Love Is What I Got- I Said Remember That

The Sequel to Platinum Rings, Picture Frames and Red Duvet Covers


Ch. 3 If You Leave

Benji hung to Julie’s arms; “You sure you can’t come with us?” he pleaded. The tour bus was parked in the driveway, waiting to leave. They would be gone for four months in a tour around the US and Canada.

Julie pouted, “Yeah, I'm sorry honey but I can’t leave work so close to the end of school.” She worked as a psychologist/counselor at a high school.

Benji pouted, “Okay, I'm gonna miss seeing you everyday. But I’ll call every day- twice a day.”

Julie smiled, “Okay, I know you will.”

Joel tapped Benji’s shoulder, “Sorry but we gotta go- drivers getting pissed.” Benji nodded. Julie hugged Joel and said goodbye. He stepped back and slowly walked towards the bus.

Benji hugged Julie and kissed her deeply yet sweetly. “I love you.” He kissed her again then turned and walked with his head down towards the bus. After about 15 feet he stopped and turned around. He ran back to her and hugged her again, “We’ve only been married two months and I have to leave. Touring sucks!” Julie smiled and played with Benji’s hair. “No touring pays the bills, and its not like you’re going off to war. Don’t forget, you’ll see me in two months.” Benji smiled, “Oh yeah I forgot!” Julie smiled, “See it wont be that bad. It’ll be over before you know it. Play your heart out- for me.” Benji nodded and kissed her, “I’m gonna miss you! I’ll call today when we get in town. I love you.” He hugged Julie and kissed her again. “I love you, Benji,” she smiled and kissed his cheek. The driver honked the horn and they heard four voices yell at him to stop- Joel, Paul, Billy and Steve (their manager) knew it was hard for Benji. Benji turned and finally let go of Julie’s hand. He stepped on the bus and waved at her. As he passed the driver the driver said, “Finally- my god this is going to take forever if this happens in every town.” Joel was behind and heard, “Hey man- fuck off. He just got married.” That night as soon as he talked to Julie he was old Benji again. He spent most (all) of his time playing music and scheming evil pranks to play on his friends.


Ch. 4 Two Days With My Love

“Come on old person,” he yelled out the car window, “move. No don’t stop! Mother-“ he trailed off mumbling obscenities at other drivers. Joel laughed, “Benj, slow down. We’re going to crash.” Billy agreed, “Yeah man, then we’ll never get to the airport.” They were going to the airport to pick up Julie and Ashley. They were staying with the boys for two days when they had off.

He pulled up into valet parking and tossed the rental car keys at the attendant. He ran inside the airport -Billy and Joel struggling to keep up. Benji pushed his way to the wall of TV’s with all the flight information. Joel and Billy doubled over gasping for air- while Benji was hardly phased by his little run. With his arm outstretched pointing in the air he looked for her plane. “Flight 420- Gate 27- DELAYED one hour!” he yelled. “ One hour! Fuck no! My wife is on that plane!” Joel stood beside him as he began to mumble to himself loudly. “Benji- Benj cussing out the plane isn’t going to make it come any sooner.” Benji kicked the floor, “But I- I want to see her.” Joel sighed, “I know Benj. Come on let’s go get something to eat or something.”

Benji sat at the table fidgeting with his starbucks cup. He had barely drunk any of it just sat there staring at it and ripping the napkins to shreds. “What time is it?” he asked taking off his beanie and rubbing his hands through his hair. Billy sighed, “10 minutes since last time you asked. We still have 40 minutes till the plane lands.” Benji sighed and leaned back in the chair. As Billy and Joel talked he lazily began to drum out the melody for Festival Song on the table with his wedding band. Joel flicked his hand. Benji stopped for a second then began drumming out Walk By. They put up with it for a while then both yelled, “Benji!” He smiled, “Well it was giving me something to do.”

After Benji staring off into space for at least 20 minutes he asked, “What time is it now?” Before Billy could answer a giggling twelve year and what looked like her 17 year old sister ran up to the guys. “Like OMG! You’re Good Charlotte! Could you like sign my luggage?” the younger one said. Joel, obviously flirting and obviously 7 years older than her, took the older ones hand, “I think we could. Hi, I'm Joel.” Benji rolled his eyes and posed a smile signing the girl’s luggage. The younger touched Benji’s arm making him flinch. She giggled, “I like your tattoos. And your ring.” Benji struck a posed smile again, “Thanks.” He laughed to himself, “I forget that most people still don’t know I'm married.”

He reached across the table and grabbed Billy’s cell phone. “Planes here! Gotta go get my wife!” Billy said goodbye to the fans and ran after Benji- leaving Joel still flirting. Billy yelled trailing after Benji, “What gate?” Benji yelled behind his shoulder, “27.” Benji ran past the gate then turned around almost tripping over a little kid. He ran up to where the people were walking off the plane and looked around. He couldn’t see Julie anywhere. Billy finally caught his breath, “Maybe they haven’t gotten off yet.” Benji was still looking around and he jumped up to look above the crowd. Billy yelled, “Ashley!” and Benji whirled around to see Billy running towards Ashley. But where was Julie?

Then the crowds parted and there she was. He grinned at her and she threw her bag down. She ran towards him and jumped into his arms. He closed his eyes and hugged his wife. She clung to his neck as he spun around. She leaned back and smiled at him. He smiled and kissed her. She laughed, “Oh I missed you!” Benji hugged her close again and whispered, “I love you. And I missed you more.” They must have been standing there for a while when they heard Joel obnoxiously clear his throat. Benji turned and grinned, “I found her!” Julie laughed, “Uhh Benji, honey, you have to put me down.” Benji kissed her before he put her down in the now empty gate area. They slowly walked through the busy terminal to the baggage claim. As they were waiting for the bags Julie pulled Benji in again, “I love you,” she whispered in his ear. He smiled and kissed her sweetly.

They spent the next two days together. They never left each other’s side and Benji rarely let go of Julie’s hand. The night Julie was to leave they had a show. Benji played really well that night. He drove her and Ashley to the airport later that night and was so sad that she was leaving again. He hugged and kissed her a thousand times before he finally let her board the plane.


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