodded. I munched my way through another piece of pizza and we all sat in silence.

Chapter 13

Dysfunct was back in LA now, in a rented hall for more practising. Kev was impressed that we’d learnt 10 songs in 2 days, but he insisted we go back to LA to get in ‘studio mode’. Tré, Billie Joe and I still hadn’t had our threesome but both promised to come and visit soon. I asked Billie Joe to come back with me but didn’t argue or get upset when he said no. I arrived at the studio 10 minutes early but the producer, Jack, was already there. We sat in the food room and talked things over. I adjusted the cap, which was backwards, on my head and helped myself to a stem of grapes.

“Jai, this was out in reception for you” Jenn said as she came in. She handed me a thick envelope and I looked at it for a while before Jack told me to hurry up and open it. I rippd the envelope by accident and photo’s spilled all over the floor.

“Shit, they’re the ones Tré was taking that day in the garage” I said as I gathered them up. Jenn and Jack came and sat beside me so we could all look through them.

“Oh that photo is fucking classic” Jenn said pointing to the one I had in my hand. It was of Billie Joe and I just after breaking a kiss to flip Tré off for speaking to us. We looked evil and drunk. I laughed and nodded.

“True that” I said. I found the one he took of us when Billie Joe was showing me the riff.

“Aww that is such a cute picture: Jack said. I grinned, and nodded.

“I like that one and the one Tré took of us when we posed” I said and found it so I could show them. There was a heap of self portaits of all of us and a group one that Mike had set up. We were all laughing because He’d tripped over while he was running back over to us. There was also one of Jenn, Taz and I. I was in the middle and I was doing rabbit ears on the both of them, they were both doing rabbit ears on me and all 3 of us were pissing ourselves laughing. I couldn’t remember why. Another picture was of me mooning everyone on my way to the toilet. Jack cracked up. There were also tonnes of photo’s of me and the girls playing our instruments. When we’d gone through the stack I checked the envelope and found a hand written note in 3 different types of hand writing.

Jai, Jenn & Taz,

            Hey it’s Tré! I remembered you telling me about a website you wanted to do for Dysfunct, Jai. So I talked the others into letting you put our photo’s up on your site. We have permission from our manager as well so you won’t have any lawsuits.

            Good luck in the studio and remember to have FUN! Be Forever Rebel ladies!

Love Tré

To the most beautiful rocker’s in the world,

            When you have this website up and running you have to give us the address so we can check it out. Perhaps we’ll even get our webmasters to link your site to ours, if you wanted.

            I marked the back of the photo’s I like best in case you only wanted to put a select few on the site. It’s up to you.

Mike

Taz, Jenn and Jaime,

            Good luck with the site, the recording and the manager issues.

            As Tré said, we cleared it with our manager so they’re all yours to use. Use them wisely my friends as this is how your band will be portrayed. Might I suggest the group photo of us all and the many self portraits.

            Love you all heaps!

            Billie Joe

“Aww they’re letting us use the photo’s on a website” Jenn said

“How awesome” I said grabbing my phone out and dialling Billie Joe’s home number first. When no one answered I rang his mobile phone. He answered on the 5^th ring.

“Hey” He said. He sounded breathless

“Hey, I just got the photo’s” I said

“Cool, whatcha doin?” He asked

“I’m waiting at the studio with Jenn and Jack, our producer, Taz is late as per” I said

“Ahh, that could have something to do with Tré” He answered, he still sounded breathless

“What are you doing?” I asked

“I was running” He said

“Why?” I asked

“I felt like it” He said simply

“Oh, ok. Well thanks for the note and all that. And for letting us use the photo’s on a website” I said

“You’re quite welcome my dear” He said

“I’ll let you go, so you can finish running” I said

“You have fun in the studio” he said

“Of course, cya Billie” I said

“bye Baby” he said and I hung up, grinning. Taz came in and I stared at her. She didn’t have her hair crazy and she wasn’t wearing anything particularly outrageous. It was a shock to see her this way.

“Hey” I said cautiously

“Morning” She said. She didn’t sound as chipper as she usually was. Something was wrong, though I didn’t push. She helped herself to some food and sat in a chair, looking down at her food. Jenn looked at me as if to say ‘what the fuck?’ I just shrugged.

“Are we ready to start?” Kev asked as he charged through the door

“Sure why not” Taz said and stood. We followed her into the booth and got ready to start. The day was fairly uneventful. We did 5 songs, talked about them and than got ready to leave. Taz left almost immediately where as Jenn and I stood out the front and talked for a while with Kev and Jack who said that he wasn’t feeling Taz’s drums the way he apparently should. I said I’d talk to her tomorrow. We all went our separate ways after that. It was about 9 when I got home. I had a quick bite to eat and went to bed straight away, almost completely wiped out from the day’s recording. The next day I got up on time and had breakfast and a shower and left. I arrived at the studio on time today and went straight in, smiling at the receptionist. Once again I was the first of us to arrive, Jenn was second and when Taz walked casually through the door at 9:45am with her hair in a sideways Mohawk and her jeans rolled up as far as they would go and 2 different pairs of socks, I knew that whatever was wrong with her yesterday, was not wrong with her today.

“She’s back!” I exclaimed pulling her into a hug

“Fuck yeah!” She said back

“Welcome back Taz” Jenn grinned. Taz grinned back, but Kev just stared us down. We did another 5 songs and talked about them too. We decided to mix the 10 we already had the next day. We ended up ordering Chinese to the studio because we were there so late.

“Taz, what happened yesterday?” I asked her as we all left the studio

“Just guy trouble. It’s all good now. Nick and I are gonna have another go at things” She said. The previous week had seen the mutual break up of Taz and Tré.

“I’m glad it’s ok than” I said. She smiled and headed over to the waiting taxi. It was 11 before I got home this time. I had 3 messages from Billie Joe on my answering machine and 1 from AJ. I decided it was probably a little late to call either of them back and had a sandwich before going to bed. The next day I decided at the last minute to take my camera to the studio, to get some more pictures for the website that I planned to get started on once we were a little more settled in the studio. I arrived a little late but before Kev who didn’t show up until 10. Before that Jack, Taz, Jenn and I were listening to some of the raw material to discussing some of the points we needed to redo or fix. After a while Jack hijacked my camera and was taking photo’s of us whil we did some mixing. Kev had our photo shoot pictures and asked us to go through and pic some of the ones we liked best. Kev didn’t even seem to mind when we were mucking around. A month into the recording and nearly all of us were wiped out and I was missing Billie Joe like crazy. We hadn’t spoken in a while because we’d been finishing at the studio late and working all day with out hardly any breaks. Last night we’d finished at 1am and so when my alarm went off at 8 I could barely drag my ass out of bed. I arrived at the studio on time and went straight for the coffee pot.

“I hear ya girl” Taz said picking up the tea pot instead. I grunted a response and settled on the lounge to wait for Jenn to arrive.

“Morning chicka’s” She said cheerily, coming through the door. She had a massive smile on her face, but I was too tired to question her about it.

“I have a little pick me up” She said

“Does it come in the form of strong coffee?” I asked

“Or speed” Taz added

“Just a new little thing on the market by the names of Billie Joe Armstrong, Nick Carter, Tré Cool and Mike Dirnt” She said. I was up and out of my seat before she’d even finished saying Billie Joe’s name. He came in through the door and I flung myself at him. I was no longer asleep. Taz greeted Nick with a kiss and than gave Tré and Mike a hug.

“Billie Joe, man it’s so fucking awesome to see you” I said, a grin spreading across my face

“It’s good to see you too Jai. I was starting to get a little worried about you until Jenn and Kev rang and said you guys were down. I rallied the troops together and here we are” He said. I grinned and hugged him again before hugging the others.

“Ahh, just the man I wanted to see” Kev said pulling aside Billie Joe. I shrugged and hugged Tré again.

“What the fuck is up man?” I said, I was on an extreme high at the moment and no one or nothing could bring me down.

“Nothin, just flew my ass here to see you. How’s the recording going?” He asked

“It’s good, man, I’m so glad you guys are here. You can hear some of our stuff and shit like that. Where are you staying?” I asked

“BJ said your bed was big” he shrugged and grinned. I grinned back and nodded.

“Sure, you’re welcome at my place. What about Mike though?” I asked

“BJ also said you ahd a comfortable couch” he said

“Ohh, yeah for sure, Mike, you staying with me too?” I asked, leading the 2 of them over to the lounge where they sat on either side of me. I picked up my coffee and took a sip.

“Depends” he said

“on…?” I trailed off

“Jenn” he said

“Ahh, I see” I said. I looked over at Billie Joe in time to see Kev offer his hand. They shook and nodded about something. I shrugged to myself and looked at Tré and than Mike.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Mike asked

“I was last week, but this week I’m fucked, I really am. I wasn’t even this tired and sore when we were touring” I said

“Have you had a break since you started?” Tré asked

“No, Kev wants us to get this finished asap. We’ll be here for another 6 months at least” I said

“We’ll speak to him” Mike said giving my hand a squeeze

“I wouldn’t bother. He’s dead set on getting this finished” I said

“We’ll force him to give you guys a break” Tré assured me. I smiled at them.

“Jaime, can I speak with you?” Kev asked

“Yeah” I said, forcing myself to stand up, though all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and go to sleep, despite the high I was on. I went over and Billie Joe put his arms around my waist from behind.

“I wanted to run this by you first before I suggested it at our meeting at lunch” He said

“Ok” I said, puzzled

“How about you guys make a video of yourselves? Jive will supply digital video cameras for the 3 of you and you can film some of what goes on in your lives” He said

“That could be fun” I said, nodding.

“It was BJ’s idea, that’s what we were just talking about” He said. Billie Joe rested his head on my shoulder and gave me a gentle squeeze.

“What kind of things would you be expecting from us if we do it?” I asked

“Whatever, the daily lives of the 3 Dysfunct members, their friends, their significant others, the piss ups, the swearing” He said. I stared at him, shocked.

“I’m serious. You can do whatever you want, except commit a crime, that’s one thing I won’t allow, unless it’s done in a fucking awesome way” He said. I started laughing and launched myself into his arms.

“Thank you so much” I said

“Keep quiet about it until the meeting” He said, laughing

“I will, thanks” I said again before letting go and turning to Billie Joe. Kev went over to jack to talk about something and I turned to Billie Joe.

“This was your idea huh?” I asked him

“Mmhmm” He said. I planted a kiss on his lips and grinned at him.

“Thanks” I said.

“You think the other girls will say yes?” He asked

“Oh they’ll be all for it” I grinned. He nodded and led me over to where Jenn, Mike and Tré were talking.

“What’d Kev want?” Jenn asked me

“He was talking to me about the lyrics in Just For You, I need to do some work on them later on” I said. She nodded and turned back to Mike.

“How long are you guys staying for?” I asked as Billie Joe took the seat beside Tré. I made myself comfortable on his lap with my legs over Tré

“However long you need our help” Billie Joe said

“God it’s so fucking good to see you all again” I said

“It’s good to see you too, we were all missing the 3 of you. It’s so empty at my place without you all” Billie Joe said

“And I really miss our garage practices, they were fucking awesome” Tré said. I grinned.

“Are you 3 ready to start?” Kev asked. I looked over and saw Nick and Taz hugging and talking off to the side and smiled.

“Yeah, let’s fucking do it” Taz piped up

“I’m good to go” Jenn answered

“Same” I said, standing up. Tré, Mike, Nick and Billie Joe followed Kev and Jack into the other room while Jenn, Taz and I filed past them into the booth. We started off by redoing Hell Froze Over and than did a few more songs before lunch. Everyone was encouraging us and I thought we sang better for it. Either that or we were showing off for Green Day. As the 9 of us sat at the big table out in the food area with plates of food, Kev started the meeting, after making sure we didn’t mind having everyone in here.

“It’s been brought to my attention that you 3 are working maybe a little bit too hard so, since we all know exactly how tiring it can be jack and I have decided to postpone Recording for 7 days” He said

“There is a god!” Taz cheered

“Thank you so much Kev” Jenn said. I just grinned at him and than grinned at Mike, Billie Joe and Tré.

“As of the time you leave the studio tonight you’re on holidays” He said. I said a silent prayer of thanks and grinned once more at Kev.

“When we come back into the studio on Tuesday,  we’ll spend a week mixing some songs, a week recording, another week mixing and than you’ll have another break” He said

“Kev, you really are a good manager” I said. He just smiled.

“I also have a proposition for the 3 of you” He said

“You’re gonna love this” Nick piped up. Taz and I laughed.

“How would you like to make a Day In The Life Of Dysfunct dvd?”  Kev asked

“Fuck yes!” Jenn said

“Kev, come on, you think we’d pass this up?” Taz asked

“Told ya” I said to Billie Joe who just grinned and had a mouthful of salad.

“What do you think Jai?” Jenn asked

“I think we should do it, wait til you hear the conditions” I said. Taz’s face fell.

“There’s conditions?” She asked

“I’ll tell you them now” Kev said. She nodded.

“You can do whatever the hell you want” He said

“You’re not serious” Jenn said, Taz was grinning again

“As a heart attack. Jive will supply you all with digital video camera’s and you can film yourselves pissing up, your friends and family, your lovers, and another idea I cam up with, why don’t you interview each other, and other people. I’ll volunteer” He said

“Same” Piped up Tré

“Fuck yeah” Billie Joe said

“Same goes” Mike added. For the rest of lunch we discussed what we would do, how we’d do it and Kev even offered to rent us a massive house so we could all live together for it. I took him aside and asked if we could go on a road trip and stuff like that. He said that’d be fine and gave us another 2 weeks off to do it. We finished at 6 and Taz, Jenn and I all ran from the studio, yelling piss up and jumping around.

“Let’s fucking go out” Jenn said

“Yes, we so are, drinks at Jai’s house first though!” Mike said

“You wanna go out?” Taz asked Nick

“If you do” He answered. She pulled him down to her height and whispered something in his ear. I glanced at Tré, he was busily chasing Jenn around.

“We’re gonna head home” Nick informed me

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” I called after them

“Does that include a Backstreet Boy or Green Day member?” She called back. I cracked up laughing.

“Where’s your bags?” I asked Billie Joe and Mike

“They’re already at your place. Jenn let us drop our stuff there before we came to the studio” Mike explained

“Jawesome, let’s go” I said leading them over to my car.

“You can afford a better car than this can’t you?” Tré teased me

“Sure, but why buy a car I’m not gonna drive? This one usually stays in the garage” I said

“Who’s comin with me?” Jenn called out

“Me” Mike answered. I nudged him and wiggled my eyebrows. He glared.

“You comin for a beer?” I asked Kev

“I might give it a miss, Jai, I have some stuff to do and than I said I’d go and see AJ” He said

“Fair enough, tell him I said hello” I said. He nodded. Billie Joe, Tré and I climbed into my car and Jenn followed us to the bottle shop.

“What are we drinking?” I asked as we all piled out of the cars and went in.

“Beer, Bourbon anything alcoholic” Jenn said. Everyone agreed. We got 2 cartons of beer, 3 bottles of Bourbon and Scotch and lots of coke. We split the total between the 5 of us and headed back out to the cars. Jenn rang Jason to see if he was ok to look after Drake for the night before we headed to my place. When we arrived Tré saw my camera and immediately picked it up.

“He’s become a bit of a closet photographer” Billie Joe said as we carried the stuff into my kitchen.

“Well, good luck to him” I said and started clearing space in my fridge for the beer and coke. We put it all in and than handed out beers. Jenn had put my stereo on and the radio was playing in the background. I was sitting beside Jenn on the lounge, Billie Joe was leaning against the lounge on the floor, Tré was in my lounge chair and it was reclined back a little and Mike was perched on the coffee table.

“Wouldn’t this be fucking fantastic to put in that documentary or whatever it is” Jenn said to me

“Oh yeah, 2 girls and 3 guys, can you imagine what everyone would be thinking?” I asked, laughing

“Well I gotta admit, the highest I’ve gone is 4” Mike said

“Done 5, not that great” Tré said

“Too many people” Agreed Billie Joe

“Shit, you’ve had an orgy?” Jenn asked. They both shrugged.

“Well I’ve never gone higher than 2” She said

“Neither” I piped up

“And that’s all gonna change” Tré grinned.

“You’re just a regular little slut aren’t ya” Jenn teased

“Well I AM the town bicycle” I said, rolling my eyes for exaggeration

“No wonder I enjoy riding you so much” Billie Joe said thoughtfully. Everyone cracked up.

“It’ll be so good to sleep in tomorrow” I said after a while

“I know! And the funny thing is, I don’t care that I’m gonna be hung over when I do eventually wake up” Jenn replied

“It’s gonna be awesome” I grinned

“So tell us what’s been goin on?” Billie Joe said when no one else spoke

“Work, work, work, sleep, work, sometimes we eat, work, work, work, work, toilet breaks and did I mention work?” I asked

“True that” Jenn said, slumping back on the lounge

“Have you had any fun?” Mike asked, Tré was snapping away with my camera

“Sometimes. When we do some of the less serious songs we have fun” Jenn said. I nodded, playing with the hair on the back of Billie Joe’s neck and studying the wall above Tré’s head

“How’s Kev been?” He asked. I looked down at him and sighed.

“He’s been ok, not great, but he’s the only manager we’ve got” I said

“He pisses me off about Drake” Jenn said

“What’s he got to do with Drake?” Mike asked. I looked at Jenn and she glanced at me and nodded. She obviously didn’t want to say it.

“Kev is Drake’s father” I said

“For real?” Billie Joe asked

“Yeah, we had an affair for a bit, before he and his wife split up for good” Jenn shrugged

“Does Jason know?” Tré asked

“Yeah he knows. Now he’s pissing me off too, we agreed on an open relationship, but now he’s giving me shit for ‘slutting around’ as he so kindly put it” She said

“But you’ve only been with me” Mike said. Billie Joe looked at him, Tré raised his eyebrow and reached over to nudge him.

“I know that, but Jas for some reason doesn’t believe me” She said, punching a pillow and having a few gulps of her beer.

“Guys and relationships are really fucked up. That’s why I got me a fuck buddy” I said, leaning down to hug Billie Joe

“Can I let you guys in on a little secret?” Tré said

“Sure, we’re basically spilling our guts anyway” I said with a bit of a grin

“Not all guys are fucked up when it comes to relationships” He said quietly, like it really was a secret

“Every single relationship I’ve had, has ended badly” Jenn said

“Same” I agreed

“So you had a run of bad luck. What they do doesn’t set the law for what we do. Take Brian for instance. He and his wife Leighanne have been together for ages, and they seem to still genuinely love each other” Tré pointed out

“2 people out of billions” Jenn said

“Not true, Bill Clinton and his wife stayed together even after he cheated” Mike said

“Could you possibly be suggesting that I was too hard on AJ?” I asked

“No, that was down right fucked up, what I’m saying is Tré has a point, not all relationships are fucked up. You just have to give them a real chance” He said and glanced at Billie Joe

“I spose” Jenn agreed. I shrugged and stood.

“I’m goin outside for a smoke” I announced and grabbed my pack off the table before goin out the sliding doors. I leaned against the railing and lit up, watching inside. They seemed to be continuing the conversation. Tré stood and came over to the doors and than came out, closing them after himself.

“I did make a good point Jai” He said

“Ever since I was born I’ve had bad luck with males” I said

“Only you can change that” He said. I looked past him and watched Billie Joe speaking rapidly and moving his arms around, as if to make a point. He, Mike and Jenn all started laughing.

“I’ve got something good with Billie, I know that. But every time I consider getting closer to him, I get doubts about it all and start getting scared” I said

“Of what?” He asked me gently

“Him getting angry and hitting me, or him hitting me because I won’t fuck him, or finding out he’s cheated on me” I said

“He would never ever hit you and even if he did, you can certainly fight back, I’ve already seen that. As for him cheating on you? Well all I can say is that he’s not looked at another female since he laid eyes on you at that concert” He said. I smiled and looked at Billie Joe again, he was standing over near my stereo, flipping through some cd’s. Jenn said something and he started air humping the cabinet.

“In a way, even though we’re not together – together, we’ll be cheating on each other when we’re having this threesome, which by the way I’m really looking forward to” I said

“That’s not cheating, that’s 2 people who are obviously in love and a hanger-on havin’ some fun and that’s it” He said. I chuckled and puffed away on my ciggie.

“You don’t have launch straight into a full blown relationship with him. He does know how to take it easy and let things flow” He said after a while

“Yeah, maybe, one day” I said and stubbed out my smoke. He grinned at me and pulled me into a hug, kissing my cheek.

“You just gotta realise that he’s gonna wait for ever if he has too” He whispered in my ear and let me go. He went back inside and I stood out there for a while longer, considering what he said. I eventually went back in and finished off my beer.

“I’m just gonna go and have a shower, you’re all welcome to one as well, but not until I’m finished” I said

“Why don’t we all just jump in together? It’ll save water” Mike said. I started laughing and shook my head.

“Nope, my shower” I said and grinned. I went down to my room and grabbed my towel before goin into the bathroom. I turned the water on and stripped off, stepping under the water. I ran my hands over my hair and closed my eyes. As the water cascaded down my body I again thought about what Tré had said to me.

“Jai” Called out Billie Joe, knocking on the door

“Yeah?” I answered

“I gotta pee” He said

“Well you’d best come in than” I replied. The door opened and he slipped in, closing it behind him. He went over to the toilet and lifted the seat, unzipping his jeans. He let out a sigh of relief and I watched in amusement.

“Having fun?” I asked

“Oh yeah” He said tipping his head back and sighing again. I laughed and turned around, grabbing my body wash.

“Since you’re in here, you can wash my back” I said. I heard him zip up his fly and put both the seat and the lid down before flushing.

“Ok” He said. I let him wash his hands first and than handed him the body wash and loofah, turning my back to him.

“You need a shower too?” I asked

“Nah, had one before I left for the airport this morning” He said as he gently scrubbed my back

“Cool. How are Joseph and Jakob?” I asked

“They’re good. They gave me something to give to you. Remind me and I’ll get it when you’re out” He said, rubbing the loofah over my shoulders and down my spine slowly

“Hmmkay” I answered.

“All done” He said. I turned around and washed off the gel. I leaned forwards and planted a kiss on his lips. He smiled and went towards the door.

“I’ll be out in a sec” I asked

“Ok” He said and blew me a kiss before he went out. I finished off my shower and wrapped my towel around my waist before going to my room. I put on a pair of shorts and a singlet top since it was quite warm tonight and went out to my friends who were talking and laughing loudly.

“Jai, can I borrow some clothes?” Jenn asked as she stood up

“Yeah, go for it” I said

“I’m just gonna go and have a shower” She said and left.

“You know, I think I might go and have a shower too” Mike said, standing and quickly following her down the hall. Billie Joe moved from his position on the ground to sit beside me on the lounge.

“I was really hoping, it would just be the 3 of us tonight” Billie Joe said

“We can still do it” Tré said

“Not with Mike and Jenn here” Billie Joe said. A very loud moan came from the direction of the bathroom and I shrugged.

“They don’t seem to mind that they’re in my bathroom” I pointed out

“We need to be alone, because it turned me on so much watching the 2 of you together, I’d like to do that again” Billie Joe said. My eyes met Tré’s and he smirked.

“To be brutally honest BJ I got turned on when I was with Jai” He said, a sly smile slipping across his face

“Oh the feeling is more than mutual” I said. Billie Joe smiled at us both and finished off his beer. I stood and went and got 3 more for us. When I went back into the lounge room Tré snapped a couple of photo’s and grinned at me. My mobile started ringing and Billie Joe snatched it up before I could, answering it and putting it on speaker phone.

“House Of Hot Sex, this is Billie Joe how can I help you?” He said. I held my breath, a grin spreading across my face.

“Oh I’m sorry. I must have the wrong number” Said my Mum’s voice

“Shit, mum, no wait, it’s my phone. My friend stole it off me” I said. Billie Joe and Tré had cracked up laughing. I punched Billie Joe in the arm and glared.

“That was a little bit rude” She said, but she too was laughing

“Yeah, he’s a wanker, I wouldn’t worry to much” I said

“Hey” Billie Joe said. Tré laughed even harder

“Sorry babe, but you could’ve checked the caller ID first” I said and took my mum off speaker phone and pressing the phone to my ear.

“So who is he? And who’s that laughing in the background?” She asked

“That’s Tré. They’re just some friends of mine I met at the Green Day Concert last year” I answered

“Oh, you mean that Billie Joe and That Tré” She said

“Pretty much” I replied, chuckling

“I haven’t heard from you in a while” She said

“I’m sorry. I’ve just been really busy” I said, knowing that was not an excuse to not call my parents.

“I read in the paper that you got arrested” She said

“Uhh, yeah. It was a stupid thing to do and I was pissed off at someone. I wasn’t really thinking” I said, opening my beer and sitting on the lounge beside Billie Joe

“I also read that you and Billie Joe Armstrong are getting close” She said

“Well like I said, he’s just a friend” I said

“A Very good friend according to Rolling Stone magazine

“I didn’t know you read rolling stone” I said

“I don’t. David found it” She said

“Well yeah we are close and we are good friends” I said

“He put a ring on your finger yet?” She asked

“Mum! No, we’re not even like that” I said, blushing and turning my face out of sight of Tré and Billie Joe

“So you’re just shacking up with him?” She asked

“You’re worse than Julia” I said

“I saw the photo’s of you and him at the Grammy’s” She stated

“So? Dysfunct and Green Day went to the Grammy’s together, you were bound to see photo’s” I said.

“I’d still like to find out about my daughter before everyone else does” She said

“Alright. Everytime something happens I’ll call you” I said

“No you won’t. It’s ok. I have to go, I’ll talk to you later” She said

“Ok. Love you lots” I said

“Love you too sweetie” She said and the both of us hung up.

“Aww” Tré said

“I love my mum, I’m not ashamed to admit that” I said grinning

“That’s sweet” Tré grinned. I smiled and had a gulp of my beer. We heard another noise coming from the bathroom and I made a face.

“I think we need some different music” I said, leaning over to my stereo, skipping the disk and turning the volume up. I didn’t know what the cd was until it started playing.

“What’s this?” Billie Joe asked

“This is the last song Kurt Cobain ever recorded. You Know You’re Right. This is the Nivana Greatest Hits album” I said and started singing along.

“Your voice kinda sounds like his” Tré said. I smiled and remembered the very, very short time I got to spend with my cousin who always came to Australia to see Mum and I and taught me how to play the guitar.

“What are you thinking about?” Billie Joe asked me quietly

“Kurt. He and Mum were like brother and sister. They were so close. I remember the day he died. Mum sat me down on my bed and explained that Kurt was a drug addict and had killed himself. We even flew to America for his funeral. When I was older I started asking questions about his death and I found out some stuff that doesn’t add up” I said

“I think he was murdered too” Tré said

“Courtney did it” I said simply

“I think she would’ve hired someone to do it” Billie Joe answered

“I think she did that” I answered

“Did you know him well enough to miss him?” Tré asked

“I knew him fairly well considering I was so young. Ever since I can remember he came to Australia for 6 weeks every year. Of course he’d spend most of it with Mum and Dad but he’d always spend a lot of time with me as well. It was like he knew what I was gonna be before I knew it. He always said that I was gonna be famous and that I was gonna be the best fucking guitar player I can be” I said, tears coming to my eyes.

“Have you ever thought of talking about him in an interview or something?” Tré asked as Billie Joe put his arm around me and hugged me gently

“It’s too easy for Courtney to sue me” I said

“But you’re his flesh and blood. Do you even get to see his daughter? Does she know who you are?” Billie Joe asked

“Nah, Courtney keeps her well guarded, despite the fact that she’s drug fucked” I replied, wiping the tears from my eyes and sitting up a little straighter

“Why don’t you write a song about him?” Tré suggested

“Dave and Kris said that too, but I dunno” I shrugged

“I thnk he’d like his spirit to live on in your music” Billie Joe said

“That sounded really corny” Tré said to him

“Man, come on, we’re talking about Kurt Cobain, nothing could be corny about kurt” Billie Joe said

“Except his bad cardigans” I said laughing. They both laughed as well.

“Do you talk to Dave and Kris often?” Tré asked

“Not all that often, sometimes we do. Sometimes I get a call from Dave or a letter from kris” I replied

“I’ll be back” Tré said going out side.

“Where’s he goin?” I asked. Billie Joe shrugged.

“What do you want for your birthday? Since it’s next month” He said

“I dunno, I don’t really need anything” I said

“You can have anything in the world and you don’t want anything?” He asked

“A Grammy was enough for me. I don’t need anything else” I said, admiring the Grammy Statue that I got to keep. It was sitting on my shelf among photo’s of my family and friends. I glanced out the window and saw Tré on the phone.

“You must want something” Billie Joe said

“Not really, no” I said, trying to think of something I wanted from him. I couldn’t think of anything.

“I’ll have to think of something myself than” He said. I laughed and finished off my beer.

“You want another?” I asked him

“Yeah please” He said. I went into the kitchen and got another 2 beers and went back out, sitting beside him again.

“What do you want for your birthday? It’s this month” I said

“Just a night with you will be fine” he said

“I’ll see if I can get like a weekend off from recording and fly up to see you. You’re all goin home soon aren’t you?” I asked

“No we’re staying in LA for as long as you need us. We already said that” he said

“I didn’t think you were serious, cool, well maybe we can go out for dinner or have everyone over here for a little party” I said

“As long as I’m with you” He said

“Maybe we could even fly Jack and joey up to spend the weekend with you” I said

“They’re not flying alone” He said

“I’ll send Kev to get them” I said

“No, I don’t want them by themselves for any amount of time” He said

“Ok” I said

“I get worried when it comes to my kids” He chuckled

“I noticed” I replied, smiling. Tré came back in and flopped on to the lounge beside me. Smell’s Like Teen Spirit came on and I sang along. Half way through the song Jenn and Mike appeared, both with great big smiles on their faces.

“Was it as good for you as it was for him?” I asked

“Fuck yeah” Jenn said. I laughed. They went and got beers and came back in. My land line started ringing and I groaned. Hardly anyone knew my home number and those that did usually rang my mobile anyway. Either it wasn’t someone important or it was a wrong number. I turned the stereo down, by leaning across Tré and than leaned across Billie Joe to pick up the phone.

“Hello?” I said trying to disguise my voice a little. The past few weeks some fan’s had found out my number as well

“Jaime?” Said a little boys voice.

“Jakob? Hey little man, what’s up?” I asked

“Is my dad there?” he asked. He sounded upset.

“Sure hun, here he is” I said handing the phone to Billie Joe who stood and walked away.

“Jack, what’s wrong?” He asked and listened. I saw his expression change from worry to anger and than to scared.

“It’s ok, just calm down” Billie Joe was saying as he searched for something. When he hung up he started frantically searching again.

“What’s wrong? What are you looking for?” I asked standing up to help him

“I need to get home right now” He said, looking at me. His face was paler than usual and he had tears in his eyes.

“There’s no more domestic planes” I said

“I’ll drive than. I just need to go home” He said

“You’ve had 4 beers, you’re over the limit, tell me what’s wrong” I said, getting scared

“He’s hitting my kids” He said

“Who?” I asked

“That fucking piece of shit Adrianne’s fucking. He’s hitting my kids. Joseph hid Jakob with a cell phone. I gave both of them your number. I have to get home” He said

“Sit down” I instructed him, my stomach was doing somersaults but I was determined to get him home. He sat down and Tré tried to calm him down. He was damn near hysterical. I knew Kev was busy with his new girlfriend tonight, Nick and Taz were together, Brian and Howie were writing over in the Bahamas somewhere. The only other person I could think of was AJ. I snatched up the phone and dialled his number.

“Jaime, hi” he said sounding surprised.

“AJ, can you please help us?” I asked, tears escaping my own eyes

“I’ll try, what’s wrong?” He asked, sounding concerned. “Billie Joe’s kids are in danger. We can’t drive because we’ve been drinking. Will you take us to Rodeo?” I asked

“Sure, I’ll be at your place in 10 minutes” He said

“Thank you” I said and hung up. Billie Joe was now punching something that resembled a pillow. The stuffing was everywhere and Mike and Tré were physically lifting him away from the lounge and struggling.

“Billie” I said trying to grab his arms. I ducked a blow and pushed him backwards on to the floor.

“Calm the fuck down. AJ is taking us to Rodeo. But you’re not gonna be much of a help to your kids if you punch every fucking thing in sight” I said

“I’m sorry” He said. He looked deflated now. And extremely upset.

“Come outside” I said taking his hand. He stood and let me lead him outside. I lit a cigarette and handed it to him. He looked at it fro a minute.

“I haven’t had a smoke in 3 years” he mumbled before taking a draw. His hand was shaking.

“I know you’re scared Billie, but you have to try and stay calm. It’s a 4 hour drive from here to Rodeo and you’re not gonna be much help to them if you can’t stay calm” I said, rubbing his shoulder.

“I’m gonna kill that fucking bastard” He said softly as a tear slipped down his cheek. I pulled him against me and hugged him tightly. There was frantic knocking on the door and I looked over his shoulder to see Jenn answer it and AJ come running in. he saw me outside with Billie Joe and half smiled at me. I waved.

“Come on, AJ’s here” I said to him. He finished the smoke off and stubbed it out. I grabbed the packet and lighter before following him inside. I grabbed my wallet and mobile and went over to AJ.

“Thanks for taking us” I said to him softly

“I’d do anything for you” He said just as softly.

“There’s food and drink in the fridge, help yourselves to anything” I said turning to my friends.

“Call us if you need anything” Mike said. I nodded and lead Billie Joe down the steps in my apartment building, AJ behind us, and over to the car.

“I uh, stopped at McDonalds and got you guys some food, for the trip” AJ said as we got in. I sat in the back with Billie Joe.

“Thanks” I said. He started the car and started driving. The radio wasn’t on and none of us spoke. Billie Joe was fidgeting with his hands. I put mine over his and he turned to me.

“They’ll be ok” I said to him.

“I told Jakob to call the police” he said

“Good” I said.

“AJ, thank you” He said

“It’s ok, man. NO kid deserves to be hurt” AJ answered.

Chapter 14

We arrived in Rodeo early in the morning. At about 6:30. Billie Joe gave AJ directions to the house and he was out of the car before we’d even come to a complete stop. I jumped out after him and ran to the door where he was bashing on it. Adrianne answered the door. She had bruises on her face and it looked like she’d been crying.

“Where are they?” He demanded

“At the hospital” She said. He turned away.

“BJ, I’m so sorry” She said. He turned to face her and nodded.

“Are you ok?” He asked

“Who care’s about me. Our sons are what matters right now” She said

“Do you need a lift to the hospital?” I asked her

“I’m not allowed to go near them” She said and started crying

“But it wasn’t your fault” Billie Joe said

“They said it was a safety issue. They thought John might come back if I was with them” She said

“He’s gone?” Billie Joe asked

“He left after he- he hurt Jakob. The police haven’t been able to find him” She said

“I’ll call you from the hospital to let you know how they are” He said. She nodded. I managed a tiny smile for her and than I followed Billie Joe back down to the car where AJ was waiting, smoking a cigarette.

“Can you take us to the hospital?” I asked. He nodded and we got in again. At the hospital we were taken to the room where both boys were being kept and told that they weren’t hurt too badly by their standards, but to prepare ourselves anyway. Billie Joe pushed open the door and I followed him in. Joseph had his arm in a cast and was badly bruised on his face and other arm. Jakob had a bandage around his head and was also brusied.

“Dad” Both boys cried.

“God I’m so sorry” He said, breaking down. He lifted Jakob into his arms and sat on Joseph’s bed, pulling his oldest son into a hug.

“It’s not your fault dad. You didn’t know who was gonna do that to us” Joseph said. As tears poured down my face, Billie Joe looked over at me and motioned me over. I went over and he hugged me as well.

“I’ll never let anything like this happen to you boys again” He said

“I tried to hide Jakob dad, but he found him and than beat us both. But I wasn’t scared. I hit him back and bit him” Joseph said

“I kicked him in the penis, but not very hard. I was too short” Jakob said proudly. Billie Joe and I both couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I love you 2 so much” He said to them

“We love you too dad” Joseph said

“And we love Jaime too” Jakob said

“And I love you boys as well” I said, sniffling a little.

“How about we see if you 2 are allowed out of hospital and than we go on a road trip to LA” Billie Joe said

“For real? Can we go to the beach?” Joseph asked

“Sure, but Jaime’s gotta work, so we have to be real good at her place” He said

“Are you recording a new CD?” Jakob asked me

“Yeah, I am” I said

“With Taz and Jenn?” He asked

“Yep” I answered. I was still crying

“Can we watch?” He asked

“Sure” I said.

“I’ll go and see the doctor” Billie Joe said

“No, I’ll go. You wait here” I said to him

“Ok, thank you” He said. I smiled and kissed his cheek before leaving the room. AJ stood up and came over to me.

“Are they ok?” He asked

“Yeah, they’re acting normally. They wanna go to the beach for godsake” I said, starting to cry all over again. He hugged me. When I had calmed down a little I pulled away.

“I have to go and see the doctor” I said. He nodded and let me go. I walked down to the Nurses station and asked to speak to the doctor who saw to Joseph and Jakob.

“What relation to them are you?” She asked

“I’m their father’s girlfriend” I said. She looked at me cautiously before paging the doctor. When he appeared he smiled at me and held out his hand.

“Dr Gregory” He said

“I’m Jaime Cobain. I’d like to speak to you about the boys release” I said

“of course, come and sit down” He said leading me over to some chairs. We both sat.

“Billie Joe and I would like to take them to LA” I said

“Sure. That’s fine. The only reason we kept them overnight was for safety. The extent of the injuries isn’t much, although Jakob has a concussion and stitches in his forehead and Joseph has a broken arm. Other than those injuries the onlyn other thing is some bruising and minor scratches which should clear up in 2 or so weeks” He said

“When can we take them?” I asked

“Right after the police take their statements, which should be any minute. Would you like me to come and speak with MR Armstrong?” He asked

“Yeah, that would probably be best” I said. We walked in silence back to their room. The doctor held the door open for me and when I went in I saw Billie Joe singing to them. He looked up and looked at the doctor.

“Mr Armstrong, I’m Dr Gregory” He said

“Call me Billie” Billie Joe said as they shook hands. I went to leave but Billie Joe caught my arm and pulled me against him.

“Billie, the boys are fine to leave right after the police see them” Dr Gregory said

“How badly hurt are they?” He asked

“Well as I was just saying to Miss Cobain, Jakob has a concussion and stitches in his forhead and Joseph has a broken arm. Those are the most severe. The bruising and scratches will clear up in a couple of weeks” The doctor explained

“Is Joseph on pain tablets?” Billie Joe asked

“Just Advil. Jakob is on antibiotics to keep away infections” The doctor said

“Ok” Billie Joe said

“Don’t let the stitches get wet and change the dressing every day” The doctor said as there was a knock on the door and a male and female police officers came in.

“I’ll let you get on with it. Just see one of the nurses at the desk for the release forms” He said. Billie Joe nodded.

“Mr Armstrong” Said the male copper

“Yeah” Billie Joe said,

“can we have a word with you outside?” He asked. Billie Joe nodded and left with them.

“I don’t know about you guys but I could certainly go for some McDonalds when we get outta here” I said to the boys

“Yeah!” They both said

“You’re dad was real worried about you last night. So worried that he mangled one of my pillows” I said. They laughed.

“I know we should be upset about what happened, but we’re not. Is that weird?” Joseph asked me

“No. I remember when I was beat up and I was in hospital I kept asking to watch Channel V and telling jokes to the nurses” I said

“You were beat up too? When?” Jakob asked

“A long time ago, when I was 16. My ex boyfriend got angry one day and just started beating me up. He’s in jail now” I said

“Did you eventually get upset?” Joseph asked me

“A little yeah, when I found out I lost my baby and probably couldn’t have any babies when I was older” I said

“Why can’t you have babies?” Jakob asked me innocently

“Well, because when Mitch beat me up, I was pregnant. He pushed me on to the floor and kicked me in the stomach, you’re not supposed to hurt a pregnant girl or woman because that means they miscarry-“ I started explaining

“What does that mean?” Jakob interrupted

“It means that when he kicked me in the stomach the baby died while it was still growing inside of me and it hurt my ovaries, which help to make a baby. He also kicked me so hard that it hurt my uterus, my womb, where the baby grows” I said

“Oh” He said. Billie Joe came back in with the 2 coppers and smiled at his sons.

“Guys this is Mark and this is Kristy. They’re gonna ask you some questions ok? But me and Jaime are gonna be right here” He said. It took an hour to interview and get statements from the boys and than Billie Joe had to sign a consent form so that if need be the boys could be called to testify in court. After that they were allowed go home. AJ stood up when we came out and I introduced him to the 2 boys who were excited about him taking us all to Macca’s. As we left the hospital Billie Joe rang Adrianne to get her to pack bags for the boys. AJ was gonna drop the boys and I off at Macca’s and he and Billie were gonna go and get the bags and meet us back at Macca’s. I could see it pained Billie Joe to leave his kids, but I assured him they’d be ok. We lined up at the counter and I told them they could whatever they wanted. Joseph got large quarter pounder meal and nuggets and Jakob got 2 kids meals and a box of cookies. We found a table at the back and I helped Joseph get his burger out because his arm was in a sling. As we ate we talked and laughed and than Joseph grabbed my arm so hard it brought tears to my eyes.

“That’s him” he whispered. I followed his stare and saw John walking through the tables towards us, I hoped he hadn’t seen us and was instead going to the toilets which we were near. I swapped places with Joseph so I was on the ouside and got out my mobile, dialling 911.

“Ambulance Fire or Police” Said a female operator

“Police, quickly” I said quietly. He was getting closer.

“Rodeo Police what’s your emergency?” Said another voice

“My name is Jaime Cobain we’re at the McDonald’s in town. I have the man that assaulted Joseph and Jakob Armstrong in my sights. He’s coming towards us. I’m not sure if he’s seen us or not” I said softly, trying not to bring attention to our table.

“There is a police car in the vicinity, we’ll send them over” She said and the line went dead.

“Look down and keep eating” I said to the boys as John got even closer. They did as I asked and I took a bite of my buirger and turned my phone onto silent before pretending to play with it.

“Hey, don’t I know you” he said as he reached the table.

“No I don’t think you do” I said in a my best American accent. I forced a smile though my heart was racing.

“I’m sure I’ve seen you before” He said

“No, I’m not from around here, I come from Wisconsin” I said. He nodded and kept walking. I saw the police car cruise into the carpark and sighed with relief. 2 cops got out and headed for the doors at our end of the building. He went into the toilets and I sighed with relief.

“You stay put” I said to the boys as I got up and went to the door.

“Hey, he’s in here” I called out and the cops jogged over to me.

“He went into the toilets” I said pointing. I saw AJ pull into the car park and saw Billie Joe get out of the car and start running over.

“What’s going on?” He asked me when he reached me breatless. AJ wasn’t far behind him.

“John was here. He didn’t see the boys, but he recognised me. I put on an American accent and told him I was from Wisconsin” I said as we went back in to see the boys calmly munching on their food. While Billie Joe sat with his kids to make sure they weren’t seen when John was taken out of the McDonalds by the police, AJ and I went to the front and got more food. We got back just in time to see John being hauled out in cuff’s, kicking and screaming. Billie Joe wasn’t letting his kids watch. As the 5 of us ate the rest of our lunch we talked about what to do in LA. Billie Joe was showing them a trick with a napkin so I took the time to see how AJ was going.

“Are you ok to Drive back to LA?” I asked

“I should be ok for a while. Maybe you can sleep for an hour or 2 in the back and than take over half way” he said

“Ok, I can do that” I said. Before we left Macca’s I called Jenn and she was still at my place. Apparently none of them had slept. I told them we were about to come home and that the boys were ok and John was now at the police station. When we got in the car I told them I was going to sleep for a while so I could drive too and leaned my head back, closing my eyes. I listened to the concersation of the 4 males for a while and than eventually drifted to sleep. I woke when I felt the car pulling off the side of the road.

“You right to drive?” AJ asked me quietly

“Mmm, yeah. We got any coffee?” I asked

“We can get some in there” Billie Joe said softly. I turned my head and saw we were at a gas station.

“Cool. I’ll just go get some coffee and than I’ll be ok. Anyone else want anything?” I asked

“I’m fine thanks” AJ said

“No I’m ok” Billie Joe said. I nodded and got out of the car, going into the shop. I filled a foam cup from the coffee machine and went to pay for it. I also grabbed a chocolate. I went back out to the car and found Billie Joe and AJ each having a smoke off to the side, away from the gas pumps. I went and stood near them, all 3 of us facing the car, so we could watch it.

“The boys sleeping?” I asked through a yawn

“Mmm, yeah” Billie Joe said. I shivered in the cool breeze and felt goose bumps rise on my skin. Billie Joe pulled me against him and hugged me, rubbing his free hand up and down my arm.

“You don’t mind the boys staying at your place too do you?” He asked

“Nah, they’re ok. When we get back I’ll pull out the sofa and they can sleep on it” I said

“Thanks” He said

“It’s ok” I said and sipped the hot coffee. AJ just watched us.

“Thanks again for taking us dopwn there and bringing us home” Billie Joe said to him

“It’s ok, anytime” AJ said

“I’ll give you some money for gas when we get back to my place” I said to him

“Don’t worry about it. I was more than happy to help” He said

“Let’s get this show on the road” I said, nodding. We headed back to the car and AJ said Billie Joe could sit in the front while he sleep. We climbed in and I started the car. I put my coffee in the cup holder and pulled out onto the road.

“Jaime” Billie Joe said softly

“Yeah babe?” I answered

“I appreciate you being there for me. I’m sorry I wrecked your pillow last night” He said

“Billie, it was a damn pillow that I bought at a second hand shop, it doesn’t matter” I said, looking over at him for a second before turning back to the road

“I was so scared that we’d get to Rodeo and they’d be dead” He said. He was getting choked up again.

“I know. I was scared too” I said

“You were?” He asked

“Of course. I love your kids” I said. He stayed quiet.

“Almost as much as I love you” I added softly

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear you say that” He said, just as softly

“We need to talk when we get back” I said

“I know” He said and glanced behind him. Either to check on his kids or make sure AJ really was asleep. We were silent for a while.

“Why me?” I asked him

“What?” he replied, puzzled.

“At the concert, why me? Why not Jenn or one of the other girls at the front?” I said

“You’re asking me this now? After 6 months?” He said, laughing

“Well I was never curious until now” I said

“I guess you want the truth too”he said

“You bet” I said

“Well, plain and simply you looked like a good fuck. Adrianne and I were separated and going through the divorce and all that. She was sleeping around and I got really lonely in Australia” He said

“Interesting” I said

“Who woulda thought that we’d end up like this” He said

“Kurt knew” I said

“How did he know?” He asked

“He told me one day that before I turned 25 I’d meet a guy with black hair, green eyes and unbelievable guitar skills” I said

“He really said that?” He asked me

“Yeah he did. I only just remembered” I said, over taking a car that was only going slow

“I remember watching Nirvana film clips on TV” he said

“Shit I remember my sister playing Dookie 24 hours a day 7 days a week” I said

“Do you remember any songs on it?” He asked

“Only the obvious ones, like Longview and stuff” I said

“God I was only 21 when we released Dookie” He said

“I think we’ve gone over this before” I said

“Yeah while we were in the bath I think, at the hotel” He said

“Something like that” He said laughing. I chuckled and had some of my coffee.

“I think when this CD is released and if Green Day aren’t doing anything too important you and me should take off for the weekend. Get away from everything for a while” I said

“It’s a deal. We’ll go to Australia. I love Australia, did you know that?” He asked

“Well I kinda figured that you liked Australia when you drank a VB on stage, did the Aussie Chant and wore our flag proudly. You also dissed your president” I said

“If I could I’d live in Australia” He said

“Buy a holiday house over there. Forster is a beautiful little town, expensive but beautiful, right on the coast. Even Sufer’s is a nice place to live, though I havne’t lived there myself before” I said

“Where did you live before you came here?” He asked

“I grew up in Tamworth and moved to Sydney with my sister for 2 years and than came over to America” I said. He nodded. I had more coffee.

“Dad” Came a soft voice from the back. I think it was Joseph

“Yeah?” Billie Joe answered, turning in his seat

“My arm hurts” He said

“I don’t have any pain tablets with me, just try not to think about it” Billie Joe said

“Ok” Joseph said

“I have a chocolate here, will that help?” I asked

“Maybe” He said. Billie Joe passed him my chocolate and he settled down and ate it. He must’ve gone back to sleep after he ate it because we didn’t hear from him again. As we neared the LA exit ramp I started feeling a lot better and I saw Billie Joe relaxing more nad more, the closer we got. I took the ramp and started driving back to my place. When we arrived I woke AJ up and Billie Joe carefully got Joseph out of the car. I lifted Jakob out and AJ closed the door for me.

“Did you wanna come in?” I asked him quietly

“No, I might go home and get some more sleep” he said

“Ok, thanks” I said. He nodded and got in his car. Billie Joe followed me up the stairs and I knocked on the door. Tré answered it and stared in horror at Jakob’s face. He held the door open, but didn’t say anything. When he saw Joseph he gasped. Jenn had tears in her eyes and Mike looked angry. We took the 2 boys into my room and lay them gently down on the bed. I closed the door after Billie Joe and I went out.

“Did you kill the bastard?” Mike asked

“No, he’s been arrested” Billie Joe said softly

“Those poor boys” Jenn said

“They were terrific from the moment we saw them to the moment they fell asleep in the car. All they wanted to do was go to the beach when we got here” I said

“And watch you guys in the studio” Billie Joe said

“Yeah, it was amazing” I said

“They must feel like shit though” Tré said as we all sat down

“Joey only complained about his arm once on the way back here” Billie Joe said

“How’s Adrianne?” Tré said, without much emotion

“She’s beaten up pretty badly too, she wasn’t allowed to go to the hospital incase John came. I think she’s gonna testify against him if this goes to court too” Billie Joe said

“Have the newspapers found out?” Mike asked

“I would think so” Billie Joe replied with a sigh

“I’ll make a few calls later on” Tré offered. Billie Joe nodded and yawned.

“Why don’t you go and have a sleep too? You’re the only one who hasn’t slept” I said to him

“Yeah, maybe I will. Thank Jai” He said. I smiled and gave him a kiss. He went quietly into the bedroom and I stretched out on the lounge.

“How long did you sleep for?” Jenn asked me

“about an Hour and a Half. AJ wanted me to drive” I said

“We can go if you wanna sleep” Mike said

“it’s ok, I’m not that tired” I said

“How did he handle it all?” Jenn asked quietly

“Shit Jenn when we walked into the hospital room he completely lost control and started crying. It broke my heart” I said

“There is nothing that worries him more than his kids. When we’re on tour if it’s not late at night here, he always calls his kids before a show” Mike said

“I love his kids, they amazing. You’d think growing up with a father like Billie Joe, and I’m not saying he’s a bad father cos he’s fucking awesome, that they’d be a bit naughty” I said

“They’re little angels, huh” Tré said

“Yeah” I answered and thought of the baby I could’ve had.

“He’d be 4” Jenn said, as if she could read my thoughts

“Yep” I answered

“Who would be?” Mike asked

“The baby I lost when I was 16” I said. We were all quiet.

“I should probably call Adrianne to let her know we’re in LA” I said, leaning over the side of the lounge and grabbing my mobile and Billie Joe’s. I didn’t think he’d mind me getting her number. I went through the phone book and found her mobile number. I dialled it on my phone and waited.

“Hello?” She said

“Adrianne, it’s Jaime Cobain. I just wanted to let you know that we’re in LA” I said

“Thank you” She said

“Did Billie tell you how they were?” I asked

“Yeah. It’s my fault. I feel like such a useless mother” She said

“Well you’ve raised them be perfect gentleman, there’s nothing useless about that” I said

“Are they there? Can I speak to them?” She asked

“They’re sleeping. Same with Billie” I said

“Thank you for calling Jaime, I really appreciate it” She said

“Look after yourself” I said

“I will, bye” She said. I hung up and put the phones back on the table.

“I need to go grocery shopping” I said suddenly

“Well, let’s go” Tré said

“I’ll just go an tell Billie Joe” I said standing up. I went down to my room. I pushed open the door and saw Jakob snuggled in Billie Joe’s arms and Joseph close to Jakob with his broken arm resting on a pillow.

“Billie” I said shaking him gently

“Yeah?” He answered, not opening his eyes.

“We’re just gonna go and get some groceries, so I can cook dinner ok?” I said

“Mmhmm, can you get some ice cream for the boys and Jack’s script filled?” He asked

“Ok” I said

“I love you” He mumbled. I kissed his cheek and grabbed a shirt before leaving the room. I changed tops as I walked back out to my friends.

“Let’s go” I said grabbing my mobile and Jakob’s prescription for the antibiotics. The 4 of us went down to my car and got in. I drove to the nearest supermarket and parked. We went in and I grabbed a trolley. Mike offered to push it and I let him. I wasn’t really in the mood for this. As we walked down the aisles putting stuff into the trolley that I needed Tré seemed to sense that I wasn’t very happy and grabbed my hand.

“You ok?” he asked me slowling down so we fell a ways behind Jenn and Mike who were laughing and mucking around.

“Yeah I’m ok” I said as he entwined our fingers and swung our hands back and forth between us.

“You don’t look very happy” He observed

“Just worried about Billie Joe” I shrugged

“He’s tough you know. He’s had to be. He went through a lot when he was a kid too, that’s why he looks after his boys so well” He said

“I know, I read about most of what you guys did when you were younger on the internet and stuff” I said

“I did the same for you” He said with a laugh. I smiled.

“I told him that I loved him” I said

“You feel better about it?” He asked

“Not really” I said

“Let’s not talk about that now” he said as we followed Mike and Jenn

“Ok” I answered

“What do you want for your birthday?” He asked

“Nothin really” I said

“Come on, you gotta want something” He said

“Maybe just a nice photo of everyone” I replied

“I think I know what I’m gonna get you” He said

“What?” I asked

“You’ll find out on the day of your birthday” He said. I laughed.

“What am I gonna get Billie?” I asked

“He likes things from Australia” Tré said

“Yeah? Maybe I’ll get him a carton of VB and a Boomarang” I said. Tré laughed.

“He’s already got something from Australia” He said

“Oh and what’s that?” I asked

“you” He said

“Ahh, so that’s why he likes me so much” I joked. Both of us laughed.

“Maybe you could get him something for his guitar. He likes badges” He said

“Yeah, I saw the ones on his guitar, they’re awesome. I’ll get him one that says ‘Fuck you’” I said

“He’d love that” Tré grinned, letting my hand go and putting his arm around my shoulders.

“I’ll go shopping one day” I said. We finished getting the stuff I needed for home, including Jakob’s drugs and the ice cream and lugged it all back out to my car and went home. Jenn said she’d better be going and asked Mike if he wanted to go too. He said yes. He got his bags and left with Jenn.

“Is your floor comfortable?” Tré asked

“Nope. If Billie Joe and the boys aren’t awake by the time we wanna go to bed we can share the sofa” I said

“Ooohhh” He teased

“You’ll be staying on your side thanks” I joked as we put the food and stuff away.

“Aww no loving for Tré” He said

“Mmm, maybe” I said. Both of us laughed.

“So what do you want for dinner?” I asked him

“Whatever you feel like cooking” He said sitting at the small kitchen table

“I dunno, guess I could make Chicken Pasta” I said

“Sounds good” he said. I put a saucepan on the stove and filled it with water, turning the stove on so the water would boil.

“You still don’t look happy” He said to me as I got each of us a beer.

“I’m just tired” I said sitting down with him.

“You got any cards? We’ll have a game of something while the food’s cooking” He said

“I have Uno” I said

“That is the best game ever. I play it with my son a lot” He said. I laughed and got it from the draw of junk. I shuffled the pile and dealt the cards. We played for about half an hour, pausing to check on dinner. When it was ready I served up 5 plates. Tré and I took our game, our beers and our food into the lounge room and kept playing as we ate. At 9 I covered the food for the others and put it in the fridge while Tré helped me make the sofa bed. When it was made up he stripped down to his underclothes and looked at me expectantly.

“Turn around” I instructed. He laughed and faced the other way. I stripped down to my panties and took my bra off and pulled the shirt back on.

“Ok, you can look now” I said. He laughed again and turned around. I switched on the lamp beside the lounge and went to turn off the light. I climbed into the bed and Tré did the same.

“This feels extremely weird” I said

“I don’t bite” he said with a chuckle

“Damn” I said. We both laughed again.

“Tré” I said as we both lay on our backs

“Yeah” He answered

“Can I have a hug?” I asked him softly

“Sure, come here” He said rolling on to his side. I did the same and shuffled into his arms. He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a squeeze. After a while he let me go and I moved back on to my side of the bed.

“I’m gonna sleep now” I said to him

“Ok, sleep tight” He said. I nodded and rolled onto my other side. I switched out the light and closed my eyes. I lay for a while, listening to Tré’s breathing and wondering what Billie Joe would think when he found us. Well my defence was pretty good. There was no room left in my bed with the 3 of them in it. I went to sleep not long after 9:30 and didn’t wake up until I felt myself being rolled over gently.

“What the hell?” I mumbled, lifting my head and blinking the sleep from them.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you” Billie Joe said

“What are you doing?” I asked

“Getting in bed with you and Tré” He said

“Oh” I said laying my head back down. I felt him put his arms around me as I went back to sleep. The next time I woke up I was right up against Tré and Billie Joe was right up against me.

“I gotta get a bigger house” I murmured

“Why? This is cosy” Tré said, opening his eyes

“How long have you been awake for?” I asked

“About 10 minutes” He said. I nodded and struggled to sit up. Billie Joe’s grip on my body was stronger than usual.

“Man, you don’t realise how strong he actually is” I said, giving up my fight and laying back down.

“I think what happened yesterday really scared him” Tré said

“I know, it really scared me too. It brought back so many memories that I don’t care for any more” I said, once again trying to get out of Billie Joe’s grasp.

“Billie” I said

“Mmm” He groaned his reply

“Let me go” I said. He loosened his grip enough for me to slip out and then I climbed over Tré and stood up.

“I’m hungry” I said

“Whatcha cookin me for breakfast?” Tré asked

“Hmm, I think you’re cooking me bacon and eggs” I replied before going down to my room. I slipped in and went over to the bed, looking down at Joseph and Jakob.

“Dad?” Said Joseph without opening his eyes

“No, It’s Jaime, hun” I said

“I’m still really sleepy but my arm hurts. Do you have anything for it?” He asked

“I sure do. I’ll be back in a tick” I said. I went out to the kitchen and got a glass of water and a Nurofen, which is Australian, but it works like a charm. I took it back down to Joseph who sat up a little and took the tablet.

“Thank you for letting us come here and sleep in your bed. Where did you sleep?” He asked

“It’s ok Joey. Tré and I slept on the sofa bed out in the lounge room. I only have a 1 bedroom apartment” I said, sitting beside him gently so I didn’t disturb Jakob

“Where did dad go? I heard him get up earlier” He said

“He came and laid with me and Tré for a while” I said

“OK. I’m gonna go back to sleep now” He said

“Just sing out if you need anything” I said to him. He nodded and lay down. I stood and blew him a kiss before leaving the room. I heard Tré in the kitchen and went in to find him making bacon and eggs.

“Aww you’re such a sweetheart” I said hugging him

“I dunno how good it’s gonna be. I’m not much of a cook” He said

“You’re doin fine” I said as he turned the bacon with a pair of tongs

“I”ll have coffee if you’re making it though” He grinned. I laughed and busied myself making coffee. Tré was just serving the plates up when Billie Joe came in.

“Morning” I said to him

“Good morning” He said and sat down beside me.

“You want bacon and eggs?” Tré asked him

“Yes, yes I do” Billie Joe replied. Tré plated up some more and placed 2 plates in front of us complete with toast.

“This looks good” I said reaching into the cupboard near Billie Joe and pulling out Tomato and barbecue sauce. We ate and talked and than all 3 of us did the dishes and went back into the lounge room and laid on the sofa to watch TV. It was almost 1pm before the boys came out of my room. I got them cereal and juice and got Jakob to have his tablet and than taped a plastic bag around his arm so he could have a shower.

Chapter 15

Today was the last day of our week off and the 5 of us were going shopping. On the drive to the mall Billie Joe laid down the rules for the boys.

“You’re not to misbehave or we’ll go straight back to Jaime’s, no whinging, you’ve got $300 to spend and no more. You’re not allowed buy crap either” He said

“300? Shit I wish I had that much to spend” I said to Tré who was in the front with me

“But you do?” He asked, puzzled

“Well I do now, but when I was 10 we didn’t have any money, well not much. Dad wanted to sell Kurt’s guitar for money, but mum said no way” I said

“Who’s Kurt?” Jakob asked

“Kurt was my cousin. He was in a band called Nirvana from a long time ago” I said

“Oh” He said

“Hey, Free Beer is ont eh radio” Tré said, turning it up

“Do we have too?” I whined

“You don’t like listening to your own music?” Billie Joe asked

“Not if I can help it” I said

“Well as 2 of your loyal fans, we’ll be listening to it” He said

“Loyal fans, my ass, it’s only cos you’re ro- it’s only because we’re friends” I said, catching myself at the last minute. They both cracked up laughing.

“Can we look in the toy shop first?” Jakob asked

“Why don’t we save it for last?” Billie Joe replied as I drove into the underground carpark and started searching for a park.

“I have to find a present for Drake for his Christening so if you like I’ll take the boys to the toy shop and you 2 can do whatever and we’ll meet up in an hour or 2” I said, still searching for a park

“There’s one” Tré pointed out. I sped up a little and pulled into the park

“Are you sure?” Billie Joe asked as we all got out.

“Yup” I grinned.

“They’re my kids, though, I mean. If you don’t wanna take them I will” He said quietly to me

“Billie, it’s fine ok? I love your kids, we’ll have fun and who knows that might help me with a present for you” I said

“Thank you” He said hugging me before pulling out his wallet and handing me a credit card. I raised my eye brows at him.

“There’s a $600 limit on it. This one’s for the boys” He said

“Man I wish we were rich when I was little” I said taking it and the note he just scrawled on a piece of paper saying I was allowed to use the card

“Well you can have my other card if you want…” he said

“No, I have my own” I said as the 5 of us started walking towards the entrance. Jakob had been worried people would think he was weird because of his bandaged head so I lent him my trucker cap and put it carefully on his head, crooked, the way I usually wear it. Joseph didn’t wanna wear his sling because it was white and it wasn’t punk, like his dad so I spent the 2 hours before we left writing Green Day and Dysfunct lyrics on it in black texta and adding a few of my favourite badges. He loved it. Billie Joe had this amused grin on his face while he was watching me run around after his children. We entered the mall and stopped near the fountain.

“Now you 2 be good for Jaime or I’ll take away your allowance for a month and we won’t come out again” Billie Joe said to them

“Yes dad” They both said, rolling their eyes. Billie Joe looked at me and smiled, pulling me into a hug and kissing my cheek.

“Thank you, I’ll make it up to you, I promise” He whispered in my ear

“Ok” I answered. He let me go and I hugged Tré.

“You want anything in particular for your birthday?” he asked

“I already said no” I said

“Alright, I’ll have to surprise you” he said. I laughed.

“Where we gonna meet?” I asked them

“Food court, 2 hours?” Billie Joe asked

“Sounds good. I’ll call you if I can’t find you” I said

“Ok, have fun, don’t annoy Jaime you 2” He called as I lead the boys off.

“Dad doesn’t usually let us go off llike this” Joseph said to me

“What do you mean?” I asked

“Well when mom, Dad and us went to the mall, he’d never let us go with just Mom” He said

“Well, maybe he just trusts me” I said

“I think it’s because he loves you Jaime” Jakob piped up

“Well that could be it too” I said

“Do you love him back?” Joseph asked

“Yeah, I do. But I have some problems that I need to work out before I really commit to your dad” I said

“Does he know you love him?” Jakob asked

“Yeah he does” I said as we neared the big toy shop on the lower level of the mall

“Oh this is so big” Joseph exclaimed as we went in

“If either of you get lost meet me right here ok?” I said to them

“Ok” they chorused. The store was relatively empty, due to the fact that most kids were at school. We started at the far aisle and worked our way through, all 3 of us played with toys that were on display. Jakob ended up getting a dinosaur farm and Joseph a remote controlled car. I couldn’t find anything for Drake that I liked as well. I checked my watch and saw we still had an hour before we were to meet Tré and Billie Joe. As we waited inline at the check out I saw a couple of teenagers eyeing me and the boys suspiciously just out side the door. When it was our turn I handed the credit card and note over and waited while the lady did the transaction. She smiled and said thank you and I grinned and lead the boys from the shop and past the teenagers. Like any other day I left the house I was dressed punk and so were the boys, kinda. I heard the teenagers whisper ‘ it is her’ and sighed.

“Let’s sit over here for a minute” I said to the boys as I carried the bag with their stuff in it. We went over to the seats and sat down. The teenagers were still looking at us.

“Do you know what you are gonna get your dad for his birthday?” I asked them

“Mom usually gets his present from us” Joseph said, he looked worried

“It’s ok, I can help. What would you like to get him?” I asked. They both shrugged. I laughed. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the 2 teens heading towards us.

“What about a book, does he like books?” I asked

“Only magazines and he checks for bad pulicity or whatever it is” Jakob said

“Publicity” I said

“yeah” he said

“Ok, what about jewellery?” I suggested

“He only wore his wedding ring and lots of cuffs and spikes and stuff” Joseph said

“Well why don’t you get him some more cuffs and spikes? I reckon we’ll be able to find a really awesome one” I said

“Ok” They agreed. Finally the teens reached us.

“Are you Jaime Cobain?” 1 asked cautiously

“Yeah, that’s me” I said

“What are you doing with Billie Joe Armstrong’s kids?” The other asked

“I’m taking them shopping” I said

“Where is he?” The 1^st asked

“He’s some where around here” I said

“Can I have your autograph?” The other asked

“Spose” I shrugged and held out my hand, smiling. He handed me piece of scrunched up paper and a pen. I scribbled my name and handed it back to him and they left.

“Alright. Before we go buy spikes I need to go the cd shop” I said standing up. Jakob slipped his hand into mine as we started walking. We went into the cd shop and I went to the counter and started looking at the badges.

“Why don’t you 2 go and look at the cd’s for a minute” I said when I found the ones I wanted. I didn’t want the boys to hear me ask for them. They went off and I turned my body so I could watch them.

“Can I help you?” Asked the youngish lookin guy behind the counter.

“Yeah, I’d like the ‘Fuck You’ badge and also the Green Day one” I said

“Sure” He said and started getting them out. When I’d paid I found the boys and we went into the ‘alternative’ shop.

“Don’t look around too much, there’s things in here you don’t need to see” I said

“Oh ok” was the reply I got and both boys stared dead ahead. We went up to the counter and I pointed out the cuffs and spikes.

“Jaime, can we look at that one closer?” Joseph asked pointing out a cuff with skulls on it and small chains.

“Excuse me, we’d like to see that one just there please” I said. The girl got it out and handed it to me. I passed it down to Joseph and he and Jakob looked at it.

“It’s $45 is that too much?” He asked me

“No, I can give you the money for it” I said

“Do you think he’ll like it?” Jakob asked

“I think he’ll love it, because it’s from you 2” I said. They grinned.

“We’ll have this one please” Joseph said to the girl who looked at me, as if for confirmation. I nodded and she rang it up on the til and put it in a bag. I paid her and we left.

“What now?” Joseph asked me

“We’ve still got a while before we have to be at the food court and I still have to get more of the present for your dad” I said

“What are you gonna get him?” Jakob asked

“I’m not sure, let’s go and have a look in the music shop” I said. We went into the shop where rows and rows of guitars were hanging and drums were stacked up and all sorts of other instruments were placed around. I looked at picks and found 10 that I liked, so I bought them. I also looked at shoulder straps and found a black and red one. I considered buying it for Billie Joe but decided against it. Next we went and looked at some ties and I found a red and white striped one like Tré’s and slung it over my arm. I also found an awesome red one, and even though Billie Joe had about 3 red ties I bought it for him anyway. By the time we left that shop it was time to go to the food court. We rode the escalator up to the top floor and walked towards the food court. Jakob was holding my hand again. I looked around and spotted Tré’s Mohawk before I saw Billie Joe’s black hair and lead the boys over.

“Gotcha” I whispered in Billie Joe’s ear as I dug my fingers in to his ribs. He jumped and spun around, laughing. He said hello to the boys and looked at our bags.

“You guys’ve been on a shopping spree” He said

“We got your present” Jakob said

“What is it? Can I see?” He asked

“On Tuesday you can” Joseph said

“Aww ok. What did you get at the toy shop?” He asked

“I got a dinosaur farm!” Jakob said excitedly

“And I got a remote control car. It’s so cool dad” Joseph said

“What did you get?” Tré asked me

“Billie Joe’s present. But I still need to get more” I said

“Well you and me can piss off after lunch and we’ll go Billie Joe shopping together” He said

“What did you guys get?” I asked eyeing their bags sitting on the table near where they were standing

“Your presents” He grinned. Billie Joe was looking at what his sons got themselves

“Ooohhh, I see a big one” I said

“Don’t be fooled by the packaging” He said. I laughed.

“What are we having?” Billie Joe asked us all

“I’m gonna have Subway. If you like you guys can go and get yours and I’ll wait at the table” I said

“I’ll wait with you” Tré offered

“It’s ok, go get your grub” I said

“Well what do you want from Subway and I’ll get yours too” Billie Joe said

“Chicken and Bacon Ranch sub with Lettuce and Tomato and a coke” I said. He nodded and they all headed off. My mobile started ringing and I got it out and looked at the screen. It was Taz.

“Hel-lo!” I said

“Oh, hel-lo!” She replied

“What’s up?” I asked

“Nothin, I just got up” She said

“Oh, you and Nicky go at it hard?” I asked her

“Mmm, something like that” She said. I laughed.

“Where are you 5?” She asked

“We’re shopping. They’ve just gone to get lunch. I’m so tempted to look at what they got me for my birthday” I said

“You’d better not. It won’t be a surprise” She said

“I know and they’re over the other side of the table anyway. Too far away” I said and started laughing. She laughed too.

“You lookin forward to goin back to work tomorrow?” She asked

“Yeah, I am actually” I said

“Same, kinda. Nick can’t come though, he’s gotta go do something with Aaron” She said

“Bummer” I said

“It’s all good. I got to meet Aaron yesterday. He’s a bit of a spoilt brat. Angel is nice though” She said

“Awesome” I said

“Billie Joe, Tré and the boys gonna be at the studio tomorrow?” She asked

“I dare say so” I said

“Awesome. I have a present for Jack and Joey” She said

“Oh they’ll love you” I said

“I know!” She said. I laughed.

“Well, spose I should go and put some clothes on huh” She said

“What the hell. I’ll talk to you later” I said

“Indeed you will. C u bye!” She said

“Toodles” I replied and hung up just as Billie Joe came back carrying a tray of food and a Subway bag. I cleared the table off and he set it all down.

“Sit down” He said to the boys. They sat and he passed them their food. He gave me mine and I grinned and blew him a kiss. Tré came back a minute later and pulled another seat over to the table and sat down beside Jakob.

“What’d you get?” I asked, looking at the steaming pile of mush on a plate.

“I got chicken curry” He said. I made a face and unwrapped my sub. As we ate, people were giving us curious looks, it was either because they recognised us, or because of what we were wearing. Tré was wearing a pair of denim shorts and a white button up shirt with his black and white striped tie and red converse shoes, Billie Joe was wearing black jeans, black converse shoes, one of his clothing lines black button up shirts and his trademark red tie and I was wearing my baggy jeans, orange braces which were hanging down at my sides, a button up black shirt and a red, white and black striped tie and my orange converse shoes. Joseph and Jakob were just wearing shorts and black shirts. Tré, Billie Joe and I were all wearing black eyeliner.

“So what are we doin now?” Billie Joe asked when we’d all finished.

“Me and Jai gotta go shopping for you” Tré announced

“Alright, us boys will go Jaime shopping than” Billie Joe grinned. We got our respective shopping bags and headed away from the food court.

“Where we gonna meet?” I asked

“I dunno, how about you ring me when you’re finished and we’ll figure it out than, cos I don’t know my way around this place” He said

“Done and done” I said

“See that group of people sitting at the table just near ours?” He said to me quietly. I turned my head slightly so I could see and nodded.

“They’ve been talking about you and I since we started eating” He said

“Well let’s give’em something to talk about” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck

“You really wanna? In front of Joey and Jack?” He asked, he was now pretty much whispering

“Why not?” I said. He didn’t need telling twice. He pressed his lips against mine and slipped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer so we were chest to chest.

“Aww, isn’t that cute boys?” Tré was asking

“It’s yukky, girl germs” Joseph said

“You’ll change your mind in a few years” Tré said, matter of factly. I slid my hand up to Billie Joe’s neck and played with the hair at the base of his neck. After a while I slipped my hands down to his chest and pushed him away gently. He looked over my shoulder and than grinned at me.

“They’re all staring with their mouths hanging open” He said. I laughed.

“You know what’d be funny?” Tré said

“What?” I asked, forcing my eyes from Billie Joe’s.

“If you now pashed me, that’d really give’em something to talk about” He said. The 3 of us cracked up and I glanced at Joseph and Jakob who were looking at their toys. I than looked at Billie Joe and he shrugged.

“That might be a bit much. I’ll touch your ass instead” Tré said. I started laughing again and nodded.

“Alright, I’ll see you 2 later, no funny business until I can watch too” Billie Joe said to Tré. He saluted Billie Joe and I laughed and shook my head.

“Cya gorgeous” I said to him. He pecked my lips again and gathered the boys who called out bye as they walked towards the escalator. Tré put his arm around my shoulders and let it hang loosely. His hand was resting on my boob and the people were still staring at us. I slipped my arm around his waist and tucked my hand into his back pocket.

“So what’d you get him?” He asked as we started walking in the opposite direction to Billie Joe, Joseph and Jakob

“I got him another red tie and 2 badges for his guitar. One is a Green Day one and the other says ‘fuck you’” I said

“Where’d you get the Green Day badge from? I’ve been looking for one everywhere” He said

“At the shop on the bottom level. They had 3 different kinds” I said

“We’re goin back there” He said. I laughed and glanced behind me. The people were now trying to follow us, in an unobvious way and failing miserably.

“They’re following us” I said to Tré laughing. He laughed and went to look.

“Don’t look” I said. He shrugged and we kept walking. I grabbed my mobile out and dialled Billie Joe’s number.

“Whatcha doin?” Tré asked

“Making sure Billie Joe doesn’t mind if I pash you” I grinned at him. He grinned back.

“Miss me already?” Billie Joe answered

“You know it baby” I said

“Aww, how sweet” He said

“Tré and I got a problem” I said

“Oh dear” He said in a sarcastic voice

“Those people are following us” I said, laughing

“You know what to do” He said

“You don’t mind?” I asked

“Not in the least. After all we’re not together, yet” He said

“Aww no wonder you’re the most sought after guy in the world. You’re just so nice” I said

“Anything to make the headlines” He laughed

“You really don’t mind?” I asked

“Yeah man, I’ll be mackin on your woman” Tré said, leaning close

“Honestly it’s ok. Thinkin about you guys together is making it rather difficult for me to pay attention to my sons though. I think you know why” He said

“Well we’ll just have to get Taz to look after them tonight so I can make it up to you huh?” I said

“Mmm, so very tempting, but not on the night before you go back into the studio” He replied

“Aww, ok” I said, a little disappointed

“You’re gonna have another break soon anyway and who knows? By than the boys might be back at school and with Adrianne’s parents” He said

“Mmm, maybe” I said

“I”ll let you go so you can snog Tré for the pretty camera’s” He said

“Ok, buh bye” I grinned

“Bye, have fun now” He said and hung up. I pocketed my phone and replaced my arm around Tré’s waist and my hand in his back pocket.

“So what’d he say?” Tré asked

“He said go for it. We should make a real show of it. Not so much we get kicked out, but enough to turn a few heads and get those people to do something” I said

“I see a little corridor comin up. I’m gonna pull you in there ok?” he said

“Than what?” I asked pretending to check my reflection in a window and seeing if those people were still there. They were.

“Than I’m gonna push you against a wall and kiss you. How far behind do you reckon they are?” He asked

“Maybe 10 meters. I really couldn’t tell you” I said

“I’ll just have to play it by ear than” He said as we neared the corridor leading off somewhere, most likely to a fire escape.

“This is so naughty” I giggled

“Jaime, was that a giggle?” He asked me

“Yeha, I’m sorry” I said, this time laughing

“No giggling, you’re not a school girl” He said

“but sir, you said if I let you fuck my bottom you’d give me an A” I said in a small voice as I batted my eyelids at him

“If you’re not careful I’ll have you up against the wall and I’ll be fucking you” he warned

“Meh, I wouldn’t say no” I said

“You ready?” He asked

“Of course I’m fuckin ready” I said. He grinned at me before yanking me down into the corridor and listening intently. He heard something that he took as a sign because he lifted my arms around his neck and pressed his body right up against mine before pressing his lips against mine. I looked towards the shopping centre through half closed eyes and saw the group of people stop short and stare at us. Tré’s lips left mine and trailed to my neck.

“They still there?” He asked as he kissed and sucked gently, so as not to leave a mark

“Mmm” I answered, tipping my head to the side. He kept going for a minute or two and than pulled his head away, grinning at me. I shifted my hands to his chest and grinned back.

“They’re still there” He said. I dropped my hands to the waistband of his shorts and  cocked my head to the side.

“I can see where this is going and girl I swear to god, it’s turning me on” He said. I just grinned again and started undoing his belt. I snuck another glance at the people and saw them all staring at us.

“Tap my shoulder if they leave” I said before lowering myself to the ground and started undoing the button and fly, extremely slowly, all the while looking up at him with a grin on my face. I felt a bit sorry for him cos I could feel his dick grow steadily beneath my fingers. He tapped my shoulder and I looked at where the group were standing before, they were gone.

“We ain’t goin no where” He said as I did his pants back up and than did the belt up.

“It’ll make it more believable if we stay here for a while anyway. I’m sorry, if they hadn’t of left I would’ve given you head, now we’ll have to wait until Billie can watch too” I said. He laughed and nodded.

“What if they send someone to check?” He asked

“Well I didn’t think that far ahead” I said

“Back on your knees” He said. I grinned at him and he turned his body so it was facing the entrance back to the shopping centre. I got back down on my knees and waited.

“I knew they’d send someone to check” He said, tipping his head back and dropping one hand to my head.

“I think you’re secretly working with them, whoever they are” I said. He tried not to laugh. When he shifted his hand from my head I knew they’d gone.

“You had an orgasm yet?” I asked

“Yeah, that’ll do, let’s go Billie Joe shopping” He said. I stood up and he grabbed all our shopping bags and than held my hand. As we emerged from the corridor I saw the people in a group, no doubt discussing what they just ‘witnessed’. One looked up from the huddle and I pretened to wipe something from the corner of my mouth. Tré started laughing.

“You’re bad” He said

“Yeah, I know” I grinned. They kept following us, so every now and than Tré would stop and give me a kiss. We went into a tobacconist and headed over to ‘the naughty corner’. The people followed us in. I really wanted to know who they were and why they were following us, but Tré wouldn’t let me go and talk to them. Instead we looked at ‘the naughty corner’ Tré got him a Self-Masturbation Kit and I picked out Sex Cards, which had different positions and different things you ahd to do while you were rooting. It also had Role Playing Cards in it. Once again the group of people followed us and even came into the Jewellers after us.

“Why did you wanna look in here?” Tré asked me

“Because I’m not finished Billie Joe shopping” I said

“He’s not gonna like much from in here” He said

“Wanna bet?” I said, leading him over to the Silver charms.

“Can I help you?” Asked an older lady. You could tell she was reluctant to serve me.

“I’d like the B and J charms please” I said, pointing them out

“The ones for $50 each?” She asked

“That’s them” I said, pulling my wallet from my back pocket and handing her $100, flashing the rest of my money at her.

“Would you like a silver chain to go with it?” She asked, her whole attitude changing.

“No, just the charms thanks” I said. She got the charms out and put them in a case and in a bag. She gave the receipt and Tré and I left.

“That’s really sweet, getting his initials, but he doesn’t have a chain” Tré said

“It’s ok, I’m really handy with a piece of leather and some clasps” I grinned.

“He’s really gonna love that” He said

“Well, I noticed he had BJ on his guitar, so I figured I’d get him his initials to wear, though he doesn’t have too” I said and put the bag in side one of the others.

“Are you gonna get T and C for my birthday?” He asked

“No, maybe F, E, W, and the number 3” I said. He laughed.

“You done?” I asked him as we walked around aimlessly

“Yeah, let’s ring up BJ” He said getting out his mobile.

“No need, he’s just there” I said pointing to where Billie Joe was handing his sons a milk shake each or something along those lines. We headed over.

“Jai” Called out Jakob excitedly as he madly ran towards me

“hey, careful” I said to him as he latched on to my legs.

“Jack, come on, let her go so she can walk and you can have your frozen coke” Billie Joe said. Jakob grabbed hold of my hand and started pulling on it. I followed him over.

“Hey” I said to Billie Joe

“Hey, you guys didn’t get rid of those fuckers” He said to me quietly

“Swear jar” Both boys said. Billie Joe handed them $5 and shook his head.

“Like I was saying, you didn’t get rid of them” He said to me again

“Nah, they’ve been following us since the food court” Tré said. I was trying to picture Billie Joe wearing the leather necklace with the charms on it.

“You wanna go back home?” Billie Joe asked me

“Hmm, if you guys do, I don’t mind” I said

“I think maybe we should get Taz to take the boys” He said with a glance at me

“Why?” Joseph asked. I gave Billie Joe a ‘did-you-change-your-mind’ look

“Because Taz has lots of stuff to do at her place. You can go swimming in Nick’s pool and he might even take you for a ride on his boat or jetski’s” I said

“Oh yeah, Dad can we go?” Jakob asked

“Yes, yes you can. But only if Taz says it’s ok” Billie Joe said

“I’ll call her at home, so the boys can grab their swimmers and some spare clothes” I said. We gathered our bags and headed towards the exit, once again the people were following us.

“Man, they’re gonna see the number plate on my car” I whined. Billie Joe turned around and walked backwards.

“Hi, how are ya? You people better piss off or I’m callin the cops cos you’re stalkin us” he said

“Why the hell are you following us anyway?” I asked, stopping just before we crossed to my car and turning around.

“We like your music” One said with a shrug

“Buy a cd” I said

“What were you doing with Tré and Billie?” Another asked

“Having fun, like I always do” I said

“Fuck off or I really will call the police” Billie Joe said. Tré had taken the kids over to the car but were standing at the one next to it. The group turned around and went inside. Billie Joe put his phone back in his pocket and looked at me.

“What did you do with Tré?” He asked

“We pashed and I pretended to give him head” I shrugged

“You really love pretending huh” he teased

“Hey, if you’re in the mood later maybe I’ll do it for real” I said just before we reached the car. Billie Joe made sure those losers were gone before we put all our bags in the boot and got in. At home I took my bags into my room and hid them in my wardrobe while Tré and Billie Joe found somewhere to hide their stuff. The past week had been a bit weird, cos Joseph and Jakob were sharing my bed and Tré, Billie Joe and I all slept on the sofa. The first day Joseph found us he had to know why we were all in bed together. Billie Joe told him there was no where else for Tré to sleep. When Joseph asked why we all slept cuddled up, Billie Joe said that sometimes it gets cold at night and that was the end of the conversation. I dropped onto the lounge and rang Taz. She didn’t answer the first timke and I was just about to call her back when she rang me instead.

“Busy?” I asked her

“Nah, my phone was in the kitchen and we were out on the deck” She said

“I see” I said

“What can I do for you? Considering we spoke not even 3 hours ago” She said

“Can you take the boys for the night?” I asked

“Hmm, spose. I’ll ask Nick first” She said

“Thanks” I said

“Nick, can we look after Jack and Joey?” She called out. Nick answered with a loud yes.

“Yeah, when you want me to pick them up?” She asked

“I’ll bring them over in about 10 minutes, is that ok?” I asked

“Yup” She said

“Thanks Taz” I said

“No worries. Where’s Tré goin for the night?” She asked

“He’ll be here” I said

“Why do you want us to look after the boys than? You and Bj aren’t gonna root with Tré there are you?” She asked

“Well, yeah. He won’t be left out” I said

“You’re having a 3some?” She asked surprised

“Yeah” I said, remembering that she didn’t know until just now

“How long has this been planned?” She asked curiously

“A while” I said vaguely

“Before we broke up?” She asked

“Yeah” I answered

“Cool, you’ll have to fill me in once the deed is done” She said with a chuckle

“ok. I’ll be there in a tick ok?” I asked

“Okies, cya soon” She said

“C u bye” I said and hung up

“So she finally knows?” Tré asked me as Billie Joe went and started organising the boys

“Yeah and she doesn’t seem too phased” I said

“Cool” He nodded. About 5 minutes later Joseph and Jakob were ready to go. Billie Joe offered to come with me, but I told him not to worry about it and to have a beer ready for when I got home. He kissed his sons goodbye and grinned at me before I left.

“Do you really think Nick will take us the boat?” Joseph asked

“You’ll have to ask him, but I’m pretty sure he’ll take you out for a little while” I said as I got them in the car.

“Will he buy us McDonald’s?” Jakob asked

“I think he might cook something tonight. It depends” I said

“I like it at Nick’s. The other day when we were there and he took me and Joey on the boat he told us that if we visited when it was summer he’d take us swimming out in the ocean” Jakob rambled

“That sounds like fun” I said

“He let me steer” Joseph said proudly

“How cool! He won’t even let me steer his boat” I said

“I think that’s because you and Taz are always sitting at the back and laughing about something” He said

“Maybe” I chuckled

“What do you and dad talk about?” Jakob asked

“We talk about a lot of things. Our work, our friends, you 2, our family, we make jokes too” I said

“Do you talk about sex?” Joseph asked

“Sometimes” I said, blushing and trying not to let them see

“Have you and Dad had sex?” Jakob asked. I nearly crashed the car. I recovered quick enough and continued driving, trying to choose my words carefully.

“Maybe we can talk about that one day when your Dad and I are together” I suggested

“Ok” He said. I glanced in the rear view mirror and saw Joseph grinning at me.

“Nearly there” I said as I pulled into Nick’s street. I parked in his drive way and we all got out. The boys hurried up to the door where Nick was waiting for them, and left me to get their bags. I grabbed them out, locked the car and walked up t the door. The boys were now inside accepting chocolate from Taz.

“Hey” I said to Nick as I leaned up and kissed his cheek

“Nice to see you again” He replied, also kissing my cheek and quickly hugging me.

“Taz gave us chocolate” Jakob said to me

“Did you say thanks?” I asked. He nodded. Nick told them to take their stuff into the only downstairs guest room and they ran off.

“Thanks for taking them” I said to her

“No worries” She said as we went out onto the deck.

“Taz tells me you’re havin a threesome” Nick grinned

“Maybe not tonight, but yeah maybe” I shrugged

“How long ago did you plan this?” Taz asked me