Guitar Picks and Paper Cartoons

The next morning got up and got ready and awaited the arrival of Gerard and Mikey. Finally I heard an unfamiliar knock. I looked and it was Mikey.
I opened the window and jumped out.
"Hey Anya how are you this morning?"
"Good I guess," I said very confused. I looked around for Gerard and found him no where. "Hey Mikey, where is Gerard?"
"He umm didn't feel well today," Mikey stated as he scratched his head. I could tell that he was lying but didn't fight him on it.
"So are you going to the show tonight?" I asked referring to this awesome band named Chinese Chaos.
"Oh yeah that's tonight, I almost forgot. I think I'll be there. That is as long as Gerard comes but I don't know why he wouldn't."
"I thought you said he wasn't feeling well?"
"Oh yeah umm he isn't but maybe he will feel better."
"Why do you need him to come, I'll walk with you."
"Mom doesn't like me walking at night and you probably shouldn't either. It's not safe around here Anya."
"I know, I can take care of myself." The rest of the day was filled with my thoughts of excitement to see one of my favorite bands. After school I walked with Mikey until we hit my house. It was a sad departure. I can't remember ever going home from school since I moved to New Jersey. I entered the silent house and grabbed some pop. I looked around and felt more alone than ever before. That feeling I had the other night in the gallery I was having again. I went in my room and did homework until 7:30. I put on my skinny black jeans and a red slinky t-shirt. I grabbed my keys and went out my window, realizing that I never really use my front door. I shrugged the thought away and began to walk to the bus stop.
When I got to the venue I was still feeling lonely. I stood to the side against the wall. It was about five minuets until the show began. I looked around and didn't see Mikey anywhere. The music began and the crowd got excited. I was dancing along to the music when I turned to my left and saw Gerard and Mikey on the other side of the room. I began to push my way through the crowd toward them.
"Hey guys, I didn't think you were going to make it." I said as I walked up.
"Yeah well Gerard took forever to get ready. Oh there is Ray. I'll see you guys later." Mikey said and walked off. I watched him walk away with and odd face.
"So did you take the bus?" Gerard asked a little shy like. He put his hands in his pockets trying to protect himself.
"Yup. My mom still thinks that I'm studying." I said, leaning against the wall for support. Gerard just starred at me for a moment. I was unaware of this at first. When I saw that he was, he quickly turned away. We just stood there listening to the music until the end of the first set.
During the break I turned and asked, "What is going on, why are you upset?" He looked at me very confused. He sighed and then smiled at me.
"No everything is fine." He put his arm around me and kissed my forehead. "How was school today? Did I miss anything important?"
"No, it was class. Are you feeling better or did Mikey just decide to drag you out here?" I asked folding my arms I was starting to get cold.
"No I'm feeling better I guess. Besides if I didn't come then you would end up walking home all alone in the dark downtown. You never learn do you Anya, don't walk alone. It's a fundamental rule to life."
"Gerard you always seem to forget, I can take care of myself," I said looking into his eyes.
"I know," he said grabbing my hips and pulling me closer, "but it doesn't mean you should be alone." He began to lean down to probably kiss me but right then the next set began and I turned around to watch. I heard him sigh and hug me from behind, resting his head on my shoulder. After the set was over people began to clear out. I released myself from Gerard's grip.
"Where did Mikey go?" I asked looking around at the last couple people that were lingering by the stage. Gerard scanned the room.
"I have no idea, Last I saw him, he was with Ray," Gerard stated gesturing me toward the door. I followed out the door. We both scanned the area not seeing Mikey anywhere.
"Okay you look that way, I'll go this way and we'll meet down the block," I said beginning to walk away. I didn't get to far.
"No Anya," Gerard yelled as I stopped just beyond the corner of the building. There was a group of guys lingering on the other side. Gerard held out his hand but the one of the guys stepped toward me.
"Is this man bothering girl?" the man asked. Now I realized why Gerard always was yelling at me.
"No she's fine," Gerard said as he grabbed my hand and led me away. I followed gripping his hand hard. When we turned the opposite corner Gerard leaned me against the wall, leaning over me with one hand on the wall. "Why do you never listen to me?" He asked and brushed my hair out of my face.
"I'm sorry, I guess I just wasn't thinking."
"Anything could have happened An." Without thinking I pushed him away and he tripped on the sidewalk.
"Never call me that again," I yelled and walked away.
"Anya, Anya stop...Anya I'm sorry," Gerard yelled grabbing my arm and making me face him. A tear began to form in my eye. I didn't want him to notice so I grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him into a kiss, whipping the tear away with my free hand. After kissing for a moment, I pulled away. Gerard looked at my eyes and I just smiled. He took off his jacket and put it around me. "I don't know what is going on with you. Your confusing the shit out of me but it's okay. You look cold lets get out of here I think Mikey just left with Ray." I nodded and we headed off. Gerard rapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer. We crossed the street into the parking structure and saw Mikey and Ray waiting by the car. I couldn't help but laugh a little.
"Nice Mikey, we looked all over for your ass," Gerard said unlocking the car for everyone. I walked over to the front seat and got in.
"Well we looked all the way to the car for you guys," Ray said and muttered something under his breath making Mikey laugh. I glanced back at them as we drove off, wondering what they were laughing at. We dropped Ray and Mikey off at Ray's house since Mikey and him were gonna jam after the show. Gerard drove me to my house and stopped outside of it. I looked at my house and then looked at him.
"You don't want to go in do you?" he asked scanning my face.
"No but I don't have a choice."
"Oh but you do." With that he shifted back into drive and got back on the rode. He turned and looked at me. I clicked back in my seat belt.

Notes