Part III=Ch. 26

Part III.

I can still remember…when I was just a kid….When friends were friends forever…and what you said was what you did….1988-Blood on Blood…

Ch. 26

The band along with Paul, Trina, Juanita and Obie sat vigil in the emergency room of Hershey Medical Center.

Everyone was silent. Their faces told the story. It was a mixture of sadness, fright and guilt over what they had just witnessed.

The anger Richie, Obie and Trina had for Jon had melted into concern and fear for their friend.

Obie felt the worst out of everyone.

“I turned my back on him.” He replied, sitting next to Juanita. “This man is like a brother to me. He has never turned his back on me, but tonight I did with him.”

“You didn’t mean it Obie. Just like he didn’t mean to do what he did to any of you.” Juanita reassured.

“I couldn’t imagine what would happen if he couldn’t sing.” Dave said sitting across from them with Richie and Trina on each side of him.

Dave looked down on the at floor sadly. “We went to high school together. I never saw anyone who was as passionate for performing as him.”

Trina gave him a weak smile. “I didn’t know you went to high school together?” She told him.

Dave nodded. “Yeah. I actually met him after I heard he needed a pianist with a B3 organ, well I had the B3 and a van to haul all the gear in and that was that. I got the gig and the Atlantic City Expressway was on its way.” David told her. He smiled as he remembered all the fun they all had as teens.

“He was something then. Just like now. Man, he had the chicks in the palm of his hands, even then.” Dave added.
“Wasn’t too long ago.” Trina said. David shook his head.
“No, it wasn’t. As you’ve realized, he’s got that “it” factor. It makes you want to follow him. Do what he’s doing. When he found out that he got a record deal after Runaway was released, he asked me if I wanted to be a part of the band. I had a tryout coming up with Julliard and all I could think of is. ‘If I did try out and got in what would I be doing? And if I said no to Jon, what if I missed an opportunity to be a part of something great?’ Needless to say, this has been great. I believed in him then, and still do now.” Dave said.

Trina patted him on the shoulder as tears ran down Dave and Richie’s faces. Tico and Alec sat motionless. They were so concerned for their friend that they were speechless.
“Did anyone call Mr. and Mrs. B?” Richie asked softly. Juanita nodded.
“Yes, I did. They’re on their way.” She told him. Richie nodded.

“They’re going to flip!” Richie turned to Trina. “Carol especially.” He continued. Trina looked confused.
“Why?” She asked.
“They may like and appreciate this lovely life Jon has given them, but they’ll be upset to know at what cost. They would never want Jon to go to such extremes to give them and all of us the life we’re leading now.” Richie said.

“I see.” Trina said. “What are they like?” She asked.

“Good people. They’re like you’re parents, my parents. Kendall said you grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood? John and Carol along with Miss Juanita over there are cut from that same cloth.”

Trina looked over at Juanita and smiled.

“Good cloth.” Trina replied.

“Not good enough.” Juanita said sadly. “I told them both I’d protect Jonny.” She told Trina.

“Juanita darlin, you can’t protect what you don’t know. I didn’t know myself until the second to last night of the Slippery Tour on how bad his voice was becoming. I love him, but that’s him. He wants to make sure all of us and his staff are fine first, himself last.” Richie said.

Juanita sighed. “True. But-”

“There’s no but in it.” Dave interrupted. “He was protecting all of us. That’s just the way he is.” He continued.

“I just spoke to Doc. He can’t come back right away due to some problems with Motley overseas. He wants me to keep him posted. He’ll try to be back in the states when he can.” Paul said walking over to all of them.

“Great manager we have.” Alec said. “He’s more concerned over Motley Crue than the health of the lead singer of the world’s number one rock band. Give me a break!”

“What’s he’s going to do Alec? Seriously, all he’s going to do is sit here and wait. Why do that when he can help them out and come home. Then he can see what can be done.” Richie said.

“No one besides us knows that he’s here. Heather thankfully has nothing to explain to anyone. Everyone thinks right now that the band is taking a break until the catwalk issue is resolved.” Trina said.

“This could be a lot worse.” Richie agreed.

Alec shook his head. “Whatever.” He said looking down at the floor.

The tour doctor came in along with another doctor wearing scrubs.

All of them looked at the two of them with baited breath.

“Okay everyone. Here’s what we know. Jon did unfortunately hemorrhage one of his vocal cords. But believe it or not, it looks like the damage is minor. However, the swelling around the cords and the edema will need to be taken care of with surgery.” The doctor said.

“Will he be able to sing Doc?” Juanita asked.

The throat surgeon went over to her.

“We hope Mr. Bon Jovi can. But, I’m going to be honest. He’s going to need to rest his voice. Only time will tell how much actual damage he’s done to his voice. He’s been taking steroid injections on a regular basis for a while. The side effects from those injections on their own were enough this evening to admit him. He‘s pretty sick.”

“So what are you saying?” Carol Bongiovi said now standing next to the doctors. “Can our son sing?” John Bongiovi added.

“Not for a while. After this surgery. No talking, no whispering, clearing of the throat for a solid month.” The throat surgeon told them. “That will give his vocal cords time to heal. After that he should be fine to talk and optimistically after some therapy with a vocal coach then just maybe. He’ll be able to sing.”

Juanita ran over to her dear friend in tears. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry Carol. I didn’t know.”

Carol hugged her back. “I’m sure he didn’t tell you because he didn’t want anyone to worry. Juanita don’t you dare blame yourself.” She reassured her.

“Don’t you dare honey.” John told her as he put his hand on her shoulder. “Jon’s a protector of all and at times…listener of none.”

Juanita pulled away from Carol. She wiped away her tears and sat back down. “I could strangle him, if I wasn’t so damn scared.”

“I hear ya.” Carol said. “Doctor, when is the surgery?”

“We’re prepping him for it now Mrs. Bongiovi. We were hoping the two of you would be here in time.” He told her.

“We came as soon as Juanita called.” John said.

“We’re going to go and get ready. As soon as we’re out, we’ll let you know how it went.” The throat surgeon said as he and the tour doctor left the lobby.

“No voice for a month.” Richie said. “I don’t ever think I’ve even heard a day where he’s “not” speaking or singing.”

“His life is music.” Carol said.

“That house is going to be craziness.” Juanita said. “It was worse enough just earlier today with him and that notebook. He’s going to have three novels done in the first week alone! He’s going to drive me nuts!”

“I’ll help you Juanita.” Trina said. “He’ll need a friend to hang with and vent into that notebook.” She teased.

Carol walked over to Trina and smiled. “Hi, I’m Jon’s mother, Carol. And that’s my husband John Bongiovi. Are you Trina ,the reporter? Jon and Juanita has told us so much about you.”

“Hi there. And I’m sorry if what they said was bad.” Trina teased. “Nice to meet both of you.” She said extending her hand.

“Our pleasure.” Carol said returning the gesture.

“Dear God. He’s going to drive us all crazy ! I better get some shatterproof glasses and plates. ” Juanita said.

“Let’s hope that after all of this. He’ll be able to do what he loves. He’ll need our support through all of this. I couldn’t imagine being faced with not being able to do what I loved anymore because I’ve overextended myself.” Trina said.

“Me either. His mind must be racing with what if’s.” Richie said.

Minutes later, a gurney appeared with Jon sleeping peacefully in front of his parents as it was on its way to the operating room. Carol kissed his forehead and John pushed back his son’s long hair.

Trina looked back in the corner at how frail he looked. Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

‘What happens if he can no longer sing?’ she thought.

‘What would he do? Would he still play? Would he still want to? Would he write? How would he feel if he were writing and couldn’t sing the notes he was writing?’ She mind swirled as she watched the gurney roll into the operating room.

She hoped for the best…But why could her mind only focus on the worst?

Ch. 25

-Hershey Stadium, Hershey Pa.

The band performed this show as if they were on auto pilot.

Although the crowd didn’t seem to notice, the band had covered all of Jon’s high notes.

Everyone watched nervously backstage, praying that no one would catch on to what was happening and praying that Jon’s voice didn’t go in the middle of the show.

Richie, after leaving Jon’s room earlier in the afternoon, had let Paul in on what was happening.

Despite, being angry at first, Paul understood that this break was the best thing the band needed.

He agreed to not let Doc know. At least for now. Doc was in the midst of some problems with Motley Crue and didn’t need this added onto his already full plate.

Trina was nervous. She hung onto every word, every song as if she were the one singing.
‘He was the doing the impossible for him. He was a taking a risk that he shouldn’t be taking. For everyone.’ She thought.

She continued to watch the performance backstage. Thoughts ran through her head.

‘Singing without a net. Any wrong sound or screech and that could be the end career wise. My god it’s both admirable and hopefully not the wrong decision…And I’m told I’m ballsy?!’

Despite her being nervous, she couldn’t help but to be angry at him for the way he had been treating her all day. She tried to make herself understand that it wasn’t her that he was mad at, but was having a hard time with all of this.

She thought they had found some common ground. Even becoming good friends. But the untrust he was feeling with her was becoming too much for her to handle.

Ally, who after setting up more meetings with her agent for most of the day, gingerly stood at the side of the stage watching Richie. As she passed by Richie, she snickered at Trina.

“Problems Ally? “ Trina innocently asked.

“Not with people like you.” Ally replied.

Trina’s blue eyes sharpened. “What’s that suppose to mean?” She asked.

“Congrats on making it to the inner circle. Not a pretty sight is it?” Ally snapped.

“Ally, do you always have PMS or is there actually a nicer person in there somewhere?” Trina asked.

Ally walked over to her. “What I’m about to say is nice. Stay the hell away from all of us. Leave now, before your naïve ass attempts to deposit a check it can’t cash.”

Trina retorted. “The last I knew Ally that this wasn’t Hollywood. Hell the brat packers don’t even run the show anymore in California. Your last hit was? When? My boss is Jon. If he wants me to leave then I go, if you don’t like that, well then go back to Hollyweird and be the queen of your damn universe!”

Ally laughed. “Tough one aren’t you? You and Miss Kendall better remember that pride comes before a fall.”

“And I’m so looking forward to your descent!” Trina fumed as Jon and Richie came off the stage. Despite their performance, the two of them could hear the women arguing from the side of the stage. Jon and Richie walked over to both of them.

“What’s going on?” Jon asked the two of them.

“Trina’s grown a set.” Ally snickered.

Trina was furious. She was done with her. She was beginning to think all of this was a bad idea. This isn’t what she thought it’d be.

“You’re such a bitch Ally! I’m going on the fucking bus!” Trina said storming out.

“What the hell? Ally, what’s going on?” Jon asked.

“You tell me and everyone else.” Ally said walking up to Jon. “She comes in with her friends, bats her blue eyes and wins you over in weeks. When other people get near you, you want no part of them. But yet you seduce and flirt with her. Manipulating everyone as you go. You do this so much that when something happens to you, she and everyone do and everything and anything in their power to cover your ass.” She scolded.

“Oh shut up Ally!” Jon yelled as he attempted to go onto the bus.

“What’s wrong Jonny? Truth hurt? I say let your voice go because Richie is ten times a better singer than you!” She told him.

Jon stormed towards Ally as if he was going to hit her and Paul stepped in the middle of them.

“Ally, I think after this break, you shouldn’t rejoin us. Jon, go see if Trina’s all right…Now.” Paul told him pointedly.

Ally turned to Richie. “And you! You’re helping out someone who didn’t even say thank you for covering up the abuse he’s done to his voice. Some friend he is. Priceless!”

“Get out of here.” Richie told her.

Ally snickered. “With pleasure. All you’ll do anyways is go calling Kendall to tell her what a bitch I am.”

“Out!” Richie said.

Ally walked out of the opposite end of the building.

Richie was speechless. He didn’t know what to say to Jon or Paul. Jon was livid.

“I’m sorry Jonny. I don’t know what-” Richie said.

Jon interrupted. “So do you think you’re better than me?”

Richie looked at him. “No. Jon stop!”

“Then why did she say that? Someone put it in her head.” Jon told him.

“Jon, Ally does and says what she wants. Just like Dot. Just like Trina. I can’t control her.” Richie said.

“You better. Because if you don’t, I’ll cancel the dates until you can.” Jon flared.

Richie glare went through Jon like daggers. “Excuse me? Don’t you ever give me an ultimatum Jonny. After all I’ve done for you. Believe it or not, I’m on your side. So is Trina. We just spent ½ of the afternoon proving it and I get this shit from you?”

Jon looked at him blankly. He knew that he had overstepped with Richie. Better for him to take it now rather than later.

Richie continued. “You know some of what Ally was saying was true. We bend over backwards for you. All of us do night after night and we don’t even get as much as a thank you from you. Before I say something I’m going to regret, I’m going on the bus!” Richie said storming out.

‘Oh God. What did I just do?’ Jon thought as he covered his throat. His throat was throbbing. 'What am I doing? They’re all trying to help but I just can’t accept it. This is my voice and my problem.'

His throat was really hurting him now. His time was limited. He needed to try to make this right before his voice went again.

‘God, my throat is killing me. It’s never hurt this bad…Oh my god!…Don’t clear your voice Jon. Don’t do it remember what the doctor said. Just let it hold so that I can apologize to Trina and everyone…Oh please…please.'

Jon was the last person on the bus. There was complete silence.

He looked over at Trina who was crying her eyes out while staring at the windows. He sat next to her in an attempt to apologize.

She looked at Trina arching her eyebrow. “What!” She yelled.

Jon sighed. He deserved the punishment she was about to dole out on him.

“Sorry about Ally. She had no right talking to you like that.” He told her.

“And you have no right treating me the way you have. Such a fucking hypocrite.” She told him pointedly.

“Go on.” Jon said.

“I felt bad for you. I knew something was wrong, but I said to myself. Okay, when he’s ready to open up. He will. I thought we were friends and had a lot in common. Obie, Juanita and the band all care about you, but you’re acting like a spoiled ass rock star that seemed to forget that there are others you that would be hurt if someone happened to you. Remember that? Guess I was wrong about you!” Trina yelled.

“Good for you Trina!” Obie chimed in as he sat across from the two of them. Jon quickly snapped his around to look at him.

“Truth hurting a bit? I hope to hell all of this is sinking in. You gave none of us a fucking thank you. Next time, I’m going to let Doc deal with you and let you suffer with the consequences. Tired of the temper tantrums. This day has been bullshit!” Obie said.

“Thanks Obie.” Jon said softly to him.

Obie gave him the finger. “Now I’m giving you the universal symbol. Whatever Jon. I’m tired. Wake me up when the stick is finally out of your ass!” He told his friend as he turned his back towards Jon’s face.

Jon’s look was empty. He knew he had messed up, but didn’t know how to fix it.
‘Shit! Great job asshole!’ He thought as he looked over at Trina who now had her back turned from him.

He then looked across to Obie who had also turned his back on him. At a loss, he tried to touch Trina’s shoulder, but she shrugged him off.

Suddenly his throat began to throb heavily as he tried to clear it, but the more he instinctively tried to clear it, the more it hurt.

‘Oh no. Not now. I have to make things right. No!’ Jon thought.

He began to cough as he felt fluid running down the back of his throat. He was petrified. He now felt that he was losing control of the whole situation.

‘What’s happening to me? This didn’t happen to me earlier this morning. Someone help!’ He panicked.

He was coughing uncontrollably now. Jon touched Trina’s shoulder once more in an attempt for help.

“Trin!” He muffled as the coughing continued.

Curiously, she turned around and saw him clutching his throat w/one hand and covering his mouth with the other.

She looked concerned as he began to gasp for air.

“What’s wrong?” She said.

Jon shook his head. He looked pale and scared. He took his hand from over his mouth and there was blood covering the palm of his hand and over his lips.

“Oh my god!” Trina yelled.

“Obie…Richie….Help!” She cried as she put her arm around him.