Best Friends Forever, But Not Now

I drove home to Lindsey, unsure what to do. Did I love Frank? What was I supposed to tell Lindsey? I’m cancelling my tour because MCR is back and we need to tour? What was I supposed to say?

I pulled into my driveway and fumbled with my keys until I found the key to my house. I unlocked the door and opened it, dropping my keys on the counter, where there was a note from Lindsey: “Me and Bandit went to get ice cream, see you soon!”

I left the note and walked into my office, grabbing an older, filled sketch book and flipping through it. All of the pictures were of Frank and me. Hanging out, kissing, you name it, it was in there. I closed my sketchbook and grabbed a new one which only had a couple drawings in it. I started drawing older revenge logos and costumes, until Lindsey knocked on the door.

“Come in.” I said, putting my sketchbook away and opening the door, allowing Lindsey and Bandit to come into the room, chocolate ice cream covered Bandit’s face. “Hey, Princess.” I greeted, picking up Bandit and putting her in my lap.

“Hey Gerard. How was that band thing? Are you guys back together?” Lindsey’s eyes flashed with excitement.

“Yeah, I think so…” I answered. “I might have to cancel the tour over it, it’s a good thing the tickets aren’t on sale yet.”

“Yeah, that’s a relief.” She commented. “Is Frank still in the band?”

I nodded my head. “We agreed that there wouldn’t be any intimate touching or kissing. Nothing normal friends wouldn’t do, so don’t worry. I love you, not Frank.” I was lying harder than I’d ever lied. “I’ll try to FaceTime you every night while we’re on tour. I don’t want you to be worried.”

“I trust you. Is there going to be a pre-tour dinner? Do you think Jamia will be there?”

“I’ll ask the guys, and I’m sure Frank wouldn’t mind her showing up, they’re really good friends now.”

“Yay!” She cheered. “Let me know when it is!”

“Alright, Babe.” I confirmed, watching her leave the room.

Bandit looked up at me. I was so happy to see her out of the chair. She’d gotten it replaced with a walker a week ago.

“Dad? Am I going on tour with you or Mommy?” Bandit asked.

“You’re staying with Grandma Donna so you can go to school with Cherry and all your other friends.” I answered.

“Oh, am I gonna call you every night like when I was little?”

I nodded, kissing her cheek as she walked slowly out of the room, stably balanced on the walker. She went to her room which was across the hall. I walked towards the door since I was in desperate need of a diet coke. I opened the fridge, grabbing one out of the box and going outside.

I grabbed the pack of cigarettes that Frank had given me and lit one, inhaling the fumes and blew them out. I took a sip of my coke and sat on the porch, smoking and drinking diet coke, watching the cars go by. Lindsey opened the doors to check on me.

“You started smoking again?” She stood there, confused.

“Yeah. Helps with staying sober.” I responded.

“Did you buy them or did someone in the band share them?”

“I asked if anyone had a pack. It’s not a peer pressure thing.”

“I know this makes me sound nosey, but who gave them to you?”

“Ray had a few packs and he gave me one, no big deal.” I didn’t want to start an argument by telling her Frank gave them to me.

“Oh. So are you having another band meeting tomorrow?” She asked.

“Probably. We have to make the art and things for a new album. Did you wanna hang out with Christa or are you paranoid as hell?”

“Um…”

“I’m not gay, Lindsey. I was drunk and couldn’t think and when someone helps fix me it messes with me, okay?” I lied in a reassuring voice. I kissed her. “He was just a stupid phase and it doesn’t matter.”

“I’m trying to trust you, I really am. I’m just so stressed out about leaving Bandit with your mom and this Mindless tour and your My Chem Tour. “I swear I don’t mean to be so paranoid.”

“Go to bed, I’ll meet you there. I have to finish a few drawings after this.” I signaled to my cigarette.

“Alright. Goodnight.” Lindsey walked to our room and got ready for bed while I finished smoking and went back to my drawings, an empty diet coke can in my hand.

Notes

"Life Led Out Loud" by Less Than Jake

The next chapter's gonna be pretty good I think.
My nose won't stop bleeding ugh.
My band is collaborating with this pop-jazz-idk singer I'm excited