Read Online Private Message by Danielle Torella - Free Book Online Page A

dad and his new family at that age. Up until that point I would cry about leaving my mom to go spend time with him because he was a total stranger to me. But once I met James we were attached at the hip. I started asking to go to my father's more often just so I could spend time with James. He was a cool big brother who didn't whine when I asked him to play Barbies or have tea parties. He wanted to make me happy. As I got older and began self-exploration, I found rock music and the feelings it provoked in me, the security and passion I felt then and still have now. I began to dress a little more alternative than the kids at my school, and that opened up the doors for bullies. Once James got wind of that, well, let's just say I didn't have any more problems at school. On the outside he looks like Kellen Lutz, a big ol' teddy bear in my eyes, but to someone who's about to receive a good beating. He's pretty damn intimidating.
    I started going out at night to go to these rock shows alone, not having many friends, so alone was my only option. Mom didn't like the idea of rock concerts, and she hated the idea of me going to them by myself. So she put her foot down and said no altogether. I just went out my bedroom window. I was about fifteen when I started doing that, and one night James was at the same small show I was, and he flipped out! Telling me how dangerous it was for a small young girl like me to be out alone at night, with drunken assholes all around me. The problem was that I didn't even notice anyone else when I was at a show. Once the music starts, I am consumed whole. So from that night on, whenever I wanted to go to a show he made me promise to take him along, for precaution. I love my big brother more than anyone.
    "So are you ready, Tessy? Or do you need another half hour as usual?"
    I stick my tongue out at him. "No, for once, I think I am good."
    His eyebrows shoot up in shock. "Seriously? So does that mean we can head out a few minutes early and grab a bite to eat? I haven't had a chance yet, and I really fucking hate cheap venue food."
    I grab my small black purse and my red Kodak easy shot camera and we walk out the door.
    "So, where are you stashing that thing tonight? Or do I not want to know?" My brother only knows me too well. He knows that I will probably stick my camera in my bra to get past security. I'll be damned if I can't get any pics of this show! The band is freaking amazing!
    "No, you don't," I tell him with a laugh.
    He just drops his head and shakes it.
    We decide to just do the whole drive-thru thing tonight since doors open in twenty minutes, and I like to rush to the front to get front and center to the action. The line isn't really all that bad, but I take notice that they are all wearing coats and will probably stop at coat check, ha! One step ahead! I didn't wear a jacket! Dumbasses. We get in and of course I am right, so I grab James's hand and run to the front of the stage. James takes his typical stance behind me to keep other fans from thrashing into me and to block any crowd surfers. He's my personal bodyguard.
    The crowd really starts to pack in after the second opening act. With one arm at each of my sides, holding the barricade in front of us, James becomes my human shield. He never complains about doing this with me. One time I asked him and he told me he gets to see killer bands and shows, and spend time with his baby sister, even if that includes being slammed into and being dropped on. See why I love him so much?
    The drummer beats his sticks above his head and the band jumps right into a hard fist-pounding song. And that's when my adrenaline kicks up a few notches. I begin to slam around and semi-head-bang. I am so not like the other girls at most of these shows. I don't come in wearing miniskirts and what look like bikini tops. I don't hop on shoulders and flash the bands. I am the girl in the jeans, Converse and a tank top. Simple. Clean and classic. I scream with the lyrics