Chapter Text
Everyone deserves a rest in their life. It's like an office worker who can't see anything beyond a computer monitor and reports, or an artist who can just burn out and stop enjoying his favorite business. Everyone needs a short rest, as there simply aren't enough days off. The body does not have time to recover, get enough sleep and feel all the delights of free time.
But how often can something like this hurt? Without a doubt, rest is needed, but in small quantities. If there are too many vacations, people will simply become lazy and stop working. At the same time, the economy will be undermined by other global problems that you never think about at all. As the ancient proverb says, « Everything is poison, everything is medicine; both are determined by the dose. »
So when you think about the long-awaited holidays again, remember that they may not end at all.
***
“ We're leaving tomorrow, right, Scott? “ — A slightly soft but confident voice came from the street and penetrated through the open door. A silhouette appears in the doorway, followed by a man who nods his head as he descends the stairs: “ Yeah. That's why we're seeing off our vacation today. After all, the best send-offs are those made with a smile. It's easier to accept that we're going to break up again soon. “ — He took the stairs two at a time and went up into a small round arbor made of wood.
Snow-white, it was drowning in the rays of the evening sun, becoming more pinkish. Right in the middle of it was a small round table covered with a checkered tablecloth. Scott put a kettle of hot and fragrant tea in the middle, dusted off his hands and adjusted his sunglasses. They had slipped off the bridge of his nose and were now almost resting on the very tip of his nose.
The one with the softer voice was none other than Rivers. He walked up to Shriner, and when he caught up with him, he looked around the table.
In addition to the kettle, there was a small plate with sliced apples, tangerines and grapes. Four washed transparent glasses have already been distributed to the places that all vacationers will occupy later. In general, they didn't want to spend too much money on something in terms of snacks. In the end, it will just be a cozy evening spent by their company, after which they will have to order a taxi the next morning and leave for the city.
The idea of spending a little vacation after the release of the album and the tour was Rivers' idea, which was unanimously supported by all the guys. This is really what they all needed after an exhausting but good tour of the country. And, having found a suitable house outside the city, they all moved there.
“ Rivers, Scott, say something.. “ — Brian's voice rang out, immediately both men turn around, Scott says with a grin: “ Something. “ — While Cuomo pays attention to what Brian is holding in his hands. And he's holding a small camera, which belonged to Cuomo, filming the two of them.
“ Hey, Brian, give me the camera! God forbid you break it. “ — The soloist, without wasting a second, takes a step towards the guitarist. He chuckles. Saying: “ You try to catch up with me first! “ — Immediately takes off from his seat, forcing Rivers to shout, interrupting the sarcastic laughter: “ Brian, I won't pat you on the head if something happens to the camera! Stop right now! “ — After which Scott snorts, folding his arms over his chest and addressing Patrick, who came up with a slight grin on his face: “ Like little children, by God.. “
After that, they hear something hitting a metal surface and the awkward grunting of one of the men. Leaving the gazebo, Patrick looks around and notices Brian, who is lying on the grass, and Rivers, who is trying to take the camera away from Bell. There was an overturned wheelbarrow next to Brian, which he had just bumped into. After a couple of seconds of skillful manipulations with his hands, Rivers fishes the camera out of the guitarist and victoriously raises it over his head, saying with a smile: “ Yes, there is! Bri, please don't ever touch her again. “ — While lying on the grass and pretty rumpled, the guitarist sighs softly and raises himself on his elbows, saying: “ Shut up.. If it wasn't for the car.. ”
“ Did you finish playing Fight Club there? Come on, we don't have time to chill. “ — Patrick said, walking up to the guys and offering his hand to Brian. He immediately responds to the gesture and grabs the drummer's wrist to stand up.
Brushing the grass off his back quickly, Bell replied, combing his hair back: “ Oh, come on.. You can't even get distracted for a second.. “ — There was a satisfied but faint smile on the man's face, as if saying for himself that the prank was a success. Although it cost him a little painfully. He'd bumped his knee right on the handle of the wheelbarrow, and now it hurt a little.
Returning to the gazebo, Brian sits down on the nearest chair and says, looking at Scott, who is just bringing a fragrant blueberry pie: “ Scott, please bring a beer and something cold. I hit my foot. “
In response, the man grins: “ You'll do fine. “ — And immediately goes into the house, making Bell snort and roll his eyes. How rude.
The pain in his knee was throbbing, so he bent down, and after turning up the leg of his jeans, he immediately noticed that he had not only hit himself, but also managed to scratch his knee. Exhaling, he tucked his hair behind his ears, which was sticking into his eyes, and said, when he heard footsteps.
“ Okay, in a good way, I could use another Band-Aid. ” — He looks up and immediately sees Scott in front of him, who was just holding a couple of cans of light unfiltered. After putting them on the table, he turns around and says, not without a grin: “ Pat, get a Band-Aid, we've got a man injured in a battle with a wheelbarrow! “ — After these words, Rivers climbs into the gazebo, and, glancing at Bell, begins to place small plates with floral patterns on the table.
At this time, Patrick comes out of the house, holding a pie knife in one hand and a pair of Band-Aids in the other. Cuomo looks around the table, taking the knife from Wilson's hand. The drummer himself gives the Band-aids to Brian, who nods his head and immediately puts a Band-Aid on his knee, muttering words of gratitude.
“ Hey, Pat, Scott, guys! Come here! “ — A female voice rang out, making all the men turn around. Holding onto a small white fence, a pretty woman in her thirties in a dark T-shirt and shorts stood near the plot. It was their neighbor named May: “ I need your help.. ” — Scott quickly runs out of the gazebo and goes straight to the woman, removing the glasses from her face and holding them by the temple: “ Yes, yes, we are ready to help.. Something happened? “ — She nods in response, tucking a lock of dark brown hair behind her ear:
“ Yes, my cat, Biscuit, went for a walk in the morning and disappeared.. He usually comes back for lunch or a little later, but he didn't come today. I was wondering if you've seen him. “ — She looked hopefully at Scott, who shrugged in response, looking up, remembering what had happened that day: “ No… It seems like no one came to the site, and by the way, your cat usually stops by before lunch. “ — Rivers immediately approaches the speakers and gives his guess, listening to this conversation from the very beginning: “ Maybe he fell asleep somewhere, or stayed with other neighbors.. He's affectionate, so he disappears somewhere.”
“ Your Biscuit couldn't have been lost! If we see him, we'll grab him and bring him to you. “ — Pat said with a slight smile, also leaving the gazebo, but heading into the house. May nodded her head weakly again, and in addition to concern, a small hope shone in her dark eyes: “ Yes, fine, whatever you say. Goodbye, guys, have a great vacation! “ — Scott chuckles, watching as the woman moves away from the fence and moves forward down the road. Rivers nods his head weakly, repeating Wilson's words:
“ We'll grab it and bring it.. I hope he's okay. Come on, Scott. “ — After these words, both of them, as if on command, rush back to the gazebo. After looking around the table and realizing that there was really nothing else to cook, Rivers suggested that everyone put their suitcases in one place so that they could quickly pick them up and leave tomorrow morning.
The sun had already set, and the summer horizon was not yet too dark to the point where nothing could be seen. While the whole neighborhood was immersed in a pleasant twilight, light remained in the gazebo, as a light bulb in a wicker shade hung above its ceiling. A small flock of mosquitoes and other midges circled around it. Dew was already accumulating on the grass around the small building, which glistened in the warm light of the lamp. It made it seem like the grass was glowing too. The table in the middle of the gazebo was already fully set. In the middle was a small bucket with ice, in which cans of beer were immersed, barely noticeable steam emanated from them. While Rivers cut the pie, Pat carefully poured tea into everyone's mugs. All this action did not last that long, and in silence, which was interrupted only by the clinking sounds of plates and mugs on the wooden surface of the table. One could hear the roll call of birds in the distance and the hooting of an owl coming from the darkening forest on the horizon. When all the dishes were distributed, the men immediately started eating.
Brian took a bite out of the pie and felt the pleasant taste of blueberries with a hint of something sweet filling his mouth.. Either raspberries or strawberries. But he had no doubt that there was some kind of berry in the pie besides blueberries, but he said, raising a mug of tea to his lips: “ Listen, it's not just blueberries, is it? “ — Mumbling something unintelligible in response, Scott nods his head and swallows a piece of pie: “ Sort of.. Raspberries, probably.. But the pie is just magical. “ — Pat nods his head, also enjoying the meal and looking around at all the men present.
The next few minutes passed in silence, punctuated by contented slurping and sipping tea. The men were surrounded by a pleasant semi-darkness, where the light from the lamp did not fall. It takes another couple of minutes before the pie is completely eaten and the tea is finished.
“ So, the main course is finished, I think it's worth moving on to the main appetizer of this evening. “ — Scott said with a satisfied smile, getting up from his seat. As soon as he reaches for the beer can, there is a rustle of bushes followed by rapid footsteps. Startled, Shriner straightened up and cast a wary sidelong glance at Rivers, who was closest to the exit from the circular gazebo. Peering into the darkness, Scott said loudly: “Hey, who's there? Come on, show yourself. “ — It's not a very good technique that would work badly for men if they were in a horror movie. Immediately, Rivers flinches and screams, causing everyone to look at him. A brown cat with white socks and a muzzle stood by his leg, wagging the tip of his tail slightly, attentively looking at everyone with his yellow eyes.
“ Biscuit! You went to the wrong place! “ — Brian remarked laughing, but bent down and scratched the cat behind the ear. Rivers speaks up, picking it up in his arms: “ Exactly the right place.. Where have you been all day? May was all flustered! “ — He turned to the cat, who meowed faintly in response, and Patrick said, snapping his fingers: “ Exactly! Let's take him home. I didn't want him to get lost on the way.. “ — After which he bends down and strokes the cat on the head, which seems to be glad of such attention. It would seem that why would they take the cat to the site, which is located right next to them. But the four of them felt it was their duty to bring the cat, as if it was their mission. Scott sighs with a smile, and, putting his hands in the pockets of his jeans, shrugs his shoulders: “ Why not? Come on, a five-minute case! “ — He began to urge his friends, who were already leaving the table.
They are all already leaving the gazebo and heading towards the exit from their site. The lanterns came on, casting a red glow on the road and the surrounding areas. It got a little colder and the sky darkened even more. Crickets chirped, a light breeze swept over the trees. The cat, looking around, sits quietly in Rivers' arms, while Scott opens the door and lets everyone outside. Rivers whispers softly, continuing to stroke the cat's head: “ Well, you'll be home soon, Biscuit. “ — He looks back at the men, waiting for them. As soon as Brian, who is limping on one leg, matches the lead singer, they all start moving along the asphalt road. After passing by their property, they find themselves in front of May's iron gate. After knocking a couple of times, Scott spoke loudly: “ May! May I come in? “ — Almost immediately, the lights went on in the house, and a woman appeared on the terrace of a pale blue house. Squinting slightly, she descends the steps to say: “ Biscuit! Oh my God, have you found him? “ — She stretches out her arms to the cat, who sees his mistress and begins to purr. In response to the words of the hostess, Patrick weakly grins:
“ No, no, he came to us himself. And Rivers grabbed him just in time. “ — The named man puts his hands in his pockets and smiles weakly. And although he understood that the cat would have reached the police station anyway, he was still embarrassed by the praise. May's eyes are shining, and she scratched the cat's neck and said: “ Thank you so much for bringing him! Is there anything you need? “ — Patrick shakes his head, while Brian immediately responds:
“ Yes! I need a bandage and peroxide. “ — Slightly raising an eyebrow, May looked at Bell, only to nod her head slightly and say: “ You guys are coming through. Bri, I'm going to give you everything now. “ — Rivers opens the gate and walks smoothly along the path, looking back and heading for the small porch terrace. There was really nothing there except a swinging wicker chair and a small table where, as usual, there was a book.
Here, the porch light turns on, and May appears on the threshold with a small bandage and a bottle of peroxide. She looked at Brian among the other men and said: “ Where did you hurt yourself? “ — He nods towards his legs, where there was an abrasion and a couple of scratches right on his knee. May examines the bruise, squinting slightly. Dried blood glistened slightly in the yellow light.
“ Sit in the chair, and you guys don't block the light. ” — The owner of the cat commanded, while the guitarist sat down and spoke, looking away: “ May, you shouldn't have, I could have bandaged it myself, it's a no-brainer.. “ — In response, the woman chuckles weakly and begins to gently treat the wound. Brian could be heard inhaling heavily as soon as the woman got to the part where the blood was still congealing. She unwrapped some of the bandage, bandaging Bell's knee and saying:
“ Yeah, sure.. You'll introduce some kind of infection into your body, and the doctors will have to amputate your leg... “ — Brian started coughing, looking up at the guys, who just burst out laughing. At the moment when the guitarist looks at May in confusion, she says seriously, looking up at Bell: “ Joke. It’s a joke. “ — A couple more seconds pass, and the girl ties the wound, saying parting words:
“ You look, be careful. I don't want you to damage anything else. “ — Rivers chuckles at that: “ Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on him, right, Bri? “ — He nods his head slightly embarrassed and replies:
“ Uh-huh.. Thanks for that, May. “ — The owner of the cat weakly waves away and the whole group of men moves towards the exit from the territory of the site. Closing the iron gate behind him, Pat waved to the woman, who nodded weakly and, turning off the light on the terrace, went into the house.
Upon arrival back at the gazebo, everyone stood at the table, and after opening the beer, clinked the cans before drinking the drink.
“ I wish our vacation would never end, right?” — Scott said, and then put his can on the table. Immediately, one could hear the pendulum clock in their house begin to strike. Faintly, but the sound reached them. Rivers, after a couple of seconds, said: “ Oh, it's twelve o'clock! Guys, let's finish our drinks quickly and leave. We have to get up early tomorrow. “ — Nodding in agreement, everyone hurried to drink their drinks. But there were still two cans left. Scott looked at them regretfully and said, looking around at his friends: “ Hey, is someone going to finish their drink? “ — And, not getting an answer after a couple of seconds, he immediately reaches for the second can of beer: “ Then I'll get more.. “ — Making everyone else laugh weakly.
Ten minutes later, everything was cleaned up and the guys went to their sleeping places. Scott went straight to his room and closed the door with a light slam. After climbing the stairs, Pat said, turning to Brian and Rivers, who were putting fruit in the refrigerator: “ Rivs, should I wait for you? “
“ Nah, you can go to sleep right away. “ — Cuomo replied, picking up the plates and going to the sink to rinse them. Left alone with Bell, he said, starting to rub the plates vigorously with a damp sponge: “ Listen, how's your leg? “ — He replied, approaching the soloist and placing a mug next to him: “ It's fine, it's been worse. “ — A slight smile on Bell's face before he stands with his back to the kitchen set, leaning on it and folding his arms over his chest:
“ Nevertheless, well, you know.. I enjoyed this vacation. It should be repeated somehow. “ — Rivers nods his head, handing the plate to Brian. He looks at Cuomo in confusion, and then, exhaling weakly, opens a cupboard with plates and puts in all the dishes that the man washed. Brushing off his hands, the guitarist responds:
“ Yeah, it's worth it.. “ — After that, a pleasant silence is established between them. They leave the kitchen, go up the stairs, and, nodding to each other, go to their rooms.
Quickly taking off his shirt, Rivers falls on his bed and sighs contentedly. The last day of rest was well spent and they could definitely boast that they were able to gain strength to return to the usual rhythm of life. Yes, it was a little scary, but they had to do it anyway, no matter how deplorable it may sound. They all loved to relax, but do not forget that they are expected and worried. And you shouldn't linger in the suburbs while they were waiting in the city.
Rivers turns on his side and covers himself with a blanket, stretches weakly and yawns. There was only one last thought in Rivers' fading mind: The main thing was not to oversleep tomorrow..