Unbreakable

As I sweep my loft, I blare “Play That Funky Music” through my stereo system. I have to get this place cleaned up before My family gets here tomorrow. I’m so excited to see them, but I’m also nervous. I don’t know why, I mean it’s not like they’re going to suddenly hate me or something, but I’m still anxious. I put one of my guitars in its proper hook, and I put the sheet music that’s on the coffee table in the big filing cabinet. I dance into the studio, and put things where they should be. Now we set up the sleeping arrangements.

I have one bed, and two couches. I know that they won’t share a bed. I bet I could call, and have them bring an air bed. We’ve got lots of them. I walk out to the living room where the landline is, and dial Uncle Derek’s number. “Hello?” His familiar voice asks.

“Hey, it’s me.” I tell him.

“Laci how are you?” He asks excitedly.

“I’m great.” I smile. I miss him so much. “Listen, can you bring an air mattress with you? I know you guys probably don’t have anymore room in your suitcases, but I don’t have anywhere else for you to sleep.”

“Oh yeah that’s fine, i’ll give it to Greg to sleep on.” He jokes. We all like to pick on Greg because it’s easy to get him going.

“Sounds good to me.” i smile.

“Alright Tum, I’ve got a suitcase to pack, and a plane to catch. So I’ll see you in the morning okay kiddo?”

“Okay.” I smile. I love it when he calls me kiddo. It reminds me of happy memories.

“I love you Tummy, bye.”

“Bye love you too.” I reply, and set the phone down. They’ll be here in the morning! An idiotic grin crosses my face, and I start jumping around my loft. “I’m so excited!” I squeal. Good thing I restocked the fridge. We eat a lot back home, we’re growing. Well, they are. I do some finishing touches, and then I take off for my house.

When I open the door, I’m attacked by the little furball known as Killer. “Hey baby.” I say as I pick him up. He licks my face with his slobbery tongue, and I giggle. “That tickles.”

“That dog is always trying to hone in on my action.” A shirtless Ashley sighs from the bottom of the stairs.

“Luckily for him I’m into beastiality.” I chuckle.

“Good thing I’m an animal.” Ashley smirks.

“Indeed it is.” I nod. Killer wiggles in my arms, so I set him down, and walk into the kitchen.

“So how was cleaning?” Ashley asks as he wraps his arms around my waist.

“Oh you know, just a big ol’ bucket of fun.” I say sarcastically.

“Oh I bet.” He rest his chin on my head, and finds my hands.

“This feels right.” I sigh, and play with his fingers.

“Yeah…” He sighs. One of the dogs runs around our legs, and we both laugh. Ashley lets go, and drop to the floor with Tokyo. “What’s up? You wanna play?” The dog nips at his knee, and Ashley ruffles his ears. I can’t pass this up. I pull out my phone, and start recording. Tokyo barks, and Ashley barks back. I sit up on the counter to get a better angle, and Killer come rushing in. “Two against one? That’s not fair!” Killer head butts Ashley’s thigh, and falls to the floor. I know it isn’t right, but I burst out laughing.

“Thighs of steel.” i joke.

“You would know.” Ashley smiles. “Hey are you recording?”

“No.” my mouth hold the ‘oo’ shape. Ashley tries to grab me, but I run off in the other direction. “You’ll never catch me alive copper!” I exclaim.

“I thought i was a cowboy?” He asks as he runs after me.

I stop at the end of the counter, and he does the same at the other end. “Well that tattoo says outlaw.” I lean to the right, and he mirrors me. “So I guess cowboy is more fitting.” I lean left, and he does too. I do a series of quick head movements, and book it through the living room.

“Yee haw!” He yells as he chases me up the stairs. I make a sharp left turn into our bedroom, and slam the door. He pushes it open from the other side, so I put my back to it, and push with my legs. “You’re stronger that you look.” He grunts.

“Thank you thighmaster.” I grin.

“You’re welcome!” He calls from the other side of the door. I laugh, and touch my chin to my chest. I get an idea. I step away from the door, and watch Ashley tumble to the floor. “You’re going to pay for that.” He smiles.

“You have to catch me first.” I grin, and run out the door.

I almost make it to the stairs before I’m pinned to the wall by a big hunk of man meat. “Gotcha.” He breathes into my ear.

“And what are you going to do about it?” I ask innocently. He smirks, and brings his lips to mine. I smile into the kiss, and place my hands on his shoulders.

There’s a loud bang on the door. “I don’t know what you two are doing in there, but you better stop.” Ronnie bellows.

“Ronnie!” I push Ashley off, and run down stairs. I throw the door open, and jump into my best friend’s arms. “I missed you so much.” I say into his shoulder.

“I missed you too Tum.” He smiles.

“Hey, where’s my hug?” Andy asks.

I look over, and see him standing there with a what the fuck? stance. “It’s right here.” I wrap my arms around his shoulders, and he lifts me off the ground.

“What’s this?” Ashley asks. “I leave you alone for two seconds, and you’re all over my best friend?”

“Sorry cowboy, but you know i’ve got a thing for lead singers.” I smirk.

“Whore.” He teases.

“Slut!” I fire back.

“Tease!”

“Thank you, you’re so sweet.” I smile.

Andy, and Ronnie exchange the where did we go wrong? look. “We have to deal with that all summer…” Ronnie sighs.

“It’s okay dude, we’ll get through it together.” Andy says. and pats his shoulders.

“Just wait until they have to deal with our ‘round the clock love making.” I smirk at Ashley.

Ashley looks at his invisible watch. “Oh would you look at the time…” He picks me up, and slings me over his shoulder.

“Ashley Abrocket Purdy, put her down right now, or so help me God…” Ronnie exclaims

“Aw you’re no fun.” Ashley pouts, and puts me down on the couch.

“Well someone’s gotta keep the order around here.” Ronnie says as he sits down in the chair across from me.

“Nah man, it’s anarchy here.” Ashley sits down behind me, and pulls me onto his lap.

“I can see that.” Andy chuckles.

“So what brings you to our humble abode?” I ask.

“You wouldn’t let us pick you up, and we figured it would be a horrible idea to come here before two so here we are.” Ronnie states.

“We appreciate your courtesy.” Ashley gives me a knowing look, and i smile.

“Gah they’re canoodling again.” Ronnie scoffs.

“Shield your eyes!” Andy and Ronnie both hide behind their forearms

“You two are such assholes.” I smile.

Someone is banging at the door. “Tummy I know you’re in there!” CC shouts.

“CC!” I jump off of Ashley, and to the door.

“You’re here!” He exclaims, and engulfs me into the biggest bear hug ever. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too. Now can I please breath again?”

“Oh sorry.” He lets go, and follows me inside.

“So what’s your excuse for this one?” Ashley asks.

“His hip bones.” I shrug. Ashley just rolls his eyes as I take my place back on his lap. We chat for a few hours, have dinner, and now we’re watching The Conjuring. Ya know? It’s been a long time since I pulled a prank. And the basement part is coming up soon… “I have to pee.” I get up, and walk down the hallway where the bathroom is, close the door, and walk back to the edge of the hallway. All of the lights are off so they can’t see me.

She just got thrown into the basement by an unknown force, and I creep back to the couch. “Hey, wanna play a game?” The spirit whispers. 3...2...1 I clap my hands at the same time as the movie, and the guys yell, spring up, and run toward the center of the room.

“What was that?” CC exclaims.

“You’re asshole of a friend.” I smirk.

The lights flick on, and I get my first look of how shaken up the guys are. They are standing in the middle of the living room with their arms wrapped around each other. “You’re never allowed to go pee in the middle of a movie again.” Ronnie pants.

“Now, now, you should have known better.” i scold. I look at the clock on the wall.” Hey guys, it’s 3:07.” I grin.

“MOtherfucker!” Ronnie exclaims.

“What’s the matter, afraid of a little ghost?” I tease.

“No, I’m afraid of you.” He replies.

“Well you don’t have to worry about me, I’ve got to go pick my family up from the airport, so I’ll be gone.”

“Tummy’s leaving?” CC pouts.

“Tummy will be back.” I tell him in a motherly manner.

“Are they coming back here, or to your loft?” Ashley asks.

“I’ll give them the option to do whatever.” I say, and walk out the door.

I hear footsteps, and the door is flung open. “Wait!” Ashley exclaims. I turn around, and face him. He pulls me close, and kisses me. He pulls away, and gazes into my eyes. “I love you my wild Irish rose.”

“I love you too Cowboy.” I grin.

He kisses my forehead a few times causing me to giggle. “Bye.” He lets go of my waist, and then holds onto my hand for a bit before letting it go. I sigh with contentment, and set off to the airport.

I’m pacing around baggage claim, waiting for my family. I am so ecstatic to see them. We haven’t all been together since my last trip back last August. Every year I go back to Ireland from August to October. It’s hard with college, but they’re really understanding

I see Mark first. His usual tidy hair is tousled, and he is in sweats, which is very unusual for him. I smile like a child, and run over to him. He catches sight of me, set his carry on on the ground, and bends his knees so he can pick me up. I run into his outstretched arms, and wrap mine around his neck. “Hey Tum.” He smiles into my neck.

I pull my face off of his shoulder, and look into my big brother’s eyes. “God I’ve missed you so much.”

“I missed you too Tum.”

“Hey quite hogging her.” Uncle Derek jokes. Mark rolls his eyes, and puts me back on the ground. I smile, and run into his arms. “Hey kiddo.” He smiles. He holds me an arms length away, and studies my face. “God you get more and more beautiful every time I see you.”

“Oh stop.” I blush. I see an arm lash out from the corner of my eye. I duck, grab it, and pin it behind Greg’s back. “Yup.. still got it.” I grin.

“Oh shut up Tum.” Greg smiles, and rubs his shoulder.

“You wouldn’t forget about little ol’ me now would you?” Stephen pouts.

“Of course not.” I smile like a two year old, and hug my best friend. He wraps his arms protectively around my back, and I cling to his neck, just like when we were children. Stephen has, and always will be my protector from the demons of the world. He was with me through every step of my physical therapy. He was there to hold me after a nightmare, and he was there to put me back together after Aiden. I can never repay him for everything that he has done for me.

“There’s that beautiful smile.” Stephen grins. I smile, and look at the ground.

“Alright, I think we have everything.” Uncle Derek says. “Lead the way Tum.” I nod, and lead them out to my car.

Once we get to my loft, Mark, and Greg are asleep on each other in the backseat. I snap a picture, and get out of the car. “Here I’ll help you unload everything.” I say as i walk to the trunk. “Jesus what did he pack in this?” I ask lifting a suitcase out of the trunk.

“Well you know Mark.” Uncle Derek shrugs.

“Good point.” I grunt, and lift another suitcase.

Uncle Derek walks to the backseat door, and opens it. “Hey, dumbasses.” I see Greg and Mark’s heads spring up. “Help your sister.” They nod, and groggily get out of the car. I lead them to the elevator, and once everyone is inside, I hit the “T”for top. “Living the high life eh Tum?”

“Well when you manage a kickass rock band, that sort of thing happens.” I shrug. He chuckles, and the door opens into my loft.

“Wow.” Uncle Derek looks around in amazement.

“There’s a couch and a bed upstairs, and a couch down here.” I say. “I just stocked the fridge, so feel free to eat whatever you like.”

“You know us so well.” Stephen smiles.

“Okay, who packed the air mattress?” I ask.

“Greg did I believe.” Uncle Derek says from the top of the stairs. I hear him throw his bag onto the bed. I knew that was going to happen. They all look up, and shake their heads.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I remember Greg packing that…” Stephen slyly tries to climb up the stairs.

“Oh no you don’t!” Mark runs after him, and beats him to the other couch.

“Greggie where’s your suitcase?” I ask gently.

“Right here.” He mumbles.

“Here I’ll help you get your bed set up.” I open up his suitcase, and pull out the air mattress.”

“Come on man!” Stephen grunts.

“Respect your elders.” Mark replies equally strained.

“Yeah boys respect your elders.” Uncle Derek grumbles.

“Here the outlet’s over there, and I’ll go grab you some blankets.” He mumbles something, and I grab him some blankets. Stephen and Mark are in a ball on the couch. “Why didn’t you just pin his arms behind him?” I ask over my shoulder. I grab a blanket, pillow, and a sheet.

“Haha victory!” Mark exclaims.

“You suck Tum.” Stephen groans.

“Blankets are in the closet.” I tell Stephen. I get everyone set up, say goodnight, and go back home.

Notes