October 7th 2024

I'm gonna tear you apart.

Listen...you punk! You wanna fight, you'll have to fight me. But I warn you, I did time in Attica.

Attica's a men's prison.

I know. I was there a year before they found out.

The sound of generic laughter grew as my senses came back to me. The world was dark apart from the grey light shining through the window. The colors from the television threatened to blind me so I doused my face with a blanket. When my face was covered, I opened my eyes and saw the couch I had been sleeping on. It was the same one from my apartment. My blanket was the same too.

The blanket was thrown off me, wrapping around my legs in the process. I fell, laying in a tangled mess on the floor. Regaining my dignity and my feet, I crept to the bathroom to make sure I was correct in my suspicions. All the nineties memorabilia had been replaced by my trusty yet rusty decorating. The cabinets, paint, and rug were all as they were before I left.

Arrested for prostitution, I can't believe it!

Sophia, we're innocent!

I can't believe these dumb cops would think anyone would pay to SLEEP with you!

Even the show I had been watching was still running its marathon. With a sigh I returned to the couch and stared at the screen. Along with the sudden realization of my vicinity came a dark grief. The spot next to me was empty. Angus was gone.

More like I was gone I suppose. I was the one who left him, after all. That letter I wrote was the last thing I could ever say to him so I had to make it good, as much as it pained me to write it. The thought of them finding it the next morning had brought on an onset of tears so I pushed the image back, and wiped my eyes. Every word was sincere.

Every moment I had ever shared with the band was simply a memory now. Our laughs had languished into a punishing past and could never be sought out again. Years of friendship separated by time forever. My heart sank and I couldn't stop the tears this time.

The grief of the unwarranted death of Justice was brought out again and clouded my already despairing thoughts. If it hadn't been for me, she might still be here. Changing history hadn't been my intention. Yet here I was mourning the results. I would never get over losing my friend, nor leaving the band. But I had to vent my problems out to someone.

Vee.

So far I had told her every account of going back in time. She deserved to hear the last story. Her ability and willingness to stay the only one who knew was enough to spill as well. Besides. She could always make me feel better.

The phone chord of my landline was pressed between my fingers; more pressure applied with each unanswered ring. After a lifetime supply of 'leave a message' and annoying beeps, she finally called me back. "What?" Her voice was groggy. I sniffed up my leftover tears.

"Hey, uh, I'm sorry to call at this hour but-"

"Hannah, have you any idea what time it is?" she asked.

"Look I understand it's early but I have something important I need to tell you."

"Important. How so?" I didn't answer, I couldn't think of one. "Hannah...have you been crying?" I sniffed again.

"How could you tell?"

"I know you a mile away. Now what son of a bitch hurt you?" I smiled at her protectiveness.

"No one. Maybe we should talk in person." Silence filled the other end. Almost two minutes passed before she spoke again.

"I'm on my way. Are you okay?"

"No, but I hope I will be." Thirty minutes later Vee was at my door and invited in for tea at the table. It was then that I told her of my year long adventure with AC/DC. Every last detail I could remember. Once in a while she'd ask a question out of curiosity or clarification. After some 'I told you sos,' 'what happened next' and vows to kill anyone related to Mike, she listened to my feelings over these events. No judging, no arrogant words of wisdom, nothing. Just listening and understanding.

I didn't feel better after talking with her. My heart was still heavy. But even though it'd be a difficult river to cross, I knew I would be. And as depressed as I felt at that moment, I wouldn't take a single day back. It was worth it, no matter what trials and victories I faced. Not just the experience but the people were worth it too. The band was worth it. Angus was worth it.

And the more I considered all that happened to me, the more I realized how crazy my life had been. It's not every day someone goes back in time and meets a famous band. My life could only be described as a different set of events.

The End?