Misunderstanding's

A couple of days had gone by and they only had spoken on the phone. John thought it would be a good idea only because it gave Michael a chance to calm down some. Ellie told him what her father told him and that it was ok to still see him and John told her that his father told him the same but facing Michael would still be uncomfortable. He wanted to still give it a few days for him to calm down some.

“Well I have to say I’m surprised that your parents are letting you still see me after what happened.” He told her.

“Well crying hysterically over the phone helped I think. But they want to talk more in debt about it when I get home so…I’m in for the talk which they’ve ignored for almost seventeen years. I still don’t think Joey has had the talk and had he’s had sex.” She told him.

“Wait a minute you told me he’s done things but you didn’t tell me that he’s actually did it?’ John said shocked.

“Yeah I know but since he grown a foot, foot and a half and now looks like a model or as my Aunt Marg says a movie star all the girls don’t stop calling the house. Even the ones who use to bully him. Those are the ones I tell him to fuck and run.” She said and was laughing.

“Ellie! I don’t believe you just said that! I really didn’t know you had that mean streak in you.” John told her in shock.

“Yeah well never hurt someone I love then. Believe me I could be either a great cop slash detective or a great master criminal take your pick. And when I lie I cover my bases. I’ve got four siblings that prove it. Because I never got caught and they would take the blame for me. Especially the two younger ones because Daddy wouldn’t punish them like he would Joe or I we’re the oldest so we should have known better so we would of gotten it they wouldn’t have.” She told him.   

“Yeah I know the feeling. But I didn’t know you were that sneaky.” He said to her thinking of all the beatings he and Tony would get.

“John are you ok you sound really weird. You know you never told me about how you guys were punished. I’ve told you.” She said to him concerned.

There was a long pause then finally he answered her. “You know Babe I have to go. I’ll call you later ok. I need to get to rehearsal I’m looking at a few new guitarist and drummers ok Love You bye.” And he hung up.

Ellie stared at the phone and thought to herself how could he have a rehearsal if he didn’t have a band. Something was up and she was going to find out but first she was going to talk to Michael and Marsha so she could see John instead of talking on the phone. She was going to wait for Michael to get home so they could discuss this over dinner. Yeah that sounded like a good idea.

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John didn’t want to get into his relationship with her about the punishments with her. He loved his folks but it was hard for people to understand that it still continued til today. Sometimes he even took the blame so his brothers wouldn’t have to take them. As the oldest he felt that was his job the same as she did. Maybe that’s what drew them together. Maybe that’s why he felt the way he did for her. What he didn’t understand was she already knew one of his darkest secrets so why was this one so hard? I’ll tell her I don’t want to keep secrets from her just not right now.

John went to The Stone Pony to interview new members of the new group he was trying so hard to get going. It was ok for him to be there seeing it was in the afternoon and they weren’t legally open and serving liquor.  He wanted to scream because so far there wasn’t anyone decent that had come in. And Jimmy one of the bouncers had reminded him that he had to be out by seven before the crowds started coming in and the paying entertainment went on. John told him that he would be but that he would be back with a vengeance. Jimmy told him that he had no doubt about that. After he was finish he didn’t feel like going home so he went to find his friends so he went to their regular hangout which was a place that he hadn’t taken Ellie to yet. It was this dive really but most of the kids hung out there and he hadn’t been there in a few weeks so he wanted to see what was up. When he walked into Zack’s Place everyone looked at him and then started to whisper. He just shooked his head and walked over to the bar.

“Hey Betty how are you?” he asked her as she was one of the bar tenders there.

“Johnny long time Honey where have you been?” she asked him.

“Try to get another band started the other guys left me high and dry. You know either left with their folks on vacation or just felt that we weren’t going anywhere.” He told the pretty brunette who was I her late twenties.

“Really I heard you got a cutie of your own. Been with her all this time. Should I be jealous?” she asked him flirting as always.

“Now Betty would I do that to you? But can I ask how did you hear this? I mean I never brought her down here.” John told her.

“Oh come on now, you know how small this town is John. And I give you five bucks on who told me.” She said sarcasticly.

“Never mind I know Dotty. Yeah I’m seeing a great girl and her name is Ellie.” He told her smiling.

“Well don’t tell me that you’re in love?” she asked him smiling back at him.

“Look Betty can we just keep this between us right now I don’t want this all over Jersey ok. It really has a lot to do with Ellie; Dotty has it out for her.” John explained to her.

“Oh sure Hon no problem so what can I get you a beer?” she asked him.

“Yeah that would be great.” He said. She got him his beer and a coke and he went over to a table where he saw his friends Dave Sabo, Dave Rashbaum, Tommy Swift.

“Hey John how are doing man.” Dave Rashbaum asked him.

“Doing the best I can. Right now trying to get another band started.” He told them as he took a swig of his beer.

“I see they gave you a soda too huh?” Dave Sabo noticed that John had one too.

“Ok Sab I told you this before they give you guys those in case the cops come in here for you under aged brats. You see that trash can you’ll chug a lug then dump the cups in there. Can you try to understand simple instructions or should I go slower?” Tommy asked him making lip motion movements with his hand as he was talking.  

Well this set off John and Dave R. into a fit of laughter. While Dave S. didn’t find it very funny at all but before he tried anything John just held him down and shooked his head no. Once everything calmed down Tommy asked John about trying to put this band thing together and he listen. Then he suggested that he come over to the Fast Lane Friday night because his band The Rest was playing there and right their keyboard player was filling in as a singer.

“Yeah here just give this to the guy and if not just tell them to ask for me or Jack ok. Come about six p.m. we’ll do a couple of songs and if Jack likes you you’re in. But the way these two were telling me before you even came if you’re that good you’re in.” Tommy told him.

John was so excited they all talked shop until a few of the regular girls came over to sit with the guys. They were feeling no pain about then and Dave S. and Tommy knew the girls from the clubs. John and Dave R. recognized them but never had any run ins with them. They introduced them to the girls and this one blonde had eyes for John. She was all over John and he seemed very uncomfortable for the first time in a long time that a beautiful woman was paying attention to him. But he played along only because he didn’t want the others teasing him. They stayed until closing and Cheri was now sitting on John’s lap. The girls got up to go to the little girl’s room while the guys were paying the bill.

“Hey Dave R. do you have a ride home?” John asked him.

“Um hang on a sec Sab was going to take me home but it looks like he has other ideas now.” Dave R. told John. He went off to ask Sabo while he waited. Tommy had already took off with two of the girls about forty-five minutes earlier. The three other girls were walking back as Cheri sat back down next to John.

“So Johnny what do you say we go back to my place and I’ll get you another drink and maybe something else.” She told him as her hand was rubbing up and down his leg.

John had to now tell her how he felt and that he was no way in hell going back to her place. Grabbing her to stop her from touching him, “Cheri you can knock it off now.” He told her in a not so nice voice.

“What’s the hell I thought we were having a good time?” she asked him confused.

“Look I appreciate the attention but if you were doing it for saving face in front of your girlfriends I’m done. I saw you guys talking before you came over here. Plus Sabo told me what you had in mind. Now I did Sab the favor so he could go out with your friend I have a girlfriend so if you don’t mind.” John explained to her.

“You’re piece of shit you know that. Fine you know Dotty was so right about you Bongiovi.” Cheri told him as she got up and walked away from him.

John heard chuckling behind him, turning around he saw Dave R. standing there. “You know Jon you really have a way with women.” He told him as John gave him the finger.

“Come on if you still want that ride asshole.” John told him.

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The next day John tried calling Ellie but there was no answer at the Levine’s so he tried looking over to see if there were any cars over there. There weren’t. He wondered where everyone could have gone. He couldn’t remember if it was one of her days at the clinic. So he practiced some of the songs he was going to play for Jack Ponti when his Dad knocked on his door.

“John I need to talk to you.” John Sr. told him.

“Sure what can I do for you?” he asked him.

“Well your mother and I were taking and we feel that we let you go long enough living here and not paying rent. You’re old enough now that you can get job.” He told his son.

John just looked at his Dad and didn’t know what to say. He sat up straight, “But Pop I have an audition in a few days for this band as lead singer, and there’s a good chance that I’ll get it.” He told his Dad proudly.

John Sr. stood there happy that John was starting to seem to get somewhere with this but how long would this one last. “That’s great John really it is but as your Mother and I were talking we think you need something a little more substantial. Something in the day then you can do your music at night. “ he explained to him.

John really thought he was hearing things. “But Dad you know when I was doing this in school I was sleeping thru half my classes. I’d be doing the same thing if I worked.” He told his dad.

“Well then you better come home right after you finish with the gigs then and get a good night’s sleep so you don’t because this is what’s going to happen seeing that you’re not going to college.” He said sternly.

“But Dad!” he exclaimed.

“I’m sorry John but this is what your Mother and I have come up with. You have til September first to get a job or you’re not playing in anymore bands until you do.” John Sr. commanded.

John couldn’t get anything else out he was too overwhelmed at that moment. John Sr. told him that he should think about what they just talked about and that he should let it settle and think of what he could be good at other than playing the guitar and singing. John actually felt like crying but he wasn’t going to show his dad of all people. He didn’t come out of his room the rest of the day and Carol was getting nervous. But John told her to let him lie and that he had a lot of thinking to do. She knew he had a temper like both of them did but she also knew he would never use it on them. The consequences would be too severe.

Finally around four-thirty he heard car pull up so he looked out his window and saw Marsha’s car parking in her driveway. Smiling he really needed to talk with Ellie but just then as Marsha got out he noticed she was the only one. Was he seeing this right? Was Ellie home all this time and he didn’t know it? He threw his sneakers on and ran downstairs where his Mother caught him before he was able to get out of the house.

“Hold it right there young man where do you think you’re going?” Carol asked him.

Holding it together he turned around, “I’m going to see Ellie why?” he said snarky.

“Don't speak to me in that tone. You haven’t been out of your room all day but she comes home and you’re out the door?” his mother questioned.

“Well yeah because she doesn’t question me.” Again he said with a tone in his voice.

“You know you’re still not that old for me to put you over my knee.” She told him.

Looking her dead in the eyes, “And you do Mom and I’ll be out of here so fast just remember that. That also goes if Pop cuts my hair anymore. I love you guys but I won’t take those punishments anymore. I’ll get the job til I’m eighteen then I’m out of here. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going over to see Ellie.” And he went out the door.

Carol just stood there as John Sr. walked in. “Did I hear him right?” John asked his wife.

“Yes you did. He believes he’s a man now.” Carol said in shock.

“Well Dear he is. She’s leaving in a few days and he’ll probably start at the Pony. I’m sure they’ll hire him he is that good. So you know what to do.” He told his wife as she stood there shaking her head yes.

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John went next door and waited til someone answered the door. Finally Marsha did and was surprised actually to find John standing there. “John Hi I’m surprised to see you?” she told him.

Confused he asked, “Why? You did say that Ellie and I could see each other right?”

“Yes, yes of course but Ellie thought with what happened and you not seeing her the last two days well she just thought maybe you wanted to cool it for a while.” Marsha told him. “Why don’t you come on in so we can talk.” She told him.

He entered the house wondering what was going on and why Ellie would think he would want to cool it for a while. Once he sat down on the couch Marsha asked him why he hadn’t called her in the last few days.

“Well I was trying to get a band together but I failed miserably. Everybody that I know is either gone for the summer or is getting ready to go off to college. But last night I got lucky and a friend of mine said that the band that he was in lost their lead singer and needed a new one so Friday night I’m going to audition for it. I think I have a good chance to.” He explained to her as she listened intently. “Marsha is Ellie here?” he wanted to know.

“Well that’s the problem John no she’s not. Yesterday she tried to blow off what she said was one of her everyday headaches. But I’m getting pretty good to be able to tell when she’s lying to me. She gets really pale and really quiet on me.” She told him.

“Plus her eyes get grey.” He told her.

“What?” Marsha asked him.

“Her eyes…they get grey when she doesn’t feel good.” He told her again looking really concerned now.

Marsha smiled knowing only someone in love would know that. “Well anyway she didn’t think that when you weren’t calling and the way you ended your last phone call with her that you were upset with her for some reason. “ she told him.

“NO! God no why would she think that?” he asked her really having no idea why Ellie would think that.

“You don’t remember your conversation of a few days ago?” Marsha asked him.

“Of course I do it’s not like we had a fight. We ended our conversation like we always do with us saying I love you. So why would she think it ended on a bad note?” he asked her.

“Because John you’re a guy. And she obviously read something else into it. Which in turn festered in her little brain and cause her to over think it. Made herself sick. Anyway yesterday she finally couldn’t take the pain and fessed up so I call her doctor who told me to get her in there right away. So I called Abby to come and watch the kids for me while I took her. The problem was her blood pressure was so low that they kept her overnight. But when she stood up it would even get lower to the point she wanted to pass out. The weird thing was her pulse rate was extremely fast? That’s where I was today. Nothing’s really changed and I think it’s because she has herself all worked up over it. She’s so afraid that she won’t be able to go home at the beginning of next week she will make herself sick as hell.” Marsha told John worried.

John thought for a moment then suggested, “Marsha why don’t you let me go see her. I know for a fact that I can calm her down and get her home.” He reassured her.

“I don’t know John. This all seemed to happen after she talked to you and convinced herself that you guys were fighting for some reason.” She told him.

“Well exactly. That’s why I need to explain to her that there’s nothing wrong between us. I need to know why she thought that there was something wrong in the first place. I’m not a mind reader Marsha. You women sometimes make a mountain out of a mole hill.” He told her. Well Marsha started laughing hard at him. He looked at her like she was crazy. “Why are you laughing at me?” he asked her shaking his head at her.

“Because this is just the beginning Hon just the beginning.” She told him now chuckling. Now laughing back Marsha said to him, “Ok I’ll get you in tomorrow how’s that I’ll be leaving around ten a.m. that’s when Abby will be over to take the kids for the day.”

“Thanks Marsha I really appreciate this very much and I know I can get her to come home with us.” He told confidently.

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Morning came and John was lucky that his parents weren’t home this morning. His dad had gone to work and his Mom must have gone shopping or something. So he was able to slip out easily and head over to the Levine’s unseen. It took about twenty-five minutes to get there and John was about jumping out of his skin. Marsha and John had walked into the clinic and she had to verify for John. They had walked in to Ellie’s room but she wasn’t there.

“Marsha where is she?” John asked her.

“She’s probably having tests done. We’ll have to wait here until someone comes and lets us know what’s going on.” She explained to him.

John just looked at her like she had two heads. “Are you kidding me? We have to sit here and wait til they come to us? Why can’t you go and ask them what’s going on you are her guardian right?” John wanted to know.

“I understand your concern John but it’s they’re policy. We wait here til they’re ready with all the information so they don’t repeat themselves over and over again. All I can say is they’re lucky that Uncle Paul isn’t here because he’d rip them a new one if they didn’t give them any info on his daughter that’s for sure.” Marsha told him wincing. They waited for what seemed like hours but it was only an hour and a half before Dr. Chan came in. He was the new doc who was working on Ellie’s case for the fainting and low blood pressure. Dr. Moore her psychiatrist was also with him seeing Ellie was showing her depression more than usual due to maybe not being able to go home on schedule. As Marsha and John were telling them their concerns and why she was probably this way all they seemed to do was write in their note books which was driving John nuts.

Finally one of the interns brought Ellie back to her room. She wasn’t really paying attention to who was in the room when the intern brought her back from all the tests that she was having done. She was tried, grumpy and totally emotional. As the intern parked her by her bed she saw Marsha standing by Dr. Chan.  “Well did they tell you what they think is causing my fucking problem?” she asked Marsha which kind of shock John by her attitude. He really never saw her like this before.

“Yes Honey they did.” Marsha told her.

“Well it’s a fucking joke that’s what. I’m under fucking stress? What stress? The only God Damn stress is them holding me and not going home when I’m supposed to. Then telling me I’m fucking anemic I’m not anemic. Dr. Spongen had me tested. Jesus why did he have to die. He was the only one to believe me in the first place.  I want to go home Marsha now.” She demanded.

John looked at Marsha and she nodded her head. “Why don’t we go to one of your offices and have a little chat shall we?” Marsha suggested. Ellie looked at her and wanted to scream but thought maybe this way she could get out of there faster. Just as they left Ellie put her head down in her hands and was about to cry when she felt these two hands on her shoulders and she nearly jumped out of the wheelchair but John was able to stop her.

“Hey calm down it’s only me Baby I’m here.” John told her as he walked in front of her and knelt down in front of her.

“John? You’re…you’re here.” She said shocked.

“Yeah I’m here Baby I’m here. Ellie why would you think I wouldn’t?” he wanted to know.

Sniffling, “I don’t know…I guess it was the way we left things…you were kind of I don’t know distant and like I said something wrong but I tried to push it out of my head then I didn’t hear from you in a couple of days then it turned into four and before I knew it I was here.” She told him.

John just closed his eyes for a few seconds then reopened them. “I’m so sorry Ellie this my fault. I should have called you and let you know everything was ok. I’m so sorry I made you sick.” He told her as he started to well up.

She looked at him like he just broke his promise. Was he feeling sorry her now? Why was he blaming himself for her not feeling good? This so was not making sense. Her head was starting to spin now. “John what the fuck are you talking about? How the hell did you make me sick?” she asked him now as she was now getting really pissed.

John just stared at her in shock at her outburst. “First of all what’s with all the swearing? I’ve never heard you swear so much since you got here. I mean really Ellie the potty mouth? Where did this come from?” he asked her annoyed now.

Rolling her eyes at him, “Well I guess you don’t know me as well as you think you do then. So how the hell do you think you got me sick then?” she asked all pissy.

“Whoa! Are you mad at me? You’re mad at me because I asked about your swearing?” he asked shocked.

“No I’m mad at you for thinking that I’m here because you thought that you put me here you moron! I thought you promised me you wouldn’t do that! You’re feeling sorry me so if you are you can get fuck out right now!” she yelled at him.

Standing there with his mouth open he finally said, “Look I’m not feeling sorry for you. Everybody is saying that I’m the one that put you here in the first place because I didn’t call you in the last four days. Marsha said she thought this because you looked like you were depressed that I hadn’t call and that you were over thinking things.” He explained to her.

Ellie just sat there and listen to him talk and she didn’t show any emotion she just stared into space which was scaring John. Finally she said to him, “All I did was have a fucking migraine attack. That’s all. Plain and simple. As for the blood pressure I tried to explain to them it’s happened before it’s the damn heat. That’s why I don’t go outside all that much. The sun gets me everytime.  Why didn’t Marsha and Michael think when Daddy gave them the money to put a A/C in my bedroom so I wouldn’t suffer from the damn heat and get sick. (looking at John) I want to go home.” She told him.  

“Ellie, Baby Marsha is trying to get you out of here today so we can take you home today.” John told her.

“No John I want to go home home.” She told him with tears in her eyes.