Freeway Madness Chapter 5

After they known each other, Jeff place six pack of beer then Steve stare at them with forehead creased. He lift up six packs,

“Seriously?!” he asked in sarcasm tone with one eye brow lift,

“That's the only left!” he shrugged,

“I left few boxes of beer bottles and you gave us six packs?!”

“You've already finished those, you drank it yesterday with remember? That's the last one.” he stare at him blankly to refresh his memory.

“Nah! It's okey kid, I've already have drink before I'm stopping here.” Ross flicker his lighter for his cigarette on his lips.

Later, Dave come to his house just to inform about Mike and Henry departure but Jeff already knew earlier. Then he noticed there Ross beside Steve and Jeff introduced him to Dave. After they having little chat with Ross, Jeff and Dave are laying on the bed in Jeff's room staring blankly to the ceiling where full of metal and rock bands poster including his walls. They thinking about another way to continue their band, Thundersteel; it's taking for few minutes. Then Dave break the silence,

“What now? Henry and Mike went out...what we gonna do now?” he look at Jeff,

“Well...we continue writing some songs then start a little bit music compose.” Jeff open his black steel box in front of him. Dave start to disgust,

“Seriously, I feel like not in the mood for write a song nor compose the music.” he almost like mumble, Jeff jump off from the bed suddenly,

“Or...I have something to show you...” he open the black box under his desk, it contains various cd's, vinyl’s and some cassettes followed by Dave get from bed. He take out one of the cassette with stated “DEMO” on the front cover. “How about we both re-recording this and then send it to some independent labels.” he showing in front of Dave. He fold his arms with his on side eyebrows raise,

“Seriously?! Are you blind?! We only two members left, that's us! How to re-record that?!” he asked. Jeff rolled his eyes

“You can play bass, right?”,

“Yeah, so?”,

“You handle bass and drums while I'm handle lead guitars or rhythm and sing. Then we record it.” he explained. He got Jeff's idea that they both handle two instruments and later it will credit to new bassist and rhythm guitar. He take a cassette from his hand and look at song list; it consists three songs.

“Okey, that will take time.” he throw it on the bed,

“So what's the problem, I've got no problem with that. You?”

He shake his head, “No, but I didn't like it.”

“Then what find some other guys first after that re-recording or make a new song? I think that will take too long.” Jeff gave another idea. Dave let sighed loudly, he thinks that Jeff was right;

“Okey...You're right. Anyway you want to cancel some song replace it with new?” he asked. He nodded,

“Yeah and I think we need one cover song.” he take the guitar beside his bed and place on his lap while he sitting near to desk.

“That is not necessary.” Ross appear all the sudden as rest his shoulder at the door frame with his leg crossed. They both surprised he appear at his room without realizing,

“If you want send this to the label, you don't need a cover song and they want your masterpieces unless they ask. Trust me you don't need to, ask Steve. Your dad, Steve and I been through it.” he sit beside Dave and Steve wheeling enter Jeff's room.

“Only both of you will re-record this demo? I've heard two member had left you guys.” he take the cassette examined. They both silence and nodded, while Jeff strumming his guitar

Suddenly one of his guitar string disconnected and hit Dave's face accidentally. He start screaming in pain as everyone in the room were shocked. Jeff panicky put his guitar down and he stood nearly to him,

“Shit! Are you okey?!” he concerned, try to remove his hand covering his face

“Oww! I think face is bleeding!” he begin burst tear of pain while Ross chuckles at him,

“I...I don't think so, it just a scratch” he shuttered. Then he removed his, he stare at him with horror, Dave became more panicky after he seen Jeff's expression. He had thin scar across his face and still bleeding. Later, Steve provide first aid and Jeff standing while treat his scar in a bathroom where Davey sits on edge of bathtub. When he put some antiseptic on his scar, he start complaining and whining,

“Dude! Stay put and shut the fuck up!” he command,

“Easy for you to say! I think I've asked you so many time to change the guitar not just the strings!! You fucking asshole!” he kicked Jeff's leg, he begin scream in pain. Afterwards, he fired with slap on his face and toast the cotton with antiseptic on scar. He moan loudly then he punch Jeff arm and Steve rapidly wheeled to them,

“Hey! Stop it! Both of you, act like your age! Jeff go to Ross, I'll handle him!” he push him away from Davey. He command him and he raise middle finger to Davey,

“Jeff, don't make me ripped your balls!! Go!” he pointing backward without look at him, he walked out with rolled his eyes and Dave chuckles,

“Shut up! You too!” Steve fired and remained silence. Jeff walk toward Ross, he examine his guitar and look up at him,

“One of your tuning keys had broken and cause this strings disconnected.” he showed broken keys and strings.

“Can it be repair?” Jeff asked, he sitting on his bed beside him,

“Before I answer that, how long did you use this guitar?” he stare seriously at him,

“I...don't...remember, I think since I was eight or ten-”,

“Are you fucking kidding me?! Forget it!” he get up and slam his ugly guitar on the floor. Jeff jaw drop shock by his action toward his Stratocaster copy guitar, he lost a word for a while then Steve and Davey come out from bathroom after they heard slamming sound.

“What the fuck are doing?! Have you lost your mind?!” Steve screaming to his friend,

“Well I've lost my mind when I find out Jeff still using cheap quality Fender copy, why don't you buy some new or a little bit better than this! You're so cheap!!” he showing broken fretboard,

“Ah come on! That's standard for Fender copy.” he wheel near to the broken guitar,

“Still, you let this kid to continue using until reach ten years and I heard their that Friday night was irritating. It's time to change.” Jeff already thought to buy a new but Steve won't let him even though he use his own money.

 After they clean up the mass in Jeff's room, Ross offer them that he become manager; since Ross had known Jeff for long time and he got interested when he wants to continue his late father legacy. Jeff excitedly accepted his offer. Besides Jeff right now does not have his guitar so he can't continue his recording until he buy it and that night they prepare going out for dinner except Dave because he return to home.

Freeway Madness Chapter 4

Sunday morning, Steve cutting the onions preparing for the lunch on dining table in the kitchen. Then he heard loud music cause Jeff's door vibrating, he stop his and looking to the wall clock shows: 10.30 am. 'Wow that's early!' he thought. Usually Jeff wake up late noon especially on Sunday, again he heard the door open let the loud music roaring the house.

“You are up early!” Steve continue cutting his onions, Jeff replied with hum. He study his expression while he pouring the milk into a glass.

“You are seems not in a morning mood.” he focus back his action,

“Not really...” he mumble and drink the milk, Steve puzzled

“Mike and Henry left the band.” he finished his milk. Steve sigh loudly, he drop his knife on the table,

“Is it because of that night?!” he asked angrily, Jeff look at him and nodded. He looked at disbelieved and stare at the table blankly,

“Dude....I'm sorry...that's terrible...are they giving up?!” he asked again, Jeff shrugged,

“They didn't say anything. Actually they left voice message and I got it this morning.” he placed the clean glass at glass handler.

“Didn't you call them back, ask them why?” he getting furious,

“I can't call their number back, both numbers didn't exist. I guess they change it” he replied.

“Look I'm not angry at you of course, but them!! I'm assume they giving up-”

“Goddammit! Steve you can't just simply pointing them, you don't know what exactly their reason behind this! Could be personal problem.” he spat,

“Ha! At least...at least they tell you something before leaving, right? So that you won't wondering what wrong with them!” he asked, Jeff look out the window and sighed loudly. He nodded agreed what he said. They silence at the moment and Steve continue,

“Look kid, I didn't meant to interrupt your business...I just want help you and these guys are very irresponsible. I feel bad for you bro, they easily walking over you and I know you want to defend them because they are your friends since you are child. I'm sorry shouldn't pointing that out easily...I do respect them, it just I don't want you-” he realise he shouldn't said anything like that.

“You don't want me what?” he is getting curious,

“Nothing, I don't you become some other band during my time. Their band member take advantage of him then turns out nothing. That's my worry. You know what why don't you help me with dirty laundry while I'm preparing for lunch.” he lied and continue his action,

“Okey.” he walk away from kitchen left Steve alone in the kitchen then he sighed loudly, 'Shit! That was close, so close! I shouldn't tell him now, this is not a right time or should I?!'

He place his palm on his forehead stare blankly to the window.

***

At the evening, Jeff is searching the vinyl on the cupboard while Steve smoking his cigarette, reading some books. Jeff found one of vinyl and start smirking at it,

“Hey...I don't know you had this!” he excited,

“What?” he look at him, exhaled the smoke and tapping his cigarette on ashtray solid glass. He flip the cover facing him and he surprised,

“I don't know they still exist in my cupboard!” he smirked and raise his hand. Jeff hand it and stare at it,

“Saxon; Rock the Nations.” he mentioned the name of vinyl, “I think bought this during touring around England with my band, we hang out together with your dad of course to local record store.” he flip at back,

“Is that came out in 1986?” he asked,

“Oh yeah, it was new for us at that time.” then he noticed something on the cover, below left side, 

“Owh...” he mumbled.

“What's wrong?” he asked,

“This...belongs to your dad,” he show and pointing at it stated with black ball point marker;

'It's mine, bitch! Get your own!!'

-Clive-

Jeff start to chuckles, “Oh yeah I remembered, mine had been stolen.” Steve continue and put it on the table.

“How?” he asked,

“Well it my stupidity, one of my buddy borrowed and never returned. Take from my advice don't you ever give your record to somebody either men or women, they all the same.” he rolled his eyes. Jeff smile at him, Steve stare at him with stern and he clear his throat,

“I don't understand why they give a lots of bad review about this album, I think it's awesome. Of not as good as the previous like Strong Arm of the Law.” he is upset,

“Yeah I don't understand either...Oh well, that's personal thoughts, some bastard not so open minded.” he inhale the cigarette,

“Mind if put this on your stereo?” he asked and showing the vinyl,

“Sure I would love to and now it's a little bit freedom our retard neighbour beside us is already moved out, in case you didn't know.” he exhale while Jeff brushing the record,

“Seriously?” he stop his action and Steve nodded. He slowly place the vinyl on the turntable, the start music playing and turn the volume.

“Oh come on!! Turn it up more!!” he shout,

“Chill...dudee!” he give him a stern look, then slowly turn the volume up. Jeff walk to the sofa sits beside his uncle relaxing while exhaling the smoke of cigarette.

“Now that's freedom.” he said. They enjoying the music with closing their eyes, suddenly, they interrupted by knocking at the door. 'Neighbours.' they thought looking at the door and then they stare each other, playing paper and scissor game who's going to opened it. Final result Steve showing rock and Jeff showing a paper “Ha!”, Steve pointing finger at him, lose. He stand up and walking toward the door with loud sigh, 'Here we go again...' his thoughts. He unlock the door and sees a tall men with skinny body but muscular, long blonde hair until upper his shoulder and sun glass. He looks similar to Bobby “Blitz”,

“Bobby 'Blitz' wannabe?” he asked,

“Some sort of and you are not the first one said that.” he chuckles and take off his glass,

“By the way, don't you remember me? I'm Ross!” he smile, Jeff jaw drop puzzled and come near to him look up at Ross,

“Ross?!” he surprised,

“Hey, Steve. You evil bastard haven't for many years, I miss you bro.” lean downward and hugging him. He smack and scratch his head with his knuckles, “Ow! That hurt you scumbag!” he rubbing his pain.

“Heh! Pretty long I haven't do that! And you!” he is pointing finger to Jeff, “You have dad's hand and looks. I'm sure you didn't remember me well.” he smile. 'Yes! Exactly! Who the hell are you?!!' he look upset at him, Steve pat his hands,

“Jeff, this is Ross our ex-manager. You are always saw him shooting signboard from the bus window during tour, remember? He looks a little bit different now” he introduced. 'Yeah...I know you. Now I remember, you. You retard' he is nodding while narrowed his eyes.

Freeway Madness Chapter 3

 “The winner...is....” as the host read a piece of paper on his hand while the others start praying and the crowds shouting the bands name. “Black Curse!” he shouted. Chad and his members cheering while Jeff and his mates shocked in their stomach what they heard, they felt upset at the same time as they didn't get labels. Then, they looked each other “That means we're no.2, not bad!! Hell yeah!!” Davey raise his hands to the air and they push Jeff to take $10,000 check. However, not everyone in the hall were happy with the result and most them disbelieved what they heard 'What?!' said among each other, some of them shaking their head. Chad roll his eyes cocky toward Thundersteel, then walk to the microphone 

“Thank you for your supporting guys, we love you!” he said. After that one the people in the crowd, “Says who?! We hate you!!” the guy spat, 

“You are not even singing, you're screaming and you only care about looks! Boo!” another spat followed by his friends throwing a cup of beer to them and hit Chad face. 

“Hey!!” he angrily, they chuckles while give high five each other and the host and judges calming the crowd as they getting wild; booing and throwing some items to them. The other band panicky watching them, 

“That is our best choice and you have no idea how difficult to make a decision who going to win this. Our judgement is final!” one of the judges explained. The crowds getting angrier then before so there a lots of throwing items to them, Chad insanely jump off toward them make one them fall down and he start punching him. Everyone start encore 'fight' and it is totally chaos in the hall,

“This is madness!!” Mike shouted watch them in horror,

“Quick we must get the hell out of here before it is getting worse!!” Jeff quickly lead their way off the stage bringing together with check.

“Or get arrest for involving even we didn't do anything!!” Henry said. The others band also follow them walk at back stage. Left Black Curse and the other dealing with them.

***

After the show, Jeff sit silently at the front passenger seat whereas Steve focus on driving at nearly late night with heavy rain pouring upon on his truck. Steve look at him right corner his eyes and return focus,

“Did you see me?” he try make conservation with him but he replied with nodded. They pause at the moment,

“Look I'm sorry.” Jeff mumble,

Steve shock and puzzle at the same time,

 “For what?!” he still focusing on the road,

“I sorry that...I'm disappoint you and...I just wasting your money for renting the studio for practising or concert. It turns didn't work out.” he look out of the window start nothing but darkness and rain.

“Hey, I've never felt disappoint because of you. That's part of journey become a musician.” he chuckles. Jeff still staring outside,

“Dude, that just only one label, only one! You have no idea how your dad and I facing this problem, we send our demo labels to labels and we went there. Most of them rejected and some of them accepted but we must follow some of his conditions...” he glance at him then focus on 

the road. He start look at him as he want to know more from him,

“What his conditions?” he become curious,

“You know what his conditions?!” he asked him, Jeff respond shaking his head,

“Change our looks into something like glam fashion at that time or...change our sound into something radio friendly! In other words, more commercialize!!” Jeff still stare at him then he change his position to sit up straight.

“So...deny them didn't you?” he asked,

“Of course, we said 'Fuck you!'” he raise his middle finger, still focusing on wheels. He sigh loudly,

“And at last we got it. Anyway that just labels, you are not even reach media controversy yet. Another bastards want to change us and stop us but we don't give shit. We do what we love and no one can't stop us. We're ugly people, we prove ugly music and it is whether you love it or hate it, that's it!” he chuckles followed by Jeff. The conservation paused again. “Hey, I'm sure that dad must be proud even he's not here physically and all of my past members.” he pull over, they reach at their house. Both come out from the truck, Jeff pull out his guitar case put on the ground and he pull the wheelchair for Steve. After helping him out,

“Come on don't be a sad face, let's have a drink.” he unlock the door and enter except him, drink?! stunned hear that word,

“Umm...Steve you know that I can't drink...yet. I'm just 20.” he reminded him uncomfortably, he barely listen him while pulling out a bottle and a can of beer from the fridge.

“By the way, I can't drink not until I reach 21” he said looking down to him, Steve open a can for him,

“Screw the drinking age!! Follow European law and you know your dad is half English so he started drink at your age...or younger than you.” he tried to recall, he gave a beer to Jeff. He uncomfortably hold it and Steve collide his bottle of beer to his can, “Cheers!” he raise his bottle and start to drink it. Jeff puzzled raise it, he sipped the beer and he immediately spit out. Steve laugh at him,

“You should see your own faces...” he continue laugh. Jeff give him stern look, Steve control his laugh,

“Don't worry, I was like that when got a first drink and kinda remind me some how.” he chuckles.

“Nah! Slowly by slowly you'll get used. Cheers again!” he raise his bottle and followed by Jeff after wiping his lips with white cloth. Then he drink and give him a smirk.

Freeway Madness Chapter 2

8:45 pm Friday night

Tonight is big day for Jeff because the competition going to happen in any minutes. Meanwhile in the hall, the crowds almost filling the hall, most of them are teenagers and the rest are young adult. In front of these crowds, there is a thick iron bar separate them from the judges. While on the stage there three people set up and checked the instruments and equipments for last preparation before the show start. Meanwhile, behind the stage numbers groups warming up with instruments and their vocals. Most them were wearing their favourite band's t-shirt together with traditional metal uniform like leather jackets, denim jacket and chains. Jeff and his group walked up the stairs to stage and Davey, his drummer peeking the crowds behind the curtains,

“Oh my God! Duuude, that's huge,that's huge, huger than last show!” he refer the crowds.

“Hey, relax this is not your first time. It just crowds getting bigger” Henry the bass tried to calm his member while he put both hand on his. Davey with thin beard covered his face and he has body chubby body, the bandanna tied on his forehead is getting wet because he is sweating. Then backstage employee approached to them,

“Okey, you guys are the forth, please line up” he asked and he lead these guys come down to queue. The employee keep continue shouting at the other group to manage them. Later, Davey sees his genesis. Correction; another band contestant where they more popular compare to Jeff's band. They were wear band shirts, skate shoes, cameo shorts, and white make up with black massacre. As usual they had long hair except his bassist short spike hair, the singer have thin beard cover his jaw. They walk toward to stage and backstage employee approached them quickly,

“Where the hell have you been?! You are up next!” he walked away and sigh angrily.

They watching him walk, continue heading to stage and start smirking as they sees Jeff warming his guitar.

“Hey...nice guitar...” he mocking Jeff's guitar, his band mates start chuckling. His Stratocaster copy guitar body dark green with a little glittering, maple fretboard and black six strings. Jeff roll his eyes look at him,

“Well thanks, Chad.” he sighed,

“Is your last minute weapon?” Chad jokingly while his mates still chuckles. Jeff remain silence, stare at him and Chad call one of his friends to bring guitar for him.

“Hey, my dad just bought this guitar couple days ago” he opened the guitar case and showed his black Jackson guitar. It look shiny as new,

“Is...is that that Randy Rhoads guitar?!” Mike second guitarist from Jeff's band,

“Not just that, it's X series too. The latest.” Chad's bassist said and Mike and the rest of the band begin to jaw drop except Jeff.

“Jealous heh? By the way, my dad had one his friend working with Jackson so got a little bit discount of it.” he sling his guitar ready for show as current band on the stage nearly end and the crowds begin to wild.

“Very impressive Chad but I'm not buy it and-”

“Your strings had broken 5 times and you nearly screw up last show” he cut off Jeff.

Jeff sigh loudly while the drums and guitar on stage still roaring,

“What do you want Chad?” he asked and Chad looking around. He try to wrap his hand on his should want to speak secretly but Jeff backward a bit,

“I don't need that just tell me what you want and you are running out of time!” he warned.

“Well you know we have been known each other since high school and you were in my band before, but then things not got quite right-”

“Just say what you want!” Jeff getting annoyed by him,

“I...I want you to be in my band. If you're with me I can give you a new guitar, your guitar near broke, bro. Anyway, I mean you have a talent, bro and you are good composer and song writings.”

“Yeah, thanks...but no thanks” he refused. Chad puzzled, he confused what he meant

“No, I knew you gonna used my guitar as trigger object, pursuing me to get into your band. Besides, to be honest I didn't like your music direction.” Jeff getting near to him, suddenly tone of his band member calling Chad,

“Chad, we're up! Don't waste your time with that pussy, he'll never be with us!” one his mate calling him, he start walk away from him toward stairs heading to the stage. Then he turn back at Jeff,

“You know you just miss your opportunity, I won't offer anymore-” he pointing finger to him,

“Okey.”he answered back,

“Even if I win-”,

“Alright.”

Chad felt rage failing to pursue him, he continue walk up to stage and he stopped again,

“You are pussy wake up, move foreword! No one will listen to your music! Make a music a bit radio friendly then you get attention by record company easily, you know. If you want to continue on your way, you better stop and you'll never make it!” he walked toward the stairs. 

Jeff sighed loudly and continue his warming with his guitar, Davey walked panicky to him,

“Jeff, Jeff I have to go bathroom!” he anxiously,

“Seriously?! Now?!” he disbelieved,

“I'm sorry dude, I'm having a big time!” he quickly gave drumsticks to him and rushed to the bathroom.

“Where did he go?” Mike asked,

“Bathroom.” he responded without at him.

“Did he know that we have only less than 10 minutes?!” he complained

“I know, right.” he rolled eyes and backstage man approached to them,

“Hey, you guys better standby at the stairs because you are up next and it's easier for you.” the man command them and lead them to the stairs. They heard the presenter introduce Chad's band,

“...our next contestant is...Black Curse!!!!” he ran to behind stage and they running to stage. Chad greets the crowds as they cheering loudly and slowly quiet. The drummer hitting triple rapidly on the hi-hat and immediately started music with machine gun speed of double bass. He begin the riff and some of the fans went crazy, raise the fist, showing devil hands and jumping each other. He start to screaming where Jeff and his mates watching them at behind the stage with puzzle expression and jaw drop confused,

“Is he screaming or...singing? Mike scratch his head,

“Both.” Jeff while his eyes still on them. They paused at the moment watching their behavioural jumping around.

“Hmm...they sounds like they being circumcision” Henry mocking tone at the same time he rubbing his chin. They laughing including backstage stuff. After Black Curse done, they thank to the judges and fans. Chad walk to back stage, he saw Jeff stood with his members, he rolled his eyes and bumped his shoulder purposely. It cause he loss a little balance, he look at him angrily and he rubbed his pain shoulder. Suddenly he noticed Davey haven't return from bathroom,

“Hey, is Davey have return yet?” he begin panic as his drummer not appeared yet.

“No.” all of them shaking his head. Fuck! The presenter returned to the stage he give information about his band and the stuff guy said,

“Okey, you are up!” he command,

“Wait! Can you give us few minutes 'cuz my drummer have return yet.” he asked anxiously,

“Are kidding me?! You have few second to get on the stage!” he want pushed him to the stage. Before he respond Davey running toward to them,

“Sorry, that I'm late. What did I miss?” he gasping for air,

“We are on now!!” all them screaming to him causing him jump off and Jeff give the drumsticks to him. All sigh anxiously as the host call their band name,

“...given' up Thundersteeelll!” they walk in to the stage and take their position, the crowds cheering for them. Jeff stood in front of them and nodded at his band mates as he return to the crowd, he saw Steve sits in his wheelchair one of the crowds. He give a little smirk followed by nod and he give similar respond to him. Davey did the same action as Black Curse's drummer did and the music blasted the hall. Their music style combination of NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) with and speed metal and a bit of Thrash riffs, it is like Saxon plays in Running Wild speed. Most the crowds starts to like it and headbanging; it shows they more interest to them compare to Black Curse.

After an hour show, now it time the judges to reveal the winner. One of the judges walk to stage, hand in a piece of paper to the host, he look at it and nodded to him whereas others band stood on the stage waiting for the result. The host present the winner price; their price is...$50,000 check together dealing some independent record label for first price. While second price is $10,000 check and the third is $5,000 check. He look at the paper; first, reveal the band third place and every one in the hall cheering and applause . The co-host give away the price to the third winner then the host calm the audiences and they remained silence while he about to announced the first place,

“Okey this the moment of truth, the first place is...” as the bands on the stage started praying whereas the fan shouting the band name.

Freeway Madness-Chapter 1

There is man awake from his dream, he sigh loudly and he wipe his thin sweat on his face. He look at ceiling then look his digital clock on his cupboard beside his bed shows 2:30 am. It remind him of tour bus accident that he had been gone through, that cause him lost his friends including his buddy from his childhood, Clifford Graham Oliva or known as Cliff. They had been gig together, drink, making music and last but least sharing their favourite bands. He remember they covering their favourite song, during touring and they rocking on the stage in front of thousands of fan. Where the crowds calling their name, they wearing their band t-shirts, some of them wearing sleeveless denim with various band patches and some of them wearing leather and chains. All of those remain as a memory and now the band were spilt-up due to his injury broken both legs and he is the only member survive since the accident whereas the rest were passed away.

Suddenly he stop from daydreaming after hearing something from the kitchen then he quickly get up from bed. He pull his wheelchair together with baseball bat and he place himself into his chair. While he pushing both wheel heading to the door he see a shadow underneath it. He open the door slowly, he stuck out his head look around the hallway and he push his wheelchair toward to the kitchen. He see smoke come out from the kitchen, he apply his force on the wheel make go faster to kitchen. Then he see late teenage boy flipping the egg by using pan and he stare at his uncle on the wheelchair, innocently.

“Sorry, did I awake you?” he look back on his omelette.

“And...What do you think?” his uncle rise his one eyebrow with sarcasm tone,

“Sorry, Steve...” he flip the omelette into his plate.

“You had dinner like-”, he turn around and look at the clock on the wall “-four hours ago and it's not even small potion”. He ignored his uncle conservation while he pouring a pinch of salt on his food. “And you still hungry?!” he kept continue.

“Yes. Because I'm growing up.” he munching the omelet and the conservation paused at the moment.

“Anyway, since you are awake...do me favour?” he asked while wiping his lips with white cloth.

“What is it?” he pouring a jug of plain water into his glass without looking at his step-son,

“Can I have 30 bucks?” he drinking a glass of water beside him. Steve shockingly until he accidentally spill his drinks 'puff!' and he starts to coughing,

“You asked about this two days ago, what did you do with the money? Buy some grass?” he complained while stroking his chest gasping for air after cough.

“No! It's for jam and the competition is around the corner! Beside I'm asking only 30 not 50!” he begin walk away from dining table to the sink and throw fork into it.

“Yeah?! If twice a week asking me for 30, doesn't make into 240 bucks a month?!” he wiping his white white cloth throw it on the counter, he step-son start rolling his eyes and turn away from him starts wash his dishes.

“Are guys suppose to share money every jam?!” he push his wheelchair toward to his step-son.

“Well yeah but not everyone have enough, sometime they need my help. You know what I'm going to bed and I have a class on tomorrow” He away from sink left his uncle in the kitchen look at him.

“Hey, buddy! You have to remember money doesn't grows on tree & you better spend wisely okey.” he pointing his finger to him as a warning.

“Yes they are. Those made from paper right?” he stare at his at his uncle from outside his room with sarcasm tone. Steve starts growl then his step-son wish 'good night' to him and the door slammed moderately before him. He rolled his eyes because of his behaviour, he switch off kitchen's light with baseball bat and push his wheelchair toward his room. He close the door behind him, he push the wheel until he reaching to his bed. Steve struggling crawl on it and he slowly lay on his bed. While he staring at ceiling in his room, he realised that the boy was talking to him just now is same person when he saw him in tour bus while he sketching on a book before the accident. He was 5 years old at that time, he just like his father, he know how to play guitar very well, bass, and drums. Moreover, he remember the band and himself were impressed his first guitar solo during recording their new album. After the incident, he took him as his step-son as he promised to his best friend after his death, stated in the letter as well as he said before that happening. The letter was given by one of his family member during funeral and a few months later Steve and the band manager, Ross were announced band's spilt up during interview with several music magazines. After the interview, he went back to his apartment and he saw Cliff's son laying on the sofa while he staring his father's guitar pick on his hand. He sigh felt sympathy for him, he push his wheelchair toward him. The boy look up at him and got up,

“Who am I going to stay with? Mom and dad are gone” he asked him with crack voice.

Steve hold his shoulder gently and his right thumb wiping his tears,

“You're going to stay with me and we're leaving this city. I will take care of you, I promise.” he whispered to him.

That was 15 years ago, he will be turn into 20 years old this July and he remind him just like his buddy because he follow his father's footstep which make him proud. He physically looks like his dad except his eyes and his hair look like his mom. He dress up chains and leathers, sometimes wears denim sleeveless jacket with variety of band patches on it. He attend almost every his favourite band shows together with his mates. Almost every evening he practice guitar with them especially when the competition is getting near. He is Cliff's son and he is Jeffrey Peterson Oliva or known as Jeff Oliva.

Freeway Madness- Pre Chapter

In the middle of night with heavy rain pouring along the highway, there is the bus drives with moderate speed. In the mean time, band and the crews having leisure time like drinking, chatting about rock 'n' roll or metal music and some of them well....sleeping after long day working. There is a man has long dark blonde hair more the his shoulder with long beard walking to another room while he is drinking beer on his hand. He knocking the door while the rock music playing loud inside and he could hear guitar solo. He pause for a while still no response and he decide to open the door slowly.

Then he see a boy sit on the corner, concentrating his work on his sketch book and he noticed a man has entered the room. He quickly turn down volume of music “No,no,no it's okey. I love this song, anyway.” he smile at him and continue drinking beer. A boy smile back at him and continue his work and a man walk toward him, sits beside him. He try to sneaking the boy work,

“What are you doing, kid?” he ask politely.

“Umm... nothing just sketching..” a boy keep doing his drawing,

“May I take look at it?” he show his hand to take a look the boy art.

“I think it's better not take a look at because it look horrible” boy trembling,

“How come you even judge like that? And I'm not even take look at it yet” a man creased his forehead while the boy away from him and his artwork. The conservation pause at the moment;

“I think you just nervous. It's okey I won't say anything and I tell anybody if is bad.” he whispering,

the sigh loudly and he feel not trusting him “Promise?!” ask with worry tone.

The man raise his right, “I swear in the name of God.” he smile at him and the boy hand in the book to him.

He take it while smiling at the boy then he raise both eyebrows. The boy still staring at him;

“Actually, it really good!” he look at the boy surprisingly and he clear his throat.

“Well correction; this is awesome!” he return the book to him, he smile again at the boy while stroking his head.

“Thank you.” he spoke slowly.

“No problem. Did you got inspired by this song while making this work?” a man asked him again. The boy just nod, suddenly another man with long black hair with moustache and long beard come in to room.

“Hey kid, time for bed. Mama already calling you and you with beer on his hand I'm finishing with yet.” he pointing to the blonde man. He roll his eyes while drinking,

“Tsk...dad..” a boy frowning to his dad and there a women enter the room enter the room.

“Stop it boys! That's enough.” she roll her eyes look those men and she smile at her son,

“Come honey.” she reach her hand to him and the boy look upset at his mother.

“What? You can talk to him on tomorrow. Say good night to Uncle Steve.” she pointing at blonde hair man while his mother stroking his head and the boy get up while sigh loudly.

“Bye...good night” he waves his to him.

“Bye! Sleep well, kiddo.” he smile broadly and continue drinking his beer.

Both mother and son leave the room, once she close the door both hear some bang and Steve's grunting. They start their wrestling is that room.

Later, the digital clock on dashboard driver side shows 2:30 am and the bus driver look at it. He starts yawning and he shaking his head fight his sleepiness,

“Dude, you look need some nap. I'll take over the wheels.” his co-pilot look worry at him.

“Look I didn't how many times I told you this' I'm fine!!', really!!” the driver rise his hand to stop his concern.

“Hooookey, let me know when you need it.” he pull thin blanket cover his body and slowly he close his eyes.

The driver start having difficult to fight his drowsiness, he slowly close his eyes and fall asleep while both hands still on the wheel. Suddenly, he hear loud honking him getting near so he immediately awake and he see bright white light coming toward him. He could not think to avoid because is too late then loud bang and crushers echoing his dream.