Bob, who was still standing beside me, caught me before I hit the ground, and the look of grim understanding on his face was the first thing I saw as the room came back into focus. I seemed to be having great difficulty in breathing. I didn't look at Gerard, I just couldn't, the thought of seeing him made my breath come even harder. I just looked at Bob.

"I have to go," I whispered, struggling to get my balance.

"Yes, you do," Bob growled, wrapping an arm around my waist, and pulling me back the way we came. I was sobbing by the time we got to the parking lot, and Bob quickly scooped me up, carrying me towards the bus. "I guess you're right, Angel, we are the same," he said. "I can't believe him. I fucking can't believe him!" By the time we reached the bus, I was somehow thinking clearly.

"Will you help me pack? And quickly?" I asked, as we got onto the bus.

"No," he said. "Grab your purse and phone, I'll pack up your things later. The last thing you need is a scene." I nodded, and grabbed my black messenger bag, quickly stuffing my laptop in, then pulling on my black jacket. "Come on, I'll get you out of here." He held out his hand, and I took it, shaking as I did so, and he pulled me off the bus. As we stepped into the parking lot, we met a white faced Gerard, racing towards us from the venue.

"Wait, Angel, don't go!" he yelled, as he ran towards us.

"Leave her alone, Gerard," Bob growled, and he stopped in his tracks.

"But-"

"Seriously, if you know what's good for you, you'll get out of the fucking way!" Bob was yelling now, and for one insane second, I wondered if he was taking this harder than I was. Bob tightened his hold on my hand, and began to stride across the parking lot.I had to jog to keep up, he was moving so quickly.

"Please, Angel! Please, listen to me! I swear, SHE kissed me, please!" I could hear him yelling, but I didn't stop, I kept running behind Bob, and soon we were at the security barricade, approaching the crowd of screaming fans. "Angel, please! I love you!" I was crying again by now, but allowed Bob to pull me into the crowd.

Immediately, as girls began to clutch and grab at Bob, I felt as though I was drowning in a sea of people, and my head began to spin. They had served the purpose though, and I could no longer see or hear Gerard.

Somehow, Bob had fought his way through the crowd, managing to keep a firm grasp on my hand. Soon, we had lost the crowd, and were on a busy street corner, and Bob was helping me into a taxi. He slid in next to me, and looked grimly at me.

"Do you want me to get you a hotel room?" he asked gently. I shook my head.

"Can you take me to the airport?" I asked in a shaky voice. Bob nodded, and patted my hand. I heard him speak to the driver, and quickly became lost in my own thoughts. I honestly felt dead inside. I don't remember the journey, but before long, we were pulling up beside the terminal. Bob got out, and I slid out behind him.

"I signed a contract," Bob said suddenly. "I have to go back, though honestly, right now, I really don't want to. For some reason, I don't think you're planning to go home. Do you want me to come with you, or would you rather I not know where you’re going?" I shook my head.

"No," I whispered through the tears that were beginning to form. "Go back now. I'll survive."

"I know you will," Bob said, smiling gently at me. "Will you at least call me, and let me know that you're safe?" I nodded, and Bob pulled me into a tight hug, before kissing me on the forehead, and without another word, getting back into the taxi. I stood in front of the terminal, and watched as the car disappeared from view. Then I sighed, and walked into the airport. When I got to the ticket counter, I asked for a one way flight on the next plane out.

Notes

Yup. As I've said before, I am the Queen of Lame.